Happy Birthday, Handsome...

My Boyfriend

 I can't hang around long today. I'm going to be busy celebrating Handsome's Birthday with him. Some of this day will be spent clearing the snow that fell from before sun up to after sundown yesterday. It's okay. We'll be together. (By the way, Carly is a maniac in the snow. She loves it!)

The rest of the day will be occupied with pampering the guy who inspires, supports and loves me. I want his day to be as special for him as he is to me.

Happy Birthday, Boyfriend.

A.B. & A.

AML,

"Oh, Grasshopper. You Have Much Yet To Learn"...

Well, This Is Unfortunate

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I get a little cocky about my ability to quickly pick up new techniques. It frequently makes me over confident, so when I want to do something, I just assume it will come together. Take yesterday, for instance.

I recently received a great spritz cookie maker from my sister, Diana (who is a talented baker and Pampered Chef consultant). I've never made them before, but I've certainly seen (and eaten) plenty of them. "How hard can this be?" I said to myself. 

I mixed up the dough according to the recipe, filled the clean press and started making cookies. Or not. The first three dispensed exactly as expected, and then it just got messy from there. I tried everything - including pleading - and this was as good as it got.

I Should Be Embarrassed

Finally, I just cried "Uncle!" and went with it. I sprinkled sugars or sprinkles on them, and popped them in the oven. 

Once they cooled, I put them in the container, thinking "Pass in a crowd...if the crowd's big enough." Ahh, yes. My "Committee" had spoken. If you don't know (or remember) this reference, click HERE. This post will explain. Actually, it's a good thing I linked to this post, because I reread it. Good timing, don't you think?

I texted Di, sharing the photos with her. Then we talked on the phone. We had a good laugh. I mean, who can't make a spritz cookie (beside me)? I think it's good to be reminded from time to time that I don't have to be perfect. 

I'll likely try making them again. Sometime. They're so tasty and pretty when made properly. If you've ever made spritz cookies, please feel free to share your secrets. I'd really like to learn from people who have successfully made them. 

Tuesdays With Tag - Starting Over...

Here's My 2022 New Year Picture! - Tag

 Hi, Everybody!!!

Welcome 2022. Good riddance 2021.

Mom did a photo shoot with us New Year's Day so we'd have a new group pic for the new year. It's the one up in our blog banner up top. You like it?

Our 2022 Picture Outtake

I'm sharin' an outtake from our chilly foray into the front yard. There were a bunch of pictures that weren't gonna make the cut, but I want to show you this one in particular. 

Mom was holdin' a cookie (and we knew she had a whole pocketful), just to hold our attention. We always behave when cookies are involved. While it was hard for Carly and me to not drool, at least we were payin' attention. 

Mom kept wonderin' why Big Mama kept lookin' off to the side. Mom would wag a cookie to try to get our attention, I'd jump up to get the cookie, chaos would ensue, and we'd have to start all over again. All because Bella wouldn't look at the camera. (We finally did get a couple usable shots. Thanks, Boo! I was havin' phantom nards pain from sittin' in the snow so long!)

You See Her, Right?

When Mom got up and turned around, she finally knew why Bella was distracted. It appears we had an audience, and The Black Dog saw her movin' onto her perch to check us out. 

I'm glad the two Labs were with me, 'cuz if I'd been alone, it wouldn't have been for long. Claw Dette would have jumped down and sauntered right into the photo shoot. Knowin' her, she wouldn't have sat next to me and smiled for the camera. She would have aimed her big butt at the camera, wreckin' all the pictures.

Sometimes The Girls Get Along...

Speakin' of cats, Mom also got a couple pictures of the Barn Ladies yesterday. Like the caption says, "Sometimes the girls get along". Mom and daughter can be a real pain. Claudette is jealous of Mom payin' attention to Crystal, so she'll sometimes cuff her kid upside the head. Crystal is no shrinkin' violet either. I mean, she braved every scary and dangerous pitfall to get back home to us. Her own mother underestimates her ferocity! While I enjoy a good kitty fight every so often, Mom's not a fan.

Needless to say, Mom is workin' on this issue, but she's never trained cats before, and she's heard it's not an easy task. Don't worry. If anyone can do it, it's Mom.

Sometimes They Don't

She started pettin' both of them while they're eatin' and tellin' both of them to get along. Claudette usually turns her back on Crystal and Mom so she can eat in peace. Then, Crystal will move over right next to her mama, rub against her, and they'll eat out of the same dish. Kinda like an episode straight out of "All Creatures Great & Small". James Herriott would be proud.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"