a dozen years and counting!

Happy Anniversary to us! We were married 12 years ago today (Nov 6th) or tomorrow (Nov 7th) depending on who you want to believe. Actually we were married at about 1am on the 7th but the certificate states the 6th. So we cut our losses and celebrate on both days! There are no photos or witnesses to this event that we know of. A French television crew were shooting a documentary about Vegas weddings so perhaps there are a few French people who may have proof of this event. We, on the other hand, have zero images and that was kind of what we were going for. It was a wedding that cost a total of about $150 and we both wore jeans and shirts. No frills, just us saying our vows. We went to Arbys for a burger after the ceremony and then to a casino for a little poker action.

Here is the Candlelight Chapel where the great event took place



We arrived in Vegas after driving cross country from Virginia. We were down to our last few dollars but wanted to do this - I think we both knew that in terms of timing, it was now or never. I had a return ticket to Italy waiting in case we decided against it. When we got to Vegas, we had no idea that staying in a large theme hotel like Treasure Island would probably have been cheaper so we opted for a little crappy piece of shit motel which was directly across from said Treasure Island. Lets just say it was not luxury!! Here then, the lovely Tam O'Shanter motel


As I said, not luxury. In fact, I am not sure calling it the Bates Motel would have made it any less icky. But there we stayed for 3 days. We got to watch the Treasure Island Pirate show about 4 gagillion times and I gotta tell you, it is not that great! The highlight for Eric was the magic fingers 25c bed which made me seasick. The highlight for me was using the swimming pool which registered a temperature of about minus 38 - it was like diving into ice. I took comfort in knowing that nothing from that lovely room could survive that temperature so I made myself get into it daily!!!

After Vegas, we drove to San Diego and started our married life together. 12 years, 2 kids, a dog and many miles and relocations we are still together and thriving. He really is my lobster!

Is tomorrow a school day? Oh thank Heavens!

Trying would be the best way to describe this fine Sunday! Phew, I am tired! Alexandra was at her best today - and by best, of course I mean worst. She seems to be missing her daddy today and what better way to show it, than to make sure Mummy suffers! I am talking destruction and attitude and a whole lot of back talk. I could take no more and sent her to bed at 8pm which is a full hour earlier than normal. It was just safer for all concerned. She bitched and moaned and cried her entire way to the bedroom and then bitched some more once she got there! Now they both sleep and I am enjoying that moment of peace while I can.

A new week awaits and hopefully it will be a week filled with happy!

Halloween Photos

A sampling of our day!






A sampling of our day!

of death and chocolate

In the words of Arkwright, it's been a funny old week! Much ado about something. Today was Halloween and the children are finally sleeping after crashing from their sugar induced freak outs! Phew, that was a lot of sweet stuff! It was a pleasant day but not as pleasant as had been originally planned. The week started off with bad news about Eric's Aunt Nora. She had a massive heart attack this past weekend and passed away on Monday. She was lucky in that she died surrounded by all those who love her. Eric flew out on Tuesday to be with the family and has been there since. His dad needs him around and that is where he needs to be and where he should be. The funeral was yesterday and now the healing can begin. Eric should be home on Tuesday. We all miss him but we needed to let the state of Virginia borrow him for a week.

So that was the somber news of the week. The rest was taken up with Halloween, Halloween and more Halloween. I think I may just be ready to move on! We did manage to have lots of fun though in spite of Eric not being here. Owen had his party at preschool this morning and came home laden down with all kinds of goody bags. Then we were off to Alexandras class and her party. This was slightly different in that I was in charge of this shindig. I wanted to make sure it was fun for all and that the parents and teachers had as many treats as the kids. It is always a slightly different event when the group you are hosting are all autistic - you have to think of way more variables! I decided on caramel apples using the tried and true small lady apples and twigs as the handles - the teachers loved those! I made little cups of orange popcorn that I found at World Market and I made white chocolate ghosts for each child. I decided on Chocolate cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream that I dyed a lovely halloween orange! I combined a craft with the goody bag! I bought orange paper bags at Wal Mart and then used stick on letters to spell out each childs name. Then they got to decorate them using all kinds of stickers. I had four cauldrons full of all kinds of candy and the kids then had to go trick and treat so they could fill their bags from each cauldron. The bags were then tied with black licorice laces. It was a really fun day and I know Alex enjoyed herself. So now I sit in bed and sleep is making my eyes heavy.

Owen did not get to go trick or treating this year but he did not seem too worried. He did get to hand out lots of candy to the masses who came on by this evening and I think we managed to make a little dent in our mountain of candy. If anybody knows a good way to get rid of lots of chocolate (that does not involve my thighs) I would be delighted to hear it.

So to all those goblins and ghouls who I miss, I say Happy Halloween. So many souls that I miss this year - rest easy and be at peace.

Goodnight and I will post photos tomorrow!

Banoffee Pie (aka Fat Bastard Pie)

This is a pie in the loosest sense of the word. It is very easy to make but tastes divine. It is also incredibly healthy - not! I caution the intake of this on a too frequent basis. It is not a pie I crave often and it tends to get made about once a year. That being said, it is a yummy pie and the only reason I do not crave it more often is due to the fact that I know how bad for you it is!!!

So, without further ado, I give unto you Banoffee Pie

1 large can sweetened condensed milk
bananas - sliced
cream - whipped
1 pie shell - I use a graham cracker shell

Place can of milk into a pan of boiling water. The can must remain completely submerged in boiling water for three hours. I keep a kettle filled with water and just top off the pan as it needs it. After 3 hours of constant boiling, switch off the heat. After allowing the can to cool a little, carefully (and I mean carefully) open the can - voila, toffee! Spoon or pour into the pie shell and let cool completely in the fridge. Add sliced bananas all over the top of the toffee and then top with lots of whipped cream. You can shave chocolate over if you are feeling fancy but it does not need it. Allow to sit in the fridge for a while so it can set and the flavors can meld. After that, slice yourself a piece and undo the pants!!

Another weekend all done!

The children are asleep and it is time to wind down the weekend and get ready for the week! It should be a busy but fun week and I am looking forward to it! I have a lot of errands I need to do and lots of baking to get to but nothing seems too overwhelming right now - check back on Thursday! I have lots of things to make for various school parties as well as getting trick or treat stuff together. We live on a well trafficked trick or treat route and it costs a fortune to delight all the little imps that come a knockin!!

Sunday was a quiet day for me and the children. Eric went to the church of poker as he does most Sundays and we all just hung around and did not too much of anything. I made little banoffee pies which we devoured this evening.

Here's to a good week and a very happy Halloween.

Saturday - then the Pumpkin Farm

After our adventures with trains, swings and nature trails, we took our full tummies to the Farm to pick some pumpkins and commune with nature! It was fun to watch Alex at ease with Llamas and sheep around her. She has come such a long way. Owen seemed to think he was running the show as he has visited the farm just a week ago with his preschool. They both had fun roaming amongst the pumpkins and sitting on the tractors! I particularly enjoyed all the different gourds they had. I found some beautiful white pumpkins and a few gourds that looked like pale green pears. MY favorite was a long crook necked gourd that just made me smile! So after all that fresh air, we came home and watched a little college football while Eric taught Owen and myself how to play 7 card stud! Fun! I love Fall and all its flavors - i think a pie is in order tomorrow. The smell of that baking will make me smile for sure!!!