Farewell to 2011

I know that some people do an elaborate inventory of their accomplishments at the end of each year.  Or they do an analysis of the best and worst, what worked and what didn't, the ups and the downs... that sort of thing.

I keep thinking I should do something like that, but I don't want to.  I think this is because to some extent I do this "as I go."

The start of a new year basically means that I start my read-through of the Bible again, and I start using a new devotional.  I take the prior year bills and bank records out of my filing cabinet to make room for the new year.  (The old year gets filed in the attic.)

The most difficult thing for me is getting used to writing the new year on my checks.  Nobody else has that problem, right?

Of course I do some of the New Year's resolution stuff.  I start the "I'm going to eat better and exercise" process just like everybody else does.  (And this year, I'm really going to stick to it... just like I say every year.  LOL!)

As I say "Good Bye" to 2011, I thank God for His many blessings.  Lew and I are especially thankful for the new little grandson that arrived in October.  :)

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve... and a HAPPY 2012!

Sign Here and Here and Here....

With the interest rates so low, Lew and I decided to refinance our home loan.  We closed on it this morning.

Is it normal to have fun at a closing?  We were working with some great people, and we laughed a lot!

We can cancel all of the paperwork that we did today over the next three business days.  But on Thursday everything will be final.

The new mortgage is a 20-year loan.  We still had 22 years left on the old one.

Our first payment won't be due until March 1, 2012.  And the monthly payment will be almost $60 less than if we hadn't refinanced.

Plus we got a free pen and travel mug.

The writer's cramp was definitely worth it!

Hold the Mayo (or Miracle Whip)

Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip?  Lew and I have an ongoing debate about which tastes better.  I prefer Mayonnaise.  He likes Miracle Whip.

So I conducted a little poll on Facebook a couple days ago to ask what other people like better, and 43 of my Facebook friends weighed in!  One of my friends gave her husband's preference as well.

After adding Lew and I to the mix, I have a total of 46 responses.

The Tally:

Mayonnaise = 25
(4  Hellmann's; 2  Cains; 19 no brand specified)

Miracle Whip = 17

It depends on the food = 2
(although one of these folks later indicated Miracle Whip)

Neither = 2
("DISGUSTING" and "I can live without either")

FINAL RESULT:  Mayonnaise 25; Other choices 21.  Mayonnaise wins!

My Facebook friends also shared a variety of comments.  Here are a couple of my favorites:

So I heard on the radio this morning that the average couple has like 300 arguments a year. The DJs were wondering what the arguments were about. This one did not come up. :)

They are two different condiments. I prefer Hellmann's taste. One is not better than the other, just different. Like Heinz ketchup: there is a difference in taste between regular, reduced sugar, and no salt varieties. That's why we have 'varieties'.

Thus ends my project on Mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip.  Maybe I should tackle Pepsi versus Coke products next!

Dad 77: The Squirrels and The Cat

(The remote control cars and helicopters are quite the hobby.  But I'd rather read a book!  And I'm hoping that the fat squirrel isn't a sign of a hard winter ahead.  Enjoy Dad's post!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  Another sunny day in the great Northeast.  Temperatures in the 40's.  No snow on the ground around the old homestead.  Ski areas are open as they have been making snow for awhile now.  The warm days are about to end, according to the expert weather people.

Well, another Christmas day has passed us by.  Hope you all had a joyous experience and celebration.  We all did in this part of the country.  It wasn't easy getting to bed at 1:00 a.m. after a candlelight service and rising up for our 9:30 a.m. church service.  I did make it.  The morning service had only 32 people attending.  The candlelight service had about four times that.  Lazy, lazy parishioners!

The grandsons and their father, Glen, not only have cars they race at a local indoor track Tuesday evenings, but now have helicopters to fly around chasing area residents and shooting each other down.  Toys have really improved since I was a kid.

Our Illinois family stayed with hi-tech toys.  The family upgraded to a 60-inch HD flat screen TV.  The granddaughters received new laptops.  A great day was had by all family members (ME and IL).

Almost every day I stroll out on Uncle Lew's deck and place walnuts and peanuts on the handrail of the deck.  Why, you ask, do I do this?  Well, I do it so our squirrels have food for the winter.  Me thinks there are only two squirrels taking advantage of my generosity.  One is fat; the other has a scrawny tail.  They won't share, as one always drives the other away.  We can tell when the second one is approaching as the tail starts to shake.  I guess that motion is supposed to frighten the intruder.  It doesn't seem to work.

See the squirrel?
This is our view through our living room window.

Pepper is fascinated by the squirrels.  We point out the window and say "squirrel" and she will arise and go to her window perch and observe the beasts eating the nuts.  They will take nuts and leave, returning a short while later and go through the same procedure over and over again.  I think they are storing them for the winter.  They need food for the long cold winter.  I'm trying to help them out.

Pepper is watching the squirrel.

Spouse was bitten in the middle of the night by Pepper.  From what I hear, Spouse went to pat Pepper.  I think she scared the cat with the motion, and the cat was just reacting as any animal would.  Of course, I wasn't the one she bit.  Bad Kitty!

The reason we have Pepper is Kim and her Illinois family couldn't keep kitty due to the fact that she would bite them.  Tracy was visiting Kim and brought Pepper to us on the plane.  She will be 15 years old in April.  Overall, she is a well-behaved feline.  Good Kitty!

Wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Until next YEAR!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The Party Is Over

Lew's employer was very generous and closed the office both yesterday and today.  It's been nice to spend so much time together.

But it's back to work for Lew tomorrow.  (And I am finally going to start editing my novel.)

Lew's work week, however, is a short one of only three days.  And then we have another long weekend together.

So, maybe we should just say that the party is in "intermission."  :)

Collection of Christmas Moments

On Saturday morning Lew and I stopped at RiteAid to buy him some garlic supplements.  (Blech.)  While there, he mentioned that he wanted to buy one other thing.  He wouldn't tell me what it was.  When I insisted, he admitted that he was going to buy a Christmas card for me.  Ah, good idea!  So we went to the card section together and stood side-by-side as we selected Christmas cards for each other....  How romantic!

We always exchange gifts with my parents and each other on Christmas Eve.  We also open our gifts from relatives that we won't be seeing for the Holiday.  After opening one gift Lew asked, "Why are the Henrys giving me a rawhide chew for dogs?"  It turns out that Cocoa's gift for Sadie had been wedged down in Lew's gift bag!  I taped the tissue paper back up as well as I could, but after I was done it looked more like Cocoa had actually done the wrapping.

Lew wanted an atomic clock for Christmas, and Santa obliged.  Lew spent quite a bit of time this morning trying to get it to work properly.  When he was getting frustrated, I reminded him that he was creating a Christmas memory.  (Figuring out the new gadgets... isn't that a Christmas tradition?)

A couple days ago, I mentioned to Lew that we should take the tree down the day after Christmas.  (I knew that we would have the time to get it done.)  His initial response was, "Noooo!  Let's leave it up for a while.  We'll take it down on New Year's Day."  I said that would be fine, but I suspected that he would continue to consider my suggestion.  And did he?

The tree is down.

Happy Birthday, Jesus

We had a busy, wonderful day with family.

And I finally had my picture taken with Eli!  (I'm usually behind the camera.)

I hope that you all had a glorious day.

Joy to the World!

HAVE A
MERRY
CHRISTMAS!

A True Story

My sister Debbie is hosting Christmas dinner on Sunday.  I am bringing my famous Sweet Potato Casserole.  Mom is bringing three items.

When Mom came over to get some serving dishes today, she informed me that she is bringing "baby onions, cranberry sauce, and... um... you know... um... the stuff that you stuff the turkey with...."

I suggested that perhaps she was talking about stuff-ing.

And what do you know?

I was right!

(Postscript:  Please read yesterday's post titled "Christmas Gifts" on Update On Suzy.  Wonderful news!)

Photos... by Eli



It's about time Tia let me share more photos.
HI, GRAMPA!!!



Tom Brady's got NOTHING on me.
Go deep, Daddy!

I love Momma!



I'm supposed to be in bed.  Oops!




Daddy, Momma, and I wish you a Merry Christmas!



Dad 76: Merry Christmas

(Enjoy Dad's post!  And, oh... I agree.  --  Tracy)

Derf Here! From the rainy Northeast.  Did you notice we are not getting snow, but rain?  The ground here is still green (no plowing yet).  However, it is quite cool certain nights.  Down to about 8 degrees a couple nights ago.  I guess that a 'White Christmas' is impossible.  Sorry, Bing, keep dreaming.

Back in the 80's I established a tradition at Massabesic High School of singing at our annual Christmas assembly.  I doubt that the assembly is still happening, knowing what is going on in this country.  It was a 'joyous' occasion for me.  I'm not considered a 'joyous' person (just kidding).  It was kind of fun having students asking me during the day:  "Hey, Mr. G., are you going to sing today?"  I would say:  "Maybe."  I always sang.  As soon as my "White Christmas" -- accompanied by the band -- was over, I would dismiss the group with, "You are dismissed.  I'll see you next year.  Merry Christmas."  This dismissal with a 'Merry Christmas' probably would be frowned upon today.  Sad, but true!

Christmas today causes no anxiety for me.  The older I get, I become more mellow.  I hope my family agrees to this.  I like watching the grandsons opening presents.  I enjoy dinner with the families.  Families consist of extended families gained as in-laws.  I miss my Illinois family, but that is a part of life that I have accepted (not willingly, but of necessity).

I am happy that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth.  This, as we know, is the greatest happening of the season.  Enjoy the season with family and friends.  Be happy for Christ's birth and what He means in your life.  And have a Merry Christmas!

My post is short today as I do not want Tracy to type all afternoon.  Hopefully you got my message!  Longer next time!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

The Post Office Elf

I had to mail out a small package yesterday.  When I went into the Scarborough post office -- right during the lunch hour, no less -- there was quite a long line due to the Christmas rush.

I settled in for a long wait, but then I noticed a postal worker with the name tag "Elf."  She was going down the line and helping everyone with what they were going to mail.

In my case, Elf got me a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope and she even attached the delivery confirmation receipt that I wanted.

My package was read by the time I got to the counter.  All I needed to do was pay.

And how long was I in line?  Only about five minutes!

Thank you, Elf!

The Annual Christmas Pageant

Yesterday was the children's Christmas musical at our church.  It was called "The Great Christmas Giveaway."

It was very cute, of course, as all children's programs are.  The little girl that threw the Baby Jesus on the floor was especially adorable.  Fortunately, they did use a doll for Baby Jesus.

Our nephew Zack was in the musical.  I believe this was his last one, as next year he will be "too old."  (LOL!)

When I saw Zack in his costume, I told him that I felt very safe with him around.  :)


Zack in his role as "Paul, the Mall Cop"



He looked like the real thing!



I Do Not Choose to Run

Lew and I watched the GOP presidential candidates debate on Thursday night.  I was watching my Twitter feed at the same time, as some pundits were tweeting their "play-by-play" analysis.  (There were some pretty amusing tweets.)

Toward the end of the debate, I initiated the following conversation with Lew:

"I don't think I would ever be able to run for President."

"Why not?"

"Because I would do poorly in the debates."

"How come?"

"Because they take so long to ask the questions.  My mind would start to wander.  I'd have to ask them to repeat every question!"

So... POTUS is another career option down the tubes!

Hopefully There Won't Be a Quiz

Lew and I achieved a major accomplishment tonight.  We watched the final Harry Potter movie!  I refer to this movie as "Book 7, Part 2" -- although the actual title contains something like "Deathly Hallows."

And just so you know, Lew and I didn't just skip right to the last movie.  Over the past few years we have watched all eight movies.  In order!

We understood what was going on for the most part.

When tonight's movie finished, I looked at Lew and said, "The End."

Lew's response?  "Thank goodness."

I Am Survivor

Lew and I just saw a TV ad for "Survivor."

I mentioned that I should try to go on that show.  I was expecting a guffaw from Lew.

Instead he told me that he thought I would do well.

I asked, "You are joking, right?"

"Well, you are sort of wimpy.  But you do have a serious survival ability really deep down."

Wow.  Thanks, Sweetie!  (I think.)

LOL!  :)

Fluids, Salt Water, Rest

I got my Z-Pak refilled yesterday, as I am not quite over my illness.  I called my doctor's office and talked with a nurse.  She said a lot of folks are having to do the second round of meds.  She told me to drink lots of fluids, gargle with salt water, and get lots of rest.

I've been drinking fluids.

I gargled with salt water.  (I had to do some Internet research to get the ratio:  1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm/hot water.)

I have had a restful day.  I finished reading a book that I had started last week.  I have already posted about it on my book blog, but I wanted to mention it here as well.  Every now and then I read a book that "sticks with me," and this one will do that:

When I Lay My Isaac Down    by Carol Kent

I encourage you to read the post on my book blog:  Click Here.

Dad 75: Kim Comments and Joe Conducts

(May your days be merry and bright!  Enjoy Dad's post. -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  From the snowless northeast coast of Maine.  The plow is ready!  The weather is not!  I have no regrets.  It is, however, cold enough now for the ski areas to make the white stuff.  They also have received some snow in storms.  The story here is we had snow for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  It all went away shortly after.  Will we have a 'White Christmas'?  Stay tuned!

My last blog post in November was about a 'miracle' ride on a highwheeler with middle daughter Kim.  Shortly after the posting Kim commented on the blog.  Her comment:

YOU FORGOT TO TELL THEM YOU YELLED AS YOU RODE BY ME "I CAN'T STOP EITHER!"

I had lost my control and went zooming down the hill as mentioned in the blog post.  I might add the bike she was riding was the same one I was pictured on back in 1951 at Old Orchard Beach.  The front tire was put on by my dad.  He used over-sized rubber tire and the tire occasionally would come off.  Why it didn't happen in the dirt is a wonder.  Eventually I took the wheeling device and replaced the tire rubber with the correct size.  Never to come off again!  A much safer situation!

In a couple days son-in-law Joe will be directing the Peoria (IL) Area Civic Chorale (PACC) for his final performance.  The Christmas show will end his tenure after 20 years at the helm.  A Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performance will wind up his stint.  His wife, Kim, will be performing in the group along with their daughter Kaelen.  Our thoughts will be with them throughout the weekend.  I wish I could pull a 'genie' (like Barbara Eden) out of the bottle and transfer my residence by closing my eyes.  Not possible, so we'll miss the finale.  I know all will go well, as usual.  Here is to Joe and family.  Congratulations for a job well done.

Here's hoping everyone will be getting in the spirit of the season over the next few days.

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Another Small Step

After telephoning my hairdresser, Shannon, twice last week to cancel my appointment, I finally made it in to see her today.  I usually get my hair cut every four weeks, so I was a week overdue.  (The perils of having short hair!)

When we were scheduling my next appointment -- for four weeks from today -- we started talking about my pocket calendar.  I still use the paper kind, despite the fact that I've used an iPhone for four years.  Shannon told me, "You know, Trace, people do successfully use the calendar on their phones."

So.... I've taken the plunge.  I set up my iPhone calendar to sync with Google Calendar.  Over the next couple days I'll enter all of my appointments.  And then -- with some trepidation -- I will abandon my paper pocket calendar.

Gulp....

The Pocket Dial

The "pocket dial" happens when your cell phone calls someone without your being aware of it.  (This is also sometimes referred to as the "butt dial" -- especially if you keep your phone in your back pocket.)

For example, consider my sister Kim and her cell phone.  Kim keeps her phone in her pocketbook when she's out and about.  And for some reason, her cell phone likes to call my cell phone number.  If I happen to answer, all I hear is "hmph...gurgle...blah...bzzzz" (whatever) until I realize that Kim is really not at the other end.  If I don't answer, then I end up with a 90-second voicemail of "hmph...gurgle...blah...bzzzz" (whatever).

The last time Kim's phone was guilty of the pocket dial was yesterday morning.  The voicemail was a little different this time -- I could actually hear Kim's voice and some laughter.  I could make out none of the conversation, though, much to my chagrin.  But it does seem like I am getting more information with each pocket dial....

So BEWARE, Kim!  My phone is watching you!  (LOL!)

The Day of Rest

Although my health is continuing to improve, I'm still very tired. Worn out. Exhausted. Plain pooped.

I did make it to church this morning. Matt, Emily, and Eli were there, too! I hope I was somewhat sociable between yawns.

Lew made spaghetti earlier, and the Patriots won. So I think I deserve a nap!

Thanks for checking in. :)

I Will Not "Should" On Myself

Now that I'm starting to come out of the fog of illness, I am realizing how far behind I am on just about everything.  Especially Christmas preparations.

But -- interestingly enough -- Christmas comes whether I'm ready or not!  And do I really need to do anything other than enjoy the Season and be thankful for the gift of the Baby Jesus?

So what if all of the Christmas decorations don't make it out of their boxes this year?  At least the tree is up and trimmed.

As for our shopping, Lew is taking this Friday off from work so that we can finish our list together.

For the next couple weeks, I will listen to Christmas music and enjoy this wonderful time of year.  And I will thank the Baby Jesus for bringing joy to the world.

Resurfacing :)

When I woke up this morning, I realized that I had slept through the entire night.  That hadn't happened in several days due to my coughing and extremely runny nose.  I am feeling SO much better.  Yippee!  :)

My mother did a load of laundry this morning.  (The machines are in the upstairs bathroom on our side of the house.)  The load was in the dryer by the time I took a shower.  I placed my clothes on top of the dryer, so they were nice and warm when I put them on afterward.  Very comfy!  :)

My parents bought me Chinese food for lunch yesterday.  I had leftovers for dinner last night and for lunch today.  So I got three meals out of it.  Yummy!  :)

I made it out of the house today.  One of my errands was to activate my new iPhone 4GS.  Lew bought it for me for Christmas.  He ordered it at the AT&T Store in the Maine Mall four days ago, and I knew about it by the time he got home.  (I got an e-mail regarding the purchase.  Ha ha!)  So when the phone arrived he handed it to me and said "Merry Christmas."  The phone is great.  Thanks, Sweetie!  :)

I'm very thankful that my health is improving.  I give credit to the Z-Pak.  When I said as much on Facebook, my father replied, "Me thinks the Moxie did it !!!"  :)

The Tide Has Turned

I'm starting to feel better... today was the first day that I noticed significant improvement.

My primary short-term goal is to get a good night's sleep.  I haven't had one in several nights.

Tomorrow I hope to venture out into the world to do some errands.  (That would be a major accomplishment!)

So, will she or won't she?  Check back tomorrow to see if I finally was able to leave the house.

In the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, here is yet another cute picture of Eli.  (They're all cute, in my opinion.)

Dad 74: Confession

(I'm still recovering from this nasty cold, so no pithy comment from me today regarding Dad's post.  Enjoy!  -- Tracy)

Derf Here!  From a soggy Northeast.  Better than snow!  For me, but not for the ski industry.  It was 53 degrees yesterday (December 6), but the weather guys say winter weather temperatures will be settling in shortly.  We're ready!  The plow is ready.  Bring it on!  March will be here before we know it.  At least that's what I hope.

Today is confession day for me.  It was a Sunday around 1954.  I was spending an afternoon visiting my grandparents at their home in Sanford.  I had taken our 1939 Bantam to the farm.  It was not uncommon for me to use the 'little car.'  (The vehicle resides in its trailer home today.  I have written about the Bantam in previous blog posts.)  This specific Sunday proved to be a 'real bad' day.  Late in the afternoon I decided to go home.  I left the farm and proceeded to the main road.  As I drove towards 'hospital hill' I made a very bad decision.  I chose to see how fast the little four-cylinder vehicle would go.  The speedometer had 80 as top speed.  I had never gone past 40 in previous trips.  Well, the motor revved up, the speed increased to 55 mph.  It didn't seem to me that it would go any faster.  I let up on the gas pedal to a serious crash under the hood.  I had nowhere to go but to the side of the road.  The visual under the hood was not good.  The number-3 connecting rod was mangled and came through the driver's side of the block.  Now what?

At this time a railroad engine was being constructed that would fit over the Bantam for a band show.  Our high school band would be performing and the engine would be part of the show.  Well, I told my dad I was travelling about 35 mph when disaster struck.  I don't think he believed me, but he never made a federal case of it.  The problem was attacked as I took the front end of the car apart.  I removed the radiator and took the blown engine out.  I was able to lift the engine out as it is very small.  The head is about 12 inches by 4 inches.  Now how would we get the motor ready for use?  The car being a Bantam limited our opportunities.

Well, an automotive instructor (Forrest Pillsbury) at our high school was where we went.  First he removed the mangled piston.  Then he proceeded to patch the hole in the block by molding a metal patch and secured it to the block by sheet metal screws.  The original engine remains in the automobile today.  One can look and see the patch with its screws.  Where he got the connecting rod I don't know.  I do know that the piston that was used was from a small engine.  It was higher than the original pistons so a second head/gasket was added.  The show went on.  The train made its debut.

A few years later, due to inactivity, the motor seized up and remained that way until 1997.  It was then that we decided to rebuild the engine with all the correct parts.  A fellow teacher of mine, Goodwin Hannaford, did the job.  He had never worked on such an engine as he was a builder of stock car engines and Corvette engines.  He did a fine job and we have travelled all over the eastern part of the country to national shows with the car since 1998.

June 2007, Carthage MO
American Austin Bantam Club (AABC) Meet

I must add this story about an accident involving the Bantam.  In high school I played in the town band along with a couple of friends.  I parked the car on School Street across from the band hall and rehearsed.  When leaving the practice I noticed a note in the car.  My front fender had a dent.  The note said to check at the police department.  It seems that a local cop had tried to park in the same spot that my car was in.  That would be a no-no.  I believed I had the windshield folded down.  Why, I don't know.  Well the damage was done and I think I collected six dollars for the damage.  I repaired it with a hammer and bondo.

What a weight off my shoulders as I have come clean about blowing up the engine on the 'little car.'  What a relief!  (Just kidding.)  What a car!!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf

Let's Go, Z-Pak!

So I've been sick for a week and I'm not feeling any better.  (Lew wasn't feeling well for a couple days, but he's fine now.  What's up with that???)

I made two very important phone calls this morning:

1. Doctor's office to make an appointment
2. Hairdresser to cancel an appointment

Fortunately, I do not have bronchitis nor pneumonia.  But I did get a prescription, which I picked up at the drugstore on my way home.

I was out of the house for about an hour and it wore me out.
 
I'm ready to feel better.
 
In the meantime, I'll look at the the following picture when I need a "happy" boost:

Insider Trading Tip

My use of Kleenex tissues over the past several days will surely result in unexpected profit for Kimberly-Clarke Worldwide, Inc.

Today consisted of the following things over and over and over:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Blowing nose
• Drinking fluids
• Eliminating said fluids

Although I'm still feeling pretty icky, I do believe that I have taken a turn for the better. But it's a long way up the hill to good health.

(Postscript:  If anyone from the SEC happens to stumble upon this post, please note that I was joking about the insider trading tip.  I am not a member of Congress.)

Photos... by Eli

I love the New England Patriots!

Chillin'

We have a cat named Karma.
He pretty much ignores me.
And... he's right behind me, isn't he?



Watching football with Daddy.

Surrendering to sleep.... I'll be doing this soon, for sure!

The Plague Persists

Thought I was getting better, but now I'm feeling yucky again.  Stuffy nose, sore throat, headache.

I was kind enough to share my illness with my husband.  Sorry, Sweetie.

We just watched the movie "Water for Elephants."

It's still early for a Saturday night, but I think I'm calling it a day.

And I Helped

I cooked tonight.

Lew's buddy Steve came over and showed me how to make this focaccia-bread-stuffed thing.

Steve cut the bread lengthwise and put tons of olive oil on the bread.

The "stuffing" had lots of good ingredients.  Four kinds of cheeses alone:  Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano.  Steve told us afterward that the Mozzarella and Cheddar were "fake" cheeses.  They were soy.

We also put in sausage, which I cut up (and was supposed to fry but I don't know how to fry, so Steve did it.)  I also sliced up two tomatoes and an onion, which made me a bit teary-eyed.

The remaining ingredients were garlic, basil, and Greek olives.  Actually the Greek olives were in only one of the two foccacia things, because I don't like Greek olives.  (Nor any kind of olive, truth be told.)

To build the thing:

• Bottom half of the focaccia bread (drenched in olive oil).
• Arrange the tomato slices to cover the bread.
• Mix all of the other ingredients together and pack it down on top of the tomatoes.
• Put the top of the focaccia bread on top of that.

Oh... and you should have started building this on aluminum foil.  To bake, the whole thing is wrapped in aluminum foil.  The WHOLE THING -- top, too.

The aluminum-foil-wrapped-focaccia-bread-stuffed thing is placed directly on the middle rack of the stove, preheated to 350 degrees.  Takes about an hour to bake.

YUMMY!

Goes well with chocolate cake.  :)

My NaNoWriMo Celebration

As you know from Tuesday's post, I "won" the NaNoWriMo challenge to write 50,000 words of my novel during the month of November.

HOORAY FOR ME!!!

That does call for a celebration, doesn't it?

Here's how I celebrated:  The night of my "win" was a sleepless one.  I had a terrible sore throat that kept me up.  So I felt pretty lousy yesterday.  I didn't even get out of my pajamas.  (You can ask my mother, as she commented on my attire several times.)

I slept much better last night, although I'm not feeling 100 percent yet.  And I won't be able to turn in early tonight because I have a meeting to go to.

But my sweet husband texted me earlier, asking if I would like a Hawaiian pizza for dinner.  He just walked in the door with it....

Celebration, here I come!  Smile.