awesome photo set of 70s cocaine party

These pics are awesome. Again, from BoingBoing -> Flickr. Someone found these pictures in a book they bought at a swap shop. I love the Delorian and Duran Duran posters. Where is all the furniture? They must have sold it to buy the coke.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foundphotoslj/sets/72157603534045253/show/

president bush booed at baseball opener

Wow, it must take balls to be him!

From TowleRoad

http://www.towleroad.com/2008/03/3313_george-w-b.html

gone baby gone

Holy cow. I don't even know what to say about this movie. Gone Baby Gone is one of the best movies I have ever seen. There were at least three occasions where I thought the movie was over and then another twist happened. It is so good. If you haven't seen it, you should stop what you are doing and watch it.

Plus, it was filmed in and around Boston, which is pretty cool.

new cars

I won't get into the long, obnoxious story that led us to this, but we traded in our gas guzzling SUVs and bought 2 new 4-cylinder cars.

My Volvo XC90 averaged around 12 MPG in the city. Since I drive about 6 miles a day and don't go over 40 mph during my commute, I was maybe getting slightly better mileage, but I doubt it. I filled up every other week to the tune of $55. I know that's not a lot to most people who drive more than I do, but come on, I work down the street from my house. I should be filling up every month or so.

Steven's Jeep Liberty was equally as bad on gas. He drives more than I do, so he was filling up once a week at $50 a pop.

Audi has really good interest rates on their cars right now. We checked out the A3 and the A4. Steven likes the A3 because it is sporty. I like the A4 for the same reason, but it is a little bigger than the A3. Going from the ginormous Volvo to a smaller car, I had to draw the line somewhere. Plus, it is really a taste thing. Steven's and my tastes aren't always the same. That's not a bad thing.

So here they are. My A4 gets around 22 MPG and Steven's will pull in about 23 during city driving. Both are good on the highway, and wow, what fun to drive. We both found that it is taking a little bit to get used to being so low to the ground. I compare my car to a go-kart. I feel like I am on the ground. But that's OK.

P.S. We bought the "loaner" cars from the dealer. These are the ones they lend out to customers who are having their cars serviced. Both cars have under 10,000 miles on them and we saved around $7,000 on each. I still consider them new cars, so who cares if they have a few miles on them? Someone broke them in for us!

adobe puts photoshop online for free

From Slashdot:

"Adobe today launched a basic version of Adobe Photoshop available for free online. Photoshop Express will be completely Web-based so consumers can use it with any type of computer, operating system and browser. According to Yahoo! News, Adobe says providing Photoshop Express for free is part marketing and part a strategy to create up-sell opportunities. It hopes some customers will move from it to boxed software like its $99 Photoshop Elements or to a subscription-based version of Express that's in the works."

sex & the city bea arthur, sally struthers, mona, and mrs garrett

This is just too good. Dorothy, Mona, Gloria, and Mrs. Garrett!

$100 million cocaine haul arrives at port everglades

This so makes me think of Miami Vice.

$100 million cocaine haul arrives at Port Everglades. My favorite part is when they shoot out 2 of the engines, but lose the boat into Nicaraguan waters. I bet Crockett and Tubbs would have been able to apprehend those bad guys!

clinton's bosnia footage revealed

I love this bitch! Don't mess with Hillary.

chasez: crawford is not my bum junkie

I can't make this stuff up! Be sure to read the transcript, it's pure gold.

http://defamer.com/372547/jc-chasez-chace-crawford-is-not-my-bum+junkie

a snake in the grass

One of my morning routines is to "inspect" the yard. It's not really an inspection, but rather a chance for me to see how all the plants are doing to make sure nothing is dying or in serious need of water.

This morning, on my tour, I noticed a giant snake skin in the grass. At first I didn't know what it was, but then it hit me - a snake had been there. And a big one at that. I know we have at least one snake in our yard. I hope this is the same one that shed it's skin. Snakes are good because they eat the rats that live near the water, but I don't really want a family of snakes bunking with us. That is just too close for comfort.

the smartest dog i've ever seen

Besides Millie, of course. But even Millie isn't bringing me the phone! I don't know how much I'd want her to bring me a tissue, but wow, this dog is S-M-A-R-T.

the mother of all lists

This is a cool site for lists of all kinds. Stations of the cross, blatant promotions in movies, you name it. Thanks Pianca!

The List Universe

i heart the new ny governer

What a cool guy. First, he and his wife both admit they have had affairs, now he is saying that he has done pot and coke when he was young. I really admire a politician who can admit that they are human and do human things, rather than lie about it. We will find out about it sooner or later. Get over it. I tried pot and coke when I was younger too. Big deal.

hangovers

I found this post while looking at Auntie Scotch Raves. It is pretty funny. While I haven't had one of these hangovers since Thanksgiving, we can all appreciate where he is coming from.

happy easter

Yesterday we went to our neighbor's house for Easter dinner. There were around 30 people there and it was fun to meet some of our neighbors. The hostess made the most delicious turkey. Both Steven and I couldn't stop nibbling on it.

After we left her house, we came back to our place with a few friends and played Wii bowling. Everyone loves that game! We hadn't played the Wii recently and it was fun to use it again.

Today we have a guy coming over to install a new, hurricane-proof sliding door. We've been slowly replacing the windows and doors in our house to storm rated ones. Otherwise we will have to board up our house in the event of a hurricane. The thought of being cooped up in the house in the dark during a hurricane doesn't sound very fun!

happy anniversary to us!

I want to thank everyone who remembered our anniversary. We were blown away by how many people remembered our special day. I guess it makes sense since we were married on St. Patrick's Day, which is easy to remember, but I never imagined that most of the people who were at our wedding would remember! So, thanks very much. Our friends and family mean so much to us and we are very lucky to have you all!

sometimes spam cracks me up

I got this in my inbox just now. The chronicles of my pussy conquest. LOL.

bye bye key west

Well, our time in Key West was up and it was time to return home and back to reality. All in all, working 3 days this week wasn't so bad. I'd like to do that every week!

Here is a video I took of us on our way home. Boy, we look kinda rough. My mouth was so dry and it is pretty obvious in this video.

the gayest flight ever, plus kathy griffin!

I so wish I was on this flight. Sort of. Sort of not so much.

key west is a drag

When we lived in Boston, the only place for a drag show was Jacques. This place was tucked away in a quiet neighborhood and as a result, the neighbors and the bar were always fighting. The neighborhood association was always trying to have the bar shut down and the bar was always asserting their right to be there. It was a never-ending battle, but the drag shows were pretty good.

In Fort Lauderdale we have slightly more choices, but not a ton. Monkey Business, located on Andrews, has drag shows throughout the week. The ladies here can be a bit rough around the edges, but given how small this place is, you can usually meet them, which is fun. Lips is located on Oakland Park Blvd. This is a big place. You can eat there, play bingo with the drag queens, get drunk with them. Whatever you want. However, be aware that on one occasion we went there and they were simply closed that night for no reason. So, call ahead to make sure they are open.

In Key West things are a little different. We saw three different drag shows while we were there and all the others I have seen pale in comparison to these. The first place we went, Bourbon Street, is a bar that has a drag diva and then nekkid men dancing later on in the night. We went here twice because the drag queen who was performing blew our minds. She had the most amazing voice. She didn't sound like a man in a dress, she really sounded like a woman. Steven and I doubted her manliness for a while, but then we settled on the fact that she probably is a man.

The next place we went was La Te Da. You need tickets to see the drag show here, but it is so worth it. We saw Randy Roberts perform. This drag queen is really something. With multiple costume changes and movies in between sets, Randy Roberts really puts on a show. She does Bette Midler, Cher, Lucy, and her own creation, Randy Roberts. This is a must for anyone who is visiting Key West. It is a little pricey (I think our tickets were $31), but you can make a night of it.

After seeing Randy Roberts, we joined a couple of guys we met at our guest house and headed over to 801 Bourbon. The drag show here is a real value. $5 gets you admission to the upstairs area where no fewer than 5 drag queens entertained us for hours. They have really fun costumes and do it up big time. What was so interesting to us was the number of straight people at this show. There was a cute straight couple sitting next to us from Wisconsin. Once the show started, a drag queen pulled the guy up on stage and took off his shirt. He was embarrassed, but a total sport about the whole thing. She tried to take his pants off, but he protested. They settled on her showing us all his butt. You could tell he was nervous, but he took the whole thing in stride and the drag queens took care of him for the rest of the night. I really think he and his girlfriend had a fun time, unlike another group of straight people near them.

Two girls and two guys came into the show. You could tell they were pretty hammered. The girls were having a great time, but the guys were visibly uncomfortable, which is the wrong vibe to give off at a drag show because the queens pick right up on that and torment you. One of the guys was kind of a jerk to the drag queen. She gave it right back to him and gently made fun of him. He stayed for a little while, but eventually left. That was fine with me because I don't want to see the drag queens fight. I pity the poor soul who messes with one of them!

If you're ever in key West, be sure to take in a drag show or two. You won't be disappointed!

dining out in key west

I am going to start this post by saying that the food in Key West is excellent, but you need to know where to find it. Simply walking down Duval Street won't get you all the best restaurants that Key West has to offer. Our strategy has always been word-of-mouth. If you're staying at a guest house, check with the staff. Not only can they recommend the best places, but they will also call and make reservations for you. Another good source for information are other guests. Check with them and see where they have been and what they liked and didn't like. A guide book can only tell you so much, but hearing it from people who have actually tried these places goes a long way.

The first restaurant we ate at was 7 Fish. This restaurant, tucked away down a little side street, is out of this world. With only 16 tables, it is intimate, although can be a little loud. The food is incredible. Steven and I both enjoyed warm sushi rolls as an appetizer and I had scallops with mashed potatoes and pureed peas and squash. Steven had a yummy grouper dish, which not only looked too good to eat, but was a crowd favorite. Also, at the table next to us was an old client from Boston. I knew as soon as we sat down that I knew this woman, but I couldn't place her. She was either a celebrity or an old client from Boston. I finally mustered up the courage to ask her who she was and, voila! A client from Boston. What made this so random is that 7 Fish is off the beaten path. You don't just happen upon it. You have to know it is there. They were obviously foodies like us, and were in the know.

The next night we planned a special dinner. Our official anniversary date is March 17th, but we opted to celebrate on the 15th since we were in Key West. We made reservations at Pisces. Arguably the best restaurant on the island, Pisces offers a superb combination of delicious food and outstanding service. Plus, they have a roof deck and you can eat up there (we did). Steven had a soup special as an appetizer. I can't remember the name of it, but we both agreed that it was delicious but would have been even better without the goat cheese they added to it. I had oysters, which was ironic because they came from Duxbury, Massachusetts. I guess you just can't find better seafood than in New England! For dinner I ordered the surf and turf, which was fillet and a lobster tail. we figured out that this entree topped in as the most expensive entree that we have ever ordered ($68). The runner up was an entree from Locke Ober in Boston at downtown crossing. But even then we didn't have to pay as it was a work event. Anyway, words cannot describe this meal. It was simply wonderful. Steven had a bass special which was very good. We finished off the evening with a chocolate tort and coffee. The perfect end to a perfect meal!

Our last meal in Key West was at a place that was new to us. 915 Duval (pronounced nine-one-five). A recommendation from some guys we met during our trip, this restaurant is known for their tapas. Both Steven and I are tapas fans, but we agree that it can get expensive. We sat outside on their porch, which looks out at Duval Street. I ordered the Thai Beef Salad Rolls, which are grilled steak with shiitake mushrooms and sesame oil in Boston lettuce cups. Very yummy. Steven had a variation of that, with chicken. For our "entrees" Steven had grouper with parsnips. Now, let's take a moment to talk about parsnips. Don't turn your nose up at these carrot-cousins. They are really good! The waitress told us the chef cooked them with only a little cream. They are wonderful. Steven bought some at the grocery store and we're going to make them this week. Ok, back to the food... my entree was the Sampler platter, which is imported Serrano ham, marinated baby artichokes, artisan Manchego and Drunken goat cheese with house-marinated olives. MMMMMMM. I'm just sayin'.

So ,there you have it. Our meals in Key West. Simply delicious.

We hit a home run with our Key West meals. Two places that we know and love and one that was new for us. A good mix of old and new and definitely a home run in our book!

welcome to key west - day 1

We arrived in Key West on Friday around 3 pm. After we checked into our guest house we immediately headed for the pool. Our number one favorite thing to do on vacation is lay by the pool. Some people want to go out and see museums and attractions, not us. Put us by the pool with a magazine and we are happy campers.

The guest house that we usually stay at has gone co-ed. Now mind you, we love women. Many of our best friends are women, but in Key West we like to stay at all-male resorts. Our new guest house is Key West's largest all-male resort and they have three properties, all next to each other. We were a little disappointed with the guest house but overall it was very nice. We're not snobby, but these places aren't cheap and we have come to expect certain things like a heated pool and the staff making sure that glasses, etc are periodically picked up. We're on vacation after all, right? But, I should stress that we had a very nice time here. Would we stay there again? I don't know. Maybe.

A big bonus for us was that we were across the street from Flora & Flip's. This place is a little hole-in-the-wall store that makes THE BEST sandwiches in the world. It is run by an older couple. He putters around the store and she makes the sandwiches. What is so fun about this store, besides the sandwiches, is that this lady is in no hurry to make your food. Everyone knows that and it is just the way things go. Perfection takes time, you know. So, when you order your sandwich, give her at least ten minutes to make it. You won't be disappointed. I can't even describe these sandwiches, they are that good. It's kind of like how you always liked how your Mom made something. That's how these sandwiches are. If you are ever in Key West, be sure to stop by and get a sandwich. Flora & Flip's is on Fleming Street. Sadly, we didn't see the husband this time. We fear that he might have died. Plus, Flora (Nancy is her real name) looked really sad, like she might cry at any moment. It was bittersweet. On one hand we are happy that she was there and we were able to enjoy her yummy food, but on the other we both agree that this might be the last time we see her.

My next post will discuss our dining out experiences in Key West. My word, we ate so good down there. Stay tuned!

stop! grammar time

Here is more of us driving to Key West. The word that I couldn't think of that Steven said was "orion". O-Ryan. Not Or-Ian

Key West!

We're back from Key West! We had a great time, as always. I plan on blogging more about our trip this week, but for now here is a video of us on our way down there.

12-year old girl stuck in a 31-year old man's body?

OMG, I am wondering if there is a 12-year old girl trapped in my body, desperately trying to get out. One of my favorite songs right now is by Miley Cyrus. I even downloaded it from iTunes. It is all over the radio and at first I didn't like it, but now I can't get it out of my head. My best friend Leslie said, "Oh she's just being Miley".

My other favorite songs right now are 'Love Song' by Sara Bareilles, 'Sweetest Girl' by Wyclef Jean (I love how she made him hula hoop around the gym) and 'Low' by Flo Rida (get the joke?).

Steven and I were recently talking about how we don't know all the popular music anymore. When I was a kid I knew Casey Kasem's American Top 40 by heart. Every Sunday morning I would listen and count down the songs, just me and Casey. But now, and I hate to say it, many of the popular songs don't appeal to me. Except Miley. She's my girl. I just hope she doesn't go crazy like Britney and Lindsey, but it is probably inevitable.

thank you house cleaners

The house cleaners were so thoughful! They found a couple of porno mags and left them on our dresser.

poor kid

Approximately 3,500 children are being vaccinated against infectious diseases such as tetanus and measles in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on March 12. (AFP/Getty Images/Robin Utrecht)

another busy day at our house

I went home for lunch today. The painters are still there. They should be finished today. I brought Millie out to meet the painter's dog, Marcus. It didn't go very well. I don't think they liked each other very much, but both of them shut up when I pulled out the doggie crack. No dog can resist this.

I was also waiting for our new house cleaners to arrive. Steven and I have come to the conclusion that we simply don't have enough time to do everything and the expense of house cleaners is worth it to us to reclaim some time in our lives. When the cleaners arrived they were very nice and got right to work. It was a husband and wife team. The wife speaks no English, but the husband talks enough for the both of them. They did a really nice job and even cleaned places that I rarely think of, like on top of the ceiling fans.

Now I am back at work. Steven thinks he might be able to leave work on time tonight, so maybe we will be able to sneak out for a cocktail before dinner.

Only two more days until our Key West anniversary weekend! I can't wait.

yoga tip

From Ebaums World

millie is adicted to ice cubes

I don't know how this happened, but Millie is an ice cube whore. Every time we get ice, she stands next to us with her mouth open, ready to have one herself. Actually, I do think I know how this happened.

When we first got Millie, she wasn't interested in ice cubes. Sometimes we would toss her one as a treat. She would chase it and eat it. But she wasn't too interested in them if there were other treats around.

Now, two and a half years later, she is like a crack addict needing her next fix when she hears us getting some ice. We think it is pretty funny because unlike cookies, she can't get sick from ice cubes. We don't give her more than 2 or 3 a day, but we're convinced she would stick her snout in the ice bucket if she could. We think it stems from the fact that we are having ice, so the treat is that she gets some too. She really does dig it, though. She will take her "treat" onto the carpet and chomp it up. What is it with dogs and eating on the carpet?

A funny side note is that Millie doesn't really like ice in her water. Maybe she gets confused about what is floating in her water, but if we put cubes in there she doesn't know what to do with them. Silly dog.

possessed - a story of hoarders

I saw this on BoingBoing. This is the height of OCD. It is so interesting to learn more about these hoarders. The last guy I feel especially bad for. He is not right.

The video is about 10 minutes long.

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/03/10/possessed-a-document.html

cool pictures of Neverland

I found this on defamer.com. These are really cool/creepy/sad pictures of Neverland, circa now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tunnelbug/sets/72157603558879859/show/

elliot spitzer

The headline on cnn.com reads "Is NY Governor About to Quit?". YES, he is definitely going to quit. Duh. He is the biggest hypocrite in politics right now (arguably, maybe he isn't). There is no way he can stay in power.

I'm not offended about the whole prostitute thing - do whatever you want, guy. But what really gets me is that he has been praised for going after prostitutes when he was Attorney General in NY. Come on, that is such a joke. It is the same thing as Senator Craig. He publicly rebuked gays, but then sucked dick in the airport bathrooms. I see no difference between these two people.

I miss Bill Clinton. He got his dick sucked by someone who wasn't his wife and performed those cigar tricks, but the difference, as I see it, is that a) he was president, so he should get whatever he wants (thanks Queens of Comedy!), and b) he wasn't being a hypocrite by his actions.

I wonder how/if this will affect either Obama or Hillary's campaigns. I haven't heard a word from either of them on this. I need to find out what they have to say.

la pequena amy winehouse

This is just too good.

From BoingBoing and Ebaums World.

everyone is doing it

It must be mating season in south Florida. The iguanas are orange and the birds are mating.

We couldn't figure out why all the iguanas in our neighborhood were orange. A quick search of the Internets revealed they turn bright colors when they are looking for a little something-something. I swear one even put the moves on me, but Steven shooed him away before he could try anything. Thank you Steven.

Over the weekend we noticed there was a flurry of activity outside as a bunch of black birds were busy making nests (and a lot of noise). We even saw a couple of them on our neighbor's lawn doing things that would make your mother cringe.

This morning on my way to work I saw some ducks doing it doggy-style. Cue the p0rn music!

kids say the darndest things

Last night at our book club someone brought their daughters. They were really cute and eager to show off the drawings they had recently made. The older kid, who I think was 9 or 10, asked Steven and me what we did for work. Her mother is a recruiter, so we thought that was cute that she was asking us this. Anyway, when we asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up, she said she either wanted to be a CEO or work at Pet Supermarket (think Petco).

What was so funny and cute to both Steven and me was that she was completely serious. To her, those two jobs were equal. It was very funny. Maybe she could be the CEO of Pet Supermarket. Better to kill two birds with one stone, right?

sneak peek

Phew! We have been hard at work fixing up our yard. The house painting is just about finished and today we spent a lot of time planting new plants and working in the yard. We still have a lot to go, but so far, so good! Here's a sneak peek.

I'll post all the pictures once we're done. Our house is so different now that the yellow and teal (yes, teal! we didn't pick it out) are gone. The color is officially called cottonwood, but I call it tan. Or cafe con lechce'. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

not much happening today

It is quiet here in south Florida today. Not much happening. Steven is home awaiting the arrival of the plants, the Orkin man, the sprinkler guy (who apparently isn't going to show) and I am at work. TGIF!

Last night we met our friend Linda for a delicious dinner at Galanga, our favorite sushi place. They are so thoughtful: for our anniversary they sent us a coupon for a free bottle of champagne with our meal and for birthdays they send a coupon for something, also free (I can't remember what it is). The food is always outstanding there, the service great and the place is always busy. The only problem is that the place is sometimes too busy and they don't have a bar, which means waiting outside - not a fun prospect in the summer humidity. But we make do :)

Have a great weekend, y'all!

lou pearlman - interesting article

If you don't know who Lou Pearlman is, think Backstreet Boys and N~Sync. Lou Pearlman was their manager. Recently rounded up after fleeing the country for bilking banks and investors out of almost $500 million dollars, he is now in a Florida jail awaiting trial.

This article, from Vanity Fair is so interesting. It focuses a lot on the allegations that Pearlman was a predator, but it also tells the story of a man who fooled so many people.

you know what really grinds my gears?

People who don't hold the door open for others. I work with this guy who never holds the door for anyone. You can be 5 feet behind him (and he knows it) and he will open the door and let it fly closed in your face. At first I thought he didn't see me, but it happens every time. Once, I even saw him KICK open the door. WTF? Were you born in a barn?

Sadly, I have taken to no longer holding the door open for him. This morning he was behind me and I opened the door and let is close in his face. And then I went through another door and did it again. I don't like being this way, but this guy seriously pisses me off. I give him dirty looks when I see him in the halls. Bastard. I hope the door closes on his balls.

daylight savings time begins (ends?) march 9

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I LOVE it when we get our light back. We can eat dinner outside again and it doesn't get dark while walking Millie at the dog park. Living in Florida, I have noticed that the DST effect isn't as pronounced as it was in Boston (where it seemed to get dark at 4 pm), but it is still a big downer.

I always felt that once daylight savings time begins (or ends?) in the spring, winter was behind us. I mean, it is 85* here today, so it doesn't feel very "wintery", but the thought of the pool warming up some more and eating dinner outside gets me all moist.

millie and marcus

The guy who is painting our house has a dog who looks just like Millie. He brings his dog, Marcus, to our house when he comes over to paint. Marcus is a good dog and just hangs out in the driveway. He is a real love bug (did I really just write that?). I always give him a pet when I walk by if I come home for lunch and they are at our house.

Millie must be onto what is going on, because today when I let her out of her crate I figured she would run right to the front door and start barking at the strange dog on her turf. But she didn't. She cried a little bit and looked at Marcus, but never got all hot and bothered like she usually does with strange dogs. I need to ask Steven if these 2 have met. I didn't take her outside to meet Marcus in person, but I should the next time they are both at our house.

i am so mature

bona italia!

Last night we went to Bona Italia. We both like this place because their food is good. Plain and simple. The atmosphere is just OK, but the food is pretty tasty. We always get the same things. Last night I had the Tortellini al Bono, which is big, cheese-filled tortellinis with a delicious tomato cream sauce. This meal isn't your friend, so we don't go to this place a lot. With your meal comes delicious garlic rolls that are dripping with garlic and oil, as well as a bowl of their soup of the day (last night it was minestrone).

Steven had what I consider my favorite Italian meal in Florida (I can't say just anywhere because Anchovie's gnocchi with cream sauce and chicken still gives me a raging hard on). He ordered the gnocchi bolognese. Give me a moment to collect myself...

The gnocchi bolognese comes with tender gnocchi combined with the most delicious bolognese sauce. I can just imagine Sofia Petrillo in the kitchen making this stuff. Oh, and both our entrees were HUGE, so there is plenty to go around.

Come down and visit us. We will take you there. Again, it is nothing fancy and you can wear shorts. The wine comes in caraffes, but that's just how we roll. Mmmm, I loves me some Bona Italia!

another delicious salad

Steven found the most amazing salad dressing recently. I can't remember the name, I will have to post it later. It is Asiago cheese yogurt salad dressing. It sounds a little weird, but, oh my, this shit is goooood. It has a sharp garlic flavor mixed with the Asiago cheese. The yogurt part doesn't play into it much other than it gives it a nice creaminess. Yummy.

He also found the best croutons in the world at Whole Foods. They are garlic croutons, not very exciting sounding, but they have the best crunch to them. And I swear there are seeds on the ends of each one. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

Today I took a plain 'ol head of iceberg lettuce and chopped it up in a bowl. To that I added some cucumbers and chopped tomatoes. On the grill I cooked a chicken breast and added that, chopped, to the salad. A sensible amount of croutons and some yummy dressing and I had a lunch fit for a king. And I don't feel guilty about eating it!

this day in boston history

From my "Cocktail A Day" calendar:

Ale Flip

On this day in 1634 Samuel Cole opened the first tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. For a taste of quintessential tavern fare from back then, here is a traditional drink to warm and soothe the settler's spirit.

1 oz fresh lemon juice
12 oz ale
Pinch of ground ginger
1 tb sugar
1 egg yolk
1 oz brandy

In a saucepan, heat the lemon juice with 2 ounces of the ale, ginger, and sugar over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves. Beat the egg yolk into the brandy in a small bowl. Add the heated mixture to the egg yolk mixture, and beat until smooth. Pour into a beer mug, and slowly add the rest of the ale, stirring well.

I don't know about you, but this does not sound very good to me, with the egg in it. Also, how did the settlers get fresh lemons? Hot ale, no thank you.

monkey cups

We bought a bunch of plants for our yard yesterday. 65 to be exact: 2 bottle palm trees and 63 assorted bushes and plants. They are going to be delivered this week. I also picked up the coolest little plant, a monkey cup plant (technical name = Nepenthes). They are called monkey cups because in the wild monkeys drink the water from the cups. Cool, huh! Also, they are carnivorous. I was reading about how to care for these guys and one site suggested feeding the plant an occasional cockroach or fly. I won't be doing that, so hopefully the plant will be able to catch some prey on its own.

It is a fun plant to look at and both Steven and I agree that the "cups" resemble testicles. What do you think?

the ducks came back

they are so cute. Yes, I am a hypocrite. We fed them bread.

the best jambalaya and cornbread ever

First, you will need a rice cooker. Don't spend a lot on this. $25 should do it. Black & Decker makes a rice cooker for this price that is perfect. Plus, you'll be able to cook rice in it later. It's a win-win.

OK, now that you have your rice cooker, you're going to need a few things from the grocery store:

2 cans Double Rich, Double Strength Beef broth (10.5 oz. ea)
24 oz. Medium shrimp, no tails, de-vained and peeled (in your grocer's freezer section)
1 package Rajun Cajun Thomas sausage (you can substitute chicken sausage for healthier option)
1 package diced ham chunks
1 onion
2 1/2 cups Mahatma Gold extra long grain parboiled ice
1/2 bell pepper
4 cloves of garlic
2 capfulls of Kitchen Bouquet

Brown the sausage in a pan and set aside. In the rice cooker, combine all of the ingredients, adding 2 cans of water from the beef broth (for a total of 4 canfulls of liquid). Add the sausage and turn on the rice cooker. It will automatically shut off when the rice is cooked, at which time you should get your plates, because dinner is ready!

While the jambalaya is cooking, make the cornbread:

1 Jiffy cornbread mix
1 egg white
1 small can of creamed corn
Mt. Olive jalapenos, as much as you can stand

Whip up all ingredients and bake per the instructions on the Jiffy box.

This meal is SO good. And it makes a ton, so be prepared for leftovers. Our friend, who is a true Louisiana native, made this for us and we were positively moist from this meal.

Picture stolen borrowed from MattyBaker