Soup Lady, "Cooking from the Heart"

Home Made Potato Chips

Sometimes, ya just gotta have potato chips.  Salt, grease, carbs...yum!  We did not have any in the house so I fired up the deep fryer, got out the mandolin and made us some home made chips...

 

 

 
 
 

My Brother "Scooter"

 
I have "three" wonderful brothers and "four" lovely sisters.  I dearly love each and every one of them.  The one pictured here is Scott but we all refer to him as "Scooter".   I feel like all of my brothers are "big brothers" but that's only because they are all taller than me.  I'm the shortest one clocking in at exactly 5' 11" inches tall.  The thing that cracks me up about my "big brother" Scotty is that he has the tiniest little Chichuaua doggie and he dotes on him constantly spreading love and kisses at any given moment.      

 
 
 

I am always "looking for a reason" to go hang out with my brother Scott and recently I needed some help with a defective "flash drive" that wouldn't open up.  I couldn't get at the data stored on it.  So I drove on down to San Diego to have him take a look at it for me.  All three of my brothers are "top notch computer nerds" and they know way more about these kinds of things than me.  So I really appreciate it when one of them helps me out with a problem.  As it turned out we were not able to repair the flash drive or even get the data off the dam thing but it didn't matter because I just love hanging out with him.  We have fun talks about current events and sometimes we even do "little debates" on specific topics.  Usually there's a lunch in there too somewhere with some tasty food and drinks.   I just love my brothers and sisters!

 
This is a picture of "two" of my brothers and "three" of my sisters.  Scott is on the left and Richard on the right (as you look at the pic).  In back (L toR) is Missy, Michelle and Mary.             My brother Jimzo and Bobbie Jean are pictured below in separate pictures.

(above) Jimzo on the left...Scott on the right.  (below) Missy on the left....Bobbie Jean on the right. 

 
 

Pudding with a Twist

I had some Trader Joes Ginger Snap Cookies around.  A box of banana pudding.  A container of Cool Whip.  It became...Pudding with a Twist...

If you like cookies dunked in milk, the sweetness of the milk as it disolves the texture of the cookie into a semi-hard mush.  Put it in your mouth.  Let your tongue push the cookie mess up into the roof of your mouth and enjoy the sensation of it moving through your entire mouth...yum!!! That is what pudding with a twist tastes like.  Only richer and creamier!

A layer of cookies, a layer of pudding, a layer of cookies, a layer of pudding.  Top with cool whip and a cookie.  This is an easy recipe for kids to try.  No baking required.  Use your favorite cookies and pudding.   If I make this again I would be sure to use a sturdier cookie.  The Ginger Snap was very thin and did not give me a more distinct layer.  However, it was still good - but can be improved on...

 

Oops, I Did it Again....

I am turning into Britney Spears about my hair - except I don't shave mine - I COLOR IT!!!!

I am having anxiety over it...

I hated having to pay to color it so for years I did it myself.  Pretty damaged.

Then I decided to let the gray grow in.  Thought I would have to get it done less.  Turns out you have to go as much.  And the lighter it got the redder it got.  It was a mess.

So, here is the new do...darker brown with hightlights...  Can you see my gangsta gold tooth it the back?  Damn, I am hot!!!!

 

Stay tuned for more exciting colors coming soon!!!!!!!!!

 

Asparagus Puff

I definitely know my "gift" is cooking.  I am not the greatest, the most qualified, creative, or trained...but I love it and most times my recipes work out.

One of the talents I have is to be an off the cuff cook.  For example, I wanted to use the asparagus in my fridge.  Went to allrecipes and types in asparagus.  Only got the spears in some kind of sauce. I was looking for something more substantial.  Googled: Asparagus Puff.  Up came the following recipe:

Asparagus Egg Puff presented by Northwood Inn Bed & Breakfast

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*8-10 eggs 3 cups milk *8-10 slices of bread (remove crust and cut into cubes) 1 pound asparagus, blanched and cut into 1 inch pieces 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt ½ pound grated sharp cheddar cheese ½ pound diced Canadian bacon (optional) *Can use 8, 9 or 10 - 10 makes a higher, lighter casserole. Dice and lightly saute Canadian bacon. Beat together eggs and milk. In large bowl mix together all ingredients and pour into a 9x13 inch pan and let set overnight in the refrigerator. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more.

I did not have all the ingredients listed so I searched the fridge for substitutes.  Ok, I had the eggs.  Had the milk - sort of - fat free half and half, that will do.  Asparagus, check.  Sharp grated cheese - no - replaced this with feta.  8 slices of bread - no - had some crescent roll dough - cooked these to replace bread.  No on the Canadian Bacon - substituted bacon bits.  Added some additional seasonings. 

Combined the ingredients...

 

Put ingredients in pan...

 
I will let this concoction sit in the fridge for the day.  When I get home I will put in oven and bake.  Come back later for the final results...

Final result...

 

A Simple Life

SIMPLE LIFE

Creating this blog has been a cathartic experience for me.  It is giving me a way to document my life.  It has given me a way to express my thoughts.  It has given me a way to share my life.  It has given me a way to keep in contact with friends and family and keep them up to date.  It has given me a way to realize how awesome my simple life is.

Jamie and I are working class stiffs.  We do not aspire to be rich.  We do not aspire to climb the corporate ladder.  We do not aspire to keep up with the Joneses.  We are content with the life we have built together.

I find that I am fascinated with my simple life. Hanging out with family and friends.  Finding joy in playing old-fashioned games.  Cooking.  Sharing.  Giving. Forgiving. Moving on...

I watch movie stars, rock stars, or just the new celebrity who is famous for nothing.  Watch them breakdown in public ways: Lohan, Gibson, Sheen...this list can go on.

So, the question becomes does money and fame make you happy?  Observational evidence suggests not.  I know for sure I would not want to be famous.  I like to go to the grocery store butt ugly with no make-up.  Roll out of bed and go...

Money, how much is enough???  If you chase money you never have enough.  Today, I am not so much chasing money.  I just want regular stuff: a job, health insurance and eventually be able to retire.  We don't need a bigger better house.  This one if good enough.  Don't need new cars.  Just trying to pay the ones we have off.

Working on staying healthy.  Jamie and I working out with Exercise TV.  Cheap home activity.  Trying to eat healthier.  It is work, hard, but we are trying.

I feel content with my simple life...trying to pay off debt, stay healthy, and maintaining the relationships that are important to us...

Working Dogs

 
 

Olvera Street

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LA Post Office Annex - Cool Building

 
 
 

What Goes Up, Must Come Down - Yeah Right!!!!!

Check out the gas prices in LA.  Almost $5.  Ouch!!!