Snow Saturday?

There is a decent chance we'll see snow over the weekend. It would happen when I'm supposed to be off. I'll find out tomorrow if I will be one of the unlucky crew members having to come in and report in the elements.

By the way, this is a picture of winter weather woes before last. Not much to look at but snow none the less.

Happy Valentines Day...

No autographs, please.

Even as a little girl, I hid behind my purse to get away from the paparazzi. ha ha

Pilgrim's Pride...

Yeap. That's me. My grandmother made that pilgrim costume. I can't quiet remember why I had to wear it but I'm sure I needed therapy by the time I got home from school. :)

Its my blog so I'll rant if I want...

You know, I try to be a fair person, not only in my personal life but professional as well. My New Year's Resolution was to try and not let petty people get under my skin. I've done pretty well so far. That is until today.

I've been doing this job since 1994. By now, if I don't know what I'm doing then I need a new career. I'm a talented reporter, burned out a little maybe, but I can hold my own with anyone in this market!

To clear up misconception, I do -not- watch the competition from my office window. I don't have time to keep up with them because I'm busy running from one county to the next turning twice the stories they do. Plus, I don't have to spy. I know what I'm doing. Not to mention, I just don't care what they do. By the way, if I happen to go by the courthouse to look up background checks on criminals, its not because I got the idea from a certain reporter. Its because I know how to be a good journalist. I know how to do my job and do it well with little or no direction from anyone.

Now you may be asking yourself, why is she saying all this? Let's just say, word got back to me and I didn't like what I heard.

Peace out!

Spring like temps should be here soon...

Maybe then we'll start seeing pretty flowers in bloom again.

A long day of civic duty...

Monday, I spent the entire day at the Morgan County Courthouse. Nothing unusual about that except I wasn't their to cover a story. I was part of jury duty. I've sat through hundreds of jury selections in the last 12 years. This is the first time I've been part of one. You meet some interesting people, that's for sure. Luckily, I was dismissed from two cases because I had covered both in the news when they happened.

My home computer is on the fritz. I installed an updated version of Internet Explorer. Now, I can't do squat on line. My computer genius brother sweetly agreed to fix it for me. I wish I knew just a little of what he knows about technology. I'm what you call "challenged."

I took a few pics of last week's snow event. I haven't had time to download them to my website. I'll do that soon.

This weekend is my mother's birthday. We are having a yummy dinner at my grandmother's house. I have to stop by Kroger's and pick up a birthday cake for those who can eat sugar. Friday night I will bake a sugar-free red velvet cake for me and my dad. I tested the recipe already. It's so yummy tasty!! I'll post the recipe soon.

Have a happy day, ya'll!

Fluff and fold...

I am now the proud owner of a fine piece of machinery! No. Not a man. A washer and dryer! Even as I type this latest blog entry, my dryer is purring away. I bought a set of Whirlpools from Lowe's in Athens. It does everything but fold the clothes. I, nor any member of my family, had to lift a finger to install these babies. Lowe's took care of that for me...for the simple price of $59.00. Trust me people! It was worth it! I even signed an autograph for the young man who so carefully positioned my latest purchase into a tight fitting space. I will post a picture soon!

Its cold outside! Its not much warmer in my house. I'm sitting on my couch in front of the window and there is a cold north breeze blowing the back of my hair. I might need to invest in some weather stripping. Naaaaa...by the time I get around to that, it will be spring and time to rip open the windows!!!

I've been busy getting my tax stuff ready. I've saved all my reciepts from the year in hopes that I can get a decent chunk of change back. My plan is pay off my credit card. That will leave me with only a car payment and a loan payment (which is nearly paid off). If you are interested in helping me reduce my debt, please feel free to throw your loose change my way. Every penny counts. haha!

Well, its time to say good night! Hope everyone has a happy start to the work week. Stay safe, drive careful, and bundle up.

here is another...

The third person to the left on the front row is my brother, Chris. He was an AWESOME drummer back in the day. He won all kinds of honors and awards. It was something else to watch him play. He's very talented. I wish he still played.

now i know why...

Check out this photo. My brother sent it to me a few weeks ago. Look at the far bottom right hand photo. That pitiful looking little trumpet player is me. Standing behind me with a saxaphone around her neck is Kristen. We were in the 5th or 6th grade. Mercy me!!!! No wonder I never dated anyone. :)

washing machine blues...

Soon I will become the owner of a brand new washing machine. Probably, a dryer too. Last night, my washing machine started smoking. The engine apparently blew up. The heating element in my dryer is going bad too. I've went on-line today searching for new ones. I love the $1,000 + models, of course. However, that is not in my budget. I was hoping to hold off buying a washer until I moved. Looks like if I don't want to wash my clothes in the Tennessee River, I have no choice. Fear not!!! I don't plan to purchase until I find exactly the one I want. That includes the price I pay for it. Hopefully, I will have clean clothes again new soon. (just kidding)

My mother handed in her retirement slip yesterday at the bank. I'm happy for her! She's worked a long time and I know she is looking forward to treating herself to some "me" time. She plans to work part for a while so she can hold on to her insurance. That got me to thinking. I have many many more years before I can sit back and enjoy life. How depressing.

Saturday we had a birthday get together for my dad. We ate lunch at The Steakhouse in Moulton. Then we enjoyed sugar-free desert at my brothers house. Mom ordered a yummy sugar-free chocolate ice cream brownie pie from TCBY. I made a homemade banana split (sugar free) ice cream loaf to go with it.

If you need a simple desert, try this. You don't have to make it sugar-free but it will make you feel a lot less guilty in the end :)

1 loaf pan
a sheet of plastic wrap
favorite ice cream
chocolate syrup
bananas
cherries
cool whip
nuts (optional)

Lay sheet of plastic wrap in loaf pan. layer ice cream, bananas, cherries, chocolate syrup. top with Cool Whip and nuts. Wrap. Place in freezer. Before you are ready to serve. Pull ice cream loaf wrapped in plastic out of pan. Remove plastic wrap. Serve.

Happy eatings!

Slow down!

I've always said how terrible it would be to die in a horrific car crash. That is not the way I want to leave this earth. Today, I had to do a story about a 17 year old high school drop out who was driving so fast, he went airborne, hit a concrete cluvert, rolled his car several times, slammed into a tree and died. The impact was so hard, his car exploded into bits and pieces. Later, we were shooting video after the car was taken away. On the ground were some of his belongings. We found unsmoked cigarettes, condom wrappers, an empty bottle of shampoo and a reciept for a phone card. What kind of impression do you think that leaves? Its sad. Oh, I know he was probably a good kid, a little wild maybe. It does make you wonder what kind of life this person led. I've seen things inside crushed vehicles I never want to see again. Sometimes just by looking inside a person's car, you can guess what there last few minutes on earth was spent doing.

Slow down. Be careful. And clean out your cars!! ha!

Is this January or June?

What did you think about the warm temperatures Saturday? Wow!!! I raised the windows and let my house get some fresh air. It felt so good outside. Hard to believe its January. Back to reality as today felt more like winter. Chilly and rainy out. Yuck!

My brother and his famly came to my house Saturday. Chris installed a wireless hicky so I don't have to drag 50 feet of cable around with me. He also brought 2 cd's filled with classic country music! I downloaded several songs to my MP3 player! Hank, Conway, Barbara, Vern...all the good ones!

Later, we went to Bellacinos in Madison. They have delicious sub sandwiches and pizza. I had a turkey, bacon, ranch, and swiss sub minus the lettuce. Yummy!

Sunday I cooked lunch, like always. Growing up my mom fixed something delicious to eat after church. I can't ever remember eating out. Now, that's all we do. Here is a recipe from Sunday lunch. It's a Campbell's Soup reciped kicked up a degree! Enjoy!

One Dish Chicken and Rice Bake -- Cizzy Style

1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup 98 % Fat Free
1 cup water
*3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain yellow rice
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
small can green chilies (optional, but yummy)
skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes

Directions:

MIX soup, chicken, water, rice, paprika, black pepper, green chilies in a bowl.
Pour into a 2-qt. shallow baking dish.
Season with additional paprika and pepper.
Cover.
BAKE at 375°F. 45 min. or until done.

TIP: *For creamier rice, increase water to 1 1/3 cups.

Happy Birthday to me...

Today is my birthday! I'm officially 33 years old! I have dreaded this birthday for a while. I should be happy another one has rolled around. So far, I still feel young. I hope that continues.

I celebrated Monday with my family. They came to Decatur and we had lunch at Logan's. Then we went to TCBY Yogurt for sugar-free ice cream. After that, we all went to Hartselle to my brother's house. My nephews got a Nintendo Wii for x-mas. That is the most awesome gaming system! We bowled most of the day! For real! I love to bowl so I had a blast. The best part? I didn't have to put my clean feet in a nasty pair of bowling shoes. The down side is the fact my brother doesn't have a hot dog stand and a soda fountain in his play room. I bet he will rig one up soon :)

Belated birthday wishes to Rhea Lynn! Hope your special day was wonderful!

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm behind on my blogging. Please forgive me. The week before Christmas I was flat on my back with the worse kind of sickness. I got better then my crud turned into a terrible throbbing middle ear infection. Thanks to some high power antibiotics, I'm now only stone deaf in one and a half ears. :)

I had a really good x-mas. I spent it in Haleyville with my sweet and beloved family. The food was delicious, the gifts were wonderful but it was the time spent with those I love that made the day so special.

Friday was really great! I went to Tuscaloosa to spend time with my good friend Tracy. She moved from Huntsville to T-town over the summer. She bought her a cute garden home and began a new job at Northridge High School. She took me to a wonderful Italian place for lunch then we went to the campus for a look-see. After that we went for a drive. I got sick and began puking. Poor Tracy knows the routine. If you see me turn the shade of concrete, it might be wise to quickly pull over. A bad ear infection plus car sickness equals me with my head hung out the door. Well, you get the picture.

Later that night I came back to Haleyville to have birthday supper with Kristen, my best friend growing up. We are still tight and I think she is a great gal! We ate Italian! Yeap, my second helping and this time I kept it down :) She gave me this really cute gift. It's a rubber man you drop in water and he's grows. The best part about him? He keeps his mouth shut! haha! Thanks Kristen and Tracy! I had a wonderful time!!

New Year's Eve was very unromantic. No surprise there! Instead of smooching a man when the clock struck midnight, I rolled over just in time to see the ball drop. Maybe next year :)

Did you make your resolutions for 2007? If so, try to keep at least one!

Happy New Year!

sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching...

It seems the cold-flu bug is making its way through the ranks. I had some of it over the weekend. I'm feeling better today but decided to stay out of work. I didn't want anyone to catch this junk before Christmas. My poor brother is a different story. He has the stomach virus. I dropped off 3 bottles of Diet 7-UP at his front door, made sure he was ok (through the front glass door) then took off. Nobody wants that mess!!!! Hope you are feeling better soon!

A week from today is Christmas! Can you believe it? Where has this year gone? My family will celebrate the holiday on Sunday, Christmas Eve. It's our year to open gifts one day early. Next year, we will have Christmas on the day it is supposed to fall. It rotates every year with the Gentles and the Bradfords (sister-in-laws fam).

Speaking of in-laws, my sister-in-law, Sarah, had a good turn out for her cookie swap last weekend. This was the 4th annual gala. I have attended each and every one. I must say I think this one had the most people. It was a lot of fun.

I've decided to start posting some recipes on my blog site. I love to try new dishes. Mostly, I'm always looking for delicious sugar-free or low carb menu ideas.
However, for those of you who can eat sweets, I will try to post regular desert recipes as well. This one is loaded with sugars and sweets but I thought anyone looking for an easy and delicious cookie idea might try this one out. I made it for the cookie swap! Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Reese Cup Cookies

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 cup Crisco butter flavor sticks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chips
1 cup Peanut Butter Chips
2 + cups chopped Reese cups

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in bowl. Beat butter, sugars and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy/ Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. stir in morsels and peanut butter cups. Drop by tablespoon fulls on lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan. Cool.
Makes 4 dozen.

Its all in a days work...

This photo was taken at the WAFF-48 Can-A-Thon food drive last month. I'm doing a live interview with Salvation Army Director David Singletary. His PR guy took the photo. Notice I'm in short sleeves. It was very warm that day! Normally, its freezing cold and rainy.

On a footnote, Morgan County won again this year with a can collection totalling over 100,000.

Finally, some down time after a busy week...

Wow! This has been a long sad week. It all started Saturday night with a telephone call that a friend of mine (see previous post) had died. I was getting ready for the WAFF-48 Christmas Party. Obviously after all that, I didn't go. It took several days for funeral arrangements to be finalized. He was bured Thursday at the city cemetery. I understand the sheriff and chief investigator gave a moving euology. I decided not to go. I would rather remember Justin the way he was. I truly feel sorry for his family and for his best friend David. Be sure to keep them in your prayers.

It sure has been cold! That wind makes my fur blow to the left! (my cats always hated that) I miss the warm weather, long days and green grass.

Mom came up Monday. We had a really good time. We ate breakfast at Cracker Barrell then went shopping. After a long day of spending money, we came back to Decatur and ate supper at Bob Gibson's BBQ. Yum!

Tomorrow, I'm taking Brad, John and Mary Beth to Sci-Quest in Huntsville for the WAFF-48 Kids Christmas Party. I sure hope they have a good time. Santa is supposed to make an appearance. I wonder if I should whisper what I want in this ear. Mom says I have to get that present on my own! hahahahahaha!

I got my cookies baked tonight for my sister-in-laws cookie swap sunday. i made a chocolate chip peanut butter cup cookie. Turned out beautifully.

The only person I have left to buy for on my list this year is my stinkin brother! I say that because his wish list consited of Sharpie markers and sugar free butterscotch. That is not the Chris I'm used to buying for. Don't worry! I think I've come up with a groovy little idea.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Saying goodbye...

Saturday, my friend Justin Camp died in his sleep. His wife came in to wake him up for work and found him dead in the bed. An autopsy shows he had a heart attack. Justin was 29 years old and the father of 2 small boys. He was a deputy with the Limestone County Sheriff's Department.

The end of another week...

Well my friends the weekend is finally here! This time of year though it seems like everyone is busy. Tomorrow night is the WAFF-48 Christmas party, which I plan to attend. Sunday I need to clean house. Monday my mom is coming up and we are going Christmas shopping! I'm excited. Our first stop will be Cracker Barrell. YUM!

Next week promises to be just as busy. Saturday, I'm taking my niece and nephews to the WAFF-48 *Kids* Christmas party. That should be fun! Sunday is my sister-in-law's annual cookie swap. I've got to find a day this week to bake my 60 cookies. Oh yeah, did I mention I will be working too? Busy! Busy! Busy!

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. Mother had a very delicious lunch prepared. We all dove in on one particular dish...grape salad! That suited my taste better than anything. I'm not much for all that heavy food that weighs you down and makes you feel bad all day. Fruit is wonderful and it doesn't leave you feeling sick. My Pickle makes the best grape salad!

My animals are all doing well. Momma Kitty and Gray don't like this change in weather. They like it when its warm...just like there mommy!

Hope all is well! Have a safe weekend everyone!