Cindy's Clipboard

6 Pack For The Kitchen $10

2012-01-30T18:02:00.000-06:00

The Husband and I had lunch last week at The Brady Tavern in Tulsa, OK. The French Dip sandwich was hearty enough that we shared it and were perfectly satisfied. I'm always on the look out for a good French Dip and I will most certainly have this one again. I loved the option on the dinner menu to send a 6 pack to the kitchen. What a great idea! Have you been to The Brady Tavern? Did you send

Check Out My Posts On Cindy's Cupboard

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've had two new posts Cindy's Cupboard this week and have a couple of more scheduled. Click here to see the latest and greatest. Be sure to follow the cupboard this week to remain in the know!

Glasses Are Cool!

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

My sweet 9 year old niece just got her first pair of reading glasses. How cute is she? I love her so much. We are cool girls who wear glasses!

Selling My Costume Jewelry

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Behold, a selection of my jewelry from the late 1980's and early 1990's. These pieces have been in a couple of small jewelry boxes, hidden away in a drawer in my nightstand. I put them there 9 years ago when we moved to this house and have not looked at them since. Prior to that move, I probably hadn't looked at or worn them for 6 or 7 years. As I looked at the necklaces, brooches

Google Friend Connect is Going Away

2012-01-23T19:20:00.001-06:00

If you are a blog reader, you probably have seen posts about Google's decision to retire Google Friend Connect (GFC) for all non-Blogger sites as of March 1, 2012. I've read various articles that recommend users of GFC remove it from their Blogger blogs, because of the concern that Google will ultimately retire the functionality even on Blogger blogs. I've decided to remove GFC at the end of

NaBloPoMo Status - Part 2 (or is it 3?)

2012-01-21T00:48:00.000-06:00

I've not been posting on my Clipboard this past week for NaBloPoMo. Why? I posted every day for the first half of the month, even though I didn't think some of the posts were the most entertaining or meaningful. When I tried to write a funny or meaningful post after the middle of the month, I was stymied and the daily NaBloPoMo prompts did not inspire me. DAGNABIT! I think this failure

NaBloPoMo Status Report

2012-01-16T17:51:00.002-06:00

So far, I've blogged every day this month. Yeah, me. I know some of the posts haven't been too exciting, but that's my life - not too exciting! I'll keep posting, if you will keep reading. P.S. I posted over here also.

Hard Work

2012-01-15T22:27:00.000-06:00

Wow, I've worked all day long. Well, except for nap time! What you ask, have I worked on so diligently? I attended several estate sales last week and purchased quite a bit of inventory for my booth. Those items, coupled with the cup & saucer collection I unpacked this week have kept me busy. It is amazing the time it takes to "work" new merchandise. The process looks like this: search out

If You Don't Absolutely Love Something, Set it Free

2012-01-14T16:15:00.001-06:00

This is my paternal Granny. Her name was Jewel. She passed away in mid 1970's. She was a collector of cups and saucers. I unpacked one box of the collection this week. It has been packed away for years. 34 years to be exact. Here's the proof. None of us has room to display the entire collection. My mom does have some sets displayed at her house. My sister has a couple of sets at

Bad & Sad Donations

2012-01-13T19:37:00.001-06:00

I was out and about today looking for stock for my booth. I stopped in at the local Goodwill and this is what I found: Baby's First Christmas Ceramic Booties Hannah and Chloe, I know where your 1st Christmas ornaments are. Call me! Why in the world would someone donate these ornaments?

Dinner

2012-01-12T20:55:00.000-06:00

The Husband made this for dinner tonight: Stuffed Chicken Breasts and Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Is it wrong to eat a chicken dish on a rooster plate? Covering him up with the potatoes made me feel better. We recommend both of these recipes. They are delicious!

Piranha & Snakes In Your Bathroom Sink

2012-01-11T13:09:00.000-06:00

Do you keep piranha or snakes in your bathroom sinks? In my dream last night, an old co-worker does. She loaned me her condo in a big city (it felt like Chicago?) and in one of the two bathrooms, she had tropical fish in the bathtub, two piranha in one sink and one snake in the second sink. There was also a baby alligator in the cabinet underneath the sinks. She told me I had to use the bathroom

Elementary School Pick Up

2012-01-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

I picked up my nieces today from school. I've done it before, but the process never ceases to amaze me. You have to get there 30 minutes early to have a hope of snagging a parking place or a good spot in the pickup line. Huh? A minimum of 30 minutes every day sitting in your car waiting for your kids? Seems frustrating to me, but my sister tells me that's when she has a few minutes for herself

My Elevator Pitch

2012-01-09T20:25:00.001-06:00

I worked on my elevator pitch today. What, you ask, is an elevator pitch? Click here to read all about it. I've edited my pitch at least 10 times. I've read my pitch to The Husband twice. Tomorrow, I plan to edit the pitch one last time and practice my delivery. Why, you ask, am I working on an elevator pitch? I have an interview with a staffing agency at 11:00am on January 11th. One of the

The Last of Christmas

2012-01-08T19:33:00.000-06:00

What did you do this weekend? We celebrated Christmas again! You know how it is when little nieces and nephews grow up, get married and have kids of their own? There just isn't enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas for everyone to get together. For the last few years, The Husband's family has gathered in early January to celebrate Christmas for the kids. This approach has worked out

Ice Cubes Shaped Like States

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I worked on my "Things To Do In 2012" this week and signed up with one of the local staffing agencies. Depending on what type of position you are seeking, agencies administer skills tests to confirm your level of proficiency. No more do they believe people when they say, "Trust me. I can do the job." I dreamed (yes, this is also a dream post) that I was asked to report to the agency office for

I'm Totally Taking Credit For this Post!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

I wrote a post for Cindy's Cupboard, so I'm totally taking credit for it towards my goal of posting every day in January for NaBloPoMo! Click here to read my post.

Who Wouldn't Want to Own This?

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've been out treasure hunting and purchased this album to sell in my booth. It is © 1964. For a sample of the music and lyrics, click here. I'll post on the cupboard's blog when this gem is available!

Marlboro Man is a Zombie

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've posted here a few times about my vivid dreams. Go to the right side bar and type "dreams" in the search box to read a few stories. It is my custom to read blogs every night before I go to bed. The other night I read Pioneer Woman's "Chasing Sunsets" post and all I could think of while looking at the photos is the sunset looked like fire. My dream started with me and a group of people at a

New Year's Day Lunch/Dinner

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

My mom and The Sister and family came over for lunch/dinner on New Year's Day. My tablescape was very simple. I used a very special type of centerpiece. Dishes filled with food! Doesn't it make you hungry? Menu Spiral Sliced Ham Potatoes Au Gratin Fresh Green Beans Black Eyed Peas Deviled Eggs Broccoli Cornbread * The Husband's Salad The B-i-L's

Things to Do in 2012

2012-01-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm not a New Year's resolution person. Never have been, never will be. But...in 2012, I am going to strive for some improvements. 1. I started the 2011 Goodreads Reading challenge in June, 2011. I said I would read 50 books before year-end and I did not meet my goal. 2012 will be different. I can do it. I love to read, so there is nothing stopping me! 2. I'm going to eat more fruit. I like

To Be or Not To Be - My Blog

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

In 2009, I posted 247 times. In 2010, I posted 235 times. In 2011, I posted 163 times. Wow. What happened in 2011? The question is "Have I said everything I have to say?" I don't think so, but I need outside inspiration. I've decided to participate in BlogHer's NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). It's a public committment to post every day on your blog for one month. If you are stumped

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

What are you planning to do on New Year's Eve? The Husband and I always stay at home. We make a very nice meal, with a good bottle of wine. We watch the NYC New Year's Eve Celebration on TV, as long as we can stay awake. When we go to bed, we pretend it is midnight. I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve!

Christmas Report # 5 - Give a Kid a Box...

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

Following are my two favorite photos of the nieces on Christmas morning. After all the wrapped presents were opened, their attention turned to the big box full of packing peanuts and bubble wrap. What could be more fun? I hope your Christmas was as merry as ours!

Christmas Report # 4 - Christmas Eve Dinner Menu

2011-12-29T13:00:00.000-06:00

Let's start with an appetizer of deviled eggs, shall we? Sorry I don't have a picture of them, I totally forgot! Deviled eggs are a staple at our family holiday dinners. I mix the yolks with a bit of mayo, Dijon mustard, garlic salt and pepper to taste. Once the yolks are spooned into the whites, I then sprinkle with paprika. Our next dish is one we have made several times for

Christmas Report # 3 - The Dinner Table

2011-12-27T20:55:00.001-06:00

Behold, my sister's Christmas Eve dinner table. The 8 year old niece selected the plates and the chargers and then helped mom set the table. The 5 year old niece determined the seating arrangements. Attendees were The Sister, The B-i-L, 8 year old niece, 5 year old niece, The Husband and myself. Pretty, isn't it? 2011 has been the year of the knife rest and the salt for The

Christmas Report # 2 - The Naughty or Nice List Hubbub

2011-12-26T18:37:00.000-06:00

The Husband always communicates with Santa and his elves on Christmas Eve. Last year, the youngest niece somehow ended up on the naughty list. A phone call was made and that obvious mistake was quickly rectified. Prior to our fancy Christmas Eve dinner this year, The Husband checked the Naughty or Nice list from his phone. Oh no. There was a problem. Big Sister A's name was on

Christmas Report # 1

2011-12-25T17:58:00.000-06:00

We had a Merry Christmas. I took lots of pictures of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to share with you. However, I left the camera at my sister's house. If you celebrated the day, I hope it was merry for you!

Accosted by a Reader

2011-12-22T20:09:00.000-06:00

I ran into a reader of this blog recently who was more than a little disappointed in the lack of recent posts. I need to do something about the situation. Perhaps after Christmas.

Yardstick Shelf

2011-12-11T18:02:00.001-06:00

I picked up this cute shelf at an estate sale. You can hang it vertically or horizontally. I thought it was a very clever use of yardsticks. A person could store thimbles, spools of thread and other sewing notions in this shelf. Or, any type of tiny collectible. There are many cute things you can create with yardsticks and I've been pinning these projects in Pinterest. I've built up quite a

Hideous or Stupendous?

2011-12-07T14:03:00.001-06:00

I purchased a vintage purse at an estate sale this week. My first thought when I laid eyes upon it was, "My Lord, that is hideous. But wait, it's also kinda stupendous." Hideous = offensive to the senses & especially to sight; exceedingly ugly Stupendous = causing astonishment or wonder What do you think? Why yes, it is a glorious gold lamé! The embroidery on the front reads: I LOVE . .

Our Halls Are Decked (Mostly)

2011-12-03T21:08:00.001-06:00

Our house is decorated for Christmas. Mostly. It's taken me several days to get to this point and I must report that there are still a few things laying on the table that need to be either displayed properly or put back in storage. I won't even tell you about the things I left in storage because I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with them. In years past, I have rapidly unpacked

A New Word

2011-11-28T22:00:00.001-06:00

A friend gave me this lovely book a few months ago. I've referred to it several times to answer specific questions, but have not reviewed the entire book. I decided to start that effort tonight and, lo and behold, I learned a new word. Preprandial: of, relating to, or suitable for the time just before dinner < a preprandial drink > According to Merriam-Webster, this word is in the

Christmas

2011-11-27T14:45:00.001-06:00

The tree is on the front porch and the house (inside and outside) is a blank slate waiting for the decorations to be applied.

Thanksgiving Recap

2011-11-24T20:59:00.001-06:00

We had a few appetizers. A turkey was fried. Potatoes were expertly mashed. The buffet was laden with food. The cranberry sauce had ridges. And a family portrait was taken. I almost forgot to show the desserts. The pumpkin cheesecake was spectacular. I hope your Thanksgiving was as good as ours!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Tablescape

2011-11-23T15:18:00.001-06:00

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. To anchor the tablescape, I used a damask tablecloth and 12 napkins I snagged at an estate sale this past summer. Yes, $10! The table. A place setting. I love these salts. A knife rest. Sterling purchased within a few months of our marriage. Tiny butter pat plates. Our wedding china on chargers from

The Thing To Do The Day Before Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T12:19:00.001-06:00

If you have followed me on Twitter and Facebook for a while, you may remember that on July 1, 2011 (one of the hottest days of the year) I tweeted that I had just accepted delivery of our new snow blower. The Husband unpacked it and carefully stored it away. He had vowed to be prepared if we have a repeat of the snow of February, 2011. No more spending 16-18 hours over two days shoveling the

A Birthday & A Wedding

2011-11-20T23:15:00.001-06:00

Saturday was The Husband's birthday. We don't celebrate birthdays by throwing parties, we usually celebrate by going out for a nice dinner or taking a nice trip. For this particular birthday, we attended a wedding! We are now the old folks that attend weddings at the invitation of the bride or groom's parents. In this case, the bride was the daughter of a former co-worker. The wedding was held

Let the Cooking Commence

2011-11-19T12:14:00.001-06:00

Preparations for Thanksgiving dinner began this morning. I pulled out my trusty binder. I turned to the Cajun Fried Turkey recipe and assembled all the ingredients. I mixed everything together and am now allowing the seasoned liquid to sit for 1 hour before beginning the process of straining it through a coffee filter. It will take a couple of days to complete this task. I previously

Blogger's New Dynamic Views

2011-11-18T15:22:00.001-06:00

I promise I'm not trying to confuse you! As you can see, I've reverted to the old template for Cindy's Clipboard. While I really liked the look of Blogger's new dynamic views, you cannot modify them. Because I could not install my "gadgets" on the new template, my site counter did not work. Also, you couldn't see my followers and other things. I plan to give feedback to Blogger and hope that

Unintended Consequences

2011-11-16T23:42:00.001-06:00

When you work in the on-line world, you worry about changes to websites having "unintended consequences." I've experienced it this week. I changed my blog template 3 days ago to use Blogger's new Dynamic Views. Since then, I have only had 1 or 2 recorded visitors per day to my blog. What's up with that? I need to investigate. Thank goodness I'll have more time soon to do just that!

I'm A Happy Girl

2011-11-16T22:52:00.001-06:00

Thursday is the last day of my part-time, temporary, contract job. It was supposed to last two months, however, it turned into a four month assignment. It was a good experience to re-enter the working world, as I was able to exercise skills not used since my exit from "Corporate America" in October of 2009. The ending of this assignment is fortuitous because of the approaching holidays. I'm

Changes to the Old Blog

2011-11-13T13:57:00.001-06:00

As you can see, I've applied a new template to Cindy's Cupboard. Blogger is now offering 7 new templates and I think this one is the best way to display my content. What do you think?

Saganaki

2011-11-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

I'm still telling stories from our October trip to New Mexico. One evening, our friends took us to Nick and Jimmy's Restaurant. We sat at the bar (surprise!) and started our evening with this appetizer: Saganaki - Flaming Kasseri cheese with toasted pita bread Yes, you read that right. Flaming cheese! I had never tasted Kasseri cheese. Have you? I had never tasted Saganaki? Have you? We are

Disaster Preparedness

2011-11-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

I've made a decision. Since Oklahoma has had two earthquakes this weekend, I'm going to do the necessary research and put together a serious emergency kit for my family. I will begin by researching pre-existing checklists developed by government agencies, as well as others, and which cover: natural disasters (tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire, flood, ice/snow, drought, extreme heat etc.)

Wild Animals

2011-11-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

Did you think I forgot this blog? I took a break from here and it continued longer than I thought it would. I have a few stories from our trip to New Mexico that I wanted to share with you, but I just never got around to it. I'll start with writing them and we'll see if that process kick starts my blog mojo! While we were in Taos, we met a bartender. Imagine that! (sarcasm) He works at a nice

Men's Dress Code Violation

2011-10-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

The Husband and I pulled into the Northwest Inn parking lot in Woodward, OK this evening and saw a grown man getting into a truck with another man wearing a tee shirt, basketball shorts like these and workboots like these. Really? We went for dinner at J B's Steakhouse, which is a nice restaurant. There was a family of four waiting for a table. Father, mother, son and daughter. The father

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

2011-10-11T01:15:00.001-05:00

The Husband and I just spent 3 days with Albuquerque friends enjoying the 40th annual Balloon Fiesta. There were 600 balloons registered for the event. The pilots had weather to contend with during fiesta, but they did manage to ascend on the last Saturday and Sunday mornings for us. Yes, I did say just for us! Here's how you "do" Balloon Fiesta, as explained by our friends. You wake up

When Do You Clean Out Your Purse?

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I dump the contents of my purse out every morning. I throw away any trash and make sure I have everything I need for the day. When I return the items to the purse, I make sure they are put into the correct compartment to make them easy to find. If I go out in the evening, I dump my purse again and remove anything I won't need. I may use the same purse or I may switch to a smaller purse for the

Tulsa State Fair

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Husband and I went to the Tulsa State Fair Monday afternoon. We each ate a corn dog. Plus, we shared a pork chop sandwich from the Oklahoma Pork Council. Oh. My. Lord. Delicious! I've always been a big fan of the fair, but I said to The Husband this time that I might be "over" it. I'm 52, so it's taken me approximately 51 years to make that statement. Why, do you ask, am I over my

Pumpkin Town

2011-10-03T23:05:00.000-05:00

Recently we took a couple of our nieces to Pumpkin Town. Let's hug the scarecrow. Big Sister A Sweet Baby L They turned into little tigers. Big Sister A Sweet Baby L There was pouncing in the grass, as only tigers can pounce. (Disregard the pumpkins!) There was running crazy in the hay maze. There was riding ponies, after promising the Tigers would not bite the ponies! Big

Seen on Old Route 66

2011-09-28T18:27:00.004-05:00

We drove past this scene when we returned from our anniversary weekend. Somewhere between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Near Stroud, if my memory is correct. I assume these guys are here because it's OU football season. Have you had any foreign visitors lately?

My Birthday in St. Louis

2011-09-26T17:44:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that The Husband and I recently took a trip to St. Louis to celebrate my birthday. We went to a baseball game. Beautiful weather, beautiful stadium, tasty hot dogs and cold beer! We also spent some time wondering through shops in the Cherokee Antique Row & Specialty Shops district. I really enjoyed the China Finders shop. They are an on-line matching

Palace Cafe - Tulsa, OK

2011-09-20T18:23:00.002-05:00

The Husband and I joined friends at Palace Cafe this past Saturday night. They have recently remodeled their space, updating their dining area and adding a bar. Kudos for the remodel. The spaces are elegant and sophisticated. Because the newly remodeled/expanded restaurant had just re-opened, because the bartender was responsible for making all drinks (as opposed to the servers mixing drinks)

A Tablescape & Dancing in the Dining Room

2011-09-16T21:41:00.001-05:00

Recently, I've accumulated a large collection of vintage dishes, California Provincial by Metlox/Poppytrail. I was extremely tired of the every day Fiesta plates we had used for several years, so I put them in my cupboard and started using the Poppytrail dishes for every day. We recently had The Sister's family over for dinner. What? An opportunity to use my new (old) dishes? Fan-tas-tic! I

The Kindness of Strangers

2011-09-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

I made some changes to my blog a couple of days ago. The format went "south" for some reason. I posted my issue (step by step what I did) on the Blogger Help Forum. Within 15 minutes a total stranger gave me the solution to my Blogger format problem. INTERNET FOR THE WIN! Thanks to remoonline for the fix!

My Memories of September 11, 2001

2011-09-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

My Dad died at 2:00pm on September 10, 2001. My Mom was on the phone with my brother when Daddy passed. My brother immediately made arrangements to fly home. On September 11, 2001 My brother lives on the east coast of the USA. Near Boston That morning, The Sister phoned and Mom answered. They chatted for a minute and my sister asked to speak to me. She asked, "Do you have

I Miss My Dad

2011-09-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

My Dad died on September 10, 2001. The Hospice nurse was there on her daily visit. I was the only family member in the room. I looked at the nurse and said, "You don't think?" She said, "Yes." I can't believe it's been 10 years. Here he is with his granny at about 8 years of age. He served in the Korean War He came home and married Mom. Here he is as a family man,

California Cousins & A Tablescape

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I posted here about my August trip to BlogHer'11 in San Diego with niece Amy. Unless you follow me on Twitter, I'll bet you don't know that Amy and I stayed a couple of extra days in California to visit family. Left to right: Amy, Cousin Cathy and Cousin Gary. Gary is The Husband's cousin and Cathy is his lovely wife. I hate that I did not get a picture of their daughter, Sonia. She drove from

Heart = Melted

2011-09-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

Last night my nieces and I decided to play a board game. I won the first game and was very excited. I was waving my arms and saying "Yeah! I won! I never win at anything! Yeah!" The 8 year old looked at me and said, "Aunt Cindy, you always win at being the greatest Aunt in the world! I grabbed her and gave her a big hug. P.S. I'll be changing my last will & testament here in the next day or

Livestock Marketing Center

2011-09-07T10:53:00.001-05:00

Can't we just call it what it is? It's a sale barn, people!

Happy Birthday to Me and Her!

2011-09-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

On August 25th, I forgot to post a birthday wish to my little sister. What kind of big sister am I? Evidently, a forgetful one. I do have an excuse, since today is my 52nd birthday. How in the world did that happen? Here are the two of us in times long ago. We are still as cute as we ever were!

Bradley Whitford Lives Under My Bed

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I read a blurb in David Inman's column in the weekly Tulsa World TV Guide about Bradley Whitford playing the character of serial killer Red John on "The Mentalist." (Here's a link to another story.) I've watched 3 or 4 episodes of "The Mentalist" and think it's a decent show, but I've never been a regular viewer. I did, however, know that a serial killer named Red John had killed

How We Spent Our Anniversary, Part 2

2011-08-30T12:24:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday afternoon, after attending our twin grand-nephews 5th birthday party and visiting with family and friends, we left to find the Red Stone Inn Bed & Breakfast. We reserved the lovely Cimarron Suite. Photos cannot do it justice. I tried, however, by taking a few. This the view as you walk in the door. As your eye scans across the room. Continuing the scan to what turned out

How We Spent Our Anniversary, Part I

2011-08-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

We traveled to OKC on our anniversary to celebrate our twin grand-nephews 5th birthday party. There were kids and presents. And cake! Can't forget the cake! Our niece Tracy is kneeling by one of the twins (shirtless) and his brother is in the green & white shirt to their right. See the adult hands with cameras snapping away? You can never have too many pictures of a party! It was another

17 Years Ago Today

2011-08-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

We were signing the official document in front of our families. Happy Anniversary, honey!

Highlights from BlogHer'11 & My 600th Post

2011-08-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

My first blog post was published Feb 16, 2009 and this happens to be my 600th post. It is appropriate that today's topic is my trip to BlogHer'11. When I entered the blogosphere, it didn't take me long to begin reading about this annual conference where women bloggers got together to "discuss, inspire and connect with each other." Most of the well known women bloggers would write posts before

Status

2011-08-18T23:18:00.000-05:00

Hello. Let me introduce myself. I'm Cindy. I used to maintain this blog on a more regular basis, but I took a new job and a trip all in a 10 day span. I'm back from my trip, which I will blog about soon. (BlogHer'11 in San Diego) I've started my new, part-time, temporary assignment. It's been tough adjusting to a work schedule after 22 months of setting my own pace; i.e. waking up whenever I

I Have Stuff To Say!

2011-08-10T03:43:00.000-05:00

But I'm not home to write the blog posts. Wednesday is a travel day. California to Oklahoma. I start a new job on Thursday. "What? A new job?' "Yes." Silly me, I took a short term contract beginning the DAY AFTER my return from California. Stupid. Check back to hear about my tribulations returning to the "corporate world."

BlogHer '11

2011-08-03T18:54:00.003-05:00

I will be attending BlogHer '11 August 5-6 in San Diego, CA. I've read about this conference for the last couple of years, but this is my first time to attend. Joining me will be my niece, Amy, who is also a first time attendee. It will be interesting to see, hear, and hopefully meet, many of the bloggers that I read on a regular basis. I also hope to connect with a lot of new people who I've

A Pretty Fence

2011-08-02T17:56:00.004-05:00

I wrote here about our fence project. Despite the relentless Oklahoma heat, the project has been completed and every man who worked on it kept their shirt on. Behold, 111' of new fence: Behold, the neighbor's new gate: Behold, the sign of Fence Builders of Oklahoma. If you need a fence, I recommend contacting Daniel for an estimate. He'll do a good job for you. I received no benefit

The Girl Can Cook!

2011-07-28T18:10:00.001-05:00

A few months ago I purchased a Living Social deal for a two hour cooking class at Urban Kitchen on Cherry Street. I attended class this week to learn how to make one of my favorite foods, gnocchi! Chef Candace Conley and her assistant, Natalia, were both very warm and welcoming. There were only five people enrolled, so we each had plenty of opportunity to assist in the preparation of the

I'm Happy

2011-07-25T23:35:00.001-05:00

I go out to breakfast once or twice a week, prior to running errands or whatever else is on my schedule for the day. This morning I went to Old School Bagel, which is one of my favorite places on Brookside. Here's the conversation at the counter, when I stepped up to order: Me: "Good morning." Employee: "Good morning, how are you?" Me: "I'm happy, thanks!" Employee (with a strange look

Seen in Tulsa Traffic

2011-07-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

I drove up behind this rig earlier in the week. Let me give you a close-up of the sign. I guess their motto is a variation of the old saying, "Anything a man can do, a woman can do better."

Hey, You Took My Fence!

2011-07-20T18:59:00.001-05:00

Many years ago, between our house and the neighbor to the south, a new privacy fence was installed next to an old chain link fence. Both old fences were removed today. Hello, Neighbor. Tonight, The Husband is digging up the "volunteer" tree roots that grew between the two fences. We've contacted our tree guy about getting this old stump (that we didn't know was there - bonus!)

Heat and Shirtless Men

2011-07-19T16:16:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of bad things happening as a result of this heat wave across the USA. Crops are failing, ranchers are having to sell off their cattle because they can't feed or water them, wildfires blaze out of control due to the dry conditions, highway surfaces buckle because of the unreleating heat and many men cease to wear shirts when working outside! This is a major issue for me, people!

Managing The Basement

2011-07-19T01:57:00.009-05:00

I spent yesterday morning working in our nine zone basement. Zones are: 1) Laundry 2) Wrapping Station 3) Food & Household Goods Storage 4) Yard Sale Storage 5) Seasonal/Holiday Decoration Storage 6) Cindy's Cupboard Storage 7) The Husband's Workbench/Small Tool Storage 8) Family File Storage 9) Remainder of The Husband's Mother's belongings (primarily photos & paperwork). Yes, I'm that person

Thrifted Glass Fruit & Vegetables

2011-07-18T13:24:00.001-05:00

I've managed to put together this bowl of glass fruit and vegetables by attending three different estate sales. I didn't pay more than $1.50 for any one piece and I already had the bowl and aluminum tray. I just figured out I've had the bowl for 34 years. How in the world did that happen? Pretty, isn't it? I'm joining Thrifty Treasures at Southern Hospitality. Come on over and join the

Go West Restaurant & Saloon

2011-07-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

The Husband and I had old friends over this weekend for a glass of wine and an appetizer, before heading out for dinner. None of us had tried Go West Restaurant & Saloon, located at 6205 New Sapulpa Road, but all of us had heard good reports about it, so off we went to experience it for ourselves! The inside of the restaurant is spacious and comfortable. I hate when tables are so close that you

Hot

2011-07-17T00:45:00.001-05:00

Our bedroom has 10 windows. Ten. 10. Six of the windows face west. Six. 6. West! WEST! Where it's 110°! Needless to say, the blinds on those six windows have been fully drawn for weeks. Recently, I've also started drawing the blinds on the four north/south windows, because it is So. Blasted. Hot! All the blinds closed makes for a lovely, dark environment in which to sleep. Dark.

A Lazy Morning

2011-07-14T11:03:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I declare a lazy morning, stay in my pjs, take the newspaper and my mac back to bed and turn on The View, followed by The Young and The Restless. Today is a lazy morning! How about you, do you sometimes indulge yourself in this manner? If you don't, I highly recommend it!

This & That

2011-07-11T23:38:00.001-05:00

Where have I been and what have I been doing? A little of this and a little of that! I'm spending a lot of time working on Cindy's Cupboard, which makes sense because it's a new venture. I will tell you that going to multiple garage and estate sales daily, plus lugging merchandise to the antique mall in this lovely Oklahoma heat is draining. Very draining. Additionally, setting the displays in

Oneida's Queen Bess Silverplate Pattern

2011-07-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, my mom gave me custody of my paternal grandmother's silverplate service. They had not been used in years (and years), so I cleaned them up and immediately used them in tablescapes here, here and here. I tried a few times to identify the pattern, but with no success. (I think I made myself cross eyed a couple of times looking at so many patterns on-line!) In the tablescape

4th of July Tablescape & Dinner

2011-07-04T23:11:00.005-05:00

I threw together a quick 4th of July tablescape this afternoon. I started by layering one of my United States map tablecloths over the white one already on the table. I used our Syracuse China restaurant plates. What could be more American than diner plates? I added a flag motif paper plate along with the matching napkin. I wanted to use my blue goblets, but I only had four and I needed five. My

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T06:00:00.006-05:00

Photo Credit

I Stayed Up Late To Make This:

2011-07-04T01:05:00.002-05:00

Mom's Macaroni Salad. It's going to taste great this July 4th! Have fun and be safe.

Vintage Saucers

2011-06-29T20:52:00.009-05:00

I picked up the cutest set of 6 saucers this week. I think they will look great in a fall tablescape. The mark on the back is: I've looked on-line and cannot find the pattern name. I'm hoping one of Coloradolady's readers will recognize the pattern and share the name with me! I'm joining Vintage Thingie Thursday. Click on over and join us! Updated: The Husband, of all people, found the

Couscous Salad - Version Three

2011-06-29T07:00:00.002-05:00

When the heat starts blasting, I start looking for cool foods. I took a simple couscous recipe I've posted here and here and changed it again. This version has diced red/yellow/orange peppers, cucumber, tomato and feta cheese. Pretty, isn't it? Tasty too! What is one of your "cool" foods for the heat of the summer?

I'm a Dreamer

2011-06-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

I've told you before that I am a wild dreamer. You can read some of those doozies by clicking on the word "dreams" in the "labels" category on the right side of the screen. My dreams frequently incorporate elements of what I've recently seen on TV or in movies, what I've read and or what I've discussed with family and friends. I'm currently reading The Passage, which is one of those "post

Air Conditioning Is Our Friend

2011-06-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

It's hot outside. When it's hot like this, I want to stay inside. However, since my last post I've been to a number of garage and estate sales looking for great items for Cindy's Cupboard. It's very hot (and sweaty!) work, but I found some lovely things. Let's see, what else has happened? Saturday night we attended a birthday party for a fantastic woman. (You know who you are!) We enjoyed

Breakfast in the Backyard

2011-06-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

Would you like to join me for breakfast?The table is ready.Look, there's a chicken watching us. The sun is smiling on us.I can't wait to pick ripe Cherokee Purple tomatoes from those plants! In addition to the happy sun, it appears as if the frog boys will be watching us from afar. I didn't make coffee. I thought we'd have some juice and a big glass of ice cold milk. Would you like orange juice

A Hot Mess

2011-06-22T09:00:00.060-05:00

I mentioned in this post that my hair had suddenly become a hot mess. The last time I had my hair done (cut & color) was approximately 10 months ago. Yes, that's right, 10 months ago! I became really, really tired of the maintenance of my hair. Since I was no longer working in a corporate role, I decided to let it go. Go it did. My hair has always grown thick and fast and this time was no

Where Have I Been All Day?

2011-06-21T17:39:00.001-05:00

Where haven't I been is the question! I left the house at 8:30am to do a few things. This is a list of my stops for the day: Lottie's estate sale Fikes-Parkhill Liquor store Office Depot Estate Sales Plus sale Gardners Books Home to unload the car and eat lunch Utica Square post office Lowe's Target Reasor's Back to the Utica Square post office because I thought I left my sunglass case there

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T02:07:00.000-05:00

My Dad in August, 1994 at my wedding to The Husband: The Husband's Dad, at our wedding in August, 1994: Unfortunately, they are no longer with us. We miss them both, very, very much. They would so enjoy the grand and great-grandchildren who have joined the family, both by marriage and by birth, since they have been gone. They would also enjoy all the travel stories, education stories, and home

Highlights from Banff

2011-06-17T18:50:00.008-05:00

A fun part of my trip was The Husband and I spending the weekend in Banff. We stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel. The view from our room. We used the bus system to go between the hotel and town. Here's The Husband at the bus stop in front of the hotel.We walked the town, stopping in lots of shops and restaurants. The following photo is for my mom. We made her sit at the bar in this restuarant in

Highlights From Calgary

2011-06-15T23:39:00.003-05:00

The Husband has been on an extended business trip to Calgary and I was happy to join him for a few days. It was a trip down memory lane for us, since we lived in the city from October, 1997 to October, 1998 on a "temporary foreign assigment." Have I ever told you that I had never lived anywhere but Tulsa until October, 1997? No? Well, it's true. When we married in 1994, The Husband said to me "

Hello, my name is Cindy and I'm an...

2011-06-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

Overpacker! If you follow me on twitter, you know that this past week I have been in Calgary, Canada. I arrived home this afternoon and immediately unpacked my suitcase. I had the expected dirty clothes, but I also unpacked the following CLEAN clothes: two pairs of pants two shell tops one cotton, 3/4 sleeve top one set of "unmentionables" one swimsuit and cover-up All of this after The Husband

Cindy's Cupboard is Open for Business!

2011-06-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

I've been absent from here because I've been busy with my new venture! Cindy's Cupboard is open as of today. If you live in the area, I'd love for you to visit my booth. If you don't live in the area, I think you need to take a vacation to beautiful Jenks, OK and shop the local antique scene! In related news, I'm exhausted tonight. I haven't done this much physical labor in one day in years.

Potato Salad and Memorial Day

2011-05-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone's holiday weekend was as nice as ours. We didn't do anything fantastic. We decorated family graves, shopped a bit and generally stayed around the house and took it easy. The Husband smoked ribs and I made potato salad. I found the recipe in the "Colorado Cache" cookbook. Prospector's Potato Salad is found on page 94. The final result: The Husband and I both thought the salad was