Pancakes and Icicles

We finally made it to The Pancake Pantry for my long-awaited pancakes.  I am happy to report that I can check one more item off my list.  I skipped the chocolate chip pancakes and picked pecan instead, but Reed and Caroline ordered them so I had a few bites.

They were as yummy as I remember.  Cole ordered M&M pancakes with peanut butter syrup (he could only handle about 3 bites, then switched to his dad's omelette) and Brooks ordered parisienne pancakes.

We waited about 15 minutes in 30° weather just to get a table.  The wait was twice as long by the time we left!

After breakfast, we dropped by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to plan our hike for the day.  Tim and I were optimistic that we could still get to the Chimneys despite the cold weather.  However, the ranger discouraged us.  She said it had been down to 1° that night, so about a mile into the hike it would be treacherous.  Since we had our fearless Cole along for the hike, we decided we should revise our plan.

We headed up to Newfound Gap, the place where FDR dedicated the Smoky Mountain National Park in 1934.

  We stood on the North Carolina/Tennessee border and had a snowball fight! 

Mt. LeConte had over 7" the night before - glad we got to hike it a few weeks ago!

After our making a mini-snowman for the car, we drove down the mountain a bit to play with the GIANT icicles! Cole was in heaven, running from ledge to ledge, collecting as much ice as he could.

Brooks and Reed had a blast making it snow - they just forgot how cold it can be when the snow goes down your shirt!

Our hike on the Appalachian Trail never came to fruition, but that's ok. 

 We had a great time in the snow, and a warm and cozy afternoon watching movies and playing games in the cabin.  We watched The Christmas Story for the very first time.  It was great!  We've been quoting lines from it all week.

On our way out of town on Sunday, we stopped by WonderWorks for a little more fun.  It was 3 hours of action - much better than I ever expected!  I'm not a museum girl, but this one was well worth our time.

Caroline and I tried the piano...

They were ready to experience an earthquake...

and we all had fun lying on a bed of nails...

Funny, the kids all laughed and said the nails "didn't even hurt"!  I personally thought the bed was quite prickly.  I'll take my comfy bed over this one any day!

Happy Thanksgiving

My parents are coming to town tomorrow night.  We are excited to have them this year for Thanksgiving.  Last year we were in Hilton Head with my parents and my sister's family.  I was sick as a dog with a respiratory virus and shingles, so this year I have great hopes of a healthy Turkey Day.

Of course healthy at this time of the year is nearly impossible.  So, when Brooks woke up with a stomachache, I was not too surprised.  I actually handled it quite well and began to make my 

"To Do" list in my head.  I had a whole house to clean and a few things to cook for Thursday.  I'd just been waiting for a good excuse to stay home all day.

The weather is rainy - and it is chilly.  I think the high is 47° today.  Actually, that's warm compared to the weekend.  November has been exceptionally cold this year.  Hopefully it will be unusually warm in January and February.  I'm just hoping............

In order to check one item off of my list, I had to make 3 trips to the grocery store today!  Oh the things I will do just to please my husband.  I kept forgetting little items that can't be left out of Tim's very favorite holiday breakfast, mincemeat pies.  I think I enjoy making them as much as he enjoys eating them.  It's the only thing I've ever made that involves chopping oranges and lemons, peel and all.   

I got my recipe from Tim's mom.  She got it from her mother-in-law, Tim's grandmother.  The two of us are continuing a tradition passed down from Nenaw's family.  They were frugal, rural people who killed hogs in the wintertime using the head for mincement which was canned for pies.  By the time Billie (my mother-in-law) joined the family in 1953, Nenaw had switched to purchasing pork roasts.  Thank goodness!

It took me a mere 10 years to decide I would try a mincemeat pie.  There was just something about eating a pie with meat in it that turned me away.  However, at some point, I started to love them.  I think part of it is that I finally acquired a taste for the mixture and the other is my love for those in this family.  I always love traditions!

Here is our version of a mincemeat pie:

Cook a 4 pound pork butt roast till tender.  Shred it in a food processor.  Save the broth.

While pork is cooking, chop by hand or in a food processor: 3 oranges, 2 lemons, and 5 unpeeled apples.

Add meat and fruit to a 6 quart pot with the following:

2 lbs. raisins, 3 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 

1 tablespoon of each: cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, salt.

2 cups of each: apple juice, orange juice, pork broth

1 cup of cider vinegar.

The mixture will be very soupy.  Simmer on top of stove for about an hour until flavors have blended and fruit rinds are tender.  Most of the liquid should cook out but do not allow it to become too dry.  If more liquid is needed during cooking, add more of the above liquids.  Stir frequently, being careful not to let it stick.

A crock pot is worry free (cook several hours on HIGH).  I always use a crock pot.

This makes approximately 12 pints which I put in freezer containers and freeze after it has cooled.

A pint will fill a double crusted 9" pie.  Prick the top crust and bake at 400°  until the crust is done.

Our family makes an individual pie.  A double pie recipe with 1 pint of mincemeat will make 8 pies.

You should try it sometime.  It's a Ragsdale Family Tradition!  

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Just In Case You Need to Know

I'd like to dedicate this article to my fearless dad.  When you live in Houston you need to know such things.  No matter how immaculate your house is (and ours was quite clean) and no matter how efficient your bug guy is... you will still have issues with the dreaded cockroach.

I have to say, it is one of the few bugs that will truly make me shriek.  My dad always wanted me to kill the little varmits, but I just couldn't take the "crunch".  So when I would scream, MOST of the time, my dad would come from across the house to remove it for me (and for my sister).

That's how I knew that he really loved me!!!  and he still does.

I love you, too, Dad.

I'm Confused

While we are on the topic of shopping, I figure I will confess to you my complete confusion on why anyone would want to shop at Abercrombie or Abercrombie & Fitch, or Hollister.

Caroline and I took a little shopping trip with our friends in Montgomery this summer.  Caroline and Borden really wanted to shop for a few hours (ok, it was really me wanting to take a trip to Harolds, but it included shopping for the girls, too).  So, we set out to a great outdoor mall near their house.  After I bought the dress I'd wear to Adam's wedding (at Harold's), we began our search for clothes for the girls.  They wanted twin t-shirts.  Justice let us down and the store next door did, too.  So we headed into Hollister - you know - the store with no name on the outside???  Please enlighten me on that one.  In the past few years I've walked by multiple times just trying to find the name of the dadgum place.  So, I usually just call it "the store with no name".

Anyway,  we venture into this dark room with BLASTING music and some sort of hidden cologne misting dispenser that continuously pours out the odor of the day.  The girls are drawn to cute little cami's and scoop-necked t's which looked horrible on, not to mention the fact that they were overpriced and inappropriate for our 12 year old girls.  Our down and discouraged daughters then ventured to the t's with "HOLLISTER" written on them.  They weren't wild about them, but they acquiesed and decided that they'd better agree or we'd be leaving for the day empty-handed.  So, Jennifer and I shelled out an amazing amount of money for a simple t-shirt with a store logo on it.  They look cute, though, don't they?

In addition to the scavenger-like search our daughters took us on, I haven't even mentioned the affect of the environment on these almost 40 year old moms.  I felt like I was going blind!  That store was so dark and the mirrors had a haze on them.  It was impossible to get a true picture of the image in the mirror - hint number one that they are trying to encourage poor buying decisions from the dressing room. Plus, the four of us were completely disabled from all communication.  The music was so loud - I couldn't think - much less talk to anyone without yelling at the top of my lungs.  

I was seriously hoarse by the time I left.  and I had a headache from the overstimulization of my olfactory senses.  I could smell that blasted store for hours after our visit.

Yesterday Caroline and I sauntered into an Abercrombie and I began to recollect our summertime experience.  Once again, the store was dark and overly scented, with music blasting at decibels beyond one's hearing health.  I hope they have a good worker's compensation package for the young employees.  I predict imminent hearing loss for them all.

What is so great about these stores?  They have no variety... just shirts and jackets with the logo,  jeans that have been ripped to shreds in the making and a high price tag, to boot!  I know, I am showing my age and my practical tendencies (does that picture make you laugh, Mom?).  Obviously I just don't get it.  I recently asked Brooks and his friend what it is about one girl in their class who seems to be passed around by the boys - they both just said - "you know, she wears those cool clothes from Abercrombie and Hollister".  I was shocked - it had nothing to do with her figure, her hair, or her personality.  Her attraction for the 5th grade boys was her mother's ability to withstand the torturous experience of pouring out mucho dinero for tight fitting, colorful, logo-ridden clothing.

I think I need to go take a shower.  Just writing about these experiences are bringing the odor misting experience back to reality.  I can't handle another assault on my senses this weekend!

Farewell to an Old Friend

It's been a week now and I am still feeling desperate and sad.  You might think I am trying to be funny, or that I am absolutely ridiculous, but I am seriously in need of counseling.  My days of perusing classic, stylish clothes, all while drinking an ice cold bottle of Diet Coke have ended.  Harold's (Harold Powell in Houston) filed for bankruptcy one week ago today.  My friend, Amy, called to give me the bad news.  The last time I was at Harold's was approximately 3 weeks ago.  I was there with her and we had a marvelous time.  She was a little bit sick and I was soon to contract the same virus, but we still had a great time.  I always had fun at Harold's.  

I've been a customer of Harold's for the past 14 years.  Amy and I were together in the Germantown, TN, store for my very first experience at their Midnight Madness Sale - it was around Halloween in 1994.  We walked in a bit intimidated by their rich, dark paneled, expensive store.  We were the wives of two students on a limited budget, so we were hoping to find some bargains.  There were bargains galore in that place!  So many bargains that I took home a mint's worth of clothes. I modeled them for Tim and took back what he didn't like (and what I really didn't need).  I don't think her husband ever recovered from my antics.  We'll just say that I established quite a reputation with her husband, Bill.  Yes, he gave out warnings to any other female who planned to shop with me.  I spent a ton, and claimed to take a ton back, so the husbands needed to be warned.  I might rub off on their wives!  I think it was that shopping trip where I coined my motto for every sale:  "The more you buy, the more you save"!

Harold's had some great sales.  Midnight Madness was not to be missed.  Just after our shopping expedition in Memphis, we moved to Harold's home state, Oklahoma.  We lived within 45 minutes of their original store.  Every Halloween, Tim treated me to a trip to Harold's.  That first Halloween in OKC, I was pregnant and barely showing with Caroline.  I managed to find a great deal on a sweater that would work for a little while longer before my belly would bust forth.  I do believe I shopped again about 6 weeks after Caroline's birth.  We made many, many trips to those stores.  The clerks were always helpful and eager to tell you just how marvelous you looked in a particular outfit.  They could also drum up 15 outfit options to wear with one skirt - amazing!  Occasionally I have to admit that we would stop in just because we were parched.  Within minutes we were refreshed with a Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, or a simple bottle of cold water.

Moving away from Oklahoma was exciting but sad.  We were moving out of the school mode into REAL life, but we had to bid good-bye to Harold's.  The saddest was giving up the bi-annual Warehouse Sale.  This pilgrimmage involved waking nice and early and driving to the Convention Center.  I would dress in tight-fitting apparel so that I could try on the bargains (there were no dressing rooms and all sales were final).  Harold's would gather all clothes from their stores and slash the prices.  What was originally $118 would appear at the Warehouse Sale for a mere $29.90.  Then, there would be an additional discount which would quite often reduce the price by another 30% - 40%.  Amazing.  I couldn't begin to count the number of items I brought home that had been just $4.99.  Talk about buying more and ringing up the savings!!!!!  This sale was awesome.  It was a crazy environment, though.  Women would be in the aisles, stripping down to near nothing and trying things on.  I swear there were men along just for gazing.  They were undercover as husbands/boyfriends but their heads were turning from side to side just observing the sights!

Once we moved to Mississippi, our trips to Harold's were reduced greatly.  We frequented the Houston and Baton Rouge stores as we travelled back and forth to my parents'.  We also shopped in Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN.  I once ran into a friend from high school in the Jackson store.  Talk about a small world!  

We went to the Memphis store a few years ago while celebrating our anniversary.  That particular store's employees were quite inattentive.  They never even offered me a Diet Coke - or a dressing room.  I waltzed right out of there without a purchase and sent a letter to let them know that their customer service was compromised in that location.  Within a week, I received an apology/thank you letter and a $25 gift card.  Can you imagine??? 

 I could always count on Harold's.  That store always had whatever I needed.  Once for a meeting I needed a long, straight denim skirt - found it at Harold's in 1996.  Another night I needed a simple black dress - found it at Harold's in 2000.  I found shorts at the perfect length in 2002, then cute suede mules with bling in 2004!  Denim jackets, sweater sets, cute dresses and short skirts for 14 years.  And, of course, the best PATTERNED PANTS you could ever find.  All at Harold's.

One of my roomies from college sent out an email today.  Here is what it said:

Hey everyone! Well, as you may or may not know, Harolds is my FAVORITE store in the whole wide world and I am heartbroken that they are going out of business. There is not a store anywhere in Florida and the closest store is 5 hours away in Atlanta. Needless to say, I have even looked into flights to GA for a last minute one day shopping spree but the flights are outrageous.

I have gone through my email address list and all of you live in cities where there is a Harolds location. Anyways, in my absence, please feel free to go shopping at Harolds. I will feel so much better knowing that you all have enjoyed drinking a Dr Pepper there for me while you shop and enjoy the great deals. If they have a catalog, would you please pick one up for me and mail it to me? I don't know if they are even taking catalog/phone orders but I'd like to see their catalog one last time.

 

I know this sounds ridiculous but I truly am a Harolds fan (as you can tell). Take care and please email me back with details about your farewell shopping experience at Harolds.

I'm telling you the truth.  The closing of this store is a travesty.  Where will I shop?  I have no idea.  What will I miss the most?  Hmmm, probably the nice people who worked there - always eager to help you with whatever you needed.  I'll for sure miss the sales (and I'm so mad I am missing the biggest sale ever as they liquidate their inventory).

Good-bye old friend.  You were with me before kids, celebrating with me as I got the baby weight off, and through these "approaching 40" years.  Thanks for the memories and for the unforgettable fashion!  I'll miss you immensely....

Facebook or Not?

A few weeks ago Tim's brother sent an email informing him that he really should join facebook.  His email stated that both of Tim's brothers have an account as well as a few of his sisters-in-law.  Peer pressure!  All of our nieces and nephews on Tim's side have accounts, so what better way to keep up with all 11 of them?  I didn't even consider joining, but a few nights later Tim had his very own page.  

I had no idea what was involved.  All I knew was that my computer had once again been highjacked and that we were suddenly inundated with emails informing us that many of his fraternity brothers and high school friends immediately wanted to be his friend (again).  I have to admit, it was fun to see their names.  I could even name their hometowns - one of the many things you have to commit to memory as a pledge.  Why I have Tim's frat brothers' hometowns stuck in my head, I don't know, but I do.  I could also spout off all phone numbers for every place we've lived - and those of most of our friends - but I will spare you the boredom.  I began to wonder how many old girlfriends he would hear from... evidently he was quite a casanova.  I felt confirmed in my suspicions when our nephew, Adam, emailed to congratulate Tim on his new status as "married".  Evidently everytime you change your status, pictures, or profile, everyone on your friends list is notified.  Talk about having a public!!!  So, Tim had enrolled in facebook but didn't complete all profile options, so when he updated his marital status a few days later, that sent red flags around the world.

So, as I sit here watching the Top Chef Season Premiere, I am contemplating a page of my own.  I just don't know if I want to open myself up for all eyes to see every move that I make!  Strange, I know.  Here I am blogging away and I am apprehensive about friends seeing my "wall" and what is said about anything and everything.  It can be impersonal or personal, I guess.  Somehow you can monitor the privacy levels.  However, I do suppose it is a good place to get started as my kids approach their teen years.  By the time they are allowed to have a page, it will be old hat for me.  Maybe I will even show them around the site and educate them on all of the ins and outs of their own Facebook page.

I have been impressed to see how many of our friends have pages.  It would be fun to link up with them again - and it seems much easier than a blog to maintain.  Obviously my curiosity is peaked and I am on the verge of caving in - maybe by the end of the weekend.  But I'll have to keep blogging for my sanity!  Winter is fast approaching and the dreary gray days are here. I will soon begin my hibernation by the fire with my friendly laptop close for my fingers to blog  (and facebook???) away.

Mt. LeConte

Tim and I took the most fabulous trip last weekend!  We met up with a group from the Smoky Mountain Field School and trekked up Mt. LeConte, to the third highest point in the Smokies.  We began our journey as strangers at 9:00 am Saturday morning.  The temperature was about 35 when we started and the projected high at the top was 48 (the low was 12!).  

The leaves are beautiful right now.  Everywhere you look there is a combination of the evergreens mixed with lighter green, turning to yellow, orange, and red.  David Morris, our fearless and enthusiastic guide, stopped periodically to give a brief history lesson along with details of the natural sights we were taking in all around us.  

We were required to wear hiking boots and at this time of the year you really need to dress in layers.  I was bundled up and freezing at the start (not to mention a little nervous and apprehensive).  Once we started hiking, I was toasty warm within about 15 minutes! 

 The trail followed a creek for the first 2 miles.   We could hear the rushing water although we couldn't always see it.  We took the Rainbow Falls Trail to the top.  The trail is 6.7 miles total.  You reach the falls at mile 2, then it's 4.7 miles straight up. Unfortunately, the falls were low on water, but there was some water and one of our pictures captures the "rainbow effect".

I was quite surprised to find 3 different specimens of bear droppings.  At one point, our guide presented it as "fresh"!  I was relieved to clarify that "fresh" meant sometime in the past 24 hours, not the past 30 minutes!  We also found one spot in the snow with a perfect bear print.  Amazing!

The last .6 miles of the trail was covered in ice and snow.  It was a bit treacherous.  

I was happy to reach the lodge where we indulged in steaming hot chocolate while taking in the beautiful view of life 4,000 feet below us!  I am not a fan of hot chocolate, but after a day of hiking and with the cold temps, it tasted good enough for me to drink 2 cups.

We had a great dinner and went out to the cliff tops to watch the sun go down.  Again, we had to cautiously hike through the snow, but once we got to the ledge, the view was incredible!

We stayed in cabins with double bunk beds and kerosene heaters.  The beds were really cozy.  Actually, by about 3:00 am they were rather toasty.  Tim and I were on the top and I was burning up! 

Sunday morning, we skipped sunrise.  The icy trails deterred us.  I was a little afraid I would injure myself and have to go down (4,000 feet) in pain.   Llamas bring in the weekly supplies 3 times a week, so the only way in and out is on foot.

The sunrise was beautiful from our porch, so I don't feel that I missed it all.  

We met for a huge breakfast (pancakes, eggs, canadian bacon, biscuits, grits, coffee, and tea) around 8. By 9:15 we were headed back down the icy slope. 

 Overall, the trip down took about 4 hours.  You don't really think about it, but going down is even harder than going up.  It is especially hard on your knees.  The views were spectacular and the fall color at its peak.  

I added this trip to my list just to say I did it.  I really didn't anticipate the experience being anything more than just hiking a mountain. 

 However, the people we met along the way were so interesting and the sights were indescribable.  I can't wait to do it all again, only this time we will take an alternate trail up and back (there are 5 routes total).  Anyone want to join me?