Random randomness and then some tunes

"If you had a choice between pie heaven and regular heaven, I'd choose pie heaven. It's probably a trick, but if it's not, Mmmmmmm boy." — Jack Handy


About this time of year, that Adam Sandler song up there becomes our family anthem. Jefe wanders around the house singing "Gobble gobble goo. Gobble gobble giggle. I wish turkey only cost a nickle." It's time for some serious loosening of the belt, people.

Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pie. Oh my.

I thought a Thanksgiving play list would be in order, but sadly, there just aren't that many thanksgiving songs. If you know of any others that aren't listed, let me know. I'll add it.

*****

We're having our first round of Thanksgiving this Sunday. Jefe's siblings and Mom are heading on over for the annual food festival. I really love Thanksgiving. My sister-in-laws favorite thing I make is my bacon wrapped water chestnuts. Seriously people. If you want to be the star of the event, you need to make these. Your guests wont leave the platter. I'm totally not kidding when I say they are to die for! TO DIE FOR!

Everyone tells me, "Oh. I make those. They're OK."

Uhh. No.

I have to shake my head and lovingly put my hand on their arms, then I shake them silly. You don't make MY chestnuts!! No one does!

But friends, neighbors and blurkers, come closer.

Closer.

Seriously. Get up here!

For the first time in history, I am going to share my secret recipe on how to make chestnuts that leave your guests begging for a triple batch every year.


1 can (8oz) whole water chestnuts, drained
1 package (16oz) bacon, sliced in half
6 Tbsp chili sauce or Ketchup (chili sauce is better)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (regular mustard works too)

*I always double my sauce, and that uses the entire bottle of chili sauce. *

Wrap each chestnut with 1/2 slice of bacon and secure with a wooden pick. Arrange bacon-wrapped chestnuts in a single layer in a shallow baking pan (i use a 9x13). Broil until crispy, about 5-7 min. Drain well*.
Blend chili sauce, brown sugar and mustard. Spoon sauce over each bacon wrapped chestnut.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Yield: 30 appetizers**

*I never drain because I'm lazy and the pan is hot.
** I typically triple this recipe. If I don't there would be dog-fighting over the chestnuts. They are that good!


*****
Thing 3 (Ya-Ya as Moxie likes to call her) and I are going to hit the Nutcracker tomorrow. Our local little ballet troupe puts it on every year up at the local college. It is an outstanding show, with a live orchestra even.

We make an event out of it. We get all dolled up in our finest. Attend the ballet and then go out to eat. Last year she requested McDonald's as her fine dining experience. (gag) This year however, she requested "Apple Barrel." I'm thinking she couldn't decide between Apple Bee's or Crackle Barrel. We shall see where our stomachs lead us.

*****
Three more practices for my early morning choir and then we're done. DONE I say. Don't get me wrong, I love doing it. I just hate waking the kids up before Dawn had a butt-crack and listening to them moan about the injustices of me making them sing.

Whatever.

When they're old and have kids of their own, they will reflect back on our time together in Choir fondly.

At least they better, dang it.

*****
The basement is done with carpet and everything. Except now? The kids are afraid to go play down there alone.

I remember as a child being afraid of my parents basement. We would bound down the stairs, then pause at the bottom, while we reached just our arms around the corner to turn on the lights. Then we would run at mock twenty all the way down the hall to our bedrooms. If my Dad's office door was open, that was distressing, because then I would have to figure out how to close that door without looking at the window that was placed so rudely in front of the door.

What was I afraid of?

Seeing Michael Jackson's Thriller eyes looking back at me from all the various windows. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

I still to this day, when I go in my parents basement, do a mad dash to the end of the hall. You know, just in case Micheal's scary yellow Ghost-eyes are staring through the window.

*****
Whenever I am needing some new music to listen to, I head over here. I am a total blurker over there, but seriously? This gal has the best taste in music around! Her taste is impeccable, and I always love her play list choices. I promptly write everything down so I can download them for my very own to have and keep and lovingly play.

She also does a giveaway every month for a mix cd of her monthly play lists. Seriously fellow music lovers, go check out Passionistas blog. You will never want to leave!

*****
Do you think I use the word seriously enough?

Because seriously?

I love that word.

*****
My random 10 today is courtesy of Passionistas current November play list. I am loving it! Go get these songs. You will love them too!

Have a great weekend. I am cleaning like I'm ten Merry Maids all hyped up on crack. I have an entire house to clean, a playroom to move (to the scary basement), decorations to gather, and enough food to feed 16 people to make.

I'm tired just thinking about it.

Good thing I bought that extra 12 pack of Diet Coke and 3 bags of chocolate. That will keep the crack-induced-Merry-Maid-cleaning frenzy going. Don't you think?


1. Blue Skies - Noah and the Whale
2. Spilt Milk - Kristina Train
3. Goodwin - Brooke Waggoner
4. Made for Glory - Landon Pigg
5. Dying Day - Brandi Carlile
6. Beautiful Day - Miranda Lee Richards
7. I Am A Storm -Adam Agin
8. Satellites - Matthew Perryman Jones
9. As Much As You Lead - Lex Land
10. On The Stage - Kate Walsh

Bonus: Rescue Me - Seth Wood