Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine

The Mister was afraid that I had forgotten how to use our kitchen appliances.  It's been so long since I've used the kitchen for anything besides sorting bills...  But I cooked dinner tonight.  The Mister was relieved to see that I still knew where to find the pots and pans.  And I think he was at least moderately impressed with my endeavor. 

I minced and sauteed a whole head of garlic.  I threw in a little red pepper flake.  I seared the shrimp.  I used a lot of alcohol--and yes, it all made it into the dishes.  You should have smelled my kitchen!  Delicious!  I may never cook like The Pioneer Woman, but any improvement in my cooking is a welcome one.  Right?

Fall has fallen.

Autumn came and went so quickly this year.  The colors have faded to a dreary shade of bland.  The wind no longer rattles the dried leaves, those leaves have long skittered away.  I nearly fooled myself into thinking it was still as warm as the sunshine made it look.  But the thermometer informed me that it was only 26* F outside my window this morning.

My brief walk to the bus stop to greet The Buddies was undertaken in a full winter coat, and I still found it to be nearly unbearable.  The wind was blowing with an unkind chill.  I feared my ears were becoming brittle in the wintry air.

The only vestige of the departed season that I could find was this tree.  The apples are withered and hang on the branches with a sense of desperation.  I fear that tomorrow will herald the true end of the season for this tree.  And with winter ready to surge into the valley, this remnant of Fall will soon be shrouded for another season.

Happy XXth Birthday, Mister

I believe that you shouldn't ask a question if you don't really want to know the answer.   Case in point:

It's The Mister's birthday today, and he asked The Buddies how old they thought he was.  Z was quick with his response,

Sixty-four, right dad?

M was right on top of it with his answer,

Seventy-eight?

JJ took his time (ever the thinker), he waited to see the response his brothers received...

At that point I don't think it mattered to The Mister what they thought.  He was just wishing the true number was closer to 40 than 50...  Right Mister?

Christmas Lists

I asked The Buddies if they knew what they wanted for Christmas.  I thought writing letters to Santa would be a fun way to practice their handwriting skills.

Z was quick to give me his requests, although the majority of his items aren't exactly age-appropriate.  The toys he wants are either Lego sets that are too advanced, or just things that I'm pretty sure he won't really enjoy.

M was definate about what he wants.  I think he'll be bored by Christmas afternoon, but what can I say?

In my opinion, JJ gave the most thoughtful answer.  He informed me that he hasn't watched all the toy commercials yet and he will have to get back to me with his decision.  I think I'm gonna be in trouble here...