Sitting on edge

Well the rocky road hasn't cleared yet. We've got a month left on Erik's contract then it's off to another job, maybe another city, maybe another state. Actually, most likely another state (even if it's just Rhode Island).

Got my first puppet order! for more on that go to my other blog. (http://dkpuppets2.blogspot.com)

The last couple of weeks were a little scary because I finally went to the doctor. My heart is normal, yay. I don't have arthritis or diabetes. But the doctor told me I need to take better care of myself. Those of you who know me well know I forget to eat sometimes. My blood sugar levels were scary low as well as my potassium and vit D. So now I am taking a vit D once a week and prescribed to go outside. I guess being a hermit isn't healthy? lol.

Next week I will be getting my gallbladder and kidneys checked. (everything was normal)

Enough about me, here are some cute pictures of Grace!

Get those creative juices flowing

Ever since I moved to Massachusetts and got out of that funk I was in, my creativity has rocketed! In the last couple of months I have made 4 puppets and assisted in the creation of 5 others. Not to mention the 3 elephants I made (from a pattern), the baby doll for Grace, the slippers I made, the book bag, and pacifier pods. Not only that, I started writing again! Not just scripts, but science fictional stuff (with my two buds of course). And once I'm done writing my scripts, I intend to record them (one in the process now). I am on fire!! I just hope that if we have to move that doesn't put me into another funk. I've got a million ideas shooting around in my head, so many that I barely finish one project before starting another. I feel like an ADHD kid in a toy store.

I need my puppets! They are all in Utah (except for the 4 I just made) along with all my supplies to make more puppets, and my stage. AAAAAAHHHHHH! Anyone want to chip in to help my family ship them to me? ha, just kidding. That's WAAAAAY too much money. It would almost be cheaper to drive there and get it myself. Anyone taking a road trip to Utah? Or from Utah?

So what's next??
Well, I've got to write these scripts! And record them So that when I am finally reunited with my beloved puppets I can take them the next day and put on a show. Of course, I will need to buy another part to my stage...I DIed that part. Hmm. Anyone want to help design a PVC pipe stage???

I still need to work out the measurements, but that shouldn't be too hard.

Anyone want to be a voice for one of my scripts?

Anyone have any great stories I can use as scripts?

Anyone want to make a soundtrack for my scripts?

Anyone want to help me make a music video for They Might Be Elders?

Anyone else hate this background?

See, ADHD.... maybe it was the potato chips. Or the Pizza.

I better quit before my brain explodes!

Teeth!

It's about time! About a week ago Grace was extra grouchy. Her bottom gums were swollen and a weird purplish clear color. I finally used the advice to push on them to help the teeth come out (I waited until she was asleep.) Her lips were pressed so tightly so it was hard for me to get my finger on her gums, but I rubbed and pushed for a bit. When she woke up from her nap, she was a different person. She seemed so happy. So I wanted to feel her gums again. This time I felt ridges. It was very exciting! I don't have any pictures yet (mainly because they are so small and she won't open her mouth) but I will soon!! Yay for Grace! She's chewing on everything in sight again, so I think she's working on getting the top two now (#3 broken through aug 26).

Cooking with alcohol

This was given to me last night, and I am glad they told me! I had no idea! Forward this to everyone you know who cooks with alcohol but doesn't drink it.

~~~
Contrary to belief, and that includes most professionals, when using beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages in recipes, a lot of alcohol is left over after cooking.

Facts from the agricultural research service of USDA (1989).

remaining after preparation:
100% immediate consumption
70% overnight storage
85% boiling liquid, removed from heat
75% flamed

remaining after baked or simmered:
40% 15 minutes
35% 30 minutes
25% 1 hour
20% 1 hour 30 minutes
10% 2 hours
5% 2 hours 30 minutes

Substitutions:
for white wine: apple/carrot juice, vegetable/chicken stock straight or with white wine vinegar, 1/2 c rice vinegar and 1 tbs white grape juice

red wine: 1/2 c grape juice and 2 tsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 c water and 2 tsp balsamic vinegar, beef/chicken stock straight or with a little red wine vinegar

champagne: ginger ale, sparkling grape juice

brandy: apple juice, peach juice, white grape juice, pear juice

marsala: orange juice, peach juice, pear juice

orange liqueur: frozen orange juice concentrate

beer: chicken broth, beef broth, ginger ale

Happy birthday Grace!

Born June 30th 2008
I am sure everyone is getting sick of me telling you how much she's grown, but I just can't believe it! She's 30in tall and weighs 21lbs. One year ago she was 17.5in tall and 4lbs 7oz.We celebrated a little early with Erik's sister Kirsten and her family. Grace didn't really get into the cake, but she loved splashing in the bath with her cousin afterwards.
For her real birthday I made her a jello and pudding pie with bananas and whip cream. She really loved digging in it and splashing pudding all over the kitchen.We are celebrating one more time with Erik's mom, but maybe this will just be a 4th of July celebration instead of birthday.

Grace is actively crawling around the house and constantly pulling up on anything she can reach. She can't walk unsupported yet, but she really wants to. Her other favorite activities include playing computer, talking to the cell phone, and singing. Her favorite songs are anything techno or 80s and piano music to fall asleep to. She also loves TMBE.She has learned how to clap, wave, do wheels on the bus and make a popping sound with her lips (among other things). She can say mama, dada, yeah, hi, and yay. All that and she still doesn't have a single tooth.