kaellite

Favorite New (Old) Author...Henry James

2009-11-29T02:31:16Z

I have a confession to make.

At some point in my education, I willfully skipped over the works of Henry James. I think it had something to do with a distaste for the Victorians (Dickens not withstanding) and finding that school or era of writers to be overly descriptive and ponderous.

It was my loss. For someone who loves the whole school of "Film Noir", James was at the forefront. Nevermind that he wrote of women in crinolines and men in brocade vests. Henry James knew what people are like in the most secret part of their souls; how they will set traps for others out of greed or so-called love and fall into the snare themselves. How they will destroy themselves and others out of petty selfishness.

One only has to read "Washington Square" to understand his grasp on 'ordinary evil'

I have just finished "The Wings of The Dove" and in it's own way it is as violent, as cynical and as devestating as any novel (or adaptation thereof) by Cain, Hammett, Chandler and the rest.

Now on to "The Aspern Papers"

I'll write you a drabble, ficlet... Rare Pairs

2009-11-27T19:07:20Z

I seem to be in drabble/ficlet mode today. So far I have written a Kingsley/Nevillle

Here....

http://kaellite.livejournal.com/390486.html

And a Charlie/Kingsley

Here

http://kaellite.livejournal.com/390889.html

So...

As I want to write more, if you want to request a combo (one from column A and one from Column B) from the following charries (no Charlie/Kings as I have already written close to 700 words today on them)..and give a smutty prompt...I will write

Charrie List:

1 Roger Davies                                               1. ~~Colin Creevey~~
2. Oliver Wood                                                  2.  ~~Terry Boot~~
3. ~~Twins~~                                                             3. Dennis Creevey
4. ~~Kingsley Shackelbolt~~                                 4.  Euan Abercrombie (See the opening feast in OOTP)
5  Neville Longbottom                                     5. Jimmy Peakes

Fic; Kingsley/Charlie Ficlet...Home For the Holidays

2009-11-27T18:47:57Z

Pairing: Kingsley/Charlie
Rating: NC-17
Word Count-684
Warnings; Slash, Dom Kings, Sub Charlie, Unbeta'd

Disclaimer: Not mine, I do not own. I am not making a profit from this, it is purely for fun (though if they were mine...Rocks Fall, Everyone dies..especially Fred and Colin, wouldn't have happened."

Author's Note: Ficlet for Mal, my favorite AIM RPG partner (Love her Sirius and Charlie, or my Chris Creevey and Neville do), and just a great friend.

Summary: Charlie allows himself this treat only at Christmas time

“Fuck!” Charlie groaned and shoved back hard.

“Thought that was what I was doing.” The low voice, always able to make the red-head hard in an instant, continued bringing him so close, “I suppose I’ll have to leave no doubt.” With that, the Minister grabbed Charlie and held him in place, grinding his cock inside the impossibly tight channel. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you hadn’t had any since last Christmas.”

“Haven’t” Charlie grunted both frustrated and incredibly turned on by the way Kingsley controlled him.

A sharp smack to an already reddened cheek showed the Minister’s displeasure. “Don’t lie.”

His cock jerked and leaked and even with the ring around it, he knew he’d come soon. “Not lying. You’re the only one who’s ever topped me.”

“Not even Bill?” Kingsley raised a brow.

“No, Bill may be the top in his house, doubt it though.” Charlie shook his head, “But he turns over and spreads his legs for me every time I visit.”

“And his wife doesn’t mind?” As if to remind him what was on the agenda soon, and how could Charlie forget anyway with that cock, bigger than his own, splitting him, Kingsley jabbed his prostate seven times in rapid succession.

“Nah. Likes to watch.” Kinky little witch, his sister-in-law was.

“Perhaps, you will allow me that honor as well? But no one has had your arse except me?” And, Fuck, it there wasn’t a hint of a growl in Kinglsey’s normal mellow tones.

“No, no one.” Charlie reached to fist his swollen prick, his hand swiftly knocked away by Kingsley.

“Is that why you only come around at Christmas? To keep it special.” The Minister had wondered. Usually, when he was in between interns, and couldn’t fill one to the point of dripping.

“No, no. Just..could get used to it, addicted if more than one time a year.” He was one Weasley that wasn’t going to be tamed, Dammit. Never mind if the thought of his twin brothers looking happier than ever, filling Neville at both ends over their worktable, had made him think twice about it. But, he wasn’t cut out for the taste of domesticity. And the way Kingsley was slamming into him, making Charlie his hole and causing him to love it…Oh God! His cock freed at spurting all over the wall as Kingsley coated his insides, he knew if he allowed this more than at the Holiday’s he’d never leave.

Before he had time to remind himself that was a bad thing, fingers tugged at his hair and pulled him around and down in front of the Minister. Merlin! The man was still hard.

“Suck me.” That hypnotic voice, that could sway almost anyone, made him open his mouth. The first taste hit his tongue and he was lost.

Home.

FIC: Christmas Bonus-HP Drabble

2009-11-27T18:04:34Z

Pairing: Kingsley/Neville
Rating: R/NC-17
Word Count: 227 (So it''s not 100 words, exactly, sue me...you wont' get much)
Warnings: Um..slash...

Disclaimer: Not British, not rich, not addled (Rocks Fall everyone dies. anyone?), just playing with them

Summary: It is time for Neville's Christmas Bonus

The Minister looked up from the file on his desk and nodded. “Close the door, please, Miss Longbottom.”

Watching those shapely legs turn to do as instructed, Kingsley shifted in his chair to relieve the pressure the sight of his secretary always brought him. “I believe it is time to present you with your Christmas bonus.”

“Payroll already did that Sir, there was a very nice extra sum deposited in my vault.” Despite that sweet protestation, Miss Longbottom moved to the edge of the desk, from long practice able to predict what the Minister wanted.

“Ah, that was for performing your normal duties exceedingly well. No, this bonus is for those tasks not required by your job description but lovingly performed.” Kingsley ran his hands up Neville’s stocking clad thighs, bending him over, and moving the thread of the g-string aside.

“Oh! Well, yes, in that case, I’d have to agree that I deserve and extra large bonus.” He sighed as the head of his boss’ and lover’s prick nudged his entrance.

With one thrust, Kingsley seated himself, biting Neville’s neck. Stilling he tangled his hands in the soft brown locks, now worn long as Kingsley preferred. “In a half an hour, when we rejoin the party, if you can walk without displacing the plug, losing my seed: I’ll give you another bonus when we get home.

Yule Balls Done

2009-11-27T01:12:26Z

The Yule Balls fic is done and sent to beta. That is something truly to be thankful for.

Turkey day actually went well.

The Parental units did not try to 'convert' the nephew to the hetero world. (Crosses fingers that Christmas will be just as peaceful). The niece was home from college and wonder of wonders it was good for her. She now seems to understand that the world does not revolve around her.

We had grilled turkey and roast veggies; sweet potatoe fries (baked in the oven) instead of casserole with marshmallows on top. Essentially we had a relatively healthy Thanksgiving Dinner. Even dessert: we forewent the fat laden pecan pie for pear tart and apple crisp. No pumpkin pie either, pumpkin soup instead. Not nearly as fattening.

And wine. very nice wine. I am happy.

DRABBLES...

2009-11-25T00:54:46Z

I have written drabbles. Four to be precise. True drabbles; as they each are 100 words exactly.

They will not be posted until 12/1/09 as they are for the Advent Drabble com, but they are written. While it is doubtful the other 21 will be that precise word count, I will take my victories where I can find them. I wrote them on my breaks and lunch. Tonight I should be writing the smut portion of my fic (I did come up with perfect end line today as well) but my eyes are drooping as I type this.

Sigh.

So, it is bathtime, then dinner and a glass of wine. If, and it is a big if, I get a second wind I will write more of the fic. If not, I will stay up late tomorrow and finish.

Regardless, with the help of my wonderul and patient beta (and she knows who she is) I will make my extended deadline.

Oven Baked Chocolate Pudding

2009-11-24T03:51:59Z

This is an unusual recipe for Chocolate Pudding, in that, you bake it in the oven rather than on the stove. Doing so eliminates the need for cornstarch, and makes for a very silky pudding..

Oven baked Chocolate Pudding

3 ounces bittersweet chocolate (70% or higher)

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped out, bean and seeds reserved

1 cup whole milk

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large egg yolks

1. Preheat the oven to 275F

2. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a medium bowl.

3. Combined the cream, sugar, vanilla bean and seeds in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour half of the cream mixture over the chocolate and whisk well to combine. Add the remaining cream mixture and whisk well, making sure that all the chocolate is melted. Remove the vanilla bean. (NOTE: You can rinse the bean, let it dry and use it again, or put it in your sugar canister to flavor the sugar). Whisk the milk and salt into the chocolate/cream mixture.

4. Put the egg yolks in a large bowl. Add about half the chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. Pour the chocolate-yolk mixture into the remaining chocolate mixture and whisk to combine.

5. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve (or cheesecloth) into a bowl and cool it in an ice-bath or refrigerator.

6. Place six 4-ounce ramekins, custard cups, or oven proof cups in a deep baking dish or roasting pan, spacing them evenly. Divide the cooled chocolate mixture between the cups. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving the front side loose. Carefully place the pan in the oven. Fill the pan with warm water to reach halfway up the sides of the cups, then seal the pan tightly with the foil.

7. Bake for 25 minutes. At that point, rotate the pan and let the steam out by lifting the foil. Reseal tightly. Continue baking, letting the steam out and resealing every 10 minutes for about 20 minutes more. NOTE: Puddings should have darkened set edges and the centers should be lighter and slightly loose.

8. Remove from the oven, and discard the foil. Let cool on a wire rack until they are room temperature (leave them in the water bath while they cool).

9. Remove from the water bath and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.

Recipe Post. Mustard Roast Chicken, Chai Latte, Braised Short Ribs

2009-11-23T02:12:46Z

Saturday, I made baked chicken, hash browns, and a salad. For dessert we made and sipped a spiced chai latte

For dinner today, we made Braised Short Ribs…Recipes below

2 tablespoons black tea

3 whole cloves

1 star anise

1 whole cinnamon stick

4 cups boiling water

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

¼ cup hot milk

Put the tea, cloves, star anise and cinnamon stick in a teapot or heat proof pitcher. Add the boiling water and let steep for 3-4 minutes. Strain the tea into another pitcher, add the honey and milk. Stir then serve.

Makes 4 servings or cups.

For today’s dinner, I did short ribs in the oven.

1 onion, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, smashed

1 leek, cleaned and finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or if you have fresh herbs, 4 sprigs)

1 cup red wine

½ cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 ½ pounds short ribs

2-3 Idaho potatoes peeled and cut in quarters (optional)

1. Mix all ingredients and except the meat and potatoes in a 9x15 inch roasting pan. Add the ribs and rub all over with the marinade. The meat should fit comfortably in a single layer in the pan. Cover with foil and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Occasionally turn the meat over in the marinade. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Preheat the oven to 400F. Braise the short ribs for 1 hour. At the 1 hour mark, reduce the heat to 350F, and turn the ribs over. Continue braising for 1 ½ to 2 hours more.

Note 1: Add water to the pan if too much liquid evaporates. You want to end up with glistening ribs in a reduced glaze

Note 2: If using the potatoes, you want to add them to the roasting pan 40 minutes before the ribs are out of the oven.

Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs

½ cup olive oil

1 lemon (juiced)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fresh herbs, (whatever looks and smells good and you like)

For the Glaze

2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

1 or 2 tablespoons honey

A little olive oil

A little salt and pepper

1. Marinate the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, herbs for at least 1 hour up to a day in advance. Preheat the oven to 375 F, and rub a large baking pan with olive oil or butter. Place the thighs, skin side down, in the pan.

2. Bake for 20-25 minutes and turn the chicken so the skin is up. Bake for 20 more minutes

3. While chicken is baking make the glaze by adding (in order) the mustard, honey and oil to a bowl and whisking. Add salt and pepper and whisk some more.

4. Apply the glaze to the chicken with a brush or spoon and broil for 5 minutes

5. Remove from the oven and let rest about 5-10 minutes

They are naked!!!!!!

2009-11-21T23:48:49Z

OMG, they are naked!

Finally I am writing fic where the boys are undressed in less than 5000 words.

Kisses both boys soundly, and gives them chocolate and Firewhisky to share. Kisses Muse too, even if she gives inspiration and whole paragraphs while I am in the shower and have 15 minutes to get to work after.

The boys are naked!!!!!!

Neville: Who should he sleep with?

2009-11-19T04:04:58Z

View Poll: Neville: Who should he bed, or who should bed him?

Advent Drabbles?

2009-11-17T03:33:58Z

I have no idea if the Advent Drabble comm thingie is going to be hosted or run this year. But I hope so. For once, and I do mean for the first time, I have an idea for the series. Rather than trying to come up with something spur of the moment.

We shall see, I suppose.

Harry Holidays fic was sent off and, assuming the mods don't send it back as unacceptable or needing changes, the only fic I have left to write is for Yule Balls.

Then strictly fun...

But...

I do want to get back to the Charlie/Neville series I abandoned over 2 years ago: "You'd be so nice to come home too."

Then there is the list of ideas I want to write:

1 Harry/Dennis
2. Neville/Dennis
3. Harry/Neville (my first love)
4. Charlie/Neville (tied with Oliver/Dennis) for my OTP
5. AU Harry/Colin, Neville/Dennis

Cinnamon Polenta Pancakes...

2009-11-16T00:06:28Z

I made these for breakfast this morning and topped with a makeshift combo of blueberries and strawberries (the frozen kind, thawed and warmed up).

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour

¾ cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

2 large eggs beaten

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup water

1. In a bowl, whisk the flour with the cornmeal, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the eggs, olive oil and water. Whisk the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, leaving small lumps.

2. Set a griddle or small skillet over moderate high heat and spray with vegetable spray. When the pan is hot, spoon in about ¼ cup mounds of better and spread to form 4-inch rounds. Cook the pancakes unit the bottoms are browned and bubbles appear on the surface, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook other side until browned on bottom (1-2 minutes more).

That was breakfast. For lunch we had cranberry bean soup with bacon, and cheese bread and a salad. For dinner, we indulged and had pulled pork sandwiches (Teh Rock did the pulled pork in the crock pot).

Harry Holidays Done

2009-11-15T19:29:47Z

And sent to Beta;

Yule Balls, in works, with new plot bunny, one I can actually work with.

Yay.

And Yay for extension.

But Harry Holidays done and sent to Beta. It bears repeating.

I deserve chocolate and a drink.

Roast Chicken with Tangerines

2009-11-15T04:21:34Z

One 6 pound roasting chicken

2 garlic cloves thinly sliced

6 rosemary sprigs

3 tangerines, washed and halved

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ cup dry white wine

¼ cup honey

1 ¾ cups chicken broth

1. Heat oven to 425 F. Set the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and stuff the cavity with the garlic, rosemary, and 4 of the tangerine halves. Juice the remaining tangerine halves. Rub the oil all over the chicken. Pour the wine and juice over the chicken. Drizzle on the honey and season with salt and pepper.

2. Roast the chicken for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup of the broth to the pan, cover the pan with foil and reduce the oven temperature to 375. Roast the chicken for 40 minutes. Add the remaining ¾ cup of broth to the roasting pan. Cover and roast for 50 minutes longer or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the inner thigh registers 165.

3. Transfer the chicken to a carving board and let rest for 15 minutes. Strain the pan juices into a sauce pan and skim the fat. Carve the chicken and serve with pan juices.

NOTE: I have put the bones and fruit into a stock pot and it is simmering with water. That stock is going to taste so good.

Roasted vegetable lasagna, tiramisu, smallville, spn and glee.

2009-11-14T02:29:11Z

That is dinner tomorrow. I have just put the tiramisu in the fridge. I think Sunday I am going to braise a double batch of short ribs. One will be for dinner and the other to fill ravioli with.

I had TV on but didn't have remote so ended up watching part of Smallville. I know some drool over Tom, but I tend to go back and forth.  Sometimes I think he's quite handsome and the others I think he has chipmunk cheeks. Tonight was a little of both. But I have no qualms about Callum Blu who now plays Zod. YUM

I did not like SPN last night, not least of which because they made a play on "Good Omens" A word to Kripke:  Leave Neil Gaiman alone. Got it? Good.

GLEE! I am looking forward to next week, even though Rachel gives me a pain. Could they do an ep where she loses her voice? Pretty please.   But 60's ballads next week? YAY>

I got a third of fic done today. Tomorrow will be foreplay and courtship and Sunday I will write the smut. Monday to Beta and Tues to Fest. Yes, I am cutting it close but between 10 hours mandatory overtime a week and moving, the muse has not been cooperating.

Then Tuesday is my Bday as well...and a perfect present comes out the same day; the Star Trek reboot on DVD. Weds will be getting work done on next fest fic.

After that is done, I swear, no more fest fics until Neville big bang (if that fest comes together).

GLEE PSA, also John Cho aka Sulu Squee

2009-11-13T01:29:11Z

If, like me, you cannot tolerate Tyra Banks you may wish to temporarily push that distaste aside. Especially is, again like me, you Love "GLEE".

The "GLEE" cast will be on the Tyra Banks show tomorrow.

So one time and one time only, I will be DVRIng that show.

Right now I am watching Flash Forward, and I must say the main reason for doing so is the hotness that is Sulu, erm John Cho. My Lord that man looks good in a bullet-proof vest.

So as I am in a rambling mode...what else?

Oh. This needs to be out now so I can see

Statement of belief...

2009-11-11T01:04:27Z

Ok, a friend's post got me thinking and, well, maybe it is time to lay certain things on the table and if you chose to defriend I respect that decision.

So, for the first and last time here are my beliefs vis a vis religion and faith.

1. I believe in God
2. I believe in Christ the Saviour
3. I do NOT believe that the Bible is the end all be all. It is a selection of works (others were not allowed to be published or included as any historian knows). That selection was based on many factors, not least of which was the desire to build an organized and unified church, as well as influenced by political/socio factors of the time the council lived in. In other words, there was an agenda, and it wasn't all Gods.
4. I do not believe said Bible should be taken verbatim. Said bible has been translated over the years, first orally (and we all know what happens when oral communication gets passed down the line) then through multiple languages
5. I do believe that the Bible is a starting point to reflect and pray about things in the time we live in
6. I do not believe that God gave us a brain only for us to let others (the Pope etc) do our thinking for us.
7. I do not believe that Christ wanted his word and message manipulate to arouse hate, or inflict damage on others, especially those who are different.

To amplify or clarify my background, I was raised Catholic. I have not stayed in that church. I have visited Jewish Synagogues, Muslim temples. I have attended meetings of "Friends" i.e. Quakers, and numerous other religious affiliations. While my 'Christian' status feels true and right, it is my belief, my faith. And faith, by definition is a blind leap.

So who am I to say other's faith in different things is wrong, as long as it is not a means or a tool to damage others. I could be wrong and they could be right.

Granted my Mother is not happy about my having left the Catholic church. I have told her when the following occur I will consider rejoining:

1. Women are allowed to become priests. The collage of cardinals elects the Pope, you can't be a cardinal until you're a bishop, you can't be a bishop unless you are a priest. In other words the Catholic Church is set up to systematically exclude women from participating in the governing body that effects them. And the majority of Catholics are female
2. Divorce. If God can forgive me for a mistake, why can't the Catholic church recognize that some marriages are just that, and allow and sanction that it happened, it ended, and life goes on
3. Own up to past misdeeds. I .e child molestation, the denial of the Holocost etc
4. Allow priests to marry.
5. Recognize the benefit of birth control.

Until then, I will pray and honor my God in my way.

Feel free to defriend at will

Addicted to Glee and puppies..

2009-11-07T03:44:27Z

I gave in and we are getting the beagle puppy, from the animal shelter puppy wash. This will raise our household count to me, Teh Rock, cousin, his SO, 3 dogs, a cat and 2 turtles.

This is the last animal, I swear.

I am also addicted to "Glee", so much so that I now have the soundtrack. What does it say about me that I have never really cared much for Diana Ross (even in her younger days she looked like a female impersonator IMO) but I LOVE the Glee casts version of "You Keep Me Hanging On."

And I have listened to "Somebody to Love" 5 times thus far in the last hour.

Need Glee icon

Maurader, anyone? WARNING, PIC SPAM

2009-11-05T20:32:25Z

Um...If James had lived and worn contact...

GUH....

I needed this today...

Thanks to James Marsdencom

I swear she looks a decade older than him...

Polanski and Richmond..

2009-11-01T15:37:44Z

French sources say that Polanski will attempt to make a cash offer for bail.

Herve Temime told France-Info radio Sunday the latest offer is in cash. He wouldn't say how much. He said Polanski would accept the extradition decision "whatever it is" and assured his client would never behave "like a fugitive."

Uh, hello? He would never behave like a fugitive? So skipping town 30 years ago and never knowingly setting foot since then where he could be caught in the last 3 decades is not behaving like a fugitive? I'd like to hear Mr. Temime explain then what a fugitive does behave like.

And sadly, the world hasn't changed much. We only have to look at Richmond and the police reports that the suspects and observers they spoke to show no remorse.

Because rape isn't the perps fault, the victim asked for it. Right.

Excuse me while I vomit.

Attention "Tin Man" fans... And I is moving...

2009-10-31T20:39:33Z

The Syfy Network (and you may already know this) is going to give the same sort of treatment to "Alice In Wonderland" come December. Should be interesting.

The Box opens this coming Friday. I will be there for James Marsden.   Even though Cameron Diza who plays his wife looks like she's 10 years older than he, and in RL she's only one.

Got 600 words done this morning on one of my fest fics and have the next section outlined so that will get written sometime tomorrow. But first, as the house we have been building is FINALLY done, we will be moving for the final time (I hope). We start tomorrow, so I will not have AIM while I am there as we are not moving all in one piece.     But tomorrow, will be first night there and I cannot wait.

For starters we need to 'season' and break in the fireplace...

Our bedroom, small by most standards (as it is big enough only to house the king-sized bed, a rocking chair and room to manuever,) has a screened porch off of it with a lovely cushioned porch swing. So we will be able to sleep with the windows open.   And we have radiant heat under the bamboo and cork flooring throughout. And since it got down to 47 last night (YAY), that will feel nice

I am off half a day Tues but that is not because of move. That is completely selfish as I will be getting Barbara Kingsolver's new novel (The Lacuna) and reading.

Off Weds as well and that is to work in house and get writing done

Back at current domicile on Thurs for getting more stuff out of it, and cleaning. Will also RPG hopefully if charries around to interact with mine.

Fri is "The Box" otherwise known as drooling over James who looks HOT and adorable and sexy all at the same time even in horrible 70's clothes.

Sat and Sun, work on moving and at new house.

Next Monday (11/9/09) modem and full internet and cable should be set up at new house and we will be there for good.

LOL thing is the 'new' house is back where we started after we demolished the old cabin we started to build the
'new' house where it once stood. It will be wonderful to have the common garden to share with my cousin and his wife, and Aunt and Uncle (them on weekends).

Oh and V is on this Tuesday. I will need to DVR and watch to see if it is any good.

A very merry unbirthday to me...

2009-10-31T04:02:00Z

Needs Mad Hatter Icon..

Today is not my birthday. That is not until 11/17. But the parental units as well as the favorite Aunt and Uncle have to be out of town starting Sunday until the 24th. So they brought my pressies tonight and we are having an early dinner tomorrow at my favorite restaurant.

OMG...

New clothes. You have no idea. I don't remember the last time I bought new clothes. And even if I could afford to shop where they did (and I can't) I wouldn't. I'm too damn cheap. But I'm grateful.

I got 3 new dresses, 2 scarfs, slacks, a shirt, a coat, boots and flats.

SQUEES..

Who needs anymore pressies..

Um..but if someone wanted to write Dom Charlie spanking Dennis...coughmalcough, or Oliver/Dennis, or Neville/Dennis, or Minister Kingsley/secretary Neville...I wouldn't complain...

Bitch? Me? Damn straight. And it's a good thing.

2009-10-29T23:31:28Z

So regarding Typhoid Mary and Harry (not their real names).

Mary was at it again today. Coughing all over the fax machine, down the hall. Not even making a gesture towards covering her mouth. Happily I was not within infection distance (I stayed more than 6 feet away) but I did wipe down the fax machine with disinfectant etc.

But then it got better, or worse

Went to the Loo and guess who. Puking into the sink. Then she went right back to her desk without either cleaning it up, calling facilities to do so, washing her hands. Nothing, Nada.

That was it.

I e-mailed facilities and...

She was sent home without pay, and will not be coming back. The company posted about 2 months ago the CDC guidelines (i.e. wash hands, cover your mouth, social distancing) and we are expected to comply with that. Facilities told me they will be sending an e-mail out tomorrow company wide reminding EVERYONE of that and if they don't comply we are to report them.

Of course Mary knew I was the one who reported her and apparently suggested that I don't do the same. LOL, yeah I do. My co-workers in my immediate area know that I am extremely concious of covering my mouth with a tissue or napkin when I sneeze or cough and throwing it away immediately after along with sanitizing my hands (if I can't wash them) as well.

No, I may not be able to keep from getting sick but if that happens I will do my best not to infect others. Which is what I expect from others in turn.

So the facilies manager walked by my desk (and while I don't have a cold right now ect..knock wood) I did cough as I swallowed wrong (or as my mom says, it went down the wrong pipe) and guess what? I was covering my mouth with a tissue as I did so.

HA!

Then our supervisor called a meeting and stated that she had given some of us permission to LYSOL our area as others were coughing without covering their mouths and if the offenders had a problem with that they could just get over it and/or cover their mouths.

Take THAT Typhoid Harry.

Now 90 minutes more and I can go home and have chicken chili and cornbread.

RECIPE: Apple Cider Muffins

2009-10-28T02:29:49Z

From the cookbook: “The Craft Of Baking” by Karen De Masco and Mindy Fox

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

¾ cup grapeseed oil (I substituted safflower oil)

3 large eggs

2 ¼ cup unbleached all purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apple cider

¾ cup sour cream

1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 crisp apples (I used granny smith) peeled, cored, grated and drained, juices reserved and used as part of cider measurement

Sugar for tops

Heat oven to 350 F. Generously butter a standard 13 cup muffin tin (or use paper liners)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil Add the eggs and whisk to combine. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a third bowl whisk together the cider, sour cream and vanilla.

Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/3 of the apple cider mixture to the sugar mixture, folding with a spatula until just combined (DO NOT OVER MIX). Add the rest of the flour and cider mixtures in two more additions. Fold in the grated apple and then divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups in the muffin tin.

Sprinkle the tops with sugar.

Bake 25-30 minutes rotating the pan halfway through. Let cool 10 minutes. Can be kept in air tight container for 3 days.

Apple Cider Muffins, Gingerbread Cupcakes, Brioche Baked In A Can, Hot Fudge Sauce

2009-10-28T01:02:48Z

I have been up since 5:30.

I was at work by 6:30 and have just got home like 15 minutes ago. During lunch I went and picked up my new cookbook, "The Craft Of Baking" by Karen DeMasco and Mindy Fox.

I have just put the Apple Cider Muffins in the oven and I can already tell I am going to be tempted to eat more than one. I also have Hot Fudge Sauce on the stove, and am getting ready to make Gingerbread Cupcakes.

Saturday with Brioche Baked in a can.

I can tell you that, with the exception of rice pudding recipes and those with nuts, I will be baking my way through this book.

I already have a recipe I want to try for thanksgiving. Pumpkin Ice Cream

I will post the recipes for the cider muffins this weekend, if anyone wants.