Happy New Year!

Wedding champagne flutes.

Barefoot Pink Moscato Champagne.

A simple night and Hours of fun with 2 of our favorite couples.

Celebrating 10 New Years Nights with Mr Buckeye.

Welcome 2012!

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Epic Christmas

Is finally over.

We've been here, there, and everywhere! Full recap coming soon.

Only 366 more days till we can say this again!

Merry Christmas!

Trans Siberian Orchestra 2011

For Mr. Buckeye's Birthday we went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has always wanted to go but the timing was never right. This year the stars aligned because they were at US Bank Arena on Dec. 1. How perfect to start of the Christmas season!

 Long hair might be another requirement to be a rock guitarist. A stance is the other requirement. Stance and long hair to swing around. If you've got both, you too may rock.

 We may have watched this guy in the front row more than anyone else in the entire show. He was jumping around, air guitar solos, air drum solos, and at one point I thought he was going to jump on stage. He was up the entire show... notice everyone else in their seats.

 Lots of lasers, smoke, fire, fireworks, and rock Christmas music makes for Happy Buckeyes!

My First Thanksgiving

It started out so well. I got up early and everything was going my way. .

But I suppose it wouldn't be a holiday without a freakout and some tears. The roaster I used is apparently on loan from Satan in the center of the earth and cooks with molten lava because my turkey was completely done by 9:00am. (less than 2 hours to cook a 16 lb turkey??? ::cue tears::) Terribly sorry to the Mr. Buckeye for having to deal with me- and on his birthday no less! But I was able to salvage it and keep it moist until lunch at 1.*

All in all it wasn't too bad, a tad dry but not nearly what I envisioned.

And we had way too much food but it was delicious!
For the record, I actually did eat my Aunt's Sweet Potatoes without gagging AND asked to keep a small bit for leftovers that I DID eat too! This is a huge deal.

 Mama had every number candle except the 2 we needed... so we settled for the ?

And Sky wanted in on the pyrotechnics as well.

Then Saturday up to Columbus to see our favorite little people. They are getting too big, make it stop!

and see the 2 newest members of the family!

We are in full holiday swing down here now so bring on Christmas!

*Wrap the whole thing in foil, wrap the whole thing in bath towels, keep in cooler till ready to serve

Thanksgiving Morning

My first Thanksgiving here at home. I know that people cook turkeys everyday and there are far more people out there that are hosting families larger than mine and having to prepare and cook every.single.thing.

I'm thankful that my family is chipping in and bringing the sides. We've got the turkey, mashed potatoes, and noodles. I think I can handle that.

I got up at 6 this morning- probably way later than most out there! And set to tackle the beast.

 My helper was ready and waiting... and begging.

After it was all said and done, I'd declare a tie. The turkey somehow, after 5 days in the fridge, and a short soak last night in cold water, was still icy! I was able to finish thawing it (or so I currently think, we will see) in the sink with cold water. THEN, The people at Honeysuckle must have not trust the turkeys to keep their legs together because I couldn't even cut the wrap off. I managed to get the legs out so I could get the neck ::gag:: and the bits out. Then I gave up and put the legs back in the stirrups. Will deal with it later.

I did the whole separate the skin thing and put roughly 1/2 stick of butter on the breasts under the skin along with 3 springs of thyme. Then sprinkled with salt and pepper, (salt, pepper, and a couple sprigs in the cavity too) And rubbed the butter on the outside to try to get it off my hands. Finally, I sprinkled Lawry's seasoning salt on top and then brushed with olive oil.

I preheated the roaster to the highest it would go and got in in there for 30 minutes to, hopefully, brown the skin and then turned it down to 350* for I don't know how long, at least 4 hours I think. I could hear it sizzling so I'm hoping the high heat effort worked. Bird needed a tan, bad.

 Managed to not make too big of a mess.

 and now it's 7:30, all cleaned up, and I'm resting quickly with a Peppermint Mocha and the Today Show.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Blessed

We spent yesterday with our one (two?) and only niece and nephew.

Emme, Leeshie, Cade, oh- and Lady Twinkletoes's fabulous pink fingernails!

But not for long because we found out earlier this week that we will be getting a new little niece or nephew come Fall because the Sister-In-Law is pregnant!

So excited!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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It is now tradition

I think if it is 3 years in a row it is now tradition.

Dinner at PF Changs and a movie.

Dinner was delicious and Just Go With It was adorable. We laughed our butts off.

Happy Valentine Day!

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A New Year

Well, the year has come to an end.

I have had the last 2 weeks off and am ready to start the new job on Monday. Sure, I did work 1 day 2 weeks ago but then I surprisingly got the rest of the time off! It's been great, but I am ready to get back to a schedule and I look forward to the new opportunity in 2011.

Unfortunately, I've been under the weather the last couple of days. Possibly a sinus issue or a bad cold. It's been the regular cough, sore throat, feels like the head in the clouds kind of thing. Kind of a bummer to end my vacation this way but I'm working through it.

Hope you all have a fantastic new years night- be safe!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours-

I hope you have a fabulous, safe, and joyous holiday this year.

-2BuckeyesinCinci

running out of time

Sitting here I just realized that there are only 16 days till Christmas. I have some serious shopping to do!

In other news, I went to the gym for the first real time since the half marathon. I ended up in an hour long spin class and my legs are now wet noodles unable to support my body. I'll be here in the couch for the duration of the night if you need me.

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Positivity

In all the horror and terribleness that was those top 5 incidents on Halloween, I totally almost forgot one of the most postive events of the night.

Towards the end of the night, 3 high school girls came up. They were adorably dressed as princesses and politely came up for trick or treat. Only they threw me a curve ball. Instead of trick or treating for candy, they were asking for canned good for a local food pantry.

Of course we gladly obliged and while Mr Buckeye was collecting some cans from the kitchen I asked what they were doing it for, how old they were, etc.

They were juniors at our local high school and involved in a club at school that focuses on outreach and community service. They all decided that they were too old to trick or treat but could use it as a great opportunity for the club. They had been out collecting cans all night and said they had pretty good response from people. They had collected over 4 wagonfuls of cans between just the 3 of them, AND and they were still out there.

Warms my heart.

* I did ask if they would like candy too. Of course, they said yes. What teenage girl will refuse chocolate and taffy?!

Trick or Treat? Beer or Bomb?

I have to say I am disappointed in Trick or Treat this year.

While I am not the biggest fan of Halloween, I appreciate it for what it is, and I abide by the rules and do my duty by passing out candy for the Trick or Treaters. This year, we failed to carve pumpkins, but I did have my ceramic jack-o-lantern filled with candles so that our house was adorned with a bit of Halloween spirit. We were ready and waiting at 5:59 for the trick o treaters to make their way. And beg us for candy.

This year I was appalled at the lack of creativity, and in most cases, lack of costume in general. I handed out candy to no less than 25% of children who were wearing jeans and t-shirts. (Though I will give props to a girl who was wearing a pink, “smarties” t-shirt and had taped smarties all over her jeans… she was a “smartie-pants”)

Let me break it down in list form. My top 5 ridiculous incidents during Trick or Treat 2010.

5.   Parents- yes, I understand it was football Sunday and you’d probably been indulging in an adult beverage or 2. But to use your children’s wagon as a carry-all out in the open for additional brew-ha-ha’s while trick or treating is just not classy. Seriously, there was an adorable set of children being pulled in a wagon- the one child held her pumpkin and politely asked “Trick or Treat?” and I gladly gave the candy- while the other was a bit shy so I reached over to put some candy in his pumpkin and right there by their little feet were 6 cans of Bud Light. I mean, if you are going to do it, fine, but really? Put it in a bag, a cozy, a cup… not right there in the open!

4.   Again, on the booze. Cans are one thing but to be pushing your sleeping bunny in her stroller while holding a GLASS BOTTLE of beer. (again, no cozy, no cup, nothing, just beer bottle. Out in the open.)  Not to mention there is an open container law in Ohio and we have 2 sheriffs that live on our street.

3.   There was a kid, in his teens I’m sure, that once again was wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. But at least he had a chicken hat on his head. I could hear him talking on his cell phone then entire way around the cal-de-sac. As he approached me, still talking, I wondered if he would get off the phone. Nope. He walked up, pulled the phone away, said Trick or Treat, I put candy in his bag and he immediately put the phone back to his ear and said “okay, I’m back- go ahead.” No thank you, no acknowledgement, nothing.  The nerve of some kids just kills me. Would it kill you to turn your phone off and actually act like a kid if you want me to give you candy?

2.   This one ALMOST made my number 1 spot. ALMOST. I kid you not, and I can’t even believe this happened. I had 4, not one, two, or even 3, but FOUR! Grown, adult women. Probably in their early to mid 30’s approach me for candy. They came up (again, jeans and sweatshirts) with their pillowcases. No asking trick or treat, no costumes, and even worse- NO CHILDREN!!! I looked all around and they were just 4 grown women walking around getting candy. I almost couldn’t give it to them but I was not about to get into it and cause a scene. That was pretty much the nail in the coffin for me.

1.   I was witness to the absolute, most inappropriate costume I have ever seen.  Again, male child, most likely early teens. Walking around alone. Wearing a long, thick, scraggly black wig- baggy fatigues- mustache and beard- bandana type thing around the wig. Around his neck is what looks like- from a distance, an etch a sketch. He stops at the bottom of the driveway and stares at me. Creepy. He then starts doing something with his left hand- like he is pushing a buzzer on a game show. He slowly walks up to me, stops, stares, does it again. And again (seriously took him 5 minutes to get up the driveway) He finally throws his hands in the air, starts screaming and running towards me. I didn’t even know what to say. He asked politely for candy, which I gave. And then switches to an accent talking about Al Qaeda and how he doesn’t know how he is supposed to blow people up when he can’t get a bomb that works. (that thing- around his neck? Was supposed to be a homemade explosive.)  I have absolutely no words to describe what was going through my head.

**Please note: we actually live in a really nice neighborhood with great kids and families. I have no idea where these people came from. If they do live in my neighborhood- they hide themselves really well.

Tell me- Am I being ridiculous to think this stuff was inappropriate?

What crazy shenanigans happened during YOUR trick or treat 2010?

BOO!

Recovery

Well folks, I’m back. Hopefully for the better, and hopefully for good.

This weekend was everything that I hoped it would be, and much needed. A bit of sun, friends, friend’s new babies, good food, flowers, rounded out with some knitting and rain. I couldn’t be happier.

We bought a flag, and it proudly hangs on our front porch. Above the 2 pots of flowers and once out of control but now neatly trimmed bushes. New flowers now line the edge of our garden and surround our mailbox. We didn’t plant last year and I kind of missed it. We will, however, ignore the fact that it was hotter than HADES and we were outside working for over 5 hours on Sunday. My hamstrings still burn today. But it’s done. And it looks lovely. So lovely in fact, that Mr. Buckeye and I sat on the front porch while the rain came pouring down. Yes, I was knitting in my rocking chair listening to the rain. And yes, I was wearing a long linen skirt. But no, I’m not 80. Yet.

Photos to come. Rain + camera = sad face. So provided the heavens stay closed today, I’ll snap away tonight.

And in other positive news, the new hot water heater will likely be installed today or tomorrow. The only time a cold shower works? After spending 5 hours in hotter than HADES weather. On a Tuesday morning while getting ready for work? Notsomuch.


This monster was out. of. control.



So I hacked it to pieces.


The bermuda grass took over the garden. and holy bushes!


MUCH better!

ignore that missing shutter up there... it's back now. Stupid wind.

Flag and potted plants photos to come!

Columbus Easter in Review

Anna and Maya ready to go!

What can we say? He loves green! (and insisted on wearing the headphones!)

Kids with their loot

A little swing time with my BFF Emme :)


I made a trifle... and a first time attempt at Rainbow Cupcakes.

This one was reversed but they were excellent!

1 Year Makes A Big Difference

What a difference 1 year makes.

Remembering where we were last year on St. Patrick's Day makes me feel old now.

Rather than sitting outside on a patio all day at an Irish Pub. We were responsible and worked during the day, though I did go outside for lunch and watch the folks outside at an Irish Pub near work. I was a bit jealous, I'm not gonne lie.

After our responsible selves were done with work, we didn't down pint after pint of Green Beer and Killians and shots of Irish Kisses... but what is St. Patty's without just a little bit of green beer.

Especially when it comes from your own kegarator!

Yes, I made those beers green. Thank you food coloring :)

And our night pretty much went like this:

Followed by Mr. Buckeye grilling us giant burgers the size of your face and watching House and American Idol.

Goodness we feel old, but you know what?

The change is nice and after the madness we have been through it was a welcome change.

I've got lots of pictures of the basement and updates to share but I've been too exhausted to get them up. You'll see them eventually- you can see a bit of the carpet in there and the light fixture obviously. But there is more. Trust me there is more.

LOVE-ly Weekend

Yes, it was.

We had a fabulous Valentine's Day weekend- how about you?

Friday night was the Olympic Opening Ceremony- more on this later, because I did something a little different this year- unfortunately for Mr. Buckeye, I wasn't at home to watch with him but that's okay because he was working away in his office anyway.

Saturday was quite a whirlwind. Here and gone before we knew it. We actually bought almost everything we need to finish the basement! Breakdown of Saturday's shop-o-rama:

Kegarator!!! (He is already trying to determine what shall fill the inaugural keg!)
Billiard Light (we went with my first choice :) )
Bathroom Vanity, Mirror, Toilet, TP Holder, Towel Ring\
Red Delicious Paint for the bathroom
Lights- for the Bathroom as well as above the bar
A couple more can lights for the ceiling
Baffles (the part that surrounds the lights)

It was highly successful and our haul is now stacked in the garage waitiing to be installed. I can't believe we will be mostly done in 2 weeks!

Saturday night was ended with our annual dinner at PF Changs and a cheesy movie. Yes, we saw Valentine's Day. And I thought it was cute, but he wasn't all that thrilled. I think part of it had to do with the fact that we are old fogeys and hadn't been to a movie at 10pm since we were like 18. Sheesh. We were almost falling asleep towards the end- HA!

Sunday was exhausting yet again, but we made another purchase! Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the interwebz, we bought the tile. We ran over to Lowe's hoping and praying that we could find something, and sure enough we did! And it was really well priced to boot! It's a porceline gray tile that almost looks like a stained concrete/stone. It has a little bit of texture and some color variation that we think will look phenomenal around the bar and in the bathroom. All we have left to pick out now is carpet!

Once we got settled back in at home aroun 7, this is how the rest of my night went:

Cup of Hot Chocolate, my Knitting Olympic Project, and the Olympics. Great time if you ask me!


Oh wait, I knew I was forgetting something, it didn't seem quite right...


Much Better.

Merry Christmas!