Erika Ritzel Photography...

I love her photography. Kitchy-cool in a quirky Anthropologie-sort-a-way. Where else does Playboy live in Harmony with grannies dusty doilies?!? This is from her SOLD series of photos from estate sales and the like.

I bought this photo at the MCAD art sale last year and framed it in a simple, laquered white frame. It currently resides at my studio in my currently artistic (translation: messy) office. From her HOME series. My grandma had that EXACT same applique table cloth with the buttery yellow pear... I'm slightly nostalgic... and a sucker for anything pink...

Happy Birthday Miss Kato!

My girl is 8 years young today! Check her out with her red velvet puppy cake she got when I went to visit my friends Midnight and Harley in Kansas City. Ain't she cute as a bugs ear? She's got a bum wheel, but we aren't going to talk about that on her birthday.

Hope everyone is great and sorry Ramblings has been sort of mute over the past few months. I'll work on getting a bit better.

Good Ole St. Nick

See, when you don't have kids you do crazy stuff like this. You wait in line (thank God with one of your best friends) for 93 minutes to see the big guy. Hoping and praying your dog doesn't make you look bad or pee on anything/anyone. If you are lucky you can catch a couple of good shots and hopefully not the flu from all the sniveling kids in line with you.

St. Nick was a good sport and only slightly surprised I didn't want to be in the photo with them. My K-9 companion posed like a Westminster champ and couldn't wait to get the hell outta the sweat shop they call Ridgedale (what was the temp in there anyway?!?).

Zoom sat perfectly, Foster did his part, thankfully without any nervous diarrhea.

I saved a bundle by bringing my own camera and avoiding the highway robbers they call elves. $17-$45 for a mall Santa photo? Pah-leez!

Heart throb...

I L.O.V.E him...

Courtesy of MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer was named the American League's Most Valuable Player Monday, beating out Yankee stars Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter.

Mauer received 27 of the 28 first-place votes and had a total of 387 points. Teixeira and Jeter finished second and third, respectively.

The other first-place vote went to Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera, who finished fourth in the voting.

Mauer, 26, had 28 home runs, 96 RBI, a .365 batting average and led the American League in batting for the third time in his career.

Mauer won the award, despite missing the first month of play because of a back injury. In his first game back on May 1, he hit a home run in his first at-bat. He was named the league's player of the month for May.

This year, Mauer also pocketed his second Rawlings Gold Glove Award and his third Louisville Silver Slugger Award.

Mauer joins an elite club of Twins who have won the MVP award, including Justin Morneau in 2006, Rod Carew in 1977, Harmon Killebrew in 1969 and Zoilo Versalles in 1965. The MVP award is based on votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Mauer is only the second catcher in 33 years to win the award.

Halloween 2009

I got the giggles. I mean seriously. Nothing is better than dressing up for Halloween. I thought of our costumes over a month ago, before I knew John and Kate Plus Eight was going to be a global Halloween sensation. None the less we donned our Gosselin gear and had a blast. I wish you could see the full glory of my Hubby's costume. We used a little chocolate brown eyeliner to enhance, "John's," eyes AND we borrowed a pair of vintage rhinestone clip on earrings from the Nickster (thank you love). But, JV's best prop was a pack of ciggies. We roared with laughter as he pretended to be a veteran smoker. He looked the part until he inadvertently dropped his unlit smoke in his cocktail. The cat was outta the bag.

And then he figured out a ciggy would fit perfectly in this baby's mouth.

I mean this is frickin' hilarious. Thanks to Hank for letting us borrow his stroller and the neighbor girl for borrowing me the eighth Cabbage Patch Kid.

The whole gang dressed up!

But the most creative costume was definitely Amy B. She was the above girl from the famous Roy Lichtenstein paintings.

I mean look at the work she went to. I just bought a stupid wig.

Happy Birthday Nooncy!

Dear, Sweet Brutha Nooncy...

Happy birthday my friend! Come on over and I'll make you birthday dinner tonight!

LOVE this photo-damn Twins-he shoulda caught that! Do I really have to wait until Spring to see Mauer again :) ?

Love you!

A New Blog To Luv!

Heart. Be. Still.

www.kateturpin.blogspot.com

Keeping the Turpin family in our thoughts...

hey-lo everyone. it's a somber day today. if you haven't been updated about the loss of lil Jack check in on the Turpin family blog. no words can put it in perspective. love, support and well wishes are being sent to TX. KJ and Dan we luv you. Read more here.

Rest In Peace Jessie...

Recently, I have had a few deep blog posts, so I write this at the risk of being morbid.

This evening I attended a funeral for the young woman you see to the left. Young, as in 24 years, young. Young, as in born in 1984, young. Young, as in at the age where ones body should be fit, healthy, athletic. Perhaps this is the reason her death has me thinking about my own mortality and how a healthy life can often be taken for granted. She was an athlete, an artist, a singer, a graduate with a degree in interior design, an animal lover, full of charm and quick wit. She fought hard, at one point asking her doctor if she could have her slogan word, PERSEVERANCE, tattooed to the back of her bald head. She was a beautiful girl, remarkably stunning even sans hair. A bright smile and a courageous family supporting her in her fight. Nothing seems fair about loss of life, and a long, hard struggle with a incurable and inconsiderate disease, not when you have so much left to do on this earth.

I left the service tonight with profound sadness and a new sense of purpose. Jessie's family shared some entries from her journal. She was a woman wise beyond her twenty-four years. She talked of living a life without any should haves. No regrets, no wishing you had done differently. I will think of her often, living my life with her in mind... without any should haves.

To read about Jessie's journey from her Caring Bridge website follow this link.

Some days I ramble on. This, that, the other.

Today isn't that sort of day.

All I really want to say is Happy Birthday Oliver.

Brookid and Jerrid love you.

R.I.P. Brandy Wine

If you have ever had a pet you get it. It doesn't matter if it's a feline, canine or equine they make a huge impact on our heart and make life just that much sweeter. Sure, sure, they may shred a pair of two of designer shoes, but really, it was your fault for not putting them away anyway. And yes, they may give ya a little attitude when you strap the ole saddle around their midsection, but honestly, how would YOU like carrying YOU around? So, I guess what I am trying to say is, without doubt it's work, sometimes H-A-R-D work to raise an animal of any kind. Factor in the expense of food/hay/corn/shelter/vet bills/treats/pet sitters and you can kiss that fabulous Hawaiian get-a-way goodbye. But the fact of the matter is every pet owner I know would do it again anyway. Animals can provide this unconditional love like no other. They trust, they depend, they are never disappointed you had to come back home to make sure the curling iron was unplugged. The only time you find yourself wondering, "why the hell did I own this animal," is when you feel the raw emotion of having to say goodbye to them. Why would we fall in love, nurture and care so deeply for these animals knowing we will likely outlive them by years if not decades? It's because no one else would wag a tail harder when you come home from a bad day at the office. It's because no one else would whiney with glee at a rolled apple & oat treat and a bucket of corn. It's because the bond between animal and human is truly a miraculous thing to behold.

With that said we say a lump-throated, "so long," to Brandy, a perfectly appointed quarter horse. Who's heart was as big as her belly and her spirit as fiery and the white blaze marked upon her nose. I send a huge hug through the phone line and the blogosphere to Craig and Joanie, who's farm is a little quiet tonight. I (and I know they do too) picture Brandy, her mane tousled by the wind galloping through those big green fields in the sky. Some day when I meet her there I might just finally be brave enough to ride her.

A favorite video of Brandy and Miss Kato:

Best boys in town...

Oh gosh. Remember way back three/four moons ago when I spoke of my HOT date with two fine lads? Oh, yah baby (or should I say, "oh, yah boy?) it was so H-O-T we needed to call in the MG fire fighters!

So, where do I even begin to tell the tale of summer love? Maybe I should start with Hank driving the big rig. He was fearless and mighty! Inquiries were made about every bell, whistle, nook and cranny. God bless the firefighters on duty! But most importantly buddies bonded, "buddies don't shake hands, buddies gotta HUG! P-man shared a lick (and a few drips) of his home made ice cream cone (and ate half a package of blueberries-sorry MOM). He was sugary sweet! We met this crazy cat who makes all sorts of critters and creatures and the occasional custom sword outta nothing but a balloon and a bunch of hot air. But, that's not it! There's more! The best was conversation over a non-alcoholic drink of water... water outta a lions head! Talk about giggles! Not to mention the inadvertent wet T-shirt competition! Soooo sweet it will put a pimple on yer butt! Awe, cute!

Totally Crazy...

Remember when summer got long? Do you really remember what it felt like to sing, "Moooooom, I'mmmm Borrreeeeeed!"? My parents enforced the no TV in the summer rule, "turn it off and go outside." I'm not complaining, I'm just saying there where summers when there was time for TV. I can't remember the last time I was, "borrreeeeeed." As I prepare to flip the calender to August I'm wondering where the last two months went? Has summer really even started? Now, back to school ads and flyers.... Rude!

But tonight... tonight I have a very important date with two of the West Metro's most handsome lads. I promise I'll get you photos.

Your eye's aren't foolin...

It's me, it's really, really me. This blog has not been abandoned nor will she ever. I'm still alive. I'm still kickin. I'm still sassy as ever. I've been on a summer hiatus trying to get this, that and the other thing done and still trying to fit in some chilly summer fun. But, I've been thinking of you, so enough of the cold shoulder already. Swing on back in a day or so for the cliff notes on the past month. It's been a damn good one.

Happy Birthday(s) Big Snoot and Molly!

Now come on girls, hold onto your hats and handbags, I didn't forget... It might be 8:47pm on your birthdays, but I wouldn't dare rest my head without wishing you both HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


First, my big cousin (second from the left). Well, she's not really big, she is actually quite smallish. When I say, "big," I just mean older. Ahhh, yup, older. That's one thing I always have on her. Gotta love it. But, here's the deal. This smallish-big cousin of mine has been around, well, since my induction to this world in 1977. I have the pics of her, dons her go-go boots, holding me when I was just a wee lil' baby. (I wish you could hear me giggling...) Somewhere, somehow, back in time we became Snoots. I think it all started with her snail mail notes. Always the pen(wo)manship I aspired to have and always a Boynton card. Aways greeting me as Little Snoot and signing off as Big Snoot. It's just always been that way and I love it, love her, love that no matter what I do she is stuck with me cuz I'm fam (and bigger than her in a physical stature kinda way which means I can be the bully). Good times, bad times, times of too many vodka/soda/splash of cran whatever the hell it is you drink, she's my Big Snoot. Love you and happy birthday.

Now, to my Moll-Doll. I dare you to find a kinder hearted woman this one here. It's not possible, they don't just make em any better! Here's the deal. Have you ever run across a person who looks in your eyes and genuinely cares (and listens) to what nonsense your sayin? The kind of person who seemingly knows exactly what to say in most any situation to make you feel better? The kind of person you are just drawn to because they emit positive energy? This is Molly. An incredible woman, a loving soul and true-blue keeper-of-a -friend. Loves and hugs and well wishes to you Molly, happy birthday too.

Sunday Dinner

So most nights it's pretty casual 'round my casa. We may fire up the grill, but then again we may just have a bowl of cereal with bananas. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a gourmet even on my best culinary days, but every once in a while I hit the nail pretty square on the head. Sundays are usually my days to spend a little more time on dinner and try out some new, and old favorites, from the oodles of recipes I hoard. Sunday I set out to try Pioneer Woman's Baked Lemon Pasta. But, I needed to make my own mark on this noodly-mess-of-complex-carbohydrates. Pardon me while I toot my own horn, but it totally rocked. It so rocked it had this effect on my family. Totally not kidding. And just for fun cuz he loves it when I post pics like this... Eat yer heart out (and a bowl full of pasta.).

My variation to the, "P-dubya Woman's," Baked Lemon Pasta...

At least double the amount of garlic she calls for. I mean come on it's Sunday, it's a must. Next time I'm skipping the parsley, cuz it's like eating rough air, and I'm totally going basil. I LOVE BASIL. Lastly, I sauteed some HUGE shrimp, bought from some weird door to door Schwans-wanna-be, in garlic/butter and placed them atop the mound of garlic-lemon goodness just before serving. Mmmmmmmmm, gooooooooood.

A Monday Giggle.

I don't care who you are... whats not funny about this?!?

This is TWINS territory!

So, the other weekend a troop of true-blue Twinkies fans (and a few stinky Brewers fans too:) took in 9 innings for the final season of MN baseball in the inflatable toilet. I tried my hardest to get noticed by Bert. I do hereby pronounce Bert a stupid poop for not circling me. Final answer. I even hooked Lola up with a sign since she made the long, hard trek from the lone star state. He didn't see her either. I might be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, since perhaps the nosebleeds are out of camera range. What ever makes you feel better, right? Pman found a little comfort in a root beer float and a bag of Cracker Jacks. Patrick ate one of those ever famous sundaes consumed via wooden spatula. No word on when either of the tike's came down from their sugar induced highs. Also, no word on how many $6.75 Miller Lights were consumed... Gotta keep ya guessin'.

Sweet Peas and Tater Tot.

PART 1
"Me and Ellen is just like peas and carrots."

Well, it may not be a farm by your standards, but is sure is by mine. Year two and we are older, cuter and wiser. Remember last year when the pumpkins hung from the corn stalks and the zucchini nearly suffocated the melons? No need to tell us twice. We've lived, learned and invited our resident horticulturist, Mark. No, I'm not kidding. He's a pro. Proven by some sort of gibberish regarding two rows of corn instead of one for cross pollination. I know! We also got smart and and opted for power vs turning the earth by hand. We planted in proper rows, sections and mounds as necessary. We fenced the tomatoes with proper gates instead of PVC, 2b4's and other sturdy construction materials. So here's the roster for the garden 2009: sweet corn , tomatoes (cherry, heirloom, big boy and yes even a few yellow ones), the chives are alive, cilantro, numerous varieties of peppers (ranging from red bell to burn your eyeballs out habanero), green beans, onions, carrots, cucumbers for canning, cucumbers for slicing, melons and sweet peas. So yah, hose off your farmer feet, cuz that's that.

PART 2
"Movin' dirt and labrador retrievers."

So sweet peas are, well sweet, but you ain't seen nothing till you catch a look at our four-legged farm hands. Roll call! You 'member Foster, right? Lil, Zoom was getting some extra care at the doggie hospital-happy to report she is doing well. Here'z Miss Kato. But I'm pretty sure you haven't got a good look at Tater Tot. Ah, corn shucks, she's got the cutest smile I've ever seen. She's sassy, she's spunky and she's got a face a labrador loves.

Best Deal On Tonka!

No matter which way you slice it Mondays can be a bummer. You can't get any further away from the weekend and Mondays mark the start of 5 count em F.I.V.E. days in a row of waking to a screeching alarm. Damn. I, my friends, have found the second most fabulous Monday thang, aside from my new fav show, Dancing With The Stars. Snicker if you wish, I love that hokey arse show. Anyway, if the Rumba and Tango aren't your cup-o-tea I might just have another way to make your Monday a little brighter. How bout a spot in the sun? Right on the water's edge of Lake Minnetonka? 6 cold Miller Lite bottles ($.99 each!?!)? Two cheeseburgers with all the fixings ($5 buck-er-roos each!?!)? Valet parking and gratuity? All for 26, "skeeters," or dollars as my DAD calls em. I know! Lord Fletcher's boasts some of the best real estate on the water and top notch people watching. Monday nights they pack em in for the best deal in the west suburbs. Go there, bring your cute spouse and embrace a Monday for once already.