Just in time for Christmas . . .

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Jenn

. . . I am finally posting about Thanksgiving.  Wow, where has this fall gone.  I’m exhausted.

Thanksgiving was awesome.  So much family gathered in one place.  It was all of one side of my family, minus my parents and one cousin and his wife (we missed you!).  Our friends Gretchen and Graham joined us with their 2 doggies.  We ate, we drank, we ate some more.  I’ve included some photos (some borrowed from Cousin Matt – thanks!).

Evelyn and Ginny play with Will's new cat Bandit

Gretchen and Graham meet the baby cows

Izzie, probably begging for some turkey or stuffing

Ryan walking with Izzie in the field, Chloe decided to stay close to home

Family and Friends

After dinner walk

Haines cousins, minus Ben

Friends Forever :)

Posted in Family, Friends | 1 Comment

I’m thankful for . . .

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Jenn

. . . the Manchester Road Race, even though I’m not around to participate this year. It’s such a wonderful feeling of community – almost 14,000 participants and 15,000 – 20,000 spectators last year! It’s such a great way to kick off the holiday season.  Oh well, MAYBE next year.

. . . family. This year we’ll be spending Thanksgiving in Contoocook, New Hampshire at my Aunt & Uncle’s house (Rick and Ginny). Also in attendance will be my cousins, Matt & Amy (Boston), cousins Jon, Will, Dan, Jess & Baby Evelyn (New Hampshire), and Aunt Beth & Uncle Roger. I tried so hard to convince my parents to fly up, but it’s just so hard to pull off air travel during the short Thanksgiving break. Maybe next year.

. . . friends. We’ve hosted for the past 5 years or so, and we’re sad to not be inviting our friends into our home this year for Thanksgiving, but we’re happy to be able to bring some of our friends to eat with our family in New Hampshire.

. . . Ryan. Today more than ever. Tomorrow more than today.

Posted in Fall, Family, Friends | 2 Comments

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Jenn

I was sad to miss yoga last night because of a late dinner, but it was worth the wait, and almost worth missing yoga.  Ryan decided he wanted to use our uncarved Halloween pumpkin for soup (can you believe we were too busy to carve one this year?!)  He got going late on the soup because we realized that you really shouldn’t use the big carving pumpkins for cooking, you should use the smaller sugar pumpkins.  Luckily they had them at Big Y.  The soup took some preparation and made a lot of dishes, but it was well worth it. It was creamy and smooth.  We served it with store bought crescent rolls.  I’m looking forward to eating it for days to come.

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

4 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
3 (15 oz) cans 100 percent pumpkin or 6 cups of chopped roasted pumpkin*
5 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream

Method

1 Melt butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add spices and stir for a minute more.

2 Add pumpkin and 5 cups of chicken broth; blend well. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

3 Transfer soup, in batches, to a blender or food processor. Cover tightly and blend until smooth. Return soup to saucepan.

4 With the soup on low heat, add brown sugar and mix. Slowly add milk while stirring to incorporate. Add cream. Adjust seasonings to taste. If a little too spicy, add more cream to cool it down. You might want to add a teaspoon of salt.

Serve in individual bowls. Sprinkle the top of each with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Serves 8.

*To make pumpkin purée, cut a sugar pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff, lie face down on a tin-foil lined baking pan. Bake at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour. Cool, scoop out the flesh. Freeze whatever you don’t use for future use.

Posted in Fall, Recipes | 3 Comments

A New Adventure

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Jenn

Dear Friends,

I’ve found myself with some unexpected extra free time between now and the holidays and have decided to pursue something in addition to my day job.  I’ve decided to become a Tupperware consultant!  After asking questions for about a week, I’ve decided to take the plunge and give it a try.  Actually, it isn’t really a plunge at all, it’s pretty painless and easy.  Now, I promise not to be pushy.  I don’t want to pressure anyone.  I’m just hoping you’ll please keep me in mind if one of your friends, co-workers or family members is looking for food preparation, storage and serving solutions for their home or as a gift for a friend (it is the season of giving you know).

There are several ways that I can be your consultant:

1. I have a website and any time you, or anyone for that matter, needs additional items, you can visit my website at: http://my2.tupperware.com/jennford Any purchases made from my website go towards my sales and will be shipped directly to the home of the person who places the order, just like any other online order you might place with a retailer.  Therefore, it’s easy for you to pass this link along to anyone, anywhere, who is interested in purchasing Tupperware.  But if you’re spreading the word, shouldn’t you benefit too?  It’s as easy as having a Tupperware party, either in person, or online, which brings me to the second and third ways I can be your consultant . . .

2. Host an online party.  I will get you all set up online. The beauty is that you don’t have to live near me to have me throw an online party for you.  And you don’t need to live near the people you invite to your online party. You can send out online invitations to anyone in the country. All orders placed through your online party qualify you for free and reduced Tupperware products just like a regular party.

3. Host a home party. I will come to your home to show you and your friends some of the wonderful products.  I can even do a cooking demonstration (can you say “cake in the microwave?”).

Tupperware has tons of great products and gift ideas.  I’m really looking forward to starting something new.

I’ve added a handy banner in the bottom right of my blog which will link you directly to my Tupperware website.

Don’t forget to visit my website for more information: http://my2.tupperware.com/jennford
And spread the word!

Thanks so much!

Posted in Shopping, Tupperware, Work | Leave a comment

Did she already know I would write this?

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Jenn
Picture 6

Photo by Matt Haines

On Sunday night, I went with some friends to see Sylvia Browne, a psychic clairvoyant.  She has written many (57?) books, appeared on the Montel Williams show and Larry King Live, and tours nationally giving lectures and readings.  She also helps out many law enforcement agencies.  Jilla won these tickets at the Ad Club auction and we had no idea what to expect.  It was entertaining, but not as crazy or creepy as I thought it would be.  For the first hour or so, she lectured.  She spoke about whatever was on her mind, from her deceased mother all the way to which twitter account is really her, although Jilla and I want to know if it’s really her, or if she has an assistant who tweets for her.  It’s @Sylvia_Browne.

After the lecture, she pulled ticket stubs from a basket and read off sections, rows and seat numbers.  People lined up at the microphones.  She said people would be checking to make sure they had the ticket she called, but I don’t think they were.  I suppose if you snuck in line, she’d know and she’d call you out on it.  Oh, that reminds me, she was pretty blunt.  She said some harsh things about her mother and when people asked a follow up question, she cut them off and said the reading is over after one question.  Most people asked Yes or No questions, which I thought was kind of a cop out: “Does my deceased father visit me?”  “Yes.” Some people asked specific questions, but things that cannot be proven: “What is the name of my spirit guide.” “Theodore, and he doesn’t like to be called Ted.”

Some people got some really great answers, and then followed up with how that answer made sense to them.  One woman asked if her loved one ever tried to reach her.  Sylvia said, he leaves you coins.  And the woman said that there are always dimes on his grave, everywhere!  Whoa, chills.  Another woman wanted to hear about her son.  Sylvia said, he’s holding his head, why is he holding his head?  The woman said he had a seizure in the hospital, and banged his head very badly.  Another woman asked about her pregnant daughter, and her deceased mother.  Sylvia said that her daughter will give birth to her mother’s soul, reincarnated.  Several people asked if they, or a loved one, would overcome their illness.

Not sure how I felt about the night.  I guess I walked away from it being skeptical, but not totally against the idea either.  Even if she was a total fake, which is not necessarily what I think, she still gives a lot of people hope.  There were so many people there who seemed to be at the end of their rope.  I’d hope for her sake she doesn’t see the entire life of every person she meets when she looks in their eyes.  That could be awfully depressing. She did say something about people having a certain number of entrance and exit points, and that you can delay your death, but only by a certain amount of time.  She didn’t answer anyone’s questions negatively.  She didn’t tell anyone anything bad.  I wonder if she sees the bad stuff, but just doesn’t tell people.  Can she tell when people are sick when they don’t even know?  She said she can’t see her own future.  I wonder if she can see her son’s future and he can see her’s – they are both psychics.

It seems like cheating to know what’s going to happen to you.  I was nervous that my number would be called.  I didn’t know what I would ask.  I finally thought of one thing and then decided later that it’s probably better not to know.  Life is about the journey, not the destination.

Posted in Life, TV | Leave a comment

Golden Leaf Day

Posted on October 28, 2009 by Jenn

Golden Leaf Day. What a beautiful description for the day when the leaves are just perfect, just at their peak. I think Sunday was Golden Leaf Day at my house. All week last week (or maybe the week before, time flies!) I thought to myself, wow, our tree sure is taking a while to turn. And then, all of a sudden, it was fall in my front yard . . .

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Jasper spent all day Sunday sitting on the back of the couch looking out the window, leaf hunting. She crouches, she hunts, she pounces on the window as the leaves come close. The funny thing is that if you let her go outside, she won’t go. She’s too afraid of all the leaves blowing around.

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Posted in Fall, Jasper | Leave a comment

Lessons Learned

Posted on October 27, 2009 by Jenn

100_2393I know how I am supposed to feel. I know what I am supposed to let go and what I am supposed to hang on to. Isn’t it lovely to be in that moment when you feel totally content and relaxed. Your mind says, why did I ever worry about that – look at all this that I have to be thankful for! I have learned the same lessons over and over again. I have made the same mistakes over and over again. I have poisoned myself with the same negative thoughts over and over again. And to what end? Getting all worked up about something that is so not worth it. And what’s worse – making others get all worked about something. I think I must say to myself, if they are upset, it validates me being upset. So silly. But ah, this moment of realization is so fleeting. Something else distracts us, and we’re back worrying about what everyone else is doing. How can I remember this moment? How can I remember how wonderful this home makes me feel, how nourished this warm meal makes me feel? And just like that, it’s gone.

Posted in Life | 1 Comment

Safe and Sound

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Jenn

Picture 13

Izzie is home from her second surgery and everything was a success.  They took out the stitches from the first surgery, took out more teeth, did a few more small bone grafts, and put sealants on her remaining teeth.  Her food regimen will be the same as the first surgery, blended wet dog food for 30 days.  She’ll also wear the collar for 30 more days.  But, come November 23, Izzie will finally be free of her e-collar.  She’ll be eating wet dog food, but not blended, or dry dog food soaked in water, for 30 more days.  Then, for Christmas, Izzie will get her first bowl of dry dog food in over 3 months!  She will no longer be able to eat sticks, or have hard dog toys such as rawhide bones because they could pop the sealants off of her teeth.  We will need to give her a fluoride treatment once a day for the rest of her life and will also have to brush her teeth twice a day.  Both of those things will be to help make the sealants last as long as possible.  Normal life of sealants is 2-3 years, but can be prolonged to 4 years with the fluoride treatments and the twice daily teeth brushing.  If we miss a few days, it’s no big deal, which is great because I think that is just too much to ask someone to do while dog-sitting!

We’re happy to have her home, and it was not nearly as scary after surgery this time around.  I think last time it was the fear of the unknown.  This time we knew what to expect.  Here’s hoping for a quick recovery.  She’s sad to be missing Fall, but looking forward to spending a week in Florida for Christmas and meeting her cousin Brewster!

Posted in Izzie | 1 Comment

What Fall Means to Me

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Jenn

Fall is my favorite season in New England!  But before I get into that, let me provide a little background.  I grew up in Florida, South Florida to be exact, and I think that gives me an even greater appreciation of the seasons.  Just last night when I was freezing my bum off at home (heat was broken, but now fixed) and also this morning as I was checking out the leaves on my way to work, I was thinking, when I was a kid, I really had no idea that anyone lived in a different climate than we have in Florida.  In Florida, we get excited when it gets into the 60’s.  I had never seen snow until I was 15 and my school’s marching band took a trip to Indianapolis for Nationals.  Right now in New England, it’s 52 degrees.  But here’s the forecast for South Florida:

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It can be 100 degrees on Christmas Day there!  People run their A/C year-round.  There is no such thing as Fall, let alone Winter, in South Florida.  I had no idea what real seasons were until I moved to New England, and now I am not sure I could ever go back!  I think the best way to express how I feel about fall is to do what I do best, make a list!

What Fall Means to Me

~ Dark Mornings, that is, until the time changes

~ Feeling a chill in the crisp air

~ Getting out the sweaters from storage

~ Florida Gator Football

~ Family visits, this year we are going to FL for a wedding, are having my husband’s family up here for his recital, then we’re driving down to FL

~ Anticipation of the Holiday Season – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas (Thanksgiving is my favorite!)

~ Smelling the leaves rotting, hearing them crunch under your feet

~ Hiking, which is even better with the leaf peeping

~ Backyard fires in the fire pit

~ Country drives with no destination

~ Hot Drinks: Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, Tea

~ Baking

~ Crock Pot cooking

This post was inspired by my desire to win free hand made one of a kind jewelry from JudyB Designs (thanks to Stefania for turning me on to the giveaway, she’s always wearing such beautiful jewelry designed by JudyB Designs!) Head on over to JudyB Designs to enter the giveaway yourself, by October 19, 2009 and check out her selection of beautiful jewelry in her shop or on Etsy.

Posted in Blogging, Florida | 1 Comment

Nine Days Later

Posted on October 2, 2009 by Jenn

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We’re nine days out from Izzie’s first surgery and she’s doing great!  We’ve had some issues with her diet (how do you think your body would react to an all liquid diet!) but after tweaking what she eats, when and how much and adding probiotics, she seems to be doing fine.  She’s had a few accidents (pee) because even though she shows no interest in drinking any water, she’s getting so much water in her all liquid diet.  She doesn’t seem to be in any pain, but we can tell when it’s time for her next pain pill.  She still sleeps a lot but she’s starting to play with us again, so we think that’s a good sign.  Unfortunately, she’s not allowed to have anything in her mouth, so she can’t play with any toys.  Also, because of the pain medication, we’re not allowed to have her expend a lot of energy, so no hiking, running, etc.  She’s starting to go a little nuts without exercise.  Yesterday her much awaited soft collar arrived.  We thought this would the answer to all of our prayers – now she would be able to sleep in her crate, and she would be more comfortable.  As you can see from the photo above, her hard plastic collar is starting to fall apart (notice the duck tape).  Also in the photo above, please notice the tarp on the office floor.  We put that under her bed after the first pee accident.

Here’s a photo of the new soft collar:

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Unfortunately, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  After about an hour of wearing it, she was caught biting her back knee area.  And then, she slipped out of it.  We’ve tied it to her regular collar, and that seems to help.  Unfortunately, when I woke up this morning, her hard collar was broken.  Ryan taped it up, and was off to PetsMart to buy another one today.  Our new plan of attack is to have her wear the soft collar when we’re home to keep an eye on her, and the new hard plastic collar at night when we can’t keep an eye on her.  Isn’t she adorable?  Only 7 more weeks of this, I hope.

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Posted in Izzie | 1 Comment