Everyday Living

The Snow of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 09:22:10 PST

Well, it seems that this year has started with quite a bang. Usually, we only have to shovel snow a few time during the winter, but this past week has been exceptional. On Monday, it snowed non-stop all day and I had to shovel 4 times, just to keep up. Yes, I could wait until it stops, but then I would have to shovel MUCH MORE snow AND it would be much harder to do. Also, I don't mind the work and I like the exercise...it sure beats using the Nordic Track!! On Thursday, I had to shovel once (my wife shoveled when she got home, since I injured my arm a few days ago). They even had to cancel school, SNOW DAY, which I know the kids loved. On Friday, I ended-up shoveling twice. In total, we had close to 8 inches, if not more, since Monday.

Anyway, here's a photo my wife took at the VA Medical Center that will show you how much we got on Monday...

Here's a picture that I took yesterday of the accumulated shovelings (is that even a word?) of our driveway. You can see that Brutus and Killer, our guard flamingos, are still on duty :) ...

From today for the next week, we are expecting highs in the lower 20's and lows near 3 and below. Stay warm, everyone!!

Friday Fotos: 12/7

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:59:18 PST

Answer after last foto... :)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

For all you Monty Python fans ...

courtesy of... ROFLrazzi

For all you Dr. Who fans...

courtesy of... Set Phasers to LOL

:)...

courtesy of... lolcats

Answer...Three Karat Diamond Pin

Friday Fotos: 11/9

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:30:00 PST

... :)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

The photo says it all :-) ...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

I have to admit, that I've done this before...

courtesy of... cheezburger.com

:)...

courtesy of... lolcats

Friday Fotos: 10/19

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:10:22 PDT

Answer after last foto... :)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

The photo says it all :-) ...

courtesy of... Monday Thru Friday

I really don't want to watch this right now...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

This is EXACTLY what Koko and Yum Yum do :)...

courtesy of... lolcats

Answer...Training Wheels

Friday Fotos 10/12

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:49:16 PDT

This is really clever... :)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

Frozen dinners...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

I can see this...

courtesy of... dailyhaha.com

Money well spent :)...

courtesy of... lolcats

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™ Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:07:02 PDT

Contest is now closed.

Congratulations, Elis

I will be contacting you for your mailing information. I want to take this time to thank all of you who have participated and I hope that you will come back again for the next giveaway.

How many times have you just finished preparing a delicious chicken breast or a juicy steak, but when you put it on the plate, you have nothing to go with it? Yes, it does look very lonely there all by itself; it needs some friends to keep it company! You could break out the pot and steam some veggies or you could roast some potatoes to go with it. But wait, there's an easier way. With a dash of imagination, a pinch of culinary skill, and a heap of flavor, Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™ are giving you a new reason to enjoy eating your vegetables. Shake up your vegetable routine with these flavorful, chef-inspired options that are seasoned to perfection, without a drop of sauce.

That's right, you can now enjoy your veggies without any added sauce. Can you think of a better way to brighten-up your meal, than to add some freshly steamed vegetables? As, as a added benefit, you don't have to worry about cleaning a bunch of pots and pans later, which sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Available in six different varieties...

Mediterranean Blend
Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper
Honey Roasted Sweet Corn
Honey Dijon Carrots
Backyard Grilled Potatoes

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™ are one of the first sauce-free seasoned vegetables to bring unique chef-inspired seasonings and premium cut vegetable blends to your dining room table.

If you want to try some today, here's a link so you can download a printable coupon for $1.00 off the purchase of one package of Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™...
Printable coupon

You can visit Green Giant at their website to get additional nutritional information and other info on your favorite products...Green Giant website

AND - during the month of October, there will be a “Love it, or your Money Back” offer available at GreenGiant.com

Now, for the Giveaway...

You can now enter to win a...

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers Gift Pack

You will get...

(1) VIP coupon for one free package of Green Giant Seasoned Steamers™
Apron
Green Giant Serving Spoon
Mixing Bowl

Once again, I'm using the nifty Rafflecopter widget to make entering faster and easier...

Once the winner is chosen using the Rafflecopter random number generator, they will need to supply me with their mailing information. That information will be forwarded to MyBlogSpark, who will then send your prize.

This contest is open from now until 16 October 2012, 12:01 AM, Eastern Time. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!
Legal stuff:I hereby attest and affirm I have received a gift pack from Green Giant®. I also disclose and reveal that the coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Green Giant® through MyBlogSpark a Rafflecopter giveaway

What Goes Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:36:24 PDT

I was out and about earlier today and was lucky enough to see this...

Getting closer...

Touchdown Broncos!!!

The Broncos play BYU tomorrow...GO BRONCOS!!!

Friday Fotos: 8/7

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:30:01 PDT

Answer after last foto...:)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

And no one ever saw Bill again...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

I can see this...

courtesy of... Fail blog.com

:)...

courtesy of... lolcats

Answer: Drinks are on the house

Friday Fotos: 8/31

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 20:30:01 PDT

How to get a hot date...:)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

This is great...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

How true is this...

courtesy of... hahastop.com

This is Yum Yum...

courtesy of... lolcats

An Unexpected Visitor at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:05:07 PDT

When my wife went into work the other day, she saw an unexpected visitor hanging on the wall. Can you guess what it might be?...

Well, here's a close-up view...

Yep, it's a bat!

Friday Fotos: 8/24

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 20:30:00 PDT

Answer after last photo... :-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

Now that's creative advertising...

courtesy of... Fail Blog

Just in time for school...

courtesy of... hahastop.com

Someone doesn't look happy...

courtesy of... lolcats

Continental Breakfast

Friday Fotos: 8/17

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:03 PDT

:-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

Works for me...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

This is my Future car...

courtesy of... lolpix.com

I'd say that was a good indicator...

courtesy of... lolcats

Friday Fotos: 8/10

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:30:01 PDT

Answer after last foto...:-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

And I thought it would be a Starbuck's...

courtesy of... Monday Thru Friday

And the winner of the Darwin Award goes to...

courtesy of... hahastop.com

Too true...

courtesy of... lolcats

Answer: A View of the Milky Way from Mars

How to Peel and Pit an Avocado

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:11:05 PDT

This tutorial will show you how to quickly peel and pit an avocado. I know that there are many out there who might be intimidated by the prospect of trying to peel and pit an avocado, but don't worry, it's very easy to do. There are a few tricks that I will share, that will make you a pro in no time. So, enough talking, let's get down to business...

What you need...

Avocado... Now there's a shock :)
Knife
Spoon

Peeling and Pitting your Avocado...

With the avocado facing lengthwise, place the knife in the center of the avocado and cut into it until you hit the seed

Continue your cut around the entire avocado. Basically, you are using the seed as a pivot point for your knife, rotate your knife around the entire avocado
Once the avocado is cut, take a half in each hand and twist in opposite directions

Very carefully, so as not to cut yourself, take your knife and wack the seed. This will cause the knife to lodge itself in the avocado seed

With the seed firmly attached to the knife, twist the knife
The seed should come easily out of the avocado

Take a rag and remove the seed from your knife. These seeds are VERY slippery, so using a rag will help keep you from cutting yourself and from chasing the seed around your kitchen floor
With avocado halves on the cutting board, take your knife and score the flesh in one direction and then in the opposite direction. Make sure you cut all the way to the skin

You want to end up with square cuts
Repeat with the other half
Take a spoon and scoop out the flesh

...And you are done!!

Friday Fotos: 8/3

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 20:30:01 PDT

Answer after last foto...:-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

This is SO our cats!!!!!..

courtesy of... Historic lols

This is great AND just in time for school in a few weeks...

courtesy of... failblog.com

This is Yumyum in my seat: ALL THE TIME...

courtesy of... lolcats

Answer: Couch Potato

Box Tops for Education and Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:05:59 PDT

Contest is now closed.

Congratulations, Elena

I will be contacting you for your mailing information. I want to take this time to thank all of you who have participated and I hope that you will come back again for the next giveaway.

Yes! It's summer and time for your kids to enjoy a well deserved break from school! However, while they're splashing in the pool and playing with their friends, you can help them prepare for the coming school year by stocking up on some of your favorite Box Tops for Education products.

Starting this July, participating products at Walmart will be loaded with 4 Box Tops. When you head over to your local Walmart, look for the Box Tops display to earn 4 Box Tops on more than 100 of your family’s favorite items including Cheerios, Hamburger Helper, Nature Valley and Totinos. You and your family can enjoy all of your favorite things while earning cash for your schools. How cool is that?

For a chance to earn even more Box Tops from General Mills, just follow this link and "Like" Walmart on Facebook (Or you can use the link in my giveaway and earn and extra chance to win). Once there, just click the "Bonus Box Tops" tab and follow the instructions to setup a fast and easy account.

You can also visit EarnMoreForMySchool to find out how you can earn even more for your school with eBox Tops

Finally, you can check out the Box Tops for Education website to learn more about the Box Tops Program and how you can help your school reach its goal for the 2012-2013 school year. The Box Tops For Education website offers easy ways to earn even more cash for your school online...

Earn eBoxTops™ for your school when you shop online
Enter for chances to win thousands of Bonus Box Tops for your school each month
Enjoy recipes using Box Tops products
Save with monthly coupons for your favorite brands

Now, for the Giveaway...

You can now enter to win a...

$25 Walmart gift card

Once again, I'm using the nifty Rafflecopter widget to make entering faster and easier...

Once the winner is chosen using the Rafflecopter random number generator, they will need to supply me with their mailing information. That information will be forwarded to MyBlogSpark, who will then send your prize.

This contest is open from now until 7 August 2012, 12:01 AM, Eastern Time. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Legal stuff: I hereby attest and affirm I have received a gift card from Walmart. I also disclose and reveal that the gift card, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by General Mills and Walmart through MyBlogSpark

Friday Fotos: 7/27

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:30:00 PDT

:-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

I would LOVE to see this guy's face..

courtesy of... Dogs

This seems to happen EVERY time we wash our car...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

...

courtesy of... lolcats

Friday Fotos: 7/20

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:30:01 PDT

:-)

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

Yep, I can see them saying that...

courtesy of... very demotivational

This would be Koko :-)...

courtesy of... hahastop.com

...

courtesy of... lolcats

Garlic and Olive French Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 06:00:19 PDT

Here's a recipe for a great-tasting Garlic and Olive Bread. The texture is soft and tender; just perfect for eating with stews, salads, or just by itself. You can also make some great tasting sandwiches with this bread.

Warm water...1 ½ cups (about 110 degrees)
Bread Flour...3-3 ½ cups
Yeast...4 tsp.
Honey... 2 Tbsp.
Salt...1 tsp.(I use onion salt for more flavor)
Egg...1
Olives...8
Minced garlic...2 Tbsp.
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Putting it Together

Take the olives and mince them. This takes a bit of time, but the easiest way I found, was to cut the olive in half, cut that into very thin slices and then mince. Then repeat

Set your bread machine to the "Mix Dough" setting and then add the yeast, water, and honey. Let proof for about 5 minutes
Add 1 cup of flour and then the salt, olives, minced garlic, and egg
Start the machine and add the remaining flour ½ cup at a time. Let the machine incorporate the flour before adding more. Once all flour is added, make sure the dough is not too wet or dry (add flour or extra water as needed)
Once the dough cycle is complete (about 1 hour 40 minutes), remove dough and gently roll into a ball

Before rising...

After rising...

OR remove dough from machine after it is finished kneading- about 20 minutes- and place in a large, oiled, bowl. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and place in a warm area until doubled- about 1 hour), then remove dough, divide into two pieces, and gently roll each into a ball

Photo of dough divided...
Photo of dough rolled into balls before their 10 minute rest...

Let rest for ten minutes
Take the first ball and roll into a roughly 9 x 16 rectangle. The measurements do not need to be precise, they are just to give you a general idea as to the shape and depth of your dough

Starting from the bottom, tightly roll your dough (jelly-roll style) into a log

Fold the ends under and crimp
Turn bread over and crimp all the seams to seal. If ALL of the edges are not sealed, then it will undo itself during the rising and baking
Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and place seam side down
Repeat with second piece of dough

Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let rise in warm place for 30 minutes
After rising, preheat oven to 400°
Bake for 15 minutes, turning the sheet 180° halfway through
When finished, the bread should be nicely browned and have a hollow sound when thumped

Let cool for at least 30 minutes before enjoying

German Potato Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:37:00 PDT

Here is my version of my grandmother's lost German potato salad recipe. This recipe makes a big batch, so it's perfect for taking to picnics or potlucks. Try and make this the day before, since the longer it stays in the refrigerator, the more pronounced the flavors become. The vinegar that is added to the dressing, gives the salad a nice tangy flavor.

What you'll need:

1-ten pound bag of potatoes
9 eggs
1 jar of a good quality mayonnaise (we use Best Foods, also called Hellmann's east of the Rockies)
2/3 to 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
Kosher salt (added to taste)
Pepper (added to taste)
4-Scallions aka Green onions (optional, but very tasty)
Crispy bacon (optional)

Putting it Together...
If you don't need the full tutorial, please skip to the end for the short version ;-)

First, take the potatoes clean and skin them
Next, cut each potato length-wise and then place the half potato flat-side down and cut length-wise again. Then cut into bite-sized pieces (this will allow them to cook faster)
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. (To add flavor to the water and thus the potatoes, I usually add a few chicken bouillon cubes or a Ramen noodle flavor pack)

Boil them until fork tender (about 20-25 minutes)
Next, turn-off the heat, place the potatoes in a Colander, and drain.
Place the potatoes back into the pot and place on the heat for a few minutes

*you will notice a hissing sound coming from the pot. This is excess water coming off of the potatoes. This water acts as a lubricant and, if not removed, any dressing you put on the potatoes would slide right off the potatoes.

Once most of the hissing has stopped, let the potatoes cool until you can handle them safely.
Place 1/3 of them in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining potatoes 1/3 at a time. This will allow all the potatoes to be seasoned. Place in the refrigerator for several hours (4-5 hours), until cool. To speed this process, you can periodically stir the potatoes

While the potatoes are cooling, it is time to hard-boil the eggs. Now, I know that most of you already know how to do this, but for those that may have forgotten, let's do a quick review:

First place the eggs in a pot. Add COLD water and some salt
Place on stove, turn on heat to high, then cover
When the water comes to a boil, set the timer for 10 minutes. To help reduce the chance of a boil-over, adjust the heat slightly downward. (during this time you may have to watch for boil-over. If this occurs, adjust the cover and heat accordingly)
After 10 minutes, remove from the heat and immediately pour-out the hot water and add COLD water to the eggs
Repeat this process several times. This will stop the cooking process
Lastly, fill with cold water or ice and let set until needed

Short Version and continuation of recipe...

Once the potatoes are cool, it's time to mix the mayonnaise and the vinegar together
Place the mayonnaise in a large bowl
Add 2/3 cup of vinegar and mix well
Taste and, depending on how tangy you like it, add additional vinegar until you reach the taste you want

If you desire to add the green onions and/or bacon bits, now is the time to do so
Just place in the mayo and vinegar solution and mix well

Pour mixture over the potatoes. Mix well, but gently
Once mixed, slice the eggs and add to the potato mixture, add salt and pepper to the eggs

Photo of eggs after being added to the salad and prior to mixing...

Mix the eggs into the potatoes...gently
Cover and place in the refrigerator for several hours or, better yet, overnight

By letting the salad set in the refrigerator, you are letting the flavors blend together. The longer you let it set, the more intense the flavors will become.

Friday Fotos: 7/13

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:30:00 PDT

Hint: Think phonetic alphabet :-) ...

courtesy of... somuchpun.com
Answer after last foto.

Not a funny one, but useful info...

courtesy of... failblog.org

This is So true...

courtesy of... history.icanhascheezburger.com

Yep, that's me...

courtesy of... lolcats
Answer: Whikey, Tabgo, Foxtrot

Friday Fotos: 7/6

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 20:30:02 PDT

:-) ...

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

Good one...

courtesy of... LOL Celebs

It took me a minute to get this one...

courtesy of... Very Demotivational

This seems about right...

courtesy of... lolcats

Friday Fotos: 6/29

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:31:44 PDT

This beats exercise :-) ...

courtesy of... somuchpun.com

A car with a personality...

courtesy of... Monday Thru Friday

:-)...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

Looks familiar...

courtesy of... lolcats

Saying Goodbye to Sadie

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 10:06:27 PDT

I received the sad news yesterday that our friend Sadie from the BeadedTail has made her journey across the Rainbow Bridge. Over the years, I was lucky enough to follow her adventures each week and I especially enjoyed taking a stroll with her every Sadieday; going down trails, seeing deer, checking for pee-mail, and going through puddles. I remember how she loved to patrol her backyard to make sure those pesky outdoor kitties did not invade her territory :)

Although I never had the honor of meeting Sadie in person, I came to consider her a part of our family. I know that Sadie has touched hundreds of lives throughout the world and even though she is not here anymore, she will continue to play a part in each of our lives and will live forever in our hearts.

Friday Fotos: 6/22

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Hicks) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:33:33 PDT

This car has a spoiler :-) ...

OH!!!! So true...

courtesy of... failblog.org

Awesomeness...

courtesy of... eatliver.com

:-) ...

courtesy of... lolcats