Filthy Fifty Catching Up

I know I promised you Filthy Fifty updates and pies...they're coming I promise. Slowly...but definitely coming. When I originally made my list of Fifty I included a variety of items. But at the time, I had no idea how these various activities would shape my life as I check each item off one by one.

Filthy Fifty #10 buying my first set of "real" cowboy boots. I instantly fell in love with these boots, but it's the fun of Dean and I deciding which pair to buy that solidifies the memory. We laughed, teased, and then I walked out with a pair of very expensive cowboy boots that hopefully last until I do a "Hooray I'm One Hundred list!"

I wore these boots all over Italy. I guess that's why all the Italians would point and say "Americano's" as we walked by. Thanks to my honey of a husband for insisting on the Old Gringo's and thanks to my friend Nicole for shooting this pic in Venice.

As you'll notice, my list includes favorite things, new things, never attempted things, and just plain silly things. Meat/Mother's Day is one of my favorite days of the entire year so I just had to include it in my list...#11. I missed you Dione...next year?

I've been reading like crazy lately and several books have made references to bread making and baking which is why I decided to take a bread making class from our awesome local kitchen store Kitchen Kneads. Filthy Fifty #12 was to take a cooking/baking class of some sort. 

Which brings me to Filthy Fifty #13...Clean The Sink. We have a local restaurant in our small town 

with a slogan "It's where the locals eat." Except most locals I know don't eat there.

They have a gimmick with one of their menu items called "The Sink!" It's the biggest banana split you will ever see.

Bring your friends, your neighbors, whatever it takes...

clean the kitchen sink and they'll give you a bumper sticker that says "I cleaned the sink at Angie's!" The boys made me promise to eat a third at least or they weren't playing along.

We came close...there were a few dredges in the bottom but I think we did pretty good for the 3 of us. I'm almost positive I ate more than Dean and Chet combined, they'll most likely tell you a different story though.

My advice when you Clean The Sink...take along several teenage boys...he looks pretty good for just consuming 5000 calories in ice cream don't you think?

Meat Day Times Five

As Meat Day goes (aka Mother's Day)...this was a great one. Lawyer girl flew in from LA so we could celebrate a half decade of our favorite tradition together. To commemorate the event, I have some Meat Day wisdom for you...because what happens on Meat Day stays on Meat Day.

Obnoxious table manners are not only allowed but appreciated, because plastic spoons make great monocles.

Contrary to what Pink Floyd sang...you CAN eat your pudding even if you don't eat your meat.

Let's just say the proof is in the pudding!

Teeange boys can eat A LOT...be prepared for glossy eyes and Meat Day hangover.

Anything goes as far as Meat Day attire, you can even dress in green plaid just like your Dad. But make sure you have an expandable waistband.  "Eatin' pants" are mandatory!

No one keeps track of how many deserts you have, or that your Nanna gave you a bowl full of sprinkles for desert.

Allow lots of grandbaby snuggle time after dinner. I can only hold 60 pounds of baby for about 2 minutes before my arms go numb.

A nice relaxing stroll through the field after dinner is always nice!

Do make sure you accessorize properly. A vintage blue handbag works perfectly.

Try not to overexert yourself after the big meal...unless you're 15...then go ahead and do whatever you want!

And most of all, surround yourself with great people on Meat Day. The Boy One, the Blond One and the Brown One are not only intelligent, witty, compassionate people...they are my people. And if you look closely you'll see the spirit of The Red One in each of us. Our smiles, our laughter, and our souls sing with her voice! Happy Meat Day to all!

On This The Day of Mothers

It's difficult to say what part of this day I loved the most...

 Was it the Mother's Day scavenger hunt that the teenager placed overnight for me to find first thing in the morning?

Was it that the final prize of the scavenger hunt was a hug from the Teenager himself?

 Was it the amount of snow STILL on the mountain at our Snowbasin?

Was it the way Papa snatches Olivia from her parents as soon as he sees her arrive?

Was it the thoughtful gifts?

 Was it the amazing plethora of food stuff?

 Was it the ice sculpture?

 Was it the meat carving station?

 Was it the third of fourth time through the buffet line?

 Was it the gathering of my family...minus one lawyer girl...and one red-headed angel?

Was it that this was my daughter's first Mother's Day?

 Was it the desert line?

 Was it the Almond Florentine with White Chocolate Mousse?

 Was it the teenager's meat plate (which was about his 7th plate of food)?

 Was it sharing a cupcake with my granddaughter Olivia?

 Was it seeing my adorable grandson Henry wearing plaid?

Was it the delight of having a decadent dinner and not having to cook or clean a thing?

Was it "A Tribute to Mama Lisa...on This The Day of Mothers" another fabulous video tribute from Lawyer Girl in LA. Yes you should definitely watch this one too!

I imagine it was absolutely all of these things and more, because I am blessed to call these people my family... and being showered with love and attention always makes me happy!