Sweet

Granny's Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 cups cake flour, plus more for pan
1 cup butter, softened, plus 1/2 cup, melted
2 1/4 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups whole buttermilk
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple slices in juice, drained well (reserve 2 tablespoons juice for frosting)
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained well
Pineapple Butter cream Frosting, recipe follows
Chopped pecans, for garnish, optional
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray and coat with flour.
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and set aside.
In a small bowl, add the 3 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Divide the brown sugar evenly into each pan. Pour the melted butter equally over the brown sugar. Arrange the pineapple slices and cherries over the brown sugar. Reserve remaining pineapple slices and cherries for another use.
Pour equal amounts of batter over the fruit and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.
To assemble the cake, carefully arrange 1 cake layer, pineapple side up, on a cake plate. Carefully stack the remaining cake layer, pineapple side up, over the first layer. Frost the sides of the cake with Pineapple Butter cream Frosting. Press chopped pecans into sides of cake, if desired.
Pineapple Butter cream Frosting:
1/2 pound butter, softened
2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Beat all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.

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Slow Cooker Copycat Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup
Makes 10-12 servings
Ideal slow cooker size: 6 quart
1lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded carrots (if you'd rather have chunks or diced that is fine too, I just do shredded for the kids so they don't know it's healthy :)
1 cup finely sliced celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
2 (15 oz) cans beef broth (or 3 cups water + 1 Tbsp beef bouillon granules)*
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, with liquid
1 (15oz) can great northern beans, with liquid
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste, if needed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup apple juice
8 oz dry ditalini pasta
Parmesan cheese or mozzarella, for serving
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder, oregano, basil to taste
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, lightly seasoning with salt & pepper. Drain then add to a large slow cooker. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, kidney beans, great northern beans, salt, oregano, basil, thyme and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until veggies are tender.
3. Add in apple juice.
4. When the soup has 10 minutes left to cook, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain, then add to the soup and let cook for about 5-10 more minutes. (if you add the uncooked pasta straight to the slow cooker it will get really thick so you'll have to add a lot more broth, and then adjust the seasonings. Unfortunately, it's best this time to stick with the stove top to cook the noodles.)
5. Salt and pepper to taste. Then season with garlic powder, oregano and basil, if needed. (*I also added a little more beef broth because, it got too thick)
6. Ladle into serving bowls and top with Parmesan cheese or mozzarella.
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Stupid is as stupid does

Just plain stupid? … Beyond Stupid is more like it. And it’s getting worse.

Ever stop and really think about tv commercials. Most of them portray stupid people doing something stupid...(captioned: don’t try this at home – well… no sane person would) … so why... why would I want to buy their product, service or whatever... if stupid people are doing it? Do you really want to be like them? so you can all feel good about being stupid together? Duh!

Then there’s the one’s that pretend to be honest. Anything to do with health, beauty, looks, and especially weight loss. They show you one thing (a deception)… lofty expectation and results… and then the honesty approach… in small print… “results not typical”. Oh my god… they’re  right… why would I want to see typical results that I might expect… please deceive me, lie to me, and I’ll give you my money on a hope and a prayer!

Then the drug companies… tell you all the great benefits of their pill. They proceed to give you possible side effects in a manner that plays them down, as if this can’t happen to you. This product will give you perfect skin… but may result in several permanent damaging disfigurements, serious health issues, and possible death. Yep, I’m that vein about my skin… send me two bottles.

And one of the best… I’m proud of them.  

Just make the most possible outrageous claims, like the truck pulling the space shuttle... please... when in truth it can't even legally pull my Rv... so it's a deception, a lie, an untruth meant to deceive everyone... or at least everyone that can’t, don’t, or won’t THINK… and see the intended deception. So my question is, what else are they trying to deceive us about. If I bought that truck and pulled my rv with it, I would void the warranty, and destroy the engine, transmission, and or the drive train within several thousand miles… not to mention the unsafe conditions that would put my life, and those of others in risk for using this truck, the one that pulled the space shuttle, to pull my rv.  My rv weighs only 20,000 pound, a mere small fraction of the space shuttle… so just think about it. So just what is their point??? … to sell you a lofty promise or expectation that isn’t real… and get your money! I wish I had the extra money to just buy that truck, tear it up towing my rv and hope I survive the wreck, tell them I stupidly believed the commercial, get a fly by night lawyer, sue the company, get a big settlement, buy a Prevost Custom Rv Bus… and drive off into the sunset.Of course this is after my lawyer and me split the money, and I go to Wentworth to give him a cut, so I can enjoy my money now, when I need it. And we all thought it was so stupid that the person who got a big settlement on the motorhome with cruise control, who saw the commercial that it drives itself, who he left the drivers seat while going down the highway, had a wreck, sued the company, got a huge settlement, and drove off into the sunset… set for life… and he was stupid? The way of the world. 

If the advertisers promote dishonesty in almost everything they do, then how can we trust anything they say? Morals and conscience of salesmen… perhaps they should be lawyers or politicians. At least with salesmen, we have a choice about our money. Lawyers and politicians just take it… but that’s another story. Most commercials appeal to people that just don't think. It all started with the “Snake Oils” and “Magic Elixirs” in the 1800’s… when salesmen knew they could lie and deceive stupid people with money for the taking. Selling lofty promises, hopes, and dreams. Question everything! 

Good example… see what I mean… Think!

Now here’s a person with insight and vision.
( just a little sarcasm... okay, a lot of sarcasm)

He’s certainly proud.  

Advertisers think most people are stupid!

And they are right!

Gump said it right…. “Stupid is, as stupid does”

Just give them your money! They are waiting.

Then there’s the money back guarantee… they know that of the high percentage of dissatisfied customers will never go to the trouble to return the item, no matter how bad it is… they gotcha!

Monstrous Summer

It was a long 24 hour day… so this is a long story…

It all started with a plan… Disney’s New Movie, Monsters University is kicking off the summer long celebration  to have a “Monstrous Summer” here at Walt Disney World. Special promotions to advertise the themed summer started at Epcot.The kick off?… a 24 hour All Nighter at Magic Kingdom. 




As excitement grew, there were more and more announcements of the Special 24 Hour All Night Party. There was gonna be Special T-Shirts and Hats, Special Mickey Ears and even “Sulley” Ears for the occasion. Special Monstrous Desserts as well as other merchandise. It was growing bigger & bigger as the days came closer.

Is everyone ready to party !!!

It built up and all culminated with a Media Event right in front of the Train Station where we saw the Welcome Show before the count down… 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (fireworks)… and the gates were open!

Opening Ceremony… and we were there!

click on this link to see the video:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=64U8Eiovu3c

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Via the Disney Parks Blog… we got invitations to a Very Special Blog Meet Up to celebrate the kick off. The party was limited to only 150 couples… and we were going! We got our invitation packets with Park Passes, VIP Fastpass ( 4 passes good for 5 people), Special Lanyard Passes, and our itinerary. We all met at the Ferry Boat to take the trip over to the Magic Kingdom, and the Opening Ceremony.
   
After the opening ceremony, we had a complementary breakfast at Pecos’s Bill’s Cafe in Fronteerland. Lots of themed donuts, goodies, fruits, juice and coffee… and a special “Sulley” punch made from pineapple juice. All so yummy. We were also treated to Private Character Greeting with Sulley and got our Photos taken for Monster University ID Badges.

Badges later… buttons now… 

    

We had so time to roam the park before catching a Disney Cruise Line Bus to take us to Downtown Disney AMC Theaters. They swore us to keep the details a secret… so all we can say is, it’s a Great movie… take the kids to see it.

The Private Blog Meet Up party got to see an early Screening of the new “Monsters University” due out on June 21st. VIP treatment, free drinks and Mike & Sulley free popcorn. Preshow was filled with themed prizes and give-a-ways. The movie  was great… but as I said, we were sworn to secretary… we can only say that y’all need to take the kids to see it. 

Wow... we had a fantastically great time at our very first Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up.
Let me say that again…
 Wow... we had a fantastically great time at our very first Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up.
Thanks to Disney for having such a great event. They did a wonderful, absolutely wonderful job. The camaraderie with the Disney Team and the other guests was unbelievable.... as were the events and the Monsters University Preview Movie. Just wonderful!  Got lots of treats and gifts. We saw other Meet-Up Guests throughout the day and into the night and enjoyed a special connection and interaction with those that came for the Meet-Up. Guess we were just online at the right time to have the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful limited party (150 couples). We felt very special... kinda like VIP's throughout the day... wearing our "Monstrous Meet Up" lanyard tags and custom home made shirts!

 

First we were excited to know we were invited to this limited Meet-Up. Then we got the idea and planned our shirts. We were the couple with the custom made personalized Monster All Nighter Party Shirts. We had lots of fun putting the graphics together and designing them, then making them... not giving much thought to more then that, we mainly did this for our own enjoyment. We had the greatest time experiencing the reactions of other guests and getting compliments on our shirts from both cast members and guests alike... all throughout the day.... it was amazing! Its was even kinda cute... we rode one of the Main St. motor cars down Main St... waving to folks along the way... them waving back... a little VIP moment all of our very own. It was fun to have so many compliments on the shirts. They'd often asked what store we bought them in... and got more compliments on the fact that we made them ourselves. Such a great day! I think that this has created a new avenue for having even more fun at Disney... make up new themed shirts, wear them in, and enjoy the compliments.  First we got the compliments on the shirts, then the conversations with guests about today's experience, and how it all started with the Disney Parks Blog. I think we created some new interest in the Disney Parks Blog. Renewed for those that have seen it, but only casually, and excitement for those that didn't know about it... there just may have some new viewers for the blog!
All in all... just a wonderful day... and night! In closing... Thanks to Disney Special Events Team for everything, and all the efforts to make a special day even more Magical beyond all expectations.

We were seasonal cast members for 7 years... now Annual Pass Holders... and enjoying every minute of it. Our custom made shirts gave us the interaction with other guests that we enjoyed so much as cast members. We even had a great time giving several children some pins for pin trading... brought back some fond memories, creating a special moment for kids.

It was also a big surprise and joy to see our picture on the blog! Indeed... Magical!
Disney Parks Blog … with Today’s VIP’s… our moment in the spot light! 
Check it out… How cool is this!
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http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/galleries/2013/05/disney-parks-blog-readers-begin-all-nighter-with-monstrous-morning-meet-up/#photo-4

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Park Attendance at Magic Kingdom through mid afternoon was very light… and as the day progressed it became heavier. Most people were coming in late for the All Nighter. One of our many stops was to see some friends, Bob & Donna in the Main St. Confectionary. Donna was working (Bob was off) and we got to show off our shirts and have a sample of Monsters Sour Apple Cotton Candy. I liked it… Shelly, not so much, but we both like the kiss. Thanks for the photos Donna.

 
By 8pm the park was nearly full to capacity. Not to bother us… we were just there to see the going’s on, and not necessarily do rides which had some long lines (much as would be expected). Got to see the special Castle Show and “Wishes Fireworks” show just in front of Cinderella Castle amidst thousands of people. The Castle is used as a projection screen to many different themed graphics right onto the Castle… wow, what a show! Here’s just one of them… and then, of course, the fireworks. Magical!  




Shoulder to shoulder the entire length of Main Street and completely enveloping the circle in front of the castle. All the other “prime” viewing areas towards Tomorrowland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland were also completely consumed by everyone getting a good viewing location. After the show we walked the park stopping frequently for ice water and a rest… watching the sights go by, and seeing shows and character greets from afar. Stopped by the Main Street ice cream shop to enjoy some “Monstrous Eye-Scream Sundaes” and watch the Celebration Show projected into the castle. What a great day. Despite lofty intensions, and wishful thinking, no amount of “Pixie Dust” was going to get us through to the 6 am hour. So we had to leave early and returned home after being up for 24 hours. I awoke at 10am…Shelly slept in until 2pm in the afternoon. Shortly after 3pm, we had breakfast. Followed by a nap from 5-7pm. Wow, where did the day go?

Here’s some photo’s to tell the rest of the story.

( In no particular order )

Opening crowd & media gathering at the front gates.

( we had to wake up Mike… sleepy head )

Even more cool…

we’re on the Disney YouTube…

we’re the one’s near the beginning

wearing the Mike Wazowski glasses

( That’s Wazowski, with One Eye)

shaking our hands in the air.

( 19 seconds into the video )

CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW

First thing once inside the park… the Monster Breakfast

but first lets meet Sulley.

Can you say “sugar high” but that’s okay…

I rounded out my donuts with fruit and juice.

( another point of wishful thinking ) 

Yep… a good breakfast to start the day off right.

We enrolled in Monsters University

and got our Official Student ID Badges.

Here’s some of the logo’s I created for our shirts.

( Graphics borrowed from Disney )

I just arranged & combined them together

and added some touch’s.

 

 Disney had their own version…

(pretty nice too)

but not “One of a Kind”

Just looking around… ya never know who you’ll find.

Monsters lurking in the Castle Rose Garden.

The Monsters of Ceremony.

and Monstrous Desserts…

and the “Eye Scream Sundaes” I mentioned…

didn’t get photo’s of ours

(ate them too fast)

  Monstrous Treats were everywhere…

Shelly’s New Friend…

Dance Party at the Castle

3 am in the morning… crowds thinned out

Leaving the park was easy on the “MonsterRail”

Yep… quite the Kick Off Party.

and a Very Special Day for Us at Disney.

This Summer is gonna be a lot of Fun!

BTW… if you see this on our door…

we are still sleeping and recovering…

no hard feelings, just go away!  

 

Latest update…

Now this is really Scary!

Monsters University – School of Scaring.

Got our new ID’s

 It’s a scary good time.

New Math

Sad to think it… sad to say it… even more sad to see it…

but it’s true… Oh, how we have changed!

and just what are our children and grandchildren learning.

Sunrise.

There's many thoughts on sunsets, everyone seems to identify with beautiful sunsets. Signifying the end of the day, and a relaxing evening to come. Sunsets seem to take center stage while sunrise some how seems to hold less importance. Perhaps because everyone is too busy getting ready for the day to come. Awake to beauty, taking the time to watch twilight turn into sunrise can be just as impressive and beautiful, with perhaps a deeper meaning that most seem to miss. The beginning of a new day, new experiences, new adventures, and new opportunities to make today, another special day in your life. The day is finished and over at sunset... but, with sunrises, a bright new day is just beginning, and it can be anything you want it to be. Hope y'all enjoy your day... make it your own... enjoy it.

Smile, laugh and share it with others. I know I will.

Just Wait…

Today’s Mom says: Just wait…”Just wait until your father gets home”.
I really never heard this when I was a child… my mother didn’t wait… she took care of it herself… right then and there. Unless it was really something really bad… then my mom took care of it, and so did my father when he got home. The bigger the dirty deed, the bigger the punishment… a double hitter. 

Today’s Mom says: “You’re gonna get a time out”
kinda like a warning… I never got this either… there were no warnings… except after the fact. Do the crime, get the punishment, then get warned NOT to even think of doing it again.

Today’s Mom says:“Wait until I get you home” ( when you were acting up or throwing a tantrum in public)
I never heard this either… there was no wait until I got home… things were taken care of right then and there… and then additional punishment came later at home.

Today’s Mom says:“I’m gonna take your phone away if you don’t behave”
I never heard this either. My toys were marbles and green army men… and they were confiscated if I was lucky enough to be sent to my room. Most of the time I was assigned to a chair… sit there, think about what I did… no talking or moving. Penalty?… added time min the chair. 

Today’s Mom says: “pick up your toys”
If I didn’t pick them up, mom picked them up for me. And it was not to put them into the toy box… they disappeared for several weeks until I proved that I could listen and put things away.

So what’s up with society and today’s moms?

And why do kids act up and carry on in public, uncontrolled and pampered?  

Remember the old saying…. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” … but the socially unacceptable practice of spanking negates almost any kind of physical discipline.

Guess this is why kids just don’t listen and are out of control. 

Where has society gone wrong. They don’t have a clue.

 

 

 

Mountain Pies

One of the joys of camping… in an old fashioned way.

“Mountain Pies”

Fixed over the hot coals of the campfire.

Two pieces of buttered bread
( buttered on the outside)

Fillings of choice… be it fruit…

or pizza.. or anything you want.

Close handles… put over the coals.

Toasty on the outside… delicious topping sealed on the inside…
all nice a warm (mostly hot) right out of the fire.

Nothing better around the campfire.

Yummy!

Smile Food

Start off the day with a Smile.

This certainly makes me smile…

Yummy… 

it somehow makes everything better.

somehow so incredible!

Go figure!

But… Why stop here…

More Sweet Smiles…

( sinful )

Spicy Smile…

Fruity Smiles

Very Cool Smiles

Powdery Smiles

Sugary Smiles

Smiles to Share…

Breakfast Smiles

( oh… bacon! )

Ouiey Gooey Smiles…

Okay, I know this is not a Mickey…

but it’s is sure to bring a Smile to your face.

Served at Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland

Huge Cinnamon Bun with caramel and icing.

Smiles for the Soul. Ahhhh…

pass the napkins please.   

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But then, ya have to remember…

there’s always someone looking out for you…

trying to keep you healthy,

and they are watching what you eat…

watching… always watching.