An Apology and Amazing Antiques

How's that for an alliteration?


I'm back folks! So I've been super busy with life, work, work, and did I mention work? As Randy always says, "Excuses are like butts. Everyone has them, and they all stink." It's been a whole week since my last post. This is the longest I've been away, and I actually miss blogging. My sincerest apologies. If you would like to continue to see frequent posts on the blog shoot my husband an "Penny needs to quit her job and post all day on her blog" email. It's a long post because it's so overdue!

I am thrilled with my most recent antiquing experience. Don't you groan! Antiques are fun!

Let's begin by discussing one of the top 5 largest antique festivals in the world. (I totally made that statistic up, but it could be....it's a huge fair!) I'm only talking about the Round Top/Warrenton antique festival. Umm hello, it was even mentioned in the March edition of the Martha Stewart Magazine. (two points for me...antiques and Martha all in the same post)


Well my fabulous friend Leslie and I made the journey down to the junk haven on Saturday. I had one goal in mind.....



Locate this beautiful milk glass cake stand. I want one to showcase my food network lemon bars!



I love milk glass. It's just so classic. I have been eyeing several milk glass patterns in search for a beautiful cake stand to showcase these little lemon wonders. I am going to award myself with a third point in the coolness factor by saying I found this beauty at the Round Rock Antique Mall. It was NOT on sale! I was completely bummed and not about to fork over $58 bucks. Can you believe it? It must be really old!

So Leslie and I head off to locate my treasure, browse with the other folks, and enjoy an overpriced frozen lemonade.


We were running out of energy when all of a sudden in the china/crystal/expensive booth, I spotted it! I think these booths are the sole reason for the fanny pack. My purse almost got me in trouble a couple of times throughout the day. Anywho, I saw the coveted stand. Out of all the junk there, they had the one item I wanted. It was a sign. The price tag read $50 dollars. Ughhh booger, I want to save more than just 8 bucks.

P: "Leslie, I should barter, right?"
L: "Definitely" She's used to this statement coming from her hubby and not me:)
P: "Should I say $40?"
L: "The worst is they'll say no."

Okay, so palms sweating. I pick it up several times. I hold it up to the sunlight to give off that "I know what I'm looking for look. The I do this every time I examine milk glass image." I basically wanted to put them on notice that I was noticing their good.

P: "Would you take $40?" oh no, oh no, he'll say $45 or worse the cheapo will go down 2 bucks and say $48....oh no
Vendor: "SURE"

Wait why didn't he pause? Why didn't he ponder over that extremely low offer I made? Why did he jump all over that price? Rats, rats, rats! I should have said $30. Did I even get a good deal? My once thought "low" offer makes me a genuine sucker. At this point, it's too late to say, "umm did I say 40, I meant $30."

Well it's still a good deal from the Round Rock antique mall price right? We're talking about a savings of $18.00.

I was still on top of the world as I handed over my money. I can't believe I found the exact item I wanted. I could barely contain my excitement, so of course I call Randy to tell him how excited I am. Here's how this conversation went....

R: "Wait, what's a cake stand?"
P: I explain that I will be using it for my lemon bars.
R: "Do we even like lemon bars?"

"Do we like lemon bars?" Huh what a stupid question. Of course we do! Especially when they're on a pretty stand.

P: "I got a great deal. I only paid $40."
R. "What?!!?!!? Ya'll should leave right now. Forty dollars for a plate thing we'll never use."

Ummmm I think he forgot that we will be using it when I make the lemon bars.....Hello, sometimes he just doesn't listen.

P: "I saved almost twenty bucks because I bought it here instead of in Round Rock."
R: "Penny you wasted that and more on gas to drive down there."


Hmmm, hmmm, hmmmm

Practical people are such bubble busters! And they make terrible shopping partners which is why Randy stayed behind. Thank you Leslie for being proud of my haggling skills.

P: "Randy, it is an antique. It will increase in value over the years. It could be worth a $100 soon!"

I'm pretty sure this important fact earns me my 4th point in our little game.


Hooray for finding my treasure!

"To Infinity and Beyond"

Want to know what I'm most excited about today, Tuesday, March 23, 2010?











The Toy Story combo pack is now in stores! This has kept me smiling all day! I've got to get to the store to score these classics!


Best Pixar Movies EVER!!!!

My top quotes from the movies....

Mrs. Potato Head to Mr. Potato Head: "I'm packing your extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes just in case."

T-Rex (who's my favorite because he has little arms:) "I can't look. Could somebody please cover my eyes? "

I can't wait for Toy Story 3! Whoo, whoo, whoo, whoo!

Why do bad things always happen on Mondays?

so it was back to school today....52 more days to go!

I left my house in a huge rush, and I'm all adjusted in my car when I stick my key into the ignition. My car seriously moans. It will not crank. It kinda coughs and spits, then goes into the "Oh no someone is trying to steal this car" mode. The lights start flashing; the horn is beeping repeatedly; Mopac is in the house barking; Randy is flying down the stairs in his pjs. Oh wait, that last part didn't quite happen. Randy was still sleeping when I raced back up the stairs to state my case for needing a new car. We end up jumping my car with jumper cables from Rands' truck. Randy was my hero of the day. He took it in to the dealership, and I drove in style to school. Randy got his truck in October, and I have only driven it 1 time before today. Partly, because I am terrified something will go wrong when I'm behind the wheel. The other part is Randy will go ballistic if something goes wrong with that truck.

So I was "forced" to enjoy the luxury of a new vehicle. Now don't get me wrong I love my 4runner. She celebrated her 10th birthday this year. According to my dad, she is a young chick in her prime. The Bayers' drive vehicles until they die. Then my dad bubble-gums something, and it's good for another 20 years or so. My car is starting to show some signs of aging, but I do love her. I just really really love Randy's truck. The mirrors automatically fold in when you push a button (gasp,) I can control the volume of the radio on the steering wheel, and oh my fave part is the volume of the radio goes up and down depending on your speed. Randy would have a fit if he saw me braking and speeding down Hwy 183 to test out this function (j/k Randy is a proud blog reader. I DID NOT do this Rands.....no worries sweetie pie)

The best thing is he has Xm Radio!!!!!! I listened to "90's on 9." The 9 is for channel 9 for all the cars who do not have this luxury. Can I get some of the XM action in my car? I was jamming to Savage Garden, and I found it incredibly difficult to leave the vehicle once I arrived at school.

Later I called Randy to ask for a "hooptie report." She just needed a new battery, but being the sweetheart my Rands is, he went ahead and decided I needed a more safe and reliable car myself. When I called, he had the dealership locate a 2010 silver 4runner for me. But since I'm so selfless, I told him that one new car in the family is sufficient. Plus, I felt kinda jipped I couldn't pick out the color of my new car on my own, so we're going to pass on this for now. Maybe we'll do this on the weekend......

The Patient and Best Recipe Ever

Spring Break is well, almost gone:(

I have spent the majority of my time being Nurse Penny. Mopac lost her womanhood on Monday. That's right, after her Mimi scored her own very Westie, we told Mopac no more diapers twice a year. It's quite disgusting. She's adjusting well since I'm doing such a good job in the care taking department. She's moving much much slower since the snip, so the squirrels are enjoying a little bit of backyard freedom in her condition.

Since I can't sit still longer than 10 minutes, I have enjoyed trying some new recipes over the break. I subscribe to only the most happening magazines. Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, and the Food Network magazines visit my mailbox once a month. Who needs beauty tips, relationship advice, and fashion? That stuff just makes you feel bad. If I want to feel guilty it needs to be over the fact of, "I should have used less butter in this or I need to go to the gym now." If I'm going to feel bad about something, I want it to at least taste good.

Wow this post is making me sound more and more suitable for "Over-eaters Anonymous."

So Martha printed this incredible, unbelievable, delectable, scrumptious quick bread recipe ever. You MUST try this. I never try to sell recipes this much, but this one is a keeper. I even branched out and splurged on the real vanilla bean pods.

Tip: These are located next to the bananas in the produce. Do not buy the ones in the spice aisle in that little bitty jar.

The vanilla pod scavenger hunt ensued for about 10 minutes with a HEB workers help. Man I hate asking for help at HEB. She triumphantly returned with this little bitty jar with 1 pod. She had a huge grin on her face as she reported she found it and the price was 8 dollars. EIGHT DOLLARS!!!! FOR ONE POD! Oh I was about to shame Martha and use imitation. But don't give up friends, politely smile and accept the jar of gold and place it on the shelf when she turns around. Next go find your banana section in the produce. I found a bag of 2 bean pods for 4 dollars. Expensive still? Yes, but so worth it.


Clementine Vanilla Bean Quick Bread

Ingredients

Makes one 5-by-9-inch loaf.

* 10 clementines or tangerines
* 3/4 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped, pod reserved for another use
* 2 large eggs


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 5-by-9-inch loaf pan. Zest 4 clementines to yield 1 tablespoon zest. Juice 2 zested clementines and 6 remaining unzested clementines to yield 3/4 cup juice. Cut pith from 2 remaining zested clementines. Slice fruit along membranes to release segments into a bowl; discard membranes and any seeds.
2. Combine 1/4 cup clementine juice, the cream, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
3. Beat zest, butter, 1 cup sugar, and the vanilla seeds with a mixer on medium speed until combined, about 4 minutes. With machine running, add eggs, 1 at a time. Reduce speed to low, and beat flour mixture into butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
4. Fold clementine segments into mixture, and pour into pan. Gently smooth top using an offset spatula.
5. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes. Meanwhile, bring remaining 1/2 cup clementine juice and cup sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Remove bread from oven, poke top all over with a skewer, and brush with half the clementine syrup. Transfer pan to a wire rack; let cool for 15 minutes. Invert pan to remove bread. Let cool completely on wire rack, top side up.
7. Brush remaining clementine syrup onto sides and again on top of bread. (Bread can be stored, wrapped, at room temperature overnight or refrigerated for up to 5 days.)

Fish out of water!

Well I kicked off my spring break week with seeing the Eli Young Band at the Austin Rodeo. We had a great time screaming "When It Rains" and "Guinevere" with all the drunkies. Well I screamed the songs, Randy just swayed with the music. He's a swayer and not a dancer. Whoa, can we just say Randy and I stuck out like sore thumbs at this rodeo.


First and foremost attire!

Randy at least had some rodeo spirit. He wore his boots. I, on the other hand, do not own one western thing. Let's face it. I would look absolutely ridiculous in yee-haw wear. Some people can pull it off, but I cannot. I think it's that whole girly pink, lace, bows on shoes, motif I try.
















Aren't my pink ruffle ballerina slippers adorable? I got some weird looks, but my mom always told me when I was younger that if people stare at you, they could just be jealous. She had to tell me this because I had such low self-esteem since I was an incredibly chunky child. Oh how I love that lady! So I think the cowgirls were jealous of my ballerina slippers.


Secondly, Randy and I don't really do that whole "let's get plastered in public."

Now not judging, I have tons of friends who enjoy the bubbly, fizz, wine, spirits, and drinks. Heck, give me some Mexican food, and I'll sign up on the pina colada/daquiri list myself. Randy on the other hand, has never ever touched the stuff. He doesn't even know what beer tastes like. This is phenomenal due to the fact that he grew up in LaGrange.

So I snuck my watter bottle into the arena. The couple next to me, snuck in other things. More to that in a minute.

Randy was a first time rodeo go-er. Well, we did many things wrong. First and foremost, eat before you go. We spent 24 bucks on dinner, and we were still hungry. Not to mention, it was all junk.

Secondly, the arena is incredibly dusty and hot. Unless you are sitting at the bottom, you might be cooler. But bring eye drops because those bulls don't exactly keep the dirt on the ground.

Well we get there at 7pm. The EYB will be appearing at 9:30. Bull riding was the main event, and let me just tell you, people are nuts about bull riding. Randy and I clapped, but I don't think we had the zest it takes to properly cheer on bull riding. I certainly didn't join the woman next to me in screaming "Stay On!" "Stay On!" This little segment of the show was entertaining for about 15 minutes.

I don't think I would have gotten through the night if it wasn't for the very entertaining crowd we had surrounding us. This is the best part of the night.....

So "Stay On" screamer is out with her hubby. She was a very sweet lady, and as you all know I have no trouble chatting it up with strangers. This woman though was the definition of TMI. At one point, she leans over to me and says "Sweetheart, I apologize for being so wild tonight." I didn't know what to say, so I smiled, and said "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." ??????

Then about ten minutes later, the lady leans over and says "I'm so sorry for being wild. We haven't been away on a night out from our toddler in a long time."

Okay, I get it. She's here to have a good time.

But no, she wanted to confirm this for a third time. Five minutes later after more screaming "Turn him loose" and more "Stay On" and an occasional "Yee-haw!" (I'm not kidding.) She leans over again to apologize for her behavior. Okay lady, how wild are you planning on getting? That's the third warning.

I think she was just building me up and preparing me for witnessing the goods she snuck in.

She then takes out a bottle of Jack Daniel's from her purse. I'm thinking oh she's probably going to mix it with her soda. But she's not sporting the old coca cola, it's a keystone light. This has turned out to better than the concert. I am watching, (who am I kidding, staring) with incredible interest. I'm thinking, "okay, no soda, she's about to pass that to her hubby for a swig."

NOPE! She takes a big gulp herself.

At this point, I'm trying not to stare and not draw any attention as I'm frantically hitting Randy on the side of his leg for him to join the witnessing. I had so many questions for her.

1) Does your throat burn now?
2) How did you not just make a face after that?
3) What will you do when your toddler wakes up to go to the bathroom tonight?
4) Do you have a DD due to your fondness of JD?
5) Where did you park? ....so we're nowhere near you.

Randy and I also got incredible stares and bad looks when we got up and left during the bull riding. Yep, after 10 bulls, I was bored and craving beef. So we walked around the fair grounds. Well when we got back to our seat for the concert, the entertainment (the JD couple) left. I was shocked!

We should have just split the price of the tickets. They could have had their rodeo fun, and we could have had the swaying and screaming songs fun. The argument could easily be, "who wasted money on their tickets?"

Spring Break!

One more day!


Want to know the three best things about working in education? Here's a hint....the answers are all two words, and the second word is "Break"

1) Christmas Break
2) Spring Break
3) Summer Break

I can't wait for the countdown to begin. I actually want it to be the morning, so the day can be over.

We then have 53 school days for those who are counting. I'm not, but just in case you are.


Top ten things I'm looking forward to over spring break (in no particular order)
(I'm all about these lists)

1) Eli Young concert on Saturday night at the Austin Rodeo
2) Spending time with my mom and dad in Weimar
3) Shopping with Jana
4) lunch with Anna---mmmmm Mesa Rosa
5) Afternoon reading outside
6) girls night out for Cheesecake Factory and Phantom of the Opera
7) hair cut and highlighted (alleluia! I'm starting to look like a skunk)
8) Food.network.all.day.long
9) sleeping in!
10) not thinking about work for 9 days!

Have a great weekend people!

Oh Broadway How I Love You

Broadways are my thing.....well actually they're our things. When I say "our" I don't mean Randy. That was a good guess, NOT! Can you see Randy enjoying a play in song?

Been there, done that, made that mistake before. Randy and I went to see Chicago when we were dating. Big mistake... I look over at him during the play, and he was making airplane noises while he flapped his finger against his lips. "I can't understand anything they're singing. Why don't they just talk?" Men...... Don't get me started on boring baseball.

When I say "our" I mean my fabulous friend Jana. I love her so much! She is my sunshine on a rainy day. I love how we can have hours of conversation with such minimal effort. She also is the funniest person I know. Jana and I pretty much see every Broadway that comes to Austin. She's my favorite date for those Sunday matinees.

On Sunday we saw "A Fiddler on the Roof." It was okay. I now know what Mazzletop (sp?) means like in that Black-Eye Pea song, "Tonight is going to be a good night." Yah, I know I'm hip! But overall not my favorite Broadway. Most of the time if I don't rank the show in my top ten, I just like to identify Broadway songs. This one had "If I were a rich man, na, na, na, na." and "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match."


So then I started thinking what are my top faves and what songs stick out from each one.


Here we go....My top ten Broadway plays with an occasional song lyric


10) Legally Blonde
9) Les Miserables
8) Into the Woods
7) Hairspray...."Good morning Baltimore"
6) Cabaret
5) Christmas Spectacular
4) Lion King.... do I even need to sing Hakunna Matada?
3) Damn Yankees...."Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets."
2) South Pacific...."I'm going to wash that man right out of my hair."
1) Wicked

After I did this list, I couldn't exactly place the following, but these are also winners in my book....

Of Mice and Men
Thoroughly Modern Millie
A View from the Bridge
1776


Not a big fan of Chicago (weird), the Glass Menagerie, Rent (although I do love that Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes song), Avenue Q (too dirty)

I am dying to see Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, and Stomp.
Next up, Phantom of the Opera. Whoo whoo!

I wish I could live my life in song. How fun would that be? If all of sudden when we were having a conversation, I'd bust out in song? Maybe I should try this on Randy.

Weekend O' Fun

This past weekend was busy but very fun!

One of Randy's college roommates tied the knot on Saturday, and we had a great time celebrating his wedding. Dustin is a very special person to both of us. He was a groomsmen in our wedding, and he lived with Randy for two years in college. Dustin and I loved ganging up on Randy. Actually all of his roommates and I ganged up on Randy. One time, I made a "Bad Boyfriend of the Week" certificate and hung it on their fridge in their apartment. Well the next time I was over, the boys all had signed it and put "Witnesses" under the signature line. Hahahahahaha! Boo yah! (do people still say that? my sixth graders said no! but they're only 11)

Okay back to the topic at hand. See how distracted I am all the time. It's a game in my room. "Let's see who can get Mrs. Lueders off topic the most today." Okay I did it again! Back to the w- word!


I absolutely love weddings. Oh my goodness, if only I had a blog when I was planning mine. Let's just say I'd blow up the blogging scene. I was all over that. I love seeing the bride's creativity shine through on her special day, and Roxane didn't hold anything back. It was simply beautiful, and a fun time. Here are some pictures to recap their special day.

Rehearsal Dinner! They had the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception at the Tenroc Ranch in Salado.


We'll get more to the Salado part in a minute.




Aren't the wedding decorations just beautiful? I loved them!



















The head table!

















This was taken actually the night before, so it doesn't have the same effect. The pink roses with black and Tiffany blue was so classy!








The roommate picture! My favorite Longhorns! p.s. they take this picture at every wedding:)















I was the house mom!





I love these guys!









Check out the hot guy they sat me by at dinner....




(We won't mention how my dress matched a tablecloth. I meant to do this. Really! I did!)






This cake was too pretty to cut!


















Yah if you hadn't figured it out yet, it was a Longhorn wedding. You should have seen the look Mr. Templin gave those aggies who did this pathetic little hissing thing during one of the toasts. That look was the best part of the night. Ahhhh how I love Mr. Templin's devoted UT heart. He'd give Randy a big run for his money in the "Biggest UT fan" race.


As mentioned earlier, the wedding was held in historic Salado. Oh my goodness! I'm taking my mom back so we can shop and go antiquing! What? You mean you need to be old to go antiquing? I don't think so! Anyone can smell like moth balls as you shop for dusty "crap" as Randy calls it. I love it! I found this really cool green vase that was made in the 1950s. I don't really care if it was made last week, so I guess that means I'm not into antiques? Whatever! I don't care how old the stuff is. I only buy for the look.

Also I had the best little hamburger in this downtown cafe. Sure I was the youngest person by 50 years (not kidding), but hey good food is no stranger to young or old. I also scored a UT snowman for my Christmas decor at an overpriced gift shop. But who can resist a gift shop?


Salado might just be my new best friend.

Weirdness

This blog is overwhelming me. The thing is I have all these random blog posts/entries just floating in my head, and sometimes I don't have access to a computer. Maybe I should switch to a paper journal. This whole self-expression thing is limited by lack of time in front of the computer screen.....grrr.....

Why am I so busy? I don't even have a kid. Blasted, I mentioned that again, didn't I? Blame it on facebook. That thing is psychic. It has all these baby ads on the side of my facebook pages. It's evil!

So this actually happened a week or two ago, but it's so incredible I just have to blog about it. Are you ready for the weirdest thing you've ever heard?





I'm not just talking slightly weird; I'm talking crazy. As in I need to pull out my DSM diagnosis manual and start reading through it, because Randy's dream has to be somewhere in there.


About two weeks ago Randy wakes me up in the middle of the night. No, he was not coughing up his lung; we're past that people. He woke me up around 3am with a nice swift hit on the arm. Groggily (is that a word?) I said, "What do you want?" I was not a happy camper. But then I thought "Oh no, Randy never wakes up in the middle of the night. Is the house on fire? I don't smell smoke. Where's my sweet baby girl, Mopac?" So I replied again with "What's wrong?"

Are you ready for this?



He said rapidly, "Penny there's a snake in the bed."


Ummmmm....yah!

You know as in a green thing that slithers. Do you think I could make this up if I tried?


Okay, so I thought at this point I must be dreaming, and I rolled over. But he hit me again, "Penny did you hear me? There's a snake in the bed."


Ummm crazy man in my bed!!!!! I replied with the only answer I could (of course through gritted teeth) "Go back to bed Randy."

Then he jumps out of bed. "Penny, Penny there's a snake in the bed. I felt it."

Now do you really want this to be a "I told you so" incident later?

Really? Really Randy? But then I thought well I don't want to get bit. Maybe one crawled in. I know, silly right, but hey it's 3 am, and I'm half asleep. Not to mention my husband is dancing around our bedroom in his boxers yelling "There's a snake. Get out of the bed."

I turned on the lights, and much to his satisfaction, I started stripping off our blankets and comforter as he watched hovering by the door. But yet he claims he has this thing called a man stick? Hmmm....right!

So snake exterminator Penny cleared the area, and we returned back to bed.


Never a dull moment in the Lueders' household.

I didn't know if I should laugh or hit him with my pillow.

Really Fast

Okay, Okay this has to be super fast people. I have main idea and summary assessments waiting for me.

1) Happy, happy birthday Dr. Seuss! I love you!

2) Dr. Seuss books are on sale at Wal-Mart. $2.65....I ordered everyone at that price. Thanks Jon! You rock for the tip.

3) It drives me crazy that the church I pass each and every day has a grammatical error on their church sign. "The wages of sin is death." No, no, no, no! I mean the message is Yes, yes, yes! But they based the subject-verb agreement on the object of the preposition. I need to find an A, a R, and an E so I can replace "is."

4) I forgot to add "I cleaned the sinks" under kitchen cleaning accomplishments when listing all the chores I did on Saturday. I'm just saying....JS...

5) Thanks for all the blog love.....I am so excited that people like it! Be a follower! Write me a comment! Give me a request....okay, I'm getting over myself now. But seriously, be a follower. I'm collecting those:) (insert toot, toot here)