Hi. In This Post I Make Observations and Share A Beloved Recipe

I have a bundle of half-formed thoughts again...nothing worth an entire post. But I want to throw them out there because I only take Christmas week off from blogging. Or so I tell myself.

--Wow on the Miss USA thing. I mean, I get there are standards of conduct and that you sign a contract saying you'll be a role model and whatnot. But honestly, having your personal life evaluated for wholesomeness by Donald Trump has got to sting just a little bit.

--I think the Senator who has fallen ill should be replaced by someone else elected by the people. Failing that, he should be replaced by a member of his own party. But if he isn't, and they replace him with a Republican I have only two words. Jim Jeffords.

--Last night's The Office was a Christmas treat and a half. Jim's speech about rebounding (while staring in the direction of the receptionist's desk) was all the present I needed. From NBC that is. Family members feel free to give me gifts. ;=p

--Asking for money on your blog is a personal choice. Some people do, some people don't. I don't really mind seeing tipjars and wishlist links on blog sites, but I mind being ASKED in a post to "hit the tipjar". Then again, I'm the curmudgeonly type who also minds when the Salvation Army people ring their bells in my face. Dude, I know you're there. I hear the bell and I see the bucket. No need to shake it harder at me when I walk by. Keep that up and I'll complain to both the Salvation Army and the Kroger at Providence. In either case--blogging or the Salvation Army--you are begging. Plain and simple. At least have the decency to beg a bit more discreetly. Oh, and one more thing, if you are a blogger who has a tipjar or a wishlist, don't ask me to hit it when you don't blog at least three times a week. Or when your blog consists mostly of AP feeds re-posted.

--A few years ago I had this co-worker introduce me to a Christmas candy that's like crack to me. It's simple as all get-out but I can't make it very often because I eat through the whole batch in a matter of minutes. It's just Rolos, mini pretzels and pecans. Unwrap the Rolos, set them on the mini pretzels and bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 250º. When you take them out of the oven the Rolos should just be soft. Press one pecan in the top of each Rolo. And that's it. Sweet, salty and caramelly. Homemade Turtles at a fraction of the price. I'm drooling just thinking about it.