Home Free--Ring of Fire

When I was young, living on a sheep ranch in South Dakota, we'd go to town on the weekends and eat at a cafe that had individual juke boxes at the tables. I'd always play Ring of Fire.

Even as I got older and hated country music--because Dad loved it--I would listen to this song.

It remains one of my favorites--in many different versions. This is my latest love, from the competition show The Sing Off. No instruments, nothing but voices...and oh what voices.

Let it Snow

I know many don't want to voice these words...in fact, I'm staying in today because of the white stuff...but I can't resist Picard. (It's futile you know.)

Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells is one of my favorites. I could easily build a playlist of just different versions. Hmm, now that's not such a bad idea. Here's a great one for a cold Thursday morning. Or any other time of the day!

What does the Farmer say? Farm Lines?

I love farmers. I love parodies. Put them together and you get these. No, I couldn't choose which one, so you get the chance to experience both.

And next time you eat--thank a farmer. Hey, it's almost Thanksgiving here in America. Add these folks to your thankful for list. You won't be having dinner without them!

Cell Block, uh... Spell Block Tango

 The first has a favorite as Cap'n Hook, the second has my favorite villain. How to choose?

Either way, enjoy some Disney magic from Chicago.

A Little Klingon Music For Saturday

(And yes, I know I missed blogging yesterday...I'll catch up.)

The Plus One Report

I planned to write this blog yesterday, but I was distracted by a breadstick. It just goes to show me, that a distraction doesn't have to be shiny!

So, on with a few comments on the HyVee Employee Recognition banquet.

I learned some interesting facts about the company (waving to the social media watchers!) and enjoyed the CEO's talk. A room with nearly 800 people can raise a lot of energy. And this was only one of many recognition events. HyVee is a big company.

Jennifer--with her 5 year flowers

The sister tends to be a little shy, and I know the recognition part of the evening was a bit of a trial. She stood in a LONG line waiting her turn to cross the stage, and get her picture taken with the CEO shaking her hand. While being shown on two huge screens. I complement the organizers for, well, their organization. Getting that many people organized and across the stage in a relatively short amount of time was pretty impressive.

My hands hurt from clapping for each and every one of those recognized. In a world where people tend to float from one job to another (been there, done that), I'm impressed with the number of folks who've worked for HyVee for 20, 30, 40, 45 years!

yum, blurry lettuce

Of course I critiqued the meal. Hey, I'm a cook. It's what I do.
The salad was crispy and delightful--a lettuce wedge with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles, although the accompanying bleu cheese dressing made it a bit heavy.


For the main dish there was the requisite chicken breast with a fresh salsa. The chicken was well cooked and juicy--kudos. Three medallions of beef were okay. I do take issue with the potatoes. Mashing purple potatoes makes a grayish, gooey mass. They tasted okay, but...

Three wilty, overcooked asparagus dressed up the plate.




Dessert--chocolate cake. Well, half of one. With the other half a mass of whipped cream that tasted like a pre-made product with just a bit more vanilla and sugar. There was a tiny bit of sauce, I suppose vanilla, but I couldn't really tell. And a half strawberry for garnish. Now, if it were me, I would have put the strawberry so the pretty side shows, rather than the cut side.

    All in all, it was a delightful evening that I enjoyed sharing with my sister. Thank you to HyVee for the grand event, and especially for hiring a bus so I didn't have to drive! It's the small things...