B-G-O 3,000!

Craig Biggio scored his 3,000 hit last night (actually 3,002) - YAY! Click here to read Richard Justice's front page Houston Chronicle article.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Abba, "Mamma Mia" 3:33
Abba, Gold

"...here I go again!" (I've been doing 2-a-days most of this week, mornings on the treadmill and evenings in the park, keeping hubby company while L runs.)

Today's stats - 41 minutes, 2.36 miles, 245 calories

Chocolava Cookies

With a name like that, how could I not try this recipe?! Another recipe from She Knows Cooking Smart magazine (March/April 2006) . Low calorie, low fat -- but, Holy St. Patrick! -- What a mess to make! I "choco-lava'd" my food processor, mixer, and my manicure. But so worth it!

Chocolava Cookies

1 1/3 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter at room temperature

3 large egg whites, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

Confectioner's sugar, for rolling

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl or bowl of food processor, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar. Add butter and blend with fork or pastry cutter (or pulse in food processor) until mixture is well-combined. If you used a food processor, transfer mixture to large bowl.

Add egg whites and vanilla and stir by hand until dough comes together (I used my mixer), using fingers if necessary. Mixture will seem dry at first, and dough will be sticky (understatement!) because of low fat content.

Place a few spoonfuls of confectioner's sugar in shallow dish. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and roll in sugar to coat. (Nice try, use a spoon instead, drop into sugar and then form a ball. Say a few unprintable words and tell yourself you can't stop now.) Place 1-2 inches apart on cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake for about 12 minutes, until just set around edges but still soft in middle. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store in tightly sealed container or freeze.

Makes 2 dozen cookies. Each cookie - 92 calories, 18 calories from fat, 2g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 18g carbs, 1g fiber.

Author: Julie Van Rosendaal, "One Smart Cookie"

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Real McCoy, "Another Night" 3:56

iTunes, Another Night
Today's stats - 49 minutes, 2.93 miles, 312 calories

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Traveling Wilburys - (Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison) It's fun to try and listen for each one's voice.
"Handle With Care" 3:19
iTunes, The Traveling Wilburys Collection Remastered

Today's stats - 40 minutes, 2.38 miles, 256 calories

Taco Soup in the Crockpot

(Corrected 6-26-07 4 PM- I left off the can of chiles in the ingredients list yesterday)

It's only 10:35 AM, but this has been simmering since 8 AM and the smell is making me hungry! When I was pregnant, a co-worker brought this in for lunch one day and gave me the recipe. I've revised it over the years (I don't use as much meat-less than 1 pound...or I save the leftovers from taco night and when I get enough in the freezer, use that instead, and then skip the taco seasoning. The Rotel tomatoes and chiles give it enough heat.) I now use the 5 quart sized Crockpot instead, on Low for 4 hours, or High for 2. I've seen different variations in both magazines and cookbooks since Linda Sadler gave me the recipe all those years ago, but none with these exact ingredients. It's also very healthy -- back when I had the MasterCook program and a 386 computer, I ran the nutrition stats and it's very low fat, lots of fiber and good for you! Try this version, I think you'll like it!

TACO SOUP

2 pounds hamburger

1 large onion

1 can pinto beans, undrained

1 can kidney beans, undrained

1 can whole kernel corn, undrained (Use brand name, the generics get mushy. I like DelMonte's Summer Sweet Crisp Corn)

2 cans Cheddar Cheese soup -- you can also use 1/2 box 2% Velveeta cheese block

1 can stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained

1 can diced green chiles, undrained

1 package Original Ranch Style Dressing mix (not the dip)

1 package taco seasoning mix

2 1/2 cups water

Brown ground beef with onion, drain. Add all ingredients and simmer for 30-45 minutes in a large pot. Or use the crockpot!

Serve wth tortilla chips or Fritos. Freezes well.

Me: 8 Birdies & Squirrels: 2,157

I harvested this first season's crop, for us. Our Celeste fig tree is now almost 9 feet tall, and filled with figs. Most are still green, and most will end up feeding the backyard wildlife.

(Presentation plate - Target, clearanced at 37 cents. Didn't blow the budget when I bought what was left - 5 x .37)

Hook 'em Horns!

How hard is it to find University of Texas fabric? VERY! That's why when I was at Quilter's Emporium and saw this on display (along with the same style in Texas A&M Aggie fabric, which is very easy to find (!)...and even a bolt of Texas Tech print), I grabbed a yard, along with coordinating prints. Each design and square is individually trademarked.

On the selvedge it says, "Sykel Ent., a Div of Fabrique Innovations, Inc. Pattern #TX020CT and in red letters - The logos appearing on this fabric are protected trademarks of The University of Texas. This product is intended for personal use only. Any unauthorized use is prohibited"

The two perfect coordinates Quilter's Emporium had with it are - the orange, "Dimples by Gail Kessler for Andover Fabrics Patt 1867," and the black, "Moda Marbles 1997 by Patrick Lose"

I don't know what I'll do with them yet, but I did take advantage of the 50% off thread sale at Jo-Ann's and bought Coats & Clark 40 wt. Burnt Orange embroidery thread and "Copper" metallic for whatever and whenever inspiration strikes.

Couldn't resist the tiny (1 1/2") Eiffel Tower Paris print ("Friends Around the World" France by Judie Rothermel for Marcus Brothers) in a fat quarter - Quilter's Emporium had their fat quarters 50% off, much cheaper than buying from the bolt. I love that shade of pink. And no cutting remarks about the "other" Paris. I was just so happy to find the Olfa 28mm blades also at Jo-Ann's. Usually my evil twin sewing sister gets them before I do.

Props & Chops

Ageless
Shopping at Border's, not once but a couple of times in the past few weeks, 20 or even 30-something clerks come up and say hi and ask how you are doing; well, and if they can help -- but still for a moment you feel like you are a 20 or 30 something babe again. It's that kind of attention, IYKWIM, young baby boomer women!

Do your bidness before doing business
Take your potty break before shopping at Jo-Ann's! Not that their restrooms were anything to write home about, in fact they were often a little gross. Probably the reason for their new store policy-"Sorry, no public restrooms." When you gotta go, you gotta go. . .

And another chop to Jo-Ann's -- Yes, it's the Firefly Sale time, along with 50% off non-sale item coupons. And yes, the magazines are "on sale" for 10% off again. . .

Eye of the needle

Did you see this on ABC news last night? http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=3297372
"Willard Wigan's artwork is so tiny, a microscope actually is needed to view it..."
Amazing!

Father's Day Sewing

A favorite Father's Day gift!

Burda 5223 is most likely OOP (original publication year was 1989, and I started using it in 1993), this classic style pattern I'm sure has resurfaced in a different number. A bit of a fabric hog (5 1/2 yards of 45"), I lucked out last week when Jo-Ann's had their 100% "Spring Shirtings" on sale for 50% off - $2.99/yard. I love seersucker for summer--and a great deal, so if they want to call it Spring, so be it. Lucky Dad, he earned three this year!

Liquid Plumber Helper

Note to self: Do not use Liquid Plumber after showering when you have a wet (heavy) towel on the shower head hook, just in case it may slip off and land on the drain! Thought I do like the "dappled sunlight" effect on the practically new sage green towel. Good thing!

Favorite Workout Songs

From Monday and today --

Kenny Loggins, "I'm Free" (Heaven helps the man) 3:46
iTunes, Footloose (15th Anniversary Collector's edition)

Slade, "Run Runaway" 5:00
Greatest Hits of the 80's Vol. 3

Monday's stats - 48 minutes, 2.87 miles, 327 calories
Today's stats - 35 minutes, 2.07 miles, 240 calories

AS IF we need further incentive

Medical proof sewing is good for you --

From Heart Healthy Living (Winter, 2006) "A 2004 study found that people who do something creative every week make fewer doctor visits, take less medication and report less depression than those not engaging their artsy side. Part of the benefit comes from the social aspect of group activities (Me: American Sewing Guild!), and for solo pursuits, a sense of individual mastery, according to Gene D. Cohen, Ph.D., director of George Washington University's Center on Aging, Health and Humanities.

Shhh! Sewing in Progress

Fabric stash has increased by 17 1/4 yards. But can't post why or photos -- Father's Day gifts...and I haven't made them yet. . .

Yesterday's Favorite iPod Workout Song

More bubblegum music!

First Class, "Beach Baby" 4:59

One Hit Wonders of the 70's

Voice sound familiar? He also sang the lead on "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes." (Wednesday's Treadmill Tune) His name is Tony Burrows, a session singer. He was the voice of several studio groups, including White Plains, The Pipkins, Brotherhood Of Man, Edison Lighthouse and the Flowerpot Men.

Yesterday's stats - 42 minutes, 2.53 miles, 282 calories

Fun and slightly snarky quilting magazine

I used my 40% off Jo-Ann's coupon for this today. Mark Lipinsky's Quilter's Home - for the new generation of quilters. Entertaining and creative reading whether you are a sewist or quilter.

Pink'd!

Latest acquistions from Another Place In Time. They also got a new shipment of Sea Lavendar candles. And a new scent which smelled delish, like someone making jam, "Mixed Berries".

Apple Blossom Pink Penta!

Giant Jewel Portulaca-------->

Isn't this a neat variation?

Costco Find

Tasty! Addicting! Case of 24, $10.99

I haven't even seen it in other stores yet.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Edison Lighthouse, "Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes" 2:47

One Hit Wonders of the 70's

It was right before Easter 1970 and my best friend, Robin, and I bought some of these chenille chicks, and we were trying to think of names for them. I chose Rosemary - this song was playing on the radio (AM! "WBBF-Channel 95") on the way home. It's such a bouncy, happy song. Pure bubblegum music!

Today's stats - 39 minutes, 2.34 miles, 255 calories