Wednesday, January 23, 2008

It's National Pie Day! And I've added other things that I felt the need to share...

Tammy, over at The Pink Magnolia is hosting a "National Pie Day Recipe Exchange" (who'd a thunk such a thing as "National Pie Day" existed?). As I believe I've mentioned before on numerous occasions, I. Do. Not. Like. To. Cook. Nor am I particularly good at it. But behold. I have found a pie recipe that even I have mastered. Probably because no actual cooking is involved. It is, however, generally made in the kitchen so that has to count for something on the "I am Wonder Woman of the Kitchen" scale of life, right? I got the recipe from my niece's childhood friend, who got it from her mother. I begged for months to get this recipe. (See? When I ask for a recipe, nobody takes me seriously!) Anywho, it is so easy to make and it tastes absolutely delicious! This recipe makes two, count 'em TWO, pies and I'm telling you, when you serve one of these babies, people will think you really know what you’re doing in the kitchen! (If you knew the true state of my culinary skills, you'd understand why that statement is, indeed, so powerful). So here it is...the recipe for a

MILLION DOLLAR PIE



Ingredients:
1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple
1 15 oz can of mandarin oranges
1 15 oz can of diced peaches
1 14 oz can of condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice
2 8 oz tubs of Cool Whip®
2 regular graham cracker crusts

Pour fruit into a colander. Drain well (best to put the colander in a bowl and set in fridge. Fruit will drain faster and better in cold temperature – I actually drain mine overnight). After draining all juice, put fruit into a bowl with condensed milk and lemon juice. Mix gently. Fold in 1 tub of Cool Whip®. Spoon into crusts. Top with remaining Cool Whip®. Place in fridge (or freezer!) until ready to serve. Simple as that. The only danger comes in your knowing that this puppy's sitting in your fridge or freezer just waiting for someone to come along and appreciate it's near rapturous glory. (And by "someone", I mean ME!) Ahhhhhh. Hey you know what? I have to make a Wal-Mart run today anyway...I think I may have to purchase the ingredients for this. I usually only make it once or twice a year because, well...as I'm sure you've guessed, I have absolutely NO will power. But will power's for monks and rockheads, am I right? Yes, my leetle chickens, I am.

The rest of this post is totally unrelated to the love of pies so if that's all you came for, you might want to skedaddle before your eyes begin crossing and you start questioning the whole concept of blogging as a whole (my ramblings have been known to have that affect on some, particularly members of my own family - which should speak volumes about just exactly how much rambling I actually do!). Now that the "Public Health Warning" is out of the way, let me tell you about something that happened to me yesterday. I had engaged in what is commonly referred to as "therapeutic shopping". I went to Target and Ross's and Kohl's and Rack Room Shoes...mainly buying for my granddaughters' Easter boxes (boxes instead of baskets because they live in Okinawa and if I sent the stuff in baskets, most of it would probably fall out before it even reached California, you know what I mean?). I had a mahhh-velous time. Then my foot started to hurt, mainly because of the crappy shoes I was wearing. While I love those shoes for their ease of access (they're slip-ons), they'll never win any fashion awards and their comfort only lasts for about 2 hours before my right foot starts threatening to grind its way up to my nasal cavity. (I have some sort of something or other on that heel that I've been meaning to get fixed since 1996, but the stupid doctor said I'd have to wear an orthopedic shoe on that foot for 6 weeks after the surgery and who wants to do that?) Anyway, I ignored my feet for another couple of hours after the outset of "the throb" until I'd reached the point of knocking some poor elderly woman out of her little motorized scooter. That's when I decided I'd better do something. By then, I was at J.C. Penney's so I headed to the shoe department. (Hey, I wasn't done with my therapy yet...I needed new shoes in order to continue). Well. As it turns out, they were having a bit of a sale. Buy one pair, get the second pair half off. And at their prices, that half off turned out to be fairly substantial. So I had no choice really. I bought two pair. And immediately put one pair on so that I could continue with my quest. I found Maddy Moose 3 more shirts and then I found one for myself. I loved it...thought it was bee-u-t-ful! So I bought it. Now we're at the point of the story (I told you I rambled, quit complaining!). I head on up to the check-out station (which, by the way, when did Penney's start doing an Old Navy type of check-out - you know, an entire row of registers, instead of the "register in every department" old way?). Anywho - the cashier dude, who had about 4 different colors in his hair and was wearing an argyle sweater over a funky pair of pants, took one look at me and the shirt I was buying and yelled "Wow! You ARE LOUD!", all the while laughing in what I considered to be a totally unprofessional manner. I mean really! This walking kaleidoscope was commenting on my fashion sense?? After I progressed past the urge to smack him around a little, I realized...he might have a point. There I was, wearing this shirt:
While carrying this bag (which is HUGE):
While purchasing this shirt:
Loud? Well...yeah. Maybe. I guess so. Oh all right! I know so. I think I may have become one of those older women that people point at in crowds. lol My BFF Susan always said I liked gaudy stuff and I guess she was right. Because I love the shirt I was wearing, I positively adore that purse and I'm pretty darn smitten with my new shirt, too. I have to confess...just the thought that there's people out there who would rather wear a burka than be caught wearing a shirt like the new one just makes me SMILE because damn, people! It's bright, it's happy and it feels GOOD to wear it. Take it from me! Stop pointing at oddballs and just become one (if wearing something like this is the new standard for "odd")! And there is one undeniable upside to dressing in things like this....Randey can always find me in a crowded room. We don't need no stinkin' cell phones, he just has to look up and he can spot me from a mile away! ha (Now stop smirking at my shirt, Susan, because I bought you one, too! ha,ha,ha,ha...okay, just kidding. Relax.)

So to celebrate my new-found realization that I am LOUD, I asked Randey and Jacob (Kaleb was working!) out to dinner at a Mongolian Grill (my gosh! talk about D-lish!). After dinner, we got our customary fortune cookies.
Randey's said "You will soon be awarded a great honor". Jake's said "Life is a series of choices. Today yours are good ones". Mine? Mine said "Your judgement (sic) is a little off at this time. Rely on friends". Rut-Row! Surely this isn't referring to my new shirt??????? Naaaaa. That'd just be freaky.

Finally, I'll finish this book...er, I mean post, with some pictures of Sydney the Wonder Dog. While I was shopping yesterday, I came across this little doggy bed for him. He already has a bed, but it's usually kept downstairs and I've long thought that he needed one for upstairs, too. And guess what...he loves it. That's the beauty of Sydney...he loves all his new toys and stuff and acts like it's the most wonderful thing in the world when he gets something new. Unlike my actual children, who have sometimes shown little or no appreciation for my choices in fashion, etc. that I've brought them. And no, before you even think it, I have never tried to make them wear clothes even remotely similar in color and/or shape to mine. Except for that one time when I bought Nick the green shirt and green pants. I thought they looked great. And my sister bought my nephew the same outfit, but in purple. So who do you think came out worse in that deal? Yeah, that's what I said. Nick should have been grateful green was my favorite color and not pink, right? Anywho...gaze upon this beautiful and perfect specimen of Chihuahua.
But look, after taking about 20 pictures, even Sydney seemed to be trying to hide his face from me. Go figure.
Okay. All done. I'm going to make a serious effort to not write posts this long in the future. Except for that tag I just got from Jennifer at Dust Bunny Hostage. Seven random things. Sheesh. I spill my guts on here all the time. Coming up with 7 things that you guys don't know about me is tough. I was supposed to do a tag of five things last month and couldn't come up with even that many. Seven may tax my "expression of the truth". In other words, I may have to resort to lying! lol

28 comments:

  1. Just quickly here before I get on to important things, Ice Cream Pie is made with two Weight watchers Yogurt 1 tub sugar free cool whip and one graham cracker crust...mix the cool whip with the yogurt, pour into crust, cover with plastic cover turned upside down and freeze...thaw slightly before serving...very good. Low fat and sugar...onto:
    What, you don't come in my blog much anymore after all the nagging or you're just not up to talking or you want to just lurk??? And correct me if I'm wrong but don't you have another dog...let me see, what was his name? BLU??? Does BLU have a bed? Or Two? He sent me an e-mail and he is not happy. Whew...okay, that's enough...gotta go to the store and buy fruit and stuff to make another darned pie...yall are killing me here. Everyone knows Uncle Wally prefers Pie to cake.
    love ya
    Aunt Sandi

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  2. Kari, I love that pie.mom makes it every Christmas. I LOVE your shirts. I am loud too and proud of it. It speaks of who I am inside.
    you go girl!

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  3. You pie recipe sounds delish...with all the fruit it's got to good for us right???

    Thanks for participating!

    Here's to more pie!

    And to gals not afraid to be "loud"...LMBO!!!

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  4. All I can say is you crack me up. Really.
    and that's a good thing btw.

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  5. Pie sounds great but that SHOPPING experience... well, I thought the purse and top were adorable together. I love the skirt you bought, too.

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  6. I too need to make a trip to the store for some serious pie baking! Let me get through the Fondant cake first HAHA!

    BTW~ I LOVE YOUR HANDBAG!

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  7. I love the shirts - the pie sounds delish - and I'm thrilled to be back!

    Missed you!!

    Love,
    Julie

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  8. Visited your auntie and snagged her buttermilk pie recipe and then landed here with another recipe to snag. Yours looks easier. It looks like the perfect Easter pie recipe to me.

    Okay, this post was so much fun that I was laughing until I set myself off into a coughing fit. This is a dangerous read for folks coming off a week of cold and flu.

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  9. Oh, this sounds so good and easy. I like that in a pie! :)
    Thanks so much for sharing. I am soooo hungry!

    Hugs,
    Hope

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  10. Hi Kari,

    Your pie sounds delish! And retail therapy is my fevorite form of therapy. I love all the colors in your shirts and your bag is cute too. I wish I could carry a big bag but they are too heavy for me but I like the way they look. Your pup is just so cute in that little bed, he looks like he is king of the castle.

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  11. OK, loved the pie recipe. All of them today sound so good!

    Now your shopping therapy. I think the shirts and purse look great! That clerk really did need a slap upside his head! Calling you LOUD - the thought!

    Your little puppy looks so cute in his bed. Love the hiding his face picture!

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  12. Okay - so that post had my head spinning...and then you drug out the wild clothes...ha ha... don't mind me - I am dieting and have low blood sugar right now! You are too funny.

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  13. Okay, first off, Sydney is THE cutest doggie.Well, Kip is my number one but Sydney is a close second. LOVE his little beddy bye.
    Now, your pie is the one that Bill's mom made every holiday. We have not made it since she died so I think this may be my sign that we need to do just that!

    And I think the two of us need to go shopping together. I LOVE color and fun and *I* think your choices are wonderful. So there. Just wonderful. Gracie has a little dress that looks a lot like the first shirt. And she and I have the
    most lovely of taste. Of course...
    I would not lie. I think you look smashing!!!

    Love and hugs,
    Sue

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  14. Absolutely ADORE the pictures of Sydney!!! How cute!!! And, I love the one where he's trying to "hide"--his personality shows through even in pics!!!

    Don't let that check out freak upset you!! One time my son, my own flesh & blood told me I was dressing one step up from white trash!!! Must not have liked the lime green shoes with rhinestones all over them, but they sure were cute!!

    Which brings me to this--if you do decide to have your foot fixed, and have to wear the "boot", just tell everyone it was a skiing accident. You'll get soooo much sympathy, and only you and I will know the truth!!! hee hee hee

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  15. I came here via Tammy's to read your pie recipe and had so much FUN! I laughed so much at this book...er, I mean post.

    Seriously, the pie recipe sounds delicious. I think it's lovely that you buy and wear what you enjoy and your dog is SO CUTE!!

    I enjoyed my visit and hope you will drop over to my blog for a visit sometime. I will be back.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  16. KARI! KARI! KARI! I HAVE A NEW POINTER THIXXX - I MEAN CURSOR. COME SEE HIM. Oh, and while I haven't actually read your post yet, I will be back afer I have gazed on boogie boy awhile....It will take a pretty long time so it may be tomorrow (jk) be back in a minute - Jennifer

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  17. Oh, pies. Anytime. Anywhere. Especially a black berry pie. I'm an expert in making them.... Mrs. Smith pies that is. :)

    I'm glad I'm not the only one that nuts over old typewriters!

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  18. I'll have to try your pie recipe, sounds yummy! I'm on a quest this year to learn to bake pies. Real, homemade pies. Like my grandmother used to bake. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

    I have to ask...is your son playing X-Box Live in that picture? My 14 yr. old is desperate to get X-Box Live, so I need to know how it all works. Do you have to buy a crap-load of expensive stuff? Is it a pain to set up?

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  19. ROFLMBO! You are LOUD! That is too funny! Glad you got in some retail therapy! You should really get your foot taken care of though! Just think! Everyone will have to wait on you hand and foot (at least for a while)! That is worth wearing the orthopedic shoe! Isn't it? ROFL

    The pie recipe looks yummy!

    Sydney looks like he is really loving his new bed! Cute pictures!

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  20. Hi Kari thanks for your kind words and prayers. I have the same bag from Sam Moon and love it your shirts are very fashionable, and yes bright your personality deserves a bright shirt:>

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  21. You aren't LOUD ENOUGH in my opinion!! If you haven't read "When I Am Old, I Will Wear Purple" do yourself a favor...read it!! It's funny and sweet and absolutely the truth!

    Geez...wish we were closer so we could go out and BE LOUD together.. ;)

    Cassie

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  22. I may need to borrow that purse on my next trip to London... I would be one hot polkadot. Wellies, brolly and a bag to match.
    ~:-)

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  23. Mmm that pie looks yummy! You can come by with it anytime lol. I had a chiuaha(sp?!) growing up. He was the runt of the little and I loved him.

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  24. Hey Kari. It actually took me two days to get back and read. Oh I so LOVE it that you are loud. I have always liked bright colors and BIG earrings, or funky jewelry of some kind. But see, I am, um, a 'big boned girl' so you better believe I stand out in a croud! I think your clerk was RUDE and you showed extreme self control. I am proud of you. Visit again soon - Jennifer

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  25. I love the shirts and the bag The pie sounds good but not for me now up to 7 pounds with lots more to go and I mean lots more I will post before and after pics if I ever get there ( in about 2 years!!!!!)

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  26. Mmm..pie is my favorite dessert and the recipe you shared looks delicious! I'm hungry now..hehee. Hope you are having a great weekend!
    Hugs,
    Kelli

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  27. When we celebrate National Pi Day (the greek letter for the mathematical constant), that will truly be fine day for education. However, in the meantime, I will support a day to celebrate the more tasty of the pies.

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  28. After reading your blogs, I've discovered we have 3 things in common: we are both loud (and proud of it!), we both live in the FW area, AND our dogs have the exact same bug-toy!! Great minds, eh?

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