VETERANS NIGHT

Sunny California is quite sunny this morning, hopefully heating up the 41 degrees soon.  It's a good thing since my heat just came on for the first time this year.  That's a record, I'm sure!!  There will be no morning grass walking for Kitters or me ... it's soaking wet with dew!! 

The first look out the BACK, told the story of the yowls I heard last night.  Apparently Kitters was guarding her territory.  Those yellow/orange flowers were IN the container when I went to bed.  She doesn't seem any worse for wear, but she's fuzzed up like a feather pillow just out of the dryer.

In less than two seconds, I was dressed. when I heard the driveway alarm go off.  I completely forgot the Weed Man would be here to spray the back forty.  I dashed out to unlock the gate to allow much closer access.  Otherwise, they don't do a very good job.  I was surprised when I heard the alarm again, meaning he drove off without giving me a bill.  Two hours later, I heard the alarm again and the bill appeared on the driveway.  

I spent the next hour gathering up all the quilts I had to take to the lodge.  Four with names, and two for the raffle.  

Lunch was leftovers ... pork loin, avocado and spinach on a tortilla with a mound of hot sauce.  Quite tasty!!

Then I went about hacking and chopping for the new soup recipe.  I saw this gadget online, bought it of course, but have only used it maybe twice.  I have to admit, it's one of the best things I've picked up.  I chopped an entire onion in less than 60 seconds.  

I followed that up with dicing 30 mini carrots.  It works like a charm and is easy to clean.  I'm sure there are extra blades around here somewhere, but I've no idea where.  I haven't decided whether to crock pot it or just use a pan on the stove.  The recipe doesn't look like it will take much time at all.  I'll report on it tomorrow.

Sadly, it was time to head on off to the lodge for Veterans Night.  Not because I didn't want to honor the veterans, but just because it carries bad vibes now.  In fact, my friend who set up this raffle with a gazillion prices, actually called and begged people to please attend.  Thankfully they did.

We had ten members of the Honor Guard show up for a few accolades, along with their wives.  Someone who shall remain nameless, bought dinner for all of them.  We did that on the perfect night, because had we not, there would only have been 65 people present.  We usually have at least 110.  It's sad to see everything go downhill, but we all know why.  

At any rate, we did a blast doing the raffle.  SO many  prizes!!!  Add to that two quilts I donated (which are out of sight) ..... and we made $1,120 for the coffers. THAT is how you run a raffle.  I had to laugh at the lady who won the 250 year celebration quilt.  She came running up squealing and gave me a big hug!!  It will definitely have a good home.

As for the quilts with names on them, not one of the four folks showed up, so none of them were given out.  Weird that one.  We will try again on Veterans Day next week where we feed any and all Veterans who walk in the door ... after the parade of course.  We shall see if anyone shows up for that one.  Honestly, I don't know if our lack of attendance is because of the price of Halloween and Thanksgiving, or if (as some have said) they don't like the drama.  I agree .... the drama is ridiculous!!

Here's my steak ... cooked to rare perfection.  No, I didn't even take one bite.  The raffle gal and I donated appetizers of shrimp, meatballs, cheese, crackers and other tasty bites which filled me up before dinner was even cooked.  I think I'll make beef stroganoff with this one since I just happen to have mushrooms and cream in the fridge.

I got home late, got to bed even later and didn't sleep worth a darn.  That put the nix on my planned trip to the coast for the next two days.  I will see how I feel tomorrow morning ... maybe a trip over just for the day.  I really would like to get rid of all that camera gear that's covering my kitchen table.

Still missing my sweet Cooper.  I think he kept me in a happier place.