Friday, September 6, 2013

Show & Tell Friday: the Feels Like Fall Edition

It was 57 degrees is my mountains this morning. (Yes, I like to think they’re mine.) The whole family put on sweaters, even if only for a little while. There is a distinct chill in the air that whispers of Autumn, of the Fall. Even though it’ll likely reach the 80s today, the humidity is gone, and the mountains are so starkly blue against the sky it looks as if someone drew them there with a felt-tipped pen.

Happy as I am that we’re headed toward my favorite season of the year, I am tired. Pooped. Plumb worn out.

Wearied.
Dead-tired.
Dog-tired.
Bone-tired.
Ready-to-drop.
Drained.
Fatigued.
Done in.
Bushed.
Zonked.
Tuckered out.
Tapped out.
Fried.
Whipped.
And enervated.


Thank you, Oxford American Writer’s Thesarus.

But seriously: I’ve been taken down by a 4 month-old.

To share:

1.) “The most exciting 25 seconds in college football”

If you read along here, you’ll know that I’m a Clemson University alum and a life-long fan. Saturday we played (yes, I’m one of those people who say “we”) the University of Georgia from the big ol’ bad SEC. And won. My husband and I were at the game, and it was awesome. There’s really no other word to describe it. But when we got home, we found out that ESPN (it was Game Day at Clemson) had done this really cool lead-in to the Tigers “running down the hill,” a Clemson tradition that starts the game.

Even though I grew up going to Clemson games, knew the alma mater and fight songs as soon as I could talk, had a great-grandfather who was mayor of the town, and went there myself, I’d never seen the lead-up to “running down the hill.” ESPN’s Brent Musberger coined the phrase back in 1985, and on Saturday he reiterated just how special this entrance is, saying it’s “one of the great college football traditions” and a must-see for any football fan.



2.) My mama’s tomato pie recipe

With the passing of Labor Day, summer has unofficially drawn to a close. However, lots of good things happen at the end of summer, like the last of the tomatoes blooming on the vine.

I. love. vine ripe tomatoes.

This was originally my mama’s tomato pie recipe, which I’ve tweaked over the years.

Ummm, good.

Tomato Pie

Ingredients:
frozen pie crust (deep dish)
3 fat red ripe tomatoes
a whole bunch of shredded mozzarella cheese (we especially like Kraft’s version with a kick of Philly cream cheese)
Extra Virgin olive oil
fresh basil
2 or 3 cloves fresh garlic (depending on how much you like garlic. I like a lot.)


Directions:
- Slice up your tomatoes and lay the slices on plates covered with paper towels. While you’re prepping, the water will soak the towels, leaving just yummy tomato.
- Cook the crust according to the package directions. (Be sure to poke it good with a fork.)
- Lightly brush olive oil all over the crust.
- Dice up the garlic and sprinkle half over the crust.
- Add a layer of tomatoes.
- Add half the mozzarella.
- Rip up some fresh basil and spread it over the top.
- Repeat, and be sure to top with lots of basil (it’ll cook up in the oven).
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Cook for 20 – 20 minutes at 350 degrees.


Yuuuuuuum. So easy, and oh so good.

3.) My quote for the day, which I’ve sorely needed this week as I’ve done battle with Wilhemina the Conqueror (aka my teething baby). Yes, it’s bad to say “battle.” Let’s just say I’ve been battling her teeth.

“Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Of course, Ralph didn’t have a teething baby, a writing career, a neglected dog, a messy house, a traveling husband, and a post-pregnancy pot belly that just won’t go away. He took to the woods when he wanted to be alone. But it’s still a darn good sentiment.


No more old nonsense! (She says, holding up her fist like Scarlett O’ Hara.)

seekerville.blogspot.com

Happy weekend, all!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Teething Baby: 100 Billion Trillion. Worn-Out Mama: 0


William the Conqueror
(Doesn't look like such a baddie. But he was.)

It’s been a rough several weeks, my friends. See the title of this post? No kidding. I’m not exaggerating.

Seriously.

My sweet little angel baby (otherwise known as Wilhemina the Conqueror) decided to start teething at 3 months old. I’d write a quirky little ditty about it, right now and for all y’all to read and enjoy, but I’m not enjoying it. Not one bit.

I don’t recall teething being this gawd-awful with my 4 year-old. I think memory loss is the Lord’s sneaky little way to get us to have more kids.

A little 12 lb baby has done me in. Kicked my fanny. Made me want to cry to my granny. Got me beggin’ for a nanny.

Okay, I’ll stop.

You know I love my baby. I’d eat her up with syrup if I could.

Especially when she’s teething.