Don't Judge a Trifle By its Layers

By the grace of ReddiWip in a spray can, I was able to salvage my dessert that just last night was one layer short of a trifle.

As I mentioned yesterday, with the distraction of our sweet grand-pup Rey, I put my last 2 layers in the wrong order. But as predicted, it didn't matter. I've never made this the same way twice anyway – whether it's the ingredients or the order of layers – so this was today's Pumpkin Spice Trifle. 

The bottom was cubed up frosted pumpkin bars. So good on their own! Next layer is the game changer.

Instead of pumpkin or vanilla pudding, add Cinnabon Pudding. The creamy cinnamon brings out the spice! Also yummy on its own. I topped that with a thin layer of whipped cream then added the crunchy layer...

Put a row in a Ziploc bag and go to work with your rolling pin! I nicely crushed crunchy layer.

I meant to repeat those layers but forgot the crunch layer BEFORE that final whipped cream layer, so I added that at the end. Wasn't a complete fan of that, so this morning – thanks to a back-up can of ReddiWhip, I added another thin layer on top with some Halloween sprinkles.

Whew. I could leave the house with my Trifle Queen dignity intact!

And yes, we all know it's only pretty until the first scoop anyway, but still. Ha. And it was tasty! The birthday girl liked it. And definitely no one complained. And it went fast, as usual. I brought home the bowl with a small serving left in case hubby wants it. 

If not, I'll take it. Or just lick the bowl. It was that good. 

Give it a try. Keep in mind that some of these layers are seasonal. If you want to use those P.S. Oreo's, you'll have to get them soon. Also, the only place I've found the Cinnabon Pudding is in the snack pack area at Walmart, but it might be in other stores, too.

Or if you want ME to make it... Plan the party and save me a seat! 🎃

Chillin' Out on Monday

When the "wake up and crawl out from under the covers" temperature is technically below freezing, it's time to make a power move.

I walked down the hall and turned on that heat again with no one the wiser. Well, until you could hear the air vents anyway. My promise to the man in the office on the other side of the wall was that I'd shut it off as soon as the house warmed up.

Fast forward to 4 p.m. when I remembered that. At least I was cozy to in my office today – assisted by hot Pumpkin Spice coffee, naturally. 

I also warmed up because we got special visitors after work that washed away all Monday stress-itude. (Not a real word, I know.)

Casey and Emily were visiting from Minnesota and we were excited to see them. But we also were super-duper excited to see our grandpup Rey, who we hadn't seen since their wedding a year ago!!

She was my little helper in the kitchen. I was trying to teach her how to make a trifle, but she was so cute and distracting, I actually forgot a layer and it's not symmetrically pretty. I'll share the images and recipes for my Trifle Tuesday blog tomorrow – if it gets positive reviews. 

I mean it's Pumpkin Spice Trifle so I know at least the birthday girl and I will enjoy it! 

The four of us humans went out to grab a quick bite to eat. It had been awhile since we ate at Tamarack's Pub (formerly Cheers, formerly 19th Hole, and who knows what else), but since it was close to home, we went there so Rey wouldn't be alone too long. We weren't sure if she'd invite the guys in the neighborhood over for a party. But Charlie and Buddy stayed home. As far as we know.

Had a delicious meal and it was great to catch up – much easier to talk across a table then down a row at Target Field. We love having them close by again. And Rey, too, of course! 

She's a big sweetie. And no, I didn't give in to her begging brown eyes. Though Grandma Robyn may have let her lick the Cool Whip-covered spatula! 

Spoil while you can!

London (jet) Bridges Falling Down

It's not often I have to set an alarm to wake up and watch the Vikings. But when I do, it better be worth it. 

And thank-SKOL-ly, today was!

Had to get up early enough to shower and get ready for church before sitting down for the 8:30 a.m. kickoff vs. The Jets in London. It was a great start and it was tough to trade the recliner for a church pew at 9:15 a.m. But witnesses can confirm I did! While I did have my phone on silent during church, I may or may not have been checking the score occasionally. We were kicking butt and I was missing it!

Raced home after to catch the 4th quarter and witness our defense saving our team that seems to be forgetting we play TWO halves. Grr. Thankfully, Aaron Rodgers could not lead his team to comeback victory. He was too close for comfort.

But in the end... we're 5-0, baby!

With an early game, it was the perfect opportunity to take advance of BINGO at Assumption. Didn't win anything but had a good time. 

This was as close as I got to winning the progressive coverall jackpot. Nobody did so that goes up to almost $2,800 in two weeks. It's already on my calendar.

That finished just in time for me to head over the funeral home at 3 p.m. for a visitation for our dear friend Dewey, who lost his battle with cancer last week. Jim was out of town at a Gene Watson concert (you probably have to Google it), so we paid our respects at different times. I found some friends to stand in line with because we have a ton of mutual friends. In fact, so many people, it took me 40 minutes to even get into the building. Obviously, Dewey was a kind, generous, and popular man – who impacted a lot of people in a special way. God, please bless his wonderful wife and family!

When I got home, I had to study a few minutes before heading out to a new type of volunteer work. I was on one of the panels interviewing young ladies (vying for a certain title) so they'd get real life experience answering questions and improving that skill before they face the real deal in a couple weeks. It was very interesting and I had a great time brushing up on those journalistic interview skills of mine! Can't wait to do it again.

For now, I need to brush up on that habit of getting 8 hours of sleep! The wind was so strong today, it blew us way closer to Monday than I was prepared for.

Be careful out there!

Pumpkin Spice Girls on a Spicy Saturday

First Saturday of October means everyone in Wisconsin is embracing pumpkins and fall. There were at least 4 festivals within short driving distance of our houses, by my friend and next-door neighbor Cindy and I hit 2 of them. 

The Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest – which runs tomorrow too – has gotten bigger and bigger each year. This picture is one of the hundred or so vendors. Pretty set-up.

While the top photo is Cindy and I with a large inflated pumpkin, the real pumpkins are really taller than humans – when sitting anyway.

They're so heavy, they can't be perfectly round. They have to be picked up by a forklift to the weighing station.

We just happened to be there when this one weighed in at over a thousand pounds!!

Very proud owner!

Besides craft vendors, food trucks, and competitions, they had some interesting attractions – like this guy who carves these giant pumpkins.

Inspiring but I know I couldn't do it. 

Pretty cool to see him at work!

And it just happens my team at work is going to dress up for Halloween as the Peanuts gang. Someone has dibbs on Snoopy, but I had to buy this hat! When I press the end of those long black cords, his ears go up! Pretty cool.

Also had to stop at our neighbor's Pumpkin Shed business. It was dress-up day for the workers so we got to see some neighbors in their finest!

My golf partner – Sir Zigs and Zags-a-Lot!

And so many pumpkins! Check it out on Deer Road close to the the intersection with 70th Street. 

After I got home, the pumpkins turned me into Cinderella so I got some windows and screens washed since I'd done my dusting and vacuuming before shopping. Then this evening I went to the wedding reception for a friend's daughter marrying a nice young man from my church. 

It just happened a "friend" put a ball and chain on Sam's ankle. I think they both were Ok with it. And I had a great time dancing, too. I consider that a great Saturday.

My spicy sneak peek tells me Sunday will be just as good!

Ice Cream (anti) Social

Woke to 44 degrees and one of the bedroom windows had been cracked open all night. I was basically cold all day!

I threatened to turn the heat on, but the guy in the office on the other side of the wall said he did just fine the last 2 cool days.

So I waited until he left the house to go see our nephew Colin race in La Crosse before I turned in on. I mean we should test it anyway before it really gets cold.

Anti-social me just stayed in tonight. I'm still cold! I put on my fuzzy robe and got a blanket and started watching a new Netflix show. I was hooked on Nobody Wants This immediately and binge-watched half the season already. It's hilarious.

At some point, I thought, "You know, ice cream sounds good." 

So whip off 3 layers of warmth and grab me some Mint Moose Tracks. That's how some of us roll.

Ice cream season is ending. But ice cream with a jacket (or robe or blankets) on is beginning. Enjoy! 🍦🍨

You're Not Alone, Brew Crew Fans

As I sit here cheering for the Brewers because, well, no team in this household is in the playoffs, I found this graphic interesting. 

While the Cubs are usually the hated team of choice in Wisconsin, look at all these states who allegedly hate the New York Mets. These are your people, Brewers fans! You are not alone!

I do hope they do well. In fact, I am committed to watching this game. While perhaps multi-tasking with a bit of baby blanket crocheting. But still, know that you are not alone and we all wish you a happy ending.

Like last night.

You know what I mean. Good luck!!!

#BrewCrew💙💛

October Hump Day Headlines

Wicked Mother Nature

Rarely – as a landlocked girl in the Midwest – do tropical storms or hurricanes impact my life. Helene changed that a bit. 

First of all, super grateful Carter and Mamie live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, now and not North Carolina. That would have been overly stressful and maybe devastating. Secondly, we just had our 25 annual sisters' weekend a year ago in the Asheville area. And we visited the Biltmore estate! How devastating for them and the many, many shops and restaurants we patronized. Feel so bad for them!

Fall Sports

Oh gosh, I'm still trying to keep pace with fall sports. Last night I got to shoot pictures of the Royals middle school football team in action. Which took me to about an 11 p.m. bedtime after uploading (so I chose sleep over blogging). It was entertaining because just like when Carter was a shorter dude in middle school, there's such a variety of sizes at that age. See the very petite quarterback taking a snap from the super-sized (for middle school) center! Crazy. Our Royals lost but they were pretty aggressive and fun to watch!

It's October!

I'm crushed that my Twins were eliminated from the playoffs at the last minute! So, naturally, I'll be a good Wisconsin citizen and send my positive vibes to the Brewers. Based on my co-workers and friends attitude today, I gotta send mega-good vibes. I just checked and they are tied with the Mets tonight after a loss last night. I don't want to say anything to jinx them. So I'll just say go Brew Crew! NOW!

Cancer Sucks

It's true. Cancer is so non-discerning. It doesn't matter if you're old or young. It doesn't matter if you're the friendliest business owner in the community – like our friend D we lost this week – or a mother of 3 – like our friend J who has it everywhere after so many clean scans. We send prayers and hugs to all of you!

Pretty sure I should I should wrap up my blog before any other sad thoughts present themselves. As always, hug your loved ones and be careful out there!