Meatloaf, CrockPot Edition

 

For William George, meatloaf is probably his absolute favorite. The duo have always loved meatloaf, and "meafloaf" was one of the first foods they embraced.  Of course, because they went through an anti-vegetable phase, we deployed this recipe that included carrots.  Instead of sneakiness, we dangle after-dinner treats over their heads now, and that leverage is highly effective.

About a year ago a crock pot recipe for meatloaf made its way into our routine, and it is truly a game-changer.  Even if you have lukewarm feelings for meatloaf (raises hand), this is a recipe you will embrace.

Here goes:

Meatloaf

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Directions

1) Combine first six ingredients, 1/2 cup ketchup and 1/4 cup water; shape mixture into an 8- x 4-inch loaf. Line bottom and sides of a 4-quart, oval-shaped slow cooker with aluminum foil, allowing 2 inches to extend over sides. Lightly grease foil. Place foil in slow cooker.

2) Stir together brown sugar, mustard, and remaining 1/2 cup ketchup; spread over the top of loaf. Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours or until a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees. Lift loaf from slow cooker, using foil sides as handles. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Simple, yet perfect, and your family will love you for it.

Gratis

So last year the duo were transfixed by the concepts of the lunch room and library. They enjoyed the freedom of going through the lunch line as if they were going through a buffet at Golden Corral.  They LOVED it and insisted on buying their lunches most days.  They were equally fascinated with the library, likening their weekly "shop" of the books to going to Barnes and Noble. 

As time wore on, they were less enamored by both experiences.  This year they are back on the boxed lunch bandwagon, and we couldn't be happier.  The lunch room does a wonderful job, but we prefer that they eat a hot lunch from home.  Also, they have about 18 minutes to eat, and going through a line shaves off a good 4-5 minutes of that time. 

Luckily, the mystique of the library is still strong. 

So we have only eaten lunch at school approximately six times or so this year.  However, the duo mentioned last week that they have a new bottled water option that they have been enjoying daily instead of milk.  Suspecting that the water might be more costly than milk (it is $.70 more), I thought perhaps I should log into their lunch accounts to check their balances.  Also, there is an option to view meal history, and I would use that to verify the cost of the water. 

To back up a little, there was an extra form to be completed this year at meet-the-teacher (MTP).  Our MTP also allows the opportunity to pay fees, order field trip shirts and annuals, but this year there was an extra form or two.  One of the forms was somewhat controversial because there was a request for salary information.  Having worked in a capacity where I sometimes had to ask unpleasant or potentially inflammatory questions, I empathized with the messengers asking the questions.  This was an obviously ill-thought-out plan from higher-ups who did not consider the face-to-face ramifications of asking people their annual income in an elementary school lunch room (read: a crowded room). The reception was not good, and to be truthful we did not appreciate the intrusion either. 

Skip, normally the more calm of the two of us, immediately pushed back. "Are we financing a home here?" "There is no way I'm providing this information." On and on.  Finally, we agreed to just "put something down" and leave it at that.  We went with a conservative figure.  Given that we have made a decision to live as honestly as possibly, to intentionally be truthful in all situations, we were displeased with the form. To tell a "white lie" on such a ridiculous form was vexing.  I prefer to save all of my white lies for when I am asked my age.  Or weight.  Or whether or not I color my hair.

Anyrate, when I was checking the online tool to verify the duo's school lunchroom balances, the balance seemed higher than anticipated. I clicked for more detail and verified that the flavored waters they have been enjoying are $1.00.  I also noted that the one day they purchased lunch in October had a $0.00 charge. Then I noticed that the other five lunch purchases were also $0.00.  When I contacted the lunch room, the issue was explained. There is a $0.00 charge because the duo are participating in the free lunch program. 

How I would love to be able to have an audio clip of a record player needle scratching loudly across a record here.  VVVVRRRRRPPPPP!

Of course, I thought about that wretched form and that I probably -- in my haste to turn the form in before Skip's ranting escalated -- checked the wrong frequency (weekly/monthly/annually).  I certainly wasn't that conservative. As quickly as the form flitted through my mind, I immediately dismissed it because surely there would be more to the application process than a hastily completed form? Surely our state already has all of our information and could quickly compare data to confirm/verify income? Or, at the least, income verification would be required (i.e., a W2)?  But no, when our form was fed into the machine, the scanner cut off some of the digits on the salary information, leaving a number that qualified the duo for the free lunch benefit.  Basically, the computer read the form incorrectly, and thus we began receiving the free lunch benefit.

Well played, God. We get it; white lies count, too.

So we have cleared up the situation and have paid for the lunches the girls had "on the house".  We are just grateful they were never aware of the matter or else they would have been treating their friends to ice cream on a daily basis.


Disclaimer: Providing nutritional assistance to children is a program we support. While the tone of this post is light, we absolutely want to see each and every child whose situation qualifies him or her with lunch assistance enjoy a meal at school, either free of charge or at a discount. I want to be really clear that helping a family in need feed their children lunch is no laughing matter.  

Gracie's Milestones: Tooth Fairy

With as many losses as Grace has had, you might think the Tooth Fairy excitement would diminish. That is definitely not the case.  Grace was VERY excited about the recent loss of another tooth.  

And when you're the twin who didn't lose a tooth, the bitter sting of not being at the center of attention is still just as harsh the sixth time around.  

The contrast of these two expressions is why the Tooth Fairy leaves something for everyone.  It's even more pitiful in person. 

The duo still aren't crazy about the idea of the Tooth Fairy traipsing into their rooms at night.  Even though she is a fairy (and that may as well be royalty), they need their boundaries.  Instead, they leave a pillow on the table.  

The beauty of the three envelopes.  

William George is not even remotely interested in this process but is included anyway for good measure.  

As for Lauren's sad countenance? She was cheered by a note from the Tooth Fairy, and then reported this week that her front tooth is loose.  

She's back in the game.

George the Gymnast

William George continues to display interest, if not aptitude, in gymnastics. Below are a couple of couch-vaulting routines he has been perfecting. Before we examine his form, please accept my apologies for the fuzzy photography. He completes the sequences so fast that "sport mode" must be deployed on the camera.

 

Anyrate.  Let's get to it, shall we?

 

Here he is with good alignment, head up with only the slightest of balance checks. 

Good squat, deep knee bend. 

Wow! Look at that burst of power!  Excellent height!

Good solid landing, with only a minor deduction for taking a knee.  He seems pleased with his performance. 

He's ready to take another crack at the sofa. 

He seems confident...

...but focused.  Very determined. 

With feet firmly planted, he takes a powerful knee dip...

...and look at that EXPLOSION of power! 

Fantastic height!  Good form!  Perfect execution!

HE STICKS THE LANDING!!!

The crowd goes WILLLLDDDD!!!!

And he takes the podium to receive the gold medal. 

(We have no chance of discouraging him from jumping on the furniture and our constant narration of his performances probably does not help.)

Happy Birthday, Skip!

Today is Skip's birthday. In honor of Skip's 40-something birthday, here are 40 fun facts about Skip:

1) Skip is left handed.

2) He originally hales from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

3) Like all Virginians, he declares the Old Dominion to be both God's country and the greatest state in the union.

4) His favorite childhood activity was riding his bike, and there are stories about him wearing bicycles out.

5) Skip's main sports were basketball and tennis.

6) He owned his first pair of blue jeans in 2006, having dismissed them during his youth.

7) Skip is extremely conscientious. When we have guests over, he learns their favorite drink, foods and condiments and makes sure those things are available.

8) The above is particularly remarkable because his memory? Not the best. Instead, he is intentionally attentive.

9) He is a fantastic conversationalist. Put him in the Deep South, New York City, Los Angeles or Hong Kong, and he will strike up conversations and make friends.

10) On a related note, people tell him everything. (He is also respectful and discreet.)

11) Also related, people LOVE working with Skip. Friends and co-workers are genuinely saddened when he leaves an organization.

12) Speaking of, Skip and I first met at work in 1998.

13) Skip is an airplane talker and always returns from trips with business cards obtained during his travels.

14) Skip was a history major and has a deep appreciation for politics.

15) His spirituality and religious beliefs are important to him, and he deeply respects and appreciates the beliefs of others.

16) He is verrrryyy careful with money and rarely makes purchases.

17) Skip has really good taste. If/when he buys something, he only buys things of the best quality.

18) Related to #'s 16 and 17, he has been known to return merchandise that is inferior or substandard, preferring to do without than have something that "isn't right".

19) He truly seeks to appreciate the best in others.

20) He is always genuinely happy about the successes of others.

21) In fact, he has the most anti-zero-sum mentality of anyone I have ever met.

22) He disdains schadenfreude.

23) He is honest to the core, and therefore, is very self-aware.

24) Skip has moved 30+ times. Accordingly, he is anti-clutter and very organized.

25) Skip's favorite band is probably REM, but he also has an impressive collection of R&B.

26) Listening to music is one of his biggest indulgences.

27) Skip laughed joyously when the sonogram technician told us we were having twin girls.

28) He laughed the same joyous laugh when we were told we were having a boy.

29) Skip is an avid reader.

30) Although hyper-literate, he appreciates the comedic merits of Anchorman and Napoleon Dynamite.

31) Skip makes breakfast for our family every morning, often offering to make everyone her/his favorite.

32) He sets a whole new standard for hands-on fathers.

33) Whenever we are on vacation, he always makes a spaghetti dinner the first night we arrive, thereby making the accommodation feel like home.

34) He is a time management savant. He knows the precise time - always.

35) Skip is hyper-productive and prolific. He simply gets work done quickly and with military-like precision.

36) He makes people feel good about themselves and never engages in humor that does the opposite (i.e., no "put down" humor ever).

37) Related, he is incredibly empathetic and has a high emotional IQ.

38) Everyone says he is funny. And he is, just not in the way most people think. He is gregarious, observant and very witty. There is a depth to his humor that sometimes goes unnoticed.

39) He is the best husband and father. When I was on bed rest with the duo, he cooked dinner each night, ran errands and basically ran a one-man-show for 8 weeks.

40) Skip is a person of great integrity. If he says he is going to do something, he does it - no matter what.

Happy birthday, Skip! We love you way more than you know.

Enumerated Update

Happy Tuesday, friends.  Several projects were in the works last week that left this space neglected.  Here's the short list of where we are:

1) Out of Stock: Lamenting the discontinuation of a favorite lipstick is tough. However, finding out your agenda refill is sold out and permanently out of stock in mid-October is especially unsettling.  Since this planner has been my sanity for the past seven years, there was no alternative but to start 1) a  phone campaign to stationers and 2) an exhaustive Internet search to track down a refill.  Fingers crossed, one may be on its way from an obscure paper maker in New Jersey. 

2) Archaic: On a related note, electronic planners have failed me time and time again.  The iOS7 version is especially...not good.  I could go through an entire pro/con list of the iOS7, but will succinctly just say I doubt seriously Jobs would have given it the green light.  In his biography, Jobs is quoted as saying of his youngest (and most precocious) child, "She's the one who will be running Apple someday."  I'm ready to give her a shot.  Don't get me wrong... it's still the superior product, but it's clunkier and less "clean" than previous versions.

3) Gracie Fairness Doctrine: A common refrain at our house is: That's not FAIR! If only we received a dollar every time that statement is spoken.  Gracie, especially, has created a sliding scale of fairness.  Details will be kept confidential out of respect for her privacy, but she could have a wonderful future in politics. 

4) Related: Speaking of politics, we have managed to become involved in an upcoming voting issue.  Our role is very, very minor, but being involved in a door-to-door campaign is sending this extreme introvert into shock.  Granted, I'm never at a loss of words (either here or in person), but knocking on doors to discuss an issue with members of the community is a big step out of my comfort zone.

And that is truly it.  We are hoping to get back on track this week.  What is happening with you?

Enumerated Update

Hello, friends... Updates are a little light this week due to a couple of volunteer commitments, one of which includes working at the duo's school for......book fair.  Basically, I will be in my happy place for several hours this week, surrounded by shiny new books. 

Otherwise, this is what is on our minds:

1)  Ikea Hacks: Ikea tends to elicit a strong response from consumers. Most people either love it or hate it.  We have picked up a couple of items from Ikea over the years, and while I wouldn't necessarily look to Ikea for substantial furniture, we will at least consider Ikea as a source for potential purchases.  Skip's desk, the now discontinued Ikea Jerker (with accessories), has had heavy use now for over ten years and seems indestructible.  There was a teen version of the desk that I had hoped to obtain for the trio and had even envisioned an Apple-inspired study space around those desks.  A Facebook page to save the Jerker (pronounced "Yerker") failed to save this line of desks. Anyrate, we selectively love Ikea, and the free child care while shopping doesn't hurt either. 

A new reason to like Ikea? The proliferation of ideas from Ikea hacks.  My favorite so far is the stool-turned-bicycle found here.

2)  Halloween:  One-third of the trio have decided on the Halloween costume question.  For the remaining two, I like the fashion icon ideas from Oh Happy Day, Part 1 and Part 2.  I would love to pull off an Anna Wintour (Lauren), Grace Coddington (Gracie) and Andre Leon Talley (George). 

3) Kid Mode: William George has had his own iTouch (my old iPhone 3GS) for about a year. He loves the device and enjoys watching videos and using various apps.  Unfortunately, he touches the screen while watching videos, creating all types of havoc, and then OH MY WORD at the anger and frustration he displays. He immediately throws the device, and although old, it's still an iPhone. We would prefer that he use better care. 

Kid Mode for the iPhone is the perfect solution. We are immediately enabling this functionality for all of our devices. 

4) Lists:  My favorite thing about the book fair is when the children have lists from their parents.  LISTS!  What is better than a list?

That's it for us.  What is happening with you? 

Seventh Birthdays

On October 3rd, Lauren and Grace turned seven.  Since the 3rd fell on a Thursday, we had a miniature celebration with Skip and I joining them for lunch at school followed by a spaghetti supper and concluding with cupcakes. 

Thursday being a school night really limited our celebration, and the following morning Gracie asked, "Is my birthday over?"  On the contrary, we assured her that "birthday weekend" had not even started, and that we would be celebrating all weekend long.  Woot!

They returned from school to a balloon arch across the front porch and a fully decorated house (top photo).  As a special treat, Skip picked them up from school, and he reported that they started screaming as soon as they drove down the street.

Although we have celebrated all of their past birthdays "off site," we decided to have this year's party at home.  We knew doing so would be more work, but what we didn't know is how much more fun the party would be. 

The bounce house arrived Saturday morning, and the duo conducted many test bounces to make sure their friends would like it. 

While they were bouncing, we set up the tables, chairs, etc.  (Remember, this is not a design blog so grade on a curve, please.)

Besides, the star of decorations was the birthday cake bounce house.  The trio were astounded that this inflatable was in our back yard. They watched the guys set it up, and they climbed in and out of it countless times.  George's bedroom had the best view of it, and he has looked out of his window all week, saying, "Bounce house ALL gone." 

The only thing more important than the bounce house are good friends.  The duo had sweet friends who came to help them celebrate. They were so sweet and so much fun!  (Normally I wouldn't post a photo of our guests, but their friends are either in the bounce house or are looking away in this photo! :)

This year the duo had very specific cake requests. Lauren opted for coconut cake, and Gracie wanted chocolate cheesecake from Ruth's Chris (after having the dessert at her grandparents' 50th anniversary luncheon).  Since the latter was cost prohibitive (When I inquired about ordering one, the hostess was not sure of the price... she only knew it was "outrageous"), Gracie opted for chocolate on chocolate.  When we have a cake consensus, we have one large, shared cake, and when they choose different cakes, we have two. 

And when the cakes requests are so specialized, we pick up a third cake to be on the safe side.  On the plus side, William George was able to blow out candles during the birthday song. 

The duo were so excited to have their friends over to celebrate. As everyone left, they stayed in the bounce house until the crew returned to retrieve the inflatable.  William George, on the other hand, was confused by the crowd and was a little thrown for the rest of the night. 

 

After church on Sunday, we took the trio out for a special birthday lunch -- to Ruth's Chris, where Gracie got to have her dessert of choice, along with a rendition of "Happy Birthday". 

Lauren and William George opted for vanilla ice cream. 

Afterward, we admired the koi and tossed pennies into the wishing well.  George may have tried to join the fish. 

All in all, the duo had a wonderful birthday weekend.  Happy 7th birthday!

 

 

 

For our quick reference:

 

1st Birthdays (pre-blog)

2nd Birthdays (here and here)

3rd Birthdays (here)

4th Birthdays (here)

5th Birthdays (here, here and here)

6th Birthdays (here, here and here)

 

(How did the list become so long?)

Friday's quote

Church and Convent of St. Francis, via Fotopedia Heritage

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature--trees, flowers, grass--grow in silence? See the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence?  We need silence to be able to touch souls.

-Mother Theresa

Barbecued Chicken

Skip loves barbecue.  When he moved here (from Richmond), he went on a barbecue binge, dining at various establishments thrice weekly.  He visited his old favorites, the notorious restaurants, the chains and all of the hole-in-the-wall locations.  At least three months elapsed before he had satisfied his barbecue craving. 

We are working on replicating some of his favorites at home, and the below recipe for barbecued chicken is one of our favorite chicken options: 

Barbecued Chicken

Ingredients

2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (3-3 1/2 pound) cut-up whole chicken
1/2 cup cola soft drink
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Sprinkle over chicken.  Place chicken in a single layer in a lightly greased 6 quart slow cooker.

2. Whisk together cola soft drink and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Slowly pour mixture between chicken pieces (to avoid removing spices from chicken).  Place lemon slices in a single layer on top of chicken.

3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours (or on LOW 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours) or until done. (Tip: Always opt for the low setting if time permits.)

4. Transfer chicken pieces to a serving platter; discard lemon slices. Skim fat from pan juices in slow cooker. Pour pan juices over chicken; serve immediately.

A word of caution... should you find yourself only in possession of diet cola, do not think you need to add sweetener.  Adding sugar to diet cola results in a volcanic, science-type experiment. (Or so I have heard.)  Otherwise, this recipe is fantastic!

The October Menu

Common thinking is that three weeks of repeated activity establishes a habit, and we made it through the month of September with our meal planning plan. Woot! Small victory, yes, but we are going to build on that by continuing through the month of October. So far, dinner has been a much more organized affair, and Skip and the duo are especially enjoying having left-overs for lunch the following day.

October's menu is as follows:

Week One:

1st (Tuesday): Buttermilk Baked Chicken
2nd (Wednesday): Spicy Asian Barbecued Drumettes
3rd (Thursday): Grill-Smoked Pork Chops
4th (Friday): Chili
5th (Saturday): The duo's birthday party... so... pizza, of course.
6th (Sunday): Spaghetti

Week Two:
7th (Monday): Creole Chicken with Field Peas
8th (Tuesday): Meatloaf
9th (Wednesday): Thai-Style Grilled Chicken
10th (Thursday): Pork Chops and Field Peas
11th (Friday): Grilled Hamburgers
12th (Saturday): Crockpot Chicken and Dressing
13th (Sunday): Lasagna

Week Three:
14th (Monday): Braised Pork Chops
15th (Tuesday): Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Chive Sauce
16th (Wednesday): Carnitas
17th (Thursday): Vegetable Soup
18th (Friday): Grilled Chicken Breasts with Blackstrap Molasses
19th (Saturday): Baked Pork Chops
20th (Sunday): Spaghetti with Meatballs

Week Four:
21st (Monday): Pork Roast with Cornbread Stuffing
22nd (Tuesday): Orange-Honey Glazed Chicken
23rd (Wednesday): Meatloaf
24th (Thursday): Steak, Baked Potato with White Cheddar Cheese, Asparagus
25th (Friday): Chili Rubbed Chicken
26th (Saturday): Chicken Fingers, Fries, Green Beans
27th (Sunday): Ravioli

Week Five:
28th (Monday): Moo Shu-Style Chicken
29th (Tuesday): Roasted Pork with Black-Eyed Pea Salad
30th (Wednesday): Dijon Pepper Steak with fresh vegetables
31st (Thursday): Chili

A few of you were curious about the shopping list. A draft shopping list for the above meals looks something like this:

Buttermilk
Milk
Butter
Eggs
16 Ounce Ricotta Cheese
Italian Cheese Blend
Mexican Cheese Blend
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3/4 Pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
White Cheddar Cheese
White Wine
Light Brown Sugar
Chicken Bouillon Granules
Creole Seasoning
Cornbread Stuffing Mix
Bisquick
Molasses
Light Corn Syrup
Honey
Thyme
Dry Mustard
Allspice
Cloves
Chili Powder
Paprika
Granulated Garlic
Garlic Powder
Red Pepper Flakes
Kosher Salt
Italian Seasoning
Cilantro
Ginger
Coriander
Sage
Cumin
Oregano
Cinnamon
Basil
Fennel Seeds
Parsley
Cornstarch
Flour
Sugar
Vegetable Oil
Olive Oil
Sesame Seeds
Apple Cider Vinegar
White Vinegar
Red Wine Vinegar
Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce
Hot Sauce
Honey Barbecue Sauce
Soy Sauce
Hoisin Sauce
Toasted Sesame Oil
Ketchup
Yellow Mustard
Worcestershire Sauce
Dijon Mustard
Taco Shells
Tortillas
Spaghetti Noodles (4)
Spaghetti Sauce (4)
Lasagna Noodles
Chicken Broth (6)
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Dry Soup Mix (or make your own)
Breadcrumbs
28 Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes (3)
Tomato Paste (3)
Tomato Sauce (5)
Frozen Meatballs
2 Pounds Frozen Ravioli
2 Packages Frozen Field Peas with Snaps
Package Frozen Vegetable Gumbo Mix
Package Frozen Baby Gold and White Whole Kernel Corn
Baking Potatoes
Lettuce
Garlic Cloves
Onion
Limes
Lemons
Oranges (8)

Meat Servings: Ground Beef, 8; Chicken, 14; Pork Chop, 3; Pork Loin, 3; Italian Sausage, 1 (one pound); Steak, 1.  (Tip: We purchase all of the aforementioned meats at Costco and repackage into serving portions. Costco's cheese is also competitively priced.)

Whew!  The list is lengthy, but if you are lucky enough to have a stocked pantry you probably already have at least a third of the items on hand.  The list also contains primary cooking ingredients that can be used for multiple recipes over a few months. (Please substitute ingredients if your pantry is not fully stocked and/or if you want to spare your budget. We make substitutions with practically every recipe.)  The remaining items are actual food.  So while the list is long and the total is unpleasant, at least you have actual food when you arrive home... versus a lot of convenience foods and snacks.  Most importantly, the meal plan dashes your children's hopes for McDonald's. 
 

Enumerated Update

Happy Tuesday, friends! How is your week so far?  We are enjoying some cooler weather and getting into the fall spirit.  Otherwise, here's where we are:

1) Iconic:  Have you heard about Jonathan Zufi's project?  Zufi collected more than 500 Apple products, dating back to the original Apple I in 1976, and then flew all over the country to photograph rare collectors' items and prototypes.  In all, he took more than 150,000 photos (some of which are displayed on his site, Shrine of Apple) and ultimately self-published a book, Iconic: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation. Zufi says of the project, "I wanted to create a repository where people who also love the company and its products could go and reminisce."  Well done, Zufi.

2) Fabulous Fashionistas: How about this project?  A short film (47 minutes... is that a short?) about six women, with an average age of 80. My favorite quotes so far are below:

 "I don't give a damn what people think of me or the way I dress..." 

"I'm going to actually look good and feel good and do amazing things."

"Well, I'm now 85, and I'm not sure if I'm really a supermodel. But people seem to call me that from time to time."

"I love mini skirts."

"I'm leading... a different life. I suppose it's more adventurous."

"I always think 'When I get older, I'll do this, that and the other,' but so far I haven't gotten old."

"Sometimes I think people must look at me and think, 'That poor old 87 year old woman. Who does she think she is!' I don't give a toss. I don't give a damn what anybody says about me. Not at all." 

You get the idea. 

On its surface, the film is about fashion but also so much more.  Their intelligence, fitness, stamina and strength are astounding -- regardless of their ages.  I'm in awe.  See the film here.

3) Purchase: We purchased a car last week, a 2012 Chrysler Town & Country.  For a couple of frugal types, this was a big deal, and we have been mentally wiped out from making such a large purchase.  On the other hand, having reliable transportation is a luxury to which we could become accustomed.  (Honda, you are still on our list.)

Speaking of Honda, we disclosed the transmission issues during the trade-in process, and to our pleasant surprise, the Odyssey still had value. Of course, when we tried to determine the severity of the problem and I expressed a desire to keep the Odyssey as a primary car for another couple of years, they looked at me like I was c-r-a-z-y.  Basically, they confirmed that the transmission is...done.

4) Fun Fact:  One of our favorite negotiation statements is gone.  We paid very little for our last two vehicles - very, very little.  Over the past five years, whenever we were negotiating a major purchase, we would often express impassioned incredulity by exclaiming, "That's more than we paid for our car!!!!"  Not only was that a very effective statement but also had the added benefit of being true.

5) Speaking of: I really wish I could have filmed Skip during the week we spent negotiating with multiple dealerships about cars.  His efforts culminated into stalking a general manager via text and concluded with what I call the this-is-the-price-if-you-never-text-me-again price.  We were quite the pair, what with Skip offering ridiculously low amounts and me standing beside my 13 year-old van, crying softly over the idea of leaving our beloved Odyssey behind (not really, but we were sad to see it go).  It was a little like getting rid of the family pet.

6) Seven: We spent the weekend celebrating the duo turning 7.  We had a fantastic time celebrating with friends and family, but are now in recovery mode.  Updates to come soon.

I would love to have another bullet point, but that's about it.  What is happening with you?

Shopping for Cars

 

Yesterday, the state of our car was discussed briefly in the update.  Specifically, we had made a special trip to purchase a bicycle and were blissfully unaware of any mechanical issues whatsoever (read: the car had been performing perfectly).  So on the drive home from picking up the bicycle, my car, a 2002 Honda Odyssey, started behaving in an usual way. Basically, it acted as if it wanted to die, prompting me to make all sorts of jokes about my bicycle being my new mode of transportation.
Hahaha.

As it turns out, the joke is on me because my car completely and totally died.  Wait, that's not entirely accurate. The vehicle starts perfectly, but going into gear and actually driving is getting less likely by the day.  The transmission is no longer working in a manner that would render the car drivable. I was in denial about the severity of this mechanical problem, explaining to friends/acquaintances that the car is "making a noise" and that I was driving Skip's car as a precaution. When Skip arrived home from being out of town and drove the car, a series of events happened, various warning lights illumined, and the car barely made it home. We are virtually certain that were she to be driven again, it would not only be her last duty but that it would end with her being carried home via tow service.

This is a Honda that has been perfectly maintained, and this transmission is the car's second.  The first transmission gave out at 70,000 miles, and this second transmission is failing at 150,000 -- not a good life span for a major component.  Honda's 2002 and 2003 transmissions were shoddy, and we have a 2002 (Odyssey) and a 2003 (Pilot). We are hoping to laugh about that someday, but not now... it's much too soon... especially since we are experiencing similar issues with the Pilot (also perfectly maintained/driven gently).  Honda, you are SO on my list.  Despite the lighthearted tone here, we will never own another one.

Our cars are 11 and 12 years old, and we expected to drive them for many more  years.  Frankly, we believe in driving cars for as long as possible, and we have never experienced "new car fever.". The one time I made a new car purchase, I also experienced the disappointment of having a piece of a tractor tire strike the hood and windshield, scraping both, within the first week of ownership. The resulting queasiness is not a feeling I am eager to repeat. We are also pragmatic enough that the idea of spending thousands of dollars, only to have that purchase depreciate as soon as the tires leave the parking lot pavement is nauseating.

We come from families who also have great reservations when purchasing cars. To evidence those reservations, I proffer the following:

- Regardless of your mileage, e.g., 50K, 150K, 250K, 300K, my dad will dismiss any concerns you may have about the longevity of your car, saying, "You've got another 100,000 miles - EASY.". If you seem skeptical, he will say, "It's not even broke in yet!"

- My mother bought her first new car in 1992 - a 1991 Toyota Camry.  Although it's now 22 years old, she still has it as a secondary car.

- Skip's dad's claim to fame is throwing a check at a car salesman and daring him to tear it up. If this seems overly aggressive to you, it's been a while since you bought a car.  Because after spending a weekend car shopping? This makes sense to me.  

All of the above is intended to lend credibility to this next statement: We do not like buying cars - so much so that our last two car purchases were very used cars (mileage in excess of 100k) bought from family members, and the only reason we went to various dealerships this past weekend is that none of our family members have any "for sale" signs on their cars. 

Skip and I have both been negotiating professionally for over 20 years, and we realize our car shopping experience could be protracted. We currently have three offers with three different dealerships, but we are not anticipating a quick purchase.

We are patient. Besides, I have a new bicycle to break in.