Identity Crisis

Clothes shopping just isn’t fun anymore. When you’re in your 20s you can wear darn near whatever you want (See photo on left). When you’re in your 60s you know you’re looking for anything stretchy with an elastic waistband (See photo on right).

But pity those of us in between.

In addition to weighing whether an article of clothing is the right color, cut, fabric, fit and size, there’s the whole issue of age appropriateness. Too tight or revealing and it prompts comments like, “Who the heck does she think she’s kidding?” Too baggy and conservative and you look like Aunt Bea.

I suppose I shouldn’t be complaining. One day this problem will go away, and when it does I’ll be living in polyester city.

Gimlet, Anyone?

Back in college my roommates and I survived on vodka gimlets. We made them by the pitcher, which doesn’t sound too over the top until you realize there were only three of us.

From what I remember, we loved them.

I thought this refreshing cocktail merited Happy Hour status this week because it’s a fitting last hurrah to our dwindling summer.

Here’s the recipe we used:

Three parts vodka
One part Rose’s Lime Juice

Many people serve gimlets in martini glasses, although some prefer rocks glasses.

We used tumblers.

Awaiting Our Fayte

Fay will be knocking at our door in a matter of hours. News reports from the Florida Keys, which she’s already blown through, indicate that she’s not going to be all that menacing.

Fingers crossed.

Cool Happy Hour Toy

You know what I just noticed? The only blog entries I seem to make time to write lately are the Happy Hour posts. But no, you shouldn't read anything into that. No sirree.

Anyway, this is a really inexpensive but fun Happy Hour novelty. We first encountered it at a Christmas party our neighbor had last year. The next day we ran right out and got one here.

It’s a mold that makes ice shot glasses. Pretty cool, eh? And easy, too. You just pour in the water and pop them in the freezer.

Disclaimer time: We’ve not used ours yet, but it’s ready and waiting when the opportunity arises. We'll break it out next time you're over, OK?

Instant Appetizer

Yippee! It’s Friday Happy Hour again!

First, mea culpa for the lack of posts this week. Things are out of control crazy when it comes to the schedule around here lately. I know that sounds like the adult version of “The dog ate my homework,” but it’s true.

At any rate, in keeping with the theme of the harried schedule I wanted to share an appetizer that can literally be prepared in 30 seconds. I keep the ingredients on hand at all times in the event of last-minute guests.

The photograph below, which I found on the Internet because I honestly don’t have a spare 30 seconds right now, demonstrates its significant drawback – It looks disgusting. However, I promise you that anyone who gets beyond the appearance will love it. Here’s the recipe:

1 brick of cream cheese
½ jar of pepper jelly

Step One: Put brick of cream cheese on a serving plate (preferably one more attractive than the aluminum tin pictured here).

Step Two: Cover with pepper jelly.

Viola!

To dress it up I sprinkle slivered almonds over the top of it, although sadly, that's somewhat akin to putting lipstick on a pig.

This House Is Lonely

I’ve always felt that houses have souls. The people who live inside provide them with sustenance, nourish them, nurture them, make them thrive.

Left vacant they lose their purpose. They deteriorate.

This house is directly across the street from us. I remember the couple that moved in five years or so ago. There was a flurry of painting. Furniture was delivered. Landscaping was planted. They filled it with laughter and activity.

But eventually, like so many houses in so many neighborhoods, there was a foreclosure. It happened about three months ago.

See how sad it already looks? Up close you can see mold creeping up the exterior walls. The shrubbery is a tangled mess. Honey mows the lawn when it gets out of hand – mostly to keep the neighborhood looking decent – but it doesn’t do much to mask what the poor place has been through.

I hope someone buys this house soon so it can feel loved again.

Mexican Layered Dip

What’s happy hour without something to snack on?

This dip is an absolute favorite of Son Two. I like to make it whenever he and his girlfriend come over. It’s a breeze to throw together.

Ingredients:

1 can refried beans
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 envelope taco seasoning
shredded cheese
shredded lettuce
1 tomato chopped fine
1 small can black olive slices

To prepare, mix the refried beans, chili powder and cumin and spread on a platter. In a medium size bowl mix the mayo, the sour cream and the taco seasoning and spread it over the refried beans. Top it off with the lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and olives.

Those of you who are familiar with this recipe know there’s supposed to be a layer of guacamole - just like the one you can see in this photo. Unfortunately, our kids don’t care for it so I reluctantly leave it out.

This can be served with Tostitos or Fritos.