Month: November 2012

Came into work today and the phones, Internet, and central network are down, so now is as good a time as any to update my Tumblr!

This past weekend was not only Veteran’s Day weekend, but the 237th Marine Corps birthday. The past three years, we celebrated with one of the elegant balls – Chuck in his dress blues, me in a gown, and a lot of pomp and circumstance to go around. They’re always lots of fun, but this year – since Chuck is now part of a motley 19-man team rather than a huge battalion – we celebrated with a low key “Ballbeque” at the Gunni’s house.

It was fun, if not a bit chilly for an outdoor party. I enjoyed the bonfire in particular 🙂 I didn’t so much enjoy the full roast pig all charred on the grill… It made me depressed.

Anyway, it was good to meet Chuck’s new leaders (I felt like I was at a parent teacher conference sometimes, with very drunk teachers!) It was also good to bond more with the Marines I already knew, and their wives and girlfriends.

We are all just gearing up for this deployment over here – won’t be too much longer now. Then I’ll have a two-time war veteran to be proud of and thankful for!

by

First Day!

Today is my first at the new Chamber job, since yesterday I had to drive 2.5 hours northeast to attend my mandatory court hearing for that speeding ticket I got Labor Day weekend (DA reduced it for me with no points and no classes! Still had to pay out the wazoo though, 95% of which was in court fees – stupid government bureaucracy…!)

Anyway… the girl I’m replacing is still here technically, so there isn’t a ton for me to do yet. I did get to go to a ribbon cutting ceremony though. And attend meetings! More importantly, I’m filling out my tax and direct deposit forms so that I can actually make some money too 😉

I’m starting to feel like a real professional again! 

I wonder how the poor Bean is doing at home though… all alone, all day long? The president here at the Chamber brings her old poodle with her to work every day, so I wonder if I can arrange some sort of similar deal with Annie?! Wouldn’t that be fun!! Miss her 😦

                         

by

Culinary Delight #9: Apple Cider Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

These were pretty much to die for. Perfect for fall. Chuck got that eyes-rolled-back-in-the-head look when he tried them. I served them at our Halloween bash in all sorts of cheesy creepy embellishments, so I’m including the internet photo from which I got the recipe. 🙂             

For the cupcakes:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 2/3 cup flour
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 bag Kraft caramels, melted with 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp. milk for thinning, if necessary
Instructions:
 
Mix all ingredients for the cupcakes together in a large bowl. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 19 minutes.
For frosting, cream together the butter and shortening. Add the powdered sugar and the caramel alternately (add the salt in with the caramel.) Add milk by the tablespoon as needed for thinning. I pretty much used Chuck as a taste-tester to gauge how much caramel vs. milk vs. powdered sugar I needed. He was happy to oblige!

Annual Oyster Roast on the Cape Fear River at the Chamber of Commerce. All you can eat fresh oysters and shrimp, open bar, and live music. Great time with new co-workers, community entrepreneurs, and the hubby 🙂