Early February rambly roo

It's been a dreary weather kind of day today; but the sun is starting to show itself. We've actually had some lovely spring-like weather recently, so I'll try not to complain about the blah parts.

Littlest is sick with something, mainly a fever that's a bit high (went up to almost 103, so far). Funny thing is, she feels better lying in bed than sitting in a recliner. So that's where she is, napping. I gave her a little bell to ring when she needs something. But I'm checking on her often, so not a lot of need for the bell.

Just a lazy day otherwise.

I've made her some lemon and lime Jello to eat later and I actually got her to take in some oatmeal and a grape popsicle. But other than that she's not eating. Just water, mainly.

We've been watching some great old movies on Netflix lately. I feel like I'm catching up on all the stars I missed growing up and hearing about - you know, like Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby.... So many great entertainers from the past. We've been on an Abbott and Costello kick of late.

Last night for pizza night we watched the Abbott and Costello film, Dance with Me, Henry.

Here's Netflix's description:

Abbott and Costello wind up on the wrong side of the law in their final film together. Kiddieland owner Lou (Lou Costello) becomes a suspect when the D.A. investigating the gambling debts owed by Lou's pal Bud (Bud Abbott) is killed. Toss in some angry mobsters and social workers who threaten to take Lou's two adopted kids away, and it's one wild ride at the amusement park as the slapstick-comedy duo tries to stay one step ahead of trouble.

We also recently watched Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Good family fun! We have yet to see The Noose Hangs High. Those are the ones on Netflix right now.

While watching these films, I can't help thinking how much Sean Hannity looks like Lou Costello! Don't you think so? lol

And just for my kids, here's the Abbott and Costello Who's on First routine which was not in any of the movies I mentioned:


I opened my stamp blog again. Hoping it will stir my desire to stamp again. Maybe I'll just make a simple card at first. I actually enjoy them better anyway, and it doesn't kill a whole afternoon to make one.

These lollipops made with xylitol are yum-ee! And they're good for your teeth. I got one at the dentist's office of all places! Yes, hard candy from a dentist!

I've been trying some different products that are supposed to be better for you for whatever reason, and I've wanted to share my findings with you.

One of them is palm oil shortening. It works like Crisco, but it's not hydrogenated! It's a little harder to work with ( a bit stiffer), but it performs amazingly in baked goods. We've done corn bread and biscuits, the two foods that truly put it to the test, and both came out wonderfully! Better, even, than Crisco!

I tried coconut oil (looks like shortening unless warmed) and it didn't perform as well. The baked goods were crumbly and had a heavy coconut smell and flavor. But the palm shortening is both scentless and tasteless and doesn't interfere with the results in any negative way.

Another product I've been using is xylitol. I have it in my tea and sometimes in my coffee. I've made my homemade Nesquik with it, but it wasn't a good use for it as it turned out grainy when cooked. But it dissolves right away in a hot beverage and stays dissolved. Xylitol is good for your teeth as I mentioned earlier, and it's low glycemic and lower calorie than sugar. And I don't get that sugar rush like I do with, um, sugar, which is why it's called a "sugar" rush. Yeah.

An alternative sweetener I've tried that claims to be good for blood sugar is coconut palm sugar. It's very yummy and caramel-like and reminds me of Sucanat (like a dry brown sugar). I like it with cream in my coffee and find it adds a nice richness to whatever I use it in.

Son found a nice car (finally!) on Craigslist after a lot of looking. The guy he bought it from met him at his church. His pastor even came out to meet Son and Hubs. Apparently, the guy was selling his car to donate the money to his church. Isn't that nice?

The new car is a 5-speed, so Son is getting lessons from his dad on how to drive it. I think Hubs misses driving a 5-speed. He gimped down on behalf of me when he bought his last car so I could drive it as well. I've never learned how to drive a stick shift, although I've tried! Maybe someday I'll give it a go again.

Right now, our neighbor across the street is playing with his motorcycle and revving the engine endlessly. *sigh* Thanks, pal.

Sales are going well at my Amazon store. It's really odd. I'll go for days and days without a sale. Then I'll get 4 in one day from 4 different people. So strange, but I'm getting used to it. I'm just thankful for every sale!

I've signed up for the Pro Merchant account at Amazon and will be listing a bunch of my old Stampin' Up! stamp sets there. With a Pro Merchant account I can now create fresh new listings rather than using the ones already there. Before I had to find an already existing one and sell my items using them. Not always easy depending on what you sell.

I finished my last embroidery project and am working on getting 4 more state flower quilt squares ready to do. I'll share more later.

Dinner will be leftovers. Nothing exciting to report there.

Well, I think I am at the end of this ramble. Have a good weekend and thanks for going on this ramble with me. ;)