Great song- more cowbell

I have to admit that I do like to listen to some alternative music.  The Red Hot Chili Peppers have come out with a new single which I like.  I think the reason for this is the cowbell I hear.  It just brings back memories of one of my favorite SNL skits- here is just a sample.  You should go to You Tube and see the entire 6 minutes- I think Christopher Walken is hysterical and who doesn't think Will Farrell is genius? 

And by the way, the RHCP's song would also be better with more cowbell ;-)

I Love the Rain

Maybe it's because it has been so dang hot this summer, the afternoon rain that has come has been a welcome. 
When I see it, it makes me sing a little song in my head.  It's raining.  It's pouring.  I ain't complaining.  I love the rain.

I love the rain

My Season

Earlier this week I finished reading

Season to Taste- How I Lost My Sense of Smell And Found My Way

It was around this time three years ago that I lost my own sense of smell and taste.  Luckily, I too have recovered some of my senses back.  However, some things just don't smell/taste like they used to.  I think it will always be a work in progress.  Read my review at Goodreads:

Season to Taste

Let's not trifle over my trifle

I made this brownie trifle for a coworker this week.  Trifles are so easy and I'm glad I got to use my daughter's gift from Pampered Chef.  I have put this bowl to good use twice now this summer.  This recipe came from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2004.  Here it is:

Brownie Trifle

1 box plain brownie mix for 9 X 13 pan
2 tablespoons Kahlua coffee liqueur
2 (3.9 oz) boxes of instant chocolate or chocolate fudge pudding
4 cups milk
1 (10 oz) bag Heath Bits 'O Brickle toffee bits ( do not use the chocolate coated bits)
1 (16 oz) container whipped topping*

Prepare brownies according to package directions.  While still warm, brush with Kahlua.  Cool, then cut into 1 inch squares.  Prepare pudding as directed on box, using 4 cups milk, but do not chill.  

Place half the brownies in the bottom of dish.  Cover with half the pudding, then cover with half of toffee bits.  Cover with half of whipped topping.  Repeat layers ending with whipped topping (reserving 2 tablespoons of toffee bits for top)  Refrigerate overnight- before serving, sprinkle top with reserved toffee bits.

*I always like to use fresh whipped cream- whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar.  Whip to stiff peaks.

I've Got Books!

 
The last of my order from Alibris  arrived yesterday.  I love this site!  You can buy brand new books or discounted books, some as low as $.99.  Although you pay more for shipping, the price per book if you order a few is considerably less than the storefronts.  Right now I am half way through Season to Taste.  I read a review in The Boston Globe and was thrilled to know someone with the same affliction as myself wrote a book on the subject.  More to follow in another post.

The British are Coming

After my previous post, I dawned on me how much I enjoy British humor.  I love the movie A Fish Called Wanda,  (though some may argue it is not a Brit film, anything with Monty Python alumni, in my book qualifies)

One of my all time favorites is Saving Grace.  Brenda Blethyn is Grace- this is the same woman who played Brad Pitt's mom in A River Runs Thru It.  Craig Ferguson before he became a late show talk host is her cohort.  Don't think of this as a "weed movie".  It is a funny, heart warming rom-com.  Check out the trailer below- guaranteed to make you laugh!

Improving with Age

In a recent Real Simple article, one of the 5 great things about getting older includes

2.) Wise decisions will come more easily.  

While it is thought that we lose a significant number of brain cells as we age, in fact, new scans show our cognitive peak is between the ages of 40 and 68..  In my own case, I feel that my job makes me a better multi-tasker and problem solver.  However, at the end of the day, I think I resort to this- initially posted by Boomer Girl.