Man it has been raw here in Memphis the last few days. Now Memphians keep saying it is cold, but it is only about 40 degrees or so, and that is not really cold. But it is raw...which is when it is chilly, damp, rainy and the temperature just sneaks through every inch of your body.
Now, I know many of you up North with snow on the ground are saying "p-f-f-f-f-t to you...want some real winter, come on back up here and remember what winter is all about."
But when you do move south of the Mason-Dixon and you get acclimated to a warmer climate...well the word 'winter' takes on a whole new meaning...
I overheard someone say "What if all that rain had been snow...wow, that would be so cool". Well, we had about 2" - 2.5" of rain in the last 48 hours and that would equate to somewhere around 2 - 2.5 feet of snow. From my observations, if Memphis had 2.5 feet of snow everything would be shuttered tight, there would not be any bread or milk to be found for upwards of 200 miles and the roads would be littered with cars in ditches and more car crashes then at Daytona Speedway during a NASCAR Sunday.
Actually tomorrow there is a 30% chance of snow flurries and already the bread and milk is flying off the shelves. WHO EXISTS ON JUST BREAD AND MILK?????
Why are they not buying meats and vegetables????
Now, I know many of you up North with snow on the ground are saying "p-f-f-f-f-t to you...want some real winter, come on back up here and remember what winter is all about."
But when you do move south of the Mason-Dixon and you get acclimated to a warmer climate...well the word 'winter' takes on a whole new meaning...
I overheard someone say "What if all that rain had been snow...wow, that would be so cool". Well, we had about 2" - 2.5" of rain in the last 48 hours and that would equate to somewhere around 2 - 2.5 feet of snow. From my observations, if Memphis had 2.5 feet of snow everything would be shuttered tight, there would not be any bread or milk to be found for upwards of 200 miles and the roads would be littered with cars in ditches and more car crashes then at Daytona Speedway during a NASCAR Sunday.
Actually tomorrow there is a 30% chance of snow flurries and already the bread and milk is flying off the shelves. WHO EXISTS ON JUST BREAD AND MILK?????
Why are they not buying meats and vegetables????
A few of you were bothered that I was not sharing the NYE menu with y'all and BUD from "WTIT Tape Radio Blog" even called me a "sick puppy" for announcing the party and promising to show pictures to the 'uninvited'.
Then one of the guests comes along and spoils the whole thing by listing the menu in my comments. Brad, the former Mr. Fab from "Pointless Drivel" guessed the entire menu on his first try...
Appetizer: Sardines
Soup: Campbell's Tomato
Pasta: Spagetti-Os
Salad: Tossed. That will be a nice break. I haven't had that done to me since prison.
Main Course: Fish Sticks
Dessert: Popsicles
Well, other than needing Dad Vince or Anndi from "Transition" as an editor to learn how to spell Spaghetti, he almost nailed it perfectly. He did forget that along with the Fish Sticks, I would be serving Ketchup as a vegetable.
I guess I could publish the menu, but then some of y'all will be real upset you are not coming. As far as invites...for two years there has been a standing invitation to anyone who sits on The Couch to come to Memphis and as of this writing no one has taken the plunge...so...to quote y'all from above "p-f-f-f-f-f-t"
There really is a spot for two others (the neighbors will not be coming), but I am not sure there is room to sleep two more, though there is a nice hotel less than a mile and a half away...so....
And I did that without asking Nancy....rut-ro!
Then one of the guests comes along and spoils the whole thing by listing the menu in my comments. Brad, the former Mr. Fab from "Pointless Drivel" guessed the entire menu on his first try...
Appetizer: Sardines
Soup: Campbell's Tomato
Pasta: Spagetti-Os
Salad: Tossed. That will be a nice break. I haven't had that done to me since prison.
Main Course: Fish Sticks
Dessert: Popsicles
Well, other than needing Dad Vince or Anndi from "Transition" as an editor to learn how to spell Spaghetti, he almost nailed it perfectly. He did forget that along with the Fish Sticks, I would be serving Ketchup as a vegetable.
I guess I could publish the menu, but then some of y'all will be real upset you are not coming. As far as invites...for two years there has been a standing invitation to anyone who sits on The Couch to come to Memphis and as of this writing no one has taken the plunge...so...to quote y'all from above "p-f-f-f-f-f-t"
There really is a spot for two others (the neighbors will not be coming), but I am not sure there is room to sleep two more, though there is a nice hotel less than a mile and a half away...so....
And I did that without asking Nancy....rut-ro!
OK, I know y'all are waiting to hear who will be receiving the Christmas CD's by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Connick, Jr.
Well, the one by Mr. Bennett was simpler to chose than the Mr. Connick, Jr., so I will begin with that one.
COME ON DOWN, MR. PHFRANKIE BONDO from "Steamboat Slough" send me your snail mail and the Tony Bennett album will arrive before Christmas!
Actually, based upon past wins, and herincessant pleading statements of love for his music, how can I not send the album by Harry Connick, Jr. to our good friend DESERT SONGBIRD from "The Ice Box"? I have your snail mail Ms. Songbird, and will be sending Harry to your door this week.
Well, the one by Mr. Bennett was simpler to chose than the Mr. Connick, Jr., so I will begin with that one.
COME ON DOWN, MR. PHFRANKIE BONDO from "Steamboat Slough" send me your snail mail and the Tony Bennett album will arrive before Christmas!
Actually, based upon past wins, and her
Off to finish the Christmas cards....
This one I love...Big Jack Johnson and "I'll be Home For Christmas"
ENJOY.....
This one I love...Big Jack Johnson and "I'll be Home For Christmas"
ENJOY.....
Yay for Desert!! Harry has a good home =)
Yeah flurries in the South is even more of a big deal than snow here. We usually get one "Snow Event" (that is how the show in on the news banners, fyi) every winter. Next week, in fact, they are calling for possible snow. Yippy Ky Aye ...
We you know the rest.
Oh and Syrup or Jelly?
It's cold enough here that I've turned on my electric blanket to keep me warm the last couple of nights.
I can't believe there aren't any rolls with that meal. What kind of host are you? ;-)
Okay, let me get this over with first: IWONIWONIWONIWON!!!!! Yippee!!!! Yahoo!!!!!!
*catching breath, calming down*
Now, if I could come to Memphis, I would. I mean, who wouldn't want to experience the famous Couch hospitality and the scrumptious concoctions of one Mr. Vincente Marini?
Oh, and I'm with you as far as cold. Eighteen years of living here in the desert has made me very wimpy when it comes to cold, but since we desert rats look forward to this glorious time of the year when we get our token cool weather, I'm not complaining. I just wear sweats or sweaters and boots and turn on the heater. Truth be told, it's wonderful to be able to drive with the windows down and not shut tight with the air conditioner blasting.
STARR: I hope she does provide a good home. Both of course!
JAY: Nice and cuddly with your electric blanket...nicccce
You wanna bring the rolls?
SONGBIRD: OH goodness folks...we created a monster! LOL
See when we can drive with the windows down - we call that March!
I'd love for Schmoop and I to come down but she doesn't really like to take me out in public. Cheers Vin!!
Matty and Schmoop!!! You MUST COME!
I must protest. Everyone knows that a proper pasta course with fish sticks is mac & cheese.
Now as to rain vs snow...we've got snow in our forecast for the next three days. Yikes! Guess I better get to the grocery for my bread...we don't use milk.
I hope they have enough soda and coffee!
Tempeture?
Oh, and you forgot an "s" somewhere.. go look!
Milk is not our friend at the moment. Nope.
I wasn't hired by Brad, so...
Right now, it's doubtful anything interesting will be on for NYE. Hope you have fun.
OK, nice weather report. Where is sports and news? I thought this was a FULL SERVICE blog. How the hell does someone guess 7 courses? Oh right. He's actually going to be there. :)
Never would have expected a "tossed salad" reference on the Big Black Leather Cooch. Just wait for those Google searches to start rolling in, Big Boy!
Imagine Schmoop not wanting to take Matt out in public. Hmmmm............
Send me a doggy bag, would ya?
MATT-MAN: Yeah, I can see why
TURNBABY: See above...no public for Matty
TRAVIS: I am glad someone knows that! And get that pantry stocked!
ANNDI: get out of google reader, they were fixed hours ago...but TY for that...sorry about your NYE...hopefully next year
BUD: You switched too soon...we did sports and the news, right after you switched to the Barbie twins channel. BTW...he ain't close!
DOC: Keep calling it a Cooch and see what happens to you!
STARR: Yup/...imagine...
I can certainly try!
Do they still make spaghetti-Oh's?
I've got 1/2 gallon of milk if you need me to send it to ya'. Of course it's open, and probably in chunks by now, but it's something. ;-)
I can't wait to see how you spice up spaghetti-os.....
I'm on lunch. We are under a tornado watch as I blogspeak. It's been nice knowing all of you people. Somebody take care of the peace globes!!!
Just one more thought....Shouldn't I be writing my last will and blestament or something? Instead I'm on Bond's site leaving comments. What has my life come to??!!!
I'd better go visit Bud and tell him where the key is for the peace globes.
Just in case...
I hope Mimi is OK! Yikes. Our Queen under tornado watch?
What I was going to say was I liked the version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" you shared, Vinny.
TUG: I suppose they must..but probably in different shapes now..kids are too sophisticated for simple O's
Chunky Milk..I like Chunky Soup, so maybe...
MIMI: LOLOLOL with spices! Hope you are safe there
Where else would you want to be then on The Couch during your last hours? And I can handle the Globes, no need to bother Bud
PATTI: Glad you enjoyed it.
I wish it would get cold here, I am really ready to put away my shorts and sandals....
I've never entirely understood the bread and milk thing either. I'm usually buying soup, pizza, and stuff I can grill. Yes you can fire up the grill in the winter if you lose power for a day or two.
The worst thing about winter in the mid-south is that we normally get freezing rain instead of snow. That just turns everything into an ice rink and NO ONE drives well on ice...I don't care where their from.
Have a great week-end Vince.
I would have a New Year's Eve menu where each course is semi-elegant in presentation but very easy to prepare. But don't think that we would do something like this, last New Year's Eve for us was Chili Nachos, and nothing more. But for the gourmand:
Appetizer: Portebello mushroom caps stuffed with Gorgonzola
Soup: Creamy Leek
Pasta: Pancetta with roasted red, yellow and green peppers
Main Course: Filets of beef with a Dijon peppercorn cream sauce
Dessert: Tiramisu
Wines would be a Gewürztraminer through the pasta, and a Cabernet for the beef. Even if I’m sort of broke now, I can have expensive tastes when necessary...
If I had the means and time, I'd be there on 12/31/08 like Mott the Hoople: All the Way to Memphis!
Two spots you say?? Hmmm ...
CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Phrankie and Desert Songbird!
I would hope not. Actually, a rather funny "guess"...
LAYLA: HA....Why woould anyone want to put away their shorts and sandles?
DRILLERAA: Exactly my friend..sheesh...and as far as ice...you are so correct there
RALPH: Nice menu dude...and mine is closer to yours then Brads
DANA: Can ya make it?
BUD: Your hope is correct and it was kinda funny (don't encourage him)
My hubby forgot the salad. When I pointed that out, he said he would go with hearts of romaine, with walnuts and cranberries in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Are you serving tiramisu? I might have to crash the party if so. ;-)
PATTI: Our salad is close to that...and I don't bake, so it is Strawberries with Zabaglione
Zabagli-who?
is that like a good thing?
Zabaglione is an Italian dessert made of egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine. It is usually served warm, though it can be served cold, or as a sauce, or even frozen.
Best on top of strawberries...yummmmmmo
Zabablione is THE BOMB. I still have a scar on my left thumb from where some uber hot sugar egg mix landed on me while whisking. Back in 1988. Staying power!
yum
I was guessing it was like a custard
STARR: Been a while since I attempted...no scrambled eggs please!
PATTI: BINGO!
Well...a tad thinner but I have had it tick think too...but i like it more whipped..
I"m sure your party will be a smashing success!