Birthday Perfection - Day 85

Today Mike and I escaped our messy house, stressful life and money worries.  We headed north for a birthday getaway in north Georgia.  The drive took most of the day, but was actually quite relaxing.  Mike read me articles from the latest editions of Gator Bait.  I love when Mike reads to me.  It doesn't matter the subject, although it usually involves something political or sports related.  It just plain makes me happy.  We stopped for lunch at the ultimate comfort food restaurant...Old Times Country Buffet in Tifton, Georgia.  This restaurant is trough feeding at its best.  I gorged myself on country style veggies...fried okra, creamed corn, rhutabagas, greens, mashed potatoes, dressing, squash casserole.  Then I topped it off with a piece of fried chicken, Brunswick stew and peach cobbler.  I must have consumed 3,000 calories in just one meal, but it was heavenly.  The view was pretty cool as well.  The restaurant was filled with people decked out in their Sunday best.  It was a fashion parade of hats and brightly colored polyester suits.

We arrived at the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge just as the sun was setting over the mountains.  This was exactly what I wanted for my birthday.  This was perfection.

Many hugs,
Kathy

In For A Treat - Days 83-84

My vacation began by spreading a little happiness. I got up early Friday to take a basket of cookies to David for the fall festival at his work.  His face lit up as he opened the door to my sizable donation.  I was happy with the way the basket came together and hoped the cookie recipients would be as well.  David handed me a brown paper bag in exchange  The package included a very special treat...David's mighty tasty homemade hummus, pita bread and a knife.  Mmmmmmmm.  I ate every bite.  The rest of the day included a return to normalcy...something I have not seen in far too long.  I got my oil changed, voted, ran baking errands and got a hair cut.  Suddenly I felt more in control of my life and it felt oh so good!

Then it was time to bake and bake and bake some more... until 3:15 a.m.  I actually got 3 1/2 hours of sleep before the Lake Mary Farmers' Market today.  Compared to less than a hour for the two previous market appearances, I felt quite rested.  Today was a beautiful market day filled with lots of hugs, friends and happiness.  Customers seemed to like the cookies.  David's boss even liked the fall festival cookies so much he wants to talk to me next week about selling them at his new retail establishment.  This reminded me once again that when you give freely of yourself to others, you will be rewarded with many good things.  It reminded me just how powerful the "power of good" really is.

Tonight I got all I ever wanted for my birthday.  I spent the evening with my family at Cheesecake Factory...good food and good company.  My beloved Gators actually won a game in overtime.  Gator nation rejoiced.  And tonight I am packing for my mini getaway with my husband to North Georgia.  I think Mike and I are in for a treat...time together.

Many hugs,
Kathy

It's Official - Day 82

It's official...I am on VACATION!  Yahoo!  I commemorated this special day by doing what I do best...baking.  I roasted one of the Seminole pumpkins my friend David gave me.  Pureed the pulp.  Cooked it down to a thick paste with brown sugar.  Then I made two batches of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies...one with the fresh pumpkin, one with canned pumpkin.  Both smelled unbelievable as they came out of the oven.  I also baked a batch of White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies.  All were individually wrapped, decked out in Fall ribbons and assembled into a gargantuan basket destined for the Fall Festival at the nursery where David works.  David and Sheri have invited me to numerous amazing Wednesday family dinners.  This was the least I could do to say thanks.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Renewing A Tradition - Day 81

Tonight a much loved tradition was renewed...Wednesday night dinner at the McCullough Garden Cafe.  My friends Sheri and David invited me to share dinner with them once again.  David began a new job several months ago and it has left him with far less time in the kitchen.  I was very honored to be included tonight.  He made homemade Chicken and Dumplings with veggies from his garden and homemade applesauce.  Yum!  I brought six different cupcakes from Blue Bird Bake Shop.  We cut them into quarters and tried the different flavors as they made their way around the lazy Susan.  I needed this.  A relaxing evening with friends.

After dinner I headed home to bake for Diane, Carolynn and the rest of the Hot Pink Olives.  They are about to embark on their annual 3-day walk to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  For some unknown reason, I decided to experiment rather than go with a tried and true cookie recipe.  I threw together White Chocolate Peach Pecan Cookies and a tweaked  version of the Crispy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies I made this weekend.   I needed a taste tester, but Maddie would not cooperate and I was far too full.  Hopefully the cookies will taste as good as they look and smell.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Bakeless Night - Day 80

Another day passed without one cookie being baked.  It was an evening devoted to chores and paperwork...soul satisfying in its own way because I crossed several items off my immense to do list.

I keep daydreaming about our little trip to North Georgia this weekend.  I haven't looked forward to something so much in a long time.  It makes it hard to concentrate on work or baking. 

Tomorrow night I am baking new and improved Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The recipe I tried last weekend was great in texture, but overpowerd by cardamon.  I am going to substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, nutmeg blend.  Hopefully the pumpkin will end up the star instead of the spice. 

Many hugs,
Kathy

Making Plans - Day 79

Today had nothing whatsoever to do with baking and everything to do with making plans for spirit renewal.  I spent my lunch hour researching the area around Ellijay in North Georgia, the apple capital of the South.  I love picking apples...well frankly I love picking any kind of fruit.  To me it is the most relaxing, soulful activity I can possibly think of.  I NEED this.  And I am going to go get it.  At the recommendation of my friend Dennis, I checked out the lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia.  It is located about 65 miles north of Atlanta and about 22 miles from Ellijay.  They are currently offering a special Fall weekday rate that includes a full buffet breakfast for two at a price that fits into my budget...well it would if I had a budget.  Actually a campsite rental doesn't even fit, but I will make it work somehow.  I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to actually head north with my husband with no real itinerary other than relaxation.  I am leaving my phone at home.  The thought of this makes me giddy.  I am happy dancing all over the place.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Pooped Purveyor - Days 76-78

Pooped.  Exhausted.  Spent. 

This is exactly how I feel after one very LONG weekend of purveying.  Oven woes continue to haunt me.  I was at the kitchen until 4:15 a.m. on Friday night and managed to climb in the bed for about 2 hours sleep before heading to Saturday's market.  Thank goodness for my friend Dennis.  He stayed with me at the kitchen until after 2:00 a.m. Friday night and was at the market bright and early Saturday to assist in cookie sales.  I honestly do not think I could have done it without him. 

I had high expectations for Lake Mary Farmers' Market this weekend.  They were also having their Fall Festival and I expected traffic to be brisk.  Lethargic was more like it.  The first two hours were like a ghost town.  The last two were filled with activity, but few sales.

I am frustrated.  I have to find a way to make this all work.  I want it all to be fun.  Right now...it is anything but.  My almost 53 year old body cannot take this wear and tear.  I feel like I have dragged my family and friends with me into this abyss.  Something has to change.  This upcoming week will be filled with self reflection to develop a plan of attack.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Productive Evening - Day 75

Tonight I headed for A Chateau Kitchen after work and managed to assemble 8 batches of cookie dough for this weekend's hugfest at the Lake Mary Farmers' Market and Fall Festival.  Unfortunately I ran out of time to test the new Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe.  I made good progress, but once again I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.  I have a grand vision of how I want the fall themed display to turn out...lots of cookie flavors, basket displays, decorated sugar cookies and fall decor.  All this takes time and I have one evening to pull it off.  I do not want to arive at the market on 2 hours of sleep again.  Breathe Kathy, breathe.  It will all work out.  It always does.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Progress - Day 74

Yesterday was meltdown day.  Today was the day to start anew.  I problem solved, cleaned up work challenges and developed a plan for the balance of the week.  I even got off early enough to finish refreshing planters with mums and water my handiwork.  It was just a small step toward putting my house in order, but it felt so good.  Tonight I made two batches of sugar cookie dough for this weekend's Lake Mary Farmers' Market.  I measured dry ingredients for Cranberry Chocolate Chip Pecan, White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan, Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan, Milk Chocolate M & M and Dark Chocolate Toffee Almond Cookies also for this weekend.  It is Wednesday night and for a change I was on top of my game rather than days behind.  I can breathe.  I made progress.  Happy dance!

Many hugs,
Kathy

How I Spent My "Fall Vacation" - Days 69-73

This time my posting sabbatical was totally unplanned.  In fact, I thought I would have more time to craft my postings...given the fact that I was on "vacation".  Little did I know that this vacation I so desperately needed would mimic my everyday life in every way.  It was filled with good friends, some disappointing football games, driving, good food, good cookies, bad news from work, lots and lots of e-mails from work, calls from customers, more calls from work and finally a meltdown today.  All I wanted...all I needed...was a little quality time with my husband and my son.  It was not meant to be.  My co-worker, Kat was on vacation.  She did not know I had planned this trip to Jacksonville to visit my son and the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday Night Football Game months ago.  I did not know she had planned her trip to Octoberfest in Helen, Georgia for the same time.  I thought work could live without the two of us for two days.  Silly me.

Sprinkled in between the calls, e-mails and driving, I managed to fit in a little fun.  University of Florida's Homecoming and Mike's Bowling Team Reunion were both this weekend.  As hard as I tried I could not get off work in time to join my husband and Chris for Gator Growl on Friday night, but they both had a great time without me and that made me very happy.  It was great to see Mike in his element on Saturday surrounded by a couple of decades of bowlers he had mentored.  My game day menu consisted of Grilled Pizzas, Brats and Cookies.  Easy, tasty and enjoyed by all.  Unfortunately the actual football game was not as tasty.  My beloved Gators lost their third game in a row to Mississippi State.  Uug!

Sunday afternoon Chris and I attended the Orlando Magic Open Practice at the new Amway Center.  Tickets were free and it was a great way to check out the new venue.  I was impressed.  I know it is kind of silly, but it made me proud to be from Orlando.  Sunday night I baked cookies for Ryan's Jacksonville Jaguars co-workers and two of their best players...Maurice Jones-Drew and Mercedes Lewis.  Monday morning Mike and I headed to Jacksonville for lunch with Ryan at Singleton's Seafood Shack.  Before the Monday Night game, Mike and I paid a visit to Bistro Aix for a cocktail and cheese plate.  I asked the bartender to surprise me and boy am I glad he did.  The cocktail he served me was without a doubt the best drink I have ever tasted.  I have no idea what it was called, but it tasted kind of like a Mojito muddled with fresh basil instead of mint.  The bartender said it had pineapple juice and coconut rum, but I could not tell.  All I know is it was fresh, smooth and the perfect compliment to the cheese assortment.  I love Bistro Aix!

On to Everbank Field Mike and I headed for our first experience at a Monday Night Football Game.  For a city that is accused of indifference and lack of support, I was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm in the air. Unfortunately, the Jaguars team forgot to show up.  Oh, they were there in body, but certainly not in spirit.  They played an uninspired game to its 3-30 conclusion.  After the game Ryan gave Heartsong Cookies to Maurice and Mercedes.  I think a hug was probably the perfect elixer to soothe their pain.  Mercedes evidently thought so too, because today he made a point to stop by Ryan's office to tell him he loved the cookies and wanted more.  Very cool. 

I have so much more to share about the weekend and no energy to continue.  Meltdowns can certainly suck the life out of you.  This five day posting will just have to continue tomorrow. 

Many hugs,
Kathy
 

They Had Me At FREE! - Day 68

Today I received a text from Carrabba's.  I glanced down and saw the word FREE and I was as good as there.  The offer was for a FREE small entree with the purchase of a small entree.  All that was required was to show your server the text on your phone.  I can do that.  I picked up the phone and called my brother to see if he was up for a spur of the moment dinner.  I had him at FREE.  We met at Carrabba's in Altamonte.  Michael ordered the small Chicken Bryan.  I opted for the small Chicken Marsala and a Quartino of Red Sangria.  Our bill was about $22 for a really nice evening out.  Good food and good company at a good price.  I'm happy again.

Tonight's baking adventure began at Costco.  I picked up more butter, eggs, nuts, dried fruit and a new item called the Metro Mix.  It is a mixture of whole almonds, cashews, cranberries, blueberries and white chocolate chips.  It sounded like a cookie waiting to happen.  Once home I measured out 3 cups of Metro Mix, added a cup of white chocolate chips and a 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts.  The mix was added to my favorite base dough.  Then I tried to come up with a name.  I had nothing.  I scooped out the dough and baked a pan.  Maybe that would inspire me.  Voila, the "Jewel Box Cookie" was born.  When the pan came out of the oven the cookies looked like they were studded with rubies, sapphires, topaz and diamonds.  They are really quite beautiful.  I couldn't stop looking at them.  And then another name hit me.  How about the  "Bedazzled Cookie"?  I can't decide.  Help!

Many hugs,
Kathy

I'm Happy - Day 67

I cannot think of a better place to do business than happy hour at PF Chang's with Dennis.  We met after work to go over a proof and did everything else but.  We ordered dinner off their new happy hour menu.  Most items range in price from $3-$6.  We tried Lemongrass Chicken Steamed Dumplings, Red Fire Pork Dumplings and Fried Green Beans.  Mmmm...everything was yummy.  We even got an "oops" order of the pork dumplings and devoured every bite.  You can't get happy at a happy hour without a thirst quenching libation.  My drink of choice was the Asian Pear Mojito.  Dennis favored his old standby, the Margarita.  Ali, our server made us extra happy with an "Oops" round of drinks delivered with a wink and a smile.  Perhaps the best part of the meal...other than the company, was our ultra indulgent banana egg rolls with ice cream and a caramel drizzle.  Once again the plate left the table clean as a whistle.

Did I mention that I am happy?  Really happy.  And it doesn't have a thing to do with the Asian Pear Mojitos I consumed.  I love my crazy full plate life.  I wouldn't live it any other way.

On the baking docket for the evening...White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan and Toasted Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The smell is divine.  You just can't beat the smell of butter, brown sugar and chocolate baking to a golden brown.

Many hugs and cookies,
Kathy

Balance - Day 66

I could get use to this breathing thing.  Today was another day when I took my time.  I took the long way to Gainesville.  Even indulged myself in a Five Guys Burger and Fries for lunch.  I got all my work done and  had time leftover to buy ingredients for my next baking adventure and goodies for a mini version of my annual Fall display.  My life felt balanced.  A little of this.  A little of that.  Time for me.  It was a very good day.

Tonight I baked.  White Chocolate Macadamia, Toasted Walnut Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Pecan and White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan.  I think breathing agrees with me because the night's baking adventure was a success.  I put together four baskets for friends and it isn't even 1:00 a.m. yet.  I may actually fit in time for a little beauty sleep.  Sweet dreams!

Many hugs,
Kathy

A Day To Catch My Breath - Day 65

Run here.  Run there.  Bake.  Bake.  Bake some more.  Run some more.  Bake.  Bake.  Bake.  Run.  Run.  Run.  Such has been my life the last month.  But not today.  Today I caught my breath.  I began the day with a press check with my good friend Margaret.  Then it was on to breakfast with Margaret.  It was mid morning and I wasn't running or rushing or baking.  I was relaxing and sharing good food and conversation with one of my favorite people.  It set the tone for the day.  When I returned to the office, I actually waded through my work at a leisurely pace and just about got caught up.  I love that feeling of being on top of it all.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Tonight the good times continued with Mike and an Insiders Cocktail Party at Bahama Breeze...FREE drinks and appetizers from 5-7.  We pigged out on wings, onion rings, jerk chicken pasta, salad, veggie quesadillas, spinach dip, chips and coconut shrimp.  Yum.  Did I mention it was FREE?!  If you have not yet become a Bahama Breeze Insider, what are you waiting for?  Bahama Breeze holds these special events about once a quarter.  Just go to www.bahamabreeze.com to register. 

I have one basket on the docket for tomorrow.  Just one basket of 24 and I am taking my time.  I am actually enjoying the process.  I methodically put together three batches of dough and then set my butt down on the couch to talk to Mike and write my blog.  Baking will commence in a moment, but for now I am reveling in a few deep breaths.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Rest and Relaxation - Day 64

I cringed when Mike's alarm went off at 5:50 a.m.  It felt like my head had just hit the pillow.  Mike was off to the final day of the bowling tournament.  I was off to explore the comfort of my cozy bed.  And I did a pretty good job of it until about 11:00 a.m.  Sleeping half the day away is something I never do, so guilt was a huge motivating factor in pulling me out of my cozy haven.  I showered, dressed and headed downstairs with several eating options for Chris.  He chose Carrabba's with my $10 off birthday coupon.  And an excellent choice it was!  Carrabba's just rolled out a new Fall inspired seasonal menu.  I ordered the Penne Mediterraneo.  Yum!  Penne pasta tossed with roasted veggies and grilled shrimp in a light garlic olive oil sauce.  Paired with a Quartino of red sangria, this was the perfect way to relax and unwind.   And the price was right as well.  With the coupon discount, my entree came to $4.00.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting numerous Michaels craft stores to pick up treat bags for the week ahead.  The evening was spent parked on the couch searching for wholesale packaging options for Heartsong Cookies.  This was about as close as I got to a cookie adventure for the day.  It was such a luxury to actually have the time to do a whole lot of nothing.

Many hugs,
Kathy

Loss - Day 63

Saturday began with hugs and cookies and ended with a thud.  I met my friend Juliana and her mom to drop off a basket of cookies for their trip back to South Florida.  Juliana surprised me with several shopping bags filled with decorative cello bags, kraft bags and pastry cups for my cookie business.  Very cool.

Then it was on to pick up Christopher for our trek to Gainesville for the UF/LSU game.  Mike had to stay in Orlando for the bowling team tournamemt, so I opted to try a different approach to our pregame ritual of tailgating.  I let Beef O'Brady's do the cooking.  We met Ryan and Poletick at Beef's for beer, wings and good conversation.  Then it was on to the Gator Walk and Fan Fest.  This day was shaping up to be a pretty good one...that is, until we walked in the Swamp.

The team was decked out in new orange jerseys that harkened back to the 80's.  They played like a team from the 80's.  Like the 0-10 and 1 team from 1980.  Uug!  This team seems lost...a team without an identity.  As Gator fans, we are spoiled rotten brats.  Losing does not agree with us.  The game ended after 11:00 with a final score of UF-29/LSU - 33.  Chris and I did not get out of Gainesville until 1:00 a.m.  Traffic was as abysmal as the Gators played.  We arrived back home at 3:00 a.m., my new favorite time for going to sleep.  Not!  Needless to say I am back to feeling absolutely exhausted..

No cookie adventures are happening Sunday.  I have had about as much excitement as one girl can stand.

Many hugs,
Kathy

I'm Back! - Days 49-62

I always thought a sabbatical was defined as time away from your usual routine or job...a time to rejunevnate or learn something new.  My posting sabbatical was anything but rejuvenating.  It was frantic and energy sapping.  However, I did learn a thing or two along the way.  I learned I cannot function on less than four hours of sleep.  I learned that baking 8 cookies at a time in the commercial kitchen oven is NOT going to work.  I learned even I have limits to what I can do and "NO" is not a dirty word.  I learned that I actually miss my daily posting.  It has become a part of who I am.  Posting gives me a chance to reflect on my day and organize my thoughts for the days ahead.  Soooooo...after 13 arduous, crazy days, I am back!

Heartsong Cookies has taken off beyond my wildest dreams.  I have been averaging at least 10 basket orders a week and it is all I can do to keep up with the baking in the evenings after wrapping up my full time job selling printing.  My debut at the Lake Mary Farmers' Market was last Saturday, 10/2.  Once again with the help of family and friends we pulled it off...on two hours of sleep.  The day was beautiful, traffic surprisingly brisk and sales were good.  White Chocolate Blueberry Pecan Cookies were the fan favorite once again. 

I like my new home.  The next two Saturdays will be spent in Gainesville at the Gator games, but I will be back at Lake Mary on Saturday, October 23.  The Lake Mary Fall Festival is being held in that area the same day, so hopefully the market will be filled with lots of cookie lovers.  I plan to bake plenty of seasonal items like Glazed Sugar Cookies, Cranberry Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Today the weather is absolutely glorious.  It makes me very glad to be alive and happy I survived the last two weeks.

Many hugs,
Kathy