Thursday, May 14

Random Ramblings

I attempted to make freezer jam last week. The reason I say "attempted to" is because apparently I didn't boil the pectin long enough; instead of strawberry jam it's more like strawberry syrup. I guess now I just need to make pancakes!
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I have been getting junkmail from Similac and Huggies over the last four months, congratulating me on my baby and giving me coupons to purchase their items. But there's a little problem - I haven't had a baby for four years. Where did they get their misinformation?
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Aidan was trying to describe something to Christian: "You know that thing that you hold and push around on the kitchen floor to get the yuckys? And then the other thing you scoop the yuckys into?" Christian said, "The broom? And the dustpan?" Aidan said, "Yeah! Yeah! That's it!" Just goes to show you how often we get the broom and dustpan out around here...
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We got a TiVo last month. Our VCR completely broke, and we don't want cable or satellite. I just wanted a way to record my shows. I love love love it. BUT - there is a pretty major problem. Apparently, the state of Utah hasn't updated their database with all of the information on the digital channels, because every single channel says "To Be Announced" where it is supposed to have the name of the show. When we called TiVo to complain, they told us it is because the database isn't updated. So we're hoping they will update sometime SOON (like right after the digital switchover thingy?) so we don't have to manually set to record every single night and every single show we want to record. Sheesh. Why can't it ever be easy?
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What is that saying that is something about "be nice to everyone because you don't know what trials they are going through"? I have definitely learned/remembered/understood that this week.

Can I just say once again - I love blogging and I love the friendships I have made because of it.
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Does anyone know anyone from Delaware, Mississippi or either Dakota? Because all of the other states have a hit in my Google Analytics. If you know anyone from these four states, tell them to come over and say hi to me. Those poor states are so sad and white on my map. (And of course Utah is the darkest green ever created.)

Happy Thursday everyone! If you want to come over and have pancakes with strawberry syrup, you are welcome to!

40 people wanted to leave a comment:

Kristina P. said...

I can only make freezer jam, and even then, I manage to screw it up.

LisAway said...

I'll be right over for those pancakes. There are few things I love more than homemade strawberry jam, or anything that tastes like it, such as strawberry freezer syrup. Mmmmm.

Me (aka Danielle) said...

I would love some pancakes!!

The whole dustpan/broom conversation...PRICELESS!

Stephanie said...

As for the broom and dustpan, last week I did some iron-ons with my kids and they had NEVER seen an iron before. What does THAT say about me?? :)

And I'll fly in for pancakes soon.

And that's great about your analytics map. Makes me want to check mine. :)

Just SO said...

Mmmmmm Strawberry jam.... My mom used to try to make apricot jam and it wouldn't set so we would have apricot syrup. I LOVE that syrup.

At least you only have three states with no visits. I have five. Mississippi is one of those. What's up with that?

heather said...

WOW! You're only missing the Dakotas and Delaware?

Sweeping is over-rated.

Syrup. Jam. They're both good, right?

Barbaloot said...

I'm pretty sure that North Dakota doesn't exist. I mean, think about it. Have you ever been there? Do you know anyone that's ever been there? No-right?
So yeah, it doesn't exist. But good luck on the other three states:)

Cajoh said...

I'm actually looking for south pole traffic myself. It seems the map that Clicky uses does not include Antarctica. I'm sure there's some scientists out there who troll the Internet. Just would like to see what it shows up as (or even bring Clicky to its knees).

Wonder Woman said...

There are times that I'm having small problems and I think, "If people knew, they wouldn't be acting that way." Then I remember all the times I get angry or assume something about someone.......and I feel horrible. Remembering that *everyone* is going through something right now can be hard.

I ♥ blogging and the friends it's brought me, too.

Christa said...

Strawberry syrup sounds lovely. I'll be there in around 4 hours to have some.

I have been trying to remind myself that we all have different trials in life. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering that. If I want someone to be understanding of me, I have to be of them.

Mary said...

your kids description sounds very close to some of mine at times...I'll just chalk it up to being a child at heart :o)

Christa said...

Oh yeah, I need to know how to install the analytics thing. I tried once and everything went all wonky on me. I think that should be your next instructional post.

Denise said...

I have the best freezer jam pectin you don't have to boil-you also use a lot less sugar so it tastes more like the fresh fruit. It's Ball pectin in a packet. You use 4 cups of fruit to 1 1/2 C. sugar and add ONLY the pectin-so yummy. Way to go at attempting to make jam, one day it WILL turn out.

Christie // lemon squeezy home said...

Yea for strawberry syrup! Yum:). I made some last week and it actually set up a little more than it ever has, so I was happy! I was wondering about TiVo. We only do the local stuff with our digital box, and we're happy with just that since we don't watch hardly any TV, so I'll have to look into that!

Rachel Sue said...

Okay, if you don't have cable or satellite how do you get TV?

Adrienne said...

when i make freezer jam I use the no cook recipe. MCP pectin. And we've been wondering about Tivo because we don't want cable either. I wonder how ID is on the update? and that wax thing about Etahn is hilar!

Chloe m said...

Your jam story reminds of attempting to make caramels, and getting ice cream topping instead!Sometimes the accidents are good!
Sometimes they are downright Nasty!
We don't know where our vaccum is at the time, so don't feel bad about the broom!

Katie said...

I've never made homemade jam, so I applaude your attempt. The syrup probably tastes delicious!
We love our DVR...I don't know what I'd do without it. Well...I guess I'd watch a lot less tv.

Desta said...

I'll be there in a flash! I love strawberry syrup. Did you like the recipe? I need to get some instructions for freezer jam because - cross your fingers - we should have strawberries coming out of our ears (well actually the ground) soon.

On a completely unrelated subject - Did you LOVE Lost last night? We enjoyed it very much and let out a huge groan when the year 2010 flashed on the screen. Do we really have to wait that long?

Lara Neves said...

Funny. I just saw your comment on Motherboard's post and wondered how you could be pausing Lost since you have the same TV set up that I do! I didn't know you could use a DVR with the digital TV. Awesome! Is it very expensive?

And, about your formula and diaper coupons. Are you making an announcement here?

Cynthia said...

For the jam thing- ditch the pectin. There is a new way of 'gelling' the jam that's called Pamona Pectin (you can google it). It uses calcium as the actifying agent. The best part about it is that you can use a lot less sugar if you want. I just do regular jam but I'm able to cut the amount of sugar by half using the Pamona and it still tastes excellent. I have never had a batch made with Pamona fail me.

I don't watch Lost because if you miss even one episode, you're lost!

I don't know anyone from the states mentioned. Sorry. Have a great day!

Keyona said...

At least you were brave enought to attempt Jam. Nope. Not me. But I'll come eat some of yours! :o)

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

We had waffles with strawberries for dinner last night. Mmm . . . yum! I love runny strawberry jam actually. I'm weird like that.

Love your randomness!

susette said...

I love our DVR. It's soo awesome.

I sure wish I had some friends in Miss. or Delaware. I do have a South Dakota friend who blogs but she gets on maybe once every three months. How do women not blog and enjoy life??? (okay, that was a joke, but seriously it's so enjoyable)

Pancakes with strawberry syrup sounds soooo delightful.

Az Kelms said...

I'm sorry that your strawberry jam didn't turn out right. Make sure that the pectin isn't expired and don't double the recipe. It doesn't work out the same. I usually do several batches but in different bowls. Try again. Freezer jam is the best stuff in the whole world. I usually make raspberry jam for our friends at Christmas. (Actually it is now requested that I bring that for Christmas.) :)

rychelle said...

i love any excuse to make more pancakes ;)

Fiauna said...

Mmm. strawberry syrup, ... I mean freezer jam.

Christine said...

I do not believe in freezer jam! Regular jam tastes better, doesn't take up freezer space, and is almost as easy to make. I hooooope strawberries get cheap enough to make some this year. I haven't made any in so long. Let me know if you see any killer deals.

That is so sad that you can't experience the true joy of Tivo yet! That's not much better than a VCR! Oh well, the dig. conversion is in less than a month right? Oh did you LOVE Lost?? I thought it was so awesome! Talk about the ultimate cliffhanger. Have a good day!

Becca said...

Similac/Enfamil have been sending me the same junk too! It makes me panic just to think about ever having another baby so I would really just like so tell them to shove it--instead I just give away my fee samples and coupons and feel like I accomplished something that day!

And I can't even tell you how much I love TiVo. I'm addicted. We just got a new hi def one yesterday. And since I live in Utah, I feel safe saying that Tivo Rep is feeding you a load of crap. We do not have the same problem. We just set it up last night and we don't have to program anything manually. I'd look into that one a little bit more.

Diane said...

I have never met anyone from Delaware ever. Is it really a state?

Freezer jam is the best. It's really good on icecream.

Cluttered Brain said...

YOU WON AN aWARD!
Isn't this just so cool?
Lovely Blog award. It's over on my blog--if you care to pick it up!
Thanks!
:)

nikkicrumpet said...

Strawberry syrup...YUM and there's nothing wrong with a drippy juicy jam sandwich! If I go to any of those states...I'll log in somewhere and click your blog. I do so want to be of help.

Jen said...

Oh my, that is so strange that you are getting congratulations from manufacturers for having a baby! That's kind of funny! Hmmmm, maybe someone above is trying to give you a hint? :)

Anonymous said...

Crepes my french loving friend. Make crepes. They are wonderful with fruity syrup/jam.

Kate said...

Yes, I guess you are the blogging social butterfly. I have made strawberry jam but had help, don't know how it would work if I did it by myself though.

Anonymous said...

I have friends in Mississippi, and they do show up in my analytics. I have never known anyone to have loved or visited either Dakota or Delaware, prompting me (and others apparently) to question their actual existence.

And you're right. You have no idea what folks are going through. My husband was the bishop a few years ago, and I was constantly amazed. It really changed how I look at everyone.

Anonymous said...

I meant "lived" not "loved." I don't know anyone who has loved those places either.

Amanda said...

I LOVE strawberry syrup on my waffles/french toast! Yummy!

tiburon said...

I have never made jam...but now I want some pancakes...

mCat said...

I applaud your ambition to even make jam! And syrup for pancakes sounds even better