Warning : I am rambling. I haven't added Halloween pics yet, and it's late. Sorry.
Halloween- Let me start by saying I am not a fan of halloween. I hate being scared, I hate being spooked. I hate scary costumes. We decorate very minimally and nothing too freaky.
ANyway, It all started the wednesday before Halloween with our Ward Party. Dinner, games, spook alleys, treats, and costumes oh my! The kids really liked this trial run, and I was happy for the easy, half-hearted dressing up. We kept things super simple to keep things clean for halloween, or so I said. My awesome sister Jamie came with her little ones too and took over since Michael and I had tickets to Little Shop of Horrors. We were on the front row and had to tuck our feet in more than once. Lots of fun.
Then came the Halloween Parade at School on Friday. Michael was off so we got to the school early to help the kids get costumed, again half-heartedly. I mean- come on! ANd then watched the lamest parade known to man. They set up a single row of chairs at the very back of the gym and up the sides. THen all the students came in and sat on the floor. Each class walked up the stage stairs across the stage and back to their seats. And apparently there was a race happening cause noone even paused on this journey, not to mention you could barely see your child.
Last came actual Halloween. I loved that it was on Saturday, so much easier than a weekday. Anyway, we were at Grandma Lyndies and Granpa Vic's about 5:30. Jamie's fam joined us and we circled our old neighborhood. Took about an hour and a half, lots of fun. Then we drove to our church parkinglot for trunk-or-treat which was only going until 7:30. It was over already. SO we drove to Jeff's family's neighborhood and worked the big houses for almost an hour.
At 8 we headed home to enjoy chilli, fresh rolls, and more. Paige recieved the Best COstume Award, her nose tipped the scales. And everyone else got runner-up chocolate suckers.
THen Michael, Avie, Liv, and ROan headed to Mark and Kim's to play D&D. PAige watched Willow in my bed, while I took down anything Halloween and put up my new thanksgiving decorations I got since my husband told me it was his favorite holiday. And my thanksgiving decor is usually just kid's drawings.
Anyway this is alot of information for a holiday that I don't enjoy and that nothing shocking and or amazing happened. Why are you still reading this? Brave? Read on.
Almost a year ago Marci, my sister-in-law, introduced me to an awesome blog. The Pioneer Woman. Much reading and a year later she put out a cookbook and came on booktour to SLC. So we put it on our Calendars. Nov 4th we met up by Thanksgiving Point, poor Marci was just returning from SLC.
We drove up without mishap and got there at 7:00. We found the little bookshop which was being swarmed by hundreds of people. We parked about a block away and soon discovered that if you didn't have a lettered ticket you would not get a book signed. Now let me say that I called weeks ago to see what the deal was. I asked if buying a book was required, the lady said no. But I thought i would support the bookshop, so I resisted buying the book the week before when it came out. She told me it was a simple night. There was no mention of tickets. I stood in a line of people hoping to recieve tickets while Marci went in to wait in line to buy our books. After about 45mins she was 3rd from the front when they soldout! Meanwhile someone had given her their ticket an O, and I had gotten one too an R. There were 25 tickets of each letter and you could have more than one person on a ticket and she was personalizing every book. We decided to call the local bookstores and run and buy the books there. THen get back in time for one of our letters. Everywhere we called was soldout! Finally we found a bookstore in Midvale, I think. THey put aside the books (last they had) for us. We drove quickly, with me going the wrong way only once. Grabbed our books and drove back a bit worried that we'd miss our palce in line. NOOO worries. THey were on F when we returned after going the wrong way again (I swear I don't usually suck at driving so badly) We were hungry and cold and needed a potty. It was about 8:30. Luckily next door was Mazza, a middle eastern restaurant. We sat by the window and each got a sampler plate of yumminess. I had hummus with warm pitas, potatoes cooked to yumminess, and a salad that I can still taste. Unfortunately they closed at 9, so we couldn't stay inside forever. We left about 9:15, they were on letter K. SLow GOing? THe crowd had thinned out a bit, both from those with books already signed and those who didn't hink it was worth it. I was very glad to discover MArci was a die-hard like me. Luckily I was able to pull my car up to the curb and we sat there while we waited for our letter. We finally got our books signed, she was sweet and so lovely, and headed for home. Did I go the wrong way again? Probably, but I don't remember anymore. I got home about midnight. WOW!
Today I made her Rosemary Skillet Rolls, YUMMY. And I love looking at my signature.
Lastly, ARC. Julie added alot to the previous post cause I didn't do an ARC specific post. sorry Jules, I suck.
WHat have I read?
Bed of Roses by Nora ROberts 2/5 second in the Bride QUartet. unimaginative, but fun read.
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. 5/5 My freaking heck, I can't believe I have to wait 3 or so years for the next one.
something else, but my brain isn't letting me remember right now. What have you read?
