It's been quite some time since I've been here. I really need to start utilizing this place more.  I really really suck at it though!!  I have 4 other blogs that I'm trying to keep up with, this one is always pushed on the back burner.  Major suckage!  Hmm....  how to get over the sucking part. Haha.

Test from my cellphone. :)

What are you most grateful for in your life right now?
Submitted by Becca-Pink.

My family and friends. :)

What do you do with the cards and letters you receive?  Do you keep them all, just keep the photos, throw them away? 
Inspired by jacolily.

I usually keep some, and toss others.  It really depends.

My mother-in-law takes all the Christmas cards that she receives, cuts off the part where someone has signed it, and uses the 'cover' for gift tags for presents.  I've always thought that was a great idea!

What's your favorite kind of homemade cookie?  Share the recipe if you have it.

I guess I would have to say Gingerbread cookies.  Over the holidays, I make different kinds, and every year I find new recipes to try. I usually get all my recipes from online, and a few from family. I collect recipe books, and collect favorites on places like Allrecipes.  Here is my favorite Gingerbread cookie recipe, courtesy Allrecipes.

 INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cup margarine, melted
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup unsulfured molasses
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

     Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.

1. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mix in the melted margarine, evaporated milk, molasses, vanilla, and lemon extracts. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without sticking to fingers. If necessary, increase flour by up to 1/2 cup to prevent sticking.
2. When the dough is smooth, roll it out to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface, and cut into cookies. Place cookies on the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. The cookies are done when the top springs back when touched. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

What's the best late-night TV talk show?

Probably Jimmy Kimmel.   But I'm usually sleeping by 10, so I guess my vote doesn't count!

Who's the coolest culinary celebrity?

Oh my gosh, I would have to say...

When did you last write/receive a handwritten, snail-mail letter? Who was it to/from? 
Submitted by Places Unknown.

I would have to say my Grandmother. She usually adds a little letter in the cards that she sends.  I, however, haven't hand written a letter in forever. My handwriting has gotten so bad, since I've found a love for computers.  I was just mentioning to my friend how I need to have a keyboard attached to my fingers. LOL

O.J. Simpson is back in the news again.  What are your thoughts on the release of "If I Did It" and his recent arrest?

I think the whole theft of everything, was some secret set up by the father of Ron, and OJ is finally going to be where he deserves to be. I think he's a disgusting person, and the book he wrote was equally disgusting.  I don't know who or why anyone would even allow his words to go down in print.  He deserves to be behind bars for the rest of his life.

I really wish that I could go on vacation right now.  Even though a new school year has started, and things are back to normal, I just feel that a much needed vacation is in order.   Every day, my kids are getting more and more independent and it is stressing me out just a bit. This morning, was particularly interesting with a new thing my son wanted to do. And after being flooded with a ton of emotions, I could totally use a vacation to unwind.

One of the places that would be on my top list is Rome.  Wouldn't that be a fantastic place to go on vacation?  It would be an amazing history lesson, not to mention the perfect way to unwind. 

Easy To Book is a great website to book your next vacation. They do not have a booking fee. They offer amazing deals from Dublin to New York and so many other cities in between.  You are sure to find that one place that will be just what you need to relax, explore and have a wonderful time.