Cappuccinos and Lattes

I have an espresso maker. It is a very inexpensive model, but it suits my needs nicely. Or rather, it did. It isn't working at the moment. It steams milk beautifully, yet I can't get it make an espresso. I'm thinking that it needs a good internal cleaning to get rid of all the calcium build up. However, this cheap model doesn't have a way to get inside it to clean, and I'm not sure how running vinegar through it will work.

So, I'm off to experiment. First to see if a bit of vinegar solves my problem, and second if that doesn't work then try and disassemble the maker. It already doesn't work so it isn't like I am going to wreck something. LOL

Mom's Don't Quit

My youngest is performing in his high school's musical this weekend. He is playing the role of Howard Cunningham in "Happy Days". In one scene the Cunningham family is looking for Marion. One of the questions asked is maybe she quit, to which Howard responds, "Mom's don't quit." I'm at the point where I still have a teen at home for a few years and each day I realize that I'm not needed as much as I was the day before. Mothering is one of the few jobs that by the time you're a pro, you're given your 'walking papers'.

Getting to see my children grow has been the greatest joy of my life. Each trial, each triumph is a thread woven into a mother's heart. Today is a triumph. This is the child that hates to write, likes to believe he doesn't like being around other people, and can't seem to tie his shoes. He performed like a pro and is now hanging out with friends at the cast party. Soon I can see that I'll get my walking papers.

No, mom's don't quit, but if we do our jobs right we end up being retired...to grandmas.

Garlic Mashed Potato Gratin

5# potatoes, peeled, diced and cooked

12 cloves garlic

1 1/2 Cup heavy cream

1 C grated Parmesan cheese

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 C chives

Bring cream, Parmesan cheese and 2 Tb butter to simmer. Mash potatoes, garlic, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cream mixture. Stir in chives and season to taste with pepper. Dot with 1 Tb butter. Bake at 350F for ~45 minutes.

The Big Argument

I am on the path back to a simpler life. That is my journey for 2011. My plan is to eliminate stressful things in my life including stressful situations. No more forced family holiday dinners.

I currently find myself in a discussion concerning a topic of little interest to myself. I know its a heated topic and opinions run high on both sides. The topic concerns vaccinations as the cause of Autism. In particular the MMR vaccine. My children are well beyond the age of vaccines and to be honest I'm glad I don't need to worry about this too.

It would be so easy to get sucked into "the big argument" over this. The big argument is one where you are arguing and defending your point, but aren't sure why you are because either the point doesn't need to be argued (go clean your room) or the topic as a whole is of little interest. I have decided that I don't need the stress in my life that it would take to defend myself in this argument. I'm finding it difficult though to stay out of the fray as the things I originally mentioned are taken out of context. I think it is in one's nature to defend oneself when feeling attacked. I keep reminding myself that I'm not under attack, rather my position or opinion on this topic is. I also realize that no matter what I say, opinions won't be changed.

Instead, I'll take a deep breath and say the alphabet backwards...