Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

I made this awesome Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake last night. It is so good it is almost gone! The problem with sweets is that my husband can't help himself (although I am no saint, either). Anyway, this cheesecake is so easy and I made it lighter using a reduced fat graham cracker crust, reduced fat cream cheese, and egg substitute. I also doubled the spices - I love the cinnamon and cloves flavor coming through. This is a definite keeper!

I found this humorous and thought I would post for fun. Of course, Todd says it doesn't take a cold snap for me to snap. I didn't find his comment too amusing...

A Tuesday in the Life of Murphy and Lucy

Murphy and Lucy were curled up before I left for work in the morning, but I made them go outside as usual. I did give them each a rawhide to chew on and keep them busy.
By the time I got home to feed Murphy at lunch, it was raining. The dogs were curled up under the tree trying to stay dry and warm. I felt like horrible and let them stay inside for the afternoon.

But...
The damage had already been done. The dogs let us know they were mad about being left outside in the cold and rain. As usual, when they want to make a statement, it is a big one!

Post-election Reflection

I have many observations from the election, but decided to post just one. I think voters this year were smart and didn't focus on one issue, but looked at the issues globally to pick the best candidate. Take Indiana for example. This is the first time in a very long time the state went for the democratic candidate. It has historically been a red state to the point candidates didn't spend any money or visit the state because there was never a reason. Yet, voters that cast their ballots for Obama overwhelmingly re-elected a republican governor. Even if they may not have agreed on every issue, it is hard to argue the positive changes that occurred during the governor's first term. People didn't look at the party affiliation, but voted for who they thought was the best leader. The only thing that upsets me is some of the post-election negatism towards Obama. It seems he hasn't even gotten a chance and some aren't even giving him a chance. Whatever happens, we need leaders to help us get through some tough times ahead with the economy, war, global warming, and international relations, just to name a few. Republican, Democrat, Independent, or otherwise, I hope those elected from the local to state to federal level will work hard to make positive changes for our country.

I want our car back!

We have had a rental car for over a week now and it is so annoying! I want our car back! Some idiot wasn't paying attention and rear-ended Todd on his way to work. Well, he was stopped in at a light and the force of the accident pushed him into the car in front of him and that car hit the car at the front of the line. So, it was a mini four car pile-up all because one person was not paying attention. Our car has about $6500 in damage and is not drivable. We were able to get it out to the Honda dealer to be fixed without a tow, but the front-end is smashed in and the rear is a mess, too. We hope to get it back at the end of this week (crossing fingers). It took some time to get all the parts in and to make all the repairs - there are three pages of parts they had to order. Great! Thankfully they are only using new Honda parts and not after-market parts to fix the car. From previous experience, I am not a fan of after-market parts. But, the accident cased a lot of hassle and readjustment in our lives. Among other things, we had to haul the dogs to Iowa in my car, which left little room to pack anything. Good thing we also had to haul a bunch of stuff for my grandma's 90th birthday party, too. It all worked out in the end, but the guy didn't even have his license or proof of insurance with him at the scene of the accident. I understand accidents happen and are caused for many reasons, but this guy clearly was going a little too fast and not paying attention. Now, we have to deal with the aftermath of his mistake. But, complaining aside, I have to say that no one was injured, so that is good news.

Yummy...

I have been tired of eating cereal for breakfast everyday. So, Todd made us some chocolate chip pancakes today. They were yummy! Sometimes I wish we had more time for a hot breakfast (although I am sure the waistline would grow a little)!

The Writer's Block

I am announcing The Writer's Block, a new blog started by my friend Mandy. It is a blog by anyone, for everyone, and about anything. Whether it's on politics, entertainment, pop culture, or the economy, The Writer's Block is a forum for free expression. It just went live today, so check it out!! Feel free to read the posts and/or comment back to the many contributors.