It's a Rockin' Twistin' Good Time

Hey all you hip kids! Time to jump up out of that chair and get to rocking!

I can't not believe that I have not talked about this movie before. I LOVE Rock Around the Clock. A down and out music promoter runs into a pair of dancers and the amazing Bill Haley and the Comets in a small town while on his way to find the next big thing. Enter a shrewd business woman who wants to have it all (how dare her) including the music promoter, the music and the little dancing vixen out of the way. The music is rockin' and the lingo is even better.

Don't Knock the Rock came out at the same time and again includes a small town, a pair of dancing siblings and a promoter trying to let the world know that rock n' roll is here to stay. Once again we see Bill Haley but as an extra bonus we get Little Richard. OOOOOOHHHHH! Don't tell me you didn't just yell that when I said Little Richard.

A few years down the line and guess what? Rock n' roll is out and the Twist is in! Go Chubby, get your twist on. Both Twist Around the Clock and Don't Knock the Twist are exact replicas of their predecessors with one change-everyone is doing the Twist. When I mean that is the only thing that is different, I truly mean it. The dialogue is the exact same, just substitute Twist for Rock n' Roll. I'm not kidding. A few personnel changes and the use of an eraser and you have a new movie.Even though the movies are the exact same, I still watch them when they come on. I just love a good hip shakin'.

So whether you are a rock n' roll greaser or a twisting fool, these movies are the ones for you. They whisk you away to a forgotten time of hot cars, sassy women, and musical dinner clubs. A time when hip shaking was innocent and people were clothed  - and that my friend...isn't so bad.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I can't believe my little babies are all grown up.


How could I resist such a little girl

 And then she grew up...

Then Lola had Jujube...

No matter if they are puppies or old ladies...

 

I love my golden girls...

Tie One On Tuesday

Man, I am TIRED! I can't believe that I am so tired that I don't want even mix up a cocktail. Where's OMP at? Mama needs a cocktail. Oh OMP? Hello! Dang! He's no where to be found-I'm sure he's hiding out in the basement. I guess I will just have to move my butt off the couch and mix something up myself.

Let's see....I need something to wake me up...

Oh my goodness! Does this bring back the days when I could stay up all hours of the night and not worry about only have two hours of sleep.

Flori's Hot Tub Heaven
1 oz peppermint schnapps (does this bring back memories of high school and college)
1 oz amaretto
3 oz Irish cream
3 oz coffee
Add in order from light to heavy finishing with coffee. No mixing required.


Whew, I think I need a chaser after that drink. Something to take the peppermint taste out of my mouth.

Coffee Chaser
1/2 oz coffee liqueur
1/2 oz orange liqueur
5 oz hot black coffee
1 1/2 oz whipped cream
1 tsp sugar
Pour coffee and liquor into an Irish coffee cup and sweeten to taste. Gently float the cream on top

 Ahh....that's much better, but now I'm all hopped up on coffee! One more cocktail to calm me down and put me to sleep. Let's see...aww, forget it! Just give me a bottle of 3 buck Chuck and I'm off to bed. Until next week my cocktail campers....zzzzzzzzzzzz.........

I Love My Friends

Wanna know what I love? I love that my friend Becky sends me awesome patterns that I can share with you.

Let Us Not Forget

Fear is the parent of cruelty.

JAMES ANTHONY FROUDE

Tie One On Tuesday

Every since we got The Hub channel, I have been obsessed with the old 60s TV show Batman. It is so awesomely bad that I just can not resist it. Of course I had to find a cocktail to go along with my comic book TV hero obsession.

I just love mixing up a pitcher of The Dark Knight while I turn on my HiFi and do the batussi.

The Dark Knight
1 1/2 oz Sambuca
4 oz Coca Cola
1/2 oz Grenadine
Mix in a highball glass over ice, topping off with grenadine as float. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Hulk smash! No wonder! He's all hopped up on Mountain Dew!

The Hulk
2 oz. Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
1tbsp Sugar
Mountain Dew soda

Begin with ice, add the Captain Morgan to a glass with sugar, then add Mountain Dew until the mix turns green.

We can't leave all the superhero drinking to the men. The Wonder Woman may sound sweet but it packs a punch.

The Wonder Woman
2 oz. Midori melon liqueur
2 oz. Peach schnapps
3 oz. Orange juice
1 oz. Pineapple juice
2 oz. Cranberry juice
Fill hurricane glass with ice. Add ingredients in order listed. Don't stir! Should have three layers; green, orange, and red. Garnish with a cherry.


There ya go! Three cocktails that, after a few sips, will make you feel like a superhero. Just remember 1.) You can not fly 2.) You do not have super powers and 3,) Tights and underwear are not a good substitute for a heroes costume. Until next time kiddies! 

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Oh my poor friends in the South. They are getting pelted with a horrible snowstorm. All I'm getting in in my neck of the woods is rain. rain, rain, rain...where's my snow? Well, even though I'm getting drizzles, I can watch these wonderful movies about snow.

I'm not sure how my friends up North handle the cold weather. I like to think of them all talking like Francis McDormand in Fargo and enjoying the the fricassee while warming themselves by the fire. Kidnapping, murder via wood chipper and one pregnant cop makes this winter wonderland a bit surreal but the dark humor keeps us coming back for more.

You can not talk about snow on celluloid without bringing up The Shining. A little known fact, the outside of the lodge used in the movie is Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood right here in  Oregon. Yep, our claim to fame is a crazy killer and some scary twins. Jack Nicholson gives a command performance as deranged writer Jack Torrence. The snow maze scene is prolific with the threat of death against the pure white snow. Make sure you don't watch this one alone.

Last but not least is one of my favorite "B" horror movies, The Thing From Another World. This 1951 Sci-Fi thriller has the Air Force fighting off strange beings in a remote Arctic region of the world. Things start getting crazy when they take the alien predator back to their base and thaw him out. Here's a little hint-if you find something strange, buried in the snow-LEAVE IT ALONE!  Just swat it to the ground and yell, "I don't think so!"

Brrrr! I'm getting cold just thinking about these movies. I'm gonna crank up the furnace, huddle the pups close to me and sip a nice warm beverage. Stay warm my southern friends! You will miss these days when it's 110 in the shade and you're dripping with sweat.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Lola always tries to let everyone think that she's not a fan of Pete. I know better...

Look deep into her eyes, there's love. Oh sure, it may look like annoyance and disgust but below that is pure sisterly love.

PS-notice the way Lola is sitting-it's killing me.

A Few of My Favorite Things

During the day, when I'm feeling sad, I just look at this...

...then I'm not so sad anymore.

Tie One On Tuesday

 

picture courtesy of Jane Fader

Whew! We made it to the new year! Now it's time to hunker in for the winter and enjoy the fire. Speaking of fire...

Do you feel a burning sensation? I mean when you drink!  No, well then, drink this up and you will, then get to the doctor and get some cream for that itch. HA! I crack myself up...hey, why am I hearing crickets? Hello......

The Fireball
3/4 oz white rum
3/4 oz cinnamon schnapps
3 dashes Texas Pete sauce
Pour everything into a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into a shot glass. Shoot as directed.


See if you can stomach this for 8 seconds. Give me the real bull any day. It actually reminds me of something Homer Simpson would drink when his jaw was wired shut.

Bull Shot
1 1/2 oz vodka
dash of Worchestershire, Tabasco, salt and pepper to taste
celery salt (optional)
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.


This last cocktail will do nothing but cause a toxic waste dumpsite in your stomach,  it will peel the paint off of walls, it will make you see colors you didn't even know existed. You have been warned....

Old Fashion Hell
1 1/2 oz pepper vodka
1 1/2 cinnamon schnapps
Pour both into an old fashion glass, stir slightly and serve with caution.

Well folks, there ya have it. A little something to put a fire in your belly and warm you up on a cold night. Just one of these fine cocktails will have you breathing fire in no time! I'm not even going to say what it's gonna do to your lower intestines...have fun with that one.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Sometimes pictures don't go as planned. Here are a few things you shouldn't do when trying to take your pup's picture. 

Don't put the dog treat on the camera.

 

Don't take picture of the pups after they have done something they are not proud of.

Don't take the picture of your dog in a compromising position. 

I really need to send my pups to fancy boy modeling school.

Feel Good Friday!

Can you believe it! The last Feel Good Friday of the year? All I have to say is so long 2010! You have been more than a little trying this year, and I'm being nice about it! There were some highlights of 2010-like forming so many wonderful friendships. I truly believe that the friends I made this year I will have for a life time. So, big ol' smooches to new friends and of course the old ones too. Now, on to some feely good stuff.

This is totally impractical but I love it! It wouldn't last two seconds with the pups but how cute would you be with this on your lap while your warming your hands. This is just one post from Penguin & Fish. She has the cutest puppy patterns! You should definitely check out this amazingly talented woman.

 

Okay, raise your hand if you think this is the cutest thing ever? I have both hands in the air! A puppy with a cape. Are you kidding me? The Storybook Rabbit has so many wonderful goodies at her shop. 

There is absolutely no reason for this picture other than it makes me super happy because I'm sure one just passed gas and the other is wondering what that smell is. Hey, 12 year old humor is fun! Don't judge. 

Okay, so today is short and sweet but hey-I've got some celebrating to do! Time to kick 2010 to the curb. So, I leave you with this...

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

Billy Vaughn

Tie One On Tuesday

 It's time to kick 2010 to the curb and invite 2011 in to boogie down with you in the champagne room. Speaking of champagne, I've got a few cocktails to wet your whistle while you are shaking your money maker on the dance floor. Hollar!

Say you need something to get your boom boom hitting the room room-well this is the cocktail just for you.

Boom Boom cocktail
1 shot sweet vermouth
1 shot dark rum
1/2 shot orange juice
Champagne
Put the vermouth, rum and orange juice into a Champagne flute. Add in Champagne to fill. Toss on a slice of banana for a tropical accent, and enjoy!

Oh my! Is that a sparky pepper in your pocket or are you just glad to see me...oh, it's a sparky pepper,my mistake.

Sparky Pepper
1 oz. Pepper Vodka
Champagne
Pour champagne into a flute glass and add shot of vodka, mix slightly and see the sparks fly!

The clock is ringing midnight and the ball has fallen. It's time to give a sweet kiss good-bye. Oh 2010-let's just be friends. No, you don't need my number...I'm going out of the country for a year...on safari...helping build churches in a land far, far away...don't call me, I'll call you.

A Good Night Kiss
1 drop Angostura Bitters
1 sugar cube
1 splash Campari
Champagne
Add the bitters to the cube and place in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Add a splash of Campari, and then fill it up with Champagne.

Oh yeah! Ringing in the new year-Pedersen style. Whoop! Whoop! Now good riddance to you 2010-don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. 2011, it's your time to shine.

As the old saying goes...Here's champagne for our real friends and real pain for our sham friends and when our journey finally ends...may all of us find peace. Happy New Year!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This Scrappy Dog Sunday is dedicated to a little Boston Terrier named Petey. I never actually met Petey but I know from pictures and stories that he was one silly scrappy pup.

Petey loved the snow. He also loved to snore when he slept, fart at the most inappropriate times and he gave the stinkiest kisses known to man (I'm thinking Lola could give him a run for his money in that department).

I know that he is in that big dog park in the sky. Chasing squirrels, barking at unknown noises and munching on treats while angels rub his belly.

You will be missed little buddy-you brought great joy to those who knew you and giggles to those who heard the stories. Rest in Peace little man.

Merry Christmas!

From the Pedersens...

and the pups...

Lola

Jujube and...

Pete

We hope your day was filled with love, cheer,and joy. Ours was filled with stuffed animals, doggy treats and A Christmas Story..and all was right with the world.

Feel Good Friday!

 Ho! Ho! Ho! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! That's right-it's the day before that jolly man in a red suit comes to visit-no, I'm not talking about your uncle Norm-I'm talking SANTA! Are you stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have you been good little children all year-wait, don't answer that...you might get coal in your stocking.

Are you still wrapping presents? You better get on it! There isn't much time! If you are still wondering about how to wrap those lovely gifts, check out this video with a super cute cameraman!

If you're looking for the best tags to put on those fabulous gifts, check out Creature Comforts. They have a huge selection of the cutest tags. You can print them out right from your computer.  Remember, my name is spelled P-A-M.

Still looking for wonderful Holiday decorations? Kind Over Matter has a link of some wonderful free printables for your viewing pleasure.

I don't think you understand the need I have for this tree. I must have one in every color.

Alright my little kiddles. It's time for me to get the egg nog on as I watch for Santa's sleigh. He's hit Australia and Russia and is heading toward Pakistan. Check out Norad to see if he's close to your house. Merry Christmas everyone! Let cheer, good faith and love shower you during this time. You are the best Christmas present a girl could ever have...well, you and chocolate.

True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and through the hustle and bustle of getting ready for it, I've decided to take a few minutes to reflect just what this time of year means to me. I decided to do this while at the holiday concert for OMP's students.

If you have never been to a kid's concert or choir, then I highly suggest that you take some time and do it. It will renew your faith in humanity and give you a giggle or two. I sat in the audience like a proud parent, watching OMP instruct his students on how to drum as the choir sang slightly off key. Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to the bows painfully run across violin strings. It brought a joy to my heart that could never be measured.

As I sat and looked around at all the proud parents video taping their children and not giving a care that the choir sang off key or their child was making goofy faces while playing jingle bells, I recognized what was important about this season, about life in general. See, it doesn't matter how good you are at something, it's just the fact that you are taking that chance. That you are willing to sing off key and do it at the top of your lungs. I smiled at the little girl whose voice was shaky during her solo, I gave her a look  as if to tell her, " Go Girl! You can do it!" She smiled back and belted out Up on the Roof Top.

The crowning point of the night was when everyone was asked to participate in singing Christmas songs. Grandparents, parents, and siblings all joined in to sing Frosty the Snowman. It was at that moment that I felt the true meaning of Christmas. It wasn't about presents, or making sure I made it to church or even the perfect cookie. It was about family-in whatever capacity that meant. It was about coming together with your neighbor and for those three minutes, forgetting everything that is different about each other and embracing the person.

After the concert was over, everyone went back to their lives, but for that one night-people from different backgrounds came together to sing silly songs, to show brotherly love and to give a little of themselves and that my friend, is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Movie-Mas

I can't believe that Christmas is this Saturday? What? Where did the time go?  It was only yesterday I was putting out the Halloween decorations.Who stole my months? I have so many holiday movies to watch before Saturday. I have to get on it! These are ones you should be watching too. No exceptions!

A Christmas Story-I'm not even going to explain this one again. Just rent it, or go out and buy it. If you can't get it anywhere else, watch it in on TBS on Christmas day, where it is played for 24 hours straight. Seriously people, I can not stress enough how valuable this movie and how much you need to see it multiple times.

White Christmas-Again, not going to explain this one for another year. I'll just say-Bing Crosby,singing &  dancing, and a great song about snow that will stay in your head until next year.

Miracle on 34th Street. Can I please have Kris Kringle as a grandpa? Natalie Wood is too adorable in this wonderful romp about Macy's and Santa.

Elf-SANTA! I KNOW HIM! Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color? Yeah, I've watched that movie a few times too many. 

Better Off Dead-CHRISTMAS....CAN YOU SAY CHRISTMAS...DO YOU HAVE CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE? I don't think I need to say anymore.

Okay...so those are a few flicks playing in heavy rotation at the Pedersen household. If you will excuse me, I have to finish wrapping presents, making a million more cookies, dancing around the Christmas tree and preparing the house for Santa's arrival. Merry Christmas all! Lots of movie love to ya'll!

Feel Good Friday!

This Feel Good Friday is dedicated to my sweetie. My man around town....OMP. Old Man Pedersen! It's his birthday today! YAHOO! Happy birthday, get funky! Whoop! Whoop! Oh yeah!

I am so blessed to have OMP in my life. He is my rock, my biggest fan, and my best friend. I can not imagine life without him. Sure he's grumpy but that's just the tough exterior. Inside he's a big ol' marshmallow and anyone that knows him well, knows this. He is the most giving person you will ever meet. I love him more and more each day.

So A big ol' HUZZAH to you Mr. Pedersen! Here's to another 46 years! I love you!

Tie One On Tuesday

  It's been so long since I've written a TOOT. I've been a busy little elf this season-baking, crafting, trimming the tree...keeping Pete away from the tree.

Anyhoo, it's time to sit back and relax with a few beverages as Johnny Mathis croons his way through a winter wonderland.

You've got the tree all decorated and now you want to reward yourself and bask in it's beauty, well Angel's Delight is just the drinky drink for you.

Angel's Delight
1 oz cream
3/4 oz triple sec
3/4 oz gin
2-3 dashes grenadine
Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice
Shake well and pour into a martini or cocktail glass

Maybe you want something a bit fancier and a little more French. La Vie en Rogue is just what Santa ordered. I heard he gives these to Mrs. Claus on those cold North Pole nights.

La Vie en Rogue
1 1/2 oz.Grand Marnier
1 1/2 oz. >cranberry juice
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Rosemary needles
In a tall mixing glass, muddle 10-12 rosemary needles lightly with simple syrup.
Add remaining ingredients then add ice and shake well.
Strain over fresh ice into a glass.
Garnish with rosemary needles.

Everyone has one in their family, a Grinch. Someone who hates Christmas and tries to ruin it for everyone else. Well, serve this little number up and put them to bed so you don't have to hear their constant complaining. Your family and guest will thank you. It will be your own silent night.

The Grinch
2oz. Midori
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 tsp. simple syrup
Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice
Shake well
Pour into a chilled cocktail glass


Ahh......I'm toasty both inside and out. I've got my sweetie by my side, my pups at my feet and a wonderful beverage in my hand. The Christmas lights are twinkling and Nat King Cole is telling me about chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Life is pretty close to perfect.