Guess who's back? Back again...

Yes, I'm back... Tell a friend. Anybody else not want to get out of bed this morning?

Kozy Korner... Those be my feet

SO WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON, BUBBLELANDERZZZ? Sorry, didn't mean to scream Kanye West-style. But it's been too long! First post of the month. Let's make it a good one... Or at least somewhat decent. I've been, like, totally busy. There's so much to talk about!

For instance, I was driving the other day and heard a thumping from the trunk. Immediately, I thought "ohmygosh, there's a dead body in my trunk!!!!!" But, ummm, it was my car toolbox. Of course. Why did I even think that? That's weird, right?

I think I've seen more Law & Order and A&E crime shows than a person should in a lifetime maybe? I love that crime show nonsense though. Sure, you wouldn't think spending a quiet night at home watching a biography of Aileen Wournos would be fun. But I beg to differ. Although The Husband found it a bit disturbing...

On that note, this month's book club book was right up my ally. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.

When Libby Day's mother and two older sisters were slaughtered in the family's Kansas farmhouse, it was seven-year-old Libby's testimony that sent her 15-year-old brother, Ben, to prison for life. Desperate for cash 24 years later, Libby reluctantly agrees to meet members of the Kill Club, true crime enthusiasts who bicker over famous cases. She's shocked to learn most of them believe Ben is innocent and the real killer is still on the loose. Though initially interested only in making a quick buck hocking family memorabilia, Libby is soon drawn into the club's pseudo-investigation, and begins to question what exactly she saw—or didn't see—the night of the tragedy. Flynn fluidly moves between cynical present-day Libby and the hours leading up to the murders through the eyes of her family members. When the truth emerges, it's so twisted that even the most astute readers won't have predicted it.

Oh. My. Gosh. It was so good! Like, slurp it down without even chewing it type of good. Little dark though. I'm waiting for the bad dreams but none so far. Well, except for thinking things like there being dead bodies nonsensically strewn about my auto mobile.

Ok. Well. That was exciting. What else has been going on...

The other morning, Claudey Cat jumped in the tub to slurp the shower water. She didn't realize that the it was wet and couldn't get out and when I turned on the shower she freaked out. Sooooo funny.

Also, I accidentally killed me mums.
Plants. Not to be confused with me moms.

Yeah. So obviously I don't have great stories to share and I've just been busy with boring stuff like work. BUT I have been painting and cooking. I made tons of potato soup last weekend and froze half of it for continued enjoyment. I also made a big batch of my mom's famous red beans & rice. Enjoyed it this week and also froze half.

Halfway point... When the house begins to smell and you want to eat half-cooked beans

Dunzo & delish– Thanks, Mom!!!

I'm loving this whole freezing half thing. Half the trouble, twice the fun. I'm also totally diggin the holiday magazines this month. Hello Cooking Light recipe.

Chicken breast with lemon-leek linguine

Wheat pasta. Thanks for all you do.

Have you ever cooked with leeks before, Bubblers? Probably... You're not new. Well, I am. First timer. I always got scallions and green onions and leeks mixed together in my mind. Don't make fun of me, jerks. Why would you know that unless you had cooked with them? Shut your face! Sorry, little defensive... Anyhoo, leeks were like big ole green onions. I cut them as the Internet instructed and then soaked them to smoke out the goo. They were great! Subtle flavors. And who doesn't like a onion that needs a hair cut?

So there was that. And the waffle iron has also made an appearance, breakfast for dinner-style.

Yeah, that's a Sundrop... Jealous? If not, you don't know the cherry-lemon

Good times. For the bellyyyyy.

Moving on to the now, I've just started my 4 day weekend. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and then I took off Friday to make it 4 days... I know, I know... I'm a little jealous of myself. But it's not about me, really and seriously...

Can we have a moment Bubbleland? Veterans, thank you for all you do.

I'm proud to say that my grandfather was a veteran. Pappy was in World War II. He jumped out of airplanes. I know he was awarded medals because I saw them after he passed. But did he ever talk about it? Never. Ever. Well, not that I know of... And I doubt you'd find an Umberson that tells you differently. He did his duty. And that was that.

Here's to you, William – Bill – Umberson. We're all better off thanks to you and people like you.

Love you

Proud to be your granddaughter, Pappy.

Well, alrighty... This certainly got emotional, didn't it? Not kidding, I got some serious cryface just writing that.

Don't worry though. I'll write more about other family members later and we can cry even more over each other.

Let's be clear though... While Bubbleland is at times nostalgic and memory-filled, it is a CELEBRATION of life! It is a celebration of how my Pappy smelled and called my mom "sis" and played dominoes and brought me, the first grandchild (I'm proud, like I had something to do with it) Texas ribs. Don't forget that, Bubblers! Gone but never forgotten, my loves.

Anyhoo... I'm not sure how to end this post now...

So, let's go traditional –

Shelby Farms puppy-walk water bar

In closing, if you see someone in the military tomorrow, give them a hug. And if you don't know them, ask first.

Love you, Bubbleland. I'll see you soon.