Storm Watch 2012: SANDY!

There's a storm a comin'! and let me tell you guys "A hard rain's a gonna fall." You may have heard... But in the mean time i'll "rock you like a hurricane!" with my awesome blog because, we had to be prepared for "When the rAins came." I mean, "Have you ever seen the rain?" because i want to know. And at least it's not "red rain," i mean that would just be ridiculous. But in the mean time, "this is the story of hurricane" or at least the beginning of one because, "Baby when the lights go out," it will be sort of hard to blog.

But don't worry! We're prepared. Taped windows!

 If they have to come evacuate us all they'll see is bloody hand prints.

What do smart people eat during a hurricane?

Smart Food. Ha! and copious amounts of comfort (junk) food.

Or maybe that's just my excuse for buying nothing healthy this shopping trip.

Fire wood! 

Note the safety door (our fireplace sort of had an accident last week, perfect timing).

"Walk'n on walk'n on broken glaAasss!" But no worries, out landlord was a peach and came in yesterday afternoon to put the new door in. (That's how long i've been working on this blog.)

Water!

Bat pinata!

You just can't weather a hurricane without one (we were supposed to have a little halloween get together before Sandy shat all over it). It's funny how shopping for a hurricane is kind or similar to shopping for a party. A camping party!

Candles bitches!

 And every other lighting device known to man. I'm really excited about the glow stick bracelets in particular.  (we had to get to target when they opened yesterday at 8am because flashlights and batteries are high in demand.) They got in four flashlights yesterday (really, 4?) and we bought three of them (cause we're not THOSE jerks who take them all). Good thing we were the first people to reach that section.

Meanwhile, in other survival supplies:

Beer!

 Remember you gotta finish off the cold stuff first with power loss.

Wine!

Because warm beer? where are we, England?

And for when all else fails:

liquor. Hey, it could be weeks!

Originally i just came home with a case of water, two bottles of wine, and a ritter sport, but my room mate was like, "i don't think that's gonna cut it."

The water's already started rising up the coast, and emergence evacuations are in effect for half my county. Also because there's a full moon tonight the tides are supposed to be even worse. Which... sucks. Especially since it would have been awesome to have an almost full moon (waning gibbous, if you will) on Halloween. I know! instead let's have a shit load of water, and destruction. That's a fair trade.

Seriously though, we're in a safe-ish area, so no worries. For all of you who are effected by this, remember: Be smart, be safe, and good luck. Also shower while you can.

In the meantime i think i'll just curl up on the couch with coffee and a warm blanket and watch the storm.

21 ways to use a book light: a novella by Phil Pappas

I'm not actually sure there are 21 ways to use a book light, but if there are, Phil will find them.

Reason #1

Grilling burgers after sunset. Also: wearing the emperor's cloak (It's actually a sweatshirt with the sleeves tucked under... for reasons unknown).

I didn't really do anything today, if you want to know the truth (well i sort of worked on bat pinata, but that's another blog).

This weekend Nanc and i saw two movies (can you believe it?!) The first of which was Argo, which was very good. It's one of those incidents in history that you're like, "Really?" Like finding out Hinkley's reason for the attempted assassination of Richard Nixon was to impress Jodi Foster. I mean, really? (yes.)  Anyway emotions about Ben Affleck aside, it was very watchable.

When i was in California we often went over to my cousin's houses for dinner/movie nights. Sometimes on these nights i would pick a not well known movie, and my cousin's developed the title of "Lauren Movies" aka: movies nobody would have seen if i hadn't brought them into their lives (not necessarily a good thing). 

 When Nanc and i walked out of the theatre and she exclaimed, "Well, that was an interesting movie." i knew the "Lauren Movie" had struck again. But you have to understand that they're not bad movies, they're just movies that don't appease the masses, but to speak to those willing to listen... or sometimes they're just bad indy films that have a soft place in my heart ("All I Want").

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, in my opinion, was lovely. That being said i'm also a huge fan of the book (it's almost like i wrote a blog about it), and Emma Watson: the only Emma i'll always be crazy about (wait... except Emma Stone. Duke it out ladies).

Seriously though, some of my favorite quotes ever:

"There's nothing like deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons." 

 "Everyone else is either asleep or having sex. I've been watching cable television and eating jello."

 "Maybe it's good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there."

“We accept the love we think we deserve.” 

"Enjoy it. Because it's happening."

"Just tell me how to be different in a way that makes sense." 

"You can't just sit there and put everyone's lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love. You just can't. You have to do things."

"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite." 


Really i could go on all day, the point is see the movie, or read the book, or do what you're going to do, but do it, because it's so much better then not doing it. Exactly.

Apple Picking

So I was having a bad day, enough said. But Nanc is the perf pal and was like, "want to go apple picking?" yes. Because that's what you do on a perfect fall day, duh.

Also Nanc was a perfect wingman, because being me i totally couldn't help myself from climbing trees (how can you not?), and she was all, "hide! there's a truck driving by!"  

 We picked Cortland, a couple Macs, and Henry David or something (of the heirloom variety). Then we made Apple Crisp:

Or really Nanc made apple crisp and i peeled apples. 

It's really just peeled apples cut up with a heavenly cinnamon flour layer on top.

It turns out sour apples are the best for cooking, which was proven true by our heirloom bounty. While they were cooking mom was like, "why don't you make some of my home made hot chocolate and sit by the fire your dad made outside?"

It's good to be a Pappas.

So my mom went to the health raffle (i don't know the details or what 'health'), and won!

It's an ionizer.

me: what's an ionizer?
dad: it cleans things.
me: does it clean the counter?
dad: of course, it's an ionizer.
me: does it clean the floor?
dad: it's an ionizer!
me: does it clean furniture?
dad: it's an ionizer!
me: does it clean clothes?
dad: it's an ionizer!
me: what exactly is an ionizer?
dad: i have no clue.

actually no one here does, but we have one!

Meanwhile:

Some fucking delicious shit was concocted. If you think (or haven't yet experienced) just picked apples are delicious, try them baked with cinnamon. Throw some whipped/ice cream on top of that and it is "the shit!" Happy Fall y'all (ha, rhymes)!

Stew Season, Bitches!

Today the new Michael Chabon book came out, who is one of my favorites. I can't actually read this book until i finish the other two books i'm half way through (personal rules), but for some reason i still had to buy it today. Also i wanted to check out the bookstore up the street from my work, so bam. Then i walked back through the park, and i came up with a book called: Tuesday in the Park with Lauren (how original). It's basically just writing down my random thought process as I walk from one side of the park to the other, with some brief bench sitting action. Some spoilers are: The recipe for beef stew (no way!) and whether my parent's cat misses me when i'm away (i think yes, though she'll never admit it).

I'm dedicating this to Phil because he's a blog inspiration and my best friend (second to Harvey). And so i now present to you: BEEF STEW!

Because it's that time again folks! Also because LK texted me and was like... You should make stew for dinner. I would totally buy all the stuff and make it, but you're home way before me, so it just makes sense. Also make sure it has a ton of carrots. She did offer to bring home some really nice wine though, so cest la vie! 

So i called up nanc for some tips. Now i know what you're thinking, "You dad makes beef stew everyday during the winter, why wouldn't you ask him?" Well, the majority of my dad's recipes come from 3 places: Yiayia, my mom, and Old El Paso. Also mom picked up the phone first, so i just asked. 

Ingredients:

 According to Nanc you can use beef broth, but Pappas's usually just use water, because it develops enough flavor, and is official home made (OHM: for those in the know). You don't hAVe to use bacon, but why wouldn't you (that's how Julia did it). So chop some bacon and onions and let them sautee (which is probably the best scent known to man).

Mix some flour with salt and pepper and flour your meat! You can use stew meat or steak tips, or chop up some rump. Steak tips cook faster, but the other two are cheaper, so do what you will.

Throw them in the pot and brown all sides:

 What magic. Next: Wine (that's good, but not too good).

 Add the wine, and pour a little for the home team.

Add some water, bring to a simmer, cover, and wait. Forever.

I had a snack in the meantime, because i forgot to eat today. It's aged gouda and chianti salami, which might be a little bit of a faux pas, but no one here gives a fuck (me).

Then the meat will start to easily come apart. Cool. Add some potatoes and carrots because they're delicious. Cook until cooked (40min? less if cut small). Through in some frozen peas at the end if you're game (i forgot that part). Then:

Wha-la! It's fucking fall!

PFV: Finally/How Nanc Infultrated My Blog.

I don't how 'up' you are on my previous blog comments. I only know about them because i get emails. If you do go back and read the comments, then: Wow, you're a champion. If you don't then allow me to enlighten you on the title of this blog. On my last post PFV: Day 4 i was alerted of a new comment, which is super exciting for me. Imagine my surprise (eyes wide with hope) as i click on the blog only to discover that Nanc, under the name oldpappster woman decided to write an entirely new blog post under my previous one. And you know what? YOU CAN'T DO THAT. You can't just take over someone's blog because they're not writing it fast enough (maybe i had plans to, you know, actually make something? that's the point, right?). I mean, manners mom.

But you know what? I never thought to ask Nanc if she ever wanted to KaBlog, and maybe i'm the asshole (usually). So i'll cut her a break... this time! But i swear mom, next time just ask or we're gonna have words.

So here it is folks, the Pappas Family Vacation Day 5: Deleware.

I don't see an entry for Day 5.  (No shit.) We drove from Carolina beach to Lewes DE, just north of Rehoboth. The main reason we are in Rehoboth is not for the beach, as I would have hoped (never mind we went to three different beaches already), but for Lauren's passion, BEER. 

 So at 0830 LP is like,"Lets get over the the Dogfish Head brewery where we can sample beer all day (Okay, but really try to get on a tour. And they only give you 4 samples)! I don't know about you, but Oldpappsterwoman does not usually imbibe before at least noon (Uh huh). I am not especially good at these testings, mainly because I like to take the entire sample. ONe taste usually does not cut it. (I think this means she wants a full glass? No one can be sure.) So we head for the beach to kill an hour or 4. I am the only one swimming, but briefly while the others sweat it out in the heat (or wade around quietly in the ocean without taking up everyone's time by changing twice). We make it to Dogfish Head brewery at about 1200 (the tour was at 11am). 

So awesome. Everything here is awesome. 

I will make a note here and point out that I don't really like any of the Dogfish Head beers, either those that we tried at home, at the brewery or later when we had lunch at their pub. I don't know what to say guys, some people just don't know a good beer when it's sitting in a sample cup in front of them.  Since they make "spirits" as well, I decided that I would take a "spirit flight" with their Blue Hen Vodka (pure gasoline), Spiced Rum (what spice?), Gin (not a good mix with the others) and Vanilla vodka (OK, but I will take Grey Goose anytime over that). Those were whole shots ladies and gentlemen, but don't worry because it was after noon.  

They had this new seventy-five minute IPA (right) where they basically take 1/2 parts 60 min (left) 1/2 parts 90 minute (not shown) and cask it for a few weeks. It's delicious, if you want to know.

There food is pretty fucking awesome too.

I ate it all.

These were two of their other specials. The front one is a Belgium wit, and the back was called "Black and Red" and it's made with fermented grape juice (wine) and for some reason tastes minty (toothpaste-y really). This one wasn't my favs, but i could see sipping it on a cool winter's day. That's the thing with these beers, they're sipping beers. Also you should probably stick to one at a time, two tops. But we were in the brew pub, so i went cRAzy.

 Before lunch we try to change our Ferry reservation back to Cape May to earlier, but finally have to settle on a 5:15 PM crossing. What to do? Yougn pappas women (DPL and I), "Lets hit the beach, we want to swim! . Now as an old woman, it takes me twice as long to "zip" (there's no zipper) into a swim suit as it takes the young females who are only wearing strips of cloth. (Which, no. Also this statement was apparent earlier in the day.) My speedo (yup) was also wet so an inordinate amount of wiggling was necessary (no comment). When I got to the beach, I figured I had about 10 minutes to swim before heading back to the showers for the lengthy process of changing out of the suit and into clothes (fo r the third time this day) (On this day, August 30th, 2012 let it be known that Nanc changed in and out of her bathing suit on two separate occasions. Sound the trumpets!) and getting ready for the trip. Being so time conscious did not pay off as there was a line of women with children ahead of me and one young woman who stayed in the shower no less than 20 minutes ("I'm sorry, I tried to hurry"! as she steps out of one of only two shower stalls with hair combed and make up in place. Yeah right). That was pretty annoying, we didn't get to shower cause dad was flipping out about the ferry. I surprised myself and finished in 10 minuues. She surprised all of us. Both of the young Pappas females are not yet even at the showers and it is 4:45 PM (see.). Meanwhile Phil is literally broiling in the sun having opted to sit on a bench and wait for us, not a water lover, my old man. Naturally he wants to know why the girls are still in the water. (see).   "me no know Kingosaby". (<-Never.) So finally all together at last we head the 1/4 mile drive to the Ferry and miss the turn ending up at some state park. (Pappas style!) We get back to the block long entrance that no one saw and get in line behind the man of forty questions who just won't go. (Sofa King annoying.) We end up being the last of three cars on the Ferry. Whew! 90 minutes later we begin our final drive from Cape May to Chester. 3 hours for 140 miles and no traffic - home at last! (Longest part of the trip.) Amazingly we are still speaking to each other.Barely (DPL's words, not mine). 

Good KaBlogging Nanc. Well done. 

Anyway... of course i'm brewing beer. It's an IPA, and it's gonna be sick.

Barley Crushed. 

Grains steeped. 150 degrees, perfect.

Then i strained it, and got it all over the kitchen (sweet!) Then i cleaned the kitchen, and now we're entering the boil process. 

So this is the point where i hop this shit out of it, then basically let it cool, and pitch the yeast. You don't really need pics of that because it's pretty boring, plus been there, done that. BUT! i think i'm going to keg this one, so stay tuned!

PFV Day 4: Savannah 2/Carolina Beach, NC

Savannah after dark:

 Guys, what a pretty town at all hours. Today i was like, "I love Savannah!" and Phil was all, "And it loves you too honey. Savannah is one of those cities that gives... and gets." cool.

Danielle had Shrimp and Cheesy Grits for dinner, but couldn't finish is and i was like, "what is wrong with you?" and she was like, "It's filling! I'll take it home." And i was like, "don't miss a drop!"

 Because that shit is gold. So then we found this magical place called Wet Willies, it's a daiquiri bar.

Danielle and I split a large "Bob Marley" on account of the commemorative cup, and Nanc got a "Banana Split."  Both are mixes because our waitress at the last place told us to get the "Call a Cab" and when i asked for it the lady was like, "Um... i don't think you want that, how about i get you a mix with that in there?" and we were like, "Um, Sure!" and then she gave it to us and was like, Yeah the "Call a Cab" is 90 proof grain alcohol.  And WHAT THE FUCK was our waitress trying to do to us, i just don't know. That's when Nanc was smart enough to pursue the menu and pick her own mix out, sans "Call a Cab."

You know one of the best parts about Savannah? You can take your drinks to go:

Good times on River St. Anyway then it was time to go and Nanc wasn't done, so Phil was all, "It's ok, passengers can ride with their drinks." and i was like, "I'm pretty sure they can't..." then he elbowed me in the side and was like, "Your mother can, as long as she sits in the back." 

 Guess what this is:

Honey! They love it out here, but this storefront was espec cool.

Then we went to bed. The next day...

We walked around Savannah:

Hey, what's this?

Oh, a secret garden! sweet.

Pretty.

Actually we were just killing time until we could go to this place:

It's a restaurant in a house that only has two seating at 11am and 1pm, and the line out the door starts at 10. We had two different relatives tell us that they went here, then went back the next day because it was sooo awesome, so there was no way we were going to miss it. We took turns waiting and walking around.

This place really pisses me off, every time i see it i'm infuriated.

 It's called Custard and they sell dresses. WTF? No Custard to be found. Why would they do that to people?

Anyway, lunch time:

I swear it was soooo delicious. Fried Chicken, Pulled Pork, Meatloaf, and then 17 sides. 17 SIDES! All family style too. The sides were sooo the best part. Phil was all, "Pass me some more of that Rudabagel!"

Ugh, i wish i took pictures before, but i was just too excited. Also there's just a glass of ice cold sweet tea waiting for you, and after standing in the sun/hummidity for hours it is just awesome. I love sweet tea (Real sweet tea, none of that northern imitation shit). I probably love sweet tea more then beer (don't tell anyone).

So after lunch it was time to leave. Phil was like, "But we just found this place, i don't want to go." but then he remembered his hotel reservations, and was like, "Hop too, chop-chop!" And so we started on our way...

And immediately got pulled over. Sucks. Nanc was speeding, which the guy even basically said would have been fine if we were on 95, but because we were a mile away it wasn't, ass. So then our car got attacked by these bugs that were totally mating and were disgusting.

I mean they were everywhere. Gross. So then Nanc asked the officer what they are, and he's like, "Oh those? They're love bugs. There molesting my windshield right now, which is why i usually don't pull people over out here." What an ass.

Then we pass a sign that says, "Jesus loves you, peaches in half a mile!" And there they were, selling peaches in the driveway of a gentleman's club. Danielle, "You can get peaches... or peaches!"

So then we go to get gas, and Nanc is all, "Some one needs to clean off my windshield." So Danielle volunteers and write when she goes to pick up the first wiper Phil turns them on and squirts wiper fluid all over her. Then he laughs and is like, "Just kidding, go ahead!" So she glares at us and starts scrubing her little heart out trying to get all the bug remains off the window shield.

So then Phil goes, "They were mating everywhere, like right there!" and Danielle thinks he's pointing to a spot that she missed and gives him "the look."  This is a terrifying thing, because when we were little kids it meant i better shut the fuck up or suddenly be flat on my back getting pummeled from all sides. He must know it too, because he was immediately all, "NO, no i was just pointing out a bug mating spot, you do good work kid!"



There's a hurricane a comin'! We were supposed to go to St. Augustine today, but diverted to Carolina Beach instead for these reasons (but actually because we realized we'd have to drive, like, 10 hrs in one day to get back in time, which meant being in confined quarters with each other for that long. It was quiet for like 3 cricket chirps before Dad was like, "Hey, why don't we just go to a beach in North Carolina!" "Yay!" was the joint response).


Anyway the weather has actually been really nice except for these periodic drizzles that last 2min tops. Anyway Danielle always seems to sleep through them, so whenever she wakes up i'm like, "You missed the Hurricane!" which is especially funny to me. No one else seems to laugh though...

 Today there was a pretty big down pour that lasted for actually quite a while, like 5 min.

Ominous sky!

1 hour in:

Me: What does it say on the Georgia Licence Plate? Like North Carolina's "First in Flight", but what's Georgia?
Dad: I think it says, "Who gives a shit?" There's a thousand of them around, read one.

(turns out their state motto isn't on their license plates... because it's stupid.)




2 hours in:

Me: Dad, can you turn the window locks off?
Dad: I'm driving, Lauren, one thing at a time.
Me: I mean you just have to click that button right above the window button.
Mom: No, it's on the ca-mode. 
Danielle: What?!
Mom: In the center.
Danielle: Oh, the console.
Me: Like i said, it's on the ca-mode.
Dad: Lauren, i'm driving.

3 hours in: 


Me: (singing) Mock-yeah, Ing-yeah, Bird-yeah...
Dad: Lauren, I think it's time for you to take a nap.

4 hours in:

 Dad: (singing) Crazy... i'm crazy for thinking about you...   Sometimes people think i'm crazy.

5 hours in:
 
 Dad: Thank God that truck's taking a right here.
 Danielle: You have to follow the truck.
 Dad: Why?
 Danielle: Because that's where the highway goes. Don't worry, we're only 29 miles from  Georgetown.
 Dad: That's what they all say...

5.5 hours in:

Dad: Hey, there's a Hooter Town!
Danielle: You mean a Hoover Town?
Dad: Yeah, one of those Freudian things. It's so green and flush out here.
Danielle: Plush?
Dad: Yeah, like i said.

6 hours in:

Me: You know what's my favorite part?
Danielle: What?
Me: Getting there.
Dad: Really? Cause mine's being stuck in the car for hours.
Me: Where are we going anyway?
Danielle: Carolina Beach, it's right above Cape Fear.
Dad: Why do they call it Cape Fear?
Danielle: (dead serious) Because the Waters are Treacherous.

Wonderful.  

But finally:

Ahhh!

At first Phil was like, "Everyone's going to enjoy this hotel whether you like it or not. It's the most expensive." Then the lady checking-in in front of us was like, "Can i get the AAA discount?" So Phil's all. Hey, i'm AAA is there any additional discount?  And she's like, "Really you got the best price... unless you're in the military." And dad's like, "I was in the Air Force." and she's like, "Oh, Ok!" then later he's all, "Ok, this was the cheapest hotel, you don't have to enjoy it as much.

 But it's freak'n sweet!! And:

North Carolina BBQ, finally!

Look at this place: Pigs and Chicken, who could ask for anything more?

Look at this:

LOOK AT IT!

 

Incredible. 

We ate a TON today. So DPL and i went for a walk on the beach to work it off (because oBviously a 30min beach walk will work off 6000 calories). Through the treacherous skim, or course. It's like warm bathwater. i love it here.