Travels in the South

Sometimes you want food that just screams comfort to you.  My mom’s comfort food when she is feeling really bad – are you ready for this – is a Happy Meal from McDonald’s.  Can you believe that?  She has been recuperating from her surgery, some days are good and some days are testing her ability not to scream.  Well one of her friends brought her a hamburger Happy Meal ordered with extra happy for her one day.  Wasn’t that awesome?  I’m not sure if it was the Happy Meal or the extra happy that made mom’s day but it did.

Mom had to take this picture of everything.  That is a hamburger, two bags of cut up apples (I guess that was the extra happy, you think?) a small fries, a drink and of course a girl toy.  And yes, please check out the size of that fries in relationship to the hamburger.  Do you think they could be any smaller?  Snorts and rolls with piggy laughter.

 

Shopping Around the World

Welcome my friends to another edition of Shopping Around the World!

This month my brother Phenny is hosting SATW – thanks bro!  This month we are highlighting pumpkin recipes.  This should be fun because my mom loves anything and everything pumpkin.  Doesn’t pumpkin just scream fall?  In fact, mom just posted a funny on her Facebook about pumpkin spice.  I thought I would share with you and let mom take it away  with our recipe.  Again thanks brother Phenny for helping us out here at the Hotel Thompson ❤

 

 

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mmm – pumpkin – one of my favorites this time of year.  Put spice behind it and I’m in hog heaven – sorry Bacon.  My favorite recipe is Pumpkin Spice coffee.  I love it so much throughout the year – not just at Halloween.  And yes, you can ‘buy’ it in those fancy coffee shops and even McDonald’s has a great one; but, why not make it at home yourself.  I mean think about, coffee shops will range from $3.50 to $5.50 a cup.  And that’s just enough pumpkin spice coffee to make you want more.  A second cup at a coffee shop and you will be getting out a loan – LOL.  So what do you need?

Now I’m a sugar free girl.  Of course fully leaded you get more of a pumpkin spice taste but sugar free gets me there.  I use the following:

⇒ Skinny Syrup Pumpkin Spice (costs $9.00 a bottle.  A full bottle can last about 30-35 cups = that’s only $0.26 a cup!)

⇒ International Delight Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Spice (costs $2.50 a bottle.  A full bottle can last about 20 cups = that’s only $0.13 a cup!)

⇒ Your choice of coffee.  We use Maxwell House here.  We buy a medium can for about $5.50 on sale.  That has enough to last 52 pots!  So basically how do  you price that, right?  LOL

⇒ Two packs of Splenda (a box costs $4.00 for 200 packets = $0.04!)

So let’s talk price first.  For somewhere around $0.50 a CUP at home vs coffee shop prices.  Doh!  It’s a no brainer for sure.

Prepare your coffee as you normally do in your coffee pot.  On our coffee pot, we have the option of making one cup or an entire pot.  When I want one cup, I put my Splenda in my cup along with a shot of my Skinny Syrup Pumpkin Spice.  I then place my cup on the coffee maker and hit Latte (I know I’m blessed).  While that is percolating and the aroma is driving you crazy, pour some creamer into a glass container.  Then froth that cream… again my coffee maker has a frother – don’t hate.  Froth that cream as much as you want.  I find the glass container keeps it cold. 

Once your coffee is done, pour the froth into your cup.  Then sit on the couch, prop your feet up and enjoy that pure delight.  And then go back for another cup… .you’re welcome ❤

 

 

 

 

Travels in the South

  Welcome friends to another edition of Travels in the South.  Today is being brought to you by daddy.  Recently McDonald’s launched a bigger Big Mac called the Grand Mac.  Now dad loves his Big Mac’s of any kind but he has been opting out of trying this because of eating clean.  Well this past weekend, he couldn’t help himself.  He had to try one and of course mom was there to interview him and take pictures – that’s my mom.  She didn’t try one or any of his french fries – go mom and your will power!

Now this is from the McDonald’s website:  “A regular Big Mac is two pure beef patties, Big Mac sauce, sandwiched between a sesame seed bun, American cheese, crisp lettuce, onions and pickles.”  And a regular Big Mac has 540 calories.

Now here is the description from McDonald’s website on the Grand Mac:  “Sink into 1/3 pound of real beef seasoned with salt & pepper sandwiched between a sesame seed bun.  All dressed with special sauce, crisp lettuce, onions, pickles and two slices of American cheese.”  And a Grand Mac has a whopping 860 calories!

Okay, a little more beef, an extra slice of cheese and 320 more calories.  And the pictures on television and on the McDonald’s website show there is a size difference and we all know that size matters, right?  So what did daddy think about the Grand Mac?

Daddy shrugged his shoulders at it.  The Grand Mac that he got did not look much bigger than a regular Big Mac.  It didn’t taste any different per say.  It was just okay.  In fact, if dad had to do it all over again, he said he would pass.  It just wasn’t that awesome.  So there you go – from the dad’s mouth.

 

Dear Bacon

Dear Panchetta,
I am an artist!  Do not think twice of me on my drinking.  It inspires my inner soul.  I would like to paint you – all of you since you are a plus size piggy.  Would you pose for me?  Signed Raphael Chickatello

Dear Raphael Chickatello,

WOW – I am honored… I think.  I really don’t think that I am old enough to pose in any of your paintings.  I think you should move on to maybe cows.  That’s it – cows.  I think cows should be your muse.  They are so much more to work with than just me… a little pig.  Carry on my friend and paint to your hearts content.

 

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Dear Bacon,
Insert spy music.  The humans think they are so smart in putting out these ‘traps’.  They hurt!  But never fear, this is how we really get the cheese without setting them off.  Now you know our secrets!  Signed Top Mouse

Dear Top Mouse,

I love that move!  I wonder if there is enough wire to suspend me over something delicious.  It looks like a hoot!  You definitely have the moves my friend.  Keep it up my secret friend!

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Dear Bacon,
I read about you watching television all of the time. I love to watch my shows too – especially the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They fascinate me for some reason. Do you like them? Signed Raffie

Dear Raffie,
I just can’t understand why you would like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. . I mean really, they’re turtles. It blows my mind to figure that one out. And yes, I do like to watch the show as well my friend.

 

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Dear Bacon,

Just the facts little guy.  Nothing but the facts.  We’ve been watching too many repeats of the movies Men in Black.  Don’t ask me which is which.  We just like to dress like Kay and Jay.  You know, just for fun and giggles.  The neighborhood doesn’t know how to act when we roll into it – bark.  What do you think?  Do you like to dress up like any of your favorite guys?  Signed Kay/Jay

Dear Kay and Jay,

Oh dudes – I love the look!  That is so neat.  I’ve seen those movies and ya’ll kind of look just like the two.  I think it’s the ties and sunglasses.  I would love to roam around in my costume too.  I secretly want to be a piggy super hero.  I keep asking mom to make me a cape.  I know with a cape, this little piggy would have special powers and be able to fly.  Stay cool barky things!

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❤ Remember friends – Dear Bacon can’t happen without YOU.  Please continue to email me your letters/pictures ❤

 

Dear Bacon

Dear Bacon – I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.  My mom/dad always said to make sure you can have fun but yet bring home the kibbles if you know what I mean.  So by day, I help my adopted father in his accounting firm.  Don’t let it fool you.  I have the brain of Einstein and can figure numbers in the blink of an eye and the wag of a tail.  Then at night, I trade my suit for a board and hit the streets of my hood.  See, I can do both and I think I have some great qualities for a woman in my life.  What do you think?  Signed Two For One

Dear Two For One – BONUS!  There you go my friend.  I think that is awesome that you make a living, can bring home the kibble and still know how to have a great time.  I think any woman would be honored to have you in their life for sure!

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 Dear Bacon – Shaking my head.  I don’t get it.  People point and laugh at me.  Some even call me a rolling ball with fur.  How rude.  I’m just a little squirrel trying to get along in a big world.  Should my feelings be hurt?  Signed Pudge

Dear Pudge – First off – YES.  This kind of behavior happens in the real world of adults as well my little friend.  Some peeps just don’t have the knack of keeping their mouths shut if they don’t have something nice to say.  You so don’t need to put up with this behavior.  There is  no room for bullying in this world!  You are welcomed to move into the woods of the Hotel Thompson any time.  We like to treat everyone the same here.

 

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Dear Bacon – There is *always* that one sibling in the family that is just stupid – there’s no other way of putting it.  We were sitting in the kitchen, acting like we had no worries in the world, not begging but yet letting the staff know we were there and waiting patiently for a snack of some type.  That’s when brother has to sit up and look stupid.  Okay, he doesn’t have to look stupid cause he is stupid.  But really.  He has to stick his tongue out and act all, “Give me…give me…give me”.  Really, rolls doggy eyes, his class is so out the window.  Do you have a wierdo in your family?  Signed Lewis, Brutus and Stupid

Dear Lewis, Brutus and Stupid – Oh do I!  OMP – I like to call him Hemi.  He’s the cat from you know where here at the Hotel Thompson.  He’s daddy’s little baby and does no wrong.  Yeah right.  He does no wrong because daddy never sees him doing anything bad.  I know exactly the feeling.  I say keep your hide high and use the mute button as much as you can with your brother to block him out.  That’s what I do here – I act like Hemi doesn’t exist… yet he still finds time to remind me by slapping my butt.

 

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Dear Bacon – Sometimes one has to take steps into their own paws.  My human just couldn’t find the time to make me some biscuits.  But that’s okay.  I find the recipe and took matters into my own paws.  I think they turned out pretty well myself.  If you want, I’ll send you the recipe.  I’m sure they are piggy friendly as well.  Smooches – Mrs. Polly

Dear Mrs Polly – I think that is brilliant.  Why wait for the humans when we don’t have too.  I think that would be great to do.  But hey, why don’t you just come over and use my kitchen to show me how to make them.  The humans are gone in the afternoons – hogs and snout kisses.

 

 

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Dear Bacon – During a tough week, when Friday night gets here you just want to crash and burn.  It was one of those tough weeks for me.  Too many brushes with the mailman, the UPS driver that got away and too many days of chasing that cute little cat next door.  Friday night, I crashed.  Of course, that was after my bender of my go to food selection to make me feel better.  Coke and a Big Mac.  Can you say yum-yum?  So my friend, do you ever crash and burn?  Signed The Pupster

Dear The Pupster – YES!  I have crashed and burned many times.  In fact, once my week was so bad that I brought the entire bucket of animal crackers in my bedroom and munched into oblivion.  The tummy ache later that night was so worth it.  I do feel you my friend.  Hope your day is better.

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❤ Remember friends – Dear Bacon can’t happen without YOU.  Please continue to email me your pictures and letters.  ❤

 

Pay it Forward

Okay Friends – Here We Go!

My sweet friends at Nikitaland have started this monthly issue of Pay It Forward.  We asked for you to keep this in mind all month and to share things here today on what you have been able to do.  Paying it forward is not for bragging purposes – it’s an attempt to show how many different things we can do to pay it forward – lots of them don’t even include money.  Gestures that we take for granted may be a God send to another person.

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What have you done this past month to pay it forward?  Here’s what mom/dad have done so far.

One night, mom/dad went to a local restaurant called Cracker Barrel.  They were having dinner, it was kind of crowded and this guy got seated between mom/dad and another couple.  You could tell that he was a homeless man.  He ordered two glasses of water and a coffee.  He was content with just sitting there, enjoying the heat from the fireplace and drinking his coffee.  He spoke to everyone that made contact with him – and was such a very pleasant gentleman.  He wasn’t asking for anything from anyone except for conversation.  Before mom/dad could buy him dinner, the other couple offered and did.  Mom went up to the register and also bought him a gift card to use at the restaurant so he could also come back for another dinner without having to pay.

Mom is also still continuing with her donations of plasma.  She has now made 13 donations and is getting closer to her commitment of 20. Some people ask does it hurt.  There are times when you can’t even feel the needle and there are other times that you feel it and continue to feel it until the donation is done.  Mom says that it doesn’t matter because what pain she does experience is nothing compared to the help it offers others.

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My buddy Nikitaland made up a good deeds sheet.  You can get it here.  You can print it, hang it on your fridge and just jot some things down that you do during the month.  That way at our next meet up, you can share what you have done to PAY IT FORWARD.

AND if you are interested in getting some Pay it Forward bracelets, check out Nikitaland’s post here for ordering information.  Believe me friends – WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next meet up will be February 3rd – mark your calendars!

 

Pay it Forward – REMINDER

Okay Friends – Here We Go!

My sweet friends at Nikitaland have started this monthly issue of Pay It Forward.  We asked for you to keep this in mind all month and to share things here today on what you have been able to do.  Paying it forward is not for bragging purposes – it’s an attempt to show how many different things we can do to pay it forward – lots of them don’t even include money.  Gestures that we take for granted may be a God send to another person.

My buddy Nikitaland made up a good deeds sheet.  You can get it here.  You can print it, hang it on your fridge and just jot some things down that you do during the month.  That way at our next meet up, you can share what you have done to PAY IT FORWARD.

AND if you are interested in getting some Pay it Forward bracelets, check out Nikitaland’s post here for ordering information.  Believe me friends – WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next meet up will be January 6th – mark your calendars!

 

Pay it Forward – REMINDER

Okay Friends – Here We Go!

My sweet friends at Nikitaland have started this monthly issue of Pay It Forward.  We asked for you to keep this in mind all month and to share things here today on what you have been able to do.  Paying it forward is not for bragging purposes – it’s an attempt to show how many different things we can do to pay it forward – lots of them don’t even include money.  Gestures that we take for granted may be a God send to another person.

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REMEMBER – this is November and Thanksgiving is closely approaching.  What will you do to pay it forward this month?. Will you help out at a food bank?  Will you help out at a feed the hunger dinner?  Will you raise money or give to the food bank?  These are great ideas – especially for this time of year.  Can’t wait to see what you do my friends 🙂

 My buddy Nikitaland made up a good deeds sheet.  You can get it here.  You can print it, hang it on your fridge and just jot some things down that you do during the month.  That way at our next meet up, you can share what you have done to PAY IT FORWARD.

AND if you are interested in getting some Pay it Forward bracelets, check out Nikitaland’s post here for ordering information.  Believe me friends – WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next meet up will be December 2nd – mark your calendars!

 

Pay it Forward – MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Okay Friends – Here We Go!

My sweet friends at Nikitaland have started this monthly issue of Pay It Forward.  We asked for you to keep this in mind all month and to share things here today on what you have been able to do.  Paying it forward is not for bragging purposes – it’s an attempt to show how many different things we can do to pay it forward – lots of them don’t even include money.  Gestures that we take for granted may be a God send to another person.

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 My buddy Nikitaland made up a good deeds sheet.  You can get it here.  You can print it, hang it on your fridge and just jot some things down that you do during the month.  That way at our next meet up, you can share what you have done to PAY IT FORWARD.

AND if you are interested in getting some Pay it Forward bracelets, check out Nikitaland’s post here for ordering information.  Believe me friends – WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next meet up will be December 2nd – mark your calendars!

 

Pay it Forward

Okay Friends – Here We Go!

My sweet friends at Nikitaland have started this monthly issue of Pay It Forward.  We asked for you to keep this in mind all month and to share things here today on what you have been able to do.  Paying it forward is not for bragging purposes – it’s an attempt to show how many different things we can do to pay it forward – lots of them don’t even include money.  Gestures that we take for granted may be a God send to another person.

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This month mom/dad decided to do something that was a little different than the usual.  They eat out a lot on the weekends.  They decided that they would go out during the month and whatever waitress/waiter they met that really went overboard in kindness, they would leave a very nice tip.  I mean nice… not cruise around the world nice but generous enough that it would mean more than the typical tip.  That was their game plan and they stuck with it.  

So one place they went to they met a nice young lady and talked to her throughout their meal.  They learned she was supporting herself while going to school and working two jobs to pay for school and rent.  Mom/dad both looked at each other and knew this was *the one*.  At the end of their meal, they added their tip in on their charge and left.  They didn’t want anything in return – just a smile on the waitresses face in knowing that people that really care are out there.

 My buddy Nikitaland made up a good deeds sheet.  You can get it here.  You can print it, hang it on your fridge and just jot some things down that you do during the month.  That way at our next meet up, you can share what you have done to PAY IT FORWARD.

AND if you are interested in getting some Pay it Forward bracelets, check out Nikitaland’s post here for ordering information.  Believe me friends – WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Next meet up will be December 2nd – mark your calendars!