Bangers and Mash

I made dinner. That's right, fellow babies, I actually went to the market, chose every single item, I paid for those items instead of using a credit card or my debit card on my parent's account and then! Yes, I actually came back and cooked my little heart out. I MADE BANGERS AND MASH -- woo-hoo! Can you believe it?? Oh calm down, get ahold of yourselves, everyone loved it! Y'all gotta trust me because there is one unequivocal truth: I know how to read! Not only that, I know how to implement what I read so I made Bangers and Mash but truly, everyone was afraid of it until I put it on the table. They didn't know what to expect which is, of course, what I'd intended. Oh man -- -- I really crack myself up!!

So did y'all see one of my favorite shows tonight? That's right, I love Survivor. I truly am a reality show fan! Jessica, who was on my last nerve on Day 1, got the axe. "It's time for you to go, Jessica." I think she got on my nerves because she reminded me so much of Rachel. Ick.

So I have a real problem here. I have horses. I love my horses, every one of them. But at times they do become problematic. Allow me to illustrate -- I think this says it all:
It's awful, and anyone who knows my Big Man can tell you he loves coffee! He just slurps it right out of whomever's mug is nearby. I did indeed teach him to drink out of my water bottle -- I carry an Evian or Dasani bottle w/ me nearly all the time -- and one day Daddy and I were down at the stable w/ the horses in their stalls, I believe waiting for the vet to come to give yearly immunizations, do Coggins tests, etc. and while we were standing there waiting I gave my Palomino a sip of my water. He really dug it so I kinda helped. He clamps his teeth on it, tips it up and slugs it down. Uh ... maybe I shouldn't have done that.

On the upside, Daddy and the Duck finally got around to working w/ the baby and now he loads like a little angel! (Most of the time.) He's not a self-loader like my Snickers but he does very well, very well! We're all very proud of him -- but then, he's our baby. Just a precious boy.

Okay, just one more that you must see and then no more I promise! Check this out: Can you believe that? Who has a red SUV called Lovey? It just kills me -- I don't know recall where I found it but I'd forgotten about it until tonight and wanted to share. Photos of the real Lovey is a couple of pages back -- under "images", no doubt.

What makes us happy in life? Stuff, of course. We love Stuff, we need Stuff, we have to have it. Live w/out Stuff? I can't -- I won't. I love Stuff. The only problem w/ Stuff is, the more Stuff you have the more room for Stuff you need. In my case it goes a little differently: The more Stuff I have, the more Stuff I have to get rid of. But sometimes that doesn't bother me. Case in point: My hated dinnerware. It's new, and it's pretty, a very unusual style in a classic white. It's just that I have no interest in it anymore and it had to be disposed of as soon as possible. The love affair between It and I ended some time ago (along w/ my flatware) so it had to be replaced. It was difficult to find items that are me but I have persevered! I have this:

They're brighter than that, but not so much that it bugs my eyeballs out first thing of a morning. But flatware has yet to speak to me. I'm leaning toward this:

However, it's not screaming SAMANTHA and it absolutely must before I'll purchase it. Meanwhile, I'm muddling through w/ the set I presently have and despise more every time I lay an eyeball on a piece.

I found these, and they're on sale!
Just tell me that's not adorable! I have to get this:

It's kinda like me -- you know, a Lone Reindeer Doormat.

I lovelovelove Crate and Barrel however there are a lot of things I thought were dumb to purchase when I make these every single year. See:


When I lived in Saint Louis I had to go to Forest Park to find pinecones but now I have more than I can count right at my back door. Don't buy them for -- what, $10 for 7 items that you find on the ground? EGAD! Sorry, but it was necessary. Pick the dang things up and get you some spray paint, honey.

I forgot to mention previously, but there has been an arrest in the hit-and-run accident of WBBJs anchor Tom Britt and his wife Martha, who died at the scene.
Ain't he neat? Tom Britt is still recovering from broken ribs and a badly broken foot, as well as a completely broken heart.
LIFE AS HE KNEW IT IS OVER
I do not know why in Sam Hell this moron didn't stop and help these people! No one wants to do time -- again -- but you sow what you reap. He was flying down that road, poor Martha shattered his windshield which is how coppers found him -- they searched for windshield replacements and found he'd had one the day of the accident -- and how sad, Tom and Martha's shoes were sitting side by side on the road. Footless, hopefully. Oh me ...

On to the CMAs, and Samantha's Picks! That way y'all can laugh at me on Tuesday. The CMAs will be broadcast live on ABC from the Gaylord Center next Monday night.
*Entertainer of the Year
* Brooks & Dunn
* Kenny Chesney
* Brad Paisley
* Rascal Flatts
* Keith Urban
*Samantha's Pick: Brooks & Dunn have won it many times over, Brad Paisley is great and has racked up some awards this year, Rascal Flatts is a trio who haven't paid that kind of dues yet and Keith Urban -- aside from me not being a Keith Urban fan -- chose a bad time to go into rehab. Again. Some could get sympathy vote but I don't think so. He's an Aussie, and we tend to rally around our own. My choice is Kenny Chesney who works hard, and plays even harder. He deserves it. And he's totally hot!
*Female Vocalist of the Year
* Sara Evans
* Faith Hill
* Martina McBride
* Carrie Underwood
* Gretchen Wilson
*Samantha's Pick: Sara was having a humongous year professionally until she quit Dancing With the Stars after filing for divorce which has been very public and very nasty. Faith has won award after award and considering the competition, I don't think she'll win this one. Carrie just came to town after winning American Idol last year so, no. Gretchen could pull this off but my money is on Martina. Both got a set of pipes not to be believed but I'm still saying Martina.
*Male Vocalist of the Year
* Dierks Bentley
* Kenny Chesney
* Alan Jackson
* Brad Paisley
* Keith Urban
*Samantha's Pick: This is a difficult one for me. Alan has won more awards than anyone else who will be showing up Monday night, and I love Alan, particularly his current Like Red On a Rose. He sings it like he feels it. Brad hasn't done as much as others this year although it's been very good for him, Keith is still in rehab again and I hope Dierks wins it. His steamy rendition of Settle For a Slowdown gives me a cheap thrill every time I hear it plus he's done great music in the past. I would like to see Dierks break into Superstar Status w/ the Kennys and Alans but I'm guessing a Kenny or Alan will take home the award.
*Horizon Award
* Miranda Lambert
* Little Big Town
* Sugarland
* Josh Turner
* Carrie Underwood
*Samantha's Pick: I don't care. Outta this bunch, I really don't care except! Josh Turner has come a long way this year, and Miranda deserves it solely for pouring a quart of kerosene and making it last clean across town in her video Kerosene. Well, not to mention the fact that she burned the house down in the first place because Dude was cheating on her, and I reallllly agree w/ that! We're definitely going w/ Miranda, yeah.
*Vocal Group of the Year
* Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
* Little Big Town
* Lonestar
* Rascal Flatts
* Sugarland
*Samantha's Pick: Allison Krauss has two very important things going for her: She has the voice of an angel, and she has Jerry Douglas who it's said has redefined the dobro in the same way that Earl Scruggs redefined the banjo, and that's a fact. Little Big Town (sad, they lost their major label deal, suffered two divorces and the death of a spouse) and Sugarland (were a trio, now they're a duo), uh-uh, I don't either they have a chance. Rascal Flatts has really broken out of their near falsetto-ballad mold of past years into more of a country rock gig which shows they're paying attention. They could give Allison and Jerry some stiff competition due to their most successful album yet, Me and My Gang. I'm still gonna lean toward Allison and Jerry but I'm thinking Rascal could do it.
*Vocal Duo of the Year
* Big & Rich
* Brooks & Dunn
* Montgomery Gentry
* Van Zant
* The Wreckers
*Samantha's Pick: I'm gonna blow you outta the water w/ this one, but I stand by my choice. The obvious choice for me isn't this year for several reasons, among them T's poor timing to create "Cubby-Gate." True enough, no one has heard Troy's version of the events but the mere hint of impropriety surrounded by those who believe in Mom, apple pie and the American Way has probably knocked Montgomery Gentry out of the running. The Wreckers debuted this year and it's not unheard of newcomers to win but I don't think so. Big & Rich haven't ever had a #1 hit but they continue to make a big name for themselves. Brooks & Dunn are perennial favorites but I'm going w/ Van Zant. These poor guys -- health issues have kept them from touring as much as the duo would have liked in 2006, but Southern rock fans revel in the notion of having veteran stompers such as Donnie and Johnny Van Zant on the country scene.
*Single of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
*Believe
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Tony Brown/Kix Brooks/ Ronnie Dunn
Arista Nashville
*Better Life
Keith Urban
Produced by Dann Huff/Keith Urban
Capitol Records Nashville
*Jesus Take The Wheel
Carrie Underwood
Produced by Mark Bright
Arista Nashville
*Summertime
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
*When I Get Where I’m Going
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Produced by Frank Rogers/Chris DuBois
Arista Nashville
*Samantha's Pick: Again I'm going to say that Brooks & Dunn are always favorites, Brad is competition, Carrie -- oh Carrie, just go home! -- Keith is in rehab again and I'm picking Kenny although I'm sure he won't win it. It's a fun song. That's why.
*Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers – Drums
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar/Electric Guitar
Randy Scruggs – Guitar
*Samantha's Pick: Need I say it? Jerry Douglas!
*Album of the Year
(Award goes to artist and producer)
*Hillbilly Deluxe
Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Ronnie Dunn/Kix Brooks/Mark Wright/Tom Shapiro/Tony Brown/Bob DiPiero
Arista Nashville
*Me And My Gang
Rascal Flatts
Produced by Dann Huff/Rascal Flatts
Lyric Street Records
*Precious Memories
Alan Jackson
Produced by Keith Stegall Arista
Nashville
*The Road And The Radio
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney
BNA Records
*Time Well Wasted
Brad Paisley
Produced by Chris DuBois/Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
*Samantha's Pick: This is the toughest category for me yet because all are fabulous albums that garnered many awards and subsequently, many, many $. There are three I enjoyed more than the others but I'm picking The Road and The Radio because it appeals to me more than the others. Also, because I've been working on this post since 8.00 PM (intermittently) and I'm wiped out. That's one way to cut my comments short!
*Music Video of the Year
*8th of November
Big & Rich
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV/Marc Oswald
*Believe
Brooks & Dunn
Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV
*Jesus Take The Wheel
Carrie Underwood
Directed by Roman White
*Kerosene
Miranda Lambert
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
*When I Get Where I’m Going
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)
Directed by Jim Shea
*Samantha's Pick: *yawn* Brooks & Dunn, always a threat; Brad is a wildcard; Carrie, just go home! Miranda, only Trey Fanjoy could make a quart of kerosene last for miles and miles, that's why everyone loves her; Big & Rich's 8th of November will bring a tear to the strongest man's eye, so they're my vote. I hope they win it.
One last major category and I'm fixin' to make this short and sweet, okay?
*Music Event of the Year
Who will win it:
*Faith Hill Featuring Tim McGraw
Like We Never Loved At All
For obvious reasons.
Who should win it:
*Brooks & Dunn
(Guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill)
Building Bridges
Fabulous.

BUT, that's just my ! I crack myself up!

It's a Good Thing

1. I finally set up the new automatic litter box this evening. It's good because I'm happy, but I don't know how the furballs are going to take it. Someone must have broken down and used it because I heard the sound of an F-18 taking off and I knew that was Mr. Littersweep. I kid you not -- my son stayed at Oshkosh during the annual air show -- EAA AIRVENTURE -- and the sound of fighter jets awoke him at dawn every morning for ten days. That's what Mr. Littersweep sounds like. I opted not for Ms. LitterMaid because -- this is a true story -- I located a litterbox website! I was looking for reviews on the LitterMaid because frankly, it's sort of a lot of $ if it turns out to be a crappy item but even if it weren't the $ I simply can't deal w/ much stress. I mean, you bring it home, set it up, it breaks in two days, you take it back and so on. So at this website everyone discusses their litterboxes and tips and tricks but too they seem to all have automatic boxes.
LITTERBOX CENTRAL
The Littersweep is rated #1, and it's far and above the LitterMaid so off I went to get it. This would not be your conventional style -- wait, I have a photo:

That photo is slightly deceptive. I've not yet figured it out but I think it's either a GIGANTIC cat sitting next to it or it's a smaller model than the one I have. What do you think? No, I mean what do you think about the litterbox? Isn't it cool? But the design is why it works so well. Evidently. Just take a gander at the litterbox website because those people are serious about their litterboxes.

So I was calmly sitting in the livingroom when I hear the unmistakable sound of:


I figured my little Penguinista had braved the new box and after a 30-minute time delay Mr. Littersweep did his thing. LOUDLY. Next thing I know the two furballs are rolling around in the hallway, rasslin' and hissin' at each other! I can come to only one conclusion: The electric eye on the new litterbox is causing my furballs to have seizures and think of each other as enemies! Perhaps they'll learn to avert their eyes ... However, I know what you're thinking: The roar of that thing will keep me awake? Uh-uh. Not this girl. I'll get used to it quick! It's a blessing, trust me.

2. I put together my Scunci Steamer together a few days ago when I had my wings clipped due to illness even though I knew Daddy was gonna explode -- he's such a sweetheart, he didn't let me down. I was in the midst of a U.T.I. and the whole "blood dumping into the bladder" thing spooked my parents although I was pretty okay w/ it, it didn't worry me much. But they didn't want me exerting myself at all I guess because the doctor recommended it ... Anyway, Scunci hasn't had her maiden voyage yet but get a load of it: My mom wants me to clean her baseboards ASAP! That's okay, it'll be fun! Well, maybe not fun but I'm really happy to do it. Doesn't it look like fun?

Okay maybe not. But I think it will be.

3. A couple of days ago I realized I would not be able to continue on w/ my present cellphone. I would be away from the ranch far too much, I needed a car charger which I've misplaced and -- hey! Don't yell at me! You try keeping up w/ something like that when you drive a half-dozen different vehicles, your parents borrow the charger, you move the thing around all the time -- sheesh! It's a minor issue, trust me. Anyway, I knew either I had to purchase another car charger because I was gonna be in Lovey a lot for a few days or I had to buy a new phone. I really wouldn't have minded getting another car charger because my parents can use it except for the fact that I still believe it's here, on the ranch, somewhere and when I accept it's gone I'll buy one for my parents. They'd never used one till they took mine when they were on vacation and they finally saw how convenient it is, and they liked it. Where was I? OH! I knew I had to do something so I went into Verizon and of course there were no less than a gazillion people in that store, and all I could think about was grabbing a phone and getting out of there as fast as I possibly could. I called a friend and asked if he could do it again, would he buy the Razr? Just like everyone else, he said absolutely not. I was forced to scratch the cute pink Razr off my list so at that point I didn't care what I got, and because I hadn't been planning on purchasing immediately I didn't check online beforehand. So I waited, waited, waited and they finally got to me. She asked what I was looking for in a new mobile phone and I was dumbstruck: "Uh ... I don't know, I'm really in a hurry," and I glanced at the display, saw a red one and said, "I'll take that one." HAHAHA, that's a fact and I can hardly believe it myself because I always do research and make informed purchases. ALWAYS! It wasn't until this afternoon I found out not only does it have a camera but also a camcorder -- so I shot Daddy sleeping. He wasn't moving very much but you can hear him breathing. And now, locating a photo of it I found out it's the Music Phone! Yeehaw. Just what I needed. Sigh. It even has stereo speakers but the only thing that caught my eye is the color: It matches Lovey!

Yeah, I guess I'm big on "cute."

And 4. We have some issues to deal w/ concerning Daddy but I know, deep down in my heart, that everything will be fine! Absolutely fine.

And now I've finally unwound enough that I can sleep, I think. I've not slept more than three hours per night w/ Daddy gone because I can feel him gone. There's a great big hole where Daddy's presence should be. *yawn* I love my parents so, so much! I am truly blessed!

Later~