Fooseberry Pie

Final step

2012-02-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

I was all ready to post this big uplifting positive post until I went looking for a photo. Remembering that it had to be one of my own I found this one. It is one of my favorites. It's Winter now and I have really lost the motivation to keep it up so it isn't quite so cute but it still makes me sad. This was my dream, to have a beautiful house of my own with green grass and a hydrangea filled yard.
I will not allow myself to fall back into that crap.
I, wait, We will be moving out of this house in the next few months. Where you ask? I have no idea right now. Isn't that exciting?
It is the final step to my total "jump off this carousel" plan that started late last Summer. Remember all those posts about not knowing how to get out of my hectic life? Well I did it. I have let everything go including my guilt and I feel great. Scared? Sure some days but mostly elated and excited and can't wait.
I was recently asked if I thought the pressure of this huge mortgage and the somewhat packed living arrangement was the death of my marriage and I thought about that for a long time. You know what it may have been part of it but I finally came up with this answer and when it flowed out of my mouth even I was surprised.
If we had stayed in a house with 1/3 of the rent it would have only allowed me to stay in a loveless marriage for longer.
This house and all that came with it was a learning experience.
I will no longer let my life suck.
I am in control of my life now. It is pretty great.
I write about the final step like it is a small one but it isn't. I have to find a house that is hopefully in my kids existing school district as that was my sole promise to them. I still have to pack this big house up and move it. Not a small task but it fits into my plan to unload a lot of clutter and things that have been weighing me down.
It is as if my slate will be wiped and with it I am sending all the negative crap I have been carrying around for years. I will no longer carry the burden of taking care of everyone else.
So think about us Fooseberry girls. No need to worry about us just know we are on the road to a terrific adventure.
But also keep your ear out as we may need some help soon so bring your work gloves and we'll supply the pizza and beer. :)

PTO Mama

2012-02-02T12:02:00.000-05:00

I know I am not supposed to steal photos but it is a plug, really!!!
I want you to know how fantastic the PTO can be.
Join, give all of your waking hours to them.
Only kidding.
Really I went to my 1st meeting last night. I was shocked to see 10 people there and I want to say 3 were teachers. I was also surprised at how hands on it was. A teacher needed a white board-$117.
We Voted-Yes!
Art is running low on paper and glue. $200 should do it.
Yes.
I loved that we could say yes to things directly our kids.
The flip side. We need to earn that money.
Spaghetti supper-Okay count me in.
Book Fair-Sure.
I guess I just got sucked in, in a good way. :)

SPAM!!!

2012-02-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

I am being attacked by SPAM in my Comments.
I have tried to add an extra layer of security so I apologize if it is a pain in your buttock (as Ava would call it and yes you have just 1).
Are you really gaining business by posting that crap in a comment on my blog?
I don't even understand that.
Go Away ~ I don't like you.

Hoarders 02536

2012-01-09T02:10:00.000-05:00

I am slightly embarrassed to actually post these photos but they are reality and an accurate depiction of how I have let things go because I am not sure I am going to be able to this "hugantic" next step. I decided to tackle my garage as my 1st step. Ultimately I was thinking as I packed less important non-daily items I could start to stack the boxes in the garage.
The entire left side minus a pile of empty boxes in not my stuff so I am also still held by old ties. See how this move is going to finally end it all for good? This is about more than just the "stuff".

OUCH! That looks awful.
So I rolled out of bed, Click'd up, plugged in the iPod and got right to work.
The kids were with Dad so I was able to work quickly and dump a lot of stuff. I posted some things on Craig's List and was able to give away a bike and a couple of bureaus. This made my heart happy.
The trash man may need a bribe but I have until Thursday to figure that out. I bagged most of this up so I hope they will take most of it. Christmas produced almost the same and they took that. Fingers crossed.

The end result took only about 2 hours and like I said a good amount isn't mine but it is better than it was. It is also a good step in the right direction.

Also, note that if a kid uses the garage floor as a sandbox so will the cat. Gross! The wet spot is now bleach.

Paper

2012-01-07T14:46:00.000-05:00

I have recently been feeling constrained in my blog. I want to write about stuff way deeper than field trips with the kids and Holidays. This is just not the place. There is just stuff I don't want in the air.
I have been thinking about real paper and long sweeping strokes of a pen. Of course I don't write beautifully but I have a need to write. I am vaguely remembering I used to like to write in school.
This isn't short stories or poems but more like the idea of emptying the emotional tanks. The first day ended up being 6 pages of writing. Um, yeah I know that is weird. Today I started again although I don't know where I could come up with more to write.
I hate to say it is a resolution but more like a goal for 2012 to write more. I am thinking I might start to add more cards into my life as well. I used to have a card box so I could drop a note whenever I needed to but most of them have been used and I let the kids use the remaining cards for projects.
I think you should join me. Send me a note and I will send one too. Wouldn't it be cool to back away from the instant messages that we are all so addicted to? I am not sure I can do it myself.

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

This is a late post but I really wanted to have some time to write. For Christmas my sister gave me a trip to 1st Night in Boston. I have never been. It may not have been as exciting as some peoples plans but it turned out to be just enough for me. Being financially tapped kept me on my bestest behavior.
We took the train into the city in the afternoon and stepped off the T and into the Parade! Well the parade didn't start for about an hour but the road was closed and already lined with people.
Our plan was to get into our room, relax and then get ready to go out.

This was the view from our room on the 20th floor. It was a beautiful night.

Note to self : Always read the signs before you touch. This beautiful display was on top of the bureau next to the TV. I, of course, pick up 2 or 3 things and oogle them before Chelsea points out the sign. What?? I quickly replace everything I touched and call downstairs like a fool. Um, did I get charged for those $15 Pringles, if so I am going to eat them. She laughs and says No. I am sure I am not the only person to manhandle these snacks after dark.

I found this goldmine in a lower cabinet. You may not see it but the same warning is posted here. We will bill you if you try to sneak Patron out of the fridge. We slammed that door quickly with a promise to never look again.

Ready to walk the streets! We needed food and were looking to find a show of 60's girl punk band Jennie and the Despicables. Yes, I know I found my people. After that show was a rock cover band who's name escapes me but we figured it would be a fun time. Off we headed to the New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall.

Some of the views of the city while we walked were awesome. It was a a bit foggy but generally a great night to be in the city.

Once we arrived and saw a single man playing guitar we realized we were in the wrong place. After asking at the front desk we found out our punk rock bands had cancelled. Damn! The hall was beautiful but not sure I would have walked all that way for a 5 minute visit.
Back toward the hotel. We were across the street from the Boston Public Library and at 10pm there would be a dance party with a DJ and hula hoop dancers on the steps. Now that is what I am talking about!!

There was a wide mix of people but mostly large groups of kids not able to get into "grown up" places. They also had no shame about fist pumping and singing. Surprisingly I was not afraid. Could have been due to the cocktails I had on board but this Cape Cod girl was out on the Boston streets in the dead of night and having fun.

We decided to warm up in a local bar and found a fantastic one right inside our hotel. They had some terrific music and the best low loungey type seating a girl could ask for. It was like someones living room. They gave out crowns/hats and horns and tuned in to the ball drop in NYC on all the flat screens.

Woohoo Welcome 2012!!

We stayed camped out in our comfy chairs until round 2 and then headed back to the giant marshmallow bed in the sky.
http://www.bar10boston.com/

Check this place out if you are in the area. Great bar.

We woke to a beautiful day and needed some breakfast desperately. I forgot how much I love the city and walking. We complain if we can't park close enough around here.

I am so glad I did this. I have never done it and would do it again. There are so many things I have on my bucket list for life.

More entertaining was waiting in South Station for our train back to the Cape. I am grateful we had a room and a shower before we headed out for the day unlike some of the ladies I saw getting a cup of coffee in the train station. They looked like they slept on the streets.

Happy New Year although belated. This is the year to be!

Shirley Temple

2012-01-06T15:31:00.000-05:00

Isn't it always the way that if your a little girl with curly hair-you hate it and want it straight or if you have pin straight hair like my daughter-You want it curly.
While at the store yesterday she is trying to talk me into buying her hair rollers. I am like-No, I am not spending money on that. Not a necessity, it ain't happening.
I tell her I have some ideas.
Once home I send her to the shower after dinner while Chelsea and I search the Internet. I had a vague idea in my head but we found the answer.

Yup, those are tube socks. We rolled sections of her hair around the socks and then tied them into knots. I gave her an extra squishy pillow from the sofa and off to bed she went. In the morning I was surprised at how well they had held up. The only thing I might have done differently was use smaller sections of top but it was dry and so super curly in the morning. It was also pretty easy.
So if you need Shirley Temple curls over night try the knots.

Travel Bug

2011-12-31T09:42:00.000-05:00

I just sent them off with Nana, it's New Years Eve, and they are going to pick up Lily.
Apparently they have a big party planned for tonight. The Foose's and the Berry's will be rocking in the New Year with a pizza and movie night at my house while I am in Boston.
I am a little worried. Not about the party but about the whole night. I guess it is a sign of my age. Crap, I'm getting to be an old bitch now.
I wished them safe travels with kisses and I love you's.
Sad that I have these thoughts but the newspaper is just full of idiots who like to bring their shitshow into your life no matter how hard you try to avoid them.
Like a tornado that just can't be dodged.
Be safe my friends in whatever your plans are for the night.
See you in 2012.

2012

2011-12-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

What do you think, should I post my list of unattainable things I want to yell into the sky, post on my Blog and tell everyone on Facebook? No, I really hate failure so I will NOT posts such a list.
There are so many unknowns what could I possibly list.
Ok, I have a list of hopes and dreams. Let's post that.
I hope:
We find a place to live that we love. It needs to be sunny, big enough but cute and in the right area of Falmouth.
We can continue this great growth my family is experiencing right now. The girls are terrific and we are healthy and happy.
We get our ducks in a row. Not even sure what that means right now but I hope I will know it when it clicks.
A dude with a fantastic smile, occasional 5 o'clock shadow and a snarky sense of humor would be the bonus of all time but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

So there are my vague ass expectations for 2012.
May your dreams come true in the up coming year.

Was Santa good to you?

2011-12-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

That seems to be the question of the week.
Yeah, he was good to me. At least someone thinks I have been good this year.
The kids and I had a terrific Holiday. You are just hearing about it now because we have been having fun doing all the stuff that came with Santa's Sleigh.
One of the best gifts the kids got was a Wii from Auntie Chelsea. Our awesome family was able to help them build their game library so we have been wii bowling, golfing and dancing our butts off.
I am also super excited to see how much Ava has grown up. When I found out how many games she was getting I was a little worried. Last year she got Spiderman Shoots and Ladders and it was a warzone to play with her. This week we have played Candyland a couple of times, Trouble but the Smurf version and Mystery date. She did not win one game and handled it like a champ. She even learned some strategies of how to bump me back home in Trouble. She is getting to be a big girl.

Busting a move to Just Dance started as soon as the presents were cleared from the way.
I got a great present from Chelsea that included a First Night button and a hotel room in Boston. I have never been to 1st night in Boston so this should be fun.
During this week of vacation I had 3 days off mid-week and it was a great week filled with fun with the kids. Now I am working 1 day, then 3 more days off. I barely know what I am going to do with all this time off and it is almost over.
On to 2012...Hope it is the best year ever.

Freaks R Us

2011-12-27T09:09:00.001-05:00

Libra (9/23-10/22)

Everyone, in their own special way, is weird -- and that certainly includes you! It's high time for you to admit to it. Trying to fit in with whatever you think is 'normal' will only be a pointless waste of time. What you really need to do is embrace your idiosyncrasies. Don't shy away from feeling odd or out of place. Because not being like everyone else is what makes you unique. No one else has the irresistible combination of sense and nonsense that you have. Celebrate it!

Horoscope

2011-12-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

Live it, Love it, Believe it.

This is not only my horoscope but something I need to live by in 2012

Libra (9/23-10/22)

Every single choice -- and every single mistake -- that you've made in your past has helped deliver you to where you are right now in your life. Your past might be behind you, but it will always be a part of you. Today you'll get to use some things that long-ago trials and tribulations taught you -- but those distant dramas will now seem terrifically amusing. Time heals all wounds, and it even adds an aspect of humor to the bad times.

Chef Berry where are you??

2011-12-21T13:03:00.001-05:00

Due to a recent email from a friend reminding me to use my own photos while blogging I have been searching high and low thru my photobucket account for a photo of something I have cooked and photographed to use in this post. I have no idea what this is but it looks delicious.
This is a perfect reason why I even started this post.
I miss cooking. I just (sorry Barry) poked holes in a lean cuisine meal and nuked it for lunch. Yeah, it might be 300 calories but it just wasn't what I was looking for.
I like to always be on the road to making my life better-I am also a queen of feeling like crap when I don't think I am doing it right. I know you know this, read back a few posts and you can clearly see the self-flogging. So I am putting another goal out there.
Food.
Better food.
I am currently still eating chocolates but I have a protein shake in the other hand.
Not going to judge.
I am thinking while out I should look for a cook book that will help me cook for 2. Not 1, that is too lonely and 2 means I can eat leftovers for lunch. Isn't it funny how I can cook enough chili for 40 people but if it is just me I will eat leftover chicken nuggets and cheap mac and cheese?
I have had jambalaya on the mind but again I alwways make by the gallon~need to scale that down for sure.
Soon enough it will be just me and the girls so I need to slim down not only my body but my cabinets.
This is going to be fun. :)

1000 Posts

2011-12-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

Well we here at Fooseberry Pie are excited to post about our last post.
It was the 1,000th.
It was not as memorable as I would have liked but then again that is OK because I blog about my life so every post is memorable right?
Lately my blog has been getting a little dry.
A little lonely.
A little scattered.
But as my bestie and I were talking about yesterday, things they are a changin'.
Next year is going to be the year of change. It will be filled with posts about my terror, my joy and my new cupcake curtains.
I really want to get back to the days when I posted stupid quirky stuff every other day.

Santa is a comin'

2011-12-20T21:23:00.000-05:00

The last item, which I have played dumb about for a week has arrived.
What sneakers?
I don't remember us talking about them Olivia.
Well, I am glad you asked Santa because I don't know which ones you mean honey.
Well, let's hope they are on the sleigh.
Oh and finally....if you don't go to bed right now they will not make it in Santa's sack.

What am I supposed to use on Decemeber 26th???
The leprechaun's are watching...Nah, that won't work.
Crap!

Merry Christmas!

Trailer Park

2011-12-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

Today is swirling around the toilet emotionally. I have read 2 horoscopes that both say Whoopie, you are getting your ducks in a row and checking things off the list.
What, Where, Who me?
It sure doesn't feel like it.
In the morning when I send Ava off to school I frequently say to her-Make Mama Proud. She smiles and heads off for the day.
I have typed away about how I am going to be turning my life around and putting my priorities in order. The excess would be falling off the edges and that was ok.
Well, I am not feeling that positive today. I am second guessing myself left and right.
I spent every last cent on a car that is just a headache. It has problems and I just see 2 years of payments and repairs until I can trade it in for another piece of shit. I decided the other day I needed to pack an emergency kit for when I break down. What if it is cold? What if I have the kids? What if I am far from home? So blanket, flashlight, car charger for cell, food and maybe a spare $20. What the fuck.
I have not been able to build any savings back up and overspent last week while Christmas shopping, forgetting a few normal expenses so now I have the cash in my pocket and still don't feel confident about what is under my tree. That means I will be out next weekend tying up a few loose ends. STRESS.
During this lovely time I have been reduced to not answering my phone if I don't recognize the number, my home phone is just turned off together. I feel like a criminal.
Today I received a phone call from my insurance company. It seems that after my car was repossessed the bank has filed a claim for damage to the car. Fucking really? As I search my brain I remember way back when my Ex was driving and returned my car with the door and front quarter panel damaged from when the door was over-extended, like folded back. He fixed it mechanically but we never got the cosmetic damage fixed as it would have been our deductible. This would be the 3rd time my car was damaged, not fixed and not caused by me.
Place another band aid on my life.
I have 10 days until Christmas and then I have to get my ass in gear. I have some legal expenses that need to be taken care of and then I need to find a place to live. The reasonable places in the area I want to live seem to be drying up. $1500+ a month just isn't in the cards.
In the typing of this I have come to the conclusion that I just feel like I am turning into trailer park trash. I know I am doing it for the kids and to make our lives better but I just see our lives unraveling.
At the end of the day I want to make myself proud.
I am just not feeling it.
By next Summer I see myself driving a $500 car, living in a trailer and working at Stop and Shop.
I really want better.

The Enchanted Village was enchanting.

2011-12-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

We took another short Foose Holiday....smirk.....
Bonnie and I took the kids out of school a little early Monday so we could take them to the Enchanted Village. This year, although a little late for Olivia, seems to be becoming a whimsical and magical Christmas. I think this is the last year for her unless she is snowing me already. Ava is quick as well so although she is 5 years old I don't think we can scam her into believing for that many more years either.
I have sent the Santa emails to each girl and this year it allowed me to add photos of special events in their lives so it looks like Santa was there watching. This seemed to take Liv by surprise. Also when the email mentioned the sneakers she asked for I acted like I had no idea what she was talking about-Huh?
I did order then today but they can't guarantee Christmas delivery so I am concocting a story that will involve a late Santa delivery. I am enjoying this Santa mystery a little too much. A friend said she had to do that one year and included a note from Santa explaining they fell off the sleigh.....sneaky but I like it. :)
So back to the Enchanted Village.
My kids are so over stimulated and active I am never quite sure if they will find these things fun but the Christmas music and snow INSIDE surely did it. I was super excited that Nana and Lily were able to come and meet us as well. We also saw the laser light show. Coolest thing I have ever seen and set to Christmas tunes which we were encouraged to sing to.
Just to explain, while you wait for the light show you are also encouraged to share your dance moves and do gymnastics as seen below-LOL:

Sealy, Ava nad Carlie dancing in the fake snow.

Ava's favorite display due to the barking basset hound.

If you haven't been you really should go to Jordan's Furniture and see it. It is innocent Christmas instead of the hectic, commercialized Christmas we are so used to seeing now a days. Also if you went as a kid to see it in the city I guess there is some story behind the magical Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins. You can get them there now as well.
Merry Christmas!

20/20

2011-12-07T13:01:00.000-05:00

I have to say I'm not even sure I have a photo of this beautiful girl wearing her eye patch. I also cringe every time I go to school as her teacher has their pictures posted all over the place and in every one she is patched. I think it is left over hatred from my own childhood and wearing a patch. I was older but ferociously made fun of for it.
Yesterday was her 4 month check up and I am excited to say her vision is now 20/20 with glasses. She has been wearing the patch for 4 hours a day. We put it on every morning and she takes it off herself at 12noon. We allow very few "patch holidays" and it sounds like it has paid off. She now only has to wear the patch 2 hours a day and if we return in 4 months and her vision is still 20/20 she can quit the patch all together.
I am super excited. Glasses we can deal with. The patch has got to go. We tell her she needs to make her eye muscles strong like Spiderman and apparently they listened.

Sniff, It's Official, I'm sick

2011-12-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

No amount of hand washing can avoid all the germs and now Ava and I have come down with something. I actually blame these sick people at work. My kids are sufficiently dirty to be mighty germ resistant. It's these grown ups I worry about.
This is just not conducive to the plans I have. I wanted to spread some Holiday vomit around the house and get my shopping done. It is a Dad weekend so I can get the presents in the house safely without prying eyes and ears. I am upping the vitamins and water in an effort to kick this shit before Saturday but I am just feeling a bit run down or it is run over?? I am not sure which I am yet.

Oh and I need a tree. I don't want to do this last minute like last year. The kids want some Christmas spirit so damn it they are going to get it.

Falmouth Christmas Parade

2011-12-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

This year both my girls are in the Falmouth Dance Academy and they always put on a large group dancing in the parade. I was pretty excited when both of the girls said they wanted to match.
I decided to march as well as I did not think Ava would do it if I didn't.

They did awesome. It is a far walk and they were pretty tired from dancing all the way downtown but I was proud of them. being my 1st year walking it since I was about 7yrs. I learned a few tricks and snacks and other things needed while we waited for our turn but all in all it was a success.

Horoscope:Libra

2011-12-02T12:18:00.000-05:00

Winning the battle is not nearly as important as just making an effort to win, right now, so push yourself, but not too hard. You don't have to prove yourself to others, now. You just have to keep doing what is right for you. You have a deep well of untapped potential, but there is no hurry to bring it up to the surface. Just take your time and appreciate the smaller things in life. Those mountains you want to climb aren't going anywhere anytime soon!

And then I read this.
I am making an effort to win. This weekend I will enjoy the small things in my life but taking them to Movie night at the school(Smurfs!!!), a family birthday party, the Christmas Tree lighting and marching in the parade with them Sunday.
That is all there needs to be in my life to be happy.
Sometimes I forget that.

Stellar Morning

2011-12-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

You know it is going to be a great day when you and the kids are crying before 8am. Yeah, it's like that around here.
Some days it is just so tiring to beg, cajole and repeat 100 times about the brush hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast routine. Today was no different. We made it out the door with a few tears as there was no time to pack stuff for the movie tonight after school.
It was cold today-Hey guess what? That happens in the Winter and my fashionista daughter is still planning on wearing short sleeve because the shirt is cute. So on the way to school we are whining about how cold it is and for the 3rd time I try the rear heat control and it is pumping icy cold air out on them no matter what I try. I am reminded by my 5 yr old that I should have bought a new car.
I try to explain to her that Mom is doing the best that she can and I just start to lose it. Am I doing the best that I can for them? This car is turning into the biggest piece of shit and I haven't even made I payment. No let me correct myself, I gave him every cent I had saved for the down payment. It seems like what is supposed to improve my life is just making me feel like a giant pile of shit right now.
In the end, I hug them tight, kiss them and peal off Ava's eye patch which is wet with tears and I send them off to school.
I can't feel much worse so I medicate with Lindt chocolates.

She totally did it!!!!

2011-11-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

I was having my hair done at a friends house tonight. She does the kids hair for me as well. For a while now the girls have been just getting their bangs cut and letting the back grow. Isn't it every girls dream to have hair to their butt at least once in their lives? I don't know it seems little girls anyway.
So out of the blue Ava (who wasn't even due for a cut) comes into the kitchen while one of the boys is getting a haircut and says I want that. Mind you we are talking a regular boys with clippers.
I say - No, you aren't one of Angelina Jolie's kids. No boy hair for you.
But I let her talk it out and she says short , like here, and holds her hand to her hairline.
You know what I love her in long hair but it just seemed like something she wanted to do. She looked a tad nervous deep in her eyes but determined to make her own decision.
So I let her.
I cry sitting here even writing this.
Not because she cut her hair, it has been this short before, but because she did it on her own.
She looks beautiful and I told her but I also told her how proud I was that she made such a big girl choice on her own.
It made her even more beautiful on the inside.

Step 1

2011-11-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

Although it feels like step 1 of a mile I guess I should be happy that I have 1 step done.
I have 3 Big Girl Steps on my list. They may have 20 billion little tentacles off those steps we aren't going to think about that as it is too stressful.
New/Different car:DONE.

This is not the actual car. I stole this just so you get the gist.
I keep forgetting to take a picture and I think this is a subliminal feeling of failure.
I do not like the issues it has. I don't feel a connection to it. I do not love it.
It smells funny, the speakers suck and I don't trust it.
I am trying to make the best of it.
I asked Santa for some speakers. I am trying to get an appointment to fix the issues. I even tried to freshen the carpets with my favorite cleaner but it shit the bed so I took this as another bad sign. UGH!
I need to get some Fooseberry groove into it.

Are you a Crocker?

2011-11-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

I am slowly become one and the love affair is growing day by day.
Funniest thing is today a friend on Facebook posted a link to a Slow Cooking blog which I hitchhiked onto.
I already have my 1st recipe picked out.
I am currently eating thru the remainder of the Thanksgiving turkey soup that I painstakingly cooked over 2 days between cooking down the bones for stock and then assembling the soup itself. Now I am looking to swing the opposite way. Last night was fish and tonight....oh, tonight.
I left for work with my crock pot full to the brim with corned beef, potatoes, whole baby onions, carrots and brussel sprouts. I imagine when I return home my house will smell of fatty beef and cabbage and I don't care. I will add a dollop of butter and be in heaven.
My next will be this: Pasta Fagioli and I can't wait. I think I might just swim thru this Winter on soups in the crock pot. So follow the link above, even if you don't like this soup she has tons of other things to cook in the crock pot and you won't even break a sweat making them.