Haunted Halloween
The hallway
The cafe
The lab
The operating room
November 1st, 2014
Pumpkin Carving time!
🎃👻
It's that time of year again! The kids were out tonight carving their pumpkins.
Anna carved a 5 seconds of Summer ( of course she did - what else could she have carved)
Alex attempted to carve a Doctor Who call box, but quit 3/4 of the way through. No worries though he just turned the pumpkin around and carved a Jack Skellington!
Here's a shot of the kids "gutting" their pumpkins …
And here is the final product ...
Now time for the seeds!
The finished products:
October 30th, 2014
Football with friends
This last Saturday we finally made it out to one of Trevor’s games. AQ was playing Fairport at Martha Brown - the day was beautiful, the field … not so much. We all wondered why on earth the game wasn’t playing on the new Fairport High School field and if not there over at Minerva Deland, where there was at least a scoreboard!
Being from Fairport, we were in a tight spot as we were there to root for Trevor on the AQ side. In addition there’s always my hang-up with rooting for anything associated with the Fighting Irish - even the little ones :) So we overcame that, put on our most non-commital clothes and hung out with the Brakes. Sadly for Trevor, the team did not do well - although he had several great “hits" - one even laying the QB flat.
So although the score wasn’t in favor for AQ, it was a great time hanging out with friends and watching the game.
October 25th, 2014
Bathroom Etiquette Between Siblings
I found this note in the kid’s bathroom today. I had a good laugh over it, but this is serious business here! Kathy and I just scratch our heads over stuff like this. What is going through Anna’s mind while she is “borrowing" Alex’s towel? It isn’t like there aren’t clean towels in that closet right next to the note!
I won’t even start to bring up the bedrooms - a constant source of friction and an ongoing battle!
October 23rd, 2014
Meatball Stroganoff
In an effort to eat better I'm trying new dishes that cut down in fat and calories, but will still appeal to the family. This dish here is a first step - defiantly not a diet dish but using fat free cream cheese and turkey burger ... It is a step in the right direction. Hey Rome wasn't conquered in a night!
Here's what it looks like going into to oven.
Here's the finished dish
The verdict ... Overwhelming heard "I don't like the consistency of the meatballs"
I will admit that they were a bit overdone, but I think they're complaint had to do with it being turkey instead of beef. Oh well - add it to the we tried column.
October 22nd, 2014
The Basement!
Today was the first “trash" day at the Zicari house. This is the first pass at cleaning out the basement. When I first went down there, there wasn’t even walking room. Now there are visible bare floors even! There was enough molding down there that we could have opened up a molding store! Also a plethora of tables (purchased and homemade), lamps and flag poles.
The fellow you see stepping into the picture is part of the 2nd pickup crew that stopped by. I’m guessing that by the time that the trash man actually comes tomorrow morning, most of this pile won’t be here. It is truly amazing how fast they find you and what they actually take.
October 21st, 2014
Halloween 2014
Following my annual tradition of building a new Halloween prop, this year it's a Monster in a Box. Hooked up to a sensor and a red flood light, the box will "go off" shaking a thumping when someone walks by. Beware the little kiddies as they'll be screaming in fear as they run past
October 19th, 2014
Fairport vs irondequoit
Freaking cold go Fairport! It was windy and cold - a perfect day for a football game, not so much for a camera man! We ended up losing and one of the worst parts was this annoying "mom" from the other team. Even when it was clear we didn't have a chance - she was still screaming "whose house is it?" And "push em back boys". I just wanted to chuck something at her to get her to shut up! Oh well ...
So even though we lost, we still get to play more. There is another tournament for the losing bracket so we get to play the loser of the Hamlin vs Ogden game.
October 19th, 2014
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
Found a new recipe that sounded good - Autumn Pumpkin Chili. I thought it turned out great … once again however I was in the minority! Some of the feedback I received was:
- “Can you make this when I’m going out with friends?"
- “Can you make this when I’m not home?"
- “Can I be done?"
Needless to say - I took the leftovers to my parents. They always appreciate the new recipes I try :) Regardless what my family says, I think this is a great recipe that breaks away from the norm. It is also a healthy meal - which I’m trying to lean towards now. If you’re interested, I’ve included the recipe below.
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
Recipe By: TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 small sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb. ground turkey
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
4-1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and sliced green onions
Directions:
1. Saute the onion and green and yellow peppers in oil in a large skillet until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Crumble turkey into skillet. Cook over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.
2. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the pumpkin, tomatoes, chili powder, pepper and salt. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Serve with toppings of your choice. Yield: 4 servings.
October 18th, 2014
Free RPO Concert!
We are at Fairport High School for the free RPO concert. This is part of the Around the Town series and this concert is Musical Storytelling: From Star Wars to Scheherazade. Looking forward to a great show!
Of course we have to get ice cream afterwards!
October 17th, 2014