Tuesday, August 07, 2012

1607 Park Harbor Ct, Houston, TX

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WOW!!!  I'm surprised at the response I got from the ghostie entry I did a couple of days ago!  Between the blog, Facebook, and email, I got lots of believers AND some of their stories!  All of those comments reassured me that we're not the only ones on this planet who've got things that can't be explained.  I'm even more excited to report that I heard from a neighbor who keeps up with my blog through Facebook, that they too have entities!  Double WOW!!!  Not that I wish them ghosts, mind you, but I'm just excited that our neighborhood is built on something that the spirits don't want to part with.  Now when you think about where our house is, and then where the neighbor's home is.....there's a lot of other houses in between.....that means there's GOT to be others that have things that make you go hmmm doing their thing in their abodes!  Triple WOW!!!  Because of you sharing with me what goes bump in the day and night in your homes.....I decided to add a few more incidents of the goings on here at Coyote Gulch, and a couple of highlights of your stories to share.  So turn on all the lights and prepare to get wow'd!!!

The neighbor mentioned that a radio is heard when no radio or TV is on in their house.  It appears to be an older type of  music or a late night story.  What's strange about this.....the Big Boober on occasion hears music at night while lying in bed.  He always asks if I can hear it.....but I never can.  So that discredits the possibility if some kids are playing their jungle music in the neighborhood.

This same neighbor also has seen a women or small child sitting in the bedroom closet.  When the light is turned on.....poof.....she disappears.

On a side note.....if you ever see a house that has all its lights blazing all night, every night.....chances are they've got spirits.....and most times the lights keep them at bay!

Same neighbor has seen what appears to be a female walking up the stairs (it was fully lit in the room).....and when looked at the entity straight on.....she disappeared into thin air!

Also with this neighbor.....like what happened to us.....items tend to disappear.

A Facebook friend shared a tale that involved a not so friendly entity.  This incident occurred in the office building that she worked in.....the office was actually an old house that was last lived in by an elderly couple, who unfortunately, both died there.  This elderly couple like growing plants, but it seemed they had a special passion for roses.  Anywho.....she arrived at work one morning and noticed that there were some spent rosebuds on the bush by the front door.  Before entering the building she decided to pop off the spent buds.....while she was doing this, she felt like someone was watching her.  She said the feeling increased to the point that she felt like someone was glaring at her.  She then decided to go inside the building, and as soon as her right foot crossed the threshold, something/someone slugged her in the stomach so hard that her knees buckled.  When one of her coworkers arrived, she explained what happened, and was gently told to apologize and explain why you were caring for the roses.  NOTE.....she NEVER touched that rose bush again!  Guess she learned her lesson.....don't mess with the ghost's stuff!

This same FB friend every now and then would see someone in the kitchen of this same building.....do a double-take.....and find no one there.

Now for a few hmmm's that have gone on here at the Gulch.....
I've seen the shape of a small child running up the stairs.....I got the impression that it was a little girl.....but she left a blurred contrail behind her (like she was running at hyper-speed).

A dark shadow who appears to be a male wearing a hooded cape that completely covers his head, walked through the office toward the kitchen (have seen a few times).  One time it actually passed before a sword we had hanging on the wall, and you couldn't see the sword as he passed before it.  Here's a good rendition of what this entity looks like (of course eliminate the hands and head).....


Laying in bed when the sheets and comforter were pushed down into the bed 4 times within a minute.  There was no way to recreate this event.....someone of the ghostie variety perhaps.

Knocks on the walls.....thank the lawd above that hasn't happened since 2006!

I was at the kitchen sink doing dishes when I hear two of our dogs barking in the backyard.  I then hear the sound the alarm makes when a door or window is opened.....then I hear all three of our dogs barking at the front door.  Wait a minute.....they're all outside, I thought to myself!  I look to my right and see the back door is wide open (it was closed AND locked just a minute prior).  I walk over to the door and see that the knob on the handle is STILL in the locked position!!!  At that point my heart was about to bust out of my chest from beating so hard!!!

Both the Big Boober and I were outside BBQ'ing when he asked me if I had bumped the swing.....neither one of us were even near it!  Let's just say that it was swinging back and forth like someone was sitting on it.

Laid 4 screws on the washing machine to use to hang a switch plate cover.  Got 3 put in, and noticed that the 4th one was missing.  Looked all over to no avail!  Then asked out loud to no one in particular if they would please put the screw back.  Then I walked to the kitchen and there was the screw sitting on the cutting board.  As I stood there in disbelief, all I could say was thanks!

Got pinched on the butt while I was at my bathroom vanity!

Sitting with some friends in our family room, when all of a sudden the stereo turned on very loud for about 3 seconds, then turned off!

This is so not the time to be creeped out.....but was sitting on the potty when I heard a male inhaling and exhaling.  To say it scared the crap out of me would be an understatement.....sorry about the potty humor there.....but if I didn't say it, one of you would have!

Here's another one that freaked me out.....woke up one morning with the sensation that something was on my big right toe.  Kept rubbing it with my other foot, but the sensation didn't go away.  Finally I pulled my foot out from under the covers and found a small clear rubber band on my toe.  I yelled for the Big Boober to come there IMMEDIATELY.....and asked if he put that on my toe.....not him!

We have sleigh bells hanging on our back door for the dogs to nudge when they want to go outside (that talent is both a blessing and a curse).....anyway.....I heard the bells ring, and then again 30 seconds later.  So I went to the door and find not a hairy beast there.  So I started checking on the dogs.....one is asleep in the chair in the family room, another was already at my feet at the computer when I first heard the bells, and the last one was upstairs.  It's enough that I'm going to the door all day long with the dogs, but I didn't appreciate an unseen beast starting to use the bells!

One of the dogs was scratching the back door to come in, when all of a sudden it was opened to let him in (again, locked and shut tight).

Came into the house one afternoon with my arms full of groceries.....as I passed the half wall I knocked a baseball cap onto the floor.....told myself I'd pick it up on my return journey.  When I came back it was back on the half wall.  Sorry folks, no one was in the house except for me, the dogs, cat, and fish!  Yes, I thanked the ghostie who helped me out!

Was just starting to reinstall outlet covers in the family room, when I noticed that I didn't have the proper bit for my HONKIN' BIG ORANGE RECHARGEABLE SCREWDRIVER (that's important here).  So I set the screwdriver on the floor, went to the kitchen and got the correct bit.....then went back to the family room and the screwdriver is GONE!  Looked all around.....no screwdriver.....went back to the kitchen.....no screwdriver.....started looking everywhere.....no screwdriver.....went back to the family room and there it was in the exact place I had set it down in the beginning!!!  This screwdriver is so honkin' big AND orange that you couldn't lose it in a raging storm even if you wanted too!!!

Well, ladies and gents, those are just a few of the many paranormal events that have occurred in this house.....by the way, the Big Boober has had me log just about every unexplained event that has happened.....that's why I can share all that I did.

On a similar note.....one of my followers thought it might be a pretty cool idea to do a Linky party where we'd share our paranormal encounters.....as in.....ghosts, orbs, UFOs, Big Foot, etc.  I think it'd be a first.....at least for me.....but I'd like to hear what you think.  Who gives this idea a thumbs up???  Would any of you share your encounters???

Have a Fiendishly Fabulous Friday and a Wickedly Weird Weekend!!!

1607 Park Harbor Ct, Houston, TX

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As I'm sure some of you are aware.....there are things here at Coyote Gulch that are plain ol' beyond explanation.  Besides the usual calamities that have been a part of our history.....car ending up on our back deck.....lightning strike.....to name a couple.....then there are those things that make you go hmm!  Hmm.....as in.....back door opening all by itself.....pots and pans clanking on the hanger (kind of like that metal ball clanking thing that was so popular back in the 70's).....lampshades popping off all by theirselves.....eyeglasses missing (then show up months later casually draped on the front of a formal outfit that hadn't been worn in years - had to buy new glasses.....thanks a lot).....something tugging on clothing (while you're wearing it).....cigarette smell (this is a non-smoking home).....full clothing basket tumped head over heel from on top of the dryer onto the floor (never happened before or since).....shadowy forms moving from one room to another.....visible ghost (for lack of a better term) sighted in the back yard.....ice cold spot at bottom of stairs (felt like walking into a deep freeze).....then there's the orbs.....orbs, orbs, and even more orbs (and yes, many can be attributed to dust - but I'm talking about the kind that you ask to join on the couch for a photo op, snap the picture and see the ghostly gathering.....then ask them to disperse, snap the photo, and they're all gone.....then ask one to come back.....you're getting the picture now).  Those are just a few of the oddities that have happened around here.....plus, the list is longer than I've got time to type.  Whatever lives here paranormally with us at the Gulch are of the nice variety.  Nothing an occasional scolding doesn't fix.....like our current problem.....the smoking entity.....who has been told to take it outside.....and yes, the smoking will stop for awhile!  This current problem is still ongoing.....kind of like a puppy that needs the rules explained over and over again.  Today the smoking problem hasn't been an issue.....keeping fingers crossed.  I can truly guess that there are many of you who don't believe in any of this.....and you've probably already moved onto another blog to read......but, there are those of you who are still reading this entry who are of the mind that there are things out there that can't be explained.....no matter how much you try to come up with a viable explanation.  Which leads me back to the Gulch.....our home was brand spanking new when we moved in.....it was built on some old farmland, with the main home originally a couple of blocks over.  There is an area of our backyard where NO tree or plant will grow, except for grass (not the smoking variety).....and this is the general area where the entity was spotted.  I've wondered if our property sits on a family burial plot, or even an ancient Indian burial ground (this is Texas you know).....no amount of research has answered either one of those questions for me.  The Big Boober has even wondered if a construction worker was killed while our home was built.  Good question, because the house sat for several months in an incomplete state.....that is, until we decided to buy it.  Again, I haven't come up with any answer to that question either.  THEN there was yesterday.....after living here for 11 years something happened that backed up our theory that we're not the only ones living here (at least for those of us who are among the living).....we had a repair person come by to fix yet ANOTHER item that got fried in the lightning strike.....when he said, "you have ghosts."  I froze.  He then looked at me and asked, "do you believe in ghosts?"  My answer, "there are things that happen in this house that we can't explain."  Long story short.....we talked for a loooong time.....he DIDN'T charge us anything above and beyond the normal call.....and I got more affirmation that things just ain't right here at the Gulch!!!  What to do next?  I'm itching to start researching again for what could have been and/or happened on this land before it became Coyote Gulch.  I've often thought about asking some of the neighbors if they've had anything ODD happen in their homes.....but, you know what.....that's just too strange of a question to ask of your neighbor on so many levels.....so I'll just zip my lip on that subject.  It looks like we have no choice but to coexist with this merry band of ghosties.....as no amount of Holy Water.....blessings and prayers.....have even budged them one iota.....alas.

Have a Hauntingly Happy Wednesday!!!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Is She Or Isn't She?

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YIKES!!!  Look who's come out of hiding...ME!!!  I've had the itch to start up a new blog, just for my recipes...but, a little thing happened.  The Big Boober and I decided to get off our fat and fluffy asses and do something about ourselves.  From the looks of this blog, I've obviously cooked more than I should have...but, my oh my, I've loved every minute of it.  Don't get me wrong...I'm still cooking!  Have to eat for survival...but, now I'm cooking for The Big Boober's and my SURVIVAL.  How's that for a change!  So the change is this...The Big Boober is counting his carbs (thanks to a sticky little situation called diabetes), and I'm counting those calories (the easy way with Lose It!).  Oh yea...get this...I'm ACTUALLY exercising!!!  Can you believe it?!?  ME...of all people!!!  I gotta tell you, it's like a kick in the ol' arse that this gal is actually doing something for herself...and loving it!

Okay, now down to the nitty gritty.  I'm not sure what the bejeebus I'm going to do with this blog.
  • Still thinking about changing the name of it...I realize that Blogger lets you do that now...go figure.
  • I'm also thinking about retiring The Big Boober name...because this is going to be a new day and a new blog...so he gets a make-over too!
  • I would like to still add recipes every now and then...in fact, I've got a stack of them that I've been trying out and photographing to share with everyone...old habits don't die (regardless of the saying).
  • I've toyed with the thought of still doing an occasional bitch session...especially after the comment I got from ANONYMOUS (please people, enough of the anonymous posts...you are real people with real names...JUST USE THEM) on this little post...Do You Know the Muffin Man.  I HAD to come out of retirement to comment on that one.  By the way...he NEVER responded back!  Figures.
Okay, I'm getting off course here.

  • I REALLY don't want to make this a let's see how Anne is doing with her weight loss and getting in shape blog either.  Though I will brag from time to time...because it's my blog, and I can do whatever I want with it.  That sounded like a nanny nanny nu nu to me!
  • I've been on and off the fence about the whole comment thing.  I had left it on for months after retiring, but then decided to pull the plug on commenting because I got a few questions about some of the tutorials I did...and I JUST DIDN'T HAVE THE UMPH IN ME TO ANSWER THEM.  Sorry to those who I let down...but there really was a lot of crap going on in our lives.  That's not an excuse...just a plain fact.
  • Oh yea...the comment thing will be turned back on...just because I LOVE hearing from all of you...and miss, miss, miss all of you soooooo very much!  Serious sap moment there.
  • I do know one thing...I AM NOT GOING TO BECOME A SLAVE TO THIS BLOG!!!  I will NOT blog every day, because I DO have a life where I have a home and family that comes first and foremost...I also have a job that I love selling cruises and tour packages...I run an Etsy shop (you can click that little box up there on the right to pop into my shop...shameless advertising)...I have to walk 2 dogs (no longer 3, our Harley died in December) several times a day...I am STILL trying to adjust to downsizing from 3300 sq ft to 952 sq ft...and various other things that make me who I am.
So that's pretty much the basics.  Sounds like I just went to the confessional...but now I am cleansed of all my blogging sins...and this is the new me trying to start something fresh and exciting.  Am I setting myself up for something bigger than I can handle?  I hope not...but this is a journey I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you.

Now if you'll please excuse me, but I have to go tell Danno that I'm up to no good...AGAIN!  Oh yea, The Big Boober is now Danno...another story for another day!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Faux French Toast

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As much as I hate to admit this.....we're moving out of Coyote Gulch.  Plenty of good memories, and a hefty handful of bad ones.  That's neither here nor there.....the move is happening come hell or high water.  So where does that leave me?  Not wanting to spend a heck of a lot of time in the kitchen.....when I do.....I'm taking the fill-you-up-with-energy-easy-route.  I spend part of my nights laying in bed wondering how in bloody hell we're going to downsize from 3300 sq. ft. to 952 sq. ft. (long story).....and how I can use up what I've got in my pantry and freezer.  So as I lay WIDE AWAKE last night.....I thought about what I had that was screaming to be eaten.....and this is what I came up with.  Mind you.....this is darn right tasty too!!!

Faux French Toast
adapted by Anne Fleetwood

You'll Need
  • 4 slices angel food cake
  • Fresh fruit (whatever rocks your taste buds)
  • Soft margarine or butter
  • Pancake syrup
  • Whipped cream

Slice 4 nice sized chunks of the angel food cake, making sure to cut them even thickness.


I had a nectarine, banana, and some strawberries on hand.  I rinsed the nectarine and strawberries, then sliced the nectarine into bite-sized pieces, and quartered the strawberries.  The banana I just sliced into manageable chunks.


Toast your angel food cake slices until they're a nice light golden brown.



Now it's time to assemble the whole shebang.

Place a slice or two of the toasted angel food cake on a plate.

Slather some margarine or butter on top of each slice of the toasted angel food cake.


Pile some nectarines on top.


Then add some of the strawberries.


Finally sprinkle some of the banana slices over all.

Drizzle the pancake syrup over the fruit.


Splooch some whipped cream on top.


INDULGE!!!

Serves 2-4

Friday, August 12, 2011

Cornflaked Pork Chops

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I was looking for something a bit different to jazz up some pork chops.  Found a recipe that had the basics, but was wanting to put more yum into it.  I think I did a pretty damn good job to boot!  Give it a try, and see if you agree!

Cornflaked Pork Chops
adapted by Anne Fleetwood

You'll Need
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup packaged cornflake crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 medium boneless pork chops

Preheat your oven to 375°.


In a pie plate, add the eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Whisk until well blended.



In a separate pie plate, add the cornflake crumbs.


In a large skillet add the vegetable oil, and heat over medium-high heat.

Dip a pork chop into the egg mixture, coating both sides.



Then place the egg-dipped pork chop into the cornflake crumbs, and coat well.


Place the breaded pork chop into the hot oil and cook for roughly 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.  Continue this procedure for all the pork chops.



Put the browned pork chops on a cookie sheet.  NOTE:  Next time I will spray the cookie sheet to prevent the pork chops from sticking!


 Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.


Enjoy!!!


Serves 5

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Baked Beets

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Everyone SHOULD love fresh beets.....they're a snap to bake.....and they end up tasting sweet as candy!  I'm lucky enough that I've got beets growing in a big ass pot in my backyard.....you can't get any fresher than that!  I've got to warn you though.....there's one teensy weensy side effect that you need to be aware of....if you eat enough of these little delights, then don't be surprised a few hours later that you find yourself peeing a whimsical shade of pink!  With that bit of info out of the way.....on to one of the simplest recipes you'll probably find on this blog.....

Baked Beets
adapted from The Hayday Cookbook

You'll Need
  • Beets

Preheat your oven to 300°.


The trick is to keep the beets from bleeding!  After washing off all the dirt, you must leave the roots intact, and cut off all but two inches of the stalk on the top.

You can either place the beets in a baking dish and cover the dish tightly with foil -or- place the beets on a sheet of heavy-duty foil and wrap them up tight.  NOTE:  If using large beets, add a little bit of water to the baking dish or foil package.


Bake the beets for at least one hour.  You can tell when they are done when the skins loosen, or are easily pierced with a fork.

Remove from the oven, and let them sit for about 5 minutes until they can be handled.


When cool enough to handle, cut off the root and stalk ends.



I like to run tap water over the beet while rubbing the skin with my fingers till completely removed.



You can serve them whole or sliced, warm or chilled.....Enjoy!!!



Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Lemon Pasta with Roasted Shrimp

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It's been quite awhile since I've posted a recipe for all you wonderful people.....but, I've truly missed sharing recipes, and haven't quite gotten it out of my head that I don't have to photograph everything I cook!  That way of thinking is out the window now.....and back are my favorite recipes that I have to share with one and all!

On to business!!!  I came across this lovely little number, and it screamed light, bright, and tasty.....and believe me, it delivered on all three counts!  As I'm known to do, I tweaked a bit here, and tweaked a bit there.....but this time I left the ingredients as listed.....amounts, eh.  I used the freshest shrimp, and it paid off beautifully.....it was groaningly sweet!

Lemon Pasta with Roasted Shrimp
adapted from foodnetwork.com

You'll Need
  • 1 pound (16/20 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil (best that you have)
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 9 ounces angel hair pasta (packaged fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced

Preheat your oven to 400°.

Place the shrimp on a sheet pan.  Sprinkle 1-1/2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over the shrimp.  With your hands, toss everything to coat.


Spread the shrimp out so they are not touching.  Roast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through.



Zest and juice your lemon.



Add some olive oil and salt to a large pot of water.  Set over high heat and bring to the boil.


Once the water is boiling, cook the pasta according to package directions.  NOTE:  If you are using fresh pasta, this step will take about 1 minute to cook.


Remove the pasta from the pot, making sure to reserve some of the cooking liquid.  Immediately add to the pasta, melted butter, 1/8 cup of olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid (add more, if needed).  Mix that up until the pasta is nicely covered.

YES.....that's an oopsie photo you see down below.....I forgot to melt the butter!!!



Add the shrimp over the pasta.....Bon Appétit.


Serves 2-3

Sunday, May 15, 2011

This Rock Is Gonna Roll On Outta Here

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This post has been a long time in coming.....it also sets heavy on my heart.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life.....and the last day of my life in Blogdom.  I've posted well over 1213 posts to date.  The 'well over' are those posts that I have since looked back on and have found to have been totally ridiculous, or a bit of a reminder of days I'd like to soon forget about.....so I've deleted a few of them from time to time.  I've been 110% into blogging for over 3 years now.....but I'm dry.....my heart is no longer into Calamity Anne's Adventures.  This is something that breaks my heart.....because this blog has been a viable part of me for so long.  I've reached a point in my life, where I know that I have to move on.  The Big Boober (aka Dan.....my forever love) and I have reached a point in our lives where we both need to focus on our future, and how to survive what this friggin' economy has dealt us.  To say I'm in full-blown panic mode would be a serious understatement.  This is something that I/we need to change.

As a result of this humble little blog.....I've met many wonderful gals who I consider friends.....whom I hope to meet in the flesh one day.....and who I will forever keep in contact with.....you all know who you are!  I've shared many 'comfort food' recipes with you.....which has resulted in Dan and I becoming a bit too fat and fluffy for our own good.....and something we are in the process of turning around.  We can thank the Carb Lovers Diet for our up and coming hot and sexy figures.....cough.....cough.  I've enjoyed sharing all the anal retentive tutorials that are chock-a-block full of blow-by-blow photos with you.....sorry folks, but they're a thing of the past.....as my current focus is on making The Chunky Mermaid a success.....and those fun crafts/tutorials/recipes are sitting solid on the bottom of my current to-do list.

One thing will never change.....I will continue to follow all those wonderful blogs written by strong and interesting women, and a couple of men, as time allows.  Yes, as time allows.....once again, The Chunky Mermaid is taking precedence these days.  There is only one of me.....and I find there are not enough hours in each day for me to do all that my heart desires.  So bear with me if my comments to your blogs are sporadic.....but when I do find the time.....I will shoot from the hip.....something that I've found is truly expected of me.

As I said in my title.....this rock is gonna roll on outta here.....and with that said......

PEACE OUT!!!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Apple-Pecan Tenderloin Medallions

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This is quite a versatile recipe.....I'm thinking that if you double it, then you can use half for the main course, and the other half for dessert (I'm thinking drizzled over some vanilla ice cream - of course, leave the pork out)!!!  My lawd awmighty, but it's darn right tasty too!!!  Without further ado, let me jump right to the how to do it part.....

Apple-Pecan Tenderloin Medallions
adapted from Go Texan

You'll Need
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (21-ounce) can sliced apples, undrained
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pecan chips

Trim as much of the fat and the silver lining from the pork.  Then slice the tenderloin into 1/2" thick slices.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.  Once the butter is sizzling, reduce the heat to medium.  Add the pork slices to the skillet.


Cook the pork for two minutes, then flip the medallions over.


Spoon the apple slices on top of the pork.


Sprinkle the brown sugar over that.


Top the pork medallions with the pecans.


Cover the skillet and continue to cook the pork for an additional 4-6 minutes.


Tada!!!