5:00 Fridays

So Obama has once again declared he'll repeal Clinton's (Bill's, that is) "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. Seems to me that the spirit of that ridiculousness sparked Vegas' "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" ad campaign. Um, as if we just don't talk about it, it doesn't matter. Yeah, tell that to your jilted bride who's gonna get a mad case of herpes thanks to your hedonistic indiscretions.

Besides that, so much for the whole equality thing. What a novel concept anyway. Have we really seen that work in any realm? I mean really, we wouldn't have Title IX, affirmative action, and so on if Equality really mattered. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" is just one more cog in that stifling machine. I'm thinking that "separate but equal" more closely aligns with where our country has socially been pointing its nose. Then again, based on the raving rants and roars by the likes of a tub bellied arse named Rush and a becurled beauty queen named Sarah, I'd say our nose, theirs and their minions' at least, is pointing elsewhere.

Hear's hoping that Obama makes some headway on the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell." I'm applauding his wisdom with a drink.

Oh, and lest you think this is not a real drink, allow me to point you to page 214 of the fine book The Daily Cocktail that my dear friend Kate gave me.


Gay Marine

few sprigs of fresh mint
4 - 5 lime wedges
1 T sugar
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
1 1/2 ounces Mount Gay Barbados rum
1 - 2 ounces apple juice (Surely every parent of young kids has this on hand!)


In a silver (or at least stainless steel) cocktail shaker, muddle a few sprigs of mint, the lime wedges, sugar, and Grand Marnier. Add some crushed ice and pour in the rum. Stir and top off with the apple juice. Serve in an old fashioned glass with some mint and a lime wedge as garnish.

Cheers to ALL those patriots who serve loyally, courageously, dutifully.

Wordless Wednesday: Defiance.

I Get Around.

Lest you think me a slacker, I figured I'd share some other tidbits I've been writing. While Dirt & Noise is my home in this web of a well, The Web, I do settle my boots to dry in other equally inviting spots. None, however, so out of OSHA filth and decibel level standards as this honky tonk.

From my Foodie Mama Outpost:
Check out one of my new favorite dishes that hails from my very own kitchen. Now beware, I don't really use precise measurements so don't curse me if you can't cook and muck this up with your own messed up teaspoons and metric conversions. If you just cook with your gut and trust your hunches, you'll serve up some splendid suppers.

Gnocchi. Butternut Squash. Mmmmmm.....


And those uber cool women at Silicon Valley Moms actually let lil ol' moi contribute to their regional blog, Deep South Moms. You'll see that I do an inordinate amount of bitching over there. It's all easier to swallow if I end each post with "Bless her heart."


Here's what I had to say about what I think is the worst part of parenting.