Salute to the End of Summer

Today is the last day of summer...not officially, but for all the reasons that really count. My kids are going back to school tomorrow. Hallelujah! We have had a lot of fun but the last two days have put me over the top...Can you say "Friend Overload!"

When I was in high school, the night before school started, my parents actually let me and my friends climb onto our roof, sit on lawn chairs and watch summer die. ( I have a picture I will scan tomorrow) Now that I think about it, chances are good my parents had no idea we were up on the roof. Bygones.

Circa 1994

With today being the last day of summer, what better time than now to learn to use my grill? To hell with waiting for Sam to put things on the BBQ! I am woman, hear me roar. I have always been afraid that the thing would blow up in my face. But I put on my big girl panties and went out and got er' done....all with a baby on my hip!

I also made a peach pie just for kicks...I know...I don't even recognize myself anymore. I plan to eat the whole thing myself, with no plate, just a fork that stays in the dish. Thanks to my sis-in-law Sarah for the delicious recipe.



Here is my favorite recipe for Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs (a Warner family favorite): (sorry Ash, I loved your Asian style ones but they were too spicy for my kids.)

2 Pkgs chicken breasts--cleaned and cubed

Marinate in:

4 TBSP soy sauce
4 TBSP oil
4 TBSP orange or lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground ginger

Thread chicken on skewers with green peppers, cherry tomatoes and small white mushrooms. I forgoe all of the veggies because my kids don't eat them but they do give the chicken flavor.

In another final salute to summer, we took a picnic of KFC up to Snowbird the other night. Say what you will about KFC, the Colonel knows chicken. I love me a piece of fried chicken now and then. And the mashed potatoes are second to none.



This little boy has a thing for my mother. He won't let the woman out of his sight. If she is around, he wants nothing to do with me. He only has eyes for her:



Who is excited for fall? I'm ready to start unpacking the Halloween decorations...who's with me?

I Love Me Some Chicken

Remember on Seinfeld when Kramer couldn't get enough of the Kenny Rogers Roasters Chicken? That is one of my favorite episodes.

The crazy thing is, as much as I hate birds, I love me some good chicken. I have always loved KFC. I know that in saying that, I'm sort of admitting I'm trashy. The Colonel knew what he was doing when he combined those 11 herbs and spices. Don't forget the savory mashed potatoes, the warm buttery bisquits--it is all soooo good.

Growing up, we had KFC at many family gatherings. Then I started dating Sam. His entire family met at Thanksgiving Point for a party. Someone brought the KFC and I felt right at home.

Now the Colonel has really outdone himself. Have you heard about the Kentucky GRILLED chicken? It has the same 11 herbs and spices but with a lot less fat and calories. I even visited the KFC website and got the nutritional info. A breast only has 180 calories, 4 grams of fat and 35 grams of protein! Crap--I could do a commercial for this stuff.

It's your lucky day because Oprah is giving everyone a free meal (two pieces of chicken, two sides and a bisquit!) Just go to the link and print out the coupon. You can only print it out until midnight tonight but it is good through May (but not Mother's Day--the Colonel wants moms to have a decent meal that day!) Mandee, I know how you feel about KFC and you have permission to pass!

Here is the link again. Do it today. Then let me know if the new chicken is any good!