Fa la la la Mittens

Happy holidays from Mittens and Cloud

No holiday stress and rushing for me - I finished my shopping last week. Tonight Cloud and I are cuddled up listening to Christmas carols.

Middle Class Taking a Financial Beating

I read the headline and sighed. I am not surprised - the new poor are members of the middle class.I see it everyday in my house - the family struggles to make ends meet. Parents are stressed; kids are stressed because they sense their parent's worry and fears.

I don't have a clue as to what the answer to this problem is but I suggest that sub-prime lending and the transfer of manufacturing jobs to China is the cause. I am not crazy about the credit reporting system either. It is nearly impossible to break out of the cycle of poverty once it takes hold.

Giving Thanks

Earlier today over mashing potatoes and baking pies I asked my owner to post a list of things I am grateful for this November day.

1. My family - especially Eric.

2. Heat - I love a roaring fire.

3. Food delivered at regular intervals.

4. Cable TV, the Food Channel and Michael Symon. Cleveland needed a winner and Michael delivered.

The Next Iron Chef

I love to hang around the kitchen so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I am a HUGE Iron chef fan. Last night we channel surfed to avoid a full on watch of the DIB (debacle in Boston) and were happily surprised to see chef Michael Symon smoking the competition. Way to go Michael - we are rooting for you. Check out The Next Iron Chef on the Food Network.

Noted local author Michael Ruhlman is one of three judges. Check out blog.ruhlman.com for his take on the competition. But the real don't miss reading comes from contributing author Anthony Bourdain's smart commentary on all things Iron Chef.

Lights Out

Well it is over and it sucks. The first six innings were great then a spectacular loss. Boston goes to the World Series and Cleveland comes home.


I am really bummed yet, even in my grief I am a well mannered creature, and sends my thanks to the team for a great season.

The Morning After

I am a little bleary eyed this morning. Blame it on Boston. I ask myself the age old question -what is it with Cleveland sport teams? The team is good, really good. I mean did you see the Yankees game? Always a few minutes of glory, then that familiar sinking feeling.

Don't lose hope. Hold on. You have to believe.

Ok - enough for now - I am off to light candles and do the whole sports novena thing.

Go Tribe!