Divot pooped out

The end of a very busy Valentines weekend for us and Divot.

Divot does the Keys

Our new puppy "Divot" had a wonderful time in the Keys.

Valentine makegood

I had a lovely Valentines Day with Howard. We spent it in the Keys, there was roses, cards and bling!

Jeff Martin had a romantic one too. He was with a mystery woman in New York. I WANT DETAILS, JEFF!!!

But if you messed up and forgot you may be in the doghouse. Here is some help to get back in her good graces.

Don't try to redo Valentine's Day

This is crucial to getting forgiveness. Your sweetheart probably would have happily accepted most generic Valentine’s Day gifts on the actual day, but a heart-shaped box of chocolates that you bought at half-price at the drugstore the day after isn’t going to cut it now. It’s lame and will only remind her of your initial screwup. Your mission now is to totally knock her socks off with a well thought-out and unique surprise.

Is there a posh eatery she’s been dying to go to? You're more likely to get a reservation on a Sunday evening anyway, and it will make an otherwise ordinary night special.

Has it been a while since the two of you spent some time alone? Plan a weekend getaway at a cute bed and breakfast or quiet beach resort.Low on cash? It’s all about the personal touches in your plan, not how much cash you drop.

Can’t afford a fancy dinner out? Try making up for a bad Valentine's Day by cooking her an elegant meal at your place.

Not able to swing a mini-vacation at the moment? Think up some activity outside of your routine you’d both enjoy, like taking a day trip to a vineyard or going paint-balling.

Have a backup make-up plan
You have to prepare yourself for rejection when it comes to your make-up plan. She wants the compensation from you but she might be too stubborn to forgive and forget your original offense, so you have to be ready with a plan B. It’s all about being accommodating now.If she refuses any of your initial ideas, try a backup plan that doesn’t require her participation at all.

Have a surprise lunch from her favorite restaurant delivered to her at work with a handwritten note from you. Schedule a massage for her and have the spa deliver the news to confirm it to her.

The element of surprise coupled with thoughtfulness that proves you’re thinking only about her happiness should be enough to melt even the iciest of shoulders.Valentine’s Day may be a little corny, but at its core it celebrates love and gives you the opportunity to show your girlfriend just how much you appreciate her. To make up for a bad Valentine's Day, all you need is a solid recovery plan and she'll be swooning. Just don’t forget it again next year -- then you’re on your own.

Date night

This morning you reminisced about your first date with your sweetheart.

Howard and I saw the movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby " but it was the kiss over apple pie that I'll never forget.

It's important to keep that flame burning. Here are some great date night ideas.

Wake up on time-pill

If you're like one of the millions of Americans who dread the sound of your alarm clock in the morning, then you're probably going to enjoy this story. A new pill has been introduced called "The Wake-Up Pill," designed to help you start your day naturally by waking up on time.

I just hook up the IV to the coffeemaker. But Jeff Martin says he bounces out of bed bright and chipper. Annoying isn't he!?

How's your high note?

Mariah Carey fans and your sweethearts can now celebrate Valentine's Day with something special.

You can sing your own version of a Carey ballad and send it to your near and dear in the form of a Valentine's Day e-card. The promotion is in support of the recent release of Mariah Carey: The Ballads.
Go to MyMariahBallad.com to sing your own version of "'Dreamlover," 'Vision Of Love," or "Hero," and add a personal message with the e-card. Versions featuring Carey's original vocals are also available.

Keep the flame burning

Don't wait till the 14th to rekindle your love. Here are a few things you can try with your sweetheart.

Leave Notes (in Unusual Places) Perhaps life has become so busy that you feel like your schedule rarely coincides with that of your partner or kids. How about leaving them a note somewhere unexpected? You’ve probably all heard of kids having little notes from their mom’s in their lunch bags – that’s one place to start, but how about a note by the kettle, in the fridge, on the pillow, on the computer screen...? This can become a bit of a game as you compete to leave a note in the most unusual places!

Hug Someone Physical gestures mean a huge amount, and a hug can be just what a loved one needs to put a big smile on their face. Whether it’s snuggling up on the sofa with your partner or giving your kids a goodnight hug, being held and warmed by another person is a perfect way to feel loved.
Write A Poem A time-honored way to say “I love you” is to write a poem. You don’t have to be Shakespeare – look for sincere, original ways to tell someone that you love them. Try not to fall back on hackneyed phrases about their beautiful blue eyes or their rosy red lips; write about something that’s meaningful to you, perhaps that dimple on their chin, or the way they laugh at your jokes.
Give An Unexpected Gift I’m sure you give your loved ones gifts on their birthday, at Christmas, and on special occasions like Valentine’s day. But how about bringing a gift completely at random? An unexpected present is a moment of pure joy for the recipient and the giver, and it needn’t be anything expensive. A few of their favorite chocolates, a small bunch of flowers, a book which you know they’ll enjoy ... for a few dollars, you have the perfect way to say “I love you”.
Do The Chores (Without Being Asked) For many people, another extremely welcomed gift is someone else doing the chores! If it’s your partner who usually cleans the kitchen, why not do it and surprise him/her? If you normally have to be nagged to vacuum, get it done without being asked. Finding little ways to make someone else’s day smoother lets them know how much they mean to you.
Hold Hands Like hugging, holding hands is something that we often neglect to do when a relationship becomes cozy and familiar. Try taking your partner’s hand when walking down the street, or hold their hands across a table in a restaurant. Being in contact physically helps you feel closer emotionally. This is especially important if you need to talk through a difficult issue or problem. Holding hands can also be a visible demonstration of support if your partner is upset or feeling down.
Make A Special Meal If Friday nights usually mean ordering takeout, why not offer to cook for a change? Make a special meal for your partner (you don’t need an excuse for this – it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s day or an anniversary!) Include their favorite foods, take a few minutes to set the table, to light candles and put music on, and your usual forgettable evening slumped on the sofa can become a night to remember...
Dress Up In the early stages of a relationship, you probably made the effort to look your best. Of course it’s nice to get to the point where you can lounge around in your jammies or your over sized, hole-ridden t-shirt... but occasionally getting dressed up can rekindle that early excitement in the relationship. Why not go out to a “swankier” restaurant than usual (it doesn’t have to be much more expensive), or just get dressed up in your party clothes for a special meal for two at home?
Give a Foot/Shoulder Rub Modern life is stressful and many of us have aches and pains caused by tense muscles. A shoulder rub, back rub or foot rub is a wonderful way to tell your partner “I love you”. It demonstrates that their physical well being and comfort is important to you, and it’s also a great way to reinforce physical and emotional closeness.
Listen to Them It’s easy to talk over people or to tune out most of what they’re saying whilst reading the newspaper or chatting online with friends. Listen actively to your partner – when they want to talk, put down what you’re doing, and focus all your attention on them. Listen for what they don’t say; unvoiced concerns or worries, or hints at what they’d really like. Nod and make eye-contact to show that you’re paying attention.

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Divot and "Pinky"

She's growing up so fast. Jeff Martin and his daughters came by to meet the little princess and they brought her a gift that she dearly loves to chew. We call it "Pinky".....by the way the yellow stuffed duck that quacks all the time is named Jeff Martin. Divot really likes to bite it's butt. LOL

Risking I-95

Today we talked about our daily risks...everything from extreme sports to eating raw cookie dough. But everyone agrees that the biggest daily risk is drving on I-95. Especially since they installed the new entrance ramp signals.

FDOT has activated the new Ramp Signals along Northbound I-95 entrance ramps between NW 62nd St and NW 167th St.

These Ramp Signals are designed to restrict the flow of traffic onto I-95 during peak travel hours and during incidents that cause an impact to traffic. Ramp Signals should be treated as if they were Traffic Lights, and FHP will have additional Troopers on hand for vehicle enforcement.

According to FHP, failure to stop for these red lights can produce fines of up to $180 and 3 points on the license. FDOT has stated that these signals will not cause traffic to back up on the ramp, and will significantly help congestion during rush hour periods.

Co-rumination

When I need to vent or get something off my chest...I go to my husband, mom, sister and sometimes my co-worker...but Jeff has a very short attention span. When it comes to teen girls sharing their problems...there may be a problem.

Most teenage girls love to talk to their friends. And talk. And talk.

Recently female friendship and girl talk, particularly among adolescents, has drawn growing interest from psychologists and researchers examining the question of how much talking is too much talking. Some studies have found that excessive talking about problems can contribute to emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression.
The term researchers use is “co-rumination” to describe frequently or obsessively discussing the same problem.

Virtual bubble wrap

What makes you happiest at the end of a long hard workday? You said spending time with your dog, a hot bath, a glass of wine and cooking dinner.

For me ...it's virtual bubble wrap. Try it! Careful, it's addictive. Be sure to hit the "manic mode."

A BIG Valentine

Valentines check list:

Sweetheart, mom and dad, brother and sister, ....and boss? What do you get your boss for Valentines day? Here is suggestion and it only weighs 1000 pounds.

This Valentine's Day, adopt a real manatee for someone you care about. Funds from the Club’s Adopt-A-Manatee program go toward efforts to help protect endangered manatees and their habitat. Unlike other animal adoption programs, the manatees in our adoption programs are real, living manatees with known histories. You even have the opportunity of seeing your adopted manatee at one of three locations in Florida!

Super commercials

What was your favorite ad during the Super Bowl? The guy who got hit by a bus? There was also an electrocution, a golf club to the head, and a low level executive who gets thrown out of a fourth story window.

I think my favorite was the Clydesdale that fetched a really big stick.

Check out all the ads.

Susan is a teapot!

The Cardinals lost...barely. Final score 27 to 23. So upholding my end of the bet with Jeff Martin, here I am doing the "teapot" dance and singing "Im a little teapot."

I'm a little teapot, short and stout

Here is my handle, here is my spout

When I get all steamed up, hear me shout

Just tip me over and pour me out!

I'm a clever teapot, yes it's true

Here's an example of what I can do

I can change my handle to my spout

Just tip me over and pour me out

C'mon, didn't you really want to see Jeff in a dress though??

More pictures of Divot

How do you get a puppy to sleep in a crate. Divot is NOT a fan. Here are more pictures of Divot over the weekend.

Our new puppy

Howard and I just brought home our new little girl.

She is a Basenji, we named her "Divot" and the first night was quite a tale. I didn't know a puppy could poop that much...and the smell! OMG! We just love her though and we welcome her to her new home.

Football 101

Ladies, you're sitting there on the sofa next to your husband trying to watch a football game...everyone jumps up and screams and you have no idea what just happened. Watching the Super Bowl is an intense way to spend an evening once you figure out what's going on. Here is a site that may help you understand it a little.



Go Cardinals!

Remember if the Cardinals win you'll see Jeff Martin in the dress of my choice!

Be a Cardinals fan

I got this note from a listener this morning and if you don't know who to root for on Super Bowl Sunday, then just read this.

Hi Susan, I am an avid listener of 101.5! Hope you can open this! Please read the email from the beginning. I was overwhelmed just to think a man would be interested in a woman with a problem child. Wait till you read who the man is!!! Thanks Stella

KURTIS THE STOCK BOY AND BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.
Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.
A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.
So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has hisCardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. Makes it hard not to root for the Cardinals today...doesn't it?

Great dips!

Super Bowl Sunday is quite the event. Whether you watch for the game, the commercials or the half-time show...it's the great American pig-out!

Here are some of your favorite party dips:

Jeff C. - "I like the old classic, dried onion soup mixed in sour cream to make french onion dip"

My family calls it football dip because I usually made it on Sunday for football.

You will need
2 cans of refried beans
1 jar of Picante salsa (mild, medium or hot to preference)
1 medium tub of sour cream
Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese

Mix two cans of refried beans with one jar of Picante salsa. Layer the mixture into a microwave safe casserole dish as follows: bean mix, sour cream and then cheese. I usually make two layers. Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, turn dish and microwave again until cheese has melted. Serve with corn or tortilla chips. Can be refrigerated and reheated at will.

Marnie



Hi Susan

The only one I have is Sausage Dip from the Gator Cookbook which you have tried. It is always a hit!.

Hugs,

Mom


2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. garlic salt
Mix together. Spread in 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Bake 25 minutes until hot at 350 degrees.
I like to serve with scoop chips..Mindy


I'm a vegetarian.. here is a fav of mine
Black Beans con Queso Bean Dip.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 large onion. finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk
2 packages (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 15 ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 4.5 ounce can chopped green chiles
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Tortilla chips, corn chips or crackers
Preparation:
Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat; add onion and sautee 8 minutes. Add garlic and sautee 2 minutes or until onion is tender.
Stir in flour until smooth; cook mixture, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese, stirring constantly over low heat until cheese melts.
Stir in black beans and remaining ingredients, gently stirring until mixture is thoroughly heated. Serve warm with chips or crackers. –Amanda


I LIKE TO TAKE A BOWL FILL IT WITH FRITOS. AND THEN GET A SECOND BOWL AND FILL IT WITH GIN. SOMETIMES I GET FANCY AND USE A LADEL. THIS WAY EVEN IF MY TEAM LOSES, I STILL WIN. I WIN BIG TIME.

D


In the interest of helping, considering I don't really cook and don't do Super Bowl parties.. I can offer this simple word.. hummus. I love it and it doesn't have any dairy. It's basically just mashed chick peas or garbanza beans, but I don't mash 'em. No I get this at the store.

Gayle


Hi Susan,

I do have a favorite, and it's a very big hit. I never have any left when I make this for a party.

WARM & CREAMY BACON DIP
1 (16 oz) container Sour Cream
1 (3 oz) jar of Bacon Bits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz) package softened cream cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In an ovenproof bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover. Heat 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm, however this is okay at room temperature, and serve with your favorite chips or veggies.

Talk to you soon.

Cheryl


pound shredded Mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can artichoke hearts - (8 1/2 oz), drained, chopped
Minced onions, to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 cup scallions sliced thin
1 bar cream cheese, softened

Directions:
Mix ingredients together. Bake in lightly buttered 3 1/2-quart crockpot on HIGH for about 1 hour. Serve with crackers. – Alex


Susan, I know it sounds icky but this is by far one of the best dips I've ever tasted and so easy to make.....goes best with plain ol potato chips or those new york bagel garlic chips....

Henrietta's Famous Clam Dip (Henrietta is my mom)


1 CAN OF CLAMS, 1 SMALL PACKAGE OF PHILLY CREAM CHEESE, A-1 STEAK SAUCE AND LEMON JUICE. Pour clams and juice over cream cheese, smash together with a fork add a dollop of a-one (really) and a dash of lemon juice to taste. UN-believable...

Cheers, D.


Ok don’t laugh……you know I don’t cook. The Publix Spinach artichoke dip is awesome!! All you have to do is open it !! Tara

Jeff Martins dip:

Fat-Free Refried Bean Dip Ingredients
1 cn (29-oz) fat-free refried
1 ts Garlic powder (or to taste)
1 cn (4-oz) chopped mild
1 1/4 c Grated fat-free Cheddar
1/2 c Minced green onion
Low-fat tortilla chips
1/2 c Thick & chunky salsa
Instructions for Fat-Free Refried Bean DipDate: Tue, 5 Mar 1996 12:12:03 -0500 From: TexGQ24@aol.com Combine refried beans, peppers, onion, salsa, garlic and 1 cup cheese. Spoon into 1 quart baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350xF 30 minutes. Serve with chips and salsa.

Susie,
1 Can of Hormel Chili Beans with Tabasco sauce ½ a bar of Philidelphia Cream Cheese (fat or non-fat) ¼ bar of velveeta cheese-microwave....Bag of Tostitos. Go Cardinals! JEFF you are done. Sucker’s bet - Willie

Family bonds

Do you have a highly-happy family?

What's your secret to bring everyone together? When I was a kid, our family made lots of trips to the lake in Missouri, Friday nights at the driving range and the stock car races. I cherish those memories. If you need some ideas to bring your family closer together. Just click here.