Back-to-School Cinnamon Pancakes

Recipe Courtesy Susannah Locketti

This healthy recipe makes a double batch and with good reason! I make these in bulk and freeze them in ziploc baggies for the kids to just pull out and microwave on their own in the morning. This saves me time and keeps them fed and happy in time for the bus. Feel free to add frozen berries to the batter for an even heartier pancake.

Dry Ingredients

4 cups whole wheat flour

2 TB white or brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

4 cups skim milk

2 large eggs or ½ cup egg substitute

2 TB vegetable or olive oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Add wet mixture to dry mixture and whisk until smooth. Allow to stand for two minutes and whisk one final time. Meanwhile, preheat a large nonstick skillet and melt 1 tsp of butter in the pan. Once the pan is good and hot, transfer the batter to a pitcher and pour the batter in the pan to make small to medium size pancakes. When you notice the tops bubbling, flip the pancakes and brown on the opposite side. Transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely. Freeze in ziploc baggies and write the date in permanent marker on the bag with microwave instructions for the kids. Three to four pancakes will heat in a single layer in a little over a minute on high.

I'm a long time viewer of this show and I hate it but it's so addicting. I knew when Jillian was preggos the first time and I am kinda guessing that she is again. She has been wearing the same dress (different colors) for the past two weeks and it seems as though she has a pouch. She did a style file with her husband which aired today and from a side profile, you can clearly see a bump in the gut.

Is it me or do you suspect the same?

If she is . . . Congratulations!!!!!! And I hope she announces soon.

If she is not . . . It may be time to get back into the Nutri System habit!!!!!!!

This is a story of 3 daughters trying to take out their crazy mother for her B-day. It was all planned out to be a day of relaxation, away from everything. We arranged to go to a Day Spa and get mud baths, and massages, and drink.

Oh we drank alright. From the moment she was picked up she was nagging about our bad driving, her not having the right clothes on, she didn't want to be out long, and so on and so forth, blah blah blah.

Sure enough, we were jixed from the moment she got in the car, getting pulled over half way to our location. But we weren't upset, it was too funny that she was repeating over and over  "You guys can't drive, you're going to get pulled over, your going to get a ticket."

Any how, the CHP officer wasn't shy in seeing the humor in our little adventure. Officer Simpson, though still giving us a fix it ticket, was kind enough to pose for a proof shot.

So if you find this I just want to say...

THANKS OFFICER SIMPSON, YOUR A COOL DUDE!!!

www.spititout1@yahoo.com

Jillian is sure cranky this day (Tuesday) she seems mad at everyone.  Lighten up Girl

Sept. 2

 A new season of Prison Break is finally here! Michael Scoffield, Lincoln Burrows, Theodore Bagwell, Bellick and the rest of the gang return.  Scoffield and his brother are out of the Panamanian Prison and if you're a true fan of the show then you know Dr. Sara Tancredi is back!  Apparently, there are a few new characters that will be added to the show this season. I recently spoke to a few of the castmembers about  returning to Los Angeles to film the show. Jody Lyn O'Keefe is 'thrilled,' she told me when they were filming in Dallas she was always late because she would get lost driving to the location. She says most of the castmembers are from Los Angeles and they couldn't be more excited to be back home. Now with a new season, what storyline will keep you tuning in?

Why does she laugh through every sentence?  And why does she always wear black?  Isn't there a dresser there at FOX who knows she looks awful in the clothes she picks out!!!!!

Okay, I am seriously not a mean spirited person, but when she starts talk/giggling and rambling on and on I hit the mute button.

Sorry Dorothy.  Just keeping it real.

Well, it took a lot longer than anticipated to get from the Sheraton to the Pepsi Center.  First you wait outside the hotel for the bus for about 20 minutes--and believe me it is hot!  Luckily I'm passing the time with my friend LAUSD School Board Member Yolie Flores Aguilar.

After waiting for the bus it was about a forty minute ride, a lot of sitting and waiting before unloading.  It would have taken about ten minutes in a taxi.

Now after running the security gauntlet, we are inside and safely seated in the California delegation.  It is truly an amazing sight here in the hall.  I can't believe I'm really here.  What a historic week for the Democratic Party and for America.

The convention is buzzing with excitement about Michelle Obama's speech tonight.  Of course we are all so thrilled that Senator Ted Kennedy will be speaking.

Earlier this afternoon I attended the Americans for Democratic Action's (ADA) celebration at the beautiful Colorado History Museum.  The speakers included Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

Barney Frank's eloquent, impassioned and humorous speech ignited the crowd. An ardent supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton during the primaries, he made it clear that he and other Clinton supporters must unite behind Senator Obama.  He said the primaries are the past, it’s done, its over--let's move on.  The Hillary supporters cheered enthusiastically.

I'll check in again soon!

My first day of the Democratic Convention in Denver has been exciting although sometimes challenging.  The convention starts at 4 p.m., but as I watched television from my room, I saw the gavel come down at 3 p.m. I realized I should probably start toward the Pepsi Center. 

 I had gone over to the Convention Center, which is different and a place where the Convention is held, but the place where many of the Caucuses were held.  It’s about two blocks from the hotel.  As I approached, it was a massive crowd.  The public was being allowed to enter, but the security process was long.  It was also not too much fun to go through the pro-life protestors with life-size photos of a bloody fetus as they chanted “murderers!”

    I did see a number of Californians. I ran into Rep. Maxine Waters when I returned from the Convention Center. She was on her way to the women's event featuring Eleanor Speal.  When I wandered into the lobby, L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo was there as was Assemblymember Mike Davis. The legislature had been called back to Sacramento to vote, but his luggage was lost so he was shopping.  

At 4 p.m., I started off to the Pepsi Center.  The shuttle was now a full size bus. They took us over to the Convention, but the traffic was bumper- to-bumper.   When I got off in the parking lot with the convention center in sight, someone recognized me and offered me a ride in their golf cart. I accepted and I was off to the Convention.  

    I thought I would take some popcorn in with me but I was advised there is no food allowed in the Convention.  Lots of concession stands in the lobby, but you have to eat there.  I wasn't too upset because as soon as I got a seat, I intended to go up to the National Association of Counties suite.  From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. is a while to go without a snack.

    I was really lucky; Gloria Molina and Hilda Solis had an empty seat in the California Section.  Later, City Councilmember Bernard Parks joined us in the row behind us.   All the Statewide elected officials were there including former candidate for Governor, Phil Angelides.  Everyone was in great spirits and the music was lively.  The speeches had started, and I had a chance to hear most of them.  Congress member Jesse Jackson was especially good. 

    The highlight was Senator Ted Kennedy, introduced by Carolyn Kennedy.   We had been originally led to believe he would only say a few words, but he was electrifying!  It was moving and the entire atmosphere changed.  Of course, the final speech was Michelle Obama, introduced by her brother and a video.

    Every time there was a different speaker we were passed out cards to hold up.  No homemade signs allowed.  Gloria Molina had a large bag and smuggled in some popcorn, so we were really doing okay. 
    Michelle Obama looked exceptional.  She appeared very slim and she’s so tall, so she carried it off very well.  Her speech was well scripted and delivered with real sincerity.  She was well received and at the end she was joined by their two daughters.   

    I left there with a feeling the convention was off to a good start.  Back to the bus and the hotel.  Senator Diane Feinstein was hosting a desert event at the hotel.  Unfortunately, she injured her ankle recently and was unable to attend, but the delegates enjoyed her hospitality in absentia. 

It’s 11 p.m. and it’s been a good day.   

                                                    

                     --Yvonne B. Burke

Day one (yesterday) of the convention and what do I forget to do?  I forgot to wear comfortable shoes. Comfortable shoes are a must. They make or break your day. You need them. Without them you end up looking mean from all the pain you’re in. Always remember that. Flip-flops, though funny looking with a suit are a real commodity.

The first day like all conventions was exciting. I woke up with a plan of all the events I was going to attend and I was determined. That quickly changed. You see, conventions are in part more or less like family reunions. Your day is quickly shot when you end up seeing all the people you’ve been meaning to touch base with back home, but just didn’t have the time. Six impromptu meetings and 7 hours later you realize that the day you had so diligently planned has vanished. However, I was able to start my morning at the California Delegation Breakfast where Speaker Nancy Pelosi was honored and all the delegates were briefed on the events for the day. Of course we were warned about the protestors and I did encounter a few, including some McCain supporters, but nothing to be alarmed about. The one thing I managed not to miss was the actual convention proceedings. However, getting there was a challenge. After an hour long bus ride from the hotel to the Pepsi Center (my hotel is only a mile away) I was able to listen to Senator Ted Kennedy as he gave an amazing speech that brought tears to the eyes of many around me. I think what made it even more emotional was the knowledge of his illness and knowing that this time, this great leader was facing a challenge he would unlikely overcome. Highlight number two of the convention was Mitchell Obama’s speech. She was just amazing – providing us with an introduction of who she is, what moves her, and her vision for America.

The Democratic National Convention is a blizzard of events, each event more crowded than the last.  At the luncheon that I attended for my union, the American Federation of Teachers, someone told a story.  She said that when she landed at the Denver Airport, she took a taxi.  Making small talk, she asked the taxi driver what country he came from.  He said that he was from Ethiopia.  She said that she was in town to help Barack Obama become president of the United States.

He looked back in the rear view mirror and said, “The whole world needs you to help him.”

She was taken aback and said, “I’m so sorry that I don’t know who the president of Ethiopia is or what is going on there.”

He said, “It doesn’t matter.  The president of Ethiopia cannot hurt or help you here in the U.S.  Your president can do a lot to help the people of Ethiopia or hurt them.  That’s why the world needs you to help him.”   

On the first night of the convention, there was mass confusion as people tried to figure out how to get to the Pepsi Center and where to sit.  There were, however, plenty of volunteers providing direction.  With heavy traffic and a crush of  buses, it took an hour to get there on the shuttle bus and to get checked in through security.  Some delegates had gotten there as early as 2:30 p.m.  I got there later, and was relieved to find a good seat with the California delegation.  Then I realized we’d be sitting there until 9 p.m.

Since this is my first convention, I asked the person I was sitting next to, David Sanchez, President of the California Teachers Association, “Is this what we delegates do?  Listen to speeches all night?”

“Yep,” he said.

But actually the convention is an overwhelming experience with a crush of people, rousing musical interludes with singers like John Legend, moving videos… and speeches.   There was an intricate orchestration of a multitude of signs, held up by the delegates, saying such things as “Common Values, Common Purpose” one moment, and then “Michelle” the next.

Most delegates agreed that the most moving moments of the night were the speeches of Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

Senator Ted Kennedy’s appearance was entirely unexpected by the delegates, and there was a gasp when he appeared.  I suppose people had assumed that because of the brain tumor, it would be too difficult for him to speak.  But he delivered a powerful, flawless speech, and it was only when Caroline Kennedy helped him walk around the stage that people could see how frail he was. Then he greeted all the young members of the Kennedy family who were on stage with him.  It was very touching to see the different generations of this iconic and compassionate family together in front of us.

Michelle Obama gave a powerful speech as well, showing people that she was a person that middle Americans could relate to.  But the moment that delegates commented on the most was when Barack Obama came on to the video screen, and his youngest daughter blurted out, “Daddy, where are you?”  It seemed so human and the family seemed so close, like people that you would actually want to have as next-door neighbors.

THE ROCKER What a great movie. Rockin......................a definite classic in my library!!

R  O   C    K           a  n  d          R    O   L   L  

moe http://moes-music-place.piczo.com

Oh boy oh boy, just a couple more days and Labor Day Weekend is here, that means an extra day of kicking up your feet and resting, or staying home to chase the children.

My regular scheduele consists of 3 day weekends, so  this means I get 4 days off, and only come back to a 3 day work week, now that's exciting.

For this occassion we will probably throw a B.B.Q., my boyfriend loves to grill, maybe even head to Santa Fe Dam, I love to feed the ducks, even though the geese can be real pests most of the time.

What is every one else up to, any traditions, or special events happening? What are you looking forward to?

The 2008 Summer Games wrapped up Sunday night. I know I wrote about them last week, and some of you expressed your disdain for the Games, but for the first time in years I really enjoyed watching.
And I got to thinking? Who will be the biggest celebrity to come out of Beijing?
Will it be Michael Phelps, who dominated the first week by winning 8 gold medals? Since he won his 8th, Phelps has been everywhere – and some experts say he could make more than $50 million after his incredible performance.
What about gymnast Nastia Liukin, who won all-around gold in gymnastics? Or maybe Usain Bolt, who ran faster than anyone ever has?
Those are just a few. What do you think? Who will be the biggest celebrity to come out of Beijing?