BANANARITA & SOME THOUGHTS

If you still need a drink for tonight or tomorrow that's simple and will wow your guests, you've got to give this recipe a try. Some people call it a margarita with a twist.  Go for the virgin version for the kiddies, or add some kick for the adults.

BANANARITA

INGREDIENTS

Ice
4 Mediums Sized Bananas
1/2 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Lime Juice
Lime Zest for garnish (if you like)

DIRECTIONS
Fill a blender halfway with ice, then add the bananas, milk, sugar and lime juice.  Mix until frothy and serve immediately.  This recipe serves 2.

BANANARITA COCKTAIL VERSION

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 Ounces Silver Tequila
1 Ounce Banana Liqueur
3 Ounces Lime Juice

DIRECTIONS
Fill a mixing glass with ice
Pour in the ingredients
Shake it up (great opportunity for some aerobics)
Strain into a glass of your choice
Garnish with a slice of banana

If you want to get some really great recipes for the holiday that are easy to make and have a vintage feel, grab Sweetness by Christy Jordan.

• BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS

Years ago, we used to have to wait until the day before or the day of to find out about Black Friday deals in the local newspaper if you live in the United States. 

Now, I'm hopelessly confused on when to go, where to buy, or what's the best deal to save the most money.  Do I shop on Thanksgiving, the Day After, or wait until Cyber Monday?  What's a girl to do?

PARKING LOT RAGE
Yesterday, while driving through a parking lot headed to Kroger, I stopped at the 2 way stop sign, waiting for the other cars to go.  After about 3 minutes, I noticed they weren't moving.  There was a Ford truck in the intersection stopped with his reverse lights on  appearing to wait for someone else to move out of a parking space.  After about 5 minutes, the lady in the 3rd car walked up to this guy's truck with some type of stick, shaking it at him from the passenger side and yelling for him to move.  He yelled that he was waiting to get into the handicapped spot, to which she screamed," he just needed to ****ing move!"  She stormed back to her vehicle, cursing, and he moved just enough for everyone else to barely squeeze by. I mean this guy really wanted that spot! (lol)  

I didn't want any trouble. All I wanted to do was use my coupons for some FREE Nivea swag, so I didn't mind waiting around patiently. (lol)

WHEN WILL IT END?
I'm saddened over the loss of life from acts of terrorism, pure rage, mental illness and domestic violence, and imagine that those families & friends affected are struggling to find reasons to feel thankful right now.  I hope they are able to find some type of peace.

NO ONE GETS A PASS
The floodgates have opened, and no more sweeping things under the carpet. Out of everyone who has come forth regarding allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct, I was more surprised to hear about Charlie Rose, who I watched regularly on 60 Minutes. 

But it reminds me once again how people in positions of power feel comfortable saying and doing whatever they like to achieve sexual satisfaction or control.

No one should feel uncomfortable in the workplace, which is where most of us spend a good portion of our day.  I feel badly for the victims who have suffered through the nightmare when it occurred, and to go through it again now that those heinous acts have become public. To the perpetrators I feel embarrassed that they felt the need to hurt someone in this manner, and relief that their despicable behavior has come to light for all the world to see.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & HOLIDAYS
Statistically, calls that come in during the week of Thanksgiving actually decrease according to the National Resource Center of Domestic Violence, but progressively begin to spike higher up until Thanksgiving Day.  Then the week immediately after, the numbers are much more alarming, increasing significantly.  So while the holidays should be a time of joy, the abused victims suffer even more than many of us can even imagine.  What can you do?
Sometimes the best thing ever is to be there just to listen when someone reaches out and is ready to talk.  It's free and can make a world of difference to someone.

THANKFUL
I'm thankful for lots of things which include having a roof over my head and a bed to sleep on. Being homeless makes you appreciate those things that much more.  And of course I'm so happy to have many, many books to read, food to eat and the Internet. I'm grateful to have met so many blogging friends who entertain me on a daily basis with their tips, laughter and information. 

More than anything, I miss being away from my son and his family, who live in another state, but I'm thrilled that he's around by phone or email to deal with my nutty conversations.  This Thanksgiving, no gigantic meal.  It's just me this year, so I'll be enjoying macaroni and cheese and yes - a cheeseburger,(lol) along with some movies that will hopefully keep me out of trouble.  If you celebrate, I wish you and your wonderful families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

If you'd rather miss all the Black Friday hoopla, save your cash and head to Fort Lauderdale Florida on December 9 for the Winterfest Boat Parade.  There are plenty of mega yachts and celebrity sightings for your viewing pleasure.