Top 10...

I like lists. I love my planner. There is tremendous satisfaction in being organized. Anyway...I haven't been able to get on much this last week - extra obligations. My mom had a bone spur removed from one of her feet last week. She is gimpily mobile but is restricted to her house. So, I've been doing a bit to help her out but honestly, with only a few exceptions, she is totally self-sufficient. Go Mom!

My Top 10 today consists of random crap that won't leave my busy, already-filled brain. I'm hoping this helps....

10. I cannot keep up on laundry.

9. The wx (weather) we've been having is so stunning that it makes me sad that it is short-lived.

8. I love snow but I don't appreciate the bitter cold.

7. Teenagers are still teenagers wherever you are...and I wish the few and far between poorly-behaved did not stick out in a crowd because it gives teens like mine a bad rap.

6. My grades for my doctoral program are better than those of my science-centered master's program - now I feel stupid.

5. My downtown newspaper guy hasn't been on his bench for a week. I hope he's ok.

4. George Clooney is seriously dishy...and his compassionate tendencies make him even dishier.

3. Wine is good.

2. Leah brought home a sinus cold last week. I am now infected.

1. I made these over the weekend - they were delicious and a big hit at a party.

Pumpkin Bars (perfect for fall)

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar (you can use a bit less)

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 salt

1/4 tsp ground cloves

4 beaten eggs

dash of vanilla

2 cups pumpkin - canned or fresh

1 cup cooking oil - can substitute half for applesauce, if desired

cream cheese frosting

In a large mixing bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until evenly moistened. Spread batter in an ungreased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. I use glass for this recipe.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cool for a couple of hours OR stick the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes if you are in a hurry. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!