Seven Out of Twelve

We had a great time at the Spades party last night. Jeff and I placed seventh out of twelve couples. Not so good. I was doing really well in the beginning. Toward the end of the night, I just lost concentration. The way we play is the first and last games are with your spouse. The other four are with different people. Sometimes men can get so competitive. I always worry that the guy that is my partner will be one of THOSE kind of men. You know THE kind. They HATE to lose. They HATE it when you lay down the wrong card. They give you THE LOOK that says what the crap are you doing.

Well, thankfully, I didn't have a partner like that the entire night. That is until the last game when I was paired with my LOVING HUSBAND. Jinkers. I honestly don't know how the coaches he works with in football do it. One wrong move and you fall from grace. That boy DOES NOT like to lose. Not even a little bit.

Everyone brought finger foods. There was SO much food. Too much really. In between games I kept finding a reason to go back here.



One of the best things there was a dip called Beer Dip. Have any of you ever made it? One sample and I was hooked. I'll put the recipe at the end of the post. Next time you need something for a party or something -- or heck, maybe just to make you feel better on a bad day, try it. It was very, very good and sounds so easy too.

Every time I try to sneak and make Jeff's picture, he always sees me. Every single time. Last night I had the perfect opportunity and snapped a picture of him without him seeing me. But as fate would have it, look how it turned out.

So as the clock struck 12, we all had a glass of champagne. I only took a sip of mine. I can't stand the stuff. Look at this picture I made of the two of us. Please tell me that when you make your own picture, it adds about three extra chins. Okay. Thanks. Plus we were smushed together on the sofa.

How can something so pretty to look at taste so bad? I don't think I could ever acquire a taste for it. Doubt I'll ever need to.

Today's a big food day for sure. Going to Ed and Jean's for lunch. She'll cook blackeyed peas, cabbage, pork, cornbread, mac cheese and no doubt a dessert. Then I plan to come home and have a nap. I didn't go to bed until 2:30 this morning and then I fell awake at 8. That's not enough sleep for A Girl Named Kelly Kelly.

Tonight my mom cooks her New Year's Day supper. She'll cook peas, collard greens, pork or meatloaf, cornbread, mac cheese and a dessert. Are you sensing a trend here? I'm gonna load up on the blackeyed peas for good luck. I'm gonna eat tons of greens for wealth in the New Year. Who knows, maybe I will need to acquire a taste for the bubbly after all.

Till next time. Eat your peas and greens!! It sure can't hurt!

CHEESE BEER DIP

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 can beer or nonalcoholic beer
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Pretzels

Directions
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, beer and dressing mix until smooth. Stir in cheese. Serve with pretzels. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 3-1/2 cups.

ENJOY THE COMPLIMENTS. I PROMISE THEY WILL COME!