Yummy Stuff!

Mac-N-Cheese is finally here! made out of our own roo!!! Next we will create a great kids deal with it. Now the challenge, what kind of drink will the little ones prefer? Juice box, Capri Sun, Kool Aide Jammers??? Sunny D? Once I figure out this one we are good to go....It is a yummy new addition.

Things are up and done right now.....The store is quiet but so is the area. Everyone we talk to tells us the same thing, "it is like this everywhere at this time of year". I would like to be a little different than everyone else so we are working on that as well. The "Little Ones" have been working hard this week with me at the store. yes, up bright and early and putting in a full day. They are definitely tired when they get home.

So I have a new addiction, "Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares"!!!! Love it!!! Can't get enough!!! I really love watching.....learning new things! Fresh is the key!! I totally agree with that idea.....and keeping it simple. I never thought that I would be cooking all of these soups but here we are and its been a lot of fun....I like that I can just do it without really even thinking about it already! I can't wait to go home and make fresh Clam Chowder for my family!

The 4th of July is approaching quickly and I am chatting with "The Soup King" about a traditional soup for the holiday.....We had a special request made for Italian Wedding Soup and it is here and ready!!! The specials are interesting to make...I even tried a second Watermelon with Feta...I am not sure if I like it or not so come on in and try a taste and let me know what you think!!!!

New Feature Deals!!!

So we have talked about trying to find ways to help everyone out with this bad economy....We now have a Five Dollar Menu for you to choose from. It includes a bag of chips and soda with either a small salad, 6" sub, or cup of soup, or for Five dollars a 12"sub or sandwich. Pretty good deals and the sandwiches include BBQ Chicken, Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Grilled Cheese and Tuna! I think this should make lunch time doable for everyone!!!

We are planning our specials for next week...Get ready for Italian Wedding Soup and Strawberry Soup. Of course we will still feature our Melon Ball Soup.....something cold for this hot weather is a must!

"Comic Boy" did okay running things last week. But yes, I am back so here we go! "Muscle Guy" is doing his thing....fratinizing with the pretty ladies, yes "The Soup King" would like to be doing the same thing~but he is married! "Karaoke Boy" has been hitting the pavements with our new menus, maybe he should sing a jingle when he is out and about! Some one new has joined our team once again but I'm not sure how long she will be here....we will have to see how things go..

We have met new guests that were very enjoyable to talk with this week...It is always nice to listen to other people's stories. Even with all of the friendly faces that we see I still miss my family and can't wait to go back and visit! The summer is full of so many birthdays and new babies that it will be gathering after gathering! I love get "togethers".....we are always the last ones to leave!

"The Soup King" is busy with many projects....always trying to improve himself and his work. He never feels fulfilled. He should be proud of himself for all of his accomplishments! He is certainly never afraid to take a chance....That to me is very admirable.

What can you do!!! Just roll with the punches and wait to see what tomorrow brings! We will be here waiting for you to come back and visit.....Yes, there is always more to our story..come on in and we will fill you in on all of the fun stuff!

Home Again!!!

Last week offered fun stuff with cooking and creating new soups! We now have Melon Ball soup which is awesome!!! "Comic Boy", (you know, the one we needed a nick name for), came up with this great one for hot days.....Watermelon juice, sherbert, honeydew, and cantaloupe...We also have another special this week....Chicken and wild rice. We are just cranking soups out like crazy! We are having a lot of fun while we do it too....



"Muscle Guy" has been a little pre-occupied with some things but is still hanging tough for us. "Fire Chick" has moved on...."The Soup King" is working hard on his construction business while I get to hold down the fort at the store. It's nice to actual have something that I can call my own!!! "Comic Boy" is really working hard to take care of business! We are very proud of him!

Right now our family unit has ventured home to Pa...lots going on here! Visiting, playing, sharing meals! We are just happy to see everyone we love. Yes, I did guilt "The Soup King" into letting me tag along. I should have stayed back to run the store since he is here on business but we have some trust worthy individuals helping us out!!! Besides, "The Soup King" hates to see me cry.

The "Little Ones" are extremely happy to see all of their cousins and friends....Everyday is busy with some appointment or dinner to catch up with family! It was really fun this time because we did not tell anyone that I was tagging along too! Surprise!!!!! I can't wait to see my niece and her cute little baby belly! She is having a baby in July! We are actually having two babies this summer so it is really exciting. "The Soup King's" nephew is having his first baby in August....two new nephews! I love babies, especially when they are not mine! We certainly have enough little blessings in our house!

We are still working on some new ideas to really energize and entertain you when you stop in....just be patient with us! We appreciate your loyalty as well....I know times are tough for everyone and we are trying new things to make life a little easier for all......Look for our coupons for Wednesdays...buy one bowl of soup and get one free!!! I am working on a new kids meal...Mac n Cheese with a drink and dessert! I know that my "Little Ones" will be happy about that one! Who knew that only one of five would eat soup...I was hoping that would change as time went on...

"Comic Boy" has been working with me on some great ideas and working out the kinks that we have with organization and just staying on top of things. He has a great sense of drive so it is a lot of fun....He goes home and brainstorms, comes in the next day and is just bouncing with thoughts and ideas, I love it! We really did a great job getting everything organized and together. I even have the ordering of supplies down to a pretty good science. It is really great that we all work together...we all have a common goal and we just push to meet it everyday. It's nice to finally have a calm environment to work in, well maybe not calm but laid back.

"The Soup King" is eager to return to Sarasota....he has lots to work on and is anxious to get a few more cold soups out for everyone to try. The Potato and Ham is still hanging has one of my favorites! Heat or no heat, everyone has to eat!!! Stop in and visit us....see what surprise we may have for you...see yo soon! Don't worry, I will be bubbling with info after all my visiting is done too!

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Thank you to all who have served to defend this great country of ours! Today we remember all of those who lost their lives to defend our freedom and those who continue to serve in order to preserve what those who served before them have won for us! I know that in PA my father has is flag at half mast in remembrance of those lost......My father is very patriotic..flags and eagles are everywhere in his house. I think that he would have been a military man if he had not met my mother. All three of his brothers were in the military. My mom asked him to stay, so he did, and now here we are.......

I am already thinking about what needs to be done this week....Split Pea, Gumbo, Vegetable soup!!!! Chili is done....Chicken Noodle is done.....Tomato Basil too....I told you cooking was unbelievable last week! Work, work, work! The store has been busy....even the sandwiches are moving along nicely. I am working on a mac-n-cheese for the little ones that visit us. I know that my "Little Ones" are not big soup fans so I am sure that there are a few little people out there who share their views on soup. Once we do that children won't mind stopping in with mom and dad for a bite to eat. Hopefully by Thursday I will have it ready!

We spent most of the weekend just hanging out. "The Soup King" went to Key West at the end of last week for bid meetings....Keep your fingers crossed! We cooked and ate all weekend....We even built a small fort for "Frick and Frack" in the yard! They love to climb!

Hope to see some of you this week........keep your suggestions coming! We are always interested! I will keep you posted on the new soup of the week once I chat with "The Soup King"....have a great day off!!!!!

What A Week!!!

Rain Rain....Come Again! Business has been crazy! The weather definitely worked in our favor this week. I have made more soup in the last week than I have in my entire life...granted, I just started cooking the soups so I guess that doesn't really count. Unfortunately for my niece and her friend the weather did not cooperate. They were in from PA to play in the sun but they only got two days of sun!! I guess she needs to plan another trip to visit me!

I must say that we have met some great people this week. Friendly, interesting, and just a pleasure to serve. I love to hear about people and their lives! Planning babies, moving, new jobs....all with a smile and a positive outlook. It makes all of the stress worth wild!

Our Beef Vegetable, one of our specials has moved quickly. My only problem with that is I am not sure if "Muscle Guy" and "The Soup King" ate it all or if we sold it! The Chicken Corn Chowder must be a good one for winter.....of course we do have some followers for that one!

I have finally reorganized the entire store...Its funny how things get done when you just buckle down and move! I think that I have one more closet to do...maybe I will make "Muscle Guy" do that one! Now all of the paperwork is calling my name.

All of the "Little Ones" worked with me tonight. It was fun but stressful at the same time. "Frick and Frack" are tough because they get bored very quickly. "The Boy" did a great job scrubbing dishes and helping out tonight. "Drama" was in a bit of a mood but that is just a normal week day for her. "Little Miss Responsible" has been in good spirits for the last few days, even when she is at the store. "The Soup King" was off to Key West for the last two days working on his construction business.

"Muscle Guy" has been distracted all week. I think he found a new love to occupy his time with!! Love is grand when it is new!!!!

"The Soup King" and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary this month. Who knew that even with not one thing in common we would still be together! I must love him, I followed him to Florida!!!!! "Drama" had her birthday last weekend which was very eventful. She threw herself a birthday party. Give her the chance to plan and she runs with it! Seven little girls for a sleep over was just fantastic!

I can't wait to make more changes at the store. I want to bring in a sofa for guests to kick back on while they wait for their food.....I want to get movies up and going ....The food network can only work for so long!!! Change is good People!!! Let's do it!!

It Is Sad To Say That "Grammy" Has Gone On Her Way!

Well, the on going drama between "Muscle Guy" and "Grammy" has finally come to a head! For some unknown reason she has never liked "Muscle Guy". We have had a few employees that she has helped out the door since we opened. Unfortunately for her it didn't work this time. "Grammy", "The Soup King's" mother, did come to help us out with the store, and I thought with "The Little Ones" as well. Things always sound good in theory but when put to the test sometimes fail miserably! When we began our adventure to Sarasota we invited her and her husband to come along...to stay with us here and there....and even offered that when necessary they could live with us. Who knew that "when necessary" was now. Don't get me wrong I thought it would be great. We have had our differences in the past but thought that they were behind us. I guess a mother never wants to let go of her son, I still am on the outs...That's fine with me....I can be difficult if I want to and sometimes I was just because. So back to the drama at hand.....Where to begin...

"The Boy" always had in site to offer us on what was said when we weren't around so one day he decided to share that "Grammy" felt that we all needed babysitters, and we weren't very productive....Please don't forget that "Grammy" and "Muscle Guy" never really saw eye to eye. One day "Grammy" would be really nice and social with everyone and the next she wouldn't speak to anyone. Everyone felt that they had to walk on eggshells around her, even me!!! We want to have fun and enjoy our work everyday. That was not how it worked out. Finally, after "The Boy" shared his info "Muscle Guy" decided that he would play her game. He was polite and courteous long enough. "Grammy" would make comments, "Muscle Guy" would make comments right back.....The straw that broke the camel's back had to be when all of us, even "Fire Chick" were joking around about being a baby and needing a babysitter. As we are all laughing, from the kitchen comes, "Oh just shut up already!". Very surprised the answer back was, "no one is talking to you, I would like to tell you to shut up but I don't. Stay in the kitchen, no one is talking to you, you are so nasty!" Well, all is fair in love and war!!!

At that point "Fire Chick" thought that "Muscle Guy" was speaking to her and our guest at the register let her no, "Oh no, that was definitely aimed at the kitchen." "Oh good" was her response. She was relieved. Personally, I really just figured it was another week day of the same old drama.

To my surprise "Grammy" asked to see me. She proceeded to let me know that she would not be working with us any more because she would not work with "Muscle Guy" anymore. She went on with a list of complaints to why she could not work with him....of course there were implied comments that I was responsible for some of "Muscle Guy's" comments that were made to her. Again, really not a concern for me. So, at this point I am thinking to myself, "is she expecting me to beg her to stay, does she think that I am going to choose between her and him?", it was just interesting. I stood guietly in front of her as she pleaded her case. When she was done, my response was , "Ok, do what you feel you have to do."

We can not forget that she did cook 90% of the time and went in early to make things easier for us but not an unmanagable scenario. I think that she believes that we could not manage without her. "The Soup King's" belief is that everyone is replaceable. SO......

"Grammy" left for the day after that,so we thought. Little did I know the drama unfolding outside the store. "Muscle Guy" was on a break outside and as she was leaving she decided to yell at him from her car. "Grammy" said things that weren't nice but "Muscle Guy" with a smile let her know that anything she could say to try and hurt him did not matter...she meant nothing to him....and his final comment that helped her leave the state the next day was , "at least I don't take advantage of my family". "Grammy" was very upset about that comment and intepreted it the wrong way. It was a comment made from his own personal opinion....his own observations. Her husband flew in the next day, she left and never even said good bye to her grandchildren.

Needless to say, yes it is ashame that things worked out this way but people don't change. We can change someone's environment but the personality traits will always remain...It was sad that she left the way she did but we can't change that now. Her time and efforts were greatly appreciated even though it may not be felt that way.

So we are cooking away and ording just fine. We really haven't missed a beat with getting things done.."Muscle Guy" and I made three soups on Thursday, 2 on Friday, Monday 2 more, Tuesday 3, and Wednesday 3...Today we only needed one. We even made two specials this week, Beef Vegetable and Chicken Corn Chowder. Who knew he could cook too! We are working well together as a team with "The Soup King"!

I finally did an inventory of our supplies...we are reorganizing and cleaning up. We are all having fun. "Fire Chick" can't believe how fast we get done in the morning. Things always move faster when we work together. Our young guy who has been with us for a awhile feels the same way. He needs a nick name...he comes in with our"Back Up". We even have some one new who is willing to go outside and wave our guests in!!! This week has been full of fun and excitement.

We are looking forward to the weekend, my niece is coming in from Pa with a friend for the week! We have lots of fun planned this weekend. It is "Drama's" birthday so we will go to the beach then have a cook out back at the house...Of course our Soup King Family will be there as well....

Our Strawberry soup is all gone! It is a keeper for the summer...So, come on in...we are now offering a senior discount, just ask and we will fill you in!! Family Fun Night will start in June...keep your eyes and ears open for that fun info....We are even palnning for more ammenities outside the store to help entertain our guests. Check in soon!!! Come on in and have some fun with us!!!!

Weekend Fun!!!!

"The Soup King" hosted a little cookout this weekend for "Fire Chick" and her family, "Muscle Guy", "Grammy", and the neighbors. It was light and fun. We chatted about things and of course ate lots of food! That's what the weekends are for, right?

Earlier in the morning "Muscle Guy" meet me at the gym to give me a run down on exercise machines and what to do and what not to do in order to get in shape! I could hardly remember everything he told me! I tried.....I did all kinds of leg machines and free weights for my arms! I hope to be rockin' by mid summer......(that's what happens when you get a late start!)

Things have been a little quiet around the store but I hear that it is that way all over. I keep praying for things to turn around for everyone!!!! It is very sad to see people struggling to make ends meet! We are working on some fun ideas to help everyone out in that area. A reasonable way to promote business but to help your wallet too.... I like to play fair!

The Strawberry Soup has come and gone and a second batch was made today! Fresh yummy strawberries, it smells so good when being made! Don't forget that there is a touch of wine in it so be aware when serving your little ones! I am not sure what the special soup of the week will be yet but I am sure "The Soup King" has something up his sleeve!