Classic Lady Grantham Quotes (Because We All Need A Good Laugh!)

She's witty, she's sarcastic, she's prejudiced against Americans and she's amazing - easily my favorite Downton Abbey character.  Lady Grantham also reminds me of my late, Great Aunt "C" (short for Celia) - they share the same "old lady smirk", as I like to call it, and my Aunt used to have zingers very comparable to Lady Grantham's.  Since it's Friday and I certainly need a laugh after a stressful week of moving- and property management-related activities, I thought a compilation of Lady Grantham quotes was in order.  I will add to the list as the season progresses :)  Enjoy a good lol for me!

1.)

Lady Grantham: "I think it's a ridiculous idea."
Lady Sybil: "Why?"
Lady Grantham: "Because this is a house, not a hospital."
Lady Mary: "Granny, a convalescent home is where people rest and recuperate."
Lady Grantham: "But if there are relapses. What then? Amputation in the dining room? Resuscitation in the pantry?"

2.)

Sir Richard Carlisle:  "I'm leaving the morning Lady Grantham, I doubt we'll meet again."

Lady Grantham:  "Do you promise?" 3.) Lady Grantham:  "Oh my dears. Is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night he looked so well. Of course it *would* happen to a foreigner.  It's typical." Lady Mary:  "Don't be ridiculous." Lady Grantham:  "I'm not being ridiculous. No Englishman would *dream* of dying in someone else's house - especially somebody they didn't even know." 4.) Lady Grantham:  "What is a weekEND?" 5.) Lady Grantham:  "Your turn will come." Lady Edith:  "Will it? Or am I to be the maiden aunt? Isn't this what they do? Arrange presents for their prettier relations?" Lady Grantham:  "Don't be defeatist dear, it's terribly middle class." 6.) Lady Grantham: "Good heavens, what am I sitting on?" Matthew:  "A swivel... chair."  Lady Grantham:  "Oh, another modern brainwave?"  Matthew:  "Not very modern; they were invented by Thomas Jefferson."  Lady Grantham:  "Why does every day involve a fight with an American?"  7.) Lady Grantham:  [to Mrs. Crawley when they realize Mary will not take Matthew despite the fact that he remains the heir to the title and estate] "Your quarrel is with my daughter, Rosamund, and not with me. So put that in your pipe and smoke it."  8.) Lady Sybil: "No one ever learned anything from a governess except for French, and how to curtsy."  Lady Grantham:  "What more do you need?" 9.) Lady Grantham:  “First electricity, now telephones. Sometimes I feel as if I’m living in an H.G. Wells novel.” 10.) Lady Grantham:  “I knew this family was approaching disillusion, I wasn’t aware that illusion was already upon us.” 11.) Lady Grantham: “We’ll have to take her abroad, in these moments you can usually find an Italian who’s not too picky.” 12.) Lady Grantham:  “Alas, I am beyond impropriety”

My New Fave Snack: Homemade Oatmeal-Raisin "Larabars"

In a pinch yesterday, I spent a whole, whopping dollar on one, tiny little Cherry Pie Larabar.  Boy, was it disappointing (I had never had this flavor and definitely didn't like it).  It should be called "Cherry Tart", because it tastes nothing at all like cherry pie.  Anyhow, today my hankering for Larabars continued - good Larabars, that is.   I was sick of my usual homemade "Larabar" recipe, though, so I did some scouring online for a new, better recipe. 

I found the mother load of homemade "Larabar" recipes on Chocolate-Covered Katie's blog...that chick is awesome.  My inspiration for these Homemade Oatmeal-Raisin "Larabars" came from this recipe on her blog (I will definitely be making her Girl Scout Cookie Larabars next).  I used what I had on hand, threw it all in my food processor and Voila!  Craving satisfied.  These little babies are so good, both my kids were begging for more.  No sugar, no flour, no preservatives, and definitely not $1 each.  Enjoy!

Homemade Oatmeal-Raisin "Larabars"

1 to 1-1/2 cups raisins
12 Tbs quick oats
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seed kernels (or walnuts)
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash salt

Directions:  Place oats, pumpkin seed kernels and almonds in food processor (or other mixer).  Blend until desired consistency.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Pulse in the food processor until mixture starts to clump together.  (*Note:  If mixture is still too dry, add more raisins until it starts sticking together.)  Place mixture in a Ziploc bag and flatten with the palms of your hands (this avoids getting your hands sticky).  Rip open the bag along the seam and slice into bars. **UPDATE:  If you don't want to waste one of your precious Ziplocs, just sandwich the mixture between two pieces of wax paper to flatten.**  Makes approximately 8-10 bars, depending on how large you slice them.  To store, refrigerate in an airtight container (or freeze).  Will keep in the fridge for approximately two weeks.