tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88340997514301561802023-11-16T07:41:45.065-05:00Northern Exposure with a Southern TwistA Northern Woman's take on living in the South...or I'll have slaw on the BBQJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-6175969608605868842010-03-13T20:46:00.008-05:002010-03-19T10:36:07.877-04:00Caribbean Cruising with Holland America Lines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45WZtWvQDWx-5W89UXEt3vnLDr5ograxrZ5ueBP3FKBH2t-O15K9BBM5vKvItcwdTaVrmZdzFqFeI2ZdmtWsrDdnqIzuLLV6vI-hTdY5rIk7OZT5nqdNdwmplj0OXMNqGlRRyArTvlya4/s1600-h/bed+making+sm.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450143481503330306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45WZtWvQDWx-5W89UXEt3vnLDr5ograxrZ5ueBP3FKBH2t-O15K9BBM5vKvItcwdTaVrmZdzFqFeI2ZdmtWsrDdnqIzuLLV6vI-hTdY5rIk7OZT5nqdNdwmplj0OXMNqGlRRyArTvlya4/s320/bed+making+sm.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRaXmrvxr-1n4PXkE4-CWexHq9QUb6jcZC2qJC4ftmcSC1-QWXncty2lSimQMjf8QQlHyV4VA4DuDL1-P_SiHNotoKz2n5umFZEqmAXaArHXCN4c-I8waRqejj9Kkwpf8MZQoC-k71oGD/s1600-h/audience+first+night.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450143477970004866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRaXmrvxr-1n4PXkE4-CWexHq9QUb6jcZC2qJC4ftmcSC1-QWXncty2lSimQMjf8QQlHyV4VA4DuDL1-P_SiHNotoKz2n5umFZEqmAXaArHXCN4c-I8waRqejj9Kkwpf8MZQoC-k71oGD/s320/audience+first+night.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Last year we made the decision to go on a cruise with a group largely made up from our area. We thought it was a great way to meet people on our new community. We mentioned our trip to Dave and Ginny, friends of ours from Mullett Lake. They had never cruised before and they were so interested, they decided to go on the cruise with us. We welcomed the company.</div><br /><div>After driving down to Fort Lauderdale, we chose to stay at The Hyatt Place, a higher priced hotel than we normally stay at BUT they had free parking for up to 2 weeks. The next morning as we waited for the shuttle bus to take us to Port Everglades, we met Ann and Paul, another couple staying at the same hotel going on the same cruise as us. We became fast friends and even more so once we found that Ann and I shared the same birthday! </div><br /><div>Once we were on board The Noordam (A Holland America Line) we immediately went to the Lido deck for the buffet lunch. You didn't really think that there was going to be a meal that we would miss? After we had our stomach filled, we found our room. We were on the 5th deck, about midship which is exactly where I like to be - close to elevators, and I don't have to walk from one end of the ship to the other end.</div><br /><div>We made our reservations for the specialty restaurant - The Pinnacle Grill - which charged $20 per person as well as the Italian restaurant which needed a reservation but there was no extra charge. These restaurants fill up quickly and we were anxious to get our reservations in as soon as possible.</div><br /><div>We toured the ship and one of the surprises that I found was that they had a Culinary Arts Center which offered cooking lessons as well as cooking demonstrations. I signed up for one of 12 slots for the chicken stuffed with banana and prosciutto class. The spa salon was really nice and they had many services to offer BUT they were very expensive - I didn't book any spa sessions.</div><br /><div>After dinner, we went to the Vista Lounge for our first show. While sitting in the audience prior to the show, we were asked, as well as our new friends Ann and Paul, if we would go on stage in participate in a game. We said sure...it sounded like fun. Our game was called "Make the Bed". On stage were two twin beds on platforms. Our challenge was to compete against Ann and Paul and see which couple could make the bed in one minute. You are probably thinking that it sounds easy but wait......we also had to make a towel animal. We were doomed. We made the bed (barely) and I quickly scrunched up the towel in a pile, grabbed my husband's glasses and put them on our towel creature. When I was asked for the inspiration of my creature, I mean animal, I proudly stated "My husband". Next I was asked what was my animal's name and all I could think of was Big Bird's friend Snuggleupagus. The other team had no inspiration, so name. By a round of applause, we won the game. Our prize, a book of instructions for making towel creatures and a picture frame. We quickly gained some notoriety among our fellow cruisers as the couple who put glasses on their towel animal.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-33328881461715577372010-03-10T19:11:00.006-05:002010-03-11T22:14:24.186-05:00Escape from the Snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZDtGtT3U061hkwXvw3rnTFRn6uAZD3x3qle75Fn2t525BfFqYaWMP7cc3qAulyt_7nzGhCllhNn8TRdAXurImODCqfYoNRoJI-RLOiaIEs7y5-LTT-LttaVoB205PKYPI-ogywcAh0T2/s1600-h/sm+okefenokee.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447580104903447618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZDtGtT3U061hkwXvw3rnTFRn6uAZD3x3qle75Fn2t525BfFqYaWMP7cc3qAulyt_7nzGhCllhNn8TRdAXurImODCqfYoNRoJI-RLOiaIEs7y5-LTT-LttaVoB205PKYPI-ogywcAh0T2/s320/sm+okefenokee.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Boy, were we lucky to have a 10 day Caribbean trip planned so that we could escape the cold and snow of Virginia. To make it more of a vacation, we decided to drive down to Fort Lauderdale. With the car loaded, we were "on the road again". </div><br /><br /><br /><div>We made it to the Georgia/Florida border, an ideal place for us to spend the night since we wanted to see the Okefenokee Swamp the next day. We use the Room Saver coupon books that are in rest areas to get our rooms. You wouldn't believe how much more people pay for the same room that we do when we use the coupon books.<br /></div><div>We woke up and drove over to the Swamp where we went on a boat ride through the swamp with Joey, a 6th generation swamper. Birds, gators and much more were in the swamp. A very interesting place to visit if you haven't been there.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGomqpKxovKsX3f-vsdKI1nYOqPgkSu4LsgwHYdNtSafUwRkH0PLGO0MU0tEtCLvecV1KWQsjsCGMwJAiu8zk4TlJFUvNZ1Suqvqq9enyYSdk6UuxUCFukrFuOa7AfI4Ix3Q1oGQwWs8v/s1600-h/swamp+boat+small.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447576280728778866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGomqpKxovKsX3f-vsdKI1nYOqPgkSu4LsgwHYdNtSafUwRkH0PLGO0MU0tEtCLvecV1KWQsjsCGMwJAiu8zk4TlJFUvNZ1Suqvqq9enyYSdk6UuxUCFukrFuOa7AfI4Ix3Q1oGQwWs8v/s320/swamp+boat+small.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Our next stop was Amelia Island and Fernardina Beach. What a unique and quaint city it was. We drove along to check out the island before returning to our next motel room (Best Western in Yulee City) where once again we used our Room Saver coupons and saved $20 more than the person that was checking in behind me (boy, was he upset when he heard how much we were paying). </div><br /><br /><div>The next morning we went for another <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ywFbOC3VAVviw2b_vDOWaFCDiJbojwcFg4I04npudpQmSZ_iBans_E0Da2cKYifVB07w1B6HBkwWwAkCtvCAHgUdYcTFDZ1IpRQ2SXMjkeJWNXtfz_Xuxox-9fRueF_oxwm9FX40PJnr/s1600-h/horse+small.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447576962662708914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ywFbOC3VAVviw2b_vDOWaFCDiJbojwcFg4I04npudpQmSZ_iBans_E0Da2cKYifVB07w1B6HBkwWwAkCtvCAHgUdYcTFDZ1IpRQ2SXMjkeJWNXtfz_Xuxox-9fRueF_oxwm9FX40PJnr/s320/horse+small.jpg" /></a>boat ride - this one around part of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island (where John F. Kennedy, Jr. was married) and other barrier islands. We saw gators (again), wild horses, birds and so much more. The evening was capped off with a delicious meal with a smocking friend of mine. Great food, great wine and great friendship. Thank you Suzanne for a wonderful evening. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-75599900096128575182010-02-05T14:56:00.004-05:002010-02-05T15:32:02.187-05:00Too Much Snow!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkkad9cBM9bZ4rU-hrseS51rD1uH6uN5w-qwi3TGD_zDZw_y4Qn2QXF9BiQGnmSI-kcZuIvtLcRhWl4kcot7jalrPBpkqusRftVJitscI3ro2rI1KXHOB8TOIdfER4pIUirebO_aM2RNm/s1600-h/Feb.+5,+2010.b.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 308px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434858685486498962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkkad9cBM9bZ4rU-hrseS51rD1uH6uN5w-qwi3TGD_zDZw_y4Qn2QXF9BiQGnmSI-kcZuIvtLcRhWl4kcot7jalrPBpkqusRftVJitscI3ro2rI1KXHOB8TOIdfER4pIUirebO_aM2RNm/s320/Feb.+5,+2010.b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivDw3bF_q9eFhsGgb0_PddcmKkPpVse7oAIK0mHsnSmCbblVAHeF11HejQBm8lfxvZPA7e8x-qZDQB0dS_n3oKeF_ri83HTWPg4QyGSdZVA2JOLo3fRDsLRUK5R2yCQHWqm2LZw-e6V4w/s1600-h/Feb.+5,+2010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434858680965459282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivDw3bF_q9eFhsGgb0_PddcmKkPpVse7oAIK0mHsnSmCbblVAHeF11HejQBm8lfxvZPA7e8x-qZDQB0dS_n3oKeF_ri83HTWPg4QyGSdZVA2JOLo3fRDsLRUK5R2yCQHWqm2LZw-e6V4w/s320/Feb.+5,+2010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I do like snow particularly when it is snowing or the day after it has snowed when the snow crystals are sparkling on the trees and the sun has come out and the sky is an azure blue. The next day, the snow, slush, grime, salt can all go away.</div><br /><div>It started in December when we received 2 feet of snow. What is a little unusual is that I am in central Virginia where we usually don't get this much snow. Nevertheless, we had it and had to deal with it even though it meant that we had to cancel our family's Christmas (no one was going to be here on Christmas day). </div><br /><div>We went to Michigan for a month and had little snow or at least a little for northern Michigan. We even delayed our return to avoid yet another snowstorm in central Virginia, one which dumped 8 inches on our area. Two days after we got home, and four days after the previous storm, we received another 6 inches of snow. </div><br /><div>Now, we are in the midst of another BIG snowstorm and again it has screwed up our weekend plans. We were going to DC and meet with our son and his fiancee to look at wedding rehearsal dinner venues and to celebrate Christmas but oh no - Mother Nature had to screw it up. So we sit home, shoveling every two hours a wet and heavy snow.</div><br /><div>We have decided to try to go to DC next Tuesday, trying to work around our son's evening school classes. But of course, Mother Nature is stepping in again to squash that idea by having yet another snowstorm on Tuesday/Wednesday. What about the weekend following, you ask? He'll be away in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party but also, another snowstorm is in the horizon.</div><br /><div>Mother Nature, haven't we had enough snow?</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-23847801682677109332010-01-20T14:56:00.005-05:002010-01-30T15:58:43.741-05:00Snakes, Deer and Frogs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53Wcs2mMMuSLm_HGCiZZrX8otol1uwqO3WuS34WQKgHNYJQIe64QaWn-ydfNAi5MZ0X7B3n4A7JUMdEgSXrtbjmyJqgppMY3ekJ2nkfaxpOc0qxJ7t4s3EX3GPMcvnryY4aUiBpECc8th/s1600-h/darrell+and+snake.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 319px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428919285406153426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53Wcs2mMMuSLm_HGCiZZrX8otol1uwqO3WuS34WQKgHNYJQIe64QaWn-ydfNAi5MZ0X7B3n4A7JUMdEgSXrtbjmyJqgppMY3ekJ2nkfaxpOc0qxJ7t4s3EX3GPMcvnryY4aUiBpECc8th/s320/darrell+and+snake.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LFBSM0m5E1fEmKurUIEZXMtFtYZBWaJukJ5mC6qPnTe0y_ctYgE_wS0NEZgthHiXM3SOITJpSen-rBnlq-1HVFuVEDOQeXKgttq8bRr7uB6PErSme-akbntU-8bkLon8zgohfBz169OV/s1600-h/jane+and+snake.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428919279203926002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LFBSM0m5E1fEmKurUIEZXMtFtYZBWaJukJ5mC6qPnTe0y_ctYgE_wS0NEZgthHiXM3SOITJpSen-rBnlq-1HVFuVEDOQeXKgttq8bRr7uB6PErSme-akbntU-8bkLon8zgohfBz169OV/s320/jane+and+snake.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>My husband has met some new people while volunteering in various organizations while up North. One of the couples invited us, and another older couple, to their home for dinner last night. I had heard that this older couple were retired science teachers and very much naturalists as they have camped near the Arctic Circle for nearly two months. </div><br /><div>I am very much a city girl having grown up in the Boston area and lived the past 28 years in a suburb of Washington DC. I believe that you go to the grocery store to buy your meat for dinner. This is just what I am familiar with. I learned that we were to eat venison that had just been shot by a neighbor the day before. Nothing against venison but I have never had it and of course, Bambi runs through my mind. All day I am dreading Bambi on my plate for dinner. Can I cut it up into small pieces and hid it under other things; can I even eat it? </div><br /><div>We arrive at their house to find that in their living room resides their 20 foot long python snake. You heard me - 20 FEET LONG!!!!!! They bring here out, I had to pet it and then hold it as it is hissing at me. Then it poops on their carpeting and they give us a science lesson on snake poop.</div><br /><div>I'm just not a snake girl, sad to say.</div><br /><div>We got to their house early so we could watch their favorite movie, one that our son Jeff, who is a middle school science teacher, would love to show his students (or so they told us). I was rather doubtful but went along. The movie was called "Frog" and starred Shelley Duvall and Elliot Gould. It was okay but so dated as it was filmed in the mid 1980's and the girls had the big hair, station wagons for the family car (no mini-vans at that time), big aviator glasses (think Peter Marshall on the old Hollywood Squares).</div><br /><div>Dinner followed with canned corn from last summer (very good), soggy Brussels Sprouts, couscous with Swiss Chard and .......BAMBI. I tried it and ate it. Not as bad as I thought it would be and my husband said that the host cooked it perfectly. I just needed to get over that I was eating a deer.</div><br /><div>Conversation after dinner which was fine. We spoke about favorite movies and the hosts thought that the best movies were the East German movies (last time I remember East Germany was 1990) and those form China. I mentioned that I loved Sand Lot and Goonies, neither of which he had heard. Strange. Almost un-American. Unfortunately, I think we later bored the husband. He fell asleep at the dinner table. His wife said and did nothing and I can't believe that I am sitting there with a snake in the room, husband asleep, the bathroom in their bedroom is frigid because they don't heat the bedroom (the other guest guessed that it was 40 degrees). We were home by 9:00 PM.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-69852580912348093962010-01-17T20:06:00.003-05:002010-01-17T20:42:25.079-05:00Ribbon Blankets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT5wvpIuVyOGFUQ9jR90zUfx0auygSIdSMLqEnhAgkqk29-3Gz_bjkZTsw0skHYpP1tE5GGjn2LHru2RBSHi129FikBhFvsKkn9JAQn8y62nyBgBcpqkm4LKViEnhUPorCpHqURX-hHcG/s1600-h/ribbon+blanket.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427889145548594130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpT5wvpIuVyOGFUQ9jR90zUfx0auygSIdSMLqEnhAgkqk29-3Gz_bjkZTsw0skHYpP1tE5GGjn2LHru2RBSHi129FikBhFvsKkn9JAQn8y62nyBgBcpqkm4LKViEnhUPorCpHqURX-hHcG/s320/ribbon+blanket.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I love to feel creative and that is a little difficult when I don't draw, sing or act. Instead I sew and cook. I love the feel of fabric and all the thoughts that enter my mind when I see and feel fine fabric. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all my ideas and don't get anything done. While I am up here in Michigan, my goal to to work on some of the projects that I have the supplies for.</div><br /><div>I decided to make ribbon blankets for babies. I brought up north with me some incredibly soft and cuddly minkee fabric as well as some washed and oh so soft flannel to coordinate with it. I thought I had all my ribbons up here but instead only had a few. Off to WalMart I went to see what they. With my purchases in hand, it was time to cut out the fabrics, pin on the ribbons and see what I could come up with. Here is the end result. I hope to have many made for the summer craft shows up here. Let me know if you like them.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-54507603463040718142010-01-15T10:58:00.003-05:002010-01-15T11:09:17.479-05:00New Year's Resolution - a little late<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2hlDYDwbiNTLnNYpYx1BpzZadp74UHSCU0hQT5iAi85QtyFKfMh1EZQI6j6TSMY5nPL3dOX4i7NOryG8QFbrQA09EsCMyShOorx3fns7dZPwcp7ejz8XpqBqY5BhdJiqr7qicldGGvSG/s1600-h/new+yeare+eve+in+paris.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426998731103735858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2hlDYDwbiNTLnNYpYx1BpzZadp74UHSCU0hQT5iAi85QtyFKfMh1EZQI6j6TSMY5nPL3dOX4i7NOryG8QFbrQA09EsCMyShOorx3fns7dZPwcp7ejz8XpqBqY5BhdJiqr7qicldGGvSG/s320/new+yeare+eve+in+paris.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>What's the rush? Can't New Year's resolutions be made anytime in the first month of the New Year? Mine, and I am hanging my head down low, is to write more frequently on this blog. So many things have happened that I haven't written about or documented and they would have made such great blogs. I am going to mix it up a little - some from earlier this past year and some current.</div><br /><div>Current - Our son Chris is finishing up his three weeks in Europe. He left Dec. 26th to join a study abroad program. He is working toward his MBA (graduation is May from George Washington University in Washington DC) and these three weeks are credits for him. He arrived in Barcelona and then traveled to Paris, Interlaken, Zurich, Venice and Milan. To read some of his adventures here is his blog: <a href="http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Barcelona/blog-465171.html">http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Barcelona/blog-465171.html</a> The photos are all his. Once you have read this one, please click on next entry to read about his free weekend in Brugge, Belgium. Feel free to wander around his blog for all of his adventures around the world. The photo above is his taken on New Year's Eve in Paris.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-25553888310009267552009-07-23T14:50:00.003-04:002009-07-29T10:15:06.035-04:00Guess who the newest Schwalm will be?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMzVC4XqQPG5v1s5KN5V9t045r1zrwS4GrNJtsR89mzczCOPTmK8j_gWMhyMAEjw8lhRZuU1ejJuvMQv2KVlUeG_3b-QGIGuM677287GKjwtRTxT21S9wJ_TENzgDmbZKGqtzQgHLGZ2/s1600-h/family+totem+pole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363885339905672930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMzVC4XqQPG5v1s5KN5V9t045r1zrwS4GrNJtsR89mzczCOPTmK8j_gWMhyMAEjw8lhRZuU1ejJuvMQv2KVlUeG_3b-QGIGuM677287GKjwtRTxT21S9wJ_TENzgDmbZKGqtzQgHLGZ2/s320/family+totem+pole.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUd8Q_x7LU5w7nALwMn3u8fE2lf01QIbYNWdDu3w21z8BSKZ4u7m5MlbQKNRHBFI4eoHUnmSm4-yi6icdiTUpaH9_StEYzOCVOoJCOndEEYB8bkVEMJK0r4HJeiDmTNQGn5lng-N1Sx0K/s1600-h/Chris+and+Haley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363885340956648994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUd8Q_x7LU5w7nALwMn3u8fE2lf01QIbYNWdDu3w21z8BSKZ4u7m5MlbQKNRHBFI4eoHUnmSm4-yi6icdiTUpaH9_StEYzOCVOoJCOndEEYB8bkVEMJK0r4HJeiDmTNQGn5lng-N1Sx0K/s320/Chris+and+Haley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_lhueTG3OhjrYzspdLUcSADJbALjFrkVIZXu7WujtD7iOD4O7AfIDiAUR4Gj6gnoxQclqNQWrtKkkIiwwbnmA5Z2H9OTMFgc7fk03vpKm622xcdMhS0CuGyyefTHRbVfHTT2qpYM_EVT/s1600-h/newest+schwalm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363872577930902898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_lhueTG3OhjrYzspdLUcSADJbALjFrkVIZXu7WujtD7iOD4O7AfIDiAUR4Gj6gnoxQclqNQWrtKkkIiwwbnmA5Z2H9OTMFgc7fk03vpKm622xcdMhS0CuGyyefTHRbVfHTT2qpYM_EVT/s320/newest+schwalm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>All of our kids and their spouses and girlfriend came up here in northern Michigan for 4th of July. We are this little village along the bay of a large lake that has an old fashioned celebration. The kids wanted to be part of it so they all came up though arrivals and departures were staggered. Jeff and his wife Amber were the first to arrival followed by our older son Chris and his girlfriend Haley. Lisa and her husband Nate were the last to arrival. Anyway, fireworks here on the lake are held on the 3rd of July. We all gathered around the firepit waiting for it to get dark (which is around 10:00). Chris decided to take Haley out in the old rowboat to watch the fireworks. We cooked s'mores, made noises when they shot up the fireworks and had a great time. When Chris and Haley came back they made THE announcement...they were engaged to be married. Hope you enjoy our photos!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-47543393634305232009-06-20T08:31:00.004-04:002009-06-20T09:34:35.190-04:00Does Bad Luck really comes in 3's or is it 6's?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt58HV1uc7EHH47_Dv4hhg6SPK45qzuyvTW0na2prdeXIegjbkdYwn0MG5CUC18SVXWy092ckpQo05Y0kDz1elJJJ7T66ww7BbF6d0X8a2U2Mhw7teJ-9jH73Vv7bvOTd67PdpYrx0yaGU/s1600-h/bad-luck-superstitions_s200x200.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349402435268779394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt58HV1uc7EHH47_Dv4hhg6SPK45qzuyvTW0na2prdeXIegjbkdYwn0MG5CUC18SVXWy092ckpQo05Y0kDz1elJJJ7T66ww7BbF6d0X8a2U2Mhw7teJ-9jH73Vv7bvOTd67PdpYrx0yaGU/s320/bad-luck-superstitions_s200x200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>You know, they say that bad luck comes in threes so how come I'm past three? Maybe I am headed towards six, which is two times the magical three. Over the winter, we had our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lakehouse</span> remodeled. In preparation for this, we purchased all new appliances. We had the stove and refrigerator towards the end of the summer. Love the new Kenmore refrigerator which has freezer on the bottom and French door for the refrigerator part. Number One: Over the winter, we ordered the Kenmore dishwasher and the Kenmore microwave/convection oven combination. My husband arrived here the third week of May and within days the microwave broke! He called the SEARS repair number and a week and a half later they came out, ordered parts and said that they would be back the next week. They "fixed" the microwave with the new parts. We used it for exactly a week and it broke again, the same problem as before. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grrrr</span>. We are out of the 90 day return period but within the one year manufacturers warranty. Repairman will be out on Monday. They can either try to fix it again or declare it unrepairable. My guess is that they will try to fix it again. Number Two: Now, our refrigerator, which I love, does not meet the specs for its measurements. The cabinets were ordered based on the specs. Turns out our refrigerator bows out in the middle of the sides of the refrigerator. It barely fits into the space. The problem is that we have pull it out twice a year - to turn the water on for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ice maker</span> and to turn it off when we leave in the fall. Hopefully the repairman will be able to look at that as well. Number Three: we ordered a new dining room set last Saturday and it was delivered last Wednesday. As they unpacked the dining room table, the delivery people noticed that the side off the table had a gouge. A new one is being delivered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">next</span> week. Number Four: Last night at dinner, one of the dining room chairs split and a piece cracked off. Haven't called the furniture store yet but hoping it can be delivered when they deliver the table. Number Five: need to call Charter Communications because the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DVR</span> that we have through them does not record series. Sure I can go in and schedule one recording but not a series. Number Six: The dining room light fixture that we purchased and had installed this winter was warped and crooked. My dear husband had to take it down. buy a new one and then install it. Today I am picking up the new bicycle that I ordered last week. Hopefully it will be what I want; if not, I'll order another one. I wonder if I am working on my third set of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">threes</span>? Only time will tell.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-79518602095495498242009-04-04T12:04:00.004-04:002009-04-04T12:17:22.350-04:00Quick and Easy Dessert to share<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lMG4TY_05cwLyI6MG1xFNNwGwoo0lSm8qylFMyqx3Mpx66vNjkB0kYj_hfsSjTWn8P1NzJbJJA8ze-pF3l2H8w7UhC3m-qYNemh8FKMjtMHHRN48lqjUNoRtZ8BO8Pgw33tJCo83T8SD/s1600-h/choco+chip+brownies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320870421725527986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lMG4TY_05cwLyI6MG1xFNNwGwoo0lSm8qylFMyqx3Mpx66vNjkB0kYj_hfsSjTWn8P1NzJbJJA8ze-pF3l2H8w7UhC3m-qYNemh8FKMjtMHHRN48lqjUNoRtZ8BO8Pgw33tJCo83T8SD/s320/choco+chip+brownies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I mentioned in my previous post, we needed to bring a snack to the barn on Friday evening. If you know anything about me, I never bring anything too plain. Simple yes but never too plain. So the thought process began in earnest Friday afternoon. I decided to combine chocolate chip cookie dough with a box of brownie mix. This was so simple that I am almost embarrassed to share it with you. Just don't give our little secret away.</div><br /><div>Make the brownie mix according to the directions on the box for a 13 x 9 pan. Pour into the pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Then make any chocolate chip dough mix you like OR buy a box of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chocolate</span> chip dough mix at the grocery store. I believe that Betty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crocker</span> has a mix. Once mixed, pour the mix over the brownie dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">minutes</span>. When it cooled I made a chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ganache</span> to spread on top. Sounds pretty fancy but it is almost as easy as opening a can of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">premade</span> frosting. To make the chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ganache</span> place in a bowl 9 oz of bittersweet chocolate that has been broken into small pieces. At the same time, cook 1 cup of heavy cream in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sauce pot</span> till just before boiling. Once at that stage pour the cream over the chocolate pieces. Let it sit for a little while it melts the chocolate pieces then whisk till it is smooth. Spread it over the brownies and let it sit - yes that is a must. Let it sit for about 4 hours before you cut the brownies otherwise the brownies won't be firm enough to handle the cutting and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ganache</span> will drip all over. Enjoy your dessert.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-26412492783895295042009-04-04T11:00:00.004-04:002009-04-04T11:17:58.781-04:00Barn DancingWe are beginning to have a social life here in our new community thanks to the YMCA. While playing tennis there, Darrell met a woman who invited us to go to Clark's Ole Time Music Center at Clark's saw mill in Raphine. We were game for anything so we put on our best country clothes and joined Renata and her date for a fun evening. We were instructed to being a noni-alcoholic drink and a snack to share. Renata is well known there and she had a table reserved for us at the saw mill.<br /><br />$5 admission is what they charged for a night of clean fun, country music by a live band, door prize and snacks from the communal table. Well, if you know anything about me, I don't know anything about country music. I grew up in the big city (Boston) and moved to a larger one (metro Washington DC) and just wasn't exposed to it. Darrell and I stumbled along learning the 2 step and a few other dances.<br /><br />As we are dancing around the dance floor, we look up at the decorations on the wall. There is a large Confederate flag, pictures of General Lee and other Civil War southern generals. A little out of our element but fun nevertheless. We opened ourselves up to try something different and it was fun, clean entertainment. Everyone was very friendly to us.<br /><br />Last night we went back for our second time. When they announced a Paula Jones dance, I vaguely remembered what it was - women in the inner circle, men in the outer walking in opposite directions. When the whistle blows, the man nearest to you grabs you and takes you for a spin till the whistle blows again.<br /><br />What fun we had and I am sure that we will go back again to Clark's Saw Mill. Before we do that, Darrell wants to go to a western wear store and get a western shirt to wear. He's even talking about buying me boots! (these boots are made for "dancing").<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-21102108098427480902009-04-01T16:39:00.004-04:002009-04-01T17:02:15.570-04:00Stash Sewing Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPdfNtqJGWj3TxZX-WncCf6TNsPEDUCkw06hQ7v33riRTlXF1f3vWyVS-3flvMrQ7tRm4rXY6omzMsUCtUAWOjzF8Riby5T5IfC-8ZHZ3nUwquuBSiT8NbujErOjBCvCBr72sd7CHlxHt/s1600-h/ribbon+dress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830950185883682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPdfNtqJGWj3TxZX-WncCf6TNsPEDUCkw06hQ7v33riRTlXF1f3vWyVS-3flvMrQ7tRm4rXY6omzMsUCtUAWOjzF8Riby5T5IfC-8ZHZ3nUwquuBSiT8NbujErOjBCvCBr72sd7CHlxHt/s320/ribbon+dress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0V2mJuKwHgMWreXyFC8OwuQW5bqDLNme671gBKdEw_mghzLohFZCyWnbCQwTwtMWhNM3huJ8XQ1i8N6wzrX5kmlo3yjUv3HQbqs1TcrxazWY5lAwB4EaUcNgRklix-e4LYZYO-wAT57d/s1600-h/easter+sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830946014005122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0V2mJuKwHgMWreXyFC8OwuQW5bqDLNme671gBKdEw_mghzLohFZCyWnbCQwTwtMWhNM3huJ8XQ1i8N6wzrX5kmlo3yjUv3HQbqs1TcrxazWY5lAwB4EaUcNgRklix-e4LYZYO-wAT57d/s320/easter+sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWggOL0UEB2eOIz70MzCC65y2zB7m6Kuchv00cINm0PwTLS6xBijo8FYtk_knZY7h3UREZ_zgPc9Ibpskhfv3-FPaQpDk3w2QiMMQOBgmn76cspxBj__p9frM0EDWlX1M9fA9ozhxrj9I/s1600-h/cows+small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830945579449970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWggOL0UEB2eOIz70MzCC65y2zB7m6Kuchv00cINm0PwTLS6xBijo8FYtk_knZY7h3UREZ_zgPc9Ibpskhfv3-FPaQpDk3w2QiMMQOBgmn76cspxBj__p9frM0EDWlX1M9fA9ozhxrj9I/s320/cows+small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOExyNshovyMnMTYQshwdwK6zZtCp6JayI3pf6LWbjpIR6KGS5nNXgE9G-SAA42o6QUKkNtGqKItZNeDizNwNXT2BKjs6RO9h4thRDyfsIrfJ67nS4S3J9tiD9zwV2J6h9RGzI8qharoAR/s1600-h/charlotte+2+sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830947915955506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOExyNshovyMnMTYQshwdwK6zZtCp6JayI3pf6LWbjpIR6KGS5nNXgE9G-SAA42o6QUKkNtGqKItZNeDizNwNXT2BKjs6RO9h4thRDyfsIrfJ67nS4S3J9tiD9zwV2J6h9RGzI8qharoAR/s320/charlotte+2+sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqu_jXUZTQZAIAI1-mgIaIY5Kl5U6WNfbMnzxiePTx-uJHRwIMKWX2iIRanMeft5Qhb03RbSdaLbMvF-LoLzQOtV_otOgYzifOSEJUcC5ovK3bko0GtsG1Fzq9K8l8kaJtmgsrMAi5UxD/s1600-h/charlotte+green+sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830940484460402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqu_jXUZTQZAIAI1-mgIaIY5Kl5U6WNfbMnzxiePTx-uJHRwIMKWX2iIRanMeft5Qhb03RbSdaLbMvF-LoLzQOtV_otOgYzifOSEJUcC5ovK3bko0GtsG1Fzq9K8l8kaJtmgsrMAi5UxD/s320/charlotte+green+sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I belong to an online group over at Delphi Forums comprised of women who love to smock and sew heirloom clothing. If you are a sew you are familiar with your fabric stash. Stash are those pieces of fabric that we buy knowing exactly what we are going to do with it but just don't get around to do that sewing. Then we see another gorgeous piece of fabric and buy that as well. And we keep buying and buying. The purpose of this contest challenged us not to purchase anything. However, if we need something to finish an outfit such as a button, then we are able to purchase it. We get points base how much smocking there is in an outfit, whether it was a new technique, how old the fabric is, etc. I entered this challenged not expecting to win but instead being challenged to finish some UFO's (unfinished objects) and to use some of the fabric that is taking up space in at least one closet and a chest of drawers! Anyway, I wanted to share a few of my favorite outfits that I sewed this past month.</div><br /><div>If you are a smocker, let me invite you to our site: <a href="http://forums.delphiforums.com/Heirloom/start">http://forums.delphiforums.com/Heirloom/start</a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-8013509625945271712009-03-31T22:17:00.005-04:002009-03-31T22:54:27.206-04:00The Big Read<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyjLz_72ekOaKH1veEFOxcChkKH0qGkidJlQ8-XqLVzZiTNllHNYU5m18KffsNvZ10b19izEjsksAxSo5rCpwcniqOImjcil5Oiq-Ee3xHFqHGeSv_4MqhMk45-DJGlNl_onKzZOx4yIH/s1600-h/the_maltese_falcon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319546571889551106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyjLz_72ekOaKH1veEFOxcChkKH0qGkidJlQ8-XqLVzZiTNllHNYU5m18KffsNvZ10b19izEjsksAxSo5rCpwcniqOImjcil5Oiq-Ee3xHFqHGeSv_4MqhMk45-DJGlNl_onKzZOx4yIH/s320/the_maltese_falcon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Okay, okay...I've been amiss and haven't written in awhile...okay it's been longer than awhile. We have settled into our new home and our community and are constantly finding to new things to see and do.</div><br /><div>In February we learned about The Big Read. What the heck is The Big Read you ask. Let me tell you. Here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Staunton</span> we have a Community Foundation that ordered thousands of copies of a book that they had chosen for the community to read. These books were given out free encouraging everyone to read this book together. Last year was the first year that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Staunton</span> participated in The Big Read and they read "To Kill a Mockingbird." This year the Community Foundation chose the book "The Maltese Falcon" by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Daschiel</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hammett</span>. Every day there was at least one activity to participate in. Daily the public library had a community leader come to the library and read a chapter aloud and then discussion followed. One evening the costume designer from The American Shakespeare Center spoke about the fashion during the time of The Maltese Falcon. One Friday evening there was a mystery dinner tied in to the book. When I say that the community participated in it, you have to realize how many did. Senior high students were required to read the book across the county; books were given <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">out</span> at the YMCA, bookstores, banks, etc. Tonight was the culmination of the month long study. It was a free showing of the movie at our local independent theatre. In attendance was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hammettt's</span> granddaughter Julie as well as another individual (and I forgot his name) who has made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hammet</span> a study of his. Every seat in the theatre was filled. Before the movie his granddaughter told us to look for scenes that were added and not in the book as well as scenes that were deleted from the book. It was so exciting to see all these citizens watching the movie and then staying for the question and answer period. Here is the link to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NEA's</span> site about The Big Read across the country: <a href="http://www.neabigread.org/">http://www.neabigread.org/</a> I encourage you all to go to your community leaders as well as your public library and have your community participate in The Big Read next year.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-14890993713516974522008-11-12T23:00:00.003-05:002008-11-19T17:46:31.874-05:00A Delicious New DipI recently found a wonderful blog with many different recipes. As I looked over her recipes, my eyes lit up ....a new dip that hadn't made the rounds. The dip was suppose to taste like one of my favorite foods - jalapeno poppers filled with cream cheese. Could it be...could it actually taste like poppers? I quickly gathered all the ingredients, followed her directions and brought it with me as I went to a friend's home. Immediately I was told how delicious it was and had requests for the recipe. I wrote to Robin at <a href="http://www.bigredkitchen.com/">http://www.bigredkitchen.com/</a> and asked her permission to reprint her recipe on my blog. She graciously responded that I could. She wanted me to let you know that her inspiration was a recipe from <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">http://www.allrecipes.com/</a> Please head on over to Robin's blog and see the rest of her recipes as well as reading what she does with her family's excess Halloween candy. Just a warning --- do not have anything in your mouth when you read her blog abobut the candy or you'll end up losing it.<br /><br />Jalapeño Popper Dip<br />2- 8 ounce packages cream cheese, room temp<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br />1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese<br />1/2 cup Parmesan cheese<br />1- 4 ounce can chopped green chilies<br />1- 4 ounce can sliced jalapeños- double if you like heat (I used 1/2 of one can and it was perfect for me)<br /><br />1 cup panko bread crumbs<br />1/2 cup Parmesan cheese<br />1/2 stick butter, melted<br />In a food processor add the first 6 ingredients and process until smooth. You do not need to drain either can of peppers. Spread the dip into a greased 2 quart casserole. In a bowl mix bread crumbs and the other 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Pour melted butter over top crumb mixture and mix well. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the dip and bake in a 375° oven for about 20 minutes. You want the top to get browned and the dip to be heated through and bubble gently on the edges. Do not over heat this dish or the mayonnaise with separate and you will have a grease puddle in your dip. Serve with Buttery crackers or a sliced French baguette. Serves 8-10.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-3854968482780231352008-11-03T20:09:00.002-05:002008-11-03T20:21:06.397-05:00Buffalo Chicken SandwichesI have always loved things that had "Buffalo chicken" in it yet at the same time, I dislike all the heat that some of these items have. Having had a Buffalo Chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Panini</span> recently and found it absolutely delicious, I thought that I would try my own. I don't have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Panini</span> maker (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">and if</span> anyone would like to send me one, I would graciously accept it) so I made it in a similar style as a grilled cheese sandwich. First I buttered the outside of a nice hearty white bread. On the inside I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">spread</span> blue cheese salad dressing and put some hot sauce on top of it. Put a little more than what you think. On top of that dressing, I put a few slices of Havarti cheese. Sliced chicken from the deli followed and then again the Havarti and finally the other slice of bread with blue cheese salad dressing with the hot sauce. I cooked these in an electric skillet with a weight on top. After a few minutes, I flipped them to the other side. Serving these hot, we had a great meal on a Sunday afternoon.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-42933916841964241572008-11-02T15:34:00.005-05:002008-11-02T21:52:31.501-05:00The Tale of a Christening Gown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCk638z_6cllxmduBdRhwKGathM4FhnbTo9mWTCcg4m7w49u2qlkPSyvZPoLI6q9g6eAItnNPop23gev9UsbazaZmrBLUVo4mWixvhMHPV6veoa7985LJUS1zuCJZxhA_uktZzadjVfWL/s1600-h/P1010986.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264183558598701778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCk638z_6cllxmduBdRhwKGathM4FhnbTo9mWTCcg4m7w49u2qlkPSyvZPoLI6q9g6eAItnNPop23gev9UsbazaZmrBLUVo4mWixvhMHPV6veoa7985LJUS1zuCJZxhA_uktZzadjVfWL/s320/P1010986.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw_utNWY4CSruvorVVqOon8QGp6YFRuDteoU2KOi-pBQFELV1shNXPk8ZQdk5s0bcbMg2DDuA9WDKpfsArdsxdXFDoC_cGPoKF0VceM3TPBsNWw8uXAeCBa0m2j5S_pYha5uyOiZ2kvRL/s1600-h/P1010983.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264183561314474418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw_utNWY4CSruvorVVqOon8QGp6YFRuDteoU2KOi-pBQFELV1shNXPk8ZQdk5s0bcbMg2DDuA9WDKpfsArdsxdXFDoC_cGPoKF0VceM3TPBsNWw8uXAeCBa0m2j5S_pYha5uyOiZ2kvRL/s320/P1010983.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8NdEQGquvTi2nGSavQR6Z2O0f7iJQe3i7iLJIAJzdn1yh6rQUbzQ754EIciZdzV_CMkUh2kbCP7jYbND7cd5T0aiA5HNYgZ8OZQ55zCYZF7FmS942kIPMULtWUaAMNzHEPz3H7DjT1mp/s1600-h/P1010984.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264183553512798018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8NdEQGquvTi2nGSavQR6Z2O0f7iJQe3i7iLJIAJzdn1yh6rQUbzQ754EIciZdzV_CMkUh2kbCP7jYbND7cd5T0aiA5HNYgZ8OZQ55zCYZF7FmS942kIPMULtWUaAMNzHEPz3H7DjT1mp/s320/P1010984.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Towards the end of my time up north, our son's girlfriend Haley asked if would make and smock a christening gown for her sister's baby who was due the end of October. That's an opportunity that any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">smocker</span> would love to have. I was in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dilemma</span> - the timing wasn't good for me. I was in the process of going back to Virginia, less than a month later our daughter Lisa was getting married and then 2 days after that I was leaving for Atlanta for the smocking convention. After spending some time talking with Haley and thinking about what I could do that would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">alleviate</span> any stress on me, I proposed a solution. My friend and fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">smocker</span>/sewer Judy from Alabama would sew the gown for me and I would smock it. Haley jumped on it and thought it was a great solution - after all I would STILL be smocking it and it would STILL be handmade and become an heirloom. Judy and I conferred about the design, a basic square yoke dress, and the size, able to fit a newborn. It would be made out of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">drapeable</span> silk with insertion laces and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">entredeux</span>. There would be smocking on the short sleeves and mother of pearl buttons on the back. We ordered the fabric from Jan at <a href="http://www.bessiemary.com/">http://www.bessiemary.com/</a> in Texas who was such an immense help with her suggestions for fabric (which we purchased from her) as well as the laces. She shipped it off to Judy and then Judy began sewing. As she was sewing, I was helping to finish up last minute details for the wedding. It was finished and mailed to me just before the wedding. I was able to bring it with me to show Haley and her parents, although still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">unsmocked</span> at this point. When I returned from Atlanta, the smocking began. The silk was ivory in color and I smocked in tone on tone with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">goldish</span> color for accent, very rich looking and gender neutral. Finished it up, mailed it to parents and received the day before she went into labor. Mother, grandmother and aunt were ecstatic and loved it. Can't wait to see pictures of the still unborn baby in the gown. <strong>News flash----baby boy born Nov. 2nd at almost 10 pounds!!</strong></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-22374243873685020092008-11-02T11:43:00.003-05:002008-11-02T11:49:59.197-05:00Tapas Anyone?Always looking to expand my culinary skills and new dishes into our household, I thought I would try making a tapa. Darrell and I went to a tapas bar in Frederick, Maryland a year ago (I think it was Isabella's) and we tried a few tapas. One in particular was outstanding. I have been on a hunt for that recipe ever since. Well I found one that came close to it - found it in a cookbook at TJMaxx for just $2.99. I grabbed my prized possession and headed home with it. The recipe I am referring to is an Asparagus with Aioli Sauce.<br /><br />First you need to make the aioli sauce. I did mine in our blender but you could use an electric beater as well.<br /><br />1 egg yolk, <br />2 garlic cloves (less if you don't like garlic because it is very garlicky)<br />1 tbs lemon juice<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br />Blend well. Add in, drop by drop, 5 tablespoons of olive oil while you are blending or beating. Once it starts to thicken you can add in a steady stream. Then add in 5 tablespoon corn oil the same way. The sauce should be thick and smooth. If it is too thick for dipping, you can add in 1 tbs of water so that it forms the consistency of sauce - your call<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put 1 tbs of olive oil on cooking sheet (I put down aluminum foil first - easier clean-up). Snap end of asparagus spears - don't use too thin stalks, they won't hold up. Don't use too thick ones, too tough. Now, you can wrap the spear with half a slice of proscuitto (I didn't). Put the spears in the pan and cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.<br /><br />My variation was to bread the spears first. Don't use regular breadcrumbs. See if you can find Panko breadcrumbs, they are not as fine. I use the egg white, beat it up, rolled the spear in it, dipped in crumbs and then repeat it. Then I put the spears on the sheet to bake.<br /><br />My spears were thin so I couldn't so what I wanted which was to put the sauce in a wine glass and then have the cooked spears sticking out. What I ended up doing was to lay the spears on a plate and then drizzle the sauce over.<br /><br />These were gone in about 5 minutes. An easy to make yet delicious and different appetizer. Stay tuned while I make more tapas in the coming weeks.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-19152425862371216742008-10-29T19:32:00.004-04:002008-10-29T19:44:49.780-04:00Cuban Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWluytmA1NldpkgPsMb_PpU2qrYIx4ZTXyyQGQnkVlNWgZEsya4706I5uelsXDCeMj_fWcSwCZkydj-91nlowXI1fpgZy9SdfBNt_QkzCrs4f7Rnw6tgwUFxdQrb3yts7FcAS3EdmAwVYS/s1600-h/mojito-pepper-chicken1_small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262725759924171202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWluytmA1NldpkgPsMb_PpU2qrYIx4ZTXyyQGQnkVlNWgZEsya4706I5uelsXDCeMj_fWcSwCZkydj-91nlowXI1fpgZy9SdfBNt_QkzCrs4f7Rnw6tgwUFxdQrb3yts7FcAS3EdmAwVYS/s320/mojito-pepper-chicken1_small.jpg" border="0" /></a> What to make for dinner....a dilemma that we all face. I get bored with the same old stuff and love to try out new recipes. Since I knew that I would be busy and it was chilly outside, I thought it would be a perfect day for a crockpot dinner. Now to find the right one. I wanted one that didn't have cans of cream of ___________ (fill in the blank) soup. I'm trying to eat a little healthier so that was a consideration as well. After flipping through different web sites I found it! Eureka...it seemed to fit my criteria. It is a Cuban chicken crockpot dish called <strong>Mojito Chicken</strong>. Looking over the ingredients I saw that it took a half cup of rum....hmmm, I don't drink much, was this going to be too strong or just the right punch. I decided to give it a try.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>MOJITO CHICKEN<br /></strong>Ingredients<br />6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves<br />2 teaspoon cumin<br />1 1/2 teaspoon cayenne<br />1 1/2 teaspoon salt<br />2 teaspoon paprika<br />3 Tablespoons butter<br />4 cloves garlic<br />2 shallots, thinly sliced<br />4 limes (used for zest and juice)<br />1/2 cup light rum<br />1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes<br />1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes<br />3 Tablespoons fresh mint, chiffonade<br />2 Tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped<br />3 Roma tomatoes, diced<br />3 cups cooked rice<br />Garnish:<br />Fresh lime wedges and fresh sprigs of mint and the thyme.<br />Method<br />Season chicken breasts with cumin, cayenne, salt, and paprika. Place chicken breasts in 3-4 quart crock pot, add butter, garlic, shallots, 2 tablespoons lime zest, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and rum. Cover and cook on medium for 4-6 hours. Stir in cubed bell peppers, mint, thyme, and tomatoes. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 hours. Remove Mojito Pepper Chicken to serving platter with rice and garnish with fresh lime wedges and sprigs of mint and thyme.<br />Notes: If preparing this dish prior to work or a full day of activities, you may prepare the bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs in advance. Then upon returning home, just stir these in to complete the preparation of this entree.<br />Number of Servings: 6</div><br /><div></div><div>It was absolutely delicious and so easy. Of course, I had to make some Mojitos to drink to go along with this recipe. As far as the taste of the rum, there wasn't any and from what I understand the alcohol is cooked off. Let me know if you liked it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-71660917029283602692008-10-27T09:14:00.005-04:002008-10-27T11:07:22.495-04:00Blue Ridge Parkway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ictRWF1S5Oa3rWZZuwylEaRQebG7mgD7Dd1Cxc0R7tLJGNPKveSisZ6m__Qx6_OOEC6TatdGTnE54Z4xNa59eeiE5LESE5Ngwpk0Vp_kGBJ1gO20vietP_pj9n-Vn7U7t1S-hvQup4GY/s1600-h/P1010933.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261850243628894162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ictRWF1S5Oa3rWZZuwylEaRQebG7mgD7Dd1Cxc0R7tLJGNPKveSisZ6m__Qx6_OOEC6TatdGTnE54Z4xNa59eeiE5LESE5Ngwpk0Vp_kGBJ1gO20vietP_pj9n-Vn7U7t1S-hvQup4GY/s320/P1010933.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFabMqHVbQJlZX8T9dfvbGqkpqWBC0p3kwGvV8twmhMoiCe8DlIplsFJin6n9iiJMvsQMRCw3oEL6yf59Z10yIFiyTKIbNQhXI4afrZXoP_dXtzqzYFBVRx-fB_T4Iyze10tlJOeZaMWAX/s1600-h/P1010940.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261850240755945106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFabMqHVbQJlZX8T9dfvbGqkpqWBC0p3kwGvV8twmhMoiCe8DlIplsFJin6n9iiJMvsQMRCw3oEL6yf59Z10yIFiyTKIbNQhXI4afrZXoP_dXtzqzYFBVRx-fB_T4Iyze10tlJOeZaMWAX/s320/P1010940.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Tb9qKcZUcRNeDttqaRqvq5VxiayzzC36f3ZBYvfECdreoX7b5NqfCFpGeKoyY0HTlLXH4QYld6YTmpTZQKbjtr5pGNnFe4I8ZxMsEYp4E8sBtPCt5mB20agir-9CLg8BOMh8mPKin1aw/s1600-h/P1010883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261850236071900018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Tb9qKcZUcRNeDttqaRqvq5VxiayzzC36f3ZBYvfECdreoX7b5NqfCFpGeKoyY0HTlLXH4QYld6YTmpTZQKbjtr5pGNnFe4I8ZxMsEYp4E8sBtPCt5mB20agir-9CLg8BOMh8mPKin1aw/s320/P1010883.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6f6kjsVXGyGzpbfC93-yOoqHtj1UY_nWzel8EN7c-p8PO3Lrk6G1yJCxZ-_jbrTBIS5lL_FgXUmUIF3ozlGYYebtfU4rLw1y8nkH4FYH81MYsTfzuYMg2CdCqI9g1yIijsCJACI5peNO/s1600-h/P1010891.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261850226463730626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6f6kjsVXGyGzpbfC93-yOoqHtj1UY_nWzel8EN7c-p8PO3Lrk6G1yJCxZ-_jbrTBIS5lL_FgXUmUIF3ozlGYYebtfU4rLw1y8nkH4FYH81MYsTfzuYMg2CdCqI9g1yIijsCJACI5peNO/s320/P1010891.JPG" border="0" /></a> After visiting Atlanta, we headed home. We wanted to take our time and enjoy our trip. So often we just drive from point to point and don't stop along the way. We left on a bright and a little cool Sunday afternoon. We drove out on Georgia and at our first exit in South Carolina, we got off the beaten path. We went on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Stopped off at an Oktoberfest where we listened to an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oompa</span> Band, ate kettle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">korn</span>, a funnel cake and then walked around. We then went on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">short</span> hike to a waterfall that was a little disappointing because there wasn't much water. That evening we got as far as Henderson, North Carolina. What a neat little town that is. We went downtown and poked around looking for a restaurant to have dinner in. Believe it or not, we had 3 good choice for us. We ended up eating at an Irish Pub. I had Bangers and Mashers and Darrell had Irish Pot Roast. Both were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">excellent</span>.<br /><br />The next morning we got up and drove to Chimney Rock. I didn't climb up to the chimney, though Darrell did. I took the 26 story elevator up. I didn't ventured too far once at the top on the wooden planked bridge. Hey, there was nothing but air under the bridge and you know, heights is one of my many phobias. I sat and looked, a little. I did climb down the stairs back to the parking lot. We walked on a few of the hiking trails. It was in the 60's, warm, sunny bright blue sky and the leaves were in full foliage. Just a perfect day. As we drove along to get to the interstate, we passed a small little area that had a few shops and people sitting outside. We turned around, parked and looked around. We had found that we were in a little planned community of condos in an area called Black Rock. What a great, almost hippie type community this was. We had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">great</span> lunch to boot. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Darrell</span> had a blackened chicken, spinach and garlic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mayonnaise</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wrap</span> sandwich and I had a Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich. Then we were off again. While driving through Hickory we stopped at a Furniture Mart - not too impressed but we understand that there was a 20 mile stretch of furniture stores just a few miles away. We decided to skip it and keep driving.<br /><br />Our stop for the night was at Mt. Airy. Now if any of you grew up in the 60's or are a fan of TV Land, then you know why Mt. Airy is important. It is the actual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mayberry</span> of the old Andy Griffith television show. I kept whistling the theme to the Andy Griffith <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tv</span> show and was excited to be there. We ate dinner at Goober's and although we did not go downtown, there was a Lucky Diner and Floyd's Barber Shop. Trivia Question: who was Barney Fife's girlfriend - character name- on the television show?<br /><br />Up bright and early the next morning, drove to the North Carolina/Virginia border and hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway. My memory of it from decades earlier was that it was very windy and around many dangerous curves. NOT! It was a very nice road and the leaves were just so beautiful. I was so glad that we got off the interstate and made this drive. We drove by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">famous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mawby</span> Mill and took lots of photos. Got off the parkway in Roanoke,, had lunch at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Panera</span> and then were only 90 minutes from home. A great trip home. </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-88661297763967837022008-10-26T16:17:00.003-04:002008-10-26T18:21:17.037-04:00Smocking in Atlanta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwabtIFHxgrAMZcUHOUByh9DhSu0wfeqaK7JRvDbMIJp55QodLskJe_KWlylaE0S7hGC3Y5LrIvQbYH6GswuhRz7s2j1_unY6NQ2L9_8tYwhI65uKgkl3IZKHn3PUEPwlIJ8zTTncqWvUz/s1600-h/P1010341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261591074463178482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwabtIFHxgrAMZcUHOUByh9DhSu0wfeqaK7JRvDbMIJp55QodLskJe_KWlylaE0S7hGC3Y5LrIvQbYH6GswuhRz7s2j1_unY6NQ2L9_8tYwhI65uKgkl3IZKHn3PUEPwlIJ8zTTncqWvUz/s320/P1010341.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PpvAiAjVju2K1RWTiPpN9UNi2_6V8mGOHheDGo1JMaplYcwcFZKYzfH5Dkzce9aWy_aXlnFrcKSHCKrJboIZm_-2PyACxPUEwb9HTDz9REhSF-nNsNSAOgahxkPBnUWbzPt6gIO59-VF/s1600-h/P1010336.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261590581826482002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PpvAiAjVju2K1RWTiPpN9UNi2_6V8mGOHheDGo1JMaplYcwcFZKYzfH5Dkzce9aWy_aXlnFrcKSHCKrJboIZm_-2PyACxPUEwb9HTDz9REhSF-nNsNSAOgahxkPBnUWbzPt6gIO59-VF/s320/P1010336.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the wedding Darrell and I went to Atlanta so I could attend my first every SAGA convention. For those of you who are wondering what is a SAGA, it is Smocking Arts Guild of America. I began smocking almost 25 years ago when Lisa was only a few months old. I smocked most of her dresses until she reached third grade and then she just didn't care for the clothes I made her. I accepted it and moved on to other things. About 10 years later when I was working in the schools, we had a lot of young pregnant teachers. Rather than throwing $10 into a pot to buy the teacher a gift, I decided that I would get a yard of fabric and smock them a dress instead. They all loved a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">handsmocked</span> dress. I realized how much I missed smocking and how much I really liked it. I've never been real sure of my skills of smocking or sewing - it was fine for me but how was I really doing. The purpose of convention was to further the tradition of smocking and learning new skills. I promptly signed up for convention and on May 1st signed up for the classes that I wanted during the five days of convention.<br /><div><div><div></div><br /><div>I asked Judy to be my roommate, she agreed and it was now waiting time for October 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> to come. Darrell drove me down and then he went camping for a week while I was holed up in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Peachtree</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Westin</span> (gee, sorry about that Darrell!!!). I took two classes with Gail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Doane</span>, a class with Judith Adams, and a class with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Vaune</span> Pierce. Some classes I felt that I was way ahead of the curve, others were just perfect and one I was behind the curve. The best part of the convention was meeting all the Delphi ladies. One of the groups on Delphi is for Smocking and Heirloom Sewing hosted by Robin. I have been a member of this board for about 7 years having only met two members in person. Although I didn't know most of the ladies in person, I felt like I knew them, and they of me. It was great putting a face and personality to a name on the board. They were and are a great group of ladies and I look forward to more conventions with them! If you want to "lurk" and check it out, here is the link: <a href="http://forums.delphiforums.com/Heirloom/start">http://forums.delphiforums.com/Heirloom/start</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-75247715619339471072008-10-22T15:03:00.010-04:002008-10-23T14:54:05.603-04:00The Wedding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22eajvAmyMvwGwuFo0e0QH5bRoaeYlFJAD5r6iv7x2gU0_51_q1XUCttE6amAUO42skPn0umDdSFyQpNIpgAd0RpofNEHcK0-DAFQUwc68tWf53W14V3RCantuvTHQPhCGjejaGqLjuyJ/s1600-h/DSC_0312.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260062975394100466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22eajvAmyMvwGwuFo0e0QH5bRoaeYlFJAD5r6iv7x2gU0_51_q1XUCttE6amAUO42skPn0umDdSFyQpNIpgAd0RpofNEHcK0-DAFQUwc68tWf53W14V3RCantuvTHQPhCGjejaGqLjuyJ/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeSHvz62mS6FNH6hleqvVA3rkRU7rOdnc6BcWG72mhWAAkIUKQBF21nph_TG7BGmSdplk4z5_sBxj9RFeAWju3gv77VZ2oeOjKnoDxUI5YHEu2EH94YF9pzfRQqFxLj_7JmwujuyWNpje/s1600-h/DSC_0332.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260062985523308434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeSHvz62mS6FNH6hleqvVA3rkRU7rOdnc6BcWG72mhWAAkIUKQBF21nph_TG7BGmSdplk4z5_sBxj9RFeAWju3gv77VZ2oeOjKnoDxUI5YHEu2EH94YF9pzfRQqFxLj_7JmwujuyWNpje/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSTGGaJfRIaSY7EP9KzQBy2t4eaYsiNFK3_K_6wfGKr1VXu2xzdCLiXwHjH6wvZrNTgdwW3QYb0FWfyokW0fNN_aq0-tR5EHyTGxA7LHuDwXprDS5Ndk-sQtFS5pvpOZ2Tip7P_afyeMQ/s1600-h/DSC_0347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260062999069724722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSTGGaJfRIaSY7EP9KzQBy2t4eaYsiNFK3_K_6wfGKr1VXu2xzdCLiXwHjH6wvZrNTgdwW3QYb0FWfyokW0fNN_aq0-tR5EHyTGxA7LHuDwXprDS5Ndk-sQtFS5pvpOZ2Tip7P_afyeMQ/s320/DSC_0347.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8WwjnNQ6O-RfVFDjuYy15w1DT3L4YPV-pQljl3s0i1StGr6pwDCuxWPsTN82YvJ_amH3E91aPirFeKoSHslFrzYjUMbV90YCpqX4N86wtm3ug7dC1zWktNeG-7hq_Gw5udJ3QqMyx5Zn/s1600-h/DSC_0388.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260063008428505154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8WwjnNQ6O-RfVFDjuYy15w1DT3L4YPV-pQljl3s0i1StGr6pwDCuxWPsTN82YvJ_amH3E91aPirFeKoSHslFrzYjUMbV90YCpqX4N86wtm3ug7dC1zWktNeG-7hq_Gw5udJ3QqMyx5Zn/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1W4cXS35OzwD5AvuSs3irW1QbJSIb7pomhFlwAsv-HOeNqCGgbgWA0qSlKP_sluRQd6a50877oW_TKDCc5u16A1rIvM3OQB9koMrj7AGq-N5AqsXUh32zcUYi2QA4xpp8XWWO2YylIAL/s1600-h/DSC_0413.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260063021604655554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1W4cXS35OzwD5AvuSs3irW1QbJSIb7pomhFlwAsv-HOeNqCGgbgWA0qSlKP_sluRQd6a50877oW_TKDCc5u16A1rIvM3OQB9koMrj7AGq-N5AqsXUh32zcUYi2QA4xpp8XWWO2YylIAL/s320/DSC_0413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>What can I say about our daughter's wedding? As a parent you hope that it is all that your child wants it to be but realistic to know that something always goes wrong. You try to prepare them for that possibility. In this case, nothing went wrong and it was a fairy tale wedding. </div><br /><div>Lisa was radiant in her dress and the big, broad smile never left her face. As she walked out of the Willow Manor Country Estate house, she locked eyes on Nate. No one else existed for her. Her father became very sentimental when he gave her away with love. They were surrounded with family and friends as they exchanged vows. As they were pronounced man and wife, there was a jubilant cheer among all of us. They walked back down the aisle to the strains of "All I Want is You" from the movie Juno. A little corny but just so perfect for their wedding.</div><br /><div>Following pictures, the reception began. Willow Manor could not have looked any more beautiful as it did on this warm October night. The white table linens topped with navy blue table toppers with the silver plate chargers and the china looked beatiful with the hurricane lanterns and the large candle pillars with navy blue ribbons. They were on top of mirror squares with small votives surrounding them. Along the pool were many luminaries in white bags and then we floated candles in the pool. Picture Perfect!</div><br /><div>Nothing makes a wedding a hit as much as the food and most importantly, the DJ and boy, did Rodney rock. We were all out there dancing as much as we could either by ourselves, our partners or anyone we could grab. At the end of the evening when the reception was just about over, everyone wanted to take up a collection and have Rodney stay and play more but the bride , after a long day preparing for the wedding, the entire wedding party and parents were tired and anxious to rest a little. We could not have asked for more for Lisa and Nate's wedding. Thank you Margaret, the owner and wedding consultant at Willow Manor Country Estate in Providence Forge, Virginia.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-42451675436994085492008-10-01T12:00:00.005-04:002008-10-06T08:58:58.563-04:00Getting ready for the Wedding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiqJZipReKL1951whMwcyder2QQyO4Q8POe88WMMK-UH0AZE5vubab4Ze1C-W2hW_iuEmHeGM_pDg-fAs4198dA21rSRabfN7hO_YpvHxrq8tDvE3hDcr9flOWSNqxLoNSaW27I4IXuHp/s1600-h/DSC_5171.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252217887270545394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiqJZipReKL1951whMwcyder2QQyO4Q8POe88WMMK-UH0AZE5vubab4Ze1C-W2hW_iuEmHeGM_pDg-fAs4198dA21rSRabfN7hO_YpvHxrq8tDvE3hDcr9flOWSNqxLoNSaW27I4IXuHp/s320/DSC_5171.JPG" border="0" /></a> I went to Richmond on Friday to have a chance to go over some wedding details with Lisa and to take her shopping. We hit Short Pump Mall running on Saturday morning.We had a successful and tiring day. That evening we waited for her brother Chris to drive down; he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wa</span>s coming down to take photos of her at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maymount</span> Park in Richmond - casual and fun wedding photos. When he arrived we went out to eat dinner at a wonderful Cuban <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">restaurant</span> called <strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kuba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kuba</span>.</em></strong> Their Cuban pork with rice and black beans were delicious and enough to have several more meals from your doggy bag. Sunday morning we picked Chris up and drove to the park. Lisa put on her wedding gown and off we went. Thank goodness it was her brother taking the photos; I don't think she would have done half the things he asked her to do (can't tell you because I'd give away the secrets). We finished just before the rain drops began. After that, we had a marathon meeting at Willow Manor where the wedding will be. We thought we were on top of things but the wedding coordinator gave us lots to think about. We left on overload but do have a list to work through. I just can't believe the wedding will be in 10 days but more important - I can't believe our daughter is getting married. When did she become old enough to marry? What happened to playing make believe on a blanket in the back yard with Angela, tea parties with her daddy, wanting to cuddle with us at night. It really does seem like yesterday though going through all the different stages it seemed to last forever. We have been very blessed with our daughter (and all of our sons too).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-27439238476092329362008-09-21T17:47:00.003-04:002008-09-21T18:05:40.101-04:00It's Time for Soup!I love soup even during the summer months. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">participated</span> in a craft show at the Lake this summer and to fill in my table space, I sold soup in 32 ounce containers. The best seller was my Artichoke and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sausage</span> soup. It is an unusual combination; one that I wouldn't have thought on my own. As I was leaving the Lake, I received a request for 4 containers of the soup from one family. Hope you enjoy the soup as much as we do.<br /><br />Artichoke Sausage Soup<br /><br />2 onions, chopped<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />2 TBS olive oil<br />1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed<br />2 14 oz cans artichoke hearts, drained<br />3 14 oz cans Italian plum tomatoes<br />3-4 c rich beef broth ( or more depending how you like your soup)<br />2 TBS balsamic vinegar<br />½ tsp Italian seasonings<br />1 TBS chopped fresh oregano (can use dried)<br />1 TBS chopped fresh basil (can use dry)<br />Freshly ground pepper<br />Fresh chopped parsley<br /><br />Saute onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until transparent. Brown sausage in separate pan, Drain. In soup pot, combine meat and vegetable mixture, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer for 30 minutes. May be made a day ahead. Fifteen minutes before serving add balsamic vinegar, Italian seasonings, oregano and basil. Garnish with parsley and pass the pepper mill.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-37777784360234510532008-08-31T14:48:00.003-04:002008-08-31T14:52:03.435-04:00Mamma Mia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRuvdIbBjLZQEHodReOAA121b7rVN2GsCK-44gsOZwobb7bKBRTcA1Zsd8KbZwkLdu_PmQmlihAuLFmwEl5RX8jSQMWaEbYLljiDkZCbJQEsgVAc2Vtrc0LdsU33goVLkyAdi2I5cwDEs/s1600-h/mamma2-(2)_thumbnail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240755656912069058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRuvdIbBjLZQEHodReOAA121b7rVN2GsCK-44gsOZwobb7bKBRTcA1Zsd8KbZwkLdu_PmQmlihAuLFmwEl5RX8jSQMWaEbYLljiDkZCbJQEsgVAc2Vtrc0LdsU33goVLkyAdi2I5cwDEs/s320/mamma2-(2)_thumbnail.jpg" border="0" /></a> Okay, I admit it...I LOVE the movie "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mamma</span> Mia." I love it so much that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">have</span> seen it four times already. I think that I know the script by heart now but I will say, each time I see it, I see something or hear something that I hadn't heard before. Pierce <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brosnan</span> can't sing but looking at him makes up for it. Who knew that Meryl had such great vocals <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">particularly</span> in "Winner Takes All." If you are going to see it, stay through all of the credits, there is a surprise at the end and it is fun. Sing out loud at the movie and enjoy it for what it is worth....a fun, lighthearted movie with songs that we all know.<br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-61400868673049028792008-08-26T09:17:00.005-04:002008-09-03T08:45:17.673-04:00BINGO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvePIsuNa77CdFGGM0nYte9OB37hWPAzwjXaSGlx5PqhG9ilGcuaTT8BydjqNLrLd37NwXZdtcEC13N-bnfFBbEJHIMBFENbMJmf_G_eE9pRRBwsIrzHxLDePuUxVosGjbjU_TbG4AaQ8/s1600-h/CIMG2215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241774929638508146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvePIsuNa77CdFGGM0nYte9OB37hWPAzwjXaSGlx5PqhG9ilGcuaTT8BydjqNLrLd37NwXZdtcEC13N-bnfFBbEJHIMBFENbMJmf_G_eE9pRRBwsIrzHxLDePuUxVosGjbjU_TbG4AaQ8/s320/CIMG2215.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpLEEefORTrLEjzxvSX3sENDyOSO-Owkx9QUntt4MA26PaG74ZxTUVNqO9jEENzTPwNlRdsERr6IMpRmgTNIMepuCj3jw2w_U7U-yRJIPFuFh4m3EYRZbOKKsydbIABTKsfm9Q5XbbmOK/s1600-h/CIMG2214.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241774932405337474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpLEEefORTrLEjzxvSX3sENDyOSO-Owkx9QUntt4MA26PaG74ZxTUVNqO9jEENzTPwNlRdsERr6IMpRmgTNIMepuCj3jw2w_U7U-yRJIPFuFh4m3EYRZbOKKsydbIABTKsfm9Q5XbbmOK/s320/CIMG2214.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Monday nights are Bingo nights for me here at Mullett Lake. I usually go into Cheboygan with a group from the Lake. I used to drive and take the ladies in but since I began doing that, I never won so now I drive myself and I win. I still sit with the ladies, I just don't drive them. I usually get to the Knights of Columbus hall around 5:45 for dinner. Dinner will cost anywhere between $1.50 and $3.00 and it is all homemade by "the guys" except for the pizza which comes in from "This Old House" a great pizza place here in town. Last night there was homemade hamburger vegetable soup, brats on a bun, and hot dogs. Of course, there is popcorn, candy bars, ice cream during break, soft drinks, etc. Bought my cards from all the guys lined up to sell it to me. Began with speedball...I was close but obviously not close enough. After speedball came early bird where in the first game you had to have an "X" to win. Nope, didn't win that but I did win the next game having a "T" on my card. I was the only winner and won $47. The night was starting off good. Later I went on to win $5 when someone bingoed on my number that I bought for a dollar and then another $5 when I won on second chance bingo. A successful night and I am still driving by myself!</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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<!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14204387882848503781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8834099751430156180.post-86895343512629769162008-08-21T20:52:00.002-04:002008-08-21T21:05:58.591-04:00Do you know what a Wanagan is?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYk-4gszGvFL7rm16mm6ZAEODWCD4seR8PKsZIR7T8D6WAz0ViePvTJMrf0sHAmyMZ-R0ftI9XDSY3MN31bwtUU-s0xMPjYHR5MGU1q2FpUs_vk1X5uU7BcqBEUNs30Js3ZL7QWkeIqx1/s1600-h/P1000134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141793777088210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYk-4gszGvFL7rm16mm6ZAEODWCD4seR8PKsZIR7T8D6WAz0ViePvTJMrf0sHAmyMZ-R0ftI9XDSY3MN31bwtUU-s0xMPjYHR5MGU1q2FpUs_vk1X5uU7BcqBEUNs30Js3ZL7QWkeIqx1/s320/P1000134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZCBKgZbCJ3sg_dKy2Z2Oy4BAPUXbr8dFOP7ahOWMMK-rmY7AjaDo0T9DdcIxEqTImI2xrqP4k-gNfR6E3z8bg5h5O8kf8QGWrromdNvf9q8LL0Bw_5JbOxGxJ3wyO2ayov6GKSn3qHsC/s1600-h/P1000142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141800397383858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZCBKgZbCJ3sg_dKy2Z2Oy4BAPUXbr8dFOP7ahOWMMK-rmY7AjaDo0T9DdcIxEqTImI2xrqP4k-gNfR6E3z8bg5h5O8kf8QGWrromdNvf9q8LL0Bw_5JbOxGxJ3wyO2ayov6GKSn3qHsC/s320/P1000142.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2kdtOVQy1d8HncLLL2kfchXGpmV50tlpClR_CLWv-FLa7DDdmJaMGemb6M4RkKN6994nZYAujZjS7bAWSut0dBITggCwxpi0szS7jKYjeiX7yOJedMm4sl1cH-SPX37epJHYKT-ic1Uh/s1600-h/P1000146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237141810660369650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2kdtOVQy1d8HncLLL2kfchXGpmV50tlpClR_CLWv-FLa7DDdmJaMGemb6M4RkKN6994nZYAujZjS7bAWSut0dBITggCwxpi0szS7jKYjeiX7yOJedMm4sl1cH-SPX37epJHYKT-ic1Uh/s320/P1000146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cheboygan</span>, the Chamber of Commerce sponsors the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wanagan</span> Races. It sounded intriguing so my husband and I went down to the Rt. 33 bridge over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cheboygan</span> River to see what was up. It is the most random race ever! You need to build a raft that will float on the river. Typically 4-7 people are on the raft paddling. On the raft you have to build a structure and in the structure you have to cook a gallon of chili to a temperature of 160 degrees over a wood fire ALL while you are paddling 4 miles down the river. All rafts had themes; most rafts looked like they were going to sink in the river, some rafts had beer in coolers floating behind them and all looked like they were having a ball. The winner of the race? It was "The Beaver Trap" with their flag, a pair of thongs, flying from their structure. I'm trying to talk my kids into doing this next year. Do you think you would try something like this?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- <br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2870296"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2870296.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><br><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a><br> -->
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