Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Wichita Troll
A fun tour along the Arkansas River is to find the Wichita Troll. The Troll is a seven foot tall sculpture by artist, Constance Ernall. He is green, unkempt, very ugly and resides beneath the sidewalk. The Troll is chained to underground pipes by his wrists and ankles and at night a green light illuminates his lifelike form. Covered by a metal grate, the Troll's huge head looks upward as he scowls at anyone who locates him in his cave. He looks menacing and it is rumored that he has a twin brother hidden in some yet undiscovered location in Wichita. True? Who knows.
The picture shows him in his underworld prison. He is hard to see clearly but check him out! Google Images: the Wichita Troll for a better view.
The Giant's Bathtub and Other Interesting Places
A few weeks ago, in Wichita, my brother, sister and I drove around the city visiting places close to our hearts when we were children.
In Oak Park, we visited The Giant's Bathtub. This bathtub shaped pond sits in a lovely shaded spot and has been called The Giant's Bathtub as long as we can remember. Our grandmother used to take us there on summer days long ago. I recently read an article on the Internet where someone remembered ice skating on the pond in the 1930's.
Across the road, used to be a small mound of a building that had something to do with the water department. We called it "The Witches Cave" and it always seemed scary and mysterious to us as kids. Sadly, The Witches Cave was torn down long ago.
Close by in another section of the park stands Park Villa (see picture above.) I remember "dancing out" there in front of an audience while my Aunt Cherry (Irene Larmer) accompanied us on the piano. I took dance classes at the Claudia Mundy School of Dance for years as did all the little girls in our neighborhood. Claudia believed that her students should have experience in front of any available audience. We tapped our little feet off for nursing homes, amusement parks as well as the annual recital. Tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics were a big part of our lives and I have the home movies to prove it!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
2010, My Mother's House
"If this old house was built on memories, it would last 1000 years." This is the first line of a song I once heard.
On a recent plane trip home from Wichita, Kansas, I couldn't help but think back to the house where I grew up. My mother, father and I moved to the brand new house in the brand new sub-division when I was four years old. The year was 1950. Old home movies and photos show little stick trees that, more than sixty years later, canopy the street. My sister and brother were born and we shared our home with dogs, birds, a rabbit and even an alligator named Pete. (That is another story.)
There were many children in the neighborhood. We played outside every day in the summer, running through sprinklers, riding bikes and playing games such as Mother May I and jump rope. We put on shows for our parents, little skits and dances. At night, the adults would pull up lawn chairs and talk while the children would lie on blankets and look up at the stars. TV was new and we watched our share of "My Little Margie," "Flash Gordon," and "Our Hit Parade," but in the summer everyone stayed outside cooking on grills and watching children play. Neighbors knew neighbors back then.
A few days before, my siblings and I left our childhood home for the last time. Our beloved mother died last September and we just moved our step-father into an independent living retirement community. After three days of packing up the family crystal, china, pictures and antiques we wanted to keep in the family, we turned the house over to an estate sale company and realtor.
In those last few days, we didn't call it "Mother's house" or "home" anymore. We called it by the house number, 2010. I think it help to distance us from the place where we grew up. As we locked the door and left the house for the last time, we bid farewell and took our memories with us.
On a recent plane trip home from Wichita, Kansas, I couldn't help but think back to the house where I grew up. My mother, father and I moved to the brand new house in the brand new sub-division when I was four years old. The year was 1950. Old home movies and photos show little stick trees that, more than sixty years later, canopy the street. My sister and brother were born and we shared our home with dogs, birds, a rabbit and even an alligator named Pete. (That is another story.)
There were many children in the neighborhood. We played outside every day in the summer, running through sprinklers, riding bikes and playing games such as Mother May I and jump rope. We put on shows for our parents, little skits and dances. At night, the adults would pull up lawn chairs and talk while the children would lie on blankets and look up at the stars. TV was new and we watched our share of "My Little Margie," "Flash Gordon," and "Our Hit Parade," but in the summer everyone stayed outside cooking on grills and watching children play. Neighbors knew neighbors back then.
A few days before, my siblings and I left our childhood home for the last time. Our beloved mother died last September and we just moved our step-father into an independent living retirement community. After three days of packing up the family crystal, china, pictures and antiques we wanted to keep in the family, we turned the house over to an estate sale company and realtor.
In those last few days, we didn't call it "Mother's house" or "home" anymore. We called it by the house number, 2010. I think it help to distance us from the place where we grew up. As we locked the door and left the house for the last time, we bid farewell and took our memories with us.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
It Is Cherry Pickin' Time!
Stop the presses and hold the phone! The cherries are ripe and need picking. Does it matter if it is nearly 100 degrees outside today? No. Does it matter if this is my wedding anniversary. NO! What does matter is that I had to pick cherries this morning before the birds ate them.
That is not the end of the story because, of course, I had to pit them, wash them, cook and can them. It was an all day process. We had only half of the amount of cherry crop we had last year, but I still picked about 3 gallons.
The end result is very satisfying. I have 12 jars of cherry jam, 3 quarts and 6 pints of cherries in syrup.
Since I haven't posted a recipe in a long time, I am giving you, Dear Readers, an easy Cooked Tart Cherry Jam recipe.
4 Cups pitted sour cherry pulp
4+3/4 Cups sugar
1 Box of Sure Jell
1/2 t. butter
1/4 t. almond extract
Follow the Sure Jell directions carefully. Be sure to time the boiling process exactly.
Pour jam into hot sterile canning jars, seal and water bath for 10-15 minutes.
Note: As you can see in my picture, there is a little cherry pitter in the shape of a little man. I bought him in a trendy kitchen shop and paid too much money for him. I say that because- it doesn't work! What does work is holding the cherry in one hand (over a bowl) and squeezing out the seed into another bowl. You do that a million times until all your cherries are pit-free. It takes a long time. A very long time. If (horrors) you miss a seed, they usually float to the top during the cooking process. Believe me, it is not a fun experience to bite into your fresh cherry cobbler and break a tooth on a seed.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Frank Lloyd Wright House in Wichita, Kansas
A few blocks down from McCormick Elementary School is The Henry J. Allen house on North Roosevelt. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1917-1919 for then Governor Allen. There is an ornamental wall surrounding the courtyard and gardens. This is Mr. Wrights final example of "Prairie Houses."
Another Wichita building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is on the Wichita State University campus. The Corbin Education Center on Fairmount is a beautiful example of Mr. Wrights distinctive design. The color scheme of pinks, orange and browns was actually Mrs. Wrights input.
I love Wichita with it's combination of old and new. For other posts about Wichita, go back in this blog to "2010" Archives and find out about Delano, Pizza Hut, Joyland, "The Keeper of the Plains" and North High School among other topics. I grew up in Wichita but still find interesting places to explore every time I return "home."
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy said "There is no place like home."
That says it all.
Back in Wichita, Kansas
Wishing I could click my heels just as Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz, I flew instead to Kansas on a plane. In an upcoming post, I will write about why flying isn't any fun these days and why my list of "OK airlines" is growing shorter and shorter with every trip.
My sister picked me up at the airport on the Monday after Easter and we headed for lunch. We missed our Dad at his house, but left him a sandwich in the fridge. Our brother was to arrive from L.A. at 9 PM, but due to storms in Dallas, he arrived the next night.
Finally all the family came together for a belated Easter dinner. Over the next few days we ate Chinese food, lunch at Wanda's Soup Kitchen and, of course, Nu-Ways (see April 2, 2010's post called "There Is No Place Like Home.") Do you notice how everything our family does involves food? I see a theme here.
We had an interesting side trip, on the way out to lunch, of course, which took us to McCormick Elementary School which was built in 1889 and finished in 1890. My grandmother, Mable Elvira Kirkpatrick Reynolds (AKA: Billie)went to McCormick in about 1913. It is the only remaining school designed by architects Proudfoot and Bird. The McCormick School is now used by the Wichita School System for museum and science programs. An addition in 1910 doubled the size of the school.
They don't make 'em like that anymore!
Art In The Denver Airport
If you find yourself stuck at The Denver Airport, or have a very long layover, there is an interesting two hour walking tour in the main terminal. "Mustang," (see picture) by Luis Jimenezis is among 30 amazing sculptures. Sculpture, photographs and paintings are everywhere on the 6 levels and at many of the gates.
In several places the floor is also art. Inspired by Colorado topography, artifacts and Native American decorate the mosiac tile floor, so be sure and look down! "Mountain Mirage" by Doug Lollis is an art fountain. It reminds one of the Rocky Mountains and sounds like racing rivers and waterfalls. Huge sculpture such as "Beaded Circle Crossing" by Alice Adams loom overhead and are very high tech.
One of the most famous attractions is a mural located on level five, called "In Peace and Harmony With Nature" by Leo Tanguma. The tour guidebook reads: "The painting references socialrealist murals of Mexico, but addresses a modern theme: the destruction of the environment." but maybe the most controversial murals, also on level five, is called "Children Of The World Dream of Peace," and also by Leo Tanguma. As the guidebook puts it, "A few fanciful conspiracy theories have been generated by this piece of art, none of which were intended by the artist."
Or were they?
One more picture in the tour guidebook caught my eye. It was "Notre Denver" by Terry Allen. The sculpture is one of two gargoyles that are said to protect travelers from lost luggage.
Gee.... I sure wish I had seen that exhibit in person and maybe my luggage would have arrived with me when I returned to Greensboro. As it happened, It was delivered to my front door the next day. Predictable? Yes. Irritating? Yes. But, looking on the bright side, it finally did make it home safe and sound, just like I did.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
More Coming Attractions!
Dear Readers,
I had so much fun in both Wichita, Kansas and Portland, Oregon and the following posts will give you just a little taste of those experiences. If you will look to the right side of my blog under Blog Archive, click on 2011 and go to "The Trip." Blogs run backwards, from older to newer posts. I hope you enjoy.
I still have more to come including:
Flying: now and then
Art in the Denver International Airport
Frank Lloyd Wright in Wichita, Ks
OZ stuff in Kansas
Gilda Radner and SNL- the early years
Rising Sun Breads in Martinsville, Va
Review of Penhook, Va. author, Becky Mushko's new book "Stuck."
Review of Martinsville author, Dorothy Carter's new book "Facing Fallout."
and tons of other stuff.....
Yall come back now, ya hear?
Now, on a serious note, please send prayers our way. My Daughter-in-law in North Carolina was badly burned by water and steam over the weekend. She will be facing many weeks in the hospital and possible skin grafts. I thank everyone for your calls and notes of concern. She has a good attitude and is receiving great care. Lynn
I had so much fun in both Wichita, Kansas and Portland, Oregon and the following posts will give you just a little taste of those experiences. If you will look to the right side of my blog under Blog Archive, click on 2011 and go to "The Trip." Blogs run backwards, from older to newer posts. I hope you enjoy.
I still have more to come including:
Flying: now and then
Art in the Denver International Airport
Frank Lloyd Wright in Wichita, Ks
OZ stuff in Kansas
Gilda Radner and SNL- the early years
Rising Sun Breads in Martinsville, Va
Review of Penhook, Va. author, Becky Mushko's new book "Stuck."
Review of Martinsville author, Dorothy Carter's new book "Facing Fallout."
and tons of other stuff.....
Yall come back now, ya hear?
Now, on a serious note, please send prayers our way. My Daughter-in-law in North Carolina was badly burned by water and steam over the weekend. She will be facing many weeks in the hospital and possible skin grafts. I thank everyone for your calls and notes of concern. She has a good attitude and is receiving great care. Lynn
Coffee Making Tutorial
This post could also be called "How to Make a Cup of Joe at Travis' House." There is an art to making coffee, I discovered, while in Portland.
In Portland there is a coffee house, cafe or kiosk on every other corner. They are coffee crazy there.
I was looking for the Mr. Coffee Maker at my son's house. Travis' replied "Oh no!" Well that would never do! So, to enlighten my coffee drinking Dear Readers out there, this is how to make a cup of coffee:
1) Heat water in the amazingly quick water heater contraption (see picture above.)
2) Put a "Bee House" thingy over the mug.
3) Fold the small paper coffee liner across the side and then across the bottom and
insert into the Bee House thingy
4) Weigh (see picture above) and grind coffee beans- Medium course.
5) Add ground coffee to paper liner.
6) Wet grounds a little with hot water (see picture above.)
7) Add more water, wait, add more hot water. Wait until your mug is full of coffee.
8) Drink.
Or, Dear Readers, brew a pot in your Mr. Coffee.
In Portland there is a coffee house, cafe or kiosk on every other corner. They are coffee crazy there.
I was looking for the Mr. Coffee Maker at my son's house. Travis' replied "Oh no!" Well that would never do! So, to enlighten my coffee drinking Dear Readers out there, this is how to make a cup of coffee:
1) Heat water in the amazingly quick water heater contraption (see picture above.)
2) Put a "Bee House" thingy over the mug.
3) Fold the small paper coffee liner across the side and then across the bottom and
insert into the Bee House thingy
4) Weigh (see picture above) and grind coffee beans- Medium course.
5) Add ground coffee to paper liner.
6) Wet grounds a little with hot water (see picture above.)
7) Add more water, wait, add more hot water. Wait until your mug is full of coffee.
8) Drink.
Or, Dear Readers, brew a pot in your Mr. Coffee.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Voo Doo Doughnuts in Portland
Voo Doo Doughnuts has been around for years in Portland. Locals and tourists alike wait in long lines just to get their sugar fix.
Four of us made the trip to Voo Doo on Easter Day! Yes, they were open! We bought a half dozen sweet delights including:
The Bacon Maple Bar- a yeast doughnut bar with thick maple icing and a strip of bacon.
The McMinnville Cream- a raised yeast doughnut filled with Bavarian cream, maple icing and decorated with two eyes and a mustache!
The Texas Challenge- a giant doughnut equalling 5 normal sized doughnuts. Things really are bigger in Texas. Voo Doo says: If you can eat the Texas Challenge in 80 seconds or less, you get your money back."
Double Bubble- a raised yeast doughnut with vanilla icing, bubble gun dust and a piece of bubble gum on top.
and my personal favorite:
The Voo Doo Doll- a raised yeast doughnut iced with chocolate, filled with raspberry jelly, decorated with a scary face and a pretzel stick stuck in his "heart." YUMMY! I ate his head and one arm.
Chez Machin On Hawthorne
On the last day before my son returned home, I ventured out to Hawthorne Boulevard and found myself in front of "Chez Machin French Bistro and Creperie" right about lunch time! How convenient was that!
There were 15 or so tables in the narrow space which was clean with modern architectural paintings on the walls and cool jazz music in the air. My waiter was friendly and helpful and recommended the special of the day- The Savory Crepe. The Savory, he explained, is an organic buckwheat and white flour crepe generously stuffed with halean sausage, chevre cheese, spinach, scallions, roasted almonds with a pesto creme franche sauce for $10.95.
My lunch turned out to be tasty, rich and yummy. My only complaint was that I was too full for the homemade creme brulee, which is my favorite dessert. Oh well, maybe another time.
There was a sign on the wall that read:
"Machin- anything whose name has slipped the memory."
AHA!!! That is what I have! A bad case of "Machin" (pronounced Ma-shin.) Now I know what to call my failing memory- and doesn't it sound pretty in French?
Other menu treats include:
Escargot
White Bean and Meat Cassoulet
Homemade Soups
Boeuf Bourguignon- (which is fancy-smancy for traditional French beef stew.)
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Dessert Crepes with Strawberries and Blueberries
Chocolate Mousse with Berries
Chez Machin
3553 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
chezmachincreperie.com
The Portland Art Museum
Rhonda, Hannah and I had such a good time checking out paintings by Cezanne, Renoir, Warhol and Gauguin at the Portland Art Museum. We were able to take photos in the museum and here are some of them:
Pink Haired Girl At The Portland Museum
Hannah wanted to dye her hair pink one more time before looking for a summer job when she returned home to Kansas. I haven't heard if she is now a blond or brunette but I caught "Pinky" deep in thought at the Portland Museum.
Hawthorne Boulevard
The Hawthorne district of Portland is a quiet neighborhood filled with families, artists and trendy Hawthorne Boulevard. I was able to walk the few blocks from my son's house and poke around in the shops and breakfast or lunch at some of the many cafes. My 17 year old granddaughter fell in love with the vintage clothing shops and jewelry stores on her last day in Portland. She bought a ring and several pieces of clothing.
Hawthorne Boulevard is a mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment. It is a funky, trendy and, for me, hippy (1960's) experience that took me back to eat and shop day after day.
After Rhonda and Hannah returned to Kansas, I stayed in Portland and while my grandson was in school during the day, I had ample time to read, write and investigate the neighborhood on foot. I love the "village within the big city" feeling of Hawthorne and also loved being able to "do my thing" from 8am to 3pm. Powell's Bookstore has another location there and I visited there often. Got the book "It's Always Something" by the late, great Gilda Radner, and a fun book on making cute potholders. If you are on my Christmas list, you may receive a potholder (or sugar body scrub because I learned how to make that on this trip!)
After school was filled with homework, playing at the park, cartoons, laughing and getting my grandson ready for bed, (all fun for me and him) but during the day, my fun was on Hawthorne Boulevard.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Spooky Trees
I found this view on the grounds of Pittock Mansion. It was a great photo op for an amateur camera buff like me.
Pittock Mansion- Portland, Oregon
On day # 3, Rhonda, Hannah, and I toured the beautifully manicured grounds of Pittock Mansion and museum more than 1000 feet above the Portland skyline (see picture.) Pittock is a symbol of Portlands transformation from humble beginnings as a small lumbertown, to the great city it is now.
Portland Food Carts
I have written before about The Big Egg food cart. Friends Gail and Denise own and operate the Big Egg. We HAD to visit them on Day # 2 in Portland and eat a tasty Monte Cristo. No matter that it was rainy and chilly- we ate every last bite, chatted with the girls and even bought a tee shirt. See post "The Big Egg" for more information.
I later found a partial list of food carts (there are around 500 of them in P-town) Here are some of the names:
1) Whiffies Fried Pies
2) Happy Grillmore
3) The Frying Scotsman
4) The Grilled Cheese Grill
5) Sweet Pea's Brulee
6) The Sugar Cube
7) Fat Kitty Falafel
8) Bubba Bernies (now that sounds like a Southern place.)
And..... too many more to list!
POWELL'S BOOKSTORE
At the corner of 10th and Burnside, Powell's Bookstore takes up an entire city block. One million plus books, coffee mugs, cards, stationery and gift items are housed on four floors in this incredible bookstore. Pick up a map of Powells at the help desk, or you may get lost- this place is huge!
Open every day of the year, Powells is one of the largest independent bookstores in the country. There are four other cool locations. www.powells.com
The Portland Uniform
I wonder where I can buy stock in hoodies? Hoodies are a big part of "The Portland Uniform." They are worn by everyone, all the time in gray, brown, black, tan and khaki. Any neutral is OK.
Skinny jeans, cargo pants, shorts to the knee, funky tee shirts. Again, in neutrals. Knit hats, stocking caps, vests, sweaters, scarves are usually in neutrals. I did see one red backpack and was visibly shaken.
If someone wears color- well, they must be from out of town. You can spot the tourists. They wear colorful clothes, a camera around their neck, a map of Powell's Book Store under their arm carrying a big pink box of Voo Doo Doughnuts.
Having said all of this, I think Portlanders make up for their (sometimes) drab wardrobe by being so unique. They are hip, funky, casual and fun. They know how to relax. I like their clothes, but I would get bored wearing neutrals all the time.
Give me a great fitting hot-pink dress any day.
Skinny jeans, cargo pants, shorts to the knee, funky tee shirts. Again, in neutrals. Knit hats, stocking caps, vests, sweaters, scarves are usually in neutrals. I did see one red backpack and was visibly shaken.
If someone wears color- well, they must be from out of town. You can spot the tourists. They wear colorful clothes, a camera around their neck, a map of Powell's Book Store under their arm carrying a big pink box of Voo Doo Doughnuts.
Having said all of this, I think Portlanders make up for their (sometimes) drab wardrobe by being so unique. They are hip, funky, casual and fun. They know how to relax. I like their clothes, but I would get bored wearing neutrals all the time.
Give me a great fitting hot-pink dress any day.
Portland People
I am not a Portlander and don't pretend to be. I am a Midwesterner turned Southerner who happens to love Portland, OR. I visit Portland a couple of times a year because my son and grandson live there.
I AM a people watcher and what follows are my not-so-very-scientific-observations of Portland people.
Portland people seem to have an attitude that is PURELY PORTLAND. It is a lifestyle, but more than that- there is a "feeling" there. I can't describe it other than saying that they seem content. They are laid-back, tolerant, healthy, comfortable in their own skin, accepting of others and very happy. By being an outsider, I can watch and learn. Yes, I think the word CONTENT describes Portlanders best.
Portlanders are friendly-ish. Does that make any sense? This is not Southern Friendly such as: "Hi Y'all! Come on in and I'll make y'all some sweet potato pie!" No, Portland friendly may be a smile that seems to say "Hello, I am minding my own business, I hope you have a good day." Actually, I like that.
I AM a people watcher and what follows are my not-so-very-scientific-observations of Portland people.
Portland people seem to have an attitude that is PURELY PORTLAND. It is a lifestyle, but more than that- there is a "feeling" there. I can't describe it other than saying that they seem content. They are laid-back, tolerant, healthy, comfortable in their own skin, accepting of others and very happy. By being an outsider, I can watch and learn. Yes, I think the word CONTENT describes Portlanders best.
Portlanders are friendly-ish. Does that make any sense? This is not Southern Friendly such as: "Hi Y'all! Come on in and I'll make y'all some sweet potato pie!" No, Portland friendly may be a smile that seems to say "Hello, I am minding my own business, I hope you have a good day." Actually, I like that.
Portland Oregon, The City Of Roses
Each spring since 1907, Portland has hosted The Portland Rose Festival. Go to: www.rosefestival.org for more information. Called the Rose City because: TA DA! Everywhere you look, roses bloom. April, however, boasts tulips, tulips and more tulips.
There are 95 neighborhood districts (more about one of them later,) public art, fascinating architecture, tax-free shopping (yes, there is no sales tax in Oregon.)There are bike trails, parks, lovely gardens, restaurants, galleries, entertainment and several wonderful farmers markets.
On a clear day, you can see the over 11,000 ft. tall, Mount Hood and possibly a glimpse of Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson and even Mr. Rainer near Seattle. Good luck on that clear day thing, though. It is rainy and foggy a lot.While in Portland, put up the hood of your mandatory hoodie, jump on your bike, get a little wet and don't worry about it! Portlanders don't!
THE TRIP
On April 13, I flew to Wichita, Kansas, spent the night and when the alarm sounded at 3 am on the 14th, my sister, Rhonda and I got dressed, grabbed our luggage and hurried out into the still very dark morning. On the way to the airport, we picked up my 17 year old granddaughter, Hannah. She was wide awake and ready to go! We drove to the airport and headed for the Frontier Airlines counter.
Since we "went back in time" two hours by way of time zones, we were in Portland, Oregon around lunch time. My son and grandson live there and, for the next three days, they were our tour guides in beautiful Portland.
On April 19, Rhonda and Hannah returned home to Kansas while I stayed behind to babysit my grandson while my son, who is a single father, caught the red eye to NYC that night.
I returned to Kansas on April 24th and then home to Virginia on the 29th. The following posts are memories and observations of this time line and trip.
Since we "went back in time" two hours by way of time zones, we were in Portland, Oregon around lunch time. My son and grandson live there and, for the next three days, they were our tour guides in beautiful Portland.
On April 19, Rhonda and Hannah returned home to Kansas while I stayed behind to babysit my grandson while my son, who is a single father, caught the red eye to NYC that night.
I returned to Kansas on April 24th and then home to Virginia on the 29th. The following posts are memories and observations of this time line and trip.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Coming Attractions!
Attention, Dear Readers!
I have not posted in a very long time! On April 13, I left Virginia and spent the night in Wichita, Ks. Early the next morning, my sister, granddaughter and I flew to Portland, OR to visit my son and grandson. We had a wonderful trip and I will be telling you more about that soon.
Rhonda and Hannah flew back to Wichita while I stayed on in Portland, caring for my grandson while my son flew to NYC. After he returned, I traveled back to Wichita. I have so much to tell you all. I have stories and pictures of all the out-of-state adventures but, alas, jet lag hit me hard this week. And.... with a very busy weekend coming up, I won't be able to post until next Monday.
Please, Dear Readers, come back then. I promise some interesting stuff. Has anyone ever had a VOO DOO Donut- shaped like a Voo Doo doll with a pretzel stuck in his heart? I thought not! Let me intrigue you a little more with tid bits such as: The controversial murals in the Denver airport, Mansions in Portland, "Hippy" Hawthorne in Portland, food carts, cool art, pink haired girls and Wichita landmarks as well as the ever famous "NuWays." More information than you may be able to stand!!!
Tune in Monday for these and many more tasty morsels.
I have not posted in a very long time! On April 13, I left Virginia and spent the night in Wichita, Ks. Early the next morning, my sister, granddaughter and I flew to Portland, OR to visit my son and grandson. We had a wonderful trip and I will be telling you more about that soon.
Rhonda and Hannah flew back to Wichita while I stayed on in Portland, caring for my grandson while my son flew to NYC. After he returned, I traveled back to Wichita. I have so much to tell you all. I have stories and pictures of all the out-of-state adventures but, alas, jet lag hit me hard this week. And.... with a very busy weekend coming up, I won't be able to post until next Monday.
Please, Dear Readers, come back then. I promise some interesting stuff. Has anyone ever had a VOO DOO Donut- shaped like a Voo Doo doll with a pretzel stuck in his heart? I thought not! Let me intrigue you a little more with tid bits such as: The controversial murals in the Denver airport, Mansions in Portland, "Hippy" Hawthorne in Portland, food carts, cool art, pink haired girls and Wichita landmarks as well as the ever famous "NuWays." More information than you may be able to stand!!!
Tune in Monday for these and many more tasty morsels.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Big Egg, Portland, Oregon
Speaking of eggs.....
I have been meaning to write about The Big Egg for a long, long time. The Big Egg is one of around 500 food carts (fabulous, I must say, food carts) in Portland, OR.
The Big Egg is a breakfast food cart at 4233 N. Mississippi Ave, at Skidmore. Denise and Gail are the owners and have a limited, but wonderful, menu.
My favorite item on the menu is the The Big Egg Monte Cristo Sandwich. They take one egg, grilled black forest ham, gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with pure maple syrup and stacked between two slices of crunchy vanilla cardamom brioche French toast and dusted with powdered sugar. OMG! It is so good.
My son and grandson live in Portland and we ALWAYS go to The Big Egg. You can follow them yourself at: www.twitter.com/thebigegg(@thebigegg) or search for them on Facebook. Yum Yum. Wish I had a Monte Cristo right now!!!!
My favorite item on the menu is the The Big Egg Monte Cristo Sandwich. They take one egg, grilled black forest ham, gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with pure maple syrup and stacked between two slices of crunchy vanilla cardamom brioche French toast and dusted with powdered sugar. OMG! It is so good.
My son and grandson live in Portland and we ALWAYS go to The Big Egg. You can follow them yourself at: www.twitter.com/thebigegg(@thebigegg) or search for them on Facebook. Yum Yum. Wish I had a Monte Cristo right now!!!!
Boiled Egg Updates
BREAKING NEWS !!! Ha! Just a little egg humor there. I have had such a reaction to the "To Boil Or Not To Boil...." post that I thought an update was necessary.
L. in Richmond, VA says "I learned to put the egg right from the refrigerator into COLD water, over medium heat, when water comes to a boil, put lid on pan and turn off heat. Leave on burner until water is cool, dump water and cover eggs with ice. Peel immediately or put in refrigerator. You can "rattle" all the eggs around in the pan to loosen shells or crack the shell until the membrane between shell and egg is separated. Shell will peel right off! She also adds, regarding the different ways to boil an egg: "They say there is more than one way to skin a cat, I guess that applies to boiled eggs too." I guess she is right!
M and B from Wichita, KS say "We have to put our two cents worth in too! Start eggs in cold water and boil exactly 20 minutes." Then they peel and make deviled eggs.
In Libby Bondurant and the late Betty Skeens' cookbook, "Grazing Along the Crooked Road," (a wonderful cookbook, by the way) this is what they wrote for the Perfect Boiled Egg: "Place eggs in saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to boil over medium heat. When the eggs come to a boil turn off heat and let sit for 20 minutes." This seems to be the preferred way with most folks. They also say to crack the eggs and let them sit in cold water a minute and the shells with slide off easily, which is the way I do it.
I have had people tell me that every time they boil an egg now, they think of this conversation. And the debate continues. More later on this subject, I am sure.
L. in Richmond, VA says "I learned to put the egg right from the refrigerator into COLD water, over medium heat, when water comes to a boil, put lid on pan and turn off heat. Leave on burner until water is cool, dump water and cover eggs with ice. Peel immediately or put in refrigerator. You can "rattle" all the eggs around in the pan to loosen shells or crack the shell until the membrane between shell and egg is separated. Shell will peel right off! She also adds, regarding the different ways to boil an egg: "They say there is more than one way to skin a cat, I guess that applies to boiled eggs too." I guess she is right!
M and B from Wichita, KS say "We have to put our two cents worth in too! Start eggs in cold water and boil exactly 20 minutes." Then they peel and make deviled eggs.
In Libby Bondurant and the late Betty Skeens' cookbook, "Grazing Along the Crooked Road," (a wonderful cookbook, by the way) this is what they wrote for the Perfect Boiled Egg: "Place eggs in saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to boil over medium heat. When the eggs come to a boil turn off heat and let sit for 20 minutes." This seems to be the preferred way with most folks. They also say to crack the eggs and let them sit in cold water a minute and the shells with slide off easily, which is the way I do it.
I have had people tell me that every time they boil an egg now, they think of this conversation. And the debate continues. More later on this subject, I am sure.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The GSO Girls Invade Blowing Rock, NC
As Helen and I drove across the North Carolina mountain toward Blowing Rock, the fog was so thick that we could only see a few feet ahead. As we pulled up to the real estate management company to get the key to our weekend mountain cabin, I saw, through the fog, the black SUV that held our friends Janet, Tricia, Marie and Becky. They had driven right by.
"There they go!" I said to Helen as I pulled out my cell phone. "No service- wouldn't you know."
We got the key, hot tub chemicals and rules of the house. I tried the phone again. Still no service. Nothing. Finally a signal. "Where are you?" I asked. "Trying to find a place to turn around." Said Janet. "We will be there in a few minutes."
15 minutes later, we stood looking through the fog and, again, saw the black SUV drive right by. "You drove by again." I said into the phone. "We know and we are looking for a safe place to turn around- again."
Good grief! What a way to start our weekend.
Together at last we drove our little caravan literally "out of the fog" and into the bright, (but cold) sunny view of Boone, NC and after a quick stop at the local grocery store for supplies, we were on our way to the house in Blowing Rock. As we drove up the mountain we saw our home away from home. It was a gorgeous three story wooden beauty with a deck that stretched all around the house. 4 of us had our own bedroom,while two shared a room with two queen sized beds. There was a hot tub, pool table and three full bathrooms. There were plenty of comfy sofas, rocking chairs, a fully equipped kitchen and big dining table. We ate in, we ate out, played card games and drank wine. Some watched basketball on TV, while others played pool or read. There were lots of laughs and then, of course, SHOPPING!
Blowing Rock is a lovely little village full of wonderful boutiques, gift shops, art and cafes. The snow didn't stop us from "shopping 'till we dropped" on day one or the next day at the outlet mall. We bought cheese graters, Coach handbags, clothes for grandchildren, lingerie and other bargains.
At Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, we found hundreds of kinds of old-fashioned candy, clothes, outdoor gear, soaps, walking sticks, country ham and you name it- they had it.
Blowing Rock is an outdoorsy person's paradise. You can hike, bike, canoe, trout fish, ski and climb all in the same area. From horseback riding to fine dining- this vacation destination has it all.
On our fourth and final day in Blowing Rock, we headed home, stopping for brunch at the Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, NC. Appalachian State University calls Boone home and it too, is a cool little town.
It was fun being with friends in such a lovely spot. I miss the view and relaxing in front of the fire watching the snow fall outside on the mountain. It was nice arriving home and seeing the pastures on our farm turn green and the trees blossom. When we left Blowing Rock,It was snowing and in the 30s in the mountains. It was 70 degrees at home. It is amazing to drive a few hours west and be in the snowy mountains and drive a few hours to the east and be at the beach. We are blessed here in Virginia and North Carolina. What a life!
"There they go!" I said to Helen as I pulled out my cell phone. "No service- wouldn't you know."
We got the key, hot tub chemicals and rules of the house. I tried the phone again. Still no service. Nothing. Finally a signal. "Where are you?" I asked. "Trying to find a place to turn around." Said Janet. "We will be there in a few minutes."
15 minutes later, we stood looking through the fog and, again, saw the black SUV drive right by. "You drove by again." I said into the phone. "We know and we are looking for a safe place to turn around- again."
Good grief! What a way to start our weekend.
Together at last we drove our little caravan literally "out of the fog" and into the bright, (but cold) sunny view of Boone, NC and after a quick stop at the local grocery store for supplies, we were on our way to the house in Blowing Rock. As we drove up the mountain we saw our home away from home. It was a gorgeous three story wooden beauty with a deck that stretched all around the house. 4 of us had our own bedroom,while two shared a room with two queen sized beds. There was a hot tub, pool table and three full bathrooms. There were plenty of comfy sofas, rocking chairs, a fully equipped kitchen and big dining table. We ate in, we ate out, played card games and drank wine. Some watched basketball on TV, while others played pool or read. There were lots of laughs and then, of course, SHOPPING!
Blowing Rock is a lovely little village full of wonderful boutiques, gift shops, art and cafes. The snow didn't stop us from "shopping 'till we dropped" on day one or the next day at the outlet mall. We bought cheese graters, Coach handbags, clothes for grandchildren, lingerie and other bargains.
At Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, we found hundreds of kinds of old-fashioned candy, clothes, outdoor gear, soaps, walking sticks, country ham and you name it- they had it.
Blowing Rock is an outdoorsy person's paradise. You can hike, bike, canoe, trout fish, ski and climb all in the same area. From horseback riding to fine dining- this vacation destination has it all.
On our fourth and final day in Blowing Rock, we headed home, stopping for brunch at the Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, NC. Appalachian State University calls Boone home and it too, is a cool little town.
It was fun being with friends in such a lovely spot. I miss the view and relaxing in front of the fire watching the snow fall outside on the mountain. It was nice arriving home and seeing the pastures on our farm turn green and the trees blossom. When we left Blowing Rock,It was snowing and in the 30s in the mountains. It was 70 degrees at home. It is amazing to drive a few hours west and be in the snowy mountains and drive a few hours to the east and be at the beach. We are blessed here in Virginia and North Carolina. What a life!
To Boil Or Not To Boil, That Is The Question
Remember the old Paul Simon song, "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover?" Well, substitute "boil an egg" for "the words "leave your lover," sing the song and that is my subject for today- eggs!
Last weekend, while in the mountains with five other youngish, old gals like me, we made a salad to go with the fabulous pork loin cooked by Helen. There were two eggs left over from breakfast and I decided to boil them for the salad. I found the smallest pan in the kitchen, filled it with enough cold water to cover the eggs and turned on the gas burner. I boil my eggs from 15 minutes, plunge them into icy water, crack the shells and let them sit for a few minutes in the water. The shells peel off easily.
One friend said I was doing it wrong. "The eggs should be brought to a boil, removed from the heat, covered and let sit for 5 minutes." Fine! She did it her way, while I adjusted my nose which had come out of joint during the conversation. The eggs were fine, the salad was yummy and the pork loin- perfect.
During dinner we discussed the many ways to boil an egg. I think it was the wine talking because otherwise, who would care? Someone said "You poke a hole in the shell before you boil it." Another said to boil salted water to prevent breaking, add the egg and cook for 10 minutes. (Paula Deen does it this way.) Another friend was sure that you start the egg in cold water. It seemed that everyone had a different way to boil an egg.
I did some research after coming home and several people online said never use a fresh egg. They insisted that a week old egg peels better. Who knew?
One website said to put room temperature eggs in a single layer, cover with water and over medium heat, boil for 4 minutes and rinse under cold water. Test for doneness by spinning the egg. An uncooked egg will wobble. Again, who knew?
One comment from a reader said she cooks eggs until the water runs dry and the pan catches on fire. Of course, she added LOL. Dare I say it again? WHO KNEW?
Seriously, another reader suggested just cooking the eggs all day in a crock pot. My sister has an electric egg cooker and just pushes a button. She gets perfect soft, medium or hard boiled eggs every time. Now that's the ticket! A "Chef" website said this: "Use only room temperature eggs. Carefully place eggs in boiling water and reduce to a simmer. Cook 3-4 minutes for soft boiled, 5-7 minutes for medium boiled and 12-15 minutes for hard boiled." He added that cooking time would vary, depending on the size of the egg and amount of water used. He simmers a very large egg for 17 minutes. (A man after my own heart.) He then chills them in cold water, cracks and starts peeling at the large end of the egg where the air sac is located.
I was overwhelmed by so much egg information so I called my cooking source, my son Travis, who is a Chef. He said with a slotted spoon, he carefully lowers the egg into boiling water, and cooks for 12 minutes. He chills them in the refrigerator and when ready to use, rolls the egg on a flat surface and the shell falls off. Then Travis told me an interesting little fact. It seems the tall traditional Chef hat, also called a toque-blanche, has 100 pleats. It is said that a Master Chef knows 100 different ways to prepare eggs, as many ways as there are pleats in his hat.
So, I guess it "boils" down to this: If you like your hard boiled eggs cooked for 4 minutes or 40 minutes, it is up to you. My mother taught me to boil and egg and I have done it the same way for 50 years. I say "whatever works!" One thing I do know is that an egg (or anything else) always tastes better with a good glass of wine!
Last weekend, while in the mountains with five other youngish, old gals like me, we made a salad to go with the fabulous pork loin cooked by Helen. There were two eggs left over from breakfast and I decided to boil them for the salad. I found the smallest pan in the kitchen, filled it with enough cold water to cover the eggs and turned on the gas burner. I boil my eggs from 15 minutes, plunge them into icy water, crack the shells and let them sit for a few minutes in the water. The shells peel off easily.
One friend said I was doing it wrong. "The eggs should be brought to a boil, removed from the heat, covered and let sit for 5 minutes." Fine! She did it her way, while I adjusted my nose which had come out of joint during the conversation. The eggs were fine, the salad was yummy and the pork loin- perfect.
During dinner we discussed the many ways to boil an egg. I think it was the wine talking because otherwise, who would care? Someone said "You poke a hole in the shell before you boil it." Another said to boil salted water to prevent breaking, add the egg and cook for 10 minutes. (Paula Deen does it this way.) Another friend was sure that you start the egg in cold water. It seemed that everyone had a different way to boil an egg.
I did some research after coming home and several people online said never use a fresh egg. They insisted that a week old egg peels better. Who knew?
One website said to put room temperature eggs in a single layer, cover with water and over medium heat, boil for 4 minutes and rinse under cold water. Test for doneness by spinning the egg. An uncooked egg will wobble. Again, who knew?
One comment from a reader said she cooks eggs until the water runs dry and the pan catches on fire. Of course, she added LOL. Dare I say it again? WHO KNEW?
Seriously, another reader suggested just cooking the eggs all day in a crock pot. My sister has an electric egg cooker and just pushes a button. She gets perfect soft, medium or hard boiled eggs every time. Now that's the ticket! A "Chef" website said this: "Use only room temperature eggs. Carefully place eggs in boiling water and reduce to a simmer. Cook 3-4 minutes for soft boiled, 5-7 minutes for medium boiled and 12-15 minutes for hard boiled." He added that cooking time would vary, depending on the size of the egg and amount of water used. He simmers a very large egg for 17 minutes. (A man after my own heart.) He then chills them in cold water, cracks and starts peeling at the large end of the egg where the air sac is located.
I was overwhelmed by so much egg information so I called my cooking source, my son Travis, who is a Chef. He said with a slotted spoon, he carefully lowers the egg into boiling water, and cooks for 12 minutes. He chills them in the refrigerator and when ready to use, rolls the egg on a flat surface and the shell falls off. Then Travis told me an interesting little fact. It seems the tall traditional Chef hat, also called a toque-blanche, has 100 pleats. It is said that a Master Chef knows 100 different ways to prepare eggs, as many ways as there are pleats in his hat.
So, I guess it "boils" down to this: If you like your hard boiled eggs cooked for 4 minutes or 40 minutes, it is up to you. My mother taught me to boil and egg and I have done it the same way for 50 years. I say "whatever works!" One thing I do know is that an egg (or anything else) always tastes better with a good glass of wine!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
One Year But Who Is Counting?
Just a personal note, Dear Readers,
I began writing Some Girl Over The Rainbow one year ago. It started out just for fun, but has become a part of my life. I try to put interesting stories, recipes and pictures in my blog for my family and friends. It is light and fluffy stuff, no politics (although, I sure would like to put in my two cents sometimes) no murder and mayhem (although, I am writing a mystery book and love Forensic Files) and, I hope, nothing too heavy and dark. It is hard to be happy all of the time in such a complicated world so maybe a little bit of fluff and silliness will help the difficult times to be a little easier to bear. You know what Mary Poppins said "Just a spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down."
Thank you to all the faithful readers who tune in often. This year, there have been over 1,200 hits to this blog from people all over the world. I don't know how folks from Singapore, France, India or Germany find me, but I am glad that you do.
Please tune in for another year of recipes, travel information and flights of fancy.
Lynn
I began writing Some Girl Over The Rainbow one year ago. It started out just for fun, but has become a part of my life. I try to put interesting stories, recipes and pictures in my blog for my family and friends. It is light and fluffy stuff, no politics (although, I sure would like to put in my two cents sometimes) no murder and mayhem (although, I am writing a mystery book and love Forensic Files) and, I hope, nothing too heavy and dark. It is hard to be happy all of the time in such a complicated world so maybe a little bit of fluff and silliness will help the difficult times to be a little easier to bear. You know what Mary Poppins said "Just a spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down."
Thank you to all the faithful readers who tune in often. This year, there have been over 1,200 hits to this blog from people all over the world. I don't know how folks from Singapore, France, India or Germany find me, but I am glad that you do.
Please tune in for another year of recipes, travel information and flights of fancy.
Lynn
Friday, March 18, 2011
Louie Armstrong Was Right
Today Andy and I drove to Roanoke. What a beautiful day, 80 degrees and sunny. The song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong kept tumbling through my mind.The white blossoms of Bradford Pear trees stood out against the sky of blue. We drove through farmland with green pastures behind white painted fences. Forsythia waved branches of flowing gold at us as we past by. Daffodils raised their little cups of bright yellow toward the heavens.
"And I said to myself, what a wonderful world........ Oh Yeah!"
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Isn't That Just Peachy!
I shouldn't have done it, but I did it anyway.
Andy didn't feel well today, some kind of sinus situation, and I wanted to cheer him up. Part of me wanted to do something nice for him but part of me was calculating calories. So, I said "If I make this cobbler, we will just eat it until it is gone." To which Andy replied "Isn't that the point?" Makes sense unless you are on a diet as I am, or at least, as I "SAY" I am. So, to please him, mind you, I took a jar of last years fresh-from-our-own-tree-peaches out of the pantry.
This peach cobbler is so very easy and yummy too. It is almost the same recipe as the Easy Cherry Cobbler from 7/17/10.
Easy Peach Cobbler
1 Cup Self-rising flour
1 Cup sugar
1 Stick butter
3/4 Cup milk
1/4 Cup peach juice from drained peaches
1 # 2 Can peaches, drained, reserve juice **You can use fresh, canned or frozen fruit. **
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the stick of butter in a 8 by 8 glass pan and melt in the oven. Mix flour and sugar and add milk and peach juice gradually, stirring so it doesn't become lumpy. Mix in vanilla. Pour batter over butter. Add fruit over batter. Sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake until brown. I tested to see if the cobbler was done by inserting a knife in the center and when it comes out clean- it is done.
This cobbler is really good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
** Note: Andy likes more fruit than cake. I like more cake than fruit. This recipe is more the way I like it. Today, I made it his way by adding twice the amount of peaches. I used a round 2 quart casserole dish. It took a little over an 1 hour to bake. About 45 minutes into the baking, I covered the cobbler with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too brown on top.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Challenge
My friend Margaret (post: "Meet Margaret Adkins," Jan. 30, 2011 ) ask a favor of me. I do love Margaret and her wish is my command! It was her turn to host the program for the senior group at her church. She wanted to read one of her stories but was afraid her voice couldn't be heard. So, she asked me to read a story she had written recalling an incident from her childhood. The story was called "Challenge for the Boys."
The challenge Margaret refers to concerned the rivalry between the girls and boys baseball teams when she was in school. Margaret and her sister Mildred were both on the girls team. They fought for time on the only ball field at the school with the boys team. Finally, the girls gave the boys a challenge: "play a game of baseball with us and who ever wins gets the practice field at recess."
The girls won. Margaret's sister hit the winning homer with the bases loaded. The boys grumbled but came away from their defeat with a new respect for the girls.
Margaret called me the morning of the meeting and said she timed the length of her story and it took only eight minutes to read. "The program should last fifteen minutes" She said. She asked if I would read a story or poem of mine and I told her I would find something. Before the program, I asked her if I could read a little story that had one possibly offensive word in it. Margaret's eyes twinkled as she said "That would be perfect!"
This was the story I read, and I remind you, Dear Readers, that my stories are creative non-fiction. That means: a seed of the truth, some dialog mixed in and a whole lot of "if it didn't happen that way, it sure should have!" (See Feb. 27 post called "Dead Skunks, Buzzards and Being Honest.")
The challenge Margaret refers to concerned the rivalry between the girls and boys baseball teams when she was in school. Margaret and her sister Mildred were both on the girls team. They fought for time on the only ball field at the school with the boys team. Finally, the girls gave the boys a challenge: "play a game of baseball with us and who ever wins gets the practice field at recess."
The girls won. Margaret's sister hit the winning homer with the bases loaded. The boys grumbled but came away from their defeat with a new respect for the girls.
Margaret called me the morning of the meeting and said she timed the length of her story and it took only eight minutes to read. "The program should last fifteen minutes" She said. She asked if I would read a story or poem of mine and I told her I would find something. Before the program, I asked her if I could read a little story that had one possibly offensive word in it. Margaret's eyes twinkled as she said "That would be perfect!"
This was the story I read, and I remind you, Dear Readers, that my stories are creative non-fiction. That means: a seed of the truth, some dialog mixed in and a whole lot of "if it didn't happen that way, it sure should have!" (See Feb. 27 post called "Dead Skunks, Buzzards and Being Honest.")
Dolly and Me
It is bluegrass music night at the Spencer-Penn Centre. The lights dim and band after band play their set. Andy and I are listening as the band plays a Johnny Cash song. I start to drift off into a sleepy day dream state.
I have always wondered if I am "normal." People who know me might laugh and say "of course not!" Personality aside, I am talking about my flights of fancy. I take a ride every so often and really enjoy the trip.
Tonight as the band launches into "The Wreck of the Old 97," my eyes close and I drift away into a fantasy world.
I fantasize that a man walks through the door across the room. He walks up to Andy and me and whispers something to us, we rise and follow him out of the building and into the parking lot. We approach a big, fancy motor home and see a woman standing in the doorway. It is my best friend, Dolly Parton! We run to her, hug and jump up and down, so glad to see each other.
As we walk back into the auditorium with Dolly, the room explodes with applause. We are invited to the stage and Dolly agrees to sing with the band. I am her back up singer (Never mind that I have a terrible voice. This is MY fantasy, isn't it?) The audience screams and claps and we harmonize beautifully as we sing "Coat of Many Colors." Andy plays the guitar. The audience is on their feet. "Encore, Encore!" They cheer as we give them another song.
After the show we drive back to our house. Carl, Dolly's husband, is waiting for us. While Andy and Carl discuss cattle and the price of hay, Dolly and I reminisce about the past. We laugh about working together in the movie "9 to 5" (I played the Jane Fonda part.) I tease her about funny old Burt Reynolds flirting with her on the set of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (I played one of the Chicken Ranch girls.) Burt was always talking about Dolly's "obvious attributes!"
We try on old costumes and wigs, laugh and have a champagne toast to our friendship.
This is so cool! Dolly and I are best friends. Wow.
What? Hey, wait a minute. I feel a nudge. Huh?
I feel Andy touch my hand. He says something and I am jolted back to reality.
Dolly is gone! Carl, the fancy motor home, and my music career are just brief memories. Darn.
The band is picking an old Eagles song, "Peaceful Easy Feeling" while a few couples dance to the beat. After a Creedence Clearwater Revival tune done with a bluegrass twist, the band closes with a gospel song.
You never know what will happen at a bluegrass concert.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Little Kitty Named Tabby Grey
I have been thinking about my grandmother a lot recently. She was a important influence in my life. She is gone now and I miss her very much. This is a children's poem she recited to my brother, sister and me when we were children. I think it came from the 1920s, 30s or 40s.
I do not know the author and have tried to find the title and words on the Internet. I have Googled, Poem Finder and Poem Hunter, with no luck. If anyone has heard this poem before please let me know.
Little Kitty Named Tabby Grey
I am a little kitty, my name is Tabby Grey.
I live out in the country, some twenty miles away.
My eyes are black as hazel, my fur as soft as silk.
I banquet every morning on a saucer full of milk.
The milk comes sweet and foamy, from the good old cow,
After I have drank it, I frolic you know how.
Sometimes when I am naughty, I climb up on the stand,
And eat the cake or chicken or just anything I can.
Oh! Then they hide my saucer, no matter how I mew,
And that is the way I'm punished for the naughty things I do.
I do not know the author and have tried to find the title and words on the Internet. I have Googled, Poem Finder and Poem Hunter, with no luck. If anyone has heard this poem before please let me know.
Little Kitty Named Tabby Grey
I am a little kitty, my name is Tabby Grey.
I live out in the country, some twenty miles away.
My eyes are black as hazel, my fur as soft as silk.
I banquet every morning on a saucer full of milk.
The milk comes sweet and foamy, from the good old cow,
After I have drank it, I frolic you know how.
Sometimes when I am naughty, I climb up on the stand,
And eat the cake or chicken or just anything I can.
Oh! Then they hide my saucer, no matter how I mew,
And that is the way I'm punished for the naughty things I do.
Remembering Melly
When I think of my friend Melly, I think of many things but two adjectives describe her best: brilliant and gracious. Melly passed away on March 1st, and she will be greatly missed.
Born Mary Newport Taylor, she was called Melly by her two adoring older sisters. They convinced her that "Melly" was the Chinese pronunciation for Mary. It stuck. She was Melly to her friends and sisters. To her many nephews and nieces, she was called Port.
Melly was a member of the same church all of her life. She was an accomplished singer, an alto, and sang in choir. Many songs were performed with her sister, Edith. Melly studied at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and was a piano teacher who instructed many fine young pupils. She was a patron of the arts and loved music. Other joys in her life were animals, her community, family and friends.
I met Melly when I joined the Piedmont Writers Group in 2008. She was a gentle, soft spoken lady but when she read her poetry, we listened! Poetry came easily to this former music teacher. Her love for music was evident when she read her "songs." One was a waltz set in 3/4 time. It was about a girl who had a cold and it read something like this: "I would dance with you, but I have the flu," and it goes on to say "If I only had a tissue, ACHOO!" The poem flowed like a sweet, humorous song and we never tired of hearing it.
Melly wrote fantasy and science fiction, love poems and humor. I call her writings brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I hope there is a way to compile her work so the world can enjoy her poems and stories. The way she turned a phrase or effortlessly constructed a sentence was pure art.
I would also describe Melly as gracious. If anyone did the slightest thing for Melly, she would thank them profusely. And she meant it. She was always grateful for any small favor: a ride, phone call or a plate of cookies. She loved cookies.
I think Melly was the epitome of a Southern lady. Proud of her family and its rich history, she lived in her family home from age five until her death at age seventy six. I wish I had known her as a young woman but I was privileged to know her these last few years.
At Melly's funeral, Margaret Adkins read a poem she had written for her dear friend. It was a lovely memorial to Melly called "Goodbye To A Friend." She read, in part, "She might sing but you won't hear her" And then spoke of "angels drawing near her."
I imagine she is also writing poetry. We will miss you, Miss Melly.
Born Mary Newport Taylor, she was called Melly by her two adoring older sisters. They convinced her that "Melly" was the Chinese pronunciation for Mary. It stuck. She was Melly to her friends and sisters. To her many nephews and nieces, she was called Port.
Melly was a member of the same church all of her life. She was an accomplished singer, an alto, and sang in choir. Many songs were performed with her sister, Edith. Melly studied at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and was a piano teacher who instructed many fine young pupils. She was a patron of the arts and loved music. Other joys in her life were animals, her community, family and friends.
I met Melly when I joined the Piedmont Writers Group in 2008. She was a gentle, soft spoken lady but when she read her poetry, we listened! Poetry came easily to this former music teacher. Her love for music was evident when she read her "songs." One was a waltz set in 3/4 time. It was about a girl who had a cold and it read something like this: "I would dance with you, but I have the flu," and it goes on to say "If I only had a tissue, ACHOO!" The poem flowed like a sweet, humorous song and we never tired of hearing it.
Melly wrote fantasy and science fiction, love poems and humor. I call her writings brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I hope there is a way to compile her work so the world can enjoy her poems and stories. The way she turned a phrase or effortlessly constructed a sentence was pure art.
I would also describe Melly as gracious. If anyone did the slightest thing for Melly, she would thank them profusely. And she meant it. She was always grateful for any small favor: a ride, phone call or a plate of cookies. She loved cookies.
I think Melly was the epitome of a Southern lady. Proud of her family and its rich history, she lived in her family home from age five until her death at age seventy six. I wish I had known her as a young woman but I was privileged to know her these last few years.
At Melly's funeral, Margaret Adkins read a poem she had written for her dear friend. It was a lovely memorial to Melly called "Goodbye To A Friend." She read, in part, "She might sing but you won't hear her" And then spoke of "angels drawing near her."
I imagine she is also writing poetry. We will miss you, Miss Melly.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Treasures at The Cellar Chest
I took some items to the Cellar Chest today. They will be for sale and someone else can enjoy my treasures.
I sat down over a cup of coffee with the manager, Tania Riddle, and admired all the work she and her staff have done since I was there a week ago. Tania has a flair for decorating and has been working hard on the back room, expanding the available space and making room for more paintings and antiques. One corner is reserved for Christmas! I love Christmas all year and if you are looking for ornaments or decorations to add to your collection, The Cellar Chest is the place to go.
In the front room there are little cozy areas such as the love seat and trunk shown in front of the piano (see picture.) On another wall is a large china cabinet full of blue and white Blue Willow patterned china. There is beautiful glassware, jewelry, books, furniture and collectibles.
Go in and see Tania and tell her that Lynn sent you. You will really enjoy poking around in this interesting shop. You never know what treasure you will find!
The Cellar Chest: 6620 A.L. Philpott Hwy (58 E.) Martinsville, VA
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Dead Skunks, Buzzards and Being Honest
Last night, coming back from a bluegrass concert out of town, we drove miles and miles through the distinctive aroma of skunk. It must be mating season because where ever I go, I smell the unmistakable "perfume" of skunk. They are usually dead in the middle of the road.
I was wondering today, coming back home from church and getting yet another whiff of you-know-what, if buzzards would eat a nasty smelling old dead skunk. Of course, buzzards eat nasty smelling corpses of, I guess, just about anything. So, it stands to reason that a buzzard will eat a skunk and not worry about the smell.
So, I typed in the question into trusty old Google. I found one website that answered just about any question on the subject and in graphic detail. And, I might add, in so much detail that I came away feeling a little nauseated and disgusted. Ah, on the positive side, this might be a good day to start a DIET since I can't imagine eating anything after reading what I read.
On the other hand, I wonder how much of the skunk article is true? Maybe as much truth as is on the Internet? I figure (my own estimate and I am such a skeptic) that only part of what we read on the Internet is true. You know what "they" say, "You can't believe everything you hear (read or even see.)"
In writing my own stories, about 80% is actually true. Now, I am going to be 100% honest: I take a "seed" of what really happened, add a bit of creative fiction and a whole lot of "well, if it didn't happen that way, it SHOULD have!" I think 80% is a pretty close estimate.
Take my story "Nightmare," posted back in April of 2010. On the truthful side: I really did have an Uncle Bucky and all of the other names are correct. We really did ride the roller coaster named "Nightmare" and the twists and turns were just as I remembered. Joyland, the amusement park, was just as I described it.
Now, on the not-so-truthful side: it is "rumored" that Uncle Bucky swallowed his cigar (I have heard that story all my life) and the dialog "could" have gone as I wrote it. So, there you are, 80% truth. The rest is fiction.
So, whether you are talking about dead skunks, buzzards or roller coasters, when YOU hear a good story and pass it on, don't you want to make it just a little better? Now be truthful !
I was wondering today, coming back home from church and getting yet another whiff of you-know-what, if buzzards would eat a nasty smelling old dead skunk. Of course, buzzards eat nasty smelling corpses of, I guess, just about anything. So, it stands to reason that a buzzard will eat a skunk and not worry about the smell.
So, I typed in the question into trusty old Google. I found one website that answered just about any question on the subject and in graphic detail. And, I might add, in so much detail that I came away feeling a little nauseated and disgusted. Ah, on the positive side, this might be a good day to start a DIET since I can't imagine eating anything after reading what I read.
On the other hand, I wonder how much of the skunk article is true? Maybe as much truth as is on the Internet? I figure (my own estimate and I am such a skeptic) that only part of what we read on the Internet is true. You know what "they" say, "You can't believe everything you hear (read or even see.)"
In writing my own stories, about 80% is actually true. Now, I am going to be 100% honest: I take a "seed" of what really happened, add a bit of creative fiction and a whole lot of "well, if it didn't happen that way, it SHOULD have!" I think 80% is a pretty close estimate.
Take my story "Nightmare," posted back in April of 2010. On the truthful side: I really did have an Uncle Bucky and all of the other names are correct. We really did ride the roller coaster named "Nightmare" and the twists and turns were just as I remembered. Joyland, the amusement park, was just as I described it.
Now, on the not-so-truthful side: it is "rumored" that Uncle Bucky swallowed his cigar (I have heard that story all my life) and the dialog "could" have gone as I wrote it. So, there you are, 80% truth. The rest is fiction.
So, whether you are talking about dead skunks, buzzards or roller coasters, when YOU hear a good story and pass it on, don't you want to make it just a little better? Now be truthful !
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Comments answered
Hey Readers,
For some reason, I cannot figure out how to post a comment on my own blog. Does anyone know how to do this? If so, please send me an e-mail at writingonarainbow@gmail.com Thank you.
To Ann, I appreciate your comment about my poem about the hole in my sock. It was silly, but I am glad you like it. My sister in Kansas and my brother in California enjoyed it also (even if Brother called it "Corny but Cute.") They are both sweet about my little stories. Also, yes, I have seen the movie "Trip to Bountiful" many times. I love Geraldine Page and think she made wonderful movies.
Speaking of old movies, I am addicted to them. TCM is one of my favorite channels and I watched "Lost Horizons" the other day (had not seen it for years) and remembered how much I loved that movie the first time I saw it. Being from Kansas, another favorite is "The Wizard of Oz" and sometimes refer to it in my stories, especially in earlier posts. (I love going home to Kansas and need to write more about it soon. It is a wonderful state. I guess we love our home state and town the best. It is familiar and comfortable.) Back to old movies, I love old horror movies (really old ones) with Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney. I love the old Topper movies, the Three Stooges, Our Gang Comedy, and of course, since I am a transplant in the South, "Gone With The Wind."
I have listed just a few of my favorite movies. What are your favorites?
For some reason, I cannot figure out how to post a comment on my own blog. Does anyone know how to do this? If so, please send me an e-mail at writingonarainbow@gmail.com Thank you.
To Ann, I appreciate your comment about my poem about the hole in my sock. It was silly, but I am glad you like it. My sister in Kansas and my brother in California enjoyed it also (even if Brother called it "Corny but Cute.") They are both sweet about my little stories. Also, yes, I have seen the movie "Trip to Bountiful" many times. I love Geraldine Page and think she made wonderful movies.
Speaking of old movies, I am addicted to them. TCM is one of my favorite channels and I watched "Lost Horizons" the other day (had not seen it for years) and remembered how much I loved that movie the first time I saw it. Being from Kansas, another favorite is "The Wizard of Oz" and sometimes refer to it in my stories, especially in earlier posts. (I love going home to Kansas and need to write more about it soon. It is a wonderful state. I guess we love our home state and town the best. It is familiar and comfortable.) Back to old movies, I love old horror movies (really old ones) with Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney. I love the old Topper movies, the Three Stooges, Our Gang Comedy, and of course, since I am a transplant in the South, "Gone With The Wind."
I have listed just a few of my favorite movies. What are your favorites?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Stitch In Time
I was inspired to write this little ditty when I took off my shoe last night and saw my big toe sticking out from a hole in my sock:
A Stitch In Time
A stitch in time saves nine, is what Grandmother always said.
I didn't heed her advise, there is a hole in my sock, instead.
Now, I'll look for a needle and thread I need to match,
A darning egg would be nice, so the problem I can patch.
I could throw out this holey sock and toss it in the trash,
But it is kinder for the planet to fix rather than to smash.
My toe is sticking out of my sock, what am I supposed to do?
I could cover it up, conveniently, and hide it with my shoe.
Ah ha! I found a needle and a thimble and now the thread.
I will fix the hole in my sock, and do as Grandmother said.
Dear Readers,
This is about the silliest thing I have ever written, but don't we need a chuckle or two when the world is so crazy? AND.... it was absolutely true, as you can see from the photo. I used to have a darning egg.... hmmmm.....I wonder what the heck I did with it?
Love,
Lynn
Dinner in 30 Minutes
Last Saturday night, we were going out to a music show at 6:00. I thought!
I was on the computer when Andy called out "Do you want to grab something to eat at a restaurant before we go to the show?" "No, I am going to cook tonight," I returned. "Well, you had better start, we only have an hour." He said.
"What!" I thought! It was only 4:00. As it turned out, we had to leave at 5:00 instead of 6:00 and I had to hustle in the kitchen. There was no time to panic. Get busy, Girl!
My rice cooker takes 20 minutes so I threw in a package (you know, the long skinny one) of yellow saffron rice in the cooker with butter and water. It started cooking right away. Good.
I sliced up steak, orange and red peppers and a large onion into strips and started to saute in a pan. When almost done, I tossed in a package of Fajita mix and a 1/4 cup water, covered and steamed until tender.
Meanwhile, I chopped up some Romaine lettuce, peeled a kiwi fruit and sliced. I peeled and sliced an avocado and arranged all on a plate and drizzled with Raspberry Walnut dressing straight from the bottle.
I warmed two tortillas, stuffed them with the meat/pepper/onion mixture and topped with freshly shredded cheddar cheese, plated up a generous scoop of yellow rice, brought the salad plates to the table and served my Mexican meal to my husband all in under 30 minutes. Not bad for a hurried up dinner and best of all- he loved it.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Some Updates and Things to Come
Hello Dear Readers,
I am working on some interesting, I think, stories to post soon.
Andy and I went to the boondocks last Sunday afternoon. We love to drive in the country and we had to drive through a lot of it to get where we were going.
Have you ever been to a town called "Tightsqueeze," Virginia? Neither had I but now I can say I have. I love that name and in a soon-to-be-published post, I will tell you how Tightsqueeze got its unusual name.
Also, Chatham,VA is a most interesting place with grand old homes and interesting architecture. I am going there for the day (or maybe two) this week and do a little poking around. Will be bringing, for your enjoyment, lots of pictures of this lovely little place.
Lets see, oh yes, the writers group book is in its final proofing and I should know more about its publishing date soon. I am looking for it to be out in a couple of months but, since many have asked about it, I will be sure and post that date and how to order it soon.
I spent a fun day in Greensboro, NC yesterday. Years ago there were six of us who worked together in a wonderful shop called: Potpourri Press the Company Store. Janet was the manager, I was the floral designer, Trish: the one who transformed the store into a thing of beauty. Helen, was the office manager and Becky and Marie wore many hats from cashier, to greeter to make-the-store-pretty employee. We all loved The Company Store and, even though it hasn't been in business for years, Greensboro remembers it also.
I digress. Anyway, We all met for lunch at one favorite place, The Pavilion. We all ordered the Julianne Salad with dressing on the side and garlic toast. Oh my goodness, you have never seen such a salad. I call it "The Big Salad" (remember Seinfeld?) and even the small salad is huge. I have been dreaming of The Big Salad for months. It was so good.
A quick trip to a few stores close by and home again. Andy has been out seeding, fencing and doing some front loader work on the farm while the weather holds out. The cows had gotten in a little fenced off area where we planted 50 little trees last year and made a mess out of things, so he was cleaning up that (and cussing a little bit too.) I can't blame him for that, they are a problem sometimes.
That is all the news on Tues. more later from South side Virginia!
I am working on some interesting, I think, stories to post soon.
Andy and I went to the boondocks last Sunday afternoon. We love to drive in the country and we had to drive through a lot of it to get where we were going.
Have you ever been to a town called "Tightsqueeze," Virginia? Neither had I but now I can say I have. I love that name and in a soon-to-be-published post, I will tell you how Tightsqueeze got its unusual name.
Also, Chatham,VA is a most interesting place with grand old homes and interesting architecture. I am going there for the day (or maybe two) this week and do a little poking around. Will be bringing, for your enjoyment, lots of pictures of this lovely little place.
Lets see, oh yes, the writers group book is in its final proofing and I should know more about its publishing date soon. I am looking for it to be out in a couple of months but, since many have asked about it, I will be sure and post that date and how to order it soon.
I spent a fun day in Greensboro, NC yesterday. Years ago there were six of us who worked together in a wonderful shop called: Potpourri Press the Company Store. Janet was the manager, I was the floral designer, Trish: the one who transformed the store into a thing of beauty. Helen, was the office manager and Becky and Marie wore many hats from cashier, to greeter to make-the-store-pretty employee. We all loved The Company Store and, even though it hasn't been in business for years, Greensboro remembers it also.
I digress. Anyway, We all met for lunch at one favorite place, The Pavilion. We all ordered the Julianne Salad with dressing on the side and garlic toast. Oh my goodness, you have never seen such a salad. I call it "The Big Salad" (remember Seinfeld?) and even the small salad is huge. I have been dreaming of The Big Salad for months. It was so good.
A quick trip to a few stores close by and home again. Andy has been out seeding, fencing and doing some front loader work on the farm while the weather holds out. The cows had gotten in a little fenced off area where we planted 50 little trees last year and made a mess out of things, so he was cleaning up that (and cussing a little bit too.) I can't blame him for that, they are a problem sometimes.
That is all the news on Tues. more later from South side Virginia!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday notes
Dear Readers,
I am happy to say that as of today, I have received 1,010 hits on my little blog in the past 9 months! While that may not be a lot for big important blogs, but I am thrilled. I especially love the fact that many people from all over the world visit my blog.
I have received a few comments about Chili Con Carne, other recipes and the book that some of my short stories will be in and coming out soon.
To Ann, I hope that recipe helps, although without the chili powder and hot spices, it will change the taste. After all it is: Chili :-) I still think it will be good, though, and please tell me how you like it. The masa harina that you buy for the recipe is the main ingredient in tortillas, tamales and a lot of other good Mexican food. Since you will have a bag of it leftover, you might want to try your hand at making your own tortillas. You can find all kinds of recipes in the Internet.
The Book is a mix of essays, short stories and poems written by the PAA Writers Group in Martinsville, VA. We are partnered with the Piedmont Art Museum and are quite an interesting bunch of people, if I do say so myself. Since I have no way of contacting people who leave comments, please continue to check back from time to time and I will post the information concerning how to purchase the book. Thank you for asking and I think it should be out in a couple of months.
To Ann, I think you will love that Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. Mother made it when I was a kid, I made it for my family and my children bake it too. I am not sure where my mother got the recipe, but I've always loved it. What is not to love about good, quick and easy!
Thanks for the comments and keep 'em coming!
Lynn
I am happy to say that as of today, I have received 1,010 hits on my little blog in the past 9 months! While that may not be a lot for big important blogs, but I am thrilled. I especially love the fact that many people from all over the world visit my blog.
I have received a few comments about Chili Con Carne, other recipes and the book that some of my short stories will be in and coming out soon.
To Ann, I hope that recipe helps, although without the chili powder and hot spices, it will change the taste. After all it is: Chili :-) I still think it will be good, though, and please tell me how you like it. The masa harina that you buy for the recipe is the main ingredient in tortillas, tamales and a lot of other good Mexican food. Since you will have a bag of it leftover, you might want to try your hand at making your own tortillas. You can find all kinds of recipes in the Internet.
The Book is a mix of essays, short stories and poems written by the PAA Writers Group in Martinsville, VA. We are partnered with the Piedmont Art Museum and are quite an interesting bunch of people, if I do say so myself. Since I have no way of contacting people who leave comments, please continue to check back from time to time and I will post the information concerning how to purchase the book. Thank you for asking and I think it should be out in a couple of months.
To Ann, I think you will love that Hot Fudge Pudding Cake. Mother made it when I was a kid, I made it for my family and my children bake it too. I am not sure where my mother got the recipe, but I've always loved it. What is not to love about good, quick and easy!
Thanks for the comments and keep 'em coming!
Lynn
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Chili Con Carne- for Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
After a lot of research, and asking my son, Chef Travis, I have come up with an answer to your question about Chili Con Carne. Don't know if it is the RIGHT answer, but here goes:
Meaning "chili peppers with meat," there are as many Chili Con Carne recipes as there are hairs on your dog's head. And that, Dear Anonymous, is a lot of hair.
I think if you go back to my post "She Shot Him Over Chili Beans," and then scroll down to the recipe called "Chunky Chili" and make as directed but with the following additions: Add 2 more Tablespoons of Chili powder and a little more Oregano. Now, cook two hours on low on top of the stove, or up to 6 hours in a slow cooker.
The last hour of cooking, add 3 Tablespoons of Masa Harina instead of the 2 Tablespoons of cornmeal. You can find Masa in the flour/cornmeal section of any grocery store. Take the 3 Tablespoons of Masa and mix it with 1/4 Cup of water stirring until smooth. If stiff, stir in a little more water. Stir in the chili and cover again. Cook the last hour, stirring occasionally until thickened. (Note: Masa IS made from corn and so is, obviously, cornmeal, BUT Masa is ground finer and has a little different taste.)
Anonymous, I think this is the secret of Chili Con Carne- it is thicker (using Masa) than other chilis. I hope this helps and I hope you like your chili. Top with a little shredded cheddar cheese and saltines. Yum, I am hungry.
After a lot of research, and asking my son, Chef Travis, I have come up with an answer to your question about Chili Con Carne. Don't know if it is the RIGHT answer, but here goes:
Meaning "chili peppers with meat," there are as many Chili Con Carne recipes as there are hairs on your dog's head. And that, Dear Anonymous, is a lot of hair.
I think if you go back to my post "She Shot Him Over Chili Beans," and then scroll down to the recipe called "Chunky Chili" and make as directed but with the following additions: Add 2 more Tablespoons of Chili powder and a little more Oregano. Now, cook two hours on low on top of the stove, or up to 6 hours in a slow cooker.
The last hour of cooking, add 3 Tablespoons of Masa Harina instead of the 2 Tablespoons of cornmeal. You can find Masa in the flour/cornmeal section of any grocery store. Take the 3 Tablespoons of Masa and mix it with 1/4 Cup of water stirring until smooth. If stiff, stir in a little more water. Stir in the chili and cover again. Cook the last hour, stirring occasionally until thickened. (Note: Masa IS made from corn and so is, obviously, cornmeal, BUT Masa is ground finer and has a little different taste.)
Anonymous, I think this is the secret of Chili Con Carne- it is thicker (using Masa) than other chilis. I hope this helps and I hope you like your chili. Top with a little shredded cheddar cheese and saltines. Yum, I am hungry.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Consignment Shop and on Being Frugal
Being frugal has become a way of life to most folks these days. This is especially true if you are on a fixed income as Andy and I are. So, there are ways to cut back with discretionary spending, say with food, getting creative and using what is in the pantry/ freezer and just filling in with weekly shopping at the grocery store. Coupon cutting/trading/online couponing/store sales, I do them all. I heard recently that being frugal is the new "chic." So, I guess we are in the "in crowd."
Still, sometimes I like to shop for a few hours at my favorite places, just to see what is new, even if I don't buy a thing. It is fun and relaxing to me and I love to talk with the people in the stores.
One shop that I have blogged/facebooked about is The Cellar Chest. This is the manager's, Tania Riddle, description: "Consign, Repurpose & Collect. Furniture, Gifts, Accessories and Collectibles. (The Cellar Chest) Breaks from the traditional consignment mold, we offer a unique, eclectic mix of furniture, decorative items, antiques, gifts, collectibles and handmade treasures."
Indeed! It is large space with several rooms, decorated well with plenty of light to search for those treasures. The staff is informative and helpful and the prices are amazing. I saw a 46 piece blue and white Blue Willow set of dishes (lots of serving pieces and the cutest oriental figures for the salt and pepper shakers) for $80. Amazing, amazing price.
There are sofas, interesting side chairs, tables, mirrors, glassware, books, nice (some really good pieces) jewelry. Arranged everywhere are decorative pillows, dishes, Christmas items, framed prints as well as original paintings. There are several boxed sets of silver flatware. I saw nice lamps, new and still in the box gift items, garden/outside items and antiques. Many nice pieces of furniture including one metal twin sized bed frame that would make a great day bed. Anyway, too many items to remember. Go see for yourself.
The Cellar Chest is located at 6620 A.L.Philpott Hwy, Martinsville, VA. in what used to be the Old Yeatts Nursery Bldg on 58 East, in the Laurel Park area. They are open Tues - Fri. from 10 am to 5 pm and Sat. 10 am to 2 pm. The nicest part is that they are an affiliate of MARCWorkshop Inc. and the proceeds go right back to MARCWorkshop.
Y'all go check it out. I recently bought two cute decorative birdhouses (see picture above) trimmed with interesting "found" items such as doorknobs, locks and keys. I also left with an armload of current hardback books. Join the frugal fun and go on your own treasure hunt.
Still, sometimes I like to shop for a few hours at my favorite places, just to see what is new, even if I don't buy a thing. It is fun and relaxing to me and I love to talk with the people in the stores.
One shop that I have blogged/facebooked about is The Cellar Chest. This is the manager's, Tania Riddle, description: "Consign, Repurpose & Collect. Furniture, Gifts, Accessories and Collectibles. (The Cellar Chest) Breaks from the traditional consignment mold, we offer a unique, eclectic mix of furniture, decorative items, antiques, gifts, collectibles and handmade treasures."
Indeed! It is large space with several rooms, decorated well with plenty of light to search for those treasures. The staff is informative and helpful and the prices are amazing. I saw a 46 piece blue and white Blue Willow set of dishes (lots of serving pieces and the cutest oriental figures for the salt and pepper shakers) for $80. Amazing, amazing price.
There are sofas, interesting side chairs, tables, mirrors, glassware, books, nice (some really good pieces) jewelry. Arranged everywhere are decorative pillows, dishes, Christmas items, framed prints as well as original paintings. There are several boxed sets of silver flatware. I saw nice lamps, new and still in the box gift items, garden/outside items and antiques. Many nice pieces of furniture including one metal twin sized bed frame that would make a great day bed. Anyway, too many items to remember. Go see for yourself.
The Cellar Chest is located at 6620 A.L.Philpott Hwy, Martinsville, VA. in what used to be the Old Yeatts Nursery Bldg on 58 East, in the Laurel Park area. They are open Tues - Fri. from 10 am to 5 pm and Sat. 10 am to 2 pm. The nicest part is that they are an affiliate of MARCWorkshop Inc. and the proceeds go right back to MARCWorkshop.
Y'all go check it out. I recently bought two cute decorative birdhouses (see picture above) trimmed with interesting "found" items such as doorknobs, locks and keys. I also left with an armload of current hardback books. Join the frugal fun and go on your own treasure hunt.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Few Updates
Now that the Valentine holiday is over, it is time to look forward to spring. Here in Southern Virginia, we are getting a taste of it. The sunny days approach a lovely 60 degrees and would feel nice a springy if not for the blasts of wind! I cannot complain, however, because it all feels good after a long cold winter.
An update on Feb. 14th: Andy loved his grilling utensils. He was tired after a busy day at the livestock market (how romantic is this?) We decided not to go out to dinner because Monday is our favorite TV night, I am talking about Harry's Law and Castle! (How old are we anyway?) And, we ate P.F. Chang's Orange Chicken from the freezer, (which is quite good.) I made the rice and we ate chocolate cake. No wine, saving that for another time. Andy fell asleep in his chair. Again, how old are we anyway?
For the person who would like a good Chili Con Carne recipe- I am looking through my recipes. I will also consult my son who is a chef for any terrific ideas he might have. So, "Anonymous", check back in a few days for one or two recipes.
I am working on a few stories for a book due out in about two months. It is a book of short stories and poems from my writers group and should be quite good. We are proofing now and will turn it in, hopefully, in a couple of weeks. If anyone is interested in this book, let me know. I will have 3, 4 or 5 pieces in it, depending on how things go. It is all a slow process and driving me crazy.
Let's see, my sister just painted her kitchen and has ordered all new stainless steel appliances, my brother, in California, is doing great, my sons are happy, working hard, and my grandchildren and all beautiful and brilliant. Andy and I are gearing up for lots of work on the farm this spring. Our cows are all pregnant with the help of our very busy (and happy) bull. All is as it should be.
An update on Feb. 14th: Andy loved his grilling utensils. He was tired after a busy day at the livestock market (how romantic is this?) We decided not to go out to dinner because Monday is our favorite TV night, I am talking about Harry's Law and Castle! (How old are we anyway?) And, we ate P.F. Chang's Orange Chicken from the freezer, (which is quite good.) I made the rice and we ate chocolate cake. No wine, saving that for another time. Andy fell asleep in his chair. Again, how old are we anyway?
For the person who would like a good Chili Con Carne recipe- I am looking through my recipes. I will also consult my son who is a chef for any terrific ideas he might have. So, "Anonymous", check back in a few days for one or two recipes.
I am working on a few stories for a book due out in about two months. It is a book of short stories and poems from my writers group and should be quite good. We are proofing now and will turn it in, hopefully, in a couple of weeks. If anyone is interested in this book, let me know. I will have 3, 4 or 5 pieces in it, depending on how things go. It is all a slow process and driving me crazy.
Let's see, my sister just painted her kitchen and has ordered all new stainless steel appliances, my brother, in California, is doing great, my sons are happy, working hard, and my grandchildren and all beautiful and brilliant. Andy and I are gearing up for lots of work on the farm this spring. Our cows are all pregnant with the help of our very busy (and happy) bull. All is as it should be.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Hopeless Romantic
Andy had the table set when I woke up this morning. He had to leave the house early to take cows to market. He was hoping to sneak out and surprise me but I caught him in the act ! After he left, promising we would celebrate this evening, I added the cake, plates, napkins and tablecloth, but he did the rest. What a hopeless romantic.
Now if I can just find that "Do Not Disturb" sign !
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone !
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Blind Date
February 16, 2006:
Andy and I met on a blind date two days after Valentines Day in 2006.
We decided to meet at a restaurant in Winston-Salem. we parked next to each other in the parking lot and, stepping out of his car, a tall, lean man said with a big grin, Well, hi Honey!"
We enjoyed a comfortable hour and a half talking and laughing, just getting to know one another over a nice Italian meal. After lunch he walked me to my car and said "Just a minute, I have something for you." He grabbed something out of his car and handed me the biggest box of candy I had ever seen. It was five pounds of chocolates.
"I thanked him and said "Would you like a piece of candy?"
Andy just grinned and said, "I'd rather have a kiss!"
Well, he got a kiss, a chocolate truffle and, three months later, he got me. We were married on May 31st, just 3 months after we met. We decided that when you are over age 60, you can't wait too long- just go for it.
Actually, he had me from "Well, hi Honey!"
Saturday, February 12, 2011
This Takes the Cake
Hey there cupcake!
I discovered a very sweet blog site that is so delicious that I want to take a bite out of it! www.cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/ has all kinds of information about, what else, CUPCAKES. Anything you ever wanted to know about cupcakes can be found in the blog.
There are yummy recipes and pretty pictures of cupcakes around the country and all over the world. Another interesting feature is a list of cupcake bakeries all over the USA. What a fun trip that would be. How many pounds would I gain? Who cares! There are many subjects to visit, such as: "Popular Posts," "Mail Order Cupcakes," "Tips," and "Cupcake and Foodie Blogs."
I love cupcakes, they have just enough sweetness to end a meal. I even love the name "cupcake." How cute is that? On this site, you can even learn about unique "Bacon Cupcakes," and "Sea Salt Carmel Cupcakes." Who knew there was so much to learn about cupcakes?
Valentine's Day is around the corner so whip up a batch and give your honey a sweet treat.
My homemade butter cream icing follows, and isn't icing the best part? You bet!
Butter Cream Vanilla Icing
1/2 Cup softened butter, not margarine
2 Cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or lemon, strawberry, etc)
a few drops of food coloring, if desired
Cream butter and sugar, slowly add the milk and beat to the consistency that YOU like. I like it soft and smooth, but not so soft that the icing will slid off the cake. If it isn't just right, add a little more milk or powdered sugar. Add the vanilla (and food coloring) last. Beat with a mixer until smooth. Will ice 12 cupcakes.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Love is in the Air
Love is in the Air
It is almost here! Love is in the air, can you feel it? Four more days to the biggest chocolate eating, rose smelling, card sending and most romantic day of the year. I am, of course, talking about Valentine's Day.
I have several gifts for my husband, wrapped up in red and white paper with pink tissue and tied with miles of flowing ribbon. They are filled with candies and little momentos and one big gift bag is filled with new grilling utensils! Practical and not very romantic, but he really likes to grill in the spring, thus the utensils. I am giving him a beautiful card with lovey, dovey wording, kisses and hugs, Love, Lynn. You get the picture.
As for my husband, (I would bet you $100 right now) with only four days left until Valentine's Day, I don't think Andy has gotten me anything, (nada, zippo and zilch). So far, that is. He really is a very romantic guy, but he will purchase my gifts on Valentines Day. Not before.
Last year, he bought a dozen long stemmed red roses and kept them in the half bathroom off the garage. That is his space and I rarely venture in his man-cave bathroom. The problem was that for 6 hours the roses had no water source. Hummm..... don't know how they survived, but they were beautiful. I was a floral designer in a former life and would not recommend treating roses in this manner.
The picture shown was taken after a glass of wine or two. Look how much fun you can have with one perfect rose. Speaking of one perfect rose, read my next post tomorrow about just that.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Mom's Hot Fudge Pudding cake
I was thinking today about the "fast" food that my mother used to cook. Fast because it didn't take much time and used ingredients that she had on her shelf. My mother worked outside the home, and after a long day, she would usually cook a big dinner. I remember plates piled high with fried pork chops, deviled eggs, friend chicken or roast beef. There was always some kind of dessert. I don't know how she managed all the cooking, cleaning, caring for a family and working full time. She also helped with school activities, brownies and girl scouts.
I am giving you a yummy and fast cake recipe called "Hot Fudge Pudding Cake." Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a real treat.
Mom's Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Sift together:
1 Cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T. cocoa
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 Cup sugar
Stir in:
1/2 Cup milk
2 T. veg. oil
1 Cup chopped pecans
Spread mixture in a greased, 9 inch square pan and sprinkle with:
1 Cup brown sugar
4 T. cocoa
Pour 1 plus 3/4 Cups hot water over the batter in the pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The cake will be done and crackled on top and but there will be hot fudge pudding inside.
Serves 6-9
I am giving you a yummy and fast cake recipe called "Hot Fudge Pudding Cake." Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a real treat.
Mom's Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Sift together:
1 Cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T. cocoa
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 Cup sugar
Stir in:
1/2 Cup milk
2 T. veg. oil
1 Cup chopped pecans
Spread mixture in a greased, 9 inch square pan and sprinkle with:
1 Cup brown sugar
4 T. cocoa
Pour 1 plus 3/4 Cups hot water over the batter in the pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. The cake will be done and crackled on top and but there will be hot fudge pudding inside.
Serves 6-9
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Grandmother's Flower Garden
I wrote this story a few years ago. It has appeared in four quilting magazines and will be published in the Piedmont Writers Group 2011 collection of stories and poems due out later this year.
Grandmother's Flower Garden
A few years ago, my mother gave me a quilt for Christmas. It is very special to me because it was pieced by my grandmother and quilted by my mother. It hangs on my bedroom wall because, to me, it is a work of art.
The pattern is called "Grandmother's Flower Garden" and contains hundreds of hexagon shapes. The fabric is from the 1930's and each small scrap bursts with bright pastel color and tiny floral prints. My grandmother loved fabric with miniature roses and violets and searched through piles of cotton material to find each perfect little gem for her collection.
Grandmother was a great seamstress, making clothes for herself as well as her two young daughters. The scraps were saved, cut, carefully stacked in a box and stored on a shelf in the closet. When she finally had enough shapes to form the pattern, she pieced the design, alternating floral and solid hexagons. The quilt top remained in a cedar chest, never finished, until my mother found it, quilted it and added a border. She gave the finished quilt to me as a surprise Christmas gift.
The old fashioned fabric takes me to a time before I was born, when my mother was a child and her mother was a young woman. The thread that weaves through families is both delicate and strong. It holds us together gently but firmly through time. This is the thread that sews the fabric of our lives as we intertwine with the past. One generation comes after another, held together by the past but looking forward to the future. I think of the two women who created my quilt and whisper a promise to keep it safe until I pass it on the the next caretaker.
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