It was a lazy morning around the hotel and we got up and enjoyed a nice breakfast in the hotel lobby. Damon opted for something called Pain Perdu Foster which is their version of French Toast, but in this case it is Creole cinnamon French Toast topped with sautéed bananas and vanilla whipped cream. He did add a side of apple wood bacon. I decided to try the sautéed shrimp and eggs which was gulf shrimp and fried egg over stone-ground cheese grits. Both were good and you are being saved pictures as I left the camera in the room when we went down. I bet Janet is breathing a sigh of relief just about now.
Then it was time to send off Damon to Blaine Kearn's Mardi Gras World. To get the feeling of Mardi Gras year-round, this is the place to go. It is the largest float designing and building facility in the world. More than 80 percent of the floats that journey down New Orleans' streets during the Carnival season are designed and built.
From their website - Begun in 1947 by float designer and builder Blaine Kern, Mardi Gras World provides visitors with the opportunity to don authentic Mardi Gras costumes and tour enormous warehouses filled with floats. The tour includes a short video and guide who is quite knowledgeable about Mardi Gras history and customs. And for a taste of Mardi Gras, king cake and piping hot New Orleans coffee are served.
During the tour, visitors learn about the many traditions surrounding Mardi Gras parades, balls and music, as well as the intricacies of float designing and building. Mardi Gras floats began rumbling down New Orleans streets in 1837 with mule-drawn carriages. Today the tradition continues with sophisticated mega-floats, which hold more than 200 masked riders and are lit with fiber optic cables and laser lights.
The place is the size of three football fields and is amazing. I have been three times in past visits and it is a real experience. By his going it allowed me sometime to get caught up on the blog and relax a bit. The humidity is growing daily and rain is to hit tomorrow. Add the temps climbing past the 90 degree mark this day and well, let me have my air-conditioning!
We are going to enjoy a local favorite tonight called Daisy Duke's which a lot of the locals swear by and is close by. Another place called Brother's is going to be hit up as they make amazing chicken and some kind of Creole Kabob that the front desk told us we cannot miss. All I can say is that next year we are going to go somewhere cooler to mark our anniversary.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Acme Oyster Co. & More
This was one of the main places I wanted to take Damon. He was introduced to oysters back in Seattle and liked them, so this was a natural choice while here in the Big Easy. For over 100 years, Acme has been satisfying the hungriest of people all over the world! It's quality you can taste in the fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters. Whether served ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter or fried to golden perfection, Acme oysters are some of the best you'll ever have. As you can see above I like them raw on the half shell. And notice something else...yes, there are ash trays. The whole non-smoking thing in restaurants has not quite made it to Louisiana.
Today the city marked the 1st anniversary of hurricane Isaac and the 8th anniversary of Katrina. Acme was one of the first restaurants to bounce back in both cases and keeps the crowds coming. And it's not just the oysters, but all of the New Orleans classics like red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, jambalaya and more, all seasoned to perfection and oh so good. So if you ever make it down to New Orleans be sure to pull up a chair, take in the history and soak up the flavor.
So back to dinner, I opted for fried soft shell crabs - oh they are just so good. But the one reason this is only a one time visit this trip is that just about everything is fried. They also do Po-Boy Sandwiches which are heavenly, but oh way too much bread. I had my soft shell crabs with double order of cole slaw as I had enough breading on the crabs. Damon had the seafood platter which had shrimp, fish and oysters. He went for hush puppies and fries with his order. Oh and we shared an order of fried crab claws just because we both had never heard of such a thing and it was fun to try.
Made our way back to the hotel which was the opposite direction of all the craziness of Southern Decadence.
That is a big festival going on this weekend with 120,000+ people and then there are all the anti-protesters around and it is a big hot mess. We decided to avoid all that and just return to the comfort of our hotel. Again, other than the phones that do not work, it is a pretty nice place. But oh you have to be careful in that they have those bottles of water sitting out that they are selling for $6 a bottle - seriously. You could go broke in a week. Tomorrow is another day and oh I am just so excited as it is to get even hotter!
Today the city marked the 1st anniversary of hurricane Isaac and the 8th anniversary of Katrina. Acme was one of the first restaurants to bounce back in both cases and keeps the crowds coming. And it's not just the oysters, but all of the New Orleans classics like red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, jambalaya and more, all seasoned to perfection and oh so good. So if you ever make it down to New Orleans be sure to pull up a chair, take in the history and soak up the flavor.
So back to dinner, I opted for fried soft shell crabs - oh they are just so good. But the one reason this is only a one time visit this trip is that just about everything is fried. They also do Po-Boy Sandwiches which are heavenly, but oh way too much bread. I had my soft shell crabs with double order of cole slaw as I had enough breading on the crabs. Damon had the seafood platter which had shrimp, fish and oysters. He went for hush puppies and fries with his order. Oh and we shared an order of fried crab claws just because we both had never heard of such a thing and it was fun to try.
Made our way back to the hotel which was the opposite direction of all the craziness of Southern Decadence.
That is a big festival going on this weekend with 120,000+ people and then there are all the anti-protesters around and it is a big hot mess. We decided to avoid all that and just return to the comfort of our hotel. Again, other than the phones that do not work, it is a pretty nice place. But oh you have to be careful in that they have those bottles of water sitting out that they are selling for $6 a bottle - seriously. You could go broke in a week. Tomorrow is another day and oh I am just so excited as it is to get even hotter!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Finally In New Orleans
Yesterday started off just great, some morning rain and getting the last of packing done and out the door on time. Picked up Curtis on time and on to the airport. He took my car back to his house to live for the week while I am in New Orleans. Went in to check-in and greeted with flight delay. Indeed, an hour delay and thus missing my connection in Dallas for New Orleans. They bumped me to a later flight and was able to text Damon to keep him updated.
He arrived New Orleans as we were departing Dallas. The flight was not even half full and we made it to New Orleans in just over an hour. Made my way to baggage claim with some assistance and all was good. Well, it was until we got to baggage claim and this was the scene. Indeed, one lonely bag on the luggage belt and it was not mine!
Only one other time back in 2004 when a bag did not arrive Istanbul have I had a bag lost. So off to the lost luggage office and found out that even though I was on the ground for nearly two hours, my bag did not make the change. It was slated to arrive about midnight last night. Needless to say, I was asleep by then and so Damon was very nice and went down and collected it this morning.Found out that the hotel we are staying in just reopened 9 days ago after a six week upgrade. Rooms are quite nice and really the only challenge has been that the phones in the room do not work. Thankfully we have our cell phones. It was a chilly 89 today and they are talking about how cool it is. Give me a break! Oh and can we talk humidity. My outdoor time this day has been minimal. Trying to keep cool. Still adjusting to different time zone and did have a few computer problems this morning.
Seems my wireless mouse died on the trip here. So it was off to CVS to get a mouse and that was about 6 blocks away...far enough to walk when it is 70% humidity outside let me tell you. While we lunched at the hotel and Damon experienced Fried Green Tomatoes for the first time, tonight we are going to eat oysters ala Acme Oyster Co. It is a New Orleans institution and should be a good time for all. More later.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
"I Have A Dream..."
Throughout today there is going to be a lot of coverage as it was 50 years ago that Dr. King gave this speech. Many do not realize that it was about jobs and that the tag line of "I have a dream" was added impromptu and was not an original part of his written speech. While the image above is known far and wide, when I went to get an image to use today, the image below also caught my attention.
Today I am headed east and so am all packed except this laptop that will go in as soon as I am done. Then I will drive down and pick up Curtis and off to the airport we go. He is going to park my car at his house for the week and then pick me up next Tuesday evening. I will be posting away from New Orleans and who knows what about. But more than anything I have a full week away physically from the office even though I know I will have to check email from time to time. Cheers!
Today I am headed east and so am all packed except this laptop that will go in as soon as I am done. Then I will drive down and pick up Curtis and off to the airport we go. He is going to park my car at his house for the week and then pick me up next Tuesday evening. I will be posting away from New Orleans and who knows what about. But more than anything I have a full week away physically from the office even though I know I will have to check email from time to time. Cheers!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
A New Twist On Nachos
Once out of the oven, I put some cooked mild sausage on top followed by cheese that was allowed to melt along with salsa and guacamole. Did not have sour cream, but a good addition if you feel like it. Then it was time to eat. Totally delicious (and totally forgot to get a photo at this point). The low carbs made it a most enjoyable experience. Trying to be fun and creative in using veggies and meat to make meals that I find most enjoyable.
Last night I used up the tomatoes and mozzarella in a fun salad that took a festive twist with the addition of bacon. Sometimes it is out of using up stuff in the frig that you can be most creative.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Let Burning Man Begin
Today is the first day of Burning Man. Trying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been to the event is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind. In this section you will find the peripheral definitions of what the event is as a whole, but to truly understand this event, one must participate. This site serves to try to paint a picture of the Burning Man experience to those who are new to the project, as well as to give those participants looking to keep the fire burning in their daily lives an environment in which to connect to their fellow community members.
Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event begins on the last Monday in August, and ends on the first Monday in September, which coincides with the American Labor Day holiday. The 2013 Burning Man Festival takes place between August 26 and September 2. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening. The event is described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance.Burning Man has 50,000 participants and the event sells out annually. I have to be honest, it holds no interest, but I have at least a dozens friends going so thought I would acknowledge it.
Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event begins on the last Monday in August, and ends on the first Monday in September, which coincides with the American Labor Day holiday. The 2013 Burning Man Festival takes place between August 26 and September 2. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening. The event is described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance.Burning Man has 50,000 participants and the event sells out annually. I have to be honest, it holds no interest, but I have at least a dozens friends going so thought I would acknowledge it.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Happy Birthday & The Countdown Begins
And at the same time it is the 4 month marker to Christmas. Yes indeed, we are already looking at the big holiday and I will bet you that before the end of September we will be seeing promotions and commercials all about it. In fact, the various shopping channels are already doing themed shows. It is just too scary to think about it already and I love the holiday.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Cleaning Out The Fridge
Thursday night I realized I needed to cook up a pair of pork loin roasts and so put them on a bed of Walla Walla Sweet onions and then on one did a BBQ sauce while the other got an apple jelly/Dijon mustard glaze. I had gotten the glaze from Jodie a couple of weeks ago and it held up quite nicely. They turned out amazing and will be food for the weekend. Also, took some fresh green beans and blanched them up and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and added some slivered almonds and Parmesan cheese. Over the weekend I will need to use up the beef steak tomatoes I have i the fridge - perhaps with some mozzarella cheese for a fun summer salad. Want to get the fridge cleaned out before Wednesday departure.
Last night was dinner at Markie's place. Was to see him last Sunday at my place but that did not work out. From what he shared I am the third of three dinner parties and he plans to have a quiet weekend before flying off to Kansas City for a few days. It seems he has a full schedule for the next month as he ramps it up to his birthday cruise in September. Since I moved to Lake City in April we have not seen each other nearly like we used to and not out of desire. It is just a lot further to commute and boy, trying to get to his place from mine during the week is no longer a 20 minute drive, more like hour+. Thus, we tend to focus towards Friday - Sunday.
Arriving a little earlier than usual I decided to head to his place directly from work as it was Friday and knew it could be a real hassle. Actually arrived before him by about 5-10 minutes and that was just fine. We had not seen each other for a while and so between cocktails and conversation he created dinner. First up, a stunning red and yellow tomato salad with mozzarella. A nice drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a few herbs added. AMAZING!
As we chatted along he proceeded to share that he has a 5 liter bottle of wine that needs to be enjoyed sometime soon. Perhaps for a birthday party for him in September. Here is a festive photo of Markie, well being Markie.
We enjoyed the news and he pan fried some steaks and there was a lovely bundle of asparagus he tossed in the pan to cook on top of the steaks. As you can see above and below, quite the meal. If you have noticed over the past several posts, carbohydrates are really not a part of my life any more. I do have to include 80 units a day, but it is such a difference from a couple of years ago when they were front and center.
It seems that more and more people I know are dropping them and moving forward. It does make for a fun and creative cooking culture. Monday - Friday, I usually have oatmeal for breakfast and thus take care of the day. Weekends I allow for creative options like pasta or a bagel to keep things interesting. So below is how the dinner ended up on the plate and just because it was so lovely, a shot of the sky as the clouds begin to arrive.
Enjoy the weekend and stay cool if it is getting too hot for you! Here in Seattle it is in the 70's with clouds and there is suppose to be some sprinkles at some point today. No problem. Groceries are delivered and no plans to do much. My kind of relaxing weekend.
Last night was dinner at Markie's place. Was to see him last Sunday at my place but that did not work out. From what he shared I am the third of three dinner parties and he plans to have a quiet weekend before flying off to Kansas City for a few days. It seems he has a full schedule for the next month as he ramps it up to his birthday cruise in September. Since I moved to Lake City in April we have not seen each other nearly like we used to and not out of desire. It is just a lot further to commute and boy, trying to get to his place from mine during the week is no longer a 20 minute drive, more like hour+. Thus, we tend to focus towards Friday - Sunday.
Arriving a little earlier than usual I decided to head to his place directly from work as it was Friday and knew it could be a real hassle. Actually arrived before him by about 5-10 minutes and that was just fine. We had not seen each other for a while and so between cocktails and conversation he created dinner. First up, a stunning red and yellow tomato salad with mozzarella. A nice drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a few herbs added. AMAZING!
As we chatted along he proceeded to share that he has a 5 liter bottle of wine that needs to be enjoyed sometime soon. Perhaps for a birthday party for him in September. Here is a festive photo of Markie, well being Markie.
We enjoyed the news and he pan fried some steaks and there was a lovely bundle of asparagus he tossed in the pan to cook on top of the steaks. As you can see above and below, quite the meal. If you have noticed over the past several posts, carbohydrates are really not a part of my life any more. I do have to include 80 units a day, but it is such a difference from a couple of years ago when they were front and center.
It seems that more and more people I know are dropping them and moving forward. It does make for a fun and creative cooking culture. Monday - Friday, I usually have oatmeal for breakfast and thus take care of the day. Weekends I allow for creative options like pasta or a bagel to keep things interesting. So below is how the dinner ended up on the plate and just because it was so lovely, a shot of the sky as the clouds begin to arrive.
Enjoy the weekend and stay cool if it is getting too hot for you! Here in Seattle it is in the 70's with clouds and there is suppose to be some sprinkles at some point today. No problem. Groceries are delivered and no plans to do much. My kind of relaxing weekend.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Sun Sets On Summer
Well folks, the first signs that summer is on the way out have begun to appear. Sunset is now just about to go under 8pm and that is a good thing. Temps overnight are dropping and should be in the 40's in the next 10 days or so. Various county fairs are in full swing leading up to the Washington State Fair next month. Long known as the Puyallup Fair, it was re branded this year to be more informative to the general public.
The plate size dahlias start to appear. And the cars start having that morning moisture on them that I notice on the way to work. Mind you, mine does not as I park it in a garage. All these signs let me know that we are on the downside of summer as September 22nd fast approaches. I was watching the news last night and the high temps for the next week are in the mid 70's and lots of clouds. My favorite kind of weather...then please tell me why am I going to give it all up for the 90's and humidity of New Orleans. I must really care for Damon! September 3rd marks a year that we met and it has been quite the ride. A lot has happened and who knows what is in store for the future. Enjoy your weekend!
The plate size dahlias start to appear. And the cars start having that morning moisture on them that I notice on the way to work. Mind you, mine does not as I park it in a garage. All these signs let me know that we are on the downside of summer as September 22nd fast approaches. I was watching the news last night and the high temps for the next week are in the mid 70's and lots of clouds. My favorite kind of weather...then please tell me why am I going to give it all up for the 90's and humidity of New Orleans. I must really care for Damon! September 3rd marks a year that we met and it has been quite the ride. A lot has happened and who knows what is in store for the future. Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
World Helium Shortage Balloons Drastically
The world is facing a critical helium shortage, which threatens much more than the party-balloon industry. An odorless and colorless gas, helium (He on the periodic table) is the second-most-abundant element in the universe after hydrogen, but it's not easy to find or store in usable quantities — most of the helium in the atmosphere escapes into space, and our current helium supplies are largely extracted from underground natural-gas reserves.
The United States is the global leader in helium production, producing about 75 percent of the world's helium. About half of that is stored outside Amarillo, Texas, in the country's Federal Helium Reserve, a vast subterranean complex of storage reservoirs and pipelines that extend to natural-gas fields as far away as Kansas.
But the looming helium shortage is actually the government's fault, according to Science magazine. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages the Federal Helium Reserve, sells off helium at below-market rates, encouraging waste and discouraging the development of new sources.
"If … companies can buy the federal helium gas at a relatively low price, there is less incentive to develop it," physicist Moses Chan, a member of the National Academy of Sciences panel studying the helium reserve, told Marketplace.org.
Helium sales scheduled to endIn 1996, Congress mandated that the federal government get out of the helium business altogether, so the BLM is selling off its existing supply until it recoups the costs of producing it. That point will come in October, after which point the government cannot sell any more helium.
As a result, the United States and much of the industrialized world now faces an imminent "helium cliff." Legislation that intended to address this problem by allowing continued helium sales after October was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April, but the Senate has yet to pass its own version of the bill, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"We're running out of time," David Isaacs, of the Semiconductor Industry Association, told the Journal. "We're positioned to get it done, but there's certainly no guarantee — certainly not in this Congress."
An irreplaceable elementThe Federal Helium Reserve got its start shortly after World War I, when helium was used to float military reconnaissance aircraft. Since then, helium has proven to be indispensable in a wide range of industrial and medical uses.
Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) relies on helium to regulate the powerful magnets needed to create MRI scans, which are cooled to minus 452 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 269 degrees Celsius). Indeed, the fact that helium has the lowest boiling and melting points of all the chemical elements — liquid helium is the only liquid that cannot be solidified by lowering its temperature — is what makes it so irreplaceable in so many industries.
Helium is also essential to the manufacturing of computer chips, optical fiber and medical lasers. It's often needed for rocket-engine testing, arc welding, air-to-air missile guidance and other civilian and military uses, according to the BLM. (Party balloons and parade floats use just a tiny fraction of the world's helium supply.)
There are some plans in place to address the current helium shortage, including a new helium plant in Wyoming and increased development overseas. And assuming that demand for helium remains strong, "new technologies for extracting and refining helium … would bring new sources of helium to the market," according to the BLM.
Many thanks to Marc Lallanilla with LiveScience who filed this story with NBCNews.com
The United States is the global leader in helium production, producing about 75 percent of the world's helium. About half of that is stored outside Amarillo, Texas, in the country's Federal Helium Reserve, a vast subterranean complex of storage reservoirs and pipelines that extend to natural-gas fields as far away as Kansas.
But the looming helium shortage is actually the government's fault, according to Science magazine. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages the Federal Helium Reserve, sells off helium at below-market rates, encouraging waste and discouraging the development of new sources.
"If … companies can buy the federal helium gas at a relatively low price, there is less incentive to develop it," physicist Moses Chan, a member of the National Academy of Sciences panel studying the helium reserve, told Marketplace.org.
Helium sales scheduled to endIn 1996, Congress mandated that the federal government get out of the helium business altogether, so the BLM is selling off its existing supply until it recoups the costs of producing it. That point will come in October, after which point the government cannot sell any more helium.
As a result, the United States and much of the industrialized world now faces an imminent "helium cliff." Legislation that intended to address this problem by allowing continued helium sales after October was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April, but the Senate has yet to pass its own version of the bill, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"We're running out of time," David Isaacs, of the Semiconductor Industry Association, told the Journal. "We're positioned to get it done, but there's certainly no guarantee — certainly not in this Congress."
An irreplaceable elementThe Federal Helium Reserve got its start shortly after World War I, when helium was used to float military reconnaissance aircraft. Since then, helium has proven to be indispensable in a wide range of industrial and medical uses.
Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) relies on helium to regulate the powerful magnets needed to create MRI scans, which are cooled to minus 452 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 269 degrees Celsius). Indeed, the fact that helium has the lowest boiling and melting points of all the chemical elements — liquid helium is the only liquid that cannot be solidified by lowering its temperature — is what makes it so irreplaceable in so many industries.
Helium is also essential to the manufacturing of computer chips, optical fiber and medical lasers. It's often needed for rocket-engine testing, arc welding, air-to-air missile guidance and other civilian and military uses, according to the BLM. (Party balloons and parade floats use just a tiny fraction of the world's helium supply.)
There are some plans in place to address the current helium shortage, including a new helium plant in Wyoming and increased development overseas. And assuming that demand for helium remains strong, "new technologies for extracting and refining helium … would bring new sources of helium to the market," according to the BLM.
Many thanks to Marc Lallanilla with LiveScience who filed this story with NBCNews.com
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Delightful Surprise
As many of you know I bought a 2011 Kia Soul back in September of 2010. It is a great car and has 31,113 miles on it as of this morning. Also, as many of you know, I do not know a thing about cars other than where the key goes and how to fill the gas tank. I take it in for the 3,000 mile lube & oil change and it is a great car.
So I arrive this morning with a $25 gift certificate in hand and ready to get my $59.90 service done and be on my way. Well, since I am a three year customer and have done all the necessary maintenance on the car I got a $199.95 complete overhaul for exactly ZIP! Nothing, zero, nadda! I was stunned and quite pleased. They told me it would be like and hour and half to two hours, but they were done in just over an hour as I was the first customer of the morning. Truly a thing of beauty! Now that made my day.
Not that I am counting but a week from today I will heading off to New Orleans and meeting up there with Damon. I totally accept that it will likely be hot and humid, but boy I hope that there are no major storms or hurricanes that decide to hit while there. Do not need all that drama to hit during a period of rest.
So I arrive this morning with a $25 gift certificate in hand and ready to get my $59.90 service done and be on my way. Well, since I am a three year customer and have done all the necessary maintenance on the car I got a $199.95 complete overhaul for exactly ZIP! Nothing, zero, nadda! I was stunned and quite pleased. They told me it would be like and hour and half to two hours, but they were done in just over an hour as I was the first customer of the morning. Truly a thing of beauty! Now that made my day.
Not that I am counting but a week from today I will heading off to New Orleans and meeting up there with Damon. I totally accept that it will likely be hot and humid, but boy I hope that there are no major storms or hurricanes that decide to hit while there. Do not need all that drama to hit during a period of rest.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Utterly Senseless!
I am a news junkie - and I love watching news, but this story makes me sick. When will Congress ever say enough is enough!? So sad, so utterly senseless. The following is from NBCNews.com website.
A woman who called 911 after an Oklahoma baseball player was shot dead jogging down the street told the dispatcher that he fell into a ditch, had blood on his back, turned blue and then stopped breathing. In a chilling seven-minute recording released Wednesday by prosecutors, the 911 caller, who identifies herself as Joyce Smith, resists panic while pleading for help. She reports to the dispatcher that she does not know the gunshot victim.
“He was standing in the roadway and he fell over, and as I come by, he just fell over in the ditch,” the woman says. Later she reports: “He’s turning blue.”
The ballplayer, Christopher Lane, was a native of Australia but was a catcher for an Oklahoma college baseball team. He was gunned down Friday in the town of Duncan in an apparently random shooting. One of three teens charged in the attack told police that they shot Lane because they “were bored” and decided to kill somebody.
The teens were charged Tuesday: James Francis Edwards Jr., 15, and Chancey Allen Luna, 16, were charged with first-degree murder. Michael Dewayne Jones, 17, was charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact and with firing a weapon. All were charged as adults, according to the Stephens County District Attorney’s Office.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, anonymous threats against a local high school where two of the suspects where students led the school to step up security. “The credibility of the person or persons communicating the threats is very difficult to ascertain. However, we want to be proactive in taking reasonable precautions,” Dr. Sherry Labyer, the town’s Superintendent of Schools, wrote in a letter to parents.
As result, she said that with help from the police, security would be beefed up in schools across town and that students would only be allowed to leave once a parent checked them out. They would also not be allowed to have lunch off campus, as they normally are.
The shooting has dominated news reports in Australia and led Australian deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer to call on Australian tourists to boycott the United States. “It is another example of murder mayhem on Main Street,” Fischer told CNN on Tuesday night.
“People thinking of going to the USA for business or tourists trips should think carefully about it given the statistical fact you are 15 times more likely to be shot dead in the USA than in Australia per capita per million people,” Fishcher said.
A woman who called 911 after an Oklahoma baseball player was shot dead jogging down the street told the dispatcher that he fell into a ditch, had blood on his back, turned blue and then stopped breathing. In a chilling seven-minute recording released Wednesday by prosecutors, the 911 caller, who identifies herself as Joyce Smith, resists panic while pleading for help. She reports to the dispatcher that she does not know the gunshot victim.
“He was standing in the roadway and he fell over, and as I come by, he just fell over in the ditch,” the woman says. Later she reports: “He’s turning blue.”
The ballplayer, Christopher Lane, was a native of Australia but was a catcher for an Oklahoma college baseball team. He was gunned down Friday in the town of Duncan in an apparently random shooting. One of three teens charged in the attack told police that they shot Lane because they “were bored” and decided to kill somebody.
The teens were charged Tuesday: James Francis Edwards Jr., 15, and Chancey Allen Luna, 16, were charged with first-degree murder. Michael Dewayne Jones, 17, was charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact and with firing a weapon. All were charged as adults, according to the Stephens County District Attorney’s Office.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, anonymous threats against a local high school where two of the suspects where students led the school to step up security. “The credibility of the person or persons communicating the threats is very difficult to ascertain. However, we want to be proactive in taking reasonable precautions,” Dr. Sherry Labyer, the town’s Superintendent of Schools, wrote in a letter to parents.
As result, she said that with help from the police, security would be beefed up in schools across town and that students would only be allowed to leave once a parent checked them out. They would also not be allowed to have lunch off campus, as they normally are.
The shooting has dominated news reports in Australia and led Australian deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer to call on Australian tourists to boycott the United States. “It is another example of murder mayhem on Main Street,” Fischer told CNN on Tuesday night.
“People thinking of going to the USA for business or tourists trips should think carefully about it given the statistical fact you are 15 times more likely to be shot dead in the USA than in Australia per capita per million people,” Fishcher said.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Not Just Black & White
Yesterday proved to be a day of low energy and doing small tasks that needed attention around the house. One of those was filling the salt & pepper shakers. I love the novelty of them and in my apartment I have three sets.
The above set was purchased on a trip to San Francisco to see my friend Ani back in 2003 I believe. We did some site seeing things in the city and then ventured off to Yosemite. I cannot tell you why but I always wanted a set of the Golden Gate bridge and as you can see I have it.
Several years ago I went to a gift grab and the set above was one of the gifts. I was so pleased to get them and use them often. The person who put them in the gift grab hates them to the point I have to hide them when he comes to visit. Amusing, but true. I fear he will smash and break them if they are seen.
Pokey and Gumby are recent additions to the apartment. Damon gave them to me last Christmas. I do enjoy them and they make me laugh. A real jump back in time and at the same time I should share I never watch the show when it was on. But there is something about how they connect me to my youth which makes me smile. So you cn see that while the contents is black and white, the containers are anything but!
The above set was purchased on a trip to San Francisco to see my friend Ani back in 2003 I believe. We did some site seeing things in the city and then ventured off to Yosemite. I cannot tell you why but I always wanted a set of the Golden Gate bridge and as you can see I have it.
Several years ago I went to a gift grab and the set above was one of the gifts. I was so pleased to get them and use them often. The person who put them in the gift grab hates them to the point I have to hide them when he comes to visit. Amusing, but true. I fear he will smash and break them if they are seen.
Pokey and Gumby are recent additions to the apartment. Damon gave them to me last Christmas. I do enjoy them and they make me laugh. A real jump back in time and at the same time I should share I never watch the show when it was on. But there is something about how they connect me to my youth which makes me smile. So you cn see that while the contents is black and white, the containers are anything but!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
No Meatloaf To Be Sure
Wow! I went over to Jodie & Rob's thinking meatloaf - which I love - and was completely surprised. Rob had decided to grill steaks and what a treat. He wrapped then in alderwood smoked bacon. Jodie prepared sautéed mushrooms as well as sautéed onions to put on top plus there was a wedge of "Oregonzola" which comes out of the Rogue Creamery in southern Oregon. Click on their name to learn more.
Here is a view of the table as the steaks were being allowed to rest. In the forefront is a marinated cucumber and onion salad which had champagne vinegar and dill added. We agreed afterwards that the dill was not needed. It did not lend itself too much. I think the salad would have been a bit more pickled if allowed to set longer, but hey, it was still delightful.
Here is a reverse perspective of the table to give you a good shot of the sautéed mushrooms and onions. I have to agree with Jodie when this was one of the few times that there were no leftovers, other than a little cheese, after all was said and done. Yes, it was that good!
I thought you might enjoy seeing what the plate looked like before I began to devour the meal. It really was an amazing dinner. We were even able to get in a game of Catan before and then after dinner. Yes, life is good and this is what makes weekends such a delight - good food and good friends.
Here is a view of the table as the steaks were being allowed to rest. In the forefront is a marinated cucumber and onion salad which had champagne vinegar and dill added. We agreed afterwards that the dill was not needed. It did not lend itself too much. I think the salad would have been a bit more pickled if allowed to set longer, but hey, it was still delightful.
Here is a reverse perspective of the table to give you a good shot of the sautéed mushrooms and onions. I have to agree with Jodie when this was one of the few times that there were no leftovers, other than a little cheese, after all was said and done. Yes, it was that good!
I thought you might enjoy seeing what the plate looked like before I began to devour the meal. It really was an amazing dinner. We were even able to get in a game of Catan before and then after dinner. Yes, life is good and this is what makes weekends such a delight - good food and good friends.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Aloha Days In Lake City
What will be next? Two weeks ago it was Pioneer Days. This weekend it is Aloha Days. Oh my goodness. Our complex is getting in the spirit and hosting a big luau in the courtyard and it is open to the whole community. Several restaurants are contributing and there will be prizes and something which I just never, never, never associated with the Hawaiian culture. They are having a piñata for the kids. Seriously?!
So I am more than happy that dear friends Rob & Jodie have graciously allowed me to escape to their place for some games and dinner. I think Jodie said she was toying with making a meatloaf yet I never know what surprises are in store. Check back tomorrow for foodie Sunday and see what happened.
So I am more than happy that dear friends Rob & Jodie have graciously allowed me to escape to their place for some games and dinner. I think Jodie said she was toying with making a meatloaf yet I never know what surprises are in store. Check back tomorrow for foodie Sunday and see what happened.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Low Carb Z Chips = YUM!
A friend passed this recipe along to me and I have let it sit for a while. Decided to try it out and I must share that it is quite enjoyable. Not potato chips, but a whole lot healthier! Have a great weekend.
Zucchini Chips
1/4 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 t seasoned salt
1/4 t garlic powder
1/8 t black pepper
2 T milk
2 1/2 cups (1/4 inch-thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
Cooking spray
Directions: Preheat oven to 425
Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place milk in a shallow bowl. Dip zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in dry mixture. Place coated slices on an oven proof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.
Zucchini Chips
1/4 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 t seasoned salt
1/4 t garlic powder
1/8 t black pepper
2 T milk
2 1/2 cups (1/4 inch-thick) slices zucchini (about 2 small)
Cooking spray
Directions: Preheat oven to 425
Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Place milk in a shallow bowl. Dip zucchini slices in milk, and dredge in dry mixture. Place coated slices on an oven proof wire rack coated with cooking spray; place rack on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp. Serve immediately.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Yup, It Is Friday Eve Everyone!
When I saw this on a friend's facebook page I was amused. I so look like this at times after several cups of coffee and pretty soon that smile turns upside down. Speaking of facebook, I went in yesterday and unfriended 5 people. Their posts were either boring, overly political or just way too many in one day.
I used to have over a 100 friends and many I did not even know. Now I am down to like 54 and have a feeling a few more will fade into the sunset. I look at it two or three times a week, if that and have found that I just do not do a lot of posting there. Perhaps it is because I do the blog, but I feel more and more that people are moving on from facebook.
A good example of this is that we have a group leaving for the Grand Canyon today. Several weeks ago, a member posted they had set up a facebook page and everyone could share. In less than 24 hours 5 people replied that they do not do facebook. Quite stunning really. I must share that in addition to fading on facebook...I have proudly never tweeted! Seriously, do you think I could keep my thoughts to 144 characters! I think not.
I used to have over a 100 friends and many I did not even know. Now I am down to like 54 and have a feeling a few more will fade into the sunset. I look at it two or three times a week, if that and have found that I just do not do a lot of posting there. Perhaps it is because I do the blog, but I feel more and more that people are moving on from facebook.
A good example of this is that we have a group leaving for the Grand Canyon today. Several weeks ago, a member posted they had set up a facebook page and everyone could share. In less than 24 hours 5 people replied that they do not do facebook. Quite stunning really. I must share that in addition to fading on facebook...I have proudly never tweeted! Seriously, do you think I could keep my thoughts to 144 characters! I think not.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
'The Love Boat' Sails Its Final Voyage
From CNBC - The MS Pacific, a cruise ship later known as the Pacific Princess but best known for its starring role in Aaron Spelling's 1970s television comedy, "The Love Boat," has made its last voyage. The 561-foot ship was built for an estimated $25 million in 1970 and put into service in 1971. Decommissioned five years ago and deemed too costly to renovate, it was sold for scrap to Turkey's Izmir Ship Recycling for about $3.3 million. According to Reuters, the vessel limped into a ship-breaking yard on Turkey's Aegean Sea coast last Tuesday after taking on water and requiring the aid of additional tugboats to reach port.
While today's cruise ships are more luxurious than the original Love Boat and carry far more passengers (more than 5,000 versus its 640), the vessel's role in the TV show "helped make the concept of cruising popular," said David Rubin of DavidTravel. "And we now have as a selling point the fact that the best ships are much nicer than the Love Boat experience and offer top quality and many exotic ports."
When the show was popular, "it introduced cruising to a nontraditional cruise audience—which was at the time made of up the clichéd 'newly wed and nearly dead,' " said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. "The show made cruising sexy again and brought new life to the industry. It was fun, exotic and glamorous."
It not only helped spread the word about cruising, "but ultimately, any benefit the major players gained was just from the free advertising the show offered by being aired," said Jaime Katz, a cruise industry analyst at Morningstar. And while it may have been time for the Love Boat to permanently sail off into the sunset, some in the cruise industry and others who enjoy cruises are still sad to see her go.
"Our former little 640-passenger ship has since been eclipsed by larger and more amenity-filled ships, but she will always remain a treasured part of our company's past," said Julie Benson, vice president of public relations for Princess Cruises.
"Sure, there were blemishes—small cabins, noisy engines …" wrote ShipsAreTheBest on the Cruise Critics online comment board. But, the poster added, "she still has a special place in my heart."
On a personal note - I have to admit I have been on several cruises since 2000 and really like the smaller ships. Th mega ships are just too big and with over 5,000 people just hold no interest for me.
While today's cruise ships are more luxurious than the original Love Boat and carry far more passengers (more than 5,000 versus its 640), the vessel's role in the TV show "helped make the concept of cruising popular," said David Rubin of DavidTravel. "And we now have as a selling point the fact that the best ships are much nicer than the Love Boat experience and offer top quality and many exotic ports."
When the show was popular, "it introduced cruising to a nontraditional cruise audience—which was at the time made of up the clichéd 'newly wed and nearly dead,' " said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. "The show made cruising sexy again and brought new life to the industry. It was fun, exotic and glamorous."
It not only helped spread the word about cruising, "but ultimately, any benefit the major players gained was just from the free advertising the show offered by being aired," said Jaime Katz, a cruise industry analyst at Morningstar. And while it may have been time for the Love Boat to permanently sail off into the sunset, some in the cruise industry and others who enjoy cruises are still sad to see her go.
"Our former little 640-passenger ship has since been eclipsed by larger and more amenity-filled ships, but she will always remain a treasured part of our company's past," said Julie Benson, vice president of public relations for Princess Cruises.
"Sure, there were blemishes—small cabins, noisy engines …" wrote ShipsAreTheBest on the Cruise Critics online comment board. But, the poster added, "she still has a special place in my heart."
On a personal note - I have to admit I have been on several cruises since 2000 and really like the smaller ships. Th mega ships are just too big and with over 5,000 people just hold no interest for me.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Oh How True This Is
Now mind you, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and desires. But seriously, when you have a choice between the above items or going for the gold as in what is below, is there really any discussion? I think not.
Monday, August 12, 2013
10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
I just enjoy sharing thoughts and observations on this blog. Thus, I provide 10 things about me that may be of interest or not?
1. I love the ocean in the winter and mountains in the summer
2. While a radical faerie, I do not see myself as that radical
3. Love the color purple, but blue clothing looks best on me
4. Full body massages are awesome
5. While I am a foodie, I do enjoy a fast food fix once in a while
6. I think the male butt is one of the finest things to look at
7. Fresh blueberries and strawberries are favorite fruits of mine
8. Have been to Europe 5 times and begging to return
9. Bought my first car for my 50th birthday
10. Find naps are a true luxury of weekends
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Cluck! Cluck! Yum!
Yesterday I decided to cook up several packages of chicken breasts to have some for future meals and so here they are all prepped and in the frig chilling out before going in the oven. A very simple seasoning of salt & pepper with garlic salt keeps the possibilities for use wide open. BTW, the sausage packet on the left below the chicken was breakfast this morning - quite tasty. On weekends I do not eat oatmeal in the morning and thus can use my carbs in other meals for a bit of variety.
Time to come out of the oven. I generally used the rule of 350 degrees for an hour but have found with this oven that it cooks hot so I cook for about 45 minutes bringing the chicken up to an internal temp of 150 and then turn off the oven. 5 more minutes in and then take them out to rest and get perfect 165. Also, they end up a lot more moist. Yes, your cooking tip for the day.
Here is what I came up with for dinner. I cut up a couple of the breasts and put them on top of a bed of penne pasta with peas and mushrooms. Quite tasty. Added the BBQ sauce for some zing which proved to be a good choice. In recent months I have been trying several different BBQ sauces and find that Sweet Baby Ray's is a favorite with Maker's Mark a close second. Since Maker's Mark is nearly twice the price, I can be happy with Sweet Baby Ray's.
Time to come out of the oven. I generally used the rule of 350 degrees for an hour but have found with this oven that it cooks hot so I cook for about 45 minutes bringing the chicken up to an internal temp of 150 and then turn off the oven. 5 more minutes in and then take them out to rest and get perfect 165. Also, they end up a lot more moist. Yes, your cooking tip for the day.
Here is what I came up with for dinner. I cut up a couple of the breasts and put them on top of a bed of penne pasta with peas and mushrooms. Quite tasty. Added the BBQ sauce for some zing which proved to be a good choice. In recent months I have been trying several different BBQ sauces and find that Sweet Baby Ray's is a favorite with Maker's Mark a close second. Since Maker's Mark is nearly twice the price, I can be happy with Sweet Baby Ray's.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Willy Wonka & Weddings
Last week Curtis came into the office and shared that he was giving me the first one...
Yes indeed I got a real Wonka Bar. Had never had one before and it instantly reminded me of the classic movie. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 musical film adaptation of the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. It is a fun and festive movie and in it 5 Wonka Bars are sent out around the world to be discovered as they contain a golden ticket allowing the holder to go inside the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
In this case, everyone on of the bars Curtis and Josh present will have a golden ticket inviting you to a special party in September. You see, on August 23rd they are getting married. Then the next day there is a party for co-workers and family. The party in September is for friends and will be much more festive. I was honored to get the first and it appears that I am now invited to both. One of the few. I had to keep the whole thing quiet as most of my co-workers are not invited. It should be a lot of fun. I really thought it was quite creative.
And yes, I will shatter some of the magic as I looked at the other side of the chocolate bar and indeed it was courteously of Hershey! Hey, it still is a pretty awesome idea and it does not surprise me coming from those two.
Yes indeed I got a real Wonka Bar. Had never had one before and it instantly reminded me of the classic movie. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 musical film adaptation of the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. It is a fun and festive movie and in it 5 Wonka Bars are sent out around the world to be discovered as they contain a golden ticket allowing the holder to go inside the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
In this case, everyone on of the bars Curtis and Josh present will have a golden ticket inviting you to a special party in September. You see, on August 23rd they are getting married. Then the next day there is a party for co-workers and family. The party in September is for friends and will be much more festive. I was honored to get the first and it appears that I am now invited to both. One of the few. I had to keep the whole thing quiet as most of my co-workers are not invited. It should be a lot of fun. I really thought it was quite creative.
And yes, I will shatter some of the magic as I looked at the other side of the chocolate bar and indeed it was courteously of Hershey! Hey, it still is a pretty awesome idea and it does not surprise me coming from those two.
Friday, August 9, 2013
It Is Time To Relax
Sometimes during the dog days summer - which by the way where does that phrase come from? The phrase dog days refers to the sultry days of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, the dog days of summer are most commonly experienced in the months of July and August, which typically observe the warmest summer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, they typically occur in January and February, in the midst of the austral summer. Anyway, during the dog days of summer, it is nice to just kick back and relax and think cool thoughts.
And then there are those times that no matter how hard you think about cool thoughts, it still can be hot and humid and sticky. I am so glad I hit the barber yesterday and was able to get the long hairs in shape and feeling so much cooler, unlike our friends below that have to go around with a fur coat all the time. But I just could not let the image pass me by since among so many I am Snowbear. Have a good weekend and enjoy whatever you decide to do.
And then there are those times that no matter how hard you think about cool thoughts, it still can be hot and humid and sticky. I am so glad I hit the barber yesterday and was able to get the long hairs in shape and feeling so much cooler, unlike our friends below that have to go around with a fur coat all the time. But I just could not let the image pass me by since among so many I am Snowbear. Have a good weekend and enjoy whatever you decide to do.
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