This post is not about animals.
My fiance' has some really interesting--what I call----"Southern-isms".....I love them.
It is like learning a whole new language.
This morning he was in a bit of a pre-coffee fog-(we have all been there).
I asked him how he was feeling.
He said-"I am trying to dispel the Black Dog".........no kidding.
Other wild thinks he says------"it was all for naught". ((Who talks like that?
Now, when I read British Mystery Novels-my faves. by the by----I can go on for the next two days with a distinctly British accent and using VERY-VERY English terminology.
As in:
A bar is a pub-----a flashlight is a torch----I go to the loo---to potty--------yep, I swear.
It is different when you are Southern.
I had never heard of Chicory Coffee. Maybe chicory in coffee. We now drink this concoction in the cooler months of the year. You have to special order it......not for sale here in Ohio.
A varmint rifle----dispatches well, varmints, to the great beyond. (I laughed alot).
He says own for on.........we were driving own the tarmac.
I have a friend, who is exploring the different phrases people use----and how they "came about" or "into being".
Very possibly by region.
According to the Sneaky Pie Brown books.......'Breaking Bad' is what folks do when they misbehave......in Virginia.....her-Rita Mae Brown--books-detail alot of charming Southern terms and mannerisms. Worth a read.
So FYI------the Black Dog is gone......for now, replaced by coffee and laughter.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Fall is around the corner.
Summer is a time of fun in the sun----except, if you hate to be sweaty and hot....that is me.
Weird, 'cause I love the beach.....?
So, I love and look forward to Fall.
Fall means festivals and pumpkins, apple everything and Halloween and cooler temps.
And it is the precursor to Christmas.
I also love to go to visit the mountains:
-----Gatlinburg or even North Carolina----the Biltmore Estate......
or Salem, Ma. or even Brown County, Indiana---used to be called Nashville, Indiana.
If you have not experienced all of this----well, you should.
And right here in Ohio-the parks are beautiful.
Sharon Woods Village. Ault Park. French Park------all part of the Hamilton County Park systems in Ohio.
Everyone has been to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. In Fall it is so crisp and clear near the mountains or up in the mountains......love this.
The Biltmore Estate has expanded so much since I was there 27 years ago ( there was only 2 hotels and maybe three restaurants surrounding the estate---now many-many to chose from)
Now they also have a hotel to stay at on the estate, as well as the Winery, restaurant, and Gift shop.....add unbelievable art and architecture....and what a great experience.
Brown County, Indiana is usually a really good experience as well.
It is close to Cincinnati and the suburbs thereof---and usually has an event going on when you get there......shops and food and fun!
Festivals abound here in Ohio----at our parks and surrounding counties.......go online and check them out.
Sharon Woods Village is haunted every weekend in October. lol.
Lebanon, Ohio has a really great Fall festival. The Golden Lamb restaurant is also a wonderful place to visit.
We also have a lot of Apple Farms action-----festivals.....worth a visit.
As for Salem, Ma.----- Going at least two weeks prior to Halloween is advisable----unless you have great patience parking and walking a good distance---and you love crowds------it gets really crowded.
One little piece of advice----stay overnight and spend the whole day----you will need it to see everything this amazing place has to offer.
Try the Lobster Shanty-------a Lobster-tini...yum!
Check all of these out online----or in your local paper-Cincinnati Enquirer or Post. ( here in Ohio)
As for out of town places---word of mouth, is a great place to start, for the best places to stay and dine.
Start planning now and by Fall you will have it all mapped out and be set to go.
Have fun!
Popcorn Balls-Sweet Water Taffy-Carmel Apples-Homemade Fudge.......Boston Creme Pie----Chowder........to name a few of my favorites.
Enjoy!
Weird, 'cause I love the beach.....?
So, I love and look forward to Fall.
Fall means festivals and pumpkins, apple everything and Halloween and cooler temps.
And it is the precursor to Christmas.
I also love to go to visit the mountains:
-----Gatlinburg or even North Carolina----the Biltmore Estate......
or Salem, Ma. or even Brown County, Indiana---used to be called Nashville, Indiana.
If you have not experienced all of this----well, you should.
And right here in Ohio-the parks are beautiful.
Sharon Woods Village. Ault Park. French Park------all part of the Hamilton County Park systems in Ohio.
Everyone has been to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. In Fall it is so crisp and clear near the mountains or up in the mountains......love this.
The Biltmore Estate has expanded so much since I was there 27 years ago ( there was only 2 hotels and maybe three restaurants surrounding the estate---now many-many to chose from)
Now they also have a hotel to stay at on the estate, as well as the Winery, restaurant, and Gift shop.....add unbelievable art and architecture....and what a great experience.
Brown County, Indiana is usually a really good experience as well.
It is close to Cincinnati and the suburbs thereof---and usually has an event going on when you get there......shops and food and fun!
Festivals abound here in Ohio----at our parks and surrounding counties.......go online and check them out.
Sharon Woods Village is haunted every weekend in October. lol.
Lebanon, Ohio has a really great Fall festival. The Golden Lamb restaurant is also a wonderful place to visit.
We also have a lot of Apple Farms action-----festivals.....worth a visit.
As for Salem, Ma.----- Going at least two weeks prior to Halloween is advisable----unless you have great patience parking and walking a good distance---and you love crowds------it gets really crowded.
One little piece of advice----stay overnight and spend the whole day----you will need it to see everything this amazing place has to offer.
Try the Lobster Shanty-------a Lobster-tini...yum!
Check all of these out online----or in your local paper-Cincinnati Enquirer or Post. ( here in Ohio)
As for out of town places---word of mouth, is a great place to start, for the best places to stay and dine.
Start planning now and by Fall you will have it all mapped out and be set to go.
Have fun!
Popcorn Balls-Sweet Water Taffy-Carmel Apples-Homemade Fudge.......Boston Creme Pie----Chowder........to name a few of my favorites.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Free Stuff......and good food.
We all love free stuff......it rates right up there with chocolate recipes.....for me.Or free chocolate.lol.
I went into Whole Foods in Deerfield Township and saw a bag that said.....Samples.
I am allergic to alot of things......even so, most stores will not give samples.
They tell you to purchase the item, if you are allergic---then bring it back for a full refund.
I don't know about you---however, I wish I were that organized, to find an old receipt. RIGHT...or the box the product came in....Bigger, RIGHTO!
So, I found out by asking, that Whole Foods will allow you to sample a free, full-sized product. Shampoo-Lotion-Supplement...is Awesome.
Makes me like them more---if, that is possible.
Also, I found out that they have a Friday afternoon wine and appetizer offering. 5 wines and 5 appetizers.....as you stroll thru the store. 5 for $5-no kidding.
Not to make this all about Whole Foods, however, they do have great stuff.
Blueberries, Blackberries ( and I will say-after hand-picking some of the most amazing Blackberries-really large size ones that tasted superbly sweet at a farm)--these are as delectable as the ones at the farm), and just wonderful.
So, have fun with it----and pick up a copy of the magazine about local growers-who supply this store----while you are there.....supporting the community---is a very good thing.
p.s. some of my favorites:
Lavender hand wipes (in the front of the store-----(by carts, as you come in----and for sale in detergent soap aisle).
Fresh cheeses---a huge selection----(by wine bar)
Beer and wine bar----(back of store-left)
Fresh baked cookies----chocolate walnut----(bread aisle)
Incredible chicken salad--yellow fin tuna salad---fresh grilled asparagus ( from deli case)
Brazil nuts----in bulk------
Fresh Guacamole dip---(in produce aisle)......
Brown Cow yogurt-----------(diary-back wall of store)
Martinelli apple juice-----in adorable small and large glass containers--------( all the way over to the left-down from yummy bakery items-----in corner of dairy case-top shelf---a cold little jar---or in juice aisle for large one)
Too-too many items--to mention---- in the soaps/lotions/vitamins---goes on forever-------aisle.....front of the store.
Can you tell I shop here alot? lol.
Check it out.....see if you too get hooked.
I went into Whole Foods in Deerfield Township and saw a bag that said.....Samples.
I am allergic to alot of things......even so, most stores will not give samples.
They tell you to purchase the item, if you are allergic---then bring it back for a full refund.
I don't know about you---however, I wish I were that organized, to find an old receipt. RIGHT...or the box the product came in....Bigger, RIGHTO!
So, I found out by asking, that Whole Foods will allow you to sample a free, full-sized product. Shampoo-Lotion-Supplement...is Awesome.
Makes me like them more---if, that is possible.
Also, I found out that they have a Friday afternoon wine and appetizer offering. 5 wines and 5 appetizers.....as you stroll thru the store. 5 for $5-no kidding.
Not to make this all about Whole Foods, however, they do have great stuff.
Blueberries, Blackberries ( and I will say-after hand-picking some of the most amazing Blackberries-really large size ones that tasted superbly sweet at a farm)--these are as delectable as the ones at the farm), and just wonderful.
So, have fun with it----and pick up a copy of the magazine about local growers-who supply this store----while you are there.....supporting the community---is a very good thing.
p.s. some of my favorites:
Lavender hand wipes (in the front of the store-----(by carts, as you come in----and for sale in detergent soap aisle).
Fresh cheeses---a huge selection----(by wine bar)
Beer and wine bar----(back of store-left)
Fresh baked cookies----chocolate walnut----(bread aisle)
Incredible chicken salad--yellow fin tuna salad---fresh grilled asparagus ( from deli case)
Brazil nuts----in bulk------
Fresh Guacamole dip---(in produce aisle)......
Brown Cow yogurt-----------(diary-back wall of store)
Martinelli apple juice-----in adorable small and large glass containers--------( all the way over to the left-down from yummy bakery items-----in corner of dairy case-top shelf---a cold little jar---or in juice aisle for large one)
Too-too many items--to mention---- in the soaps/lotions/vitamins---goes on forever-------aisle.....front of the store.
Can you tell I shop here alot? lol.
Check it out.....see if you too get hooked.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Summer Fun Foods
Let's face it-----Summer is so miserably hot at times---we just long to cool off.
Part of that includes what we eat....
I just made the most scrumptious salsa which I want to share-along with some other recipes.
I was at a picnic and this was so refreshing......and easy to make:
I used:
6 small to medium size tomatoes ( on the vine-don't ask me why-but they just hold their firmness better and were beautiful)-Kroger.
2 avocados-(organic hold up better).
I small red onion
1 clove of garlic
1 lime
salt and pepper to taste.
Chop up the garlic and red onion-place in bowl.
Cut up the tomatoes and avocados and add to garlic and onion.
Add fresh squeezed lime, salt and pepper.....
Mix it all up-----chill for 1 hour......add chips and YUM!
I also love simple pasta salad:
I think we all have our own version of this easy staple.
Cook an entire box of rotini pasta-I like the Bertolli brand. (8 mins.)
Rinse with cool water and place in fridge to cool.
Chop up 2 med. size tomatoes.
Thaw a package-small-of frozen broccoli.
Mix all together and add:
Ranch dressing to half and Italian dressing to half.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with a package of cheese ( your choice) before serving.
(You can also add cooked-baked-chicken, if you like).
Another choice for pasta:
Angel hair pasta--takes 4 minutes....to cook. Put some olive oil in water while pasta cooks. ( 1 teaspoon)
Use a jar of white sauce.( same shelf as spaghetti sauce) ( Alfredo)
Add a pound of cooked shrimp.
Fold shrimp and sauce in after draining the pasta.
If shrimp is frozen-throw in the last two minutes, with the cooking pasta. Drain together.
Add mushrooms or if the white sauce has mushrooms---add broccoli ( frozen, as you cook the pasta)
Sprinkle with nicely fresh ground pepper.
Is good!
I got this one from Arthur's, when I worked downtown.
Cook a box of long or short pasta. (Some are as fast and easy as 8 minutes).
Use ranch dressing ( like a sauce)-fold into cooked pasta.
Add sliced avocado.
Sprinkle with crumbled bacon bits.....ie: fry the bacon crisp and then crumble over the pasta dish.
This is delicious alone or you could add cooked/baked chicken to this dish also.
I like to sprinkle hot pepper flakes over the dish-after cooked. Adds a nice spice to it.
You can add Crescent rolls-Pillsbury---fast and easy in dairy case with biscuits----I like to fold in a square of pepper cheese-before I bake them. Delicious.
Where all of the recipes call for cheese---try different ones-fun and delicious.
These are just a couple of easy dishes to make for dinner.
Fresh fruits--- cut up-add cool whip or vanilla ice cream or yogurt and you have a wonderfully easy desert.
Bon appetite!
Part of that includes what we eat....
I just made the most scrumptious salsa which I want to share-along with some other recipes.
I was at a picnic and this was so refreshing......and easy to make:
I used:
6 small to medium size tomatoes ( on the vine-don't ask me why-but they just hold their firmness better and were beautiful)-Kroger.
2 avocados-(organic hold up better).
I small red onion
1 clove of garlic
1 lime
salt and pepper to taste.
Chop up the garlic and red onion-place in bowl.
Cut up the tomatoes and avocados and add to garlic and onion.
Add fresh squeezed lime, salt and pepper.....
Mix it all up-----chill for 1 hour......add chips and YUM!
I also love simple pasta salad:
I think we all have our own version of this easy staple.
Cook an entire box of rotini pasta-I like the Bertolli brand. (8 mins.)
Rinse with cool water and place in fridge to cool.
Chop up 2 med. size tomatoes.
Thaw a package-small-of frozen broccoli.
Mix all together and add:
Ranch dressing to half and Italian dressing to half.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with a package of cheese ( your choice) before serving.
(You can also add cooked-baked-chicken, if you like).
Another choice for pasta:
Angel hair pasta--takes 4 minutes....to cook. Put some olive oil in water while pasta cooks. ( 1 teaspoon)
Use a jar of white sauce.( same shelf as spaghetti sauce) ( Alfredo)
Add a pound of cooked shrimp.
Fold shrimp and sauce in after draining the pasta.
If shrimp is frozen-throw in the last two minutes, with the cooking pasta. Drain together.
Add mushrooms or if the white sauce has mushrooms---add broccoli ( frozen, as you cook the pasta)
Sprinkle with nicely fresh ground pepper.
Is good!
I got this one from Arthur's, when I worked downtown.
Cook a box of long or short pasta. (Some are as fast and easy as 8 minutes).
Use ranch dressing ( like a sauce)-fold into cooked pasta.
Add sliced avocado.
Sprinkle with crumbled bacon bits.....ie: fry the bacon crisp and then crumble over the pasta dish.
This is delicious alone or you could add cooked/baked chicken to this dish also.
I like to sprinkle hot pepper flakes over the dish-after cooked. Adds a nice spice to it.
You can add Crescent rolls-Pillsbury---fast and easy in dairy case with biscuits----I like to fold in a square of pepper cheese-before I bake them. Delicious.
Where all of the recipes call for cheese---try different ones-fun and delicious.
These are just a couple of easy dishes to make for dinner.
Fresh fruits--- cut up-add cool whip or vanilla ice cream or yogurt and you have a wonderfully easy desert.
Bon appetite!
Conceal Carry in Ohio......
I have been thinking that it is time to get myself to a class for Conceal Carry.
After seeing all the crazy stuff that goes on.....I have come to the conclusion..that being armed versus helpless...is preferable.
One thing I know, is that there are alot-alot of laws governing this issue and they need to be observed.
I know there are many people who scream "gun control".
The plain fact is:
The police are so scarce on the ground-due to budget cuts, that they arrive after the fact.
The criminal element are not going to observe these gun control laws.
Where does that leave us?
Any thing as serious as carrying a firearm---should require training........it puts a great responsibility on the shoulders of the person with the gun-legally holding the gun.
It also evens the odds when someone is trying to harm you----and they have a gun.
You have to be able to effectively use the weapon to protect yourself.
TRAINING..........being OBSERVANT......and very very responsible.
Very difficult decision........but very necessary for our current climate of criminals and violence.
After seeing all the crazy stuff that goes on.....I have come to the conclusion..that being armed versus helpless...is preferable.
One thing I know, is that there are alot-alot of laws governing this issue and they need to be observed.
I know there are many people who scream "gun control".
The plain fact is:
The police are so scarce on the ground-due to budget cuts, that they arrive after the fact.
The criminal element are not going to observe these gun control laws.
Where does that leave us?
Any thing as serious as carrying a firearm---should require training........it puts a great responsibility on the shoulders of the person with the gun-legally holding the gun.
It also evens the odds when someone is trying to harm you----and they have a gun.
You have to be able to effectively use the weapon to protect yourself.
TRAINING..........being OBSERVANT......and very very responsible.
Very difficult decision........but very necessary for our current climate of criminals and violence.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Brain scan or Faith!
I was in the manufacturing plant-that is attached to the home-that I share with my Fiance', the other morning---walking to the laundry room, and saw the most amazing sight. ( more below)
He has a really cool space.
However, said Fiance', has asserted, that since he moved in, ( he built the place about 10 years ago) he has heard a low 'humming' sound, in the shop part, of the building.
I, being a little receptive to these things---have seen lights-shapes-etc. A wittle more.....and then some.
To the point of praying and announcing that I claim this space....blah-blah-blah...
I feel certain that we would qualify for a Ghost busting program.....maybe.
So, I am walking thru to the living space---and out of the corner of my vision---there.....big as life-okay bigger-much bigger---a swish and a wing---with a skirt-slatted like the gladiators wore-----in a dusty black color.....this Angel---was huge!!!!!!!
No ,I do not do recreational drugs and No, I do not drink at 9am.....and no, as far as I know---I am not going crazy......or hallucinating.......I feel instead blessed........but then:
I realized that this being was black---okay,dusty black--but black......was he here for me?????
I believe he was and I was meant to see him.
Well, a small part of his majestic being.
It was the feeling I had, after, he was out of my line of vision---that I got.
A very humble feeling.........and warmth.
But, also a feeling of strength...
I have been way too stressed of late.
This was a nice thoughtful feeling.....realizing,what I had seen......and yes, believing.
I do believe in Angels and welcome them into my life....and am so grateful for them.
I have faith in them.
God bless them and I actually love that they are here with us.
We do not have to 'go it alone'......Thank You, God!
And, Thank you! Wonderful Angels.
He has a really cool space.
However, said Fiance', has asserted, that since he moved in, ( he built the place about 10 years ago) he has heard a low 'humming' sound, in the shop part, of the building.
I, being a little receptive to these things---have seen lights-shapes-etc. A wittle more.....and then some.
To the point of praying and announcing that I claim this space....blah-blah-blah...
I feel certain that we would qualify for a Ghost busting program.....maybe.
So, I am walking thru to the living space---and out of the corner of my vision---there.....big as life-okay bigger-much bigger---a swish and a wing---with a skirt-slatted like the gladiators wore-----in a dusty black color.....this Angel---was huge!!!!!!!
No ,I do not do recreational drugs and No, I do not drink at 9am.....and no, as far as I know---I am not going crazy......or hallucinating.......I feel instead blessed........but then:
I realized that this being was black---okay,dusty black--but black......was he here for me?????
I believe he was and I was meant to see him.
Well, a small part of his majestic being.
It was the feeling I had, after, he was out of my line of vision---that I got.
A very humble feeling.........and warmth.
But, also a feeling of strength...
I have been way too stressed of late.
This was a nice thoughtful feeling.....realizing,what I had seen......and yes, believing.
I do believe in Angels and welcome them into my life....and am so grateful for them.
I have faith in them.
God bless them and I actually love that they are here with us.
We do not have to 'go it alone'......Thank You, God!
And, Thank you! Wonderful Angels.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Stressing stuff.......Where are the Keys?????
Yesterday I went to Mt. Orab, a town about 10 miles from us, to run various errands.
I live in the country-a rural area-that has a lovely view and perfect silence at night, but is a bit isolated.
I believe in the winter-time you can hear the snow fall. It is lovely.......the skyline is breath-taking.
So, I am in Mt. Orab-go to the Library-Post Office-Dry Cleaner----and then to the Grocery, and took my time.....it was dark when I come outside to my car with the groceries.
I go out to the car and unlock the door, and start unloading the groceries and....then...... I sling the keys in my hand, into a large bag, that I had used for the books and movies I had gotten at the library.
It is dark by now......even with a flashlight and the interior light from the car-I cannot find the keys.
The two young men-gathering carts---come over to help---going for a cart and xtra grocery bags---to unload each bag and see if the keys are inside.
No luck....Frustration is building.....building.....building......
I call my fiance' who is waiting for me to get home......and he states that our business partner has left already.
So I call said biz partner-and he is 1/2 hour away. So he sets out to come and take me, to get the extra key at home, and I go through the movie/book bag again---AND....there they are.
It was the most stressing evening---I have had in a while.....I was so aggravated.
It was nice to have help and it was good not to have all of my perishable food destroyed by the heat.
But, I realized----I was at a near panic when it was all said and done.
I knew-having opened the door with the keys---that they had to be there somewhere-in a car with tons of stuff in it..........it was nerve racking......so why couldn't I calm down and just find them?????
It is called stress. And exhaustion.......it can zap you......if you let it.
Needless to say---the drive home was in relief----total relief.
I live in the country-a rural area-that has a lovely view and perfect silence at night, but is a bit isolated.
I believe in the winter-time you can hear the snow fall. It is lovely.......the skyline is breath-taking.
So, I am in Mt. Orab-go to the Library-Post Office-Dry Cleaner----and then to the Grocery, and took my time.....it was dark when I come outside to my car with the groceries.
I go out to the car and unlock the door, and start unloading the groceries and....then...... I sling the keys in my hand, into a large bag, that I had used for the books and movies I had gotten at the library.
It is dark by now......even with a flashlight and the interior light from the car-I cannot find the keys.
The two young men-gathering carts---come over to help---going for a cart and xtra grocery bags---to unload each bag and see if the keys are inside.
No luck....Frustration is building.....building.....building......
I call my fiance' who is waiting for me to get home......and he states that our business partner has left already.
So I call said biz partner-and he is 1/2 hour away. So he sets out to come and take me, to get the extra key at home, and I go through the movie/book bag again---AND....there they are.
It was the most stressing evening---I have had in a while.....I was so aggravated.
It was nice to have help and it was good not to have all of my perishable food destroyed by the heat.
But, I realized----I was at a near panic when it was all said and done.
I knew-having opened the door with the keys---that they had to be there somewhere-in a car with tons of stuff in it..........it was nerve racking......so why couldn't I calm down and just find them?????
It is called stress. And exhaustion.......it can zap you......if you let it.
Needless to say---the drive home was in relief----total relief.
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