Food - Heaven, I'm in heaven....at the Minnesota State Fair, that is!
I don't know of any time, or place, were there are two of my favorite activities in one place than "The Great Minnesota State Fair!" There is an over abundance of food (I didn't say it's good for you) and tons of people watching to do -- my two favorite things!
I think it is the only place where you can get a "kitchen pass" to try an array of new food offerings that you wouldn't otherwise eat. Deep fried candy bars, cheese curds, aligator, turkey legs, milkshakes, pronto pups, chocolate covered bacon, warm cookies and milk, mini donuts, sausages, brats, Spam, tators on a stick; to name a few.
It is also the one time that you feel thin enough to eat it all. What? Let me explain before you jump on the scale. (This is where the people watching part comes into play.). All you have to do is take a look around and compare yourself to those walking by, and suddenly you feel thin.
Dish - OMG - there is an obesity eppidemic going on! Holy cheese curds; walk away from the deep fried candy bars, please.
Dish - Now for more on the people watching. I, in no way, profess to be the most stylish (or that I have any style,) or the most attractive (or that I am even attractive,) but I think it is safe for me to say I am of average looks and have acquired an average sense of style. Having said that, one has to wonder where do so many different looks come from?
--There are grown men with pony tails and they are even braided to boot. And then there are women who, well, could need to braid their hair, or atleast put a brush through it.
--There are women, and men, dressed as though they need a few more stiches of clothing on. Really, we don't want a sneak peak at the blubber. Just as some things are better left unsaid, the same could be said here: somethings are better unseen.
And various people who look like they haven't hit a mall for new clothes since, I don't know when.
Now I Know this all sounds harsh when put to paper, but it is what it is. No sugar coating here. We all think it, I just say it.
Embellish - Love the one your with!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Put some "spark" in your life!
Food - Going to a Fourth Of July celebration and don't have a dish to share? Here are some websites that can help you out.
Appetizer ideas:
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blappindex.htm
Main dish ideas:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/healthy_4th_recipes.html#main
Dessert ideas:
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Entertaining/Desserts/DessertsCenterLanding.aspx?cm_mmc=Srch-_-Google-_-Summer-_-july%204th%20desserts
Drink ideas:
http://www.idrink.com/independence.html
Dish - Put some "spark" into your life! Here are some websites that list the top places for firework displays - boom!
Booms with a view!
http://www.digitalcity.com/2009/06/26/booms-with-a-view-top-20-july-4th-fireworks-in-the-u-s/
4Th of July celebrations:
http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/Fourthofjuly.htm
History of Fourth of July, Independence Day:
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml
Population on this 4Th of July:
http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
Fun facts about the 4Th of July:
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011920.html
Embellish - After you've seen it all, you won't remember the windows and doors, but who passed through.
Appetizer ideas:
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blappindex.htm
Main dish ideas:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/healthy_4th_recipes.html#main
Dessert ideas:
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Entertaining/Desserts/DessertsCenterLanding.aspx?cm_mmc=Srch-_-Google-_-Summer-_-july%204th%20desserts
Drink ideas:
http://www.idrink.com/independence.html
Enjoy the 4Th of July, but please, remember: If you must drink, DON"T drive!
Dish - Put some "spark" into your life! Here are some websites that list the top places for firework displays - boom!
Booms with a view!
http://www.digitalcity.com/2009/06/26/booms-with-a-view-top-20-july-4th-fireworks-in-the-u-s/
4Th of July celebrations:
http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/Fourthofjuly.htm
History of Fourth of July, Independence Day:
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml
Population on this 4Th of July:
http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
Fun facts about the 4Th of July:
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011920.html
Embellish - After you've seen it all, you won't remember the windows and doors, but who passed through.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Food, Festivities and Independence!
Food- there will be plenty! As a nation, we celebrate everything with food. Foods that color cordinate to the event in which we are celebrating (a woman, no doubt planned this.).
Fourth of July, Independence Day, is no different. But, the fun part of celebrating this holiday is that the colors are strictly red, white and blue. Colors that are not only fun to create things to eat, but also remind us of what were are celebrating -- our freedom, our independence!
Take some time this holiday and cherrish our freedom!
Happy Independence Day!
Dish - "They" say things come in three. Ed McMann, Farrah Fawcet, and Micheal Jackson.
These are the public deaths, that we somehow feel as though we know them personally. But looking at the local obituaries this morning shows they come in far greater numbers then three, and at a far younger age than they used to.
What's going on? I cannot believe the number of deaths to people under the age of 50. Something that when I was growing up, was unheard of, even shocking! Now it is happening at a far greater amount.
To the surviving family members that are grappling with the devastation felt at their loss: our hearts and prayers are with you.
Embellish - Live for today!
Fourth of July, Independence Day, is no different. But, the fun part of celebrating this holiday is that the colors are strictly red, white and blue. Colors that are not only fun to create things to eat, but also remind us of what were are celebrating -- our freedom, our independence!
Take some time this holiday and cherrish our freedom!
Happy Independence Day!
Dish - "They" say things come in three. Ed McMann, Farrah Fawcet, and Micheal Jackson.
These are the public deaths, that we somehow feel as though we know them personally. But looking at the local obituaries this morning shows they come in far greater numbers then three, and at a far younger age than they used to.
What's going on? I cannot believe the number of deaths to people under the age of 50. Something that when I was growing up, was unheard of, even shocking! Now it is happening at a far greater amount.
To the surviving family members that are grappling with the devastation felt at their loss: our hearts and prayers are with you.
Embellish - Live for today!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Buckle up for safety....
Food - A friend of mine made this Carmel corn and it was simply great!
Simply great Carmel corn (makes 14 cups.)
Ingredients: 12 cups popped corn; 1 cup mini pretzels; 1 cup salted cashews; 1 stick of unsalted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1 large brown paper grocery bag.
Directions: Place the popped corn, pretzels and cashews in the paper bag. Shake to combine. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, 1 minute. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave for 2 minutes. Mixture will boil. Carefully stir and microwave for additional 2 minutes.
Stir baking soda into sugar mixture. It will foam up. Carefully pour over popcorn mixture. Fold top of bag over and shake to coat popcorn.
Place bag in microwave; cook 1 1/2 minutes. (watch carefully as higher wattage ovens may cook faster. Alternatively, transfer mixture to a greased sheet pan; bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring.) Remove bag and shake. Microwave an additional 1 minute. Pour onto large cookie sheets to cool.
Dish - New seat belt law goes into effect in MN, Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
I have traveled into other states that have signs that read "Click it or ticket it," but you will not find them in Minnesota. However, chances are they will be coming soon to a street you drive on in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota has now passed a law that will permit police officers to stop and ticket any driver or unbuckled passenger failing to buckle up. Really guys, it's true. The violation for the driver and unbuckled passengers carries a $25 fine.
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S967030.shtml?cat=1Just how much control do we want the government to have?
This newly passed law raises some hairs on my head (I don't have a hairy neck, sorry). It is not just this law, rather it is the accumulation of these small, and sometimes, trivial laws that raise the hair and I feel as though my hair is in need of some gel, or something.
Undoubtedly, this law will save lives. Many studies have shown wearing seat belts do save lives and I wear a seat belt EVERY TIME I ride in a car, I just don't like the fact that there is now a law telling me I have to wear one. I am not a rebel, nor am I defiant, or contumacious, I simply like making decisions for myself. If I ride in a car without a seat belt and I get in an accident and I am either seriously injured; that is my fault and a consequence I have to live with.
I will not argue with the fact that in cases where there are children, the elderly, or people with mental disabilities who cannot make sound decisions on their own there defiantly needs to be some laws in place to protect them.
I will agree that most of the time, "Without rules there is chaos," I just don't think this is one of those times.
I ask that you entertain me for just one moment. What law will they pass next? I am going to blow this way-out of proportion now. The government starts out with small laws that seem harmless and well intended, for our own safety and those around us they tell us. And we accept that rational, even applaud it, but these laws eventually lead to much larger issues and before you know it, the government will be involved in issues where we won't want them to be.
Now, if they want to "govern," I can think of other things they should focus on protecting us from, such as: cell phone companies that gouge us, bank fees, or how about.....the rising gas prices just in time for summer!
Will gas hit $3.00 this year?
http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/archive/2009/06/08/will-gas-hit-3-this-year.aspx
Don't they know we expected this? Anytime a holiday, weekend, or summer rolls around coincidentally the gas prices jump.
Embellish - Drop a habit that has kept you from reaching your full potential.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Reading to a child; how sweet it is!
Food - It's spring, soon to be summer, and I am craving fresh fruit, crisp lettuce, and some lean protein, but this girl still gets a sweet tooth now and then. So while I was out and about, I happened upon La Patisserie, a bakery in St. Paul, MN.
I have been to this bakery before; however, I was not too impressed the first time. Let's just say, I was fooled. When you walk in the door, the first thing you notice is that it is not your typical bakery with cases filled full of baked goodies (you really find that to be true once you take a bite.) They have some bars, some rolls, and maybe a torte or cake. Like I said, nothing impressive. But after a few minutes of talking with the owner, Deb, you soon find out just what a delicious bakery this truly is. The secret ingredient to this bakery is that all of their cakes or desserts are made fresh-to-order (she doesn't believe in freezing anything) using ingredients such as: real butter, imported chocolate, and fresh cream.
I munched on her Carmel bars (you won't find any like these anywhere else) that have a butter crust, a layer of her special Carmel, sprinkled with chocolate chips and topped with crumbs of the butter crust. I also had to taste (okay, I bought a piece and ate the whole thing,) of the Chocolate Raspberry Torte that is better than, not sex, but certainly is a contender.
Did I mention the prices are really reasonable? They are. If you get a chance, I suggest you visit La Patisserie @ 1570 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105.
* If there's a bakery you think we should try, let us know, we will gladly sharpen our sweet tooth.
Dish - You've Got Mail! This movie happens to be my all time favorite movie, with my favorite actress and actor, I might add. I have watched a 1,000 times and I will probably watch it a 1,000 times more. I just can't help myself!
I love the following quote from the movie, it speaks volumes about how important reading is in a child's life. I knew there was a reason I have never wanted to grow up - I love to read.
"When you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your life does. " — Kathleen Kelly (You've Got Mail)
Here is proof that there are happy endings. (Get a Kleenex.)
Embellish - Read to a child today.
I have been to this bakery before; however, I was not too impressed the first time. Let's just say, I was fooled. When you walk in the door, the first thing you notice is that it is not your typical bakery with cases filled full of baked goodies (you really find that to be true once you take a bite.) They have some bars, some rolls, and maybe a torte or cake. Like I said, nothing impressive. But after a few minutes of talking with the owner, Deb, you soon find out just what a delicious bakery this truly is. The secret ingredient to this bakery is that all of their cakes or desserts are made fresh-to-order (she doesn't believe in freezing anything) using ingredients such as: real butter, imported chocolate, and fresh cream.
I munched on her Carmel bars (you won't find any like these anywhere else) that have a butter crust, a layer of her special Carmel, sprinkled with chocolate chips and topped with crumbs of the butter crust. I also had to taste (okay, I bought a piece and ate the whole thing,) of the Chocolate Raspberry Torte that is better than, not sex, but certainly is a contender.
Did I mention the prices are really reasonable? They are. If you get a chance, I suggest you visit La Patisserie @ 1570 Randolph Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105.
* If there's a bakery you think we should try, let us know, we will gladly sharpen our sweet tooth.
Dish - You've Got Mail! This movie happens to be my all time favorite movie, with my favorite actress and actor, I might add. I have watched a 1,000 times and I will probably watch it a 1,000 times more. I just can't help myself!
I love the following quote from the movie, it speaks volumes about how important reading is in a child's life. I knew there was a reason I have never wanted to grow up - I love to read.
"When you read a book as a child it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your life does. " — Kathleen Kelly (You've Got Mail)
Here is proof that there are happy endings. (Get a Kleenex.)
Embellish - Read to a child today.
Food.Dish.Embellish is starting June with a menu of BINGS & BANGS
Food - Looking for a good summer read that involves romance, suspense and thrills? This following list of 36 nonfiction books, put together by The Hennepin County Library, about eating, cooking and restaurants will certainly give you food for thought and endless summer hours of fun - chow!
http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/BooklistAction.cfm?list_num=195&Genre=Nonfiction
Dish -
Stocks start June with a BANG!http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/01/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm?postversion=2009060114
It's always nice to start a new month with a bang!
Bada bing, Bada bang...June is starting off with a BING! Microsoft unveils BING, check it out ~
http://www.bing.com/?FORM=MFEHPG&PUBL=Google&CREA=userid1743e38d78bf6f0002cad834a6349227d594
Undecided as to who you will use?
PC World does the research for you; Bing vs. Google vs. Yahoo: Feature Smackdown
http://www.pcworld.com/article/165749/bing_vs_google_vs_yahoo_feature_smackdown.html
We compare top features of three search engines-Bing, Google, and Yahoo--in the ultimate search engine battle royale.
-- Oh boy, I can hardly wait until July...maybe it will start off with a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Remember, the best is yet to come; keep the faith.
Octuplets' mom plans to write book, signs TV deal
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/01/octuplet.mom.book.tv/index.html
Gee, who didn't see this coming?
W.H. won't say what Obama's N.Y. date cost (Could this be why the stock market starts June with a bang?)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-05-30-obama-date_N.htm
Do we really have a right to know? The Democrats probally haven't asked, simply don't care or will make an excuse as to why it's good for the Obamas, but the Republicans...well they will notice and will mind a lot! Especially with the current state of the economy and with General Motors, another iconic American company prepares to file for bankruptcy.
Do we care? Do we have a right to care? Are the Obama's just practicing what they preach by stimulating the economy? I suppose the answer lies in: who's paying the bill? What do you think?
Embellish - Dream it. Expect it. Live it.
http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/BooklistAction.cfm?list_num=195&Genre=Nonfiction
Dish -
Stocks start June with a BANG!http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/01/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm?postversion=2009060114
It's always nice to start a new month with a bang!
Bada bing, Bada bang...June is starting off with a BING! Microsoft unveils BING, check it out ~
http://www.bing.com/?FORM=MFEHPG&PUBL=Google&CREA=userid1743e38d78bf6f0002cad834a6349227d594
Undecided as to who you will use?
PC World does the research for you; Bing vs. Google vs. Yahoo: Feature Smackdown
http://www.pcworld.com/article/165749/bing_vs_google_vs_yahoo_feature_smackdown.html
We compare top features of three search engines-Bing, Google, and Yahoo--in the ultimate search engine battle royale.
-- Oh boy, I can hardly wait until July...maybe it will start off with a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Remember, the best is yet to come; keep the faith.
Octuplets' mom plans to write book, signs TV deal
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/01/octuplet.mom.book.tv/index.html
Gee, who didn't see this coming?
W.H. won't say what Obama's N.Y. date cost (Could this be why the stock market starts June with a bang?)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-05-30-obama-date_N.htm
Do we really have a right to know? The Democrats probally haven't asked, simply don't care or will make an excuse as to why it's good for the Obamas, but the Republicans...well they will notice and will mind a lot! Especially with the current state of the economy and with General Motors, another iconic American company prepares to file for bankruptcy.
Do we care? Do we have a right to care? Are the Obama's just practicing what they preach by stimulating the economy? I suppose the answer lies in: who's paying the bill? What do you think?
Embellish - Dream it. Expect it. Live it.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
To everything there is a season.....
Food - To everything there is a season....and the season is spring! A time, much like New Years, for new beginnings. A time to start a new and allow the new blossoms of spring to bloom. It can also mean a few solid months of BBQ, picnics, camping, walks around the lake, etc. For those of us who live in Minnesota, the next few months are why we live in this beautiful state!
With Memorial Day only a few days away I am guessing there will be plenty of eating, gathering, and yes, remembering will be done.
Dish - Death. We are certain that it will happen to all of us, and to those we love, but we hope it will be later, rather than sooner. We hope that we will somehow escape the heartache of losing someone we love. Unfortunately, escape is not always an option.
Today I attended the funeral of a friend. It was a funeral for a young man who was taken from this earth way too early - he was only 47! We said goodbye to a man who was loved by so many people.
As I watched everyone pay their respects and attend the service, I couldn't help but think how wrong all of this seemed to me, and I'm sure everyone around as well, that a child (children) should have to say goodbye, let alone give the eulogy, to/of a parent they love; any more than a mother, father, brother or sister should - it's just plain wrong! But this family did so in a way that would have made their father, son, brother, or sister proud!
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal ...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance ...a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"I see trees of green, red roses too.I see them bloom, for me and you.And I think to myself... what a wonderful world.I see skies of blue, and clouds of white.The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..."
Rest in Peace Mark Allen Gladhill, 47.
Embellish - Love the one your with!
With Memorial Day only a few days away I am guessing there will be plenty of eating, gathering, and yes, remembering will be done.
Dish - Death. We are certain that it will happen to all of us, and to those we love, but we hope it will be later, rather than sooner. We hope that we will somehow escape the heartache of losing someone we love. Unfortunately, escape is not always an option.
Today I attended the funeral of a friend. It was a funeral for a young man who was taken from this earth way too early - he was only 47! We said goodbye to a man who was loved by so many people.
As I watched everyone pay their respects and attend the service, I couldn't help but think how wrong all of this seemed to me, and I'm sure everyone around as well, that a child (children) should have to say goodbye, let alone give the eulogy, to/of a parent they love; any more than a mother, father, brother or sister should - it's just plain wrong! But this family did so in a way that would have made their father, son, brother, or sister proud!
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal ...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance ...a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"I see trees of green, red roses too.I see them bloom, for me and you.And I think to myself... what a wonderful world.I see skies of blue, and clouds of white.The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..."
Rest in Peace Mark Allen Gladhill, 47.
Embellish - Love the one your with!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Food: is it better when it's prepared by someone else?
FOOD - Is it all in our mind or does food taste better when it's prepared by someone else?
I'm not talking about Mom's cooking. We all love our Mother's cooking (here is where we need to tread gently, it's Mothers day tomorrow). That is until she starts getting up there in the years, doesn't cook as much and doesn't notice things such as expiration dates, mold, or a foamy layer that now tops the partially frozen ice cream. ('Sorry Mom.' Yes, it will inevitably happen to all of us, I'm sure.).
I'm talking about going out to eat at a bonafide restaurant. Where even something as simple and mundane as a salad can be, now somehow tastes like an exquisite delicacy from another country.
Whoa, ho, ho, it's magic, you know. We don't know how it happens, it just does. We can look for a slide of the hand, something up the sleeve, behind the ear, under the table...in the end, it really doesn't matter...we just have to believe that it's so!
I guess that is the thrill of it all; its magic, and who doesn't like a little magic in their life? I do.
Dish - Testimony 'from grave'? Just when you think you've heard it all, you hear some more.
Drew Peterson has been charged with killing his 3rd wife (yes, 3rd wife, sadly means there is a 4th wife).
Wearing a red jump suit, Peterson, 55, displayed his cuffed hands and told reporters: "Three squares a day and this spiffy outfit. Look at all this bling.".
I have a feeling after his 3rd wife, Kathleen Savio, testifies 'from the grave,' he'll be getting more than "3 squares and bling."
Embellish - All that glitter is gold!
I'm not talking about Mom's cooking. We all love our Mother's cooking (here is where we need to tread gently, it's Mothers day tomorrow). That is until she starts getting up there in the years, doesn't cook as much and doesn't notice things such as expiration dates, mold, or a foamy layer that now tops the partially frozen ice cream. ('Sorry Mom.' Yes, it will inevitably happen to all of us, I'm sure.).
I'm talking about going out to eat at a bonafide restaurant. Where even something as simple and mundane as a salad can be, now somehow tastes like an exquisite delicacy from another country.
Whoa, ho, ho, it's magic, you know. We don't know how it happens, it just does. We can look for a slide of the hand, something up the sleeve, behind the ear, under the table...in the end, it really doesn't matter...we just have to believe that it's so!
I guess that is the thrill of it all; its magic, and who doesn't like a little magic in their life? I do.
Dish - Testimony 'from grave'? Just when you think you've heard it all, you hear some more.
Drew Peterson has been charged with killing his 3rd wife (yes, 3rd wife, sadly means there is a 4th wife).
Wearing a red jump suit, Peterson, 55, displayed his cuffed hands and told reporters: "Three squares a day and this spiffy outfit. Look at all this bling.".
I have a feeling after his 3rd wife, Kathleen Savio, testifies 'from the grave,' he'll be getting more than "3 squares and bling."
Embellish - All that glitter is gold!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Easter dinner....
Food - The "normal" Easter dinner at our home, and many others in the great state of MN, has always been centered around ham. Ham used to be the main focus, but over the course of time has shifted to and egg bake & ham.
However, some people do venture away from the ham and choose lamb. That's what a friend of mine served. She complimented the lamb with an Orzo salad; she brought a sample over for me to taste, and I must say, it was yummy!
Orzo Salad
1 lb. Orzo (Barillo)
8 0z plain feta cheese
1 cup currants
20 cornichons (french dill pickle)
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
Dressing ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil
juice of 1 very juicy lemon or two if needed
salt and pepper to taste
Cook 6-7 minutes in very salty water (about 1/2 handful of salt.) Drain and put in a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Make dressing and add to the salad mixture.
* This salad is better if made 1 day before and served at room temp.
Dish - If you are lucky enough to get a return from Uncle Sam, you are probally in need of help on what to do with all that CASH. The average return is $2,700.00; and Uncle Sam is on the cover of Newsweek exclaming: "I want you to start spending your money!" Easy for him to say.
Here are other things to do with it other than spending it.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/22/pf/expert/tax_refund.moneymag/index.htm
Embellish - Yes I can!
However, some people do venture away from the ham and choose lamb. That's what a friend of mine served. She complimented the lamb with an Orzo salad; she brought a sample over for me to taste, and I must say, it was yummy!
Orzo Salad
1 lb. Orzo (Barillo)
8 0z plain feta cheese
1 cup currants
20 cornichons (french dill pickle)
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
Dressing ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil
juice of 1 very juicy lemon or two if needed
salt and pepper to taste
Cook 6-7 minutes in very salty water (about 1/2 handful of salt.) Drain and put in a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Make dressing and add to the salad mixture.
* This salad is better if made 1 day before and served at room temp.
Dish - If you are lucky enough to get a return from Uncle Sam, you are probally in need of help on what to do with all that CASH. The average return is $2,700.00; and Uncle Sam is on the cover of Newsweek exclaming: "I want you to start spending your money!" Easy for him to say.
Here are other things to do with it other than spending it.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/22/pf/expert/tax_refund.moneymag/index.htm
Embellish - Yes I can!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY "80"!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!
For believers Easter means: "He is risen indeed!" For children their thoughts of Easter often have another meaning; "Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail hopping Down The Bunny Trail." Whether you are an Adult or child, Easter involves believing in something other than ourselves.
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Promises, promises, promises.....Is the honeymoon over, already?
Food - I promise to start cooking more....April Fools Day! Sometimes I just crack myself up.
Anyham, Easter is hopping right along and will be coming soon and all of us who are entertaining are busy planning our Easter breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & leftovers for midnight snack. So, first things first; how to properly choose a ham. While methods for choosing a ham may vary the simple likes and dislikes are usually personal - but, I will give it a shank and give you some tips.
Anyham, Easter is hopping right along and will be coming soon and all of us who are entertaining are busy planning our Easter breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & leftovers for midnight snack. So, first things first; how to properly choose a ham. While methods for choosing a ham may vary the simple likes and dislikes are usually personal - but, I will give it a shank and give you some tips.
- Don't buy hams that are what I call "Artificial - cheap hams" they are usually labeled "Ham and Water Product."
- The best hams for baking will resemble the shape of a pig's hind leg.
- Even more expensive hams contain water, but the ham you want to choose will have a label that should state: "Ham with Natural Juices."
- They come as a whole ham 11-16 lbs, or in halves at 6-8 lbs.
- Shank is the lower part of the leg, while the butt end is the hip end.
- Shank end is usually easier to carve.
- Butt end is a little more tender.
- Hams usually come fully cooked. Baking them doesn't simply "re-heat" them, it helps remove extra moisture and adds flavor.
- When baking a ham buy one with the bone-in, meat cooked on a bone tastes better.
- Bone-in meat also means the processor doesn't have to find a way to reform the ham (you don't even want to know the details,) so it doesn't fall apart upon being sliced.
- Left over Bone-in hams are great to make soups with.
- Boneless hams have a more spongy texture.
- Spiral-cut hams are another version of a bone-in ham. The hip bone has been removed and only the round leg bones remain, which make them suitable for slicing on a rotating circular blade.
- Spiral-cut hams are great for buffet tables, but remember when pre-cut, the slices tend to dry out when re-warmed.
Dish - President Obama warned Americans to prepare for years of war in Afghanistan (Was "Warning" the operative action word for people to now be accepting of troops being sent? If it is, maybe that was Bushs' down fall all along, he didn't warn us.)
Is the honeymoon over, already? Obama's Afghanistan plan calls for 4,000 more U.S. troops. "Sending the 4,000 new troops, who would train Afghan soldiers and police. The plan includes a goal of having 134,000 soldiers in the Afghan army, up from about 65,000 soldiers now. "That is how we will prepare Afghans to take responsibility for their security, and how we will ultimately be able to bring our troops home," Obama said." (something sounds all too familiar.)
Let's face it, when faced with a grave situation; sending troops anywhere, but home, is never a good thing. before1stBush, 2ndBush, nowObama...I wonder how patient everyone will be in regards to the time frame before we start hearing: "bring the troops home"?
Embellish - The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
It doesn't have to be fancy....just dare to improvise!
Dish - Winter, or cold weather, for some people can really cramp their desire to grill outdoors. But a strong desire to have the "smoked wood flavor" can drive our ingenuity and often times a new invention or method is born. That is just what we did! We wanted to put a pork shoulder roast on the grill and have BBQ pulled pork with a hint of apple smoked flavor to it, but didn't feel like standing out in the chilly weather. Since we haven't invested in a fancy smoker pan for the oven that holds wood chips and has a cover, we improvised. Like I said, it doesn't have to be fancy or even pretty, it just has to do the job. I must admit, we felt a little like Alton Brown.
First we took a tin of apple smoked wood chips and soaked them for about 20 minutes. Next we drained the wood chips and placed the tin in our blue roasting pan. Next, we took our 3-4 lb. pork should roast, washed it, patted it dry and rubbed on some Dub's Rubs North Woods Style Seasoning (for pork) and then placed the roast in the roasting pan next to the wood chips put the cover on the roasting pan.
Preheat the oven to 275 and bake the roast for approx. 4 hrs. When done remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before pulling pork apart. Slather with BIG JAKE'S North Woods Style BBQ Sauce and serve on a bun or as an open faced sandwich topped with cheese (if you top it with cheese; place cheese on top and put under broiler for a few minutes until melted.)
Dish - The sad ending to a ski lesson that ultimately cost Natasha Richardson her life. Her family is devastated and the community is in shock! The devastating story of Natasha Richardson's death following a tragic skiing accident has sent shock waves through the Hollywood community.
Sadness is felt due to the loss of a vibrant 45 -year old women who was loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
http://omg.yahoo.com/celebs/natasha-richardson/1729
Embellish - Live for today.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I have a confession......
Food - I have a confession. All of my creative energies have been absorbed by preparing my taxes, the job search circuit and the everyday chores. Even my love for food has taken a back seat to these pressing chores that need to be done. Not much food is being prepared, however that has not stopped my apepitte, or the extra weight, I have managed to put on over the past few months, but I am hopeful that food regain the space in my brain that has been occupied with other things lately, and my creative juices will start flowing. A bonus in all of this would be if I can lose the extra weight. Let's keep our fingers +.
Dish - '70s radical Sara Jane Olson released from prison! Should Minnesota allow her to server her yearlong parole in Minnesota? The Govenor says: "NO!" But it appears the answer is YES!
Star Tribune Story:
http://www.startribune.com/local/41364847.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU
CNN Story:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/17/olson.release/index.html
I am sure if Sarah were given one wish, she would wish for a chance to go back in time and take the road more often followed by law abiding citizens. And the innocent by standers whose lifes were taken, would choose to live.
My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones as they struggle to move on from this and try to find some closure.
Embellish - Spring is a new beginning!
Dish - '70s radical Sara Jane Olson released from prison! Should Minnesota allow her to server her yearlong parole in Minnesota? The Govenor says: "NO!" But it appears the answer is YES!
Star Tribune Story:
http://www.startribune.com/local/41364847.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU
CNN Story:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/17/olson.release/index.html
I am sure if Sarah were given one wish, she would wish for a chance to go back in time and take the road more often followed by law abiding citizens. And the innocent by standers whose lifes were taken, would choose to live.
My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones as they struggle to move on from this and try to find some closure.
Embellish - Spring is a new beginning!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Eggs! They are whats for dinner, sometimes....
Food - 
Ignore the fancy plate, but feast your eyes rather upon the yummy fried egg croissant sandwich. Sometimes the job of preparing food for a family can become mundane and the task of planning the meal can be down right tedious.
The evening was fast approaching and I had not answered the question of the day: What am I going to make for dinner? I had bought a hodge podge of food at the grocery store (I went on an empty, but a very hungry stomach,) but I bought nothing that really resembled a meal so to speak; when all of a sudden it hit me like an egg being cracked on the side of a frying pan - I'll make an egg crossant sandwich! My husband loves eggs. This was going to be more than just a normal fried egg sandwich though. I had bought some fresh butter croissants; made some fresh home-made salsa; and bought some avacados and bacon too. There, in egg, lied the answer to the question I had asked so often that day - dinner will be served after all.
I prepared the pan so that it was hot enough to toast the butter croissant; set that aside. Next I fried up 3 eggs, piercing the yolks ever so slightly so that they would spread a little bit, and then holding a spatula against the eggs until they set up, thus making sure to keep them in the shape that would fit the butter croissant. When properly cooked on the one side, I flipped them so that they would be done; easy over. Added a bit of cheese and allowed that to melt a bit. Removed them from the pan and placed it on top of the bottom piece of croissant bread, topped the egg with bacon, avocado, and fresh salsa and placed the top piece of croissant bread on and who la! Dinner was served. (I served this with fresh fruit.)
Who says you have to have an elaborate dinner? This simple meal, brought me some nice compliments from the hubby. Can a girl ask for any more? Okay, if you insist, a nice piece of jewelry will work too.
Dish - OMG - like totally awesome day out today! I walked around the lakes and people were out in full force. Joggers, bikers, walkers....when you live in Minnesota and the temperature gets above 32 degrees (okay, maybe even 10) we feel as though spring has sprung! It was absolutely beautiful day with the sun shinning brightly and the birds singing. I saw my first Robin yesterday. It's funny how the little things in life can bring so much joy.
Embellish - Listen to the birds singing!
Ignore the fancy plate, but feast your eyes rather upon the yummy fried egg croissant sandwich. Sometimes the job of preparing food for a family can become mundane and the task of planning the meal can be down right tedious.The evening was fast approaching and I had not answered the question of the day: What am I going to make for dinner? I had bought a hodge podge of food at the grocery store (I went on an empty, but a very hungry stomach,) but I bought nothing that really resembled a meal so to speak; when all of a sudden it hit me like an egg being cracked on the side of a frying pan - I'll make an egg crossant sandwich! My husband loves eggs. This was going to be more than just a normal fried egg sandwich though. I had bought some fresh butter croissants; made some fresh home-made salsa; and bought some avacados and bacon too. There, in egg, lied the answer to the question I had asked so often that day - dinner will be served after all.
I prepared the pan so that it was hot enough to toast the butter croissant; set that aside. Next I fried up 3 eggs, piercing the yolks ever so slightly so that they would spread a little bit, and then holding a spatula against the eggs until they set up, thus making sure to keep them in the shape that would fit the butter croissant. When properly cooked on the one side, I flipped them so that they would be done; easy over. Added a bit of cheese and allowed that to melt a bit. Removed them from the pan and placed it on top of the bottom piece of croissant bread, topped the egg with bacon, avocado, and fresh salsa and placed the top piece of croissant bread on and who la! Dinner was served. (I served this with fresh fruit.)
Who says you have to have an elaborate dinner? This simple meal, brought me some nice compliments from the hubby. Can a girl ask for any more? Okay, if you insist, a nice piece of jewelry will work too.
Dish - OMG - like totally awesome day out today! I walked around the lakes and people were out in full force. Joggers, bikers, walkers....when you live in Minnesota and the temperature gets above 32 degrees (okay, maybe even 10) we feel as though spring has sprung! It was absolutely beautiful day with the sun shinning brightly and the birds singing. I saw my first Robin yesterday. It's funny how the little things in life can bring so much joy.
Embellish - Listen to the birds singing!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mr. President
Food - More goodies from Valli Produce in Rockford, IL.
Food - the one thing that is certain, even in this economically bleak time is: FOOD. A downturn in the economy is the cause of people assessing and ultimately requiring them to change their budgets. What once was a necessity (or it least it felt like one,) has now become a luxury that one can no longer afford. This is true with food as well.
Eating out, becomes sparse, if at all, and the venue may change all together. Our grocery list may go from; indulgences to basics. But when push comes to shove; we all still need to eat! "Milk it does the body good; food fuels our bodies, and nourishes our souls." Our deep love for food does not stop even when our pocket books shrink. We become selective in our indulgences. We become creative in the dishes we prepare. We may be on a budget, but we still have a repertoire of recipes that we have collected over the years to draw from. Now maybe the time to actually stop collecting and start cooking.
To paraphrase from a recent article in the Star Tribune reads: "There is too much inherent suffering during a recession to ever welcome it." They also highlight something good that can come from it: "During touch economic times, people seem to increase exercise, take fewer car trips, reduce smoking and cook healthier foods as home - choosing to control the remaining things in their lives they are capable of controlling."
Dish - Mr. President: "It's time for America to lead again!
A few observations, that I noted, from tonight's address to Congress:
As the President, Barack Obama, was being announced tonight, it was so much fun to see the excitement displayed on all of the members present! In these hard economic times, it is nice to see that many people in one room smiling and cheering loudly! It doesn't matter who you voted for President anymore, this is our new President and he is bringing a sense of hope to those in need.
He talked of stricht oversight, having America lead again and that all eyes are upon us! He spoke of hope: "Hope is found in the most unusual places."
He stated something to the effect that those making under 250,000 would not see a tax increase...and who can't use that? The thing I find ironic in that statement is that the majority of people in the room (Clinton comes to mind) probably have incomes in excess of 250,000 -- what are they cheering for?
All in all, I think he did a wonderful job! And while it is early for everyone to start judging the job he has done so far (at least I think it is too early), so far he is trying his best to lead us out of the disarray we are in.
"OBAMA promises oversight!"
"Day of Reckoning has arrived!"
"We will recover!
Embellish - Hope is having faith when doubt would be easier!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Plastic Surgery is on the rise!?
Food - Luscious Lemon Cake from Valli Produce in Rockford, IL.
Dish - Plastic surgery is on the rise!? Studies show the better looking you are the more successful you are. Which usually equates to having me money, and well, more of everything. The more successful and better looking you are, also starts people lining up to be your friend.
Don't believe me, take a "look" in the friend dept. Take yourself for example; when was the last time you spotted an unattractive person and said "now they should be my friend!" Didn't think so.
Actor and rapper Mos Def's had this to say:"When I saw [Obama] on the cover of Men's Vogue, I said, 'This guy's gonna win because he looks good,’" the rapper recently told Rolling Stone. "America's too vain, and [Obama] appeals to America's sense of vanity. People also want a rock-star quality to the president, which he has."
Gordon Patzer, author of the book: "LOOKS: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined", offers this: “Physically attractive people are perceived to be more likable, more intelligent, more trustworthy, and more of an expert in their field,” says Patzers.
And while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there are objective determinants on which physical attractiveness can be judged; height, hair and weight. America has not elected a president who is under the national height average of 5 feet 9 inches, since Benjamin Harrison in 1888, and has not elected a bald president since Dwight Eisenhower in 1953. So far so good for Obama. He is 6 feet 1½ inches, has a full head of hair, and he loves playing basketball. Physical attractiveness can also be a boon in the business world. “People who are tall are literally looked up to, and more likely to be influential,” says Patzers, who adds that the average CEO is 6 feet tall. Meanwhile, a recent University of Pittsburgh survey reports that their tallest student’s average starting salary was 12% higher than that of their shorter colleagues.
And we wonder why plastic surgery is on the rise? Is it any wonder?
Embellish - Yes, I can!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"It" happens when you least expect it!
Food - Here's looking at you kid! Yummy, so full of frosting. This is another scrumptious treat from Valli Produce in Rockford, IL.Dish - LOVE - Why does it happen to you when you least expect it? Does the mere act of looking for it, drive it away? Have you heard the poem: "
Love is like a butterfly, the more you chase it,
the more it will elude you, but if you ignore it,
it will softly come and sit on your shoulder.
Proving the theory that: "You'll find love when you least expect it."
And this theory applies to many things in life; not just love. Some things happen when you least expect it? It does? Yes, they do.
About a month or so ago, I was painting the interior of our home. We have a 2 story house, which means we also have a very high stair case - lucky me! Reach for the stars...well almost, I was reaching for the celling. It wasn't a glass ceiling, but I felt a lot like Hilary Clinton Jr., all the same. While Hilary was making history being the 'first" women to run for President Of The United States I was making history too (it's in the genes). I was the "first" female in our home to paint that high stair case of our home. Somehow, I don't think my "first" will make any history books though.
With the high stair case done, I move on to the rest of the Mona Lisa work that needs a fresh face. I had climbed the tall, tall, ladder many times recently. Up, down, up, done - nothing bad happened (and I even have a black cat.) I had to "jiggey-rig" a scaffolding system to reach parts of this HIGH stair case because I wasn't able to reach. This was not the safest thing to do, I admit, but I somehow felt safe with my McGuyvor skills - nothing bad happened.
So, I was taken by surprise when I was painting the bathroom that required only a normal size ladder and not much height was involved. "Just when I didn't expect it" it happened! I went to get down off the ladder "and missed a rung - I was straight tripping boo - I went flailing down to the ground hitting my head, face, and arm on the wall and then stopping myself from fully diving face first into the toilet by hitting my arm on the back of the toilet breaking the lid - ouch!
If they could see me now! Face full of paint from sliding down the "wet" wall; unable to move my arm because it hurt so bad I was sure I it was broken. I laughed, it was comical....I had to laugh or I would have cried.
Proving once again, "It happens when you least expect it!"
Embellish - Begin each day with thoughts that bring out the best in you.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Life, Dessert, Laughter and Music -- What they can do for you?
Food - You can call me late for dinner, but you can never call me late for dessert! Pictured at the left is a piece of decedent chocolate fudge cake that I purchased at Valli Produce in Rockford, IL.Dish - We have spent the vast majority of 2008, and most of our life for that matter, searching for answers to many of the events that life happens to throw our way. When the events are of a happy nature, not much searching is required, we simply accept that it is supposed to be; either because we believe we are deserving of, or we have the firm belief that life is meant to be made up of good things.
Contrarily when bad things happen, these events are what shatter our belief that life is made up of "all things good, fair, and deserving." They leave us grasping, sometimes, begging, for answers that can somehow explain why certain things happen to us, or to those around us. These questions are the questions that we would rather not have had thrust upon us; nudging us to search for an answer that somehow makes sense out of a seemingly senseless event.
Not all of us have the same events thrust upon us that need answered, but collectively, we have had many similar ones. But when these senseless events happen to us, we sometimes feel lost and all alone in our search. As if feeling lost and alone isn't bad enough we have "well meaning people" give us explanations such as: everything happens for a reason, God knew you could handle it (what, that means you are too weak? - I'll take being weak then), time heals all wounds, it was his or her turn to die, something good will come from this, it is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved before, it was never meant to be, when one door closes another will open...and the menagerie of one liners can continue for as far as the day is long.
Part of life's events happening is the shock that it has happend to us, as if we are immune to them. We would all like to think that life's bad experiences will skip us; and maybe some of us are fortunate enough to say that they have, but I am not immune. For I have suffered the loss of a loved one when I was young, I have endured the pain of a broken heart that I thought was never going to mend, and I too, have felt the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams. And while all of these were earth shattering events, that no amount of answers could ease the pain of, the search for the answer has led me to who I am today.
Truth be told, most of the answers to life's questions can be found in all genres of music, poetry, quotes, and books written by people who have walked before us, behind us or beside us that have experienced many of the same things. Proving that we need not be alone, if we choose to reach out to those "well meaning people" around us.
When good things happen to people they sing of: "Trees of green, skies of blue, the colors of the rainbow and people saying I Love You! (What a Wonderful World)
But when something bad happens to people they sing: "Sometimes in our lives we all have pain. We all have sorrow. But if we are wise. We know that there's always tomorrow. Lean on me, when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on." (Lean On Me)
How do you mend a broken heart? How do stop the sun from shinning? What makes the world go round? Please help me mend my broken heart and let me live again. (not many answers her, but a bea-u-ti-ful song, none the less. Search on.)
For those who feel sad and all alone at Christmas they think of songs such as this one by Joni Mitchell: "It's coming on Christmas. They're cutting down trees. They're putting up reindeer. And singing songs of joy and peace. I wish I had a river I could skate away on." (However, there have been other times, Christmas withstanding, when we feel the setiment of the last sentence and we wish we could escape from it all and we say - I wish I had a river I could skate away on.)
Dr. Suess has been quoted saying: "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
Whenever evil befalls us, we ought to ask ourselves, after the first suffering, how we can turn it into good. So shall we take occasion, from one bitter root, to raise perhaps many flowers. - Leigh Hunt
Like so many Americans, she was trying to construct a life that made sense from things she found in gift shops. - Kurt Vonnegut (This quote may explain why women love gift shops so much.)
Whatever your mood may be, you can always find a song, a poem or a quote that can help ease the pain. If these don't ease the pain, at least you were distracted from your problems for just one brief moment in time. If this distraction hasn't helped, call a friend and find something, anything, to laugh about....they say; "Laughter is the best medicine!"
http://www.poemhunter.com/songs/joy/http://www.quotationspage.com/qotd.html
http://www.brainyquote.com/
Embellish - If I have one person that I can call friend, then I am truly never alone.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The adventures that travel can bring
Food - If my name was Rachel Ray, you would hear me say: "Yummo!"On a recent trip home from Rockford, IL., I made a stop at a grocery store; Valli Produce. The assortment of produce was unbelievable! But, before I could even made it to the produce department, I had to walk past the bakery. That is never a good thing. You had me at bakery!
They bring in baked items from ethnic bakeries daily, to ensure freshness. There was everything from Greek Baklava, Italian Cannollis, Cannolli Cake, Tiramisu, Lobster Tails, Chocolate Mousse Mice, Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake, Lemon Layer Cake, and Eclairs to name just a few of the delectables that I had found - I had hit the jackpot! I was in pastry heaven. So, I did what any sweet tooth lovin' person does, I bought a few items. I will let you drool, as you look at them here on my blog, for the next few days. (Today's picture is a Lobster Tail.)
Caution: looking...may cause you to run out to the nearest bakery!
Dish - February is Go Red for Women!
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000
CASTING call at MOA http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3062593
February is Black History Month!
http://www.history.com/minisites/blackhistory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month
Fun things to do in Minneapolis in February 2009:
42nd Annual Minneapolis/St Paul RV Vacation & Camping Show (Feb 5 - 8)
28th Annual International Motorcycle Show (Feb 13 - 15)
7th Annual Twin Cities Pet Expo (Feb 21 - 22)
15th Annual Twin Cities Food and Wine Experience (Feb 28 - March 1)
My Dish on Travel - It has been about 3 months since my last trip out of town via an airplane (all my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...fly away, come fly away with me....take me away, take me away, I'm leaving on a jet plane) and I must say: I love to travel! It seems as though I go through withdrawals if I don't travel on a regular basis. I will elaborate more about all the fun facts of travel a little later in the blog, like when we land in sunny California!
But first....we will start at the very beginning - the airport! Every time I do travel, I am quickly reminded of some things I don't like much about traveling; such as the security lines where you have to take off just about every piece of clothing, just to pass through security to get to your gate. Now that I think about it, it is more the blood curdling screams that I detest when I un-robe that bothers me more than the act of un-robing. But, I gladly do this all in the name of safety.
And then....there is the sound of the toe tapping that is done by the passenger behind you as they impatiently wait for you to put all of your clothes back on and tuck everything back into its proper place.
---But the thing that really stinks, literally, is the women's bathroom! Now, out of fairness to my gender, I feel the need to let you know that I have never done a "sniff test" on the men's bathroom - but GIRL - all I know is that sometimes I don't even want to admit I am a woman! You'll hear me roar alright! As I walk into the women's bathroom and think: "who died in here?!" or "what crawled up what hole and couldn't get out?!" (Pardon the crudeness, but I know you have all thought it, I just typed it.) I have actually had to pull my blouse over my nose to block the smell, or stop breathing all together, until I exit the bathroom. Turning blue as I stumble out of the restroom I am suddenly in dire need for someone to call 1-800-GET-ME-AIR-NOW -please!
As soon as I am out of the restroom, I let out a big exhale and inhale quickly to fill my lungs with FRESH air. And I say to myself, it is times like these that I wish, (actually my nose wishes) that I had a much larger, (like really large) stronger bladder, but I don't. This may be the first, no wait, the second time, I have ever wished one of my body parts were larger; the first was my brain, of course. No comments from the "pee-nut" gallery please!
While it's true, we should "enjoy the journey." And normally I do. But I'll tell you what, this is one part of the journey that I must say I cannot, do not, enjoy! Nope! Never will! And if my bladder were larger, I would forgo this pit stop of an experience all together. For you see, I do not like the smell of this at all. But, I am forced to find some relief, and so I endure.
Now, for more of the positive adventures that travel can bring.
The airplane tires hitting the pavement as we land is always a good thing!
You get to go some where other than where you live, I love that part.
You don't have to clean at all, better yet, you have maid service - whewewee!
No cooking, you get to eat out three times a day, even more if you want to.
You get to pretend that you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want without gaining a pound.
You can sight-see all day long, exploring all the beauty and wonders that the destination holds.
You can get quite an education through travel, most of us are "hands on" or in this case "travel there" learners.
You have no budget, in fact, you're rich - I call!
You can forget all your troubles...if only temporarily. You can, in other words, escape from reality.
And the smell, ahhhh, this one is a pleasant aroma of California's tropical floral, mixed with fresh ocean breeze scent!
The birds chirpping in perfect harmony.
It is sometimes just what is needed - if you don't believe me - try it, you'll like it! If you don't like it, I guess you will just be forced to go back to the airport and visit the women's restroom and "sit a smell," I mean, "sit a spell." As for me and my nose, we say: "Bon-voy-age!"
Oh, how I love to travel!
Embellish - Today I will......
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wrong prices and getting hot sauce when you don't want it!
Food - Every now and then I have been known to frequent a "fast food" establishment, only when I need food fast, of course. I'm not sure who was the inventor of "fast food," I think it was White Castle, back in 1916. White Castle was founded by: J. Walter Anderson of Wichita, Kansas. He sold five cent hamburgers along with french fries and colas. White Castle thrived along with other fast-food operations. However, fast-food did not become a significant part of the American landscape until after World War II.
Richard and Maurice McDonald chalked out a design for a new type of hamburger restaurant on a tennis court in 1948.
Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy's restaurant in 1962 in Columbus, Ohio.
By 1990 there were almost 11,803 McDonald's, 6,298 Burger King' s, and 3,721 Wendy' s fast-food establishments in the United States.
Dish - Does the following scenario sound familiar? One store they are charging you too much, the other they give you stuff you said you didn't want!
Recently I went into a party store to buy some, you guessed it, party items. I approach the register just in time to hear a customer in the next check out line say: "That can't be right." The clerk checks the receipt and answers: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure why they rang up at that price." She adjusts the prices charged and the customer goes on her way.
I then get my total and say: "That can't be right." The items I purchased were marked .99 cents, but rang up for $3.99. The clerk looks at the receipt and says: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure they rang up at that price." I think to my self, didn't I just hear that somewhere?
Now, I don't know about you, but I am starting to think that the stores do this on purpose. And they probally get away with it quite often, especially if you are buying a lot of items, some which are more costly and you wouldn't notice (or so they hope.) How can two people have the same experience within minutes of each other....something tells me there have been similar experiences too. I have really started checking prices as they ring them up, just in case.
Onto a fast food establishment, cuz I needed food fast. After you order they ask you if you want hot or mild sauce with your order, to which I say: no. Never fails, they give it to me anyways -- so why ask?
One store trying to gouge you, the other trying to spice it up by giving it away...makes you go hmmm... I guess it's hard work trying to "please the customer."
Embellish - Laugh hard enough that you cry and repeat often!
Richard and Maurice McDonald chalked out a design for a new type of hamburger restaurant on a tennis court in 1948.
Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy's restaurant in 1962 in Columbus, Ohio.
By 1990 there were almost 11,803 McDonald's, 6,298 Burger King' s, and 3,721 Wendy' s fast-food establishments in the United States.
Dish - Does the following scenario sound familiar? One store they are charging you too much, the other they give you stuff you said you didn't want!
Recently I went into a party store to buy some, you guessed it, party items. I approach the register just in time to hear a customer in the next check out line say: "That can't be right." The clerk checks the receipt and answers: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure why they rang up at that price." She adjusts the prices charged and the customer goes on her way.
I then get my total and say: "That can't be right." The items I purchased were marked .99 cents, but rang up for $3.99. The clerk looks at the receipt and says: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure they rang up at that price." I think to my self, didn't I just hear that somewhere?
Now, I don't know about you, but I am starting to think that the stores do this on purpose. And they probally get away with it quite often, especially if you are buying a lot of items, some which are more costly and you wouldn't notice (or so they hope.) How can two people have the same experience within minutes of each other....something tells me there have been similar experiences too. I have really started checking prices as they ring them up, just in case.
Onto a fast food establishment, cuz I needed food fast. After you order they ask you if you want hot or mild sauce with your order, to which I say: no. Never fails, they give it to me anyways -- so why ask?
One store trying to gouge you, the other trying to spice it up by giving it away...makes you go hmmm... I guess it's hard work trying to "please the customer."
Embellish - Laugh hard enough that you cry and repeat often!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Octuplets..soft as a baby's
Food - After a long day at work, cleaning or running errands, etc...what is better than a nice hot, home cooked meal? Nothing, but someone has to make it. And if your busy all day, that can be tricky. That's why my favorite meal is: Beef roast with potatoes, onions and carrots. It is the easiest thing to cook, and the most scrumptious meal to eat. Put it in the oven in the morning, take it out at night and enjoy!
Dish -
California octuplets have doctors rethink safety of tuplet pregnancies ~
Though doctors for the California mom of eight aren't saying whether she took fertility drugs, medical experts say that she did. "The likelihood is effectively zero that she had octuplets naturally," says Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg
Ya, think? I cannot imagine having 6 kids at home and signing up to have 8 more = 14! And SINGLE on top of it! Call me crazy, no call this crazy, why any single mother would want to have 14 kids and raise them, with the help of her elderly parents who she lives with.
Her dad is going back to work....and the hospital is seeking donations...and the mother of the octuplets, well, she will be tired! To me this is an outrage that any single or married couple would embark upon adding to their broad of 6 without the means to support them.
Well, I guess it happens all the time, just not to this degree. People can never really afford kids, but at least if you limit the number you have, you have a chance of succeeding.
Embellish - Think happy thoughts: Soft as a baby's face.
Dish -
California octuplets have doctors rethink safety of tuplet pregnancies ~
Though doctors for the California mom of eight aren't saying whether she took fertility drugs, medical experts say that she did. "The likelihood is effectively zero that she had octuplets naturally," says Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg
Ya, think? I cannot imagine having 6 kids at home and signing up to have 8 more = 14! And SINGLE on top of it! Call me crazy, no call this crazy, why any single mother would want to have 14 kids and raise them, with the help of her elderly parents who she lives with.
Her dad is going back to work....and the hospital is seeking donations...and the mother of the octuplets, well, she will be tired! To me this is an outrage that any single or married couple would embark upon adding to their broad of 6 without the means to support them.
Well, I guess it happens all the time, just not to this degree. People can never really afford kids, but at least if you limit the number you have, you have a chance of succeeding.
Embellish - Think happy thoughts: Soft as a baby's face.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama is sworn in - Inaugural Parade - Watch it here via CBS Online
"Obama takes the Oath"
Watch CBS Videos Online
VP, Joe Biden, is sworn in.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Watch the Inauguration right here!
CBS
Watch CBS Videos Online
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/live/
Watch CBS Videos Online
VP, Joe Biden, is sworn in.
Watch CBS Videos Online
Watch the Inauguration right here!
CBS
Watch CBS Videos Online
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/live/
Monday, January 19, 2009
"I have a Dream" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 19, 2009. A tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King "I have a dream"
How Long? Not Long!
1968 - Martin Luther King's Prophetic Last speech - Remember
1968 King Assassination Report (CBS News)
Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.thekingcenter.org/
http://www.mlkday.gov/
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
Embellish - His dream lives on!
Martin Luther King "I have a dream"
How Long? Not Long!
1968 - Martin Luther King's Prophetic Last speech - Remember
1968 King Assassination Report (CBS News)
Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.thekingcenter.org/
http://www.mlkday.gov/
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html
Embellish - His dream lives on!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What's it all about....MS. Foodie?
Whats it all about....Ms Foodie? Have you ever found yourself asking yourself (insert your name) this same question?
Then I would say you are only human. Some would say asking this question "is a lack of faith". Some would say "if you believe in GOD then you wouldn't feel this way." Some would say "we are all here for a reason." And I would say: "All those things hold some truth," but I would also say: "deep down inside all of us, we all wonder "what's it's all about?"
Some of us are just afraid to admit we have these thoughts from time to time. Without getting totally philosophical and biblical, I would like to just think out loud. Knock, knock - Can you hear me now?
We wake up and fill our days with work, volunteer work, shopping, eating, praying, reading, listening, talking, writing, passing the time of day, so to speak....and then, one day we die. "Sometimes all of this seems unnecessary, even stupid, that we are all here on this earth." There I said it! This is not to say I don't fully enjoy life or have a believe in a Higher Power - I do!
This blog entry just touches on the feelings that we all encounter from time-to-time. At times, IT FEELS as though we are here "just to survive." And in our journey to "survive" we fill the time by trying to be the best we can be. After all, isn't that what we "should" do, rather than by merely surviving? Sure, I guess. But then the thing, that we hope will not happen, happens --Life turns into a competition; in some enormous race for first place, "best" if you will.
In our careers or volunteer work; we compete to see who can be the "best" employee, and climb the highest rung on the ladder, all in hopes of achieving notoriety of some sort. Whether it be by making the most money, being the most self less, being famous, having the largest house, the most shoes, the best tech gadgets, and yes, even by who can buy the most toys (The man with the most toys wins!")
Don't get me wrong, there is self fulfillment in our careers and volunteer work. But sometimes we just get a little carried away with "being the 'best.'" Or, maybe it's just me, that I speak of.
In our personal lives, we go from surviving into; who can be the "best" person, the perfect friend, the "best" daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father known to man. Not to mention who can be the thinnest, best body, best looking, nicest hair and nails, biggest muscles, etc.
In our love life, we start out looking for someone, or maybe that someone finds us, to walk this earth with. But inevitably it takes a turn down the ugly "best" road. All because we have to have the "best" partner, husband, lover, companion, Yoko Ono, whatever you want to call it, because....well, just because. It is when we get caught up in the "best" that I think we feel life has no meaning. And yet, in some ways we strive for the "best" because we believe that is part of why we were put on this earth. It feels as if, it is all just a vicious circle. It's as though we feel that this is a test (or maybe, I am only speaking of myself again) and at the end of the test, only those who scored the highest will be loved.
Well, I did my "best" and even though my "best" did not find the answer to the question I asked of myself, I have still passed the test just by being me! Hey! - Maybe I just found the answer: "Love who you are; for who (what) you are, for as long as we all shall live!" Sounds good to me, but then again, maybe I speak only of myself.
I found this poem - Poem by Ms. Henrietta Heron - these words resonate of what she feels is her purpose in this thing called life. Maybe her sediments can fit any one of our lives as well. Whatever our beliefs are, whomever we call our "GOD," whatever words we may delete or insert in order to have this poem be our purpose - the message lays out a plan, "a purpose" if you will, not only to survive, but if followed, can and will make a difference in this little thing called: "LIFE!"
To be a little kindlier
With the passing of each day;
To leave but happy memories
As I go along my way.
To use possessions that are mine
In service full and free;
To sacrifice the trivial things
For larger good to be.
To give of love in lavish way
That friendship true may live;
To be less quick to criticize,
More ready to forgive.
To use such talents as I have
That happiness may grow;
To take the bitter with the sweet,
Assured 'Ti's better so.
To be quite free from self-intent
What e'er the task I do;
To help the world's faith stronger grow,
In all that's good and true.
To keep my faith in God and right
No matter how things run;
To work and play and pray and trust
Until the journey's done.
God grant to me the strength of heart,
Of motive and of will,
To do my part and falter not
His purpose to fulfill.
Then I would say you are only human. Some would say asking this question "is a lack of faith". Some would say "if you believe in GOD then you wouldn't feel this way." Some would say "we are all here for a reason." And I would say: "All those things hold some truth," but I would also say: "deep down inside all of us, we all wonder "what's it's all about?"
Some of us are just afraid to admit we have these thoughts from time to time. Without getting totally philosophical and biblical, I would like to just think out loud. Knock, knock - Can you hear me now?
We wake up and fill our days with work, volunteer work, shopping, eating, praying, reading, listening, talking, writing, passing the time of day, so to speak....and then, one day we die. "Sometimes all of this seems unnecessary, even stupid, that we are all here on this earth." There I said it! This is not to say I don't fully enjoy life or have a believe in a Higher Power - I do!
This blog entry just touches on the feelings that we all encounter from time-to-time. At times, IT FEELS as though we are here "just to survive." And in our journey to "survive" we fill the time by trying to be the best we can be. After all, isn't that what we "should" do, rather than by merely surviving? Sure, I guess. But then the thing, that we hope will not happen, happens --Life turns into a competition; in some enormous race for first place, "best" if you will.
In our careers or volunteer work; we compete to see who can be the "best" employee, and climb the highest rung on the ladder, all in hopes of achieving notoriety of some sort. Whether it be by making the most money, being the most self less, being famous, having the largest house, the most shoes, the best tech gadgets, and yes, even by who can buy the most toys (The man with the most toys wins!")
Don't get me wrong, there is self fulfillment in our careers and volunteer work. But sometimes we just get a little carried away with "being the 'best.'" Or, maybe it's just me, that I speak of.
In our personal lives, we go from surviving into; who can be the "best" person, the perfect friend, the "best" daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father known to man. Not to mention who can be the thinnest, best body, best looking, nicest hair and nails, biggest muscles, etc.
In our love life, we start out looking for someone, or maybe that someone finds us, to walk this earth with. But inevitably it takes a turn down the ugly "best" road. All because we have to have the "best" partner, husband, lover, companion, Yoko Ono, whatever you want to call it, because....well, just because. It is when we get caught up in the "best" that I think we feel life has no meaning. And yet, in some ways we strive for the "best" because we believe that is part of why we were put on this earth. It feels as if, it is all just a vicious circle. It's as though we feel that this is a test (or maybe, I am only speaking of myself again) and at the end of the test, only those who scored the highest will be loved.
Well, I did my "best" and even though my "best" did not find the answer to the question I asked of myself, I have still passed the test just by being me! Hey! - Maybe I just found the answer: "Love who you are; for who (what) you are, for as long as we all shall live!" Sounds good to me, but then again, maybe I speak only of myself.
I found this poem - Poem by Ms. Henrietta Heron - these words resonate of what she feels is her purpose in this thing called life. Maybe her sediments can fit any one of our lives as well. Whatever our beliefs are, whomever we call our "GOD," whatever words we may delete or insert in order to have this poem be our purpose - the message lays out a plan, "a purpose" if you will, not only to survive, but if followed, can and will make a difference in this little thing called: "LIFE!"
My purpose
To be a little kindlier
With the passing of each day;
To leave but happy memories
As I go along my way.
To use possessions that are mine
In service full and free;
To sacrifice the trivial things
For larger good to be.
To give of love in lavish way
That friendship true may live;
To be less quick to criticize,
More ready to forgive.
To use such talents as I have
That happiness may grow;
To take the bitter with the sweet,
Assured 'Ti's better so.
To be quite free from self-intent
What e'er the task I do;
To help the world's faith stronger grow,
In all that's good and true.
To keep my faith in God and right
No matter how things run;
To work and play and pray and trust
Until the journey's done.
God grant to me the strength of heart,
Of motive and of will,
To do my part and falter not
His purpose to fulfill.
Do you have some poem or quote that you live by? Post a comment here.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Funny One Liners...Could Blagojevich or Petters use any of these?
Food - Hit the New Year hard! We are still bringing in the New Year. These fun mini-pinatas are a great way for kids, and adults, to celebrate the New Year sweetly. Adults may grow older, but there is no law against having fun, so don't stop having fun - join in!When do we stop saying Happy New Year? Is it a week, a month, 3 months, or can we continue saying it all throughout the year? I say, do whatever feels good to you. We don't celebrate enough in life, why not take full advantage of this holiday.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Dish- Court date set for Tom Petters - Trial for Tom Petters Scheduled June 9 Defense attorneys say they'll try to get him out on bail.
Of course they will, that's what they get paid the big bucks for.
History in the making ~ Ill. House Votes To Impeach Blagojevich.
Two prominent people from Chicago making history; one for the good of the people, the other embarrassing the people of Chicago. Barack Obama has made Chicago, and the rest of the country proud. While Blagojevich claims he has nothing to hide...there are wiretaps that reveal the governor talking about trading the vacant Obama senate seat, and calling the appointment "golden."
Ever find yourself saying any of these quirky one liners?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush -It's better to have a small actual advantage than the chance of a greater one.
As alike as two peas in a pod - Two identical items or people.A chain is only as strong as its weakest link - The strength of a chain, according to an old observation, was the strength of the weakest link.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder - The lack of something increases the desire for it.
Between the Devil and the deep blue sea - Faced with two dangerous alternatives.
By the skin of your teeth - Narrowly; barely. Usually used in regard to a narrow escape from a disaster.
By gum - By surprise.
Break a leg - Good luck.
Chew the cud - To talk excessively, aimlessly. (I have been known to do this on occasion myself.)
Cop an attitude - get an aggressive attitude.
Curiosity killed the cat - Inquisitiveness can lead one into dangerous situations.
Dead as a door-nail - Dead.
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched - counting on something before it happens.
The early bird catches the worm - Whoever gets there first, works the hardest, wins
Elementary my dear Watson - Simple, no explanation needed.
Elvis has left the building - The show is over, go home. Whatever your doing is over.
Fine as frog's hair - Slender and delicate, or some people use this to describe how they feel.
Fish or cut bait - Either continue on or cut your loses and move on.
Full of piss and vinegar - Rowdy, boisterous, full of youthful energy. (my parents would say I resemble this remark.)
Generation X - people born between the 1950s and early 1970s, who were anarchic and directionless. (is this you?) "These are the youngsters who have seen and felt the agonies of the past two decades, who are trying to keep their balance in the swirling pressures of today, and who will have the biggest say in the course of history for the next 50 years."
Go like the clappers - Go very fast; in a vigorous manner.
There but for the grace of God, go I - When we see someone who has suffered misfortune that we might have, or will, suffer a similar fate. Something we all have had to say at some point in our lives.
Hebbie jeebies - A feeling of anxiety, apprehension or illness.
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child - It is especially pain full to raise an ungrateful child.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen - If you can't cope, you should leave the work to someone who can.
Jump on the bandwagon - Join a growing movement in support of someone or something.
Keep schtum - Say nothing; especially in circumstances where saying the wrong thing may get you into some sort of trouble.
Know which way the wind blows - Understand what is happening and be able to anticipate the future.
Lick and a promise - Tiding up. The action that Piper Palin performed on her little brother.
Mutt's nuts - Highest quality.
Nip it in the bud - Put a stop to something before it even has a chance to develop.
One sandwich short of a picnic - Funny term for stupid.
Play it again Sam - Usually said about a favorite song.
Quid pro quo - One good turn deserves another. Give something of equal value in return.
Rack your brains - Thinking really hard to recall something.
Rose is a rose is a rose - Something is what it is.
Silence is golden - Saying nothing is preferred. (my husband says this to me quite often.)
Tail wagging the dog - An item of minor importance dominating a situation.
Upset the apple-cart - To cause upset - to create a difficulty.
Vice-versa - The position being reversed.
Whole kit and caboodle - Collection of things - everything involved.
X - To indicate choice, as on a ballot or examination. What's happening in the Minnesota Senate Race right now.
Yada yada - Repetitive or tedious. When explaining something that goes on and on and on.
Zero tolerance - no crime or break in a policy will be overlooked.
IF you have one you like - say it here.
Embellish - Eventually all the pieces will fall into place. Until then...laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know....everything happens for a reason, the BEST things in life are worth waiting for.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Winter - anxiety and added dough to our paychecks; is this a nightmare or a dream come true?
Food - The "New Year" has begun and with it brings a new year of exploring things we love - Food.Dish.Embellish. I hope you will join me in this journey, and even add a comment, recipe or simply enjoy the view. Speaking of views, here is a salad recipe that is beautiful to look at and refreshing to enjoy.
Spinach Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, & Warm Bacon Dressing.
Ingredients:
12 cherry tomatoes
1-2 T. olive oil
6 slices bacon, diced
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1/2 T. sugar
6 c. fresh spinach, rinsed and dried
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Lightly toss the cherry tomatoes in 1-2 T. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a glass pie plate and roast for about 30 minutes or until soft.
Make dressing: cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 T. bacon grease. Keep bacon warm.
Whisk the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, mustard seed, and sugar into the reserved bacon grease - mix well. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tear the spinach into bite-size pieces and toss with warm dressing. Divide the spinach onto 4 salad plates, or place in salad serving bowl. Top with roasted tomatoes and the remaining bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Dish - The 93-year-old owner of the Minnesota Twins, who died Monday, never retired, even after making a fortune. He fulfilled his prediction of never retiring because business and deals were as critical to him as breathing. The community has lost one of its great leaders. Carl Pohlad demonstrated that the "American Dream" is alive in Minnesota! He told the story of a man who loved his wife of 56 years, his family and his community. Not everyone agreed with his decisions, but he put Minnesota on the map with The Minnesota Twins, and for that, we thank you! My condolences are with the Pohlad family at this, thier time of loss. http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/37106499.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU
Dan achieved and excelled in the family-run business of Genz-Ryan Plumbing and Heating and as founder of DPR Motorsports http:/Ryan, Dan P. 48, of Farmington, died Friday, January 2, 2009, surrounded by family and friends./ Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Pinch me! Am I dreaming? No, they were both awake when each of these two Minneostans won a million dollars (they have no relationship to each other.) http://www.startribune.com/local/37101039.html
Looks like we maybe getting fatter, but we won't mind this extra dough. "Obama plan would mean fatter paychecks." http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/37120769.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUX
Duluth recovery center plans imperiled by Petters scheme
A foundation lost funds with which to it hoped to turn a former nursing home near Duluth into a haven for addicts and ex-cons. http://www.startribune.com/business/37123829.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsr
----Winter and anxiety. Do they go together? For some people, yes. If you have ever suffered from anxiety you will know that it is not much fun. It is often dealt with by feeling of dread and something very unpleasant that must be endured. These emotions are also descriptive of the way many people look at, and feel, about winter. (However, there are usually a few expletives thrown in there too.)
People become quite anxious with the mere thought of the winter months that are to come. The majority of residents who live in "the land of snow," don't participate in many, if any, outdoor winter sports such as: skiing, ice skating or sliding. The type of outside activity most common is: picking up of a shovel and shoveling the driveway, or the action of running to your car before your nostrils fill with icicles. (Of course there is always the exercise of discussing the weather.)
But I have found when dealing with anxiety, and winter, that if you "jump in," take action - just simply get involved, the feeling of anxiety, dread, gloom and doom soon vanishes. I have found that while I may never love the freezing cold weather, the way I choose to react to it can make the difference of a winter dreaded and endured (which can then feel much colder and seem to last forever,) or the simple act of taking a brisk walk on a cold winter day, can and does, make the winter months tolerable; even beautiful. The sunshine brightly shinning on your face, the fresh crispness in the air replenishes the staleness in your lungs, and the wind blowing ever so gently revitalizes you and fills your body and mind with energy.
Explore Minnesota! -----
Embellish - "When life hands you lemons, you don't make limeade, you make lemonade." -Ms. Foodie
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