tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74184659162442405692024-02-07T20:39:12.625-05:00New Ideas WelcomeBits and Pieces of...Life in the Berkshires | Travel & Road Trips | Writing Stories | Visiting Boston | Cooking & Dining LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-18950888875272849682015-09-14T21:13:00.002-04:002015-09-14T21:14:55.669-04:00Alphabet of Daily Life - R<b>R is for Running.</b><br />
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(Yup - I've gone out of Virgo alphabet order - I'm getting a bit wilder as I age!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon-oYMrh-_Y1-WNh1-heckSULdE6lfqt6eDCEhSt7jO250Ubcy6qlMzyEdIRGWDCR1nmgtO841bRN73irl3yPJZr19XAafBNUGYM1vSVulu0yj2Zh4c-KsCbovG41bVj6uGqixJ2EJick/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon-oYMrh-_Y1-WNh1-heckSULdE6lfqt6eDCEhSt7jO250Ubcy6qlMzyEdIRGWDCR1nmgtO841bRN73irl3yPJZr19XAafBNUGYM1vSVulu0yj2Zh4c-KsCbovG41bVj6uGqixJ2EJick/s320/running.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
For years, I had vaguely heard people talking about the many benefits of running. Their words passed right into and back out of my ears. Running was not something I resonated with. In fact, I had very unpleasant associations with running. </div>
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We had to run as part of our fitness regimen in the Army, and I never liked it. (Read my Army-related posts here: <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-3.html">Careers</a>, <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/03/4000-quesions-8-excitement.html">Excitement</a>, <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/02/4000-questions-7.html">Unrequited Love</a>.) One thing I think many people have never taken into consideration (including Army fitness gurus) is that short women / people have short legs and this necessarily gives them a shorter stride. So, it takes shorter people more paces and a longer time to move a specified distance. To require short and tall people to cover the same distance in the same time period is far from fair. We short ones were running double-time ALL THE TIME in order to achieve the same fitness goals. I was always suffering while running with so many tall long-legged fellow soldiers. So, I hated running.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 30 years to a time when my daughter was in college. She had gained the infamous Freshman 15, and wanted to do something about it. She'd heard of the <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Couch Potato to 5K</a> running regimen and wanted to try it. She asked if I'd do it with her and I really didn't want to. But, I did want to support my daughter in any way she needed. So, I completed the program with her. I liked it. I was able to do it. And, at the end of it, I just kept running. And I'm still running today. In fact, I'm a running evangelist.<br />
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Here's what running gives me:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Stress Reduction</b> - it's amazing how much more mellow I am after I've run, and this feeling lasts for several days. It's a great way to deal with the stress at work. Whenever things go wrong, I just go for a run.</li>
<li><b>Muscle Tone</b> - for someone my age, my legs are looking pretty good! In fact, running works so many areas of the body - butt, abs, arms. It's a great workout that leads to smooth toned muscles.</li>
<li><b>Youthfulness</b> - people actually tell me I'm glowing. Yeah, how great is that?! It must be the enhanced circulation that keeps all of the body's cells refreshed. People usually guess my age as 10 years younger than I actually am. And, of course, the added energy that comes from running adds to the sense of youthfulness.</li>
<li><b>Weight Maintenance</b> - I find that when I don't run for awhile, the pounds slowly start piling up. But, if I run (I typically do 3 miles, 3-4 times per week), I can maintain or even lower my weight. Of course, I also eat lots of vegetables, eat very little junk food, and drink TONS of water.</li>
<li><b>Ongoing Fitness</b> - there's a feeling of confidence that you walk around with when you know your body is in shape. You know that it can do anything you ask it to - climb stairs, go hiking, ice skate - whatever. And, you know that this fitness means clothes look good on you. It's just a general all-around good feeling.</li>
</ul>
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What took me so long? Who knew!</div>
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LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-41424269418672646522015-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:002015-09-09T08:00:00.375-04:00Best Cinematography - The Big LebowskiI've been on a <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-2.html">film odyssey</a> for several years now - I'm wading my way through watching every Oscar-nominated film since the Oscars were first handed out in 1928. So far, I've worked my way up to 1945 (I'm watching all nominees in all categories). Needless to say, I'm gaining many skills in the process:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm a very discerning viewer now. I only have an appetite for really good movies and can only watch a bad or mediocre movie for a few minutes.</li>
<li>I'm learning to spot winners before the awards are handed out - the two movies I can specifically recall KNOWING would win in a category as I was watching them were <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scent_of_a_Woman_(1992_film)"><i>Scent of a Woman</i></a> (I knew Al Pacino would win for Best Actor) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Budapest_Hotel"><i>The Grand Budapest Hotel</i></a> (I knew it would win in at least one of several categories, especially Art Direction).</li>
<li>I'm gaining an appreciation for the many aspects of making a movie, beyond the acting, such as directing (I can often spot the work of a director without knowing who it is in advance) writing, editing (so crucial and so subjective), set design, etc.</li>
<li>I think this process should be a college course in American Anthropology. Watching this many movies in sequential order is allowing me to watch the evolution of our society over the decades, including concepts surrounding beauty, morality, racism, power, war, violence, sex, and so much more. Simply fascinating.</li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuja3d3NLHH9sdgXrjo8OnWvS3fX5uR9gBgtHda6zpqqLuMD63qW3slJylSAxbjTX22MA0AQqNdhDadaHlQuqzE7qH03RuJqS0XnFNBhI7TrpvHqo7suhhjBZZVNNucjq5dC53kuquPweS/s1600/BigLebowksi-Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuja3d3NLHH9sdgXrjo8OnWvS3fX5uR9gBgtHda6zpqqLuMD63qW3slJylSAxbjTX22MA0AQqNdhDadaHlQuqzE7qH03RuJqS0XnFNBhI7TrpvHqo7suhhjBZZVNNucjq5dC53kuquPweS/s320/BigLebowksi-Jesus.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The incredibly awesome Jesus character<br />
from The Big Lebowski. John Turturro <br />
made a small part spectacular and <br />
memorable. LOVE the jumpsuit...and<br />
the purple pinky fingernail and purple<br />
bowling ball.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've come across many Directors during this film fetish of mine, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coen_brothers">Coen Brothers</a> (Joel & Ethan). They have become one of my favorite directing duos, as their work is quirky, irreverent, and often beautiful. T<i>he Big Lebowski </i>is one of theirs that I've watched many times over, and I've since learned that it has a cult following. While watching it, I can't help but admire the cinematography. It's beyond beautiful - it's sharp, glistening, unusual, and smart.<br />
<br />
Some of the scenes that I relish are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The many atmospheric shots inside the bowling alley, such as the backgrounds showing glowing vintage neon wall art, the smooth long wooden lanes, the bowlers letting balls go one after the other after the other in sequence, and close-up views of the bowling pin reset mechanisms (and I'm not a bowler!).</li>
<li>The clever aspect of a view from inside a bowling ball (the Dude has become stuck inside one of the ball's finger holes in his dream), as the ball rolls down the lane.</li>
<li>The unusual angles, such as when the thug is shoving Dude's head into the toilet - the camera angle is down below the toilet looking up, so we see the toilet, the Dude and the thug behind him, all in one shot. Great perspective.</li>
<li>The under-the-girls view as the Dude passes through the legs of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busby_Berkeley">Busby Berkeley</a> style showgirls with bowling pin headdresses. In fact, the entire dream sequence is well-lit and well-shot.</li>
</ul>
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As I watch the movie (again) and my eyes linger on each of the beautiful shots, I can't help but wonder how <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Deakins">Roger Deakins</a> did not win Best Cinematography for this film. Insights welcomed!<br />
<br />
I think <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Elliott">Sam Elliott </a>deserves a special mention here, but then, he deserves his own blog post! Time for an <a href="http://beerbottlesonthewall.blogspot.ca/search?q=dude">oat soda</a>...</div>
LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-3665424409191865262015-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:002015-09-08T19:26:15.984-04:00Alphabet of Daily Life - M<b>M is for Milk.</b><br />
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Yes, an odd (mundane) choice of topics, I know, but it's very meaningful in my life.<br />
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I was 8 years old, and we were living in Manitou Springs, Colorado. All nine of us kids were staying temporarily in rundown public housing with my mother, during the harshest part of winter. We were just up the hill from Manitou Springs Elementary School, while my father was down the hill living in the Truck, parked in a campground. The 3 big boys were not always home with us, though, as they had been working and staying on a nearby ranch for a few months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF6IrYUgM7Ki-ngxG-OeqUdUWAcuTgB9KzSjYNFLFpi53iv1vXZgNmlrG5DpghWdM8hSYaV9H24fNp5s-_lhqmi43awRq-5M6wAFzr4F1Q6Ni_qOWNbK19lvRluuSrAhyui7y-7gB7bTg/s1600/milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF6IrYUgM7Ki-ngxG-OeqUdUWAcuTgB9KzSjYNFLFpi53iv1vXZgNmlrG5DpghWdM8hSYaV9H24fNp5s-_lhqmi43awRq-5M6wAFzr4F1Q6Ni_qOWNbK19lvRluuSrAhyui7y-7gB7bTg/s1600/milk.jpg" /></a></div>
We were very poor then, and had very little money for anything. Real milk was one luxury we never had (although we always had powdered milk - yuk!). I remember once being at the elementary school early one morning, before the other kids had arrived. One of my little sisters was with me. We had a few coins in our pockets and were goofing around in one of the bathrooms. For whatever reason, I put one of the coins, a nickel, into my mouth. I think I liked its metallic tang on my tongue. Before I realized what was happening, the nickel had gone down my throat. I could feel it lodged in my esophagus trying to work it's way down to my stomach. It hurt! My sister and I went to find a teacher - I don't know what we thought the teacher could do for us, but we thought it was the best tactic.<br />
<br />
The teacher was naturally alarmed, but there really wasn't much she could do; I wasn't in any type of actual distress other than discomfort. So, her solution was to take us down to the cafeteria and request a (FREE!) carton of cold milk and a warm roll from one of the cooks so she could give it to me to help move the nickel down my throat. Wow, this was the type of food we never had - we didn't have the money to buy food from the cafeteria. The teacher had us sit down at one of the long communal tables in the dim empty dining hall and told me to finish both food items. She definitely didn't have to tell me twice! I ate every bit of that soft warm roll, following bites of it with swigs of cold creamy milk. My sister looked longingly at it, but I didn't wan to share my bounty, and never gave her any. She asked me what it tasted like and I described it to her, but I didn't let her try it, not even just a little bit. I still feel so badly about that greed and denial toward my hungry little sister.<br />
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At our house on the hill, when the boys would come to visit us after working on the ranch, they were allowed to bring large multi-gallon jugs of milk home (the ranch was a local milk supplier). The clear plastic containers sat on a shelf in the refrigerator of the rented house, and had a spigot that milk could be poured from into a cup. This meant we could go over to the fridge any time we wanted and have all of the cold creamy rich milk we wanted - any time and as much as we wanted. My God, that was the life.LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-88991985152382729582015-09-07T13:42:00.000-04:002015-09-08T19:32:08.917-04:00Alphabet of Daily Life - L<b>L is for Lists</b><br />
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Does everyone live by making lists? I'm not sure if this is a universal habit among adult humans or just a Virgo thing. Personally, I don't see how I could get through daily life without a list of <br />
something...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>a to-do list</li>
<li>a grocery list</li>
<li>a list of chapters for my book</li>
<li>a list of other books to write after my first one gets published</li>
<li>a list of places to travel to</li>
<li>a list of projects to complete at work, especially "top priority" ones</li>
</ul>
The "list" goes on. For me, lists accomplish a couple of things:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><i>They organize a project or a day (or a life):</i> my lists begin by just putting lots of random, related items down on paper. Once visible on the page, it's an easy task to put them into some type of order, such as a time sequence for accomplishing, or grouped by subject category, etc. It's then a matter of just "working the list" to get things done.</li>
<li><i>They offer a sense of accomplishment: </i>it's a very satisfying feeling to cross something off the list. And to have an entirely crossed off list is something good indeed.</li>
</ol>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpivPWmD-Kl3Zf4i3bLYz-CJW_gfEU6T3SABmzr_wM4cIPftwTg5slytt_lHhQWnLn8Yf3ZSq8THZWRry-JBlRGB-TbUHbQ678DVJWpNyK6NEoMeiuN5mqHQDCAqEKurtepFWqNUnNWzXz/s1600/List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpivPWmD-Kl3Zf4i3bLYz-CJW_gfEU6T3SABmzr_wM4cIPftwTg5slytt_lHhQWnLn8Yf3ZSq8THZWRry-JBlRGB-TbUHbQ678DVJWpNyK6NEoMeiuN5mqHQDCAqEKurtepFWqNUnNWzXz/s320/List.jpg" title="Travel List" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is a travel list I'm currently building. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I determined that I want to take at least 3 </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">vacations per year: </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">1 to the Cape, 1 to a US locale, and </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">1 overseas trip. I'm in the </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">midst of planning the Florida Keys trip; it will be me, my </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">daughter, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">my sister, her daughter, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">and our niece - all driving </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">the </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Keys from Miami to Key West and back again. We'll hopefully </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">also </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">get in a quick visit to The Everglades, as </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">riding a fan boat </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">is </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">on one of my lists!</span></i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently, my daughter, who has been groomed in my list-making mentality, suggested we help each other develop lists of our big and little victories in life. These types of lists are used to remind ourselves of what we're doing right when we're feeling down. We did so, and were quite pleased with our results. It's very compelling to see this list of accomplishments written on a page; you should give it a try (and get someone to help you - they sometimes remember things you don't and can be much more generous than you might be for yourself). We'll keep adding to our lists, but so far, mine includes:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Broke the poverty cycle</li>
<li>Brought up a citizen of the world</li>
<li>Developed a successful career</li>
<li>Became a gourmet cook</li>
<li>Earned a Master's degree</li>
<li>Able to consistently run a 5K (at least 3 times per week)</li>
<li>Bought my own house</li>
<li>Live a healthy lifestyle</li>
<li>Paid off my student loans (woohoo!)</li>
<li>Helped put my daughter through college</li>
<li>Traveled outside the country (a life-long dream)</li>
<li>Took an epic road trip (with my daughter, from MA to Yellowstone in WY, and back again)</li>
<li>Bought a brand new car (my <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/03/alphabet-of-daily-life-h.html">hybrid</a>)</li>
<li>Climbed Pikes Peak (twice)</li>
<li>Spoke successfully to an audience of 600+, and also served as emcee</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also came across this interesting <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/life/a35681/ree-drummond-pioneer-woman/">List</a>, which is a "just for fun" type of list, featuring tidbits about TV Chef Ree Drummond, whom I greatly admire.<br />
<br />
Do you live by lists? I simply must know.</div>
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<br />LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-80164826538865361202015-09-06T18:44:00.004-04:002015-09-07T14:08:11.093-04:00InspirationFellow bloggers Sean Welsh and Louise Horner, of the <a href="http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/">Our Odyssey</a> blog, have inspired me to get back into the swing of blogging after quite a long hiatus! It was such a pleasure to meet up with these fellow bloggers IRL, and I continue to be amazed at the connections blogging helps to bring about.<br />
<br />
In talking with them about their ongoing adventures, it reminded me to do the things I want to do in life. To stop waiting and stop procrastinating and start doing. Like writing. I originally started my blog to "learn" blogging and other forms of social media for work. But it occurs to me that blogging is also a great tool for writers. It's like a story-writing scratchpad. So, time for some stories.<br />
<br />
In my Empty Nester experience, I began toying with the idea of where to live, and of finding increased job opportunity. With my daughter graduated from college and living in her apartment in not-too-far-away Boston, I realized that I really could live anywhere at all. So, I toyed with the idea of selling my house and following the job market. I went so far as to invite a realtor over to discuss potential sale price, and hired a local contractor to do the minor improvements suggested by the realtor. But, somehow, I just couldn't bring myself to officially list it. I was talking about this quandary with my daughter, and she suggested I write about it to try to get at the underlying issue. So I did...<br />
<br />
<u>Saying Goodbye</u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As a kid, when we lived in The (new) Truck (our second tiny home on wheels), Father would select some spot along the
highway to stop for the night. The area was very often just a random pull-off next
to the road – nothing structured or “official” like a rest stop or RV park. It
was often just a patch of dirt by the side of the road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rq1EkUvi6Gj4Mk84YXzkiQlSmx7nbMc0MlEejV1a6LJxjLuaGxJFrGEQ0IGg2HJlUCaUKnexXni6y-EUr-9ca6R-qgMUcgHtuDZlfnbjBc4SzOnL4bxucebvJL22nSM6dUTCI5J1-Apw/s1600/Fitchburg-TopOfPage+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rq1EkUvi6Gj4Mk84YXzkiQlSmx7nbMc0MlEejV1a6LJxjLuaGxJFrGEQ0IGg2HJlUCaUKnexXni6y-EUr-9ca6R-qgMUcgHtuDZlfnbjBc4SzOnL4bxucebvJL22nSM6dUTCI5J1-Apw/s320/Fitchburg-TopOfPage+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many newspaper articles about our family<br /> traveling the US in The Truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because space in The Truck was so
limited, we kids really didn’t have any toys. We made our fun out of anything
and everything. Our creativity was high and our imagination made survival
possible. Each of us used our creativity and imagination in different ways.
Ruthie didn’t get to have much fun because she was always busy helping run the
household. The boys ran amok in the woods or the desert – wherever we happened
to be – and often got themselves into trouble. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I was a dreamy tow-head
mostly-silent waif, and one of the first things I would do when I climbed down
from the truck and into the area of our pull-off, after I’d found water and
brought several jugs of it back to Mother, was find a long stick to draw with.
I then found a patch of dirt on a somewhat flat and smooth area and began to
draw. I always drew the same thing – a house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When we stopped for school each
September in whatever state we were temporarily staying, I envied the other
kids who lived in houses. Once in a while, when I’d made a new friend, I would get
invited to one of these houses. The house would have so much room compared to
our Truck. And it would have furniture. And a working bathroom with a shower
and toilet. And sofas and coffee tables and bedrooms. And a kitchen with a
refrigerator. So, when I drew in the dirt, I always drew a house, based on the
ones I visited.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I drew the outer walls, and then I
drew the rooms inside. I left spaces for doors and windows. And I drew in every
piece of furniture. Then, I would walk into my house drawing and sit on the
sofa. I would walk around inside my drawing and visit the kitchen and the
bathroom. And finally, I would lay on the little bed that I’d drawn in the
dirt. I loved my little houses, and I tried different layouts each time I drew
one. I had such a strong and vivid imagination that I was able to easily
imagine that I was walking around and living inside my stick-drawn home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Then, Mother would call out that
dinner was ready, and the other kids and I would go back inside The Truck. The
kerosene lamps would be lit. The truck had a central living area that was about
10’ x 12’. The kitchen was just off of this, and was about 6’ x 8’. And there
was a tiny back porch just off the living area and the front driving cab, with
an area for sleeping, just off the kitchen. That was it. And nine children, two
parents, and several pets lived in this space. There was no refrigerator, little
electricity, and definitely no plumbing. And there were certainly no bedrooms,
beds or dressers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Mother and Ruthie would have cooked
our meager meal, from anything we’d been able to find or gather during our
travels that day – it was never much. After we ate, one of us was assigned to
clean up the dishes and neaten the kitchen. Our evening entertainment in the
small communal living space was often reading aloud or playing card games, and
on nice nights, we made a fire outside and sang songs together while Father
played the guitar. Then, Mother would open up the sofa, which became a bed for
Mother and Father. Ruthie would lay blankets on the floor of the open area in
the main living space and that would be the bed for her, us little girls, and
Lucky. The big boys would sleep in a flat area in the driving cab. During the
night, they each took a shift watching the fire so it didn’t go out on cold
nights. So, The Truck was very different from the homes I saw when I visited
with my few newly made friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I longed so to live in one of those
homes. They represented stability, normalcy, ease, and acceptance. I suppose the
unusual life we lived was adventurous, imaginative, daring, educational, and
many other positive things. But it didn’t include a house. And that was all I
wanted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When I was an adult and
newly-divorced, I lived in apartment with my daughter. After a several years, I
had done well enough that I was able to buy a house. This felt like a major
undertaking to me. I really had forgotten about all of the little houses I’d
drawn in the dirt, but my heart had not forgotten. I looked at many houses
during this process – too many to count. I drove around in neighborhoods, went
to open houses, visited homes with my realtor. And then, one day, my realtor brought
me to My House.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
It was a little cape-style home on
a pleasant street near an elementary school. The shape was very simple –
something I had probably drawn in miniature many times over. Upon entering the
back door, I was inside a charming kitchen. And I knew that I was home. This
house had all of the elements I had ever envisioned. Each room was laid out
very much like my old drawings, although I was not remembering them at all. My
heart was remembering, but not my intellect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I walked from room to room with my
realtor, and I wanted this house. I longed for it. I adored it. I did end up
buying it, and lived in it for over 10 years. During those years, I still did
not think about my stick drawings as a child. But I did love my house. And I
made it my own with paint and sweat and determination and design. Each year,
this house became more precious to me, and more like the houses I had
daydreamed about as a little girl. I loved to walk through my house and admire
its layout, its appliances, the color of the walls, the layout of the
furniture. Everything felt so cozy and so right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
And then the day came that I knew I
would need to move. I needed to move to an area of the country that had more
job opportunity. And that meant selling my little house. For some reason, I
kept procrastinating. I continually put off making progress and taking the
steps that would allow me to sell my house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
One day, I was talking with a good
friend who had had a difficult childhood. His mother had died when he was very
little and his father traveled for his sales job. So, he was often handed off
to relatives. He told me about feeling always like a visitor and never having a
permanent place to call home. As a successful adult, he’d been able to buy a
very nice house. He told me he would never sell it because it meant so much to
him. It was his own. He had always felt beholden to others. So owning a house
meant so many more things to him than just having shelter. It meant home,
belonging, stability, security.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As he told me these things, I began
to remember my stick drawings in the dirt. I remembered how much I longed to
live in a house, with a kitchen, running water, a bathroom, a washer and dryer,
a bedroom, heat, electricity, and a refrigerator. It all came flooding back to
me, and I understood why I had not been making progress with selling my house.
I was having trouble letting go of my dearest childhood wish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
This house was not just a place I’d
purchased at some point in my life. It was the culmination of my greatest
longings. It stood for everything I’d ever wanted – stability, normalcy,
acceptance, ease, comfort. And I finally understood why I was having trouble
saying good-bye. This was my lovely home. My wonderful sweet charming home. I
walked from room to room, just as I’d done in my stick homes. I admired the
rooms, the layout, the colors, the furniture. The feeling of warmth. The sound
of humming appliances and the rumble of the furnace. The swish of the dryer.
The sound of cars passing by on the street. And I cried. I cried because I needed
to say goodbye. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
My intellect tells me that I can
make this happen again. I will find another place. And I will make it just as
charming and just as cozy. But my heart hates saying goodbye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-61323316408810043842011-02-25T13:43:00.005-05:002011-05-10T19:18:18.220-04:00Tamarack in West Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTUNner7Dx675U_Lo30uv9UzhsEaEja_b7HuKybPqEyu8x0uC3JF5O918A6mK7rLdA7ybUOBILAjdXQGnYoConTyCrSBGdesNMoN6Pa1TG02tdl_fuUf-qYc3xa6ntMlCBpYS6cZtQJlh/s1600/Road+Trip-WestVirginia-2.11+105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTUNner7Dx675U_Lo30uv9UzhsEaEja_b7HuKybPqEyu8x0uC3JF5O918A6mK7rLdA7ybUOBILAjdXQGnYoConTyCrSBGdesNMoN6Pa1TG02tdl_fuUf-qYc3xa6ntMlCBpYS6cZtQJlh/s320/Road+Trip-WestVirginia-2.11+105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We discovered Tamarack during a web search for top places to visit in West Virginia. We were headed out on a road trip to tour the state and Tamarack was listed as a must-see in the southern city of Beckley.<br />
<br />
Here's a description from their <a href="http://www.tamarackwv.com/Default.aspx">website</a>: "Located in the center of the eastern United States, Beckley, West Virginia, is the home of Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. Tamarack welcomes half a million visitors annually as a one-stop shop for West Virginia culture, heritage, handcrafts, fine art, regional cuisine and music. Tamarack is how you will see and treasure West Virginia."<br />
<br />
We expected to arrive at Tamarack around noon, so planned to eat lunch there. The website let us know that it was cafeteria style dining, but that the chefs were top-notch. When we arrived, we were ready for lunch before we looked around. Here's what we experienced:<br />
<br />
My meal:<br />
<ul><li>Collard Greens: perfectly flavored, cooked with bacon</li>
<li>Tangy Coleslaw: no mayo in this - plenty of oil, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and green pepper</li>
<li>Dirty Rice: red rice with bits of hamburger, sausage, peppers, and corn</li>
<li>Green Beans: cooked southern-style, meaning much softer than we eat them up north, and boiled with a bit of bacon or ham. Mighty tasty.</li>
</ul><div>Daughter's meal: </div><div></div><ul><li>Hunter Chicken: nicely roasted chicken with a chunky tomato and pepper sauce</li>
<li>Mashed Potatoes: how can you make mashed potatoes better than they already are? Somehow, Tamarack chefs did - these were the best we've ever tasted, and as smooth and creamy as you can imagine.</li>
<li>Creamy Coleslaw: this is the more traditional version, and the sauce was absolute perfection.</li>
</ul>Tamarack was such an unexpected culinary pleasure. I highly recommend it to anyone who is heading to southern West Virginia. We perused the many shops after lunch, and I was thrilled to find a new cookbook for my collection: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smokehouse-Spoon-Bread-Scuppernong-Wine/dp/1402239130/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1298654250&sr=1-1">Smokehouse Ham, Spoon Bread, and Scuppernong Wine</a>.</li></li><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/323/1578492/restaurant/West-Virginia/Tamarack-Beckley"><img alt="Tamarack on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1578492/biglink.gif" style="border:none;width:200px;height:146px" /></a></li>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-4357707537455836202010-01-24T08:19:00.005-05:002010-01-24T08:36:14.360-05:00Feed Blog Posts to Twitter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlcMNotqGuprtWUguWRj-KjUkuLym9T_ds0AXnUdtR6_aRna6BRWkGtwvCXxlvtXbJK6zdX_staqRvvxBIHEUmQ4Sfp6gYNcGvqViLxz2AxO3SFxiFoodwTP-31qMPrfARXwgRLmFE5lv/s1600-h/Twitter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430295774849466290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlcMNotqGuprtWUguWRj-KjUkuLym9T_ds0AXnUdtR6_aRna6BRWkGtwvCXxlvtXbJK6zdX_staqRvvxBIHEUmQ4Sfp6gYNcGvqViLxz2AxO3SFxiFoodwTP-31qMPrfARXwgRLmFE5lv/s320/Twitter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><p>Some time ago, I implemented a process by which every blog post on New Ideas Welcome will feed automatically to @LoveANewIdea on Twitter. My problem is, I recently had to do this again for a different blog/Twitter account, and couldn't remember how! I also can't remember which feed tool I used for this blog, so couldn't undo this process even if I wanted to! Yikes.</p><p>Usually, when I do some technical process like this, I write a Tech Tip post, so I can remember how to do it the next time it's needed. Since I didn't do it before, I'm doing it now. Here's the process I just used when I needed to create a Blog-to-Twitter feed:</p><ol><li>Visit Twitterfeed.com </li><li>Click on Sign Up and input requested info</li><li>Back on your own blog, on the right side of your top toolbar, you should see an orange RSS feed button. Click on this and the RSS feed URL should appear in the address bar (this URL will look different from your regular blog URL). Copy this address.</li><li>Back on Twitterfeed.com, give your feed a name of your choosing, like Personal Blog.</li><li>Next, paste in the RSS feed URL.</li><li>You'll then be given options for where you want this feed posted. Click on Twitter.</li><li>Authenticate your Twitter account by inputting the requested info, and click on Allow.</li><li>Click on Create Service, then All Done</li></ol><p>Voila! Your new blog posts will now automatically be tweeted through your selected Twitter account. You techie, you!</p><p>PS You can also feature a feed of your recent Tweets in your blog. To do this, just go to your Layout and click on Add a Gadget. In the search box, write Twitter. Many options will appear...just pick one you like. You'll have a few customization options, like how many Tweets should appear at any time, etc. Pretty easy.</p>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-1597499499544125842009-12-29T16:18:00.005-05:002015-09-08T19:39:49.655-04:00Waaay Behind on Posting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xyn-W1vloStC9Rjc1MMbqKvHpNbJ9GCNn8p-N19NhE0emmFa91ElAs_vH7P4tXyyQ0_jxf9lsPCwIMZSqU7aTAGOlpmJgpD0zWhgsi6EdflXNJXJ88Dq4MShntCjPXkvcyitttENq5Xk/s1600-h/FBIcon.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420771216595833362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xyn-W1vloStC9Rjc1MMbqKvHpNbJ9GCNn8p-N19NhE0emmFa91ElAs_vH7P4tXyyQ0_jxf9lsPCwIMZSqU7aTAGOlpmJgpD0zWhgsi6EdflXNJXJ88Dq4MShntCjPXkvcyitttENq5Xk/s400/FBIcon.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 111px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 111px;" /></a><br />
Yikes - how did I ever get soooo far behind on blogging?! Well, no excuses, but I do have some good reasons:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Facebook</strong>: I started using Facebook several months ago, in anticipation of launching an official business Facebook Page for work. In order to create a business Page, one must first become a personal user. I did that, and WHOA! Turns out, it's pretty addictive. Part of its attraction is that it's just so quick and easy. And, it's really fun to connect with others. So, I think my attention and time quickly moved from Blogging to Facebook. </li>
<li><strong>Social Media for Work</strong>: My time has also been much taken up with managing Facebook, Twitter <em>and</em> a blog for work, in addition to managing 5 websites, which leaves little time for my personal applications. It's a lot to give adequate attention to all at once. There are some cool tools out there that help people manage multiple profiles, and these come in handy. But still, spending so much time on these for work means less time spent for pleasure.</li>
<li><strong>Refining Blog Focus</strong>: I've also been toying with refining the focus of my blog. "New Ideas Welcome" was my first foray into blogging, and is primarily a tool for me to learn to use the blogging platform as well as the many convenience and tracking gadgets out there. I'm thinking of keeping this blog but also creating another one, on a more focused theme. We'll see.</li>
</ul>
So, anyway, that's what's been keeping me busy. No excuses, but now you know where I've been!<br />
<br />
Follow up note: 9/7/15...<br />
So, I was away from my blog for a few YEARS! But, I'm discovering I'm not the only one in this boat. Once in awhile, when I just want to see what's out in the blogosphere, I just keep clicking the "Next Blog" button to see what I find. Doing this today showed me many, many blogs with no recent posts. Looks like we're all slackers once in awhile!LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-40300440467391333912009-08-25T18:23:00.005-04:002009-08-25T19:19:54.751-04:00Fresh Air Fund Visit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULwgt4p2ob9-GajZUyQMniep3QOZO4uONtrumoM6QjZUA-drrXxa27WlB4AmOakKPUwZp4IjJJNLy33mj0YmDhyqHWfbu_NYWz-93wvOVCG19CpcsLUfV7WOyg9Ts6-5StYsd0i5tisKn/s1600-h/FAF3+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374044977995737554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="Eternity tries on hats during a shopping trip to Tar-jhay" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULwgt4p2ob9-GajZUyQMniep3QOZO4uONtrumoM6QjZUA-drrXxa27WlB4AmOakKPUwZp4IjJJNLy33mj0YmDhyqHWfbu_NYWz-93wvOVCG19CpcsLUfV7WOyg9Ts6-5StYsd0i5tisKn/s400/FAF3+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In a not-too-long-ago post, I mentioned that we serve as a host family for the <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/02/alphabet-of-daily-life-f.html">Fresh Air Fund</a>.<br /><br />Our Fresh Air child, Eternity, was here for a fun-filled week with us, and is now back in Brooklyn. It was her third summer visiting us. While she was here, we:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Picnicked (one of her favorite things to do); she LOVES sweet midgets pickles, tomato & mozzarella salad, chunks of bread torn from the Italian bread loaf and slathered with herb cheese spread, and Beach Bunny Cake from my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Retro-Beach-Bash-Sunlovers-Guide/dp/1888054751">Retro Beach Bash</a> cookbook.</li><br /><li>Visited just about every waterfall in the Berkshires and surrounding area, including Bash Bish Falls, Mt. Hope Farm, and the Cascades.</li><br /><li>Shucked corn, roasted marshmallows on rainy nights over candles, and played LOTS of board games.</li></ul><br /><p>Here's a slideshow of some of the things we did and places we visited:<br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0xffffff&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Floveanewidea%2Falbumid%2F5374033026371984353%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed><br /><br />It was a fun week, and we enjoyed having Eternity with us. We're looking forward to next year. And, if you have a home in a rural New England area with an available bed in it, hosting a Fresh Air child is a really easy way to help someone in need. Give it a try!</p></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-82699296537779981002009-07-03T17:00:00.002-04:002009-07-03T17:00:04.538-04:00Latest Berkshire Organics Delivery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTarAI289_eQdybJ-blHjcKHj5c3gS9HTZzY3-ektQYe5JdlUGJxqH33nJ_HFyF0NbhlTr8omurAJuWhg-mkoGYnWLn7m-vRRsEUXMwIwHYDJkdM2aaT22W820PiUhJfCb-KELFS71QmV/s1600-h/BerkOrganics.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354331145129951058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTarAI289_eQdybJ-blHjcKHj5c3gS9HTZzY3-ektQYe5JdlUGJxqH33nJ_HFyF0NbhlTr8omurAJuWhg-mkoGYnWLn7m-vRRsEUXMwIwHYDJkdM2aaT22W820PiUhJfCb-KELFS71QmV/s400/BerkOrganics.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here's what we found in our bi-weekly Berkshire Organics delivery (we get the "Berkshire Basket"):<br /><strong><br />Local - Organic Practices</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>4 ears Corn - Family Farm, CT</li><li>1 bunch Basil - Swartz Family Farm, Amherst, MA</li><li>1 bunch Watercress - Swartz Family Farm, Amherst, MA</li></ul><p><strong>Certified Organic</strong></p><ul><li>1 head Lettuce - Markristo Farm, Hillsdale, NY</li><li>3 Pickling Cukes - Warner Farm, Hadley, MA</li><li>10 oz Green Beans - Warner Farm, Hadley, MA</li><li>2 Onions (Vidalia & Red) - Deep Root, VT</li><li>1 Bell Pepper (Red or Yellow) - CA</li><li>1 lb Carrots - CA</li><li>3 Peaches - SC</li><li>2 Nectarines (White) - CA</li><li>3 Apricots - CA</li><li>½ pint Raspberries - CA</li><li>1 Pineapple - Fair Trade</li><li>5 Bananas - Fair Trade</li></ul><p>This delivery comes on Friday and we leave for the Cape early Saturday am, so this is perfect timing. We'll have wonderful and fresh produce to take to our beach cottage, to counteract all the fried seafood we'll be eating!<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-83035699046228408142009-07-03T14:12:00.007-04:002009-07-03T14:22:32.536-04:00Web Site StoryEric Tenin, of <a href="http://www.parisdailyphoto.com/">Paris Daily Photo </a>blog fame, recently shared this cleverly humorous video on Facebook. It's a really smart and well-done spoof of the musical, "West Side Story," with a modern day online twist:<br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1913584&fullscreen=1" width="640" height="360" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="true"/><param name="movie" quality="best" value="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1913584&fullscreen=1"/><embed src="http://www.collegehumor.com/moogaloop/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1913584&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0; text-align:center; width:640px;">See more <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/videos">funny videos</a> and <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/pictures">funny pictures</a> at <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/">CollegeHumor</a>.</div><br /><br />Isn't it fabulously funny!LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-33368791341965899822009-06-28T13:45:00.010-04:002009-06-28T19:30:48.859-04:00Moroccan Night Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI42zirmKQfUeh4Xm1Ybe9m4iSv3AaykGGx3IEIEJmuykRQuImvXdKGM13G4zPbnjLjrOiit6mxjq_xvMW0sPleuzRG-71Tlqmge-k1RTJRYQ9fJOiRavfZ7GXP_ZUC56VrA0SZMBVfUW/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352434412090365298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI42zirmKQfUeh4Xm1Ybe9m4iSv3AaykGGx3IEIEJmuykRQuImvXdKGM13G4zPbnjLjrOiit6mxjq_xvMW0sPleuzRG-71Tlqmge-k1RTJRYQ9fJOiRavfZ7GXP_ZUC56VrA0SZMBVfUW/s200/MoroccoNight+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Oooh - exciting to get to travel to foreign lands for the night! Our <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/06/moroccan-night.html">Moroccan Night </a>event was so much fun...here's a quick recap:<br /><br /><div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Table</strong> - after scouring the house for exotic table setting items, we ended up going with an animal print undercloth topped with smaller red cloths. Then, we used animal print napkins (found for just a few dollars at <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/02/champagne-taste-on-beer-budget.html">Home Goods</a>) in red napkin rings (Dollar Store). From my Real Simple cookbooks, I've learned the lovely simplicity of using multiple clear hurricanes filled with candles and small items - for our table, I used a mix of earth-toned stones (Dollar Store again) under cream candles.<br /><br /><br /></li><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>Apertif</strong> - I couldn't find Anisette (I think I'm going to need to begin mak<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj1DWR1HPW0ssp7W3WkGqfDHM3TF2pKszdD0QPEDEKbKxSroX5VAh39h0X5bu1MSWQTRD-haM1tO3dTz_Qw59P3M7g__-mGFjv3gaxgPkK3uFH9xSSH4D9Uwm3dTXV_pYwL4KG1fC0IIV/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352431808189758530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj1DWR1HPW0ssp7W3WkGqfDHM3TF2pKszdD0QPEDEKbKxSroX5VAh39h0X5bu1MSWQTRD-haM1tO3dTz_Qw59P3M7g__-mGFjv3gaxgPkK3uFH9xSSH4D9Uwm3dTXV_pYwL4KG1fC0IIV/s200/MoroccoNight+022.jpg" border="0" /></a>ing the trip to Nejaimes when I have parties; my usual liquor store seldom knows or has the off-beat things I'm looking for.) Anticipating this from past experience, I looked up substitutions online before going to the store and learned that Sambuca would work, so I used that instead. A bit of the liqueur is poured into the bottom of the glass, a few ice cubes are added, then it's topped with cold water. It's an interesting and light drink to begin the evening and to set the ethnic tone.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>La Kemia</strong> - the appetizer table was so pretty and fun to <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQyDX5TubYu6WvR2iTlmhu7dfQPITZmz8IxDU5oUEt20GcUAfSqYBP0isVWoJNNRo55orOhO-O73A7NIokgrgHrjZRdO0yw2txXLO6176spHdet_sY-wEKhBsWVn7y7p52Cl-8lderFzn/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352432070445538786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQyDX5TubYu6WvR2iTlmhu7dfQPITZmz8IxDU5oUEt20GcUAfSqYBP0isVWoJNNRo55orOhO-O73A7NIokgrgHrjZRdO0yw2txXLO6176spHdet_sY-wEKhBsWVn7y7p52Cl-8lderFzn/s200/MoroccoNight+013.jpg" border="0" /></a>create. In Moroccan homes, this is served on a round table in the center of the room and everyone gathers around the many small dishes. No utensils are used - it's all finger food. Our coffee table just happens to be round, so it worked out perfectly! Everyone's favorite were the <strong>Lamb Kabobs, ala <a href="http://alaskandavedownunder.blogspot.com/">Alaskan Dave</a>. Dave - thank you so much for spice rub recipe - it couldn't have been more perfect! </strong>Anyone interested in the spice rub mix, just check out the Comments section on the original <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/06/moroccan-night.html">Moroccan Night </a>post.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>Dinner</strong> - the cucumber and mint salad was light and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z2a9aIrUpeC70rlj9KRv5ydFE3E728RxUxE8ncz2KC6c2CEXcBADEMkqJELNvgXzI9AVd8YbYAnr8yydZHsXDW1YXVrp4WOPlrQITIUQRB9jEEGERGk5zqp2hCCHLCHtgAQy42q-7Zzv/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352433930928827810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Z2a9aIrUpeC70rlj9KRv5ydFE3E728RxUxE8ncz2KC6c2CEXcBADEMkqJELNvgXzI9AVd8YbYAnr8yydZHsXDW1YXVrp4WOPlrQITIUQRB9jEEGERGk5zqp2hCCHLCHtgAQy42q-7Zzv/s200/MoroccoNight+023.jpg" border="0" /></a>refreshing - we<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSkGtiLDh9qrTQ8HE0HBLyJNIMpUq5jvyJGEujKtLEW7dgJwGB0ZUbZ2gp5Tu7ikGojxQUGrDD7KffHPYKmtN2SM6DTLeaESpwzOclS1EfeOWgL5kx-kbwRzqtGye74F0OYfPsn1F5QAo/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+025.jpg"></a> used lots of mint from our garden. Warmed flatbread made a nice accompaniment. Then, we had Chicken with Olives...large chunks of potatoes are also cooked with the chicken, along with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and spices, so it's an entire meal in one pot. We also had a tasty spinach souffle. And, one of our guests, who was smart and DID go to Nejaimes, was able to find a lovely Spanish Montecillo Crianza red wine for us to share - very smooth and delicious.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><li><strong>Dessert</strong> - I was sadly unable to find Turkish Delight during my shopping, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOnTYwRAuVMfCZbzfw0H8ENl5-FvStnREkJeMtXvM1_rHTaioCVMvaZn9gUdE9O8YobRcNXdH4fZXpFW0AZyeHRwZTulJBQBP032glpPYtR_g4RBD54qLhDOkUXW0DPYV9J_xldCIYnd/s1600-h/MoroccoNight+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352434054368811618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOnTYwRAuVMfCZbzfw0H8ENl5-FvStnREkJeMtXvM1_rHTaioCVMvaZn9gUdE9O8YobRcNXdH4fZXpFW0AZyeHRwZTulJBQBP032glpPYtR_g4RBD54qLhDOkUXW0DPYV9J_xldCIYnd/s200/MoroccoNight+014.jpg" border="0" /></a>so substitued baklava, and served dates along with it. And, no Moroccan meal would be complete without sweetened Mint Green Tea, which is served in glasses rather than cups. (I happened to mention my search for Turkish Delight at dinner, and one of our guests brought us a box of it the next day as a thank you gift - yum!)</li></ul><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For anyone interested in more photos, here's a slideshow:<br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0xFFFFFF&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Floveanewidea%2Falbumid%2F5352435662648887425%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed><br /></p><p>We all really enjoyed the exotic fare. We had our tea and dessert as we learned to play Royalty - my uncle won both rounds. Can't wait for the next theme dinner - I'm waiting to be inspired by another culture. Any great ideas?<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p></div></div></div></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-62148788188300969772009-06-21T08:29:00.004-04:002009-06-21T08:58:50.722-04:00Sauteed Braising Greens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9cpIPnc29WGt9321Cd93bPt5uozby7GZeaMXnzZCoQcaQ6DKJabD95WsaOF-yOqQiwsHSNtfvFR_lW2O4XyNJr32YkOMIql05oNBt0q0GMvdzfHzmFIpwR5mEROAWmh0prrXX6hIyMnO/s1600-h/BraisedGreens+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349763677925454626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9cpIPnc29WGt9321Cd93bPt5uozby7GZeaMXnzZCoQcaQ6DKJabD95WsaOF-yOqQiwsHSNtfvFR_lW2O4XyNJr32YkOMIql05oNBt0q0GMvdzfHzmFIpwR5mEROAWmh0prrXX6hIyMnO/s400/BraisedGreens+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yum. In our recent <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/06/berkshire-organics.html">Berkshire Organics home delivery basket</a>, we found a bag of what I thought was a mesclun-style salad mix. However, upon reading the newsletter that was included in the delivery, I discovered that it was instead something called a "braising mix."<br /><br />The newsletter tells me that the braising mix includes: red, green, yellow, and magenta chard; yellow mustard greens; green frills mustard greens; ruby streaks red mustard greens, red bore kale, winter bore kale; and red Russian kale.<br /><br />This was new to me, and, happily, the newsletter also included a few recipe options. I chose the Sauteed Braising Greens one (courtesy of Markristo Farm in Hillsdale, NY...Hillsdale was the site of our recent <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/05/photo-expedition-route-22.html">photo expedition</a>!), and we voted that it was FAN-tastic! Here's the recipe (I have modified it slightly to toast the pine nuts):<br /><br /><ol><li>Heat saute pan over medium heat and add 2 T <strong>pine nuts</strong>; when nicely browned, remove nuts from pan and set aside</li><li>Coat pan with 2 T <strong>olive oil </strong>and add 2 cloves crushed <strong>garlic</strong>.</li><li>On medium-high heat, cook garlic for 2 minutes.</li><li>Place 8 oz. <strong>braising greens</strong> in pan (push down as needed to fit them in) and saute for 2-3 minutes.</li><li>Add juice from one <strong>lemon</strong>, <strong>salt</strong>, <strong>pepper</strong>, 2 T <strong>raisins</strong>, and the toasted pine nuts and saute for 1-2 minutes.</li><li>Serve! </li></ol><p>Easy, fast AND delicious - an all-around winner.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-42500154051712668172009-06-19T17:10:00.003-04:002009-06-21T08:27:29.683-04:00Berkshire Organics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPSt3fsMFWFm697Y3v5mXjp9vWPL9JC64iDb9zm3NssUm8z30nykERKJU8v02GpiJ29I2Atv1c1_x8r79Ca4p218698usdvScNUoqwu0qtEyL-PSH3sNWttVKBopSc5GYdhHrr7zLnL2_/s1600-h/BerkOrganics+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349150508472956066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPSt3fsMFWFm697Y3v5mXjp9vWPL9JC64iDb9zm3NssUm8z30nykERKJU8v02GpiJ29I2Atv1c1_x8r79Ca4p218698usdvScNUoqwu0qtEyL-PSH3sNWttVKBopSc5GYdhHrr7zLnL2_/s320/BerkOrganics+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Oooh, one of the local Tweeters that I follow recently mentioned getting his fresh vegetables from a local delivery service called <strong>Berkshire Organics</strong>. This was a new name to me, and upon reading the comment, I immediately Googled the company. </div><br /><div>Their <a href="http://www.berkshireorganics.com/">website</a> provides plenty of info. I don't know how I never heard of them before...they're just down the road at the Burgner's Farm store.<br /><br />(Note: to find the price list on the site, you need to begin the order form, where you'll see the basket options listed. Another Note: the website also mentions that they have been featured on <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/doers-of-the-week?lnc=58bcbb90f0c79110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&rsc=lpg_community&lpgStart=1&currentslide=9&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs">Martha Stewart</a>!)</div><br /><div>From the price list, I learned that I could choose from different "baskets," meaning different types of produce would be included and/or different amounts, depending on which I chose. I could also choose a delivery frequency (I'm going with every other week). On the designated delivery day, my basket will be delivered to my house, and I can leave a cooler out or my door unlocked if I won't be home. They leave the food in one container, and on the next delivery, they'll leave the food in another container and pick up the one from the previous delivery.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WNshPsa7AdxDJ0Ach6v5zF9Cf3P6gf832QDZnUGGLmMSItCYvH6K_h9mTguko1VY-PJ45ufeaht3wsQ2_XatZOPdaWQl4yit_Y7XhbCkg2sVT5Rudc7GJqLKgVGxHVtr6fvdznbHdHXU/s1600-h/BerkOrganics+005.jpg"></a><br /><p>Upon perusing the available basket options and prices, I decided to go with the Ber<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgHgiYxJW-uMsSC5ZtZxwBEUBCvBxp69YkDin7s30nJfNRwSuQq9yb82ViWKWB1XJZEISIZK_kCvoTZ4pG3mCme4wz8f9EGe48Lb78lVAAtbjNVKuuWyJCH12TX3TyD1Cn6O5Z0vfRznI/s1600-h/BerkOrganics+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349150279290762914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgHgiYxJW-uMsSC5ZtZxwBEUBCvBxp69YkDin7s30nJfNRwSuQq9yb82ViWKWB1XJZEISIZK_kCvoTZ4pG3mCme4wz8f9EGe48Lb78lVAAtbjNVKuuWyJCH12TX3TyD1Cn6O5Z0vfRznI/s320/BerkOrganics+005.jpg" border="0" /></a>kshire Basket, an assortment of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, just right for two people. Even though this is a pricey option for me, I'm going for it for a few different reasons: </p><ol><li>It's DELIVERED....HellO!</li><li>I'd like to support local growers whenever I can.</li><li>The produce is organic, meaning more sustainable farming methods have been used.</li><li>I always mean to get to the farmer's market, but never seem to find the time.</li><li>I can subtract this amount from my normal grocery shopping budget and just not buy produce at the regular grocery store.</li></ol><p>And, when it is not our growing season, Berkshire Organics has partnered with other organic farmers who will be able to supply them with the produce they need for fulfilling orders. Today's order was delivered while I was at work (yay), and I also received an email alerting me to what would be included in today's delivery. Here's what we get:</p><ul><li>1 quart Strawberries - Czajkowski Farm, Hadley, MA</li><li>8 oz Braising Greens - Markristo Farm, Hillsdale, NY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78uDumjckPitZhOMETpfT84blxXhGuSLMb1SVe00Xlrc-X0er6dqC6kkjpDXYvWg-8emzsG59G2qsiiv454c_bfUBn-ONpl4wzpt5medNTB-iZgfg9gz_uXz86G98FQpD0tmTgRNl_kmU/s1600-h/BerkOrganics+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349149781081106994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78uDumjckPitZhOMETpfT84blxXhGuSLMb1SVe00Xlrc-X0er6dqC6kkjpDXYvWg-8emzsG59G2qsiiv454c_bfUBn-ONpl4wzpt5medNTB-iZgfg9gz_uXz86G98FQpD0tmTgRNl_kmU/s320/BerkOrganics+013.jpg" border="0" /></a></li><li>1 bunch Scallions - Markristo Farm, Hillsdale, NY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6npqnk71tZgJGr5GBAnpQxbXoAJtv1xAZ983pxL1oOYA9EOgKWc8aFDVSCeepmYxa7Xz7rR2_w9ESMaA2MKxE5ASwvoNfZHsnB2Bz84xEWnGVxCijr4vq-cGfT1PFgNBamU58urxt28c/s1600-h/BerkOrganics+013.jpg"></a></li><li>1 head Lettuce (Red, Boston, or Romaine) - Enterprise Farm, Whately, MA</li><li>1 pint Cherry Tomatoes - Somerset Organics, GA</li><li>1 Cucumber - Somerset Organics, GA</li><li>1 bunch Celery - C & B Farm, FL</li><li>1 bunch Broccoli - CA</li><li>1 head Cauliflower - CA</li><li>6 oz Blueberries - Cottle's Farm, NC</li><li>2 Nectarines - CA</li><li>3 Plums (Red) - CA</li><li>4 Apricots</li><li>2 Mango (Champagne) - Fair Trade</li><li>5 Bananas - Fair Trade</li></ul><p>There are other items available as well - eggs, breads, cheeses, etc. I think I'll stick with just the basket for now, and see how it goes. But, isn't this a FABULOUS idea! Hope they can spread the word and get lots of customers so they stay in business a good long time...I like everything about this service.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p></div></div></div></div></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-31191434097476274842009-06-18T19:16:00.003-04:002009-06-18T21:14:29.875-04:00Last Day of School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKZbN6UQNta4jsupmEgSm5ekOduioUxvj7GXE_5r3pDqQAio4v29B-IP4tH3N1jZteNy7onJhZfQ38hS2LV3IsxS5PaNy_TxC3PpPZSnH0WhB1HwiyTlyiwSpdZ1rEkCVI-4xq3GKUKmV/s1600-h/ShannonGraduation+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348809317217479010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="Cool motorcycle display inside, with great neon lighting." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKZbN6UQNta4jsupmEgSm5ekOduioUxvj7GXE_5r3pDqQAio4v29B-IP4tH3N1jZteNy7onJhZfQ38hS2LV3IsxS5PaNy_TxC3PpPZSnH0WhB1HwiyTlyiwSpdZ1rEkCVI-4xq3GKUKmV/s200/ShannonGraduation+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Lucky kids - they're now on summer vacation!</div><br /><div>My daughter is officially done with her Sophomore year and can now be considered a Junior. Woo-hoo! To celebrate, we headed out to <a href="http://www.themistymoonlightdiner.com/">Misty Moonlight Diner</a> in Pittsfield. We also happened to celebrate her 8th grade graduation here, so I'm sensing a trend.</div><br /><div>Misty is one of those sock hop style diners with the checkerboard floors, formica tables, naugahyde chairs with metal legs, and oldies playing in the background.</div><br /><div>They especially rock because they SERVE BREAKFAST ALL DAY! This is tops in my book. They also serve dinner all day. The menu is meant to have something for just about anyone. They even have blue plate specials - meatloaf, roast beef, roast turkey, pot roast <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hGihFzXjd42qYd7_20khh773dhN20ISuC5bbFEnIfXABrP8gitnZYx3vTHwZAFfIMZiQ-t6WUucL-V31pIpuBNH0DAQ2xEnyfUMg7sLffktzUV2WYo4vFoz4EIjMQnXJd4bJlqPs15d5/s1600-h/ShannonGraduation+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348809164339168642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="Isn't the stuff on a diner table just the best?" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hGihFzXjd42qYd7_20khh773dhN20ISuC5bbFEnIfXABrP8gitnZYx3vTHwZAFfIMZiQ-t6WUucL-V31pIpuBNH0DAQ2xEnyfUMg7sLffktzUV2WYo4vFoz4EIjMQnXJd4bJlqPs15d5/s200/ShannonGraduation+005.jpg" border="0" /></a>- served with mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and a salad.</div><br /><div>You can also choose from a variety of appetizers and small plates, like quesadilla, potato skins, buffalo wings, hummus and veggies, etc. Then, of course, a selection of burgers, wraps, hot sandwiches, salads, etc. Really...you can get just about any American style entree you might be hankerin' for here.</div><br /><div>We finally settled on...</div><br /><ul><li><strong>Daughter: </strong>HOT buffalo wings with bleu cheese dressing and veggie sticks; they ended up being a little hotter than expected, but she still loved them.</li><li><strong>Friend: </strong>Fried shrimp plate with french fries and coleslaw; it came with both cocktail and tartar sauces. The coleslaw recipe was good - seemed like the sauce had m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwUSmdbXCzMo5aVzzsbmnAxRRJtHm9XuapdED1IK65lCXP9ZtL1PSR_ydmvcvcHgiPumOaHn7dIkf5QcSvqk8WLwwntEeFIgGlCHiAaPti0Ztln0WshGvFkSiAXh2GaMvMBlrUt6JrioO/s1600-h/ShannonGraduation+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348808935036126354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="Love the checkerboard floor and shiny naugahyde." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwUSmdbXCzMo5aVzzsbmnAxRRJtHm9XuapdED1IK65lCXP9ZtL1PSR_ydmvcvcHgiPumOaHn7dIkf5QcSvqk8WLwwntEeFIgGlCHiAaPti0Ztln0WshGvFkSiAXh2GaMvMBlrUt6JrioO/s200/ShannonGraduation+003.jpg" border="0" /></a>ayo, vingar, sugar, and salt...didn't detect any horseradish, and very thinly shredded and very fresh cabbage.</li><li><strong>Me: </strong>Hot roast beef sandwich with plenty of gravy and fries; I don't buy white bread in stores, but this sandwich MUST be served on soft and gooey white bread. I could have used a little more gravy, because I'm nuts about it. I dunked my fries in my daughter's bleu cheese dressing - mighty tasty.</li></ul><div>So, I go off to work tomorrow at 7 am and my daughter stays home to sleep until noon, and then rest afterward. Ah...the life!</div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/205/1050315/restaurant/Massachusetts/Misty-Moonlight-Diner-Pittsfield"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 200px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="Misty Moonlight Diner on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1050315/biglink.gif" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-45025156074566863882009-06-15T20:13:00.010-04:002010-05-02T16:57:04.168-04:004,000 Questions - #13: Cash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eXmyXrcxMiLsynOYqlxVdmqtUfEECBvFn0h9mUAwmO80sqBGp-N1z6E-0trPkZTke-I72-CiV8FEX7lAnUMOl7m8jvU7oSFyTsuK1RfdQlJj2DL46ZsJi68x-_W084L9gg5IEGlWDIBP/s1600-h/ShannonGraduation+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347716123315208386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="I won't be getting very far on this little bit of dough." src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eXmyXrcxMiLsynOYqlxVdmqtUfEECBvFn0h9mUAwmO80sqBGp-N1z6E-0trPkZTke-I72-CiV8FEX7lAnUMOl7m8jvU7oSFyTsuK1RfdQlJj2DL46ZsJi68x-_W084L9gg5IEGlWDIBP/s400/ShannonGraduation+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here's the background info on the <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-1.html">4,000 Questions</a> posts...</div><br /><div>Question #13: <strong>How much cash do you normally carry with you?</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>You know, for someone who works for a financial services company, with a bank office right downstairs, I seldom have any cash on me. And, I've discovered that most of my co-workers are the same way! We're so used to using Debit Cards for everything, or using online banking, that we just don't seem to have cash in our purses or pockets. In fact, I'm always a bit perturbed when I actually DO have to pay with cash, which is a rarity. Even fast food restaurants take Debit Cards now.</div><div></div><div><br />The photo at right shows the measly four bucks I found when I just checked my purse to answer this question. </div><div></div><div><br />TRIVIA: the term "buck" in reference to a dollar comes from the days when buckskin was used as a form of currency.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>How much cash do YOU normally carry with you? </strong><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-14196456179820802922009-06-09T21:54:00.008-04:002009-06-11T20:48:14.363-04:00Moroccan Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIc4wNd9DYRW8cf_MmoK6OQsJhBWQ5I-ymPvSR304Br8Es5V3bvjCbW0BeuNiP_IhQ-aBpIYFG73hUb-VQlitp7nYlrNdI1J7TG4xPF_5aACVoxKB1kgbyFJnDUX5rvgaQrR9ZWCnEwBh/s1600-h/Blog+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346236337476778898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIc4wNd9DYRW8cf_MmoK6OQsJhBWQ5I-ymPvSR304Br8Es5V3bvjCbW0BeuNiP_IhQ-aBpIYFG73hUb-VQlitp7nYlrNdI1J7TG4xPF_5aACVoxKB1kgbyFJnDUX5rvgaQrR9ZWCnEwBh/s400/Blog+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hey, fellow bloggers! First, first let me apologize for my delinquency in posting new content. I realize I am waaaay behind, and will try to get back on track asap; life has just been a bit more than hectic lately.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm planning an upcoming Moroccan Night and thought that would make a fun and interesting post. This all started when my uncle gave me a cookbook called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Casablanca-Cuisine-French-African-Cooking/dp/1897959338">Casablanca Cuisine</a>." He also gave me a card game called "Royalty," which I don't know how to play. So, I thought it might be nice to invite him to come to a Moroccan-themed dinner party, at which he teaches the guests to play Royalty! Sounds like a plan, right?<br /><br />So, I'm currently looking around the house for Casablanca-style table setting stuff. I think I might be able to use a large old curtain I saved that had blocks of color - purple, fuschia, yellow - along with little tiny mirrors, for the table cover. I also have clear glass hurricanes, which I can fill with purple and gold candles, along with pistachios, to create a "look" for the center of the table.<br /><br />As our background music, I think I'll purchase the soundtrack to "Casablanca."<br /><br />And, here's our menu (from the cookbook):<br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>Apertifs:</strong> according to the cookbook, we should serve Anisette before dinner - an anise flavored liqueur served over ice, with just a bit of water added</li><li><strong>Appetizers:</strong> La Kemia, which consists of many little plates, containing things like pistachios, spicy sausages, a variety of olives, pickled green peppers, and garbanzos in cumin sauce</li><li><strong>Salad:</strong> Cucumbers and Mint (fresh from our garden)</li><li><strong>Main Course:</strong> Chicken with Olives, Cous Cous, and sauteed vegetables</li><li><strong>Dessert:</strong> Turkish Delight, Figs, and Mint Tea</li></ul><p>In addition to us, our Guest List will include:</p><br /><ul><li><strong>My uncle</strong> (quite a character; over 6 feet tall, and with a white goatee; he was a hippie when I first knew him, and he now plays "Uncle Sam" in local parades, and holds Peace Vigils on Pittsfield's Park Square)</li><li><strong>Doris</strong> (My uncle's housemate; a former librarian for the New York City library, and quite a personality; she asks the most interesting and random questions)</li><li><strong>Ann</strong> (our neighbor from across the street; her dad was Norman Rockwell's studio assistant for so many years, and she is fun and full of so many great stories)</li><li><strong>Ruby</strong> (our neighbor from next door; her husband died suddenly last summer, and I think she'd enjoy the evening out.</li><li><strong>Syma</strong> (my good friend from Albany, who is always open to new ideas and new people)</li></ul><p>So, that's the plan. Any suggestions from readers, to help make the night more memorable?</p></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-66422351764419321632009-05-25T18:48:00.010-04:002009-05-25T22:03:48.903-04:00Books for Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2oPoK1VaKS4Eqc9L-KcRSiEG1vHmYvZvuLEZQfZQvqYv7Y_GMMbZkTIs5Q2v2rEclmo-kxR0hpTSF-lCKD-3hGzT0Q5C0Qte7xAnI1M1IEDFyu7yiqsHOUkennFj4cSegT2e-mL1CAwJ/s1600-h/Miscellaneous2+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339907198193504962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="Beach reading!!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2oPoK1VaKS4Eqc9L-KcRSiEG1vHmYvZvuLEZQfZQvqYv7Y_GMMbZkTIs5Q2v2rEclmo-kxR0hpTSF-lCKD-3hGzT0Q5C0Qte7xAnI1M1IEDFyu7yiqsHOUkennFj4cSegT2e-mL1CAwJ/s400/Miscellaneous2+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, we've got our books all ready for this summer's <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/03/found-cape-cottage.html">Cape Cod vacation </a>- books are priority number one when it comes to vacation planning. Here's what's on the list this year:<br /></div><ul><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Know-Why-Caged-Bird-Sings/dp/0345514408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303099&sr=1-1">I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</a></strong>" by Maya Angelou - I've wanted to read this story of Maya's childhood for several years, and happened upon it recently at Barnes & Noble.</li><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outermost-House-Year-Great-Beach/dp/080507368X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303193&sr=1-1">The Outermost House</a></strong>" by Henry Beston - Beston wrote this story about his year of life on the Outer Cape, and what he experienced each season. I started it last summer and am about 3/4 of the way finished, so will hopefully be able to complete it this year.</li><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Footsteps-Thoreau-Historic-Nature-Walks/dp/0965328309/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303239&sr=1-1">In the Footsteps of Thoreau</a></strong>" by Stuard Derrick - another book started last summer, it maps out the trail Thoreau took as he walked all of Cape Cod. It is broken down into walks that can be done in less than a day, and includes directions and anecdotes, along with quotes from Thoreau. I'm hoping to complete <em>Walk #8: The Outermost Walk</em> this year - it's approximately four hours long, and will take me out onto Nauset Spit and past the location where The Outermost House sat before it was washed out to sea during a violent winter storm.</li><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cape-Cod-Illustrated-American-Classic/dp/0618758453/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303302&sr=1-2">Cape Cod</a></strong>" by Henry Thoreau - we found this last summer at the lovely <a href="http://www.ebbtidegiftshop.com/">Ebb Tide Restaurant Gift Shop</a>. I'm about 1/3 of the way through this first-hand account of Thoreau's walk along the Cape, including many illustrations of his hand-drawn maps.</li><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Most-Loved-Treats-Recipe-Collections/dp/189689190X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303342&sr=1-1">Most Loved Treats</a></strong>" by Jean Pare - no vacation reading list would be complete without at least ONE cookbook! This one is all about special cakes, desserts, and other treats. Some of them are bound to be good for Christmas baking and neighbor gifts.</li><li>"<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Cake-Decorating-Barker/dp/1405457465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243303384&sr=1-1">Essential Guide to Cake Decorating</a></strong>" by Alex Barker - just one more cookbook...I couldn't resist it, and it was on sale. It has detailed instructions and photos that teach about fondant, which I've never worked with, along with other useful decorating techiques.<br /></li></ul><p>Ooh...so exciting to think about relaxing on the beach, under the umbrella, or inside the cozy cottage, lazily reading books all day. Pure heaven!<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-83880901544761614682009-05-22T19:25:00.011-04:002009-05-24T22:21:34.134-04:00Cell Phone Photo to Twitpic<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZoMXPtzz0hyHnNYHOzyaKJaGpsl-5eyj0dLisUQdUoJh7S4NX01vYvHVjTEOZM0p881gKbUHXDvqoCBF_xWzZ-hjjVfa-gDWdqw7MKWhmkme-tXb-HGt7WScPTzzi5UWl_Gq2-OfNf3X/s1600-h/AirstreamSovereign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338793907915578914" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="Airstream Sovereign spotted at a red light today!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZoMXPtzz0hyHnNYHOzyaKJaGpsl-5eyj0dLisUQdUoJh7S4NX01vYvHVjTEOZM0p881gKbUHXDvqoCBF_xWzZ-hjjVfa-gDWdqw7MKWhmkme-tXb-HGt7WScPTzzi5UWl_Gq2-OfNf3X/s400/AirstreamSovereign.jpg" border="0" /></a>Most of my Tech Tip posts are written so I can remember how I did something the next time I try to do it again!<br /><br />I just had success with photographing this Airstream trailer trundling along the street in front of me, using my cell phone camera and uploading the photo to Twitpic. From Twitpic, the photo can also automatically post to my Twitter feed. Here's how it works:<br /></p><ol><li>First, of course, you need a <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/02/twitter-tips.html">Twitter account</a>, which automatically gives you a Twitpic account; then you can just go to <a href="http://twitpic.com/">Twitpic.com</a> and log in to it using your Twitter username and password.</li><li>In Twitpic, click on Settings, where you'll see your Twitpic mobile upload email address. </li><li>In your cell phone, create a new contact named Twitpic. </li><li>Next, scroll until you can see the email address box for the contact; key in the email address listed on your Twitpic Settings page, and Save the contact.</li><li>You are now ready to send a photo, so...take a photo with your cell phone. Then, select the photo and click on Send Photo. Key Twitpic into the To field, and use the Subject line to write in a description of the photo. Press Send.</li></ol><p>That's all there is to it! Your photo will post to Twitpic, and also to your Twitterfeed, and you'll feel all techie! </p>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-8510970048667287782009-05-17T18:31:00.010-04:002010-02-03T19:11:32.981-05:00iPod Songs: Wabash Cannonball<span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span>The story behind the song(s)...<br /><br /><object height="400" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=7947549&style=metal&bbg=754811&bfg=4bbad6&bt=FFFFFF&bth=754811&pbg=FFFFFF&pbgh=4bbad6&pfg=754811&pfgh=FFFFFF&si=FFFFFF&lbg=FFFFFF&lbgh=4bbad6&lfg=754811&lfgh=FFFFFF&sb=FFFFFF&sbh=4bbad6&p=0"><br /> <embed src="http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="250" height="400" flashvars="hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&widgetID=7947549&style=metal&bbg=754811&bfg=4bbad6&bt=FFFFFF&bth=754811&pbg=FFFFFF&pbgh=4bbad6&pfg=754811&pfgh=FFFFFF&si=FFFFFF&lbg=FFFFFF&lbgh=4bbad6&lfg=754811&lfgh=FFFFFF&sb=FFFFFF&sbh=4bbad6&p=0" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="window"></embed></object><br /><br />By now, you've probably read my <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-1.html">growing up story</a>. My father called us gypsies, and we stopped our home on wheels just about anywhere at all (but usually in rural areas) as we wandered around the US. The modern term for what we did is "<a href="http://www.happyvagabonds.com/Rving%20Guide/What%20is%20Boondocking%20All%20About.htm">boondocking</a>," but for us it was just everyday life - no modern conveniences, and water was lugged from nearby rivers and streams. Nowadays there are lots of books and online guides with tips for successful boondocking, but we somehow managed to get along without those. In fact, I think we could have written a few of them!<br /><br />In the confined space of our gypsy wagon, and with 9 children, 2 parents, and several pets, there's wasn't room for toys or games, so we created our fun in different ways. We hiked just about anywhere you could hike. We played with things we found in nature. And, in the evenings after supper, we sometimes sang songs around an outdoor campfire.<br /><br />My father played the guitar, the fire crackled, the stars shone in the dark night sky over Death Valley or a California beach, and we sang these songs. The Wabash Cannonball is one of my favorites, although I like all of the ones on this playlist. Listening to them on my iPod takes me back to those campfires so long ago, and our times out in the boondocks.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-8115271365369125942009-05-16T17:29:00.003-04:002009-05-16T20:36:48.350-04:00Canning - Victoria Sauce<span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>In the manner of <a href="http://alaskandavedownunder.blogspot.com/">Alaskan Dave Down Under</a>, I thought I'd document the making of my annual batch of Victoria Sauce (a fabulous rhubarb chutney that's great on ham or pork).<br /><br />To do this, I highly recommend a canning pot, which, in addition to the large pot, also has a handy metal rack for holding, lowering, and lifting the jars and lids in and out of the water baths. I'm doing without, however, because we gave our pot away a few years ago, and I'm just using a large stockpot.<br /><br />One thing you'll DEFINITELY want, though, is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-10720-4-piece-canning-utensil/dp/B000SN0W7K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1242505231&sr=8-3">Ball Canning Utensil Set</a>, in addition to jars and fresh lids. The Utensil Set has a handy gripper for raising and lowering jars, a magnetic lid grabber, and a wide-mouthed funnel, which keeps your jars clean (this assures an effective seal). </div><div></div><div><br />Here's the canning process I use:</div><br /><ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpy9yvNBUdqxCBMETRlMo8YDcej7aDPfKTODrhoJzpJcR7q0mt8aG94g2-4TfaiNkhvXOBQWVitz-wCq-utsXBZYVCwSIEqGSHNR3JWY6sLZi7I0LX2-9ZwfS8Q1S9aeIFJoMfbEigL6I/s1600-h/Canning+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336530143985991234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpy9yvNBUdqxCBMETRlMo8YDcej7aDPfKTODrhoJzpJcR7q0mt8aG94g2-4TfaiNkhvXOBQWVitz-wCq-utsXBZYVCwSIEqGSHNR3JWY6sLZi7I0LX2-9ZwfS8Q1S9aeIFJoMfbEigL6I/s200/Canning+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>WASH</strong> and rinse jars, and set out to dry on a clean dishtowel, while you bring your large pot of sterilizing water to a boil.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHX8Mzzs14PUcjEdVXiuvz5WLzqiI9flabBB6X3DrquDIhu-uAoVCQV2wadPH7U_fZY44fxw1nWkBrUfT8tEzO-irTzndFLE8ajn1TYG4JRFbqpEl1uOj4lt10DWpYeZcuguC4l2IuKcA/s1600-h/Canning+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336529778801111442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHX8Mzzs14PUcjEdVXiuvz5WLzqiI9flabBB6X3DrquDIhu-uAoVCQV2wadPH7U_fZY44fxw1nWkBrUfT8tEzO-irTzndFLE8ajn1TYG4JRFbqpEl1uOj4lt10DWpYeZcuguC4l2IuKcA/s200/Canning+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>STERILIZE</strong> jars and lids by submerging in simmering water that fully covers them. Be sure jars are not touching to avoid breakage, and leave in water for 15 minutes.<br /></li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPNlUMLfNZkENA4Xt0WMRSOD_msxiUoeyyzudGLVrI0ejv5mBIxWIEbDTSHk5IM0ir7HNbmeG8z5HlMYxW_x1YhEBNonf64z4DQFlQevV-dYa_ANwocqJFHHaN1UdM99ed4JtwNPlKAMh/s1600-h/Canning+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336529421009704034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPNlUMLfNZkENA4Xt0WMRSOD_msxiUoeyyzudGLVrI0ejv5mBIxWIEbDTSHk5IM0ir7HNbmeG8z5HlMYxW_x1YhEBNonf64z4DQFlQevV-dYa_ANwocqJFHHaN1UdM99ed4JtwNPlKAMh/s200/Canning+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>COOL</strong> jars and lids by using tongs and lid grabber to pull jars and lids out of water. Set them out to dry on the towel.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lWfwTkfUeGXDmV_EeFS_8akW0ZYcFozpg0HgiiMyHIqLT3hcKZiyGlR3liHylgPq5EoA6tqXAkH7Y6Jku9IOv2vax6p_awVLl5XD_7VzeA_DtGr4qfrz-hpMLuISyqihxGynnvPkM0-F/s1600-h/Canning+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336528979001905346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lWfwTkfUeGXDmV_EeFS_8akW0ZYcFozpg0HgiiMyHIqLT3hcKZiyGlR3liHylgPq5EoA6tqXAkH7Y6Jku9IOv2vax6p_awVLl5XD_7VzeA_DtGr4qfrz-hpMLuISyqihxGynnvPkM0-F/s200/Canning+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>COOK</strong> the item you're canning while your jars sterilize. In my case, I'm making <a href="http://originalrecipes.com/node/135982">Rhubarb Victoria Sauce chutney</a>. I love the sweet-sour scent that fills the kitchen when making chutney.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhKMQ2kEMdXL7KV_hxP5HgNQcO2LihNRUOVAULV29exzblUcMjYYMKuR5H5-QwIlYFlXXJQnsoAuGnOq3VavntGIMyrWvytSsTLgtT9PNzAue4H8VfmKO3riAimueAimfoeHOmQ3HhyphenhyphenPU/s1600-h/Canning+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336528356466852930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhKMQ2kEMdXL7KV_hxP5HgNQcO2LihNRUOVAULV29exzblUcMjYYMKuR5H5-QwIlYFlXXJQnsoAuGnOq3VavntGIMyrWvytSsTLgtT9PNzAue4H8VfmKO3riAimueAimfoeHOmQ3HhyphenhyphenPU/s200/Canning+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>FILL</strong> jars, just to bottom of jar threads - the filled jars need a bit of air room at the top. Use the wide-mouth funnel when filling jars, which prevents spills on the jar top edge - very important! Wipe all jar top edges to remove any spills, just to be on the safe side.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZaUlWEtsEODkl6Sf9LzIxyOmTCpLZlqR_NgtDWY_5mh76tuMkYU6oiwwvFxOKDVsZxXQ2luH5CCybM0aIpttpQmpzmyUoP0db4qygKFTjh3ZCS_ofYPPdP0XfNxiVYOzH9pgHnOGRB7/s1600-h/Canning+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336527691038921090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZaUlWEtsEODkl6Sf9LzIxyOmTCpLZlqR_NgtDWY_5mh76tuMkYU6oiwwvFxOKDVsZxXQ2luH5CCybM0aIpttpQmpzmyUoP0db4qygKFTjh3ZCS_ofYPPdP0XfNxiVYOzH9pgHnOGRB7/s200/Canning+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>LIDS</strong> and bands are then screwed on firmly, but not extra tight.</li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJxIlnJMSxp8VLB6zo7_MceUQhQtYcQOb5g89qNlphLFRGjh8fbRqPcO6u8ahCCMCz2qOGbgU5B6FKKoeQIeX0eVVEisWQzORg3dSKOtnFTIWV4z7oShyVOnCfV7G-KyhWG72iUW95P_i/s1600-h/Canning+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336527329216888946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJxIlnJMSxp8VLB6zo7_MceUQhQtYcQOb5g89qNlphLFRGjh8fbRqPcO6u8ahCCMCz2qOGbgU5B6FKKoeQIeX0eVVEisWQzORg3dSKOtnFTIWV4z7oShyVOnCfV7G-KyhWG72iUW95P_i/s200/Canning+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>BOIL</strong> covered jars for 30 minutes.<br /></li><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4rSXoDzU1Crw0cknGHQJJvsp1i7GE_ZwER95hpQFEywUaG3nIoa_DHZlxWCC1diS5ho2eBIqEl9lTj0TS82YjVADAeJf6I1mDu_JaXot-iEjZRs8fOjDlduxlAznIKISaa58UsM6QSpI/s1600-h/Canning.Tree+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336580827808672114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4rSXoDzU1Crw0cknGHQJJvsp1i7GE_ZwER95hpQFEywUaG3nIoa_DHZlxWCC1diS5ho2eBIqEl9lTj0TS82YjVADAeJf6I1mDu_JaXot-iEjZRs8fOjDlduxlAznIKISaa58UsM6QSpI/s200/Canning.Tree+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><li><strong>COOL</strong> jars by using tongs, pulling jars out of water, and setting them on towel. After about 1/2 hour, check to make sure lids are slightly indented for a complete seal. If you find any that have not done this, set them back into the boiling water again. That should do the trick.<strong> </strong>Label jars with pretty labels available in the grocery or craft store. My favorites are some that I bought a few years ago, made by Susan Branch - so pretty!</li></ol><br /><div>PS - I swear by the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Blue-Book-of-Preserving/dp/0972753702">Ball Blue Book</a>, which is full of detailed canning instructions, plus lots of great recipes.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-15763516300160825132009-05-12T08:31:00.006-04:002010-05-02T16:57:24.987-04:004,000 Questions - #12: Values<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno4pqupwChG4WC7GkTBS2AIbePwfdQtyMSxzvBVIifK8vAuWcjjptCIslknvv0CJbH2AvatKGJ_3ORSZTWDuIqGUs0wb4NvUVx6eC8joeYRSCuwsYPSBTUCvyv6qy0_u1rc7qlNOrUsXg/s1600-h/4000Questions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334916855346988162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno4pqupwChG4WC7GkTBS2AIbePwfdQtyMSxzvBVIifK8vAuWcjjptCIslknvv0CJbH2AvatKGJ_3ORSZTWDuIqGUs0wb4NvUVx6eC8joeYRSCuwsYPSBTUCvyv6qy0_u1rc7qlNOrUsXg/s320/4000Questions.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Here's the background info on the <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-1.html">4,000 Questions</a> posts...</div><br /><div></div><div>Question #12: <strong>What is the one family value you believe in the most?</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>Growing up, it was a given that individual differences were acceptable and "normal." We were living <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/01/4000-questions-1.html">a rather unusual life</a> ourselves, so not only was this value spoken and implied to us as kids, but we also lived it every day.</div><br /><div></div><div>We learned that everyone should be able to make choices that suit their own lives and personalities, and that there is no right or wrong way to live, as long as you're not breaking the law or otherwise infringing on others.</div><div></div><div><br />It's obvious that this value has been embraced by my family. Anyone stopping by for a visit during a holiday celebration will find such a mix of characters and lifestyles, and every one is "right" for that person.</div><div></div><div><br />I try to continue to live this value, and am so glad I learned it as a child. I hope I'm effectively passing it on to my daughter.</div><div></div><div><strong><br />What is the one family value YOU believe in the most?<span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-80695125541332017312009-05-09T21:42:00.017-04:002009-05-24T19:08:45.953-04:00Photo Expedition - Route 22<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo6yVxtViuCmskq8fe0VH-CjNbi9IlLlpoghAricw-DvD9m9zcbqV2-SjByksaDt3ifs_t9nA-bPNaQuX-YZGCBv5kiebV3zC5TlztQGEZlwS1Evf4qMYqLOZYQRnx_BLk5I0XfVoc9ER/s1600-h/Hillsdale+Map.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336474069092450770" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo6yVxtViuCmskq8fe0VH-CjNbi9IlLlpoghAricw-DvD9m9zcbqV2-SjByksaDt3ifs_t9nA-bPNaQuX-YZGCBv5kiebV3zC5TlztQGEZlwS1Evf4qMYqLOZYQRnx_BLk5I0XfVoc9ER/s200/Hillsdale+Map.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>On Mother's Day, my daughter lets me choose the locale, and we head out on a photo expedition. This means taking a camera along, with plenty of charged batteries, and seeking out beautiful photo opportunities and taking hundreds of shots. It's fun, creative, and helps us look at things a little more closely and with an eye toward framing a great shot.<br /><br />This year, we decided to head south down scenic Route 22 just over the border in New York. Here's what we found as we meandered along<br /><br />(<em>NOTE: I can't figure out how to slow down this slide show. If it's running too fast, just hover over it until the control buttons appear, then click Pause. You'll be able to continue playing it when you're ready, or use the arrows to view one photo at a time</em>.):<br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0xFFFFFF&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Floveanewidea%2Falbumid%2F5334370475621812449%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed><br /><br />We had a lovely meal (late lunch, early dinner) at the quaint and cozy Hillsdale Crossroads Diner. It was pleasant inside, with friendly servers, interesting old farm implements hanging from the ceiling, and the requisite aluminum diner backsplash. They serve breakfast all day (hallelujah!), so I had my favorite corned beef hash and poached eggs. My daughter had the special - popcorn shrimp and fries.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/237/1116480/restaurant/New-York-State/Crossroads-Diner-Hillsdale"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 200px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="Crossroads Diner on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1116480/biglink.gif" /></a><br /><br />After that, we turned around and headed home again...still finding many great shots along the way. And, we still made it home with plenty of time to spare for uploading photos and creating slideshows!</div><div></div><div><br />PS - If you head out on one of these rural road trips, be sure to gas up the car ahead of time, pack water bottles and snacks, and bring cash! It can often be quite some time before you can get these items. We ended up needing cash to pay for our meal, as the restaurant didn't take cards, so went to the nearby gas station ATM. It only could dispense ONE $20 bill!<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div></div></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-68612043745851017742009-05-09T16:10:00.007-04:002009-05-10T10:55:16.960-04:00Alphabet of Daily Life - K<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm90pYhBfRgq2qLdeciQVPPCGklVtaAEC9vuWkCQBxMPJnLg0qfWxkr821LbttJIUW8V2GgsvI7mipNhoobv_t5zhK0hY56EPdVYOvnNg2WlCJz1b0S4ccnN1ODvUKq7IzDG47vkQq5Td6/s1600-h/Spring09+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333909247603560562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm90pYhBfRgq2qLdeciQVPPCGklVtaAEC9vuWkCQBxMPJnLg0qfWxkr821LbttJIUW8V2GgsvI7mipNhoobv_t5zhK0hY56EPdVYOvnNg2WlCJz1b0S4ccnN1ODvUKq7IzDG47vkQq5Td6/s320/Spring09+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>K is for the Kitchen...</strong><br /><br /><div></div><div>This is the heartbeat of our home, where just about EVERYthing happens. When we first moved into our house, the kitchen needed our immediate attention. We had to get rid of the faux flagstone floor, the pink countertops, and the pink, black and cream striped wallpaper scattered with pink flowers. I also did my first tile install, including use of a wet-saw, by putting in a tile backsplash over the counters.</div><br /><div><strong>Cooking</strong></div><br /><div>Obviously, all of the cooking takes place in the kitchen. After a long day at work, it's nice to just pour a glass of wine, put a good CD into the under-cabinet player, and set to cooking.</div><div></div><div><br />I have a beloved cookbook collection (they MUST have pictures...after all, how would someone know how the end result should look without a photo?). And, the cookbooks are used to plan out menus, both for our weekly repasts as well as for parties and holidays. We try to eat something new as often as possible. It's also not at all unusual for us to serve a completely new dish that we've never tried before to guests. So far, everyone's lived.</div><br /><div><strong>Canning</strong></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vWLbFT2K0lSZbhKjNjIbta0lA-AzlPsjsGtVJEmXTw2UhoTkhrA2yGTnaozk26AoL0mvfuSJMGaWuDoN25LHePDBL4uDsrMZAuqmAZWiSgYWkccAkq_e9g-uAgf3Pd56grBv5n7STM/s1600-h/Spring09+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333909097494484546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vWLbFT2K0lSZbhKjNjIbta0lA-AzlPsjsGtVJEmXTw2UhoTkhrA2yGTnaozk26AoL0mvfuSJMGaWuDoN25LHePDBL4uDsrMZAuqmAZWiSgYWkccAkq_e9g-uAgf3Pd56grBv5n7STM/s320/Spring09+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yup, love to can (but not fruits and vegetables). I make chutneys or preserves. My all-time favorite is <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Rhubarb-Victoria-Sauce-127048">Victoria Sauce</a> which is a rhubarb chutney; we use it on ham and pork, and also give it out (very parsimoniously) as gifts. I used to have a fabulous old canning set, but gave it to Goodwill in the midst of our moving-into-our-new-house frenzy. So, I now use a large stockpot. It does the same job, but without quite the same degree of convenience.</div><br /><div><strong>Homework</strong></div><br />The handy counter height table and chairs we added to the "empty" side of the room make great homework and other writing or creative work space. My daughter will often do her homework here while I'm cooking.<br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Holidays<br /></strong></div><div></div><div><br />For some reason, during holidays, EVERYONE ends up in the kitchen. I'm cooking away, usually handing out cooking tasks to others, and everyone mills about or sits at the table, chatting and sniffing the good scents. We're wondering if our recent <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/04/living-room-makeover-completed.html">living room remodel</a> will entice everyone to move into that room or if they'll still stay in the kitchen?<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7418465916244240569.post-89207519523520458472009-05-04T14:35:00.007-04:002009-05-04T14:54:00.241-04:00Hilarious "Diary" About the Gym<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxvtKtTROQJdQfGg56v38oaEiq2Q55o8Mb58pJdKXB-v6SzSiaQgsRuziibbQshUbUgWXXC83WhNq7tdsjrjqO5VkLI-TviszIjdsU4ahYeS-tWyKyBkJ17EHuhoumACHXpfl38cBCZ8/s1600-h/smiley_face.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332043143693080306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 352px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxvtKtTROQJdQfGg56v38oaEiq2Q55o8Mb58pJdKXB-v6SzSiaQgsRuziibbQshUbUgWXXC83WhNq7tdsjrjqO5VkLI-TviszIjdsU4ahYeS-tWyKyBkJ17EHuhoumACHXpfl38cBCZ8/s400/smiley_face.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Note: I did not write this! Someone emailed this funny story to me, and it made me laugh. And, I had just published the <a href="http://loveanewidea.blogspot.com/2009/05/elliptical-trainer-tips.html">Elliptical Trainer Tips</a> post, so this was especially timely. I tried to find an author's name somewhere, but didn't spot one...so, if you are the author, my apologies for not crediting you - please let me know.</div><br /><div></div><div>Our business photographer happens to go to the same gym I do - Planet Fitness - and we recently commiserated about trying to build up our stamina as well as our muscles. Here's the funny email he sent to a group of us who are all painfully trying to get in shape...</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>Dear Diary,</div><div>For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.</div><br /><div></div><div>MONDAY:</div><div>Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!! </div><br /><div></div><div>TUESDAY:</div><div>I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me. </div><br /><div></div><div>WEDNESDAY:</div><div>The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.<br /></div><div></div><div><br />THURSDAY:</div><div>Christo was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny broad to find me.Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank. </div><br /><div></div><div>FRIDAY:</div><div>I hate that crazy Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director? </div><br /><div></div><div>SATURDAY:</div><div>Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel. </div><br /><div></div><div>SUNDAY:</div><div>I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!! </div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div>LoveANewIdeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04658088793731504818noreply@blogger.com12