tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20881739832832661542024-03-13T11:11:08.764-04:00Jim, not MikeTrying Really Hard NOT To Bore The Heck Out Of YouJim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-6857669791688830022014-09-02T21:15:00.003-04:002014-09-02T21:15:59.765-04:00I've TransitionedHey folks,<br />
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I know it's been a long time since I've posted. That is mostly because I broke down and got on FaceBook. I know...I said forever how FaceBook was the Devil and I would never be part of it, but once I dipped my toe in...I liked it.<br />
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For the most part it's just so instant! I can post and people get notified of it and see it and respond to it. I've gotten so much more response than I ever got here.<br />
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So, don't expect too much posting here. It's too much work! If you want to find me, you can find me on FaceBook...and those of you that know me, know whom to look for.<br />
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So, follow me on over there! It's been a great ride here.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-12950500095598037172014-01-03T14:30:00.000-05:002014-01-03T14:30:01.568-05:00OK...So 2014Happy New Year everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaWjuKU_hVPdF4NHgaF_8bkE0Y5NWI5iJfnjWbKy1Ri__D5fQpboev32czpAstqc4CgrO-fxfbpp5XkeavAUvNE0VOv1vveK5BfmHr19hr9RBg9qrzfzzacyM6W0RwTLZwEqKlRKJ-Og/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaWjuKU_hVPdF4NHgaF_8bkE0Y5NWI5iJfnjWbKy1Ri__D5fQpboev32czpAstqc4CgrO-fxfbpp5XkeavAUvNE0VOv1vveK5BfmHr19hr9RBg9qrzfzzacyM6W0RwTLZwEqKlRKJ-Og/s400/2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, a lot of people are making resolutions, espousing about their upcoming year and generally trying to make themselves out to be some sort of psychic sooth-sayer. Not me!<br />
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I have no idea what the upcoming year holds for me...and I'm ok with that. I have never been one to chart or attempt to map out where my future is going.<br />
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Chances are, that I probably won't lose anymore weight, quit smoking or quit drinking. These are all things that have become a part of me. Where would all of you be without my food and drink posts? This blog would get pretty boring...real fast!<br />
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What I may try to do is travel more, focus more on work and try to stop hitting the Snooze Button so much. I say try, because I doubt very much is going to change. I have spent years getting to where I am in this life, and I like where I am. I like where I am very much.<br />
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So, take your best shot 2014, I can handle it!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-31522221224215471932013-12-20T14:18:00.000-05:002013-12-20T14:18:00.086-05:00Blast From The Past!: More From the Old Apartment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="gmw_">More pics from the old apartment! I'm sure I said before that so much of what you see here influenced my design aesthetic of today. The idea that you can take a barren old space and create something entirely new has followed me here to the church I now own. Again, I apologize for th<span class="gmw_">e quality of these photos. They are from over 20 years ago<span class="gm_ gm_231d8230-cfc7-24ef-4322-805ebdf91577 gm-spell gm_tiny"> </span>and digital photography was in the single digit megapixels.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxmJEfCf-DdT_4q1aDXJiLC790WzaIe5eDrSg9Pc5IF1EQZlTBP5gTFZzg7_jyKskfIdk1-VRctc06syCL7Y0K5hAev05USeTTPjj4noabMAIgXJDBXIgbvPVF3isXU4OVGiSgnqmgus/s1600/House12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxmJEfCf-DdT_4q1aDXJiLC790WzaIe5eDrSg9Pc5IF1EQZlTBP5gTFZzg7_jyKskfIdk1-VRctc06syCL7Y0K5hAev05USeTTPjj4noabMAIgXJDBXIgbvPVF3isXU4OVGiSgnqmgus/s400/House12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We filled empty spaces with items that delineated the space. Stained glass...who knew I would wind up with so much of it now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZrbCjFH_WCnFWMTT3mpJXlwRWLhMtOqMtaeWDnIP4TsR9NmJoOICgXN5JQqKxo0Y7-xQWo3JKWB8Jlw_mggtdb6mNQsyKLszJ7gBo1Pcn_etOQ1TU6Mmgh1iyaaISK4xMt43liWEq9Y/s1600/House15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZrbCjFH_WCnFWMTT3mpJXlwRWLhMtOqMtaeWDnIP4TsR9NmJoOICgXN5JQqKxo0Y7-xQWo3JKWB8Jlw_mggtdb6mNQsyKLszJ7gBo1Pcn_etOQ1TU6Mmgh1iyaaISK4xMt43liWEq9Y/s400/House15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a desk made entirely out of windows. You might say we had a window fetish. We found a lot of them at an auction...something like 30 windows, and we paid $20 for them. What a bargain!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWWNCkx604leD1wv2yMmkaIQoorOkuhGn1Q58t4MgV4wKfNktx9gkkLvgkEx-2BXuwvAahU-UGXvC5qDApGBYe94ANtPrqUeDtxjFCptj9lYmYcYtf-9YUU2Q1sX1mUAEGqJ1bdeChTA/s1600/House17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWWNCkx604leD1wv2yMmkaIQoorOkuhGn1Q58t4MgV4wKfNktx9gkkLvgkEx-2BXuwvAahU-UGXvC5qDApGBYe94ANtPrqUeDtxjFCptj9lYmYcYtf-9YUU2Q1sX1mUAEGqJ1bdeChTA/s400/House17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another view. The one draw back to a mostly glass desk we found, that you are always dusting it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRJvBv_yCvYGC174mGNO-OEFZpXYlRBpORLyQmQz-czKRX_Hdf5CZAlGM0Dm2xUuKIuA8bHgpjtDFbVoY4Ah7Na2uRHfTE8dbxb3hEuHq7OnhBV7qMrAdHh_SdZ28SW6abMd4QiXRUms/s1600/House19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRJvBv_yCvYGC174mGNO-OEFZpXYlRBpORLyQmQz-czKRX_Hdf5CZAlGM0Dm2xUuKIuA8bHgpjtDFbVoY4Ah7Na2uRHfTE8dbxb3hEuHq7OnhBV7qMrAdHh_SdZ28SW6abMd4QiXRUms/s400/House19.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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One of the many bathrooms. Oy, cleaning them all was such a chore! Again, we used old windows as the shower doors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFjj3S4FQheeBjSmR_UVoLqBue1QTf4XwkYoCSJkoXEgwl_dlguOIUfz5zPhqHQY3-VddvXEW1r8THP6FibxXmiyuwRAQIQpbniLkEUzBmKaIquR3i0a7X8SRW2q9u1TQ_djD399di2E/s1600/House22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFjj3S4FQheeBjSmR_UVoLqBue1QTf4XwkYoCSJkoXEgwl_dlguOIUfz5zPhqHQY3-VddvXEW1r8THP6FibxXmiyuwRAQIQpbniLkEUzBmKaIquR3i0a7X8SRW2q9u1TQ_djD399di2E/s400/House22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Another bathroom! This one has record covers as the flooring. Many coats of polyurethane were needed so that it could be mopped.</div>
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And yet ANOTHER bathroom! This one has a painted floor and again, old windows were used for the shower doors.</div>
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Here's a beauty shot of the window desk. What you can't see in this pic is that this room was also a closet. All of the clothes are suspended from the ceiling on racks that are attached to a motorized wire system. That way, when you needed to get dressed you just lower the racks and otherwise, they are out of the way. It was a great system until one night we heard a huge bang. One of the hook systems had come out of the ceiling, and there were clothes and destruction everywhere. Yes, the window desk met it's demise that evening. It was nice while it lasted.</div>
<br />Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-21695614815243517842013-12-17T14:09:00.000-05:002013-12-17T14:09:00.036-05:00Soup's On! - Roasted Cauliflower & Smoked Gouda SoupLook everyone! A new feature!!! I know I've been gone for a bit, but what better gift upon my return than to introduce a new feature? I have to preface this post with a bit of background. <div>
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I've never made soup. Let me rephrase, I've never made soup that didn't start out by opening the can and finished with the words "Add water". I was raised on Campbell's! It's all I knew. Many years ago someone (I have no idea who) gave me an entire cookbook full of nothing but soup recipes. That book has sat on the shelf with the rest of my cookbooks for well over 20 years.</div>
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Now that I'm single again (long story, short Post-It Note!), I thought this would be a great time to attempt to dabble in the liquid food arts (Liquid food arts that didn't involve cocktails, I mean).</div>
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Being that I am following a Low-Carb lifestyle at the moment, this has meant that I need to stay away from noodle soups and anything that might incorporate dumplings <span style="text-align: center;">of any size, shape or texture. I did some online research and found some amazing soups that I am going to try and then share with you here. Yes, the cookbook is still on the shelf. I just find that the internet has a lot more lurking out there than any book could provide me. That, and you can't Google search a book!</span></div>
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My first foray into the hot and bubbling liquid food arts is a Roasted Cauliflower & Smoked Gouda Soup. Granted, the recipe called for aged white cheddar cheese, but I am a huge fan of smoked gouda so I went with that. Other than that change I followed the recipe to the letter (Something, I don't usually do). I didn't want to screw this up by attempting "Flair!". You will find the recipe at the end of the post, but first, lets talk about the process and see some pictures.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb4qPKC0PxuxneNT_YRehOnAJaUfGAoHPwBt2jIBMxoxoiVASUNCtDu4C_9t6H-uxySY1kNqojrf6u_2pMKHiQoPccPsXsdaFrGLs7FWqWD0KSWhhHUWXVZTPT4PIHYD90M4wvZX2spA/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb4qPKC0PxuxneNT_YRehOnAJaUfGAoHPwBt2jIBMxoxoiVASUNCtDu4C_9t6H-uxySY1kNqojrf6u_2pMKHiQoPccPsXsdaFrGLs7FWqWD0KSWhhHUWXVZTPT4PIHYD90M4wvZX2spA/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Cauliflower goodness!</td></tr>
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I have never been a huge fan of Cauliflower. I mean, any vegetable you have to cover in cheese to tolerate, can't be all that great. Roasted tho, it is amazing! For this recipe, you toss it in oil...salt and pepper it and let it roast for 30 minutes in the oven. What you get are toasted nuggets of goodness that I just wanted to eat off the pan.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeT5BUjTTaZN9Fw3pPhXxX65rcRuKY2p-Lo8_qeCN4wrOCGEV3rP_5w5mILvI5i5tV2EPohnZzty1c8nGKR6T3Prkk_w-0X870pIRjOnnVqmvjTbcX7rjVMdTtJHhyPxEcNDJ0uwaJJ4/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeT5BUjTTaZN9Fw3pPhXxX65rcRuKY2p-Lo8_qeCN4wrOCGEV3rP_5w5mILvI5i5tV2EPohnZzty1c8nGKR6T3Prkk_w-0X870pIRjOnnVqmvjTbcX7rjVMdTtJHhyPxEcNDJ0uwaJJ4/s400/IMG_0190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could stop right here...but you don't!</td></tr>
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You add the roasted Cauliflower to onions, garlic, Thyme and chicken stock. That combination gets cooked for 30 more minutes until the Cauliflower is soft and then you grab your Immersion Blender and go to town! </div>
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I had bought an Immersion Blender years ago, and it has languished in the "Special Utensil Drawer" forever. I never had a chance to use it...until now! Once you blend up the soup you then add the cheese and cook it without boiling it any longer until all the cheese is melted. What you wind up with is this...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOA-38xbukZCphmNcodw57A-f7jhVL1LygDexgHJaLbJphyphenhyphenJ0pTt17N-IbudRDmnNQNlvJfIg9agVp93DOLtna7qVfTH_L1LxRXlGw0O79glL454eeSKxlICPCZM0vV7-VGs-Y3PWt0M/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOA-38xbukZCphmNcodw57A-f7jhVL1LygDexgHJaLbJphyphenhyphenJ0pTt17N-IbudRDmnNQNlvJfIg9agVp93DOLtna7qVfTH_L1LxRXlGw0O79glL454eeSKxlICPCZM0vV7-VGs-Y3PWt0M/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And yes, you then add some bacon to it!</td></tr>
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What I wound up with was an incredibly creamy and delicious soup. Till all is said and done, you don't even really taste the Cauliflower. It lends a delightful bulk to the dish which makes it quite filling.</div>
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<h3>
Roasted Cauliflower & Smoked Gouda Soup</h3>
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Ingredients</div>
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1 small head cauliflower- cut into florets</div>
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2 tablespoons oil, additional oil for saute</div>
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1 medium onion diced</div>
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2 cloves garlic chopped</div>
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1 teaspoon thyme chopped</div>
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3 cups chicken stock</div>
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11/2 cups smoked gouda cheese grated</div>
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1 cup milk, cream or half & half</div>
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salt & pepper to taste</div>
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Instructions</div>
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1. Toss the cauliflower florets in the oil along with salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet.</div>
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2. Roast the cauliflower in a preheated 400 degree oven until golden brown. Approx 30 minutes.</div>
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3. Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender. Approx 5-7 minutes.</div>
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4. Add the garlic and thyme and saute until fragrant, about a minute.</div>
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5. Add the broth, deglaze the pan, add the cauliflower, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered for 30 minutes.</div>
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6. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is of an even consistency. Reduce stove heat to insure the mixture no longer boils.</div>
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7. Slowly add and stir in the cheese.</div>
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8. Add the milk/cream/half & half, stirring constantly and ensuring that the soup doesn't boil or burn.</div>
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9. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve, adding crispy bacon or addition cheese as garnish (or both even!) </div>
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I hope everyone enjoys this recipe. Let me know if you try it out and what the results were in the comments section.</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-42283168352561313582013-11-15T14:28:00.000-05:002013-11-15T14:28:01.005-05:00Hawaii In The House!I was in Hawaii a few years ago for work, and as I was leaving I stumbled upon a shop in the airport that sold plant cuttings. You could purchase them, take them home and possibly grow a bit of Hawaii in your den. I am certainly not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but I bought some of the cuttings anyway.<br />
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I don't know what I was thinking. I knew I would never plant them. Maybe I thought I would give them as gifts to those with a more "green-thumb" inclination than I. Enter The Hubby...he can grow anything! I am convinced that you could provide him with a slab of concrete, some seeds and in a few weeks there would be a budding, glorious garden blooming.<br />
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Now, keep in mind...these cuttings sat in a drawer for a few years until the time that I met The Hubby. He took them, threw them in pots, cared for them more than I care for my own teeth, and they began to bloom. What is even more funny is that he set them outside all summer long in the heat and humidity that is a Maryland summer and nothing happened. They grew and gained more leaves, but they didn't bloom.<br />
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Cut to two weeks ago. He finally brought them inside because the weather has been getting cooler and placed them in the bedroom. What happened then? BLOOM!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsKveOHO0d76md6We4E7bJ3-p3G3_DjxqTu54dxVLj9JsXWjGaM_J6gDsdeIQBjwNhhn0Tb2R9t3MwwGB5g3_-qUQ2ktP1-Jbi2ubgCSeCvS49sCfdAvZp28r5WuGNWI6Iy_py09O5U/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfsKveOHO0d76md6We4E7bJ3-p3G3_DjxqTu54dxVLj9JsXWjGaM_J6gDsdeIQBjwNhhn0Tb2R9t3MwwGB5g3_-qUQ2ktP1-Jbi2ubgCSeCvS49sCfdAvZp28r5WuGNWI6Iy_py09O5U/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawaii at home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I wake up to these every day now. In addition to the 5 blooms you see, there are 14 just waiting to show up. The blooms last a few days and then are replaced with another. This has been going on for a week now. Thank you Hubby for bringing Hawaii to the bedroom.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-18604765558797446392013-11-11T14:08:00.000-05:002013-11-11T14:08:00.185-05:00Cookography: Fried Green TomatoesI am a somewhat "genteel" southern woman at heart. I love my southern cooking. Be it a good spicy gumbo or boo fries. I really enjoy the huge comfort content of dishes served in the southern states.<br />
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This past weekend I took a stab at fried green tomatoes. One of my coworkers had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year and was lamenting how many of them were green, he doubted that he could get them ripened before they rot.<br />
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Me to the rescue! I told him I would take the green ones. I'm sure he thought I was crazy...but then, people often do. So, I brought them home, sliced them up and let the magic happen.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7__serWmenacY0mcxW6lAZmY0DxbPNzmbVb6i2uHxI-n_Png0wP8Mx_LjD1LDHGWjjSZ08NRAbpL8F79hcwzKyatYWwjDtYMTmsTEYkxCWziP2JKjg1_jpScu55QUKmhM6xPntr0GBRg/s1600/IMG_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7__serWmenacY0mcxW6lAZmY0DxbPNzmbVb6i2uHxI-n_Png0wP8Mx_LjD1LDHGWjjSZ08NRAbpL8F79hcwzKyatYWwjDtYMTmsTEYkxCWziP2JKjg1_jpScu55QUKmhM6xPntr0GBRg/s400/IMG_0276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The assembly line!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So yes, a few of the tomatoes managed to ripen a bit before I got to them, but I decided to slice them up too. I prepared my buttermilk and egg bath (one egg and buttermilk to cover) and combined a "Shake & Bake" package with a healthy helping of Parmesan Cheese as my crispy goodness.<br />
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Then, I grabbed my extra large skillet and placed about a quarter of an inch of oil in it. Use whatever oil you like...I went with Canolla. Once it was hot, I took each tomato and dipped it in the liquid, and then heavily coated it in the crumb mixture. Into the hot oil they went...SIZZLE!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZmBFrHtP5ttD8fAEizECUhp3zSAcoj5WUn8rIjEw5tQYiVyXX6dAiT2xMW6lOB1AKDwTQsoysVibXAq03YFyNK2VsdBK3TBGO-4JTxMDkvKZPgT_uscOvP9Uh1HHduuobB-MGz_lNV4/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZmBFrHtP5ttD8fAEizECUhp3zSAcoj5WUn8rIjEw5tQYiVyXX6dAiT2xMW6lOB1AKDwTQsoysVibXAq03YFyNK2VsdBK3TBGO-4JTxMDkvKZPgT_uscOvP9Uh1HHduuobB-MGz_lNV4/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy tomato goodness!</td></tr>
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I fried them for 2 minutes on each side. You don't want the tomato to become too soft and mushy. The trick is to get them brown and keep the tomato a little firm. So, vary your cooking time with that goal in mind.<br />
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In the south, they also serve these with a spicy remoulade (aka...dipping sauce). To replicate this, I took a couple of tablespoons of mayo and added a healthy few shakes of Tabasco sauce to it and mixed it up.<br />
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Fried Green Tomato HEAVEN! These make a great side dish to any meal. I coupled them with a roast pork I had slow-cooked in the crock pot all day long. The combination of the fall-apart-in-your-mouth pork and the crispy tomatoes was fantastic!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-65234190008050119222013-10-21T13:41:00.000-04:002013-10-21T13:41:00.277-04:00Tipos/TyposWe've got a new game at work. When we moved to the new office it came complete with it's own cafeteria. This has been a wonderful blessing. The last thing I want to do on a rainy day is forage for food.<div>
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The cafeteria ladies are a delight. They're all sassy latino women (Latinas?) and always happy to handle any special request. Extra tuna? not a problem. More bacon? Pile it on! No onion? You got it! Their command of the english language isn't the greatest and that has made for humorous lunchtime encounters for me and my fellow coworkers.</div>
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Back to our new game...it's called "Spot the Menu Typo". On a weekly basis the cafe distributes a menu of the weeks options, seen below.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG8GQEVcNKP7QoDYCEJWCAeA5IfOcUZc5DJIGvOe5xGOL0d8v_B74vClF4M9drLPf07gc3XtqCvaU3PfRXZmbzRHHcpesLJYBlD6IoUrBkGx1I5bXZyOYS0SepEsOa21gfLbVejv6NhM/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG8GQEVcNKP7QoDYCEJWCAeA5IfOcUZc5DJIGvOe5xGOL0d8v_B74vClF4M9drLPf07gc3XtqCvaU3PfRXZmbzRHHcpesLJYBlD6IoUrBkGx1I5bXZyOYS0SepEsOa21gfLbVejv6NhM/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see it?</td></tr>
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Now, I am not making fun of anyone's spelling ability here. I'd be lost without spellcheck, I mean...how many S's are there in occasion? Had spell check not just auto-corrected that for me it would have been wrong.</div>
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It's just become a running gag around the office (ok, in all fairness...perhaps just my circle of office friends). The first person to find the typo then sends out the pic to the rest of us.</div>
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I will say this tho...that Phylli Steak and Cheese sandwich was delicious!</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-76731327490672464042013-10-14T13:25:00.000-04:002013-10-14T13:25:00.059-04:00Blast From The Past: The GrandparentsI am still scouring these back-up CD's I found. There is a ton of stuff on them that I had completely forgotten. Here are a couple of very old pictures of my grandparents. I had been restoring these for a Mother's Day present for my mom way way long ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN3f7sZLZXW9clQr20rrFGcVSP1qrg4gJv3qv6QXWVIZCaGCbHiTyX3GxNBQu-C2Ekoeo58ynR2q5aLC95UpegFWKo6Hx23TfYkPQSmne7hCC7AAwGSrc2Bjh4joQCBkhihkF45dmEdQ/s1600/Grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvN3f7sZLZXW9clQr20rrFGcVSP1qrg4gJv3qv6QXWVIZCaGCbHiTyX3GxNBQu-C2Ekoeo58ynR2q5aLC95UpegFWKo6Hx23TfYkPQSmne7hCC7AAwGSrc2Bjh4joQCBkhihkF45dmEdQ/s400/Grandma.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On her wedding day.</td></tr>
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I don't know the date of the above picture, but I am guessing it was the early 1900's. She was quite beautiful, but I still see a bit of that sassy smirk that always crossed her face.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45wr9WiIYWSRKrBjU_R7QUGjXrIo48e6wHrPx4zzkdI-fU18_StzPsd_bzmz130Pmk8yRu1Pj6o_g5oXY6F8tOLerWeHJTNiu0Qj89f70lPYbXd00pvtV1zvlGQC1MdMf5dUlDbUqnpM/s1600/Grandpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45wr9WiIYWSRKrBjU_R7QUGjXrIo48e6wHrPx4zzkdI-fU18_StzPsd_bzmz130Pmk8yRu1Pj6o_g5oXY6F8tOLerWeHJTNiu0Qj89f70lPYbXd00pvtV1zvlGQC1MdMf5dUlDbUqnpM/s400/Grandpa.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm guessing he's swimming or something aquatic.</td></tr>
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I never knew my grandfather. He died in his mid 30's of something heart related. Ya know...back then they pretty much called everything a heart attack. Everyone says I look like him, but I don't see it. I mean, look at those ears!!! Not to mention the muscles and the obvious athleticism. Soooo not me! That being said, his knees do make those little "Old Man Face" squinchey things like mine do when I straighten out my legs. He also has way more hair than me but then again, I don't know how old he is in this picture.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-56794426326431550312013-10-09T13:57:00.000-04:002013-10-09T13:57:00.550-04:00Blast From The Past: The First Apartment, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many years ago...in a town far away, my partner Ian and I moved into a delightfully dilapidated 3 story "apartment". Actually it was a 3 story building with a tattoo parlor on the first floor and 4 individual apartments above and behind. After we chased all of the current tenants out (thank you police department) we took over the entire building and went to work turning it into a pretty amazing living and party space. I apologize upfront for the quality of these photos...it's 1994 and megapixels weren't invented yet.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjkQgtC6TMqtYFlMQd6FU5rULGs-3EB3X3pUMs_4VLXmaYmLiwfcaEap69gyh0da1mAsVwe4V5mwfxZ7aH1cCyI6Ex8GOYyAn29jOf1yoe87eXwwUpXAkAuhud7ghA-1yiEtVKLjAdxY/s1600/House4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjkQgtC6TMqtYFlMQd6FU5rULGs-3EB3X3pUMs_4VLXmaYmLiwfcaEap69gyh0da1mAsVwe4V5mwfxZ7aH1cCyI6Ex8GOYyAn29jOf1yoe87eXwwUpXAkAuhud7ghA-1yiEtVKLjAdxY/s400/House4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2nd Floor Landing. Ian had a window fetish.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL3B1_i0YT5ML9B6FjnHq-fyVxJLRcGpolfom56aDA9iEszO5N9By73I4Iue5D2MbF0zylAyaap671mHL-Y7aoVHO4FVH22x6g9qlh5NgUvs_ePFLbgdxM1cTrz15vJ_lNiEmsPTam1o/s1600/House1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL3B1_i0YT5ML9B6FjnHq-fyVxJLRcGpolfom56aDA9iEszO5N9By73I4Iue5D2MbF0zylAyaap671mHL-Y7aoVHO4FVH22x6g9qlh5NgUvs_ePFLbgdxM1cTrz15vJ_lNiEmsPTam1o/s400/House1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Greek Room. Exposed plaster and sepia. Also my office.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykd8zurtYx-4NrGC6rk1anPjxYQe7uimaOOXqg0KCcmzE9pw4wO-2cOxAADWkgS0Bx7p9GPWj5wrIFD9MDqCSTsUDTgKBTNjOqO6Q88Rrk286LUUu2glX52kg5_a9aC615ubPaNHqN1U/s1600/House3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykd8zurtYx-4NrGC6rk1anPjxYQe7uimaOOXqg0KCcmzE9pw4wO-2cOxAADWkgS0Bx7p9GPWj5wrIFD9MDqCSTsUDTgKBTNjOqO6Q88Rrk286LUUu2glX52kg5_a9aC615ubPaNHqN1U/s400/House3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom. Yes, a puzzle bed that came apart in 9 pieces for party seating!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUQOzN8Fn4cQCtOlc6GCwTzH6jb8ilC6xH4FYVqytl3k_kbYCDV1blxCiWBVC9DNbcXcrfiyxATXJ9c02gpSkXEGJ_8P2ALx3yOOegtnzc1JER4dZ-m8DTLSMxdBE5DagLpUvX4KTI8k/s1600/House28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUQOzN8Fn4cQCtOlc6GCwTzH6jb8ilC6xH4FYVqytl3k_kbYCDV1blxCiWBVC9DNbcXcrfiyxATXJ9c02gpSkXEGJ_8P2ALx3yOOegtnzc1JER4dZ-m8DTLSMxdBE5DagLpUvX4KTI8k/s400/House28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let me tell you what a pain those poke dots were! Not painted, wood circles nailed to the wall!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MlZqWpeyF1ncdFd9c_F3SZfEx6vf5vZ0CPFrqIGs6VdbX0xmHlA_t_dPSvcnwLeUgoQ6Oo5c4BuDDZGQiPGma-OG6dD8Y9TeuwPz_9-c-db6xpAML-Go6ozqO8z3yJv0ea3HX34VQhs/s1600/House7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MlZqWpeyF1ncdFd9c_F3SZfEx6vf5vZ0CPFrqIGs6VdbX0xmHlA_t_dPSvcnwLeUgoQ6Oo5c4BuDDZGQiPGma-OG6dD8Y9TeuwPz_9-c-db6xpAML-Go6ozqO8z3yJv0ea3HX34VQhs/s400/House7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garden Room. He did the painting. I cut the hole in the wall to the Kitchen!</td></tr>
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That's it for now. I'll post more later. I can't take credit for any of the design choices here, it was all Ian. At the ripe old age of 25, I couldn't have visualized any of this. I was just the muscle...lifting and cutting and wielding a sledge hammer.<br />
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I have to say tho, when it came time to renovate my church, a lot of what he taught me played a very major role in it's design and construction. </div>
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Ian, I miss you and I will always be grateful for you teaching me that, "No matter what happens, you can always paint over it!" Rest in peace.</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-18600125653905811132013-10-04T13:56:00.000-04:002013-10-04T13:56:00.246-04:00Bake-A-Liciousness: Spiced Apple Chutney & Brie TartletsI came up with these delights for a contest at work. I won the contest, but it was because I was the only contestant. Damn coworkers! Anyway, it's a great fall recipe, sweet and savory at the same time. It can also be whipped up days in advance and assembled as needed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QSLuo63XFyD1XMR9c5JOfJ3V-jGKdOdTa2WsDnFH29uOIJxErIteVz2Pjnf5EiWq7LgiAcW-4HUUUNJoj7yE-xLO5wfmx8gPjf7MNagMZ7ni4qB-CpWYzP6Xcl2QZztuUk0d_sZ6UIc/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QSLuo63XFyD1XMR9c5JOfJ3V-jGKdOdTa2WsDnFH29uOIJxErIteVz2Pjnf5EiWq7LgiAcW-4HUUUNJoj7yE-xLO5wfmx8gPjf7MNagMZ7ni4qB-CpWYzP6Xcl2QZztuUk0d_sZ6UIc/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The test batch...YUMMY!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqB_s2VmOHGE4F8Wx7aj1AB7kpE6yClLnSEaPWxJwbU1v0rW11stCp_HM9HvWY56bOCpSTOr_xhEqHvi5Egvy_03WH1vItoR3Ko4_e3Pc6BS0MmXbZwUScvWytHW4oko1LSY36vxzjvk/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqB_s2VmOHGE4F8Wx7aj1AB7kpE6yClLnSEaPWxJwbU1v0rW11stCp_HM9HvWY56bOCpSTOr_xhEqHvi5Egvy_03WH1vItoR3Ko4_e3Pc6BS0MmXbZwUScvWytHW4oko1LSY36vxzjvk/s400/IMG_0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For work I put the Brie on top where you could see it. Either way works.</td></tr>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Spiced
Apple Chutney & Brie Tartlets</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <u>CHUTNEY:</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/4 cup orange
juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/4 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 3 Tbsp. firmly
packed brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 3 Tbsp. apple
cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/2 tsp.
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/2 tsp. Kosher
salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/4 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 2 shallots, minced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1/2 jalapeno
pepper, seeded and minced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or 1 tsp of jalapeño pepper hot sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1 clove garlic,
minced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 2 Granny Smith
apples, peeled, cored and finely diced<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 2 tsp. Butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 3-4 Boxes Filo
Dough Tart Shells<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> 1 8oz wheel of
Brie, rind removed and cut into ¼ inch squares<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Preparation<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">For Chutney, in small bowl, combine orange juice, water, brown
sugar, vinegar,</span></span><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.5in;">cinnamon, salt
and pepper. Mix and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melt 2 teaspoons butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add
shallots, jalapeño and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally,
until shallots are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in apples and orange juice
mixture and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring
occasionally, until apples are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat
and let cool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Assembly<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the tart shells evenly on a
baking pan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Place one square of Brie into each tart shell and spoon a small
portion of the chutney over top (Or reverse it if you prefer). Fill each tart shell, but don’t overfill or
you’ll have a mess on your baking sheet. Bake the tarts for 5 - 7 minutes or
until the Brie is melted. Remove from oven and serve warm.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-54410426528494834072013-09-30T14:44:00.000-04:002013-09-30T15:23:39.451-04:00Fizzled InCocktails! They are such a huge portion of my life. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Don't judge!<br />
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The problem with mixing cocktails is that you rarely use an entire can of soda to do it. Since I don't have one of those fancy soda guns that bars do (Maybe someday!), I am often left with a half can of soda sitting in the fridge going flat.<br />
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Over the years, I have tried many different products that claim to keep soda fresh in between uses. None of them have actually managed to do it...UNTIL NOW! </div>
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I found this particular product on Amazon last year. Yes, I spent a year testing it in the real world before bringing it to all of you...you're welcome.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_HRb6v3umeS0EPA2eBbPfdbz1jy3U0J81R5NHYBBpkEptvAKJUndl2FMPTgsu9yQohtTzimawYOQS4FSlvDuh8BtjDAw1nOcg8zwbTc7POY3AcpTstjimR_8MUUmTdZG93I4UrguoV0/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_HRb6v3umeS0EPA2eBbPfdbz1jy3U0J81R5NHYBBpkEptvAKJUndl2FMPTgsu9yQohtTzimawYOQS4FSlvDuh8BtjDAw1nOcg8zwbTc7POY3AcpTstjimR_8MUUmTdZG93I4UrguoV0/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would have called it "Flat-Be-Gone"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Keep in mind, the photo above is the second generation of the product. The original sealed standard soda cans perfectly. I even went on a business trip for a week and came home to fizzy soda! This second generation product not only fits standard cans, but it also fits the smaller cans you can buy in an 8-pack. It's now 2 great products in one!!!</div>
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So, if you are suffering from flat half-cans of soda, head over to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Kitchen-Beverage-Resealer/dp/B000V7T1IY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380404608&sr=8-1&keywords=beverage+can+resealer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and do yourselves a favor. At just under $5.00, they aren't cheap...but they are well worth the cost. Imagine the amount of flat soda you would throw away without this little gem!</div>
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Drink up!</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-74628251840222760102013-09-16T14:49:00.000-04:002013-09-16T14:49:00.361-04:00Film-A-Geddon: The CroodsAnd a new feature is born! "Film-A-Geddon" is where I will discuss movies that I have enjoyed. Especially ones that I feel didn't get the respect they deserved when they were in the theater.<div>
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This time around, let's talk about "The Croods"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KorwS_5DbTym11Auj_VJEC8Kz-KRTFyyrGYM5ePrqd_DPsjXJFy38a86wHwP91ZbcOVmz2BVZhfGPBwR4FxakcuioVIetd8AQM78ju45Nu2TtKbrTZgDLfrHXQZdB6luqm8VmXoijjA/s1600/the-croods_1363847487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KorwS_5DbTym11Auj_VJEC8Kz-KRTFyyrGYM5ePrqd_DPsjXJFy38a86wHwP91ZbcOVmz2BVZhfGPBwR4FxakcuioVIetd8AQM78ju45Nu2TtKbrTZgDLfrHXQZdB6luqm8VmXoijjA/s400/the-croods_1363847487.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, cave people!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I downloaded this film thinking, "Ok, 90 minutes worth of popcorn humor and no substance to worry about." I was a little wrong. Aside from the animation being spectacular, this movie contained a lot of substance I really didn't expect.</div>
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To sum it up, you have a family of cave people trying to escape the end of their world. That, in and of itself, is pretty deep! I mean, how do you explain the end of the world to a 7 year old? Well, they do a pretty good job of it in this movie.</div>
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I was totally prepared for fluff. What I wasn't prepared for was a film that teaches you to look beyond the familiar and strike out to find something better...a film that teaches you that fear is not something to center your life around...a film that actually accentuates the value of a cohesive family unit.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Nicolas Cage voices "Grug", the patriarch of the family. He is obsessed with keeping them alive during this very dangerous period in human evolution, as any father would be. Our heroine, "Eep" is voiced by the lovely Emma Stone. She wants to explore and do something more with her life than live in a cave. She meets "Guy" voiced by the exceptional Ryan Reynolds. I could close my eyes and just listen to his voice all day. He is slightly more evolved than the Croods and has mastered the use of fire. He plans to survive the coming destruction and winds up with the entire Crood clan accompanying him. In a complete standout role is Cloris Leachman as "Gran". I'm sure they tried to get Betty White to voice this role, but I'm sure she's too expensive. Cloris is apparently the poor man's Betty White.</div>
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What amazed me the most about this film was that there wasn't a villain. The Croods weren't fighting against someone (Ok, sometimes themselves). They were just trying to survive. It was also pretty amazing that the motivation for their survival also wasn't the death of a family member (Nemo, I'm talking to you!). Amazingly enough...there wasn't any death. You'd think then that there wouldn't be anything to make me cry...don't worry, there was plenty. I don't think it's a spoiler to tell you that no one dies. It's actually kind of refreshing. Even on repeated watchings (I am up to 6 at this point) the emotional heart-strings are pulled every time, like clockwork.</div>
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I recommend The Croods for children and adults alike. The kids will love the visuals and the slap-stick humor. I'm hoping the adults will take something a little more valuable away from the film. Fear, lose it!...Family, treasure it!</div>
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Let me know what you thought of the film in the comments below.</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-68569314693000374432013-09-09T14:46:00.000-04:002013-09-09T14:46:00.692-04:00Dust Bitten A tragic accident occurred at Sanctuary over the weekend! This gorgeous lantern, my baby, was the major casualty. You might remember my <a href="http://jimnotmike.blogspot.com/2011/02/most-beautiful-lantern-ever.html" target="_blank">original post</a> about the dearly departed, alas poor Lantern...I knew ye well.<br />
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Here is the last "living" photo I have of the deceased,<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudoIIbWQb8PgSZxCBc0l4_RcKFKb0wHjXhgXniuZZSB1BvTUKEx7YwXbZWCfDjuOLJZrtJ614ueg5naIatwMNzr_Hqql4eM-8Ncj1OQEClow0kBWAKVcMhDYoBc63__vu1sN4K9T4gVo/s1600/IMG_4294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudoIIbWQb8PgSZxCBc0l4_RcKFKb0wHjXhgXniuZZSB1BvTUKEx7YwXbZWCfDjuOLJZrtJ614ueg5naIatwMNzr_Hqql4eM-8Ncj1OQEClow0kBWAKVcMhDYoBc63__vu1sN4K9T4gVo/s400/IMG_4294.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You light up my life..."</td></tr>
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I can only blame myself for this senseless tragedy. If it were not for my large, clumsy, oafish hands Lantern would still be alive today. I was reaching inside to turn off it's LED illumination, the globe slipped and Lantern plummeted to it's death on the floor below. My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't scream. I couldn't react. I watched, frozen, the fall as if in slow motion ending in a brutal crash of glass on the wooden floor below. I did my best to attempt to save him, but it was too late. What was once a statuesque, bright beacon was now a crumble of lifeless shards on the floor.<br />
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I'm sure it's morbid to post a photo from the morgue. I warn you...the grisly image that follows is not for the faint of heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHwGpEZsR__NEaLzq9fDQKUhRAv8Z9fn5lhP-MifqtFgUA68Tr_35eFxVJh6fazbYZs3ZKzfukxZsr7ad4rvpgCrVAgepr4bWInO9PVLYuG84oxix_kPnpcUEDz6I4IiUexE0nQmFfGE/s1600/IMG_4314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHwGpEZsR__NEaLzq9fDQKUhRAv8Z9fn5lhP-MifqtFgUA68Tr_35eFxVJh6fazbYZs3ZKzfukxZsr7ad4rvpgCrVAgepr4bWInO9PVLYuG84oxix_kPnpcUEDz6I4IiUexE0nQmFfGE/s400/IMG_4314.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!</td></tr>
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The sense of loss I feel right now is immeasurable. The other lanterns and I have agreed that tonight we will hold a memorial service. Everyone will be lit to they're brightest, carrying on the torch for those who were lost...extinguished in their prime.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-18205042225836352522013-09-06T14:46:00.000-04:002013-09-06T14:46:00.043-04:00Sir Mix-A-Lush: The S'more MartiniI chose this martini as the signature cocktail for the Labor Day BBQ. I did some online research and found a lot of recipes. From that I culminated my own take on the legendary campfire classic.<div>
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The real trick is choosing liquor that doesn't give you a nasty liquor taste, but at the same time...you don't want it to be too sweet. I settled on Godiva Chocolate Liquor and Pinnacle Vodka's Marshmallow flavor.</div>
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The other trick is the presentation. I purchased plastic martini glasses at Party City. It was a picnic after all, I didn't want people breaking my good glass martini glasses. I first dipped the rim of the glass in chocolate syrup and then rimmed it with graham cracker crumbs. YUM! </div>
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The other aspect of the presentation was the garnish. For this I bought small bamboo skewers, also at Party City. On the skewer I placed 4 mini marshmallows which I then toasted over my gas stove burner. You have to be careful...they toast quickly! I wound up with a few charred marshmallow remains while attempting this. The great thing about the garnish is that you can toast them the day before to save time when whipping up the cocktail. Had I employed a bartender for this party, I would have made him toast the garnish as he made the drink. But then I also would have insisted he be muscularly chiseled and work shirtless in very tiny shorts! Hey, if I'm paying I get to choose!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_JEoYH1WbeSaYU70Tm4_r166DoZGkhM3mvn9CF6d-SLg_VepxBSE_JHYTSLiI_SgW5MAUyKa1syqW1KHtW5lcvS8Y67-jsR4qkRRIvO1Lbn_oSnsW758KCMugc4VzL-MEs_ZGxucDZM/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_JEoYH1WbeSaYU70Tm4_r166DoZGkhM3mvn9CF6d-SLg_VepxBSE_JHYTSLiI_SgW5MAUyKa1syqW1KHtW5lcvS8Y67-jsR4qkRRIvO1Lbn_oSnsW758KCMugc4VzL-MEs_ZGxucDZM/s400/IMG_4277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flavor test without the fancy rimming on the glass.</td></tr>
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I created a few test versions leading up to the actual BBQ. Well, I didn't want to serve an inferior martini to my guests! Stop judging me!!! On the test above, I drizzled the glass with chocolate syrup. It looked really pretty, but the drink was so cold the syrup never incorporated into the drink. Hence, I decided to add it to the shaker in the end. What I settled on is the recipe below.</div>
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<h3>
The S'more Martini</h3>
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</div>
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Rim a martini glass (8oz or larger) first in chocolate syrup, then in </div>
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graham cracker crumbs, set aside.</div>
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In a martini shaker with ice add the following:</div>
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2oz Godiva Chocolate Liquor</div>
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2oz Pinnacle Marshmallow Vodka</div>
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1oz Half & Half</div>
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1oz Chocolate Syrup</div>
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Shake vigorously and strain into the martini glass. Garnish with a</div>
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skewer of toasted mini marshmallows. Drink and enjoy!</div>
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Here are pictures of the final version with all it's amazing rimmed goodness taken by those who were enjoying it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iBgsJXHWmlNfgnODyCAhXN5EU2pAxvrcUcLhbdyFsqCmN_WxAfs2-sdUeui7ABMzen2HljAQ6Xi7_yVPkHfy3jcvhNVEvU0btxWLi7CaZ8fQtRlR3j3AvRIbpMl-LDz4FO8ZiGps5BU/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iBgsJXHWmlNfgnODyCAhXN5EU2pAxvrcUcLhbdyFsqCmN_WxAfs2-sdUeui7ABMzen2HljAQ6Xi7_yVPkHfy3jcvhNVEvU0btxWLi7CaZ8fQtRlR3j3AvRIbpMl-LDz4FO8ZiGps5BU/s400/IMG_4288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Siobhan Connellan</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3TIV5xltY0gyPGJCRWcvFBzyl5d6EAeqMRmS7lEsKYaTuTkCfhjsUqZWm6VPL0-xWW-Cbau7NPiGnWf7J54aHstsO-pNt0Zyx0HlC5kgSSpAjE7fre2UnE0NoHXHr01NQsF8xAyNjqA/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3TIV5xltY0gyPGJCRWcvFBzyl5d6EAeqMRmS7lEsKYaTuTkCfhjsUqZWm6VPL0-xWW-Cbau7NPiGnWf7J54aHstsO-pNt0Zyx0HlC5kgSSpAjE7fre2UnE0NoHXHr01NQsF8xAyNjqA/s400/IMG_4289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Josh Wiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />The martini was a big hit at the party, even my mother tried a sip...and she never drinks booze! The downside was that there weren't a lot of left-overs for me to enjoy. Is that a good thing or a bad thing???</div>
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Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-29907943256017943242013-09-02T20:20:00.000-04:002013-09-03T20:39:07.756-04:00What I Did With My Summer VacationHello everyone, and welcome back to JimNotMike. I know I've been gone for a while, taking a little break...but I'm going to try and get back to posting here...at the very least, once a week.<br />
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I thought I'd start by sharing a bit about what I've been up to since I've been gone.<br />
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<h3>
Pepper</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CegZBOGSt_4b8rTp1tmrnUjR5EgpllaPhcy3rFkU6ZxijPBNtRhPs24BQcO4Og2gbCbo9Xul_JnmLfc9HRoVMmEwGUoK71-oKCjyFx2yMibBeBHJao5gFJSStFEdMBwsmgnp3yr427E/s1600/Pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CegZBOGSt_4b8rTp1tmrnUjR5EgpllaPhcy3rFkU6ZxijPBNtRhPs24BQcO4Og2gbCbo9Xul_JnmLfc9HRoVMmEwGUoK71-oKCjyFx2yMibBeBHJao5gFJSStFEdMBwsmgnp3yr427E/s400/Pepper.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep...she thinks she is a lap dog!</td></tr>
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We had the pleasure of fostering this beautiful dog for a few weekends until our kennel found a more permanent home for her. She now has a new home and new name, but she will always be Pepper to me.<br />
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<h3>
New Orleans</h3>
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I got to spend some more time in New Orleans. It's my favorite food city, as most of you know. I also got to tour the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery...AGAIN!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssWtVdx7Yd52ot7qOz6MZ82Fm1EKWK4LN4Se_Hdj92EJTxWFNyoStjnD4cn9ihVfzwo7KqIRRVvGLo-hXIW697up6b7zwZkyELjhL4m-btUwsRwi7trxmEmXLYbJetEKiwQs8E65VyH4/s1600/OldNewOrleans2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssWtVdx7Yd52ot7qOz6MZ82Fm1EKWK4LN4Se_Hdj92EJTxWFNyoStjnD4cn9ihVfzwo7KqIRRVvGLo-hXIW697up6b7zwZkyELjhL4m-btUwsRwi7trxmEmXLYbJetEKiwQs8E65VyH4/s400/OldNewOrleans2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rum, Rum, everywhere! I'll take a barrel please!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Office Move</h3>
<br />
The weekend of July 4th our office moved location to an entirely new facility. It was a pain, but well worth the effort.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KE7OVzfO9wvj4m26J9uRCZwkuMhm5y6FKY8G_6acQBHYKRVwwo0Kk8Q9d6X4vTz3gWx-HuLmzJzRl65UEEDyNAZCuD_MlZ9tRqo0iU2i5WVv-mc42Miu-55VvcTIiyUxgWDFxedVNwA/s1600/Cubicle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KE7OVzfO9wvj4m26J9uRCZwkuMhm5y6FKY8G_6acQBHYKRVwwo0Kk8Q9d6X4vTz3gWx-HuLmzJzRl65UEEDyNAZCuD_MlZ9tRqo0iU2i5WVv-mc42Miu-55VvcTIiyUxgWDFxedVNwA/s400/Cubicle.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brand-spankin new cubicle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZNzQqCJu-jOIPIvA_HRuPZDR7ITiVx0FAFyAd_Wo5sdc-ikf-Xhm-v8o8_CNPQ5MfZutTSfy7pWbfKoiuJt8YIxRjqSQVzM34FEfCrXgNiOQCQEU11lGf2XeFLfiGvS__wPMaoYiR-I/s1600/HuddleRoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZNzQqCJu-jOIPIvA_HRuPZDR7ITiVx0FAFyAd_Wo5sdc-ikf-Xhm-v8o8_CNPQ5MfZutTSfy7pWbfKoiuJt8YIxRjqSQVzM34FEfCrXgNiOQCQEU11lGf2XeFLfiGvS__wPMaoYiR-I/s400/HuddleRoom.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Huddle Room" I designed. It's for informal meetings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Beach Trip</h3>
<br />
Scott, Tod and I headed to Rehoboth for a week. Really, the best part of my summer. It was more rainy and cool that it had ever been, but heck...it's the beach, who cares! I can drink in the rain and wear a hoody!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkSYuUjxB0DnPmzZrAq9IKzuFquSvWwrRx8-1Dm8FBWydI_hU3Ynww_YE9GAQrF0pXXWsGdvlQzClV0DlkULQsnqHyvP8T34DZN2dDeF7BcuEZaBbKBt_7FCE3eqyQskfgLAHmra448o/s1600/BeachPacking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkSYuUjxB0DnPmzZrAq9IKzuFquSvWwrRx8-1Dm8FBWydI_hU3Ynww_YE9GAQrF0pXXWsGdvlQzClV0DlkULQsnqHyvP8T34DZN2dDeF7BcuEZaBbKBt_7FCE3eqyQskfgLAHmra448o/s400/BeachPacking.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is us...packing light!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqFgUTyrYVK7KsCzDRsPBD3SFW01XmF6BZrFsp_-x4jhlG6dQL0AtTe-HiwmBIJe2Co84tYF5u-UOre5qvz2i2rcscs45qCnqqmYawQBk4K-pRVM3WtA0hBB_FJPTAtVH1wbxvmL4BLc/s1600/Pool+Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqFgUTyrYVK7KsCzDRsPBD3SFW01XmF6BZrFsp_-x4jhlG6dQL0AtTe-HiwmBIJe2Co84tYF5u-UOre5qvz2i2rcscs45qCnqqmYawQBk4K-pRVM3WtA0hBB_FJPTAtVH1wbxvmL4BLc/s400/Pool+Flower.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful location on a sunny day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP2TJ3IKuzcslmFF9F2QlKv-Ppi-od1EEs3yrh_ydwK-I8f1NIyH982bvHOuOHVVwbucGSGy-lJWIOrfMkx289JYzopPS-o1PO7nDnFucURrh1kdVfUHFI5pmzP19kEnTvz0vu23kpYM/s1600/HottieWaiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP2TJ3IKuzcslmFF9F2QlKv-Ppi-od1EEs3yrh_ydwK-I8f1NIyH982bvHOuOHVVwbucGSGy-lJWIOrfMkx289JYzopPS-o1PO7nDnFucURrh1kdVfUHFI5pmzP19kEnTvz0vu23kpYM/s400/HottieWaiter.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And...another GREAT view! Oh waiter!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Trunk Club</h3>
<br />
I tried out a service that picks out clothes for you. They made some great choices for me, but everything was well out of my price range so I sent it all back. I think I need to start a service like this, but at a lower price point. The experience was great. Nothing like having a personal stylist!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUprUO_rBg9LZiTgx03Hh5vGVo8-9fCU1bfdiiJkW5HX-tbBk6Jbu8SSOZAk82nSOZNTwfnGmC6puiA4FpehJ9K6wqC9Kdt6o8EUv8_5v4GI2Pu8kRk4MRdnyKXT8gMTkGNPGiQMDUKQ/s1600/Trunk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUprUO_rBg9LZiTgx03Hh5vGVo8-9fCU1bfdiiJkW5HX-tbBk6Jbu8SSOZAk82nSOZNTwfnGmC6puiA4FpehJ9K6wqC9Kdt6o8EUv8_5v4GI2Pu8kRk4MRdnyKXT8gMTkGNPGiQMDUKQ/s400/Trunk.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely packaging.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwTG-5Tg2qnBjY06yLHacryNZQNOJGZoSNY_D8yZJ4x02DFGWPvxb-CIb7T8k_kEp7riXTW3NgJZKXnYGiy2OH_3FbUN5dTrGx70Dw7p21HgHYf2yIM_eYxAKmwdoreGYG0JrvT6JdLY/s1600/TrunkOpen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwTG-5Tg2qnBjY06yLHacryNZQNOJGZoSNY_D8yZJ4x02DFGWPvxb-CIb7T8k_kEp7riXTW3NgJZKXnYGiy2OH_3FbUN5dTrGx70Dw7p21HgHYf2yIM_eYxAKmwdoreGYG0JrvT6JdLY/s400/TrunkOpen.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty clothes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Labor Day BBQ</h3>
<br />
Since I couldn't host on July 4th because of the office move, I hosted an end-of-the-season BBQ.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9e-8BP67YDH_xTckOMDBmPSmMM79npsWA4duhVXaoIWXRnd153muC2FbYtAMv4xcs4ciaC4r_XLryC8roo7KGwtjS40pRsUXFP-1XXpMNjgSJmz9V3nLsmrVRhFP-o-LeO9-bmbFSK0/s1600/Burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9e-8BP67YDH_xTckOMDBmPSmMM79npsWA4duhVXaoIWXRnd153muC2FbYtAMv4xcs4ciaC4r_XLryC8roo7KGwtjS40pRsUXFP-1XXpMNjgSJmz9V3nLsmrVRhFP-o-LeO9-bmbFSK0/s400/Burgers.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my local butcher...yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPGv-7BMaR82FedF5R0M47ExbdeXMkmbsnQbfbQ66XS4RKyyXP4JznYHt0erM-gsMZ2rK_Yx1x0RXrO3Pbxsf6tBpZ1hmfAG1tk12BOkqQMYK2uT237wUFu5k6PweSlADDfGxD6Mqfvw/s1600/Condiments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPGv-7BMaR82FedF5R0M47ExbdeXMkmbsnQbfbQ66XS4RKyyXP4JznYHt0erM-gsMZ2rK_Yx1x0RXrO3Pbxsf6tBpZ1hmfAG1tk12BOkqQMYK2uT237wUFu5k6PweSlADDfGxD6Mqfvw/s400/Condiments.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condiment Bar! Thank you Pinterest!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that pretty much brings us up to speed. If I've left anything out, well...it can be a future post! I hope you all had a great summer too!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-60674342630921955102013-04-24T17:55:00.001-04:002013-04-25T17:23:56.989-04:00AmarylliMore time lapse Spring!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKln7kZsEnp9P3OmMvMCUNq_JB12Y9rbEfHbcFLUxtVZd6dABUPtbRm_IhgON4ySzYcA0AFPqN5UAw64Bx6Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The Hubby provided the blooms...well, he nurtured the plant that did and I produced the video. iMovie is a really easy app to use, I have since found out.<br />
<br />
You can see a better quality version <a href="http://youtu.be/-Xon4BogWK4" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
And for those who care <a href="http://youtu.be/UBSB1T2HEnk" target="_blank">here</a> is the entire full-length video from beginning to end. Great finale!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-12153724353518933782013-01-19T16:42:00.001-05:002013-01-19T16:42:23.407-05:00Taking A BreakIn case you haven't noticed, I haven't posted in a while. I also have no immediate intention of posting any time soon. There...I said it!<br />
<br />
I am going to take a little hiatus from posting. I haven't been feeling it lately and I don't see the point in forcing it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtA4ijViwB_ZA3bVbQJp2WHBjqj05g1yDQQOZ7fpyMHiLjfY5hdHAw-gFEAqX_rCalxe-hsEzz0BmHYYTWZKZdpqyRnMuxEDawm3_VrTTpYg89Vdlbm7CRmHEiZnFrqhX32X7foacy0k/s1600/197349_s7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtA4ijViwB_ZA3bVbQJp2WHBjqj05g1yDQQOZ7fpyMHiLjfY5hdHAw-gFEAqX_rCalxe-hsEzz0BmHYYTWZKZdpqyRnMuxEDawm3_VrTTpYg89Vdlbm7CRmHEiZnFrqhX32X7foacy0k/s320/197349_s7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
So, I will be back this spring, hopefully with a fresh perspective and lots and lots to talk about.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-13550274598465486012012-12-19T13:25:00.000-05:002012-12-19T13:25:00.145-05:00A Diner Isn't Always a DinerLast week a coworker and I took the HR Manager out to lunch for her birthday. We decided to try out <a href="http://voltfamilymeal.com/" target="_blank">Family Meal</a>. It's one of the newer creations of Bryan Voltaggio, owner of <a href="http://www.voltrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Volt</a> in Frederick, MD. We had a great meal, even tho there was some confusion as to who our waitress was at any given time.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun0O6HkCJwsm0CEbQNeimmkUh40KFM-OfLTcColrUqfS-xaM2y8BPf2uhjsKK-08T_83ZYV3ZHb92dYGl0wycOeojs6TNAKrzg0k4lW_COiuvrga4S-IRI1bWgSnrkMQKaRiT1trf2fo/s1600/IMG_3217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun0O6HkCJwsm0CEbQNeimmkUh40KFM-OfLTcColrUqfS-xaM2y8BPf2uhjsKK-08T_83ZYV3ZHb92dYGl0wycOeojs6TNAKrzg0k4lW_COiuvrga4S-IRI1bWgSnrkMQKaRiT1trf2fo/s400/IMG_3217.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Design, this used to be a car dealership</td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
We all started off with an Iced Tea. I really loved the detail of branding the sweeteners. It's just one of those little things that are so often overlooked. Why advertise Equal or Splenda when you can use it as an opportunity to advertise your establishment? The other cool thing was the ice. It's square and melts really slowly so as to not water down your drink.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-Tf-tVSxoIFdnGAa-xzR4BX2YI35oEFjqj8XHW4wdsO8eAWW8mRRWH-y9MVjw_hwsXj0MudoDF8UEkYA6KcXXIYmOJHV95_zco904Ht_qKwvu-3783m-u-7Oim9pPyk2rODWvk7vUBM/s1600/IMG_3218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-Tf-tVSxoIFdnGAa-xzR4BX2YI35oEFjqj8XHW4wdsO8eAWW8mRRWH-y9MVjw_hwsXj0MudoDF8UEkYA6KcXXIYmOJHV95_zco904Ht_qKwvu-3783m-u-7Oim9pPyk2rODWvk7vUBM/s400/IMG_3218.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We started off with the Chicken Pot Pie Fritters. They were kinda like tater-tots, but with the yummy goodness of Chicken Pot Pie inside. Great comfort food re-imagined!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nbnLEo98kJ7AKbYSNiMQ1Jqj7YSgsu-930Z6ZTXQwDQItZDjY12YyWhj4uhzqmA3lrbsZ52DIBKS19m9jLjbSM7sZhFsSTQAUYfVrGe_EjxhikvDI6fKTOAM95KJ5a57maew6UFUX7Y/s1600/IMG_3220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nbnLEo98kJ7AKbYSNiMQ1Jqj7YSgsu-930Z6ZTXQwDQItZDjY12YyWhj4uhzqmA3lrbsZ52DIBKS19m9jLjbSM7sZhFsSTQAUYfVrGe_EjxhikvDI6fKTOAM95KJ5a57maew6UFUX7Y/s400/IMG_3220.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turns out, you can fry anything!</td></tr>
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One of coworkers got the burger. It is topped with cheddar, bacon and caramelized onions. I did sample a bite and was burping those onions the rest of the afternoon. Darn my tummy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQrGtyuQjq-A9wcKji96I8WF-AvAXjfsoLvnobCWOQQKljj1A2Wng3xLwiBJ4K0c4wJFLtPeyiPmis9O7I5eTLWn0BQsu6S8hU683ASAOAgpubA-RhZ2PPdagzHd7TOB4VWxAWvLcFOg/s1600/IMG_3221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQrGtyuQjq-A9wcKji96I8WF-AvAXjfsoLvnobCWOQQKljj1A2Wng3xLwiBJ4K0c4wJFLtPeyiPmis9O7I5eTLWn0BQsu6S8hU683ASAOAgpubA-RhZ2PPdagzHd7TOB4VWxAWvLcFOg/s400/IMG_3221.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pickle was really good too.</td></tr>
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<br />
I got the Mac & Cheese, of course. Anytime I see it on a menu I have to sample it. It was perfectly crispy and made with Tillamook Cheddar, which is one of my favs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioNX_1x25LTyMlibJ76CIi5AJqtCRoOqJteIF5E6fZzD4Tepwg3q5iq5EymKen6nlyYfcGd_aI9ViA83WJMSlikIPSboMcv7K_xbN0GADucvn7GEX9TzFm3i_q4tk6YlE1rCAVVZGLSU/s1600/IMG_3222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioNX_1x25LTyMlibJ76CIi5AJqtCRoOqJteIF5E6fZzD4Tepwg3q5iq5EymKen6nlyYfcGd_aI9ViA83WJMSlikIPSboMcv7K_xbN0GADucvn7GEX9TzFm3i_q4tk6YlE1rCAVVZGLSU/s320/IMG_3222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm cheesy goodness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The HR Manager ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It includes roasted peppers, provolone cheese, shiitake mushroom and a delightful basil mayo. I tried it too and it was delish, but darn those peppers!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8CXrkyR7AxG3ViSFBIqtcmD1dygLpmjNPsoP9FAxRgiM96OYEPydvYtXcsnUQtW6mN0gU4MzU6Id8ybB6P6B865MedRdi2bxOPKgw9m4bcVO50EvFd7STOt7fHw1EGF1yVp31c8LTLg/s1600/IMG_3223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8CXrkyR7AxG3ViSFBIqtcmD1dygLpmjNPsoP9FAxRgiM96OYEPydvYtXcsnUQtW6mN0gU4MzU6Id8ybB6P6B865MedRdi2bxOPKgw9m4bcVO50EvFd7STOt7fHw1EGF1yVp31c8LTLg/s400/IMG_3223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had pounded the chicken thin...nice touch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ok, we ate a lot of food, but I was not leaving till we sampled the Duck Fat Fried Potatoes. They come with 3 dipping sauces...a spicy mayo, smokey ketchup and an amazing pesto. I couldn't get enough of them and wanted to order a second, but they stopped me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib4dOy1foNUbwfRJC7Ktj4MLIxEbaDtoD3n44Rsped1O1-gDhNxGWzkpChTLDxe7v2MJ4-byUA__a_-l9kR5iWgUNBgmeyAQ3lXfUuqQeMTfoVoB8cZUk479-Vx-yE68nO3NEIOm6l4o/s1600/IMG_3224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib4dOy1foNUbwfRJC7Ktj4MLIxEbaDtoD3n44Rsped1O1-gDhNxGWzkpChTLDxe7v2MJ4-byUA__a_-l9kR5iWgUNBgmeyAQ3lXfUuqQeMTfoVoB8cZUk479-Vx-yE68nO3NEIOm6l4o/s400/IMG_3224.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck fat! Who knew???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I ordered coffee because I love the blend they use at Volt. If I'm not mistaken, this is the same creature. Even cooler was the vessel the cream came in.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbOaoThJDqPQLqjHyGtyWOyaAKnZMOzXnhuS_vLB7n6pvuyV5vnya7_u7xOo0R6CBnoZJSLCvX6YOH0m7hDQK3Hsri0wZj9LMm5-v8hnecAI_UmVsuXn6UjvVR4FVJei9tv0HersyZjI/s1600/IMG_3225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbOaoThJDqPQLqjHyGtyWOyaAKnZMOzXnhuS_vLB7n6pvuyV5vnya7_u7xOo0R6CBnoZJSLCvX6YOH0m7hDQK3Hsri0wZj9LMm5-v8hnecAI_UmVsuXn6UjvVR4FVJei9tv0HersyZjI/s400/IMG_3225.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sooo want to steal one of these cream containers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since it was the HR Manager's birthday, we had to order dessert. I know...the horror! We let her choose, so gracious of us! She chose the Chocolate Earl Grey Donuts. They come with hazelnut pudding on top and a scoop of Coffee Ice Cream. Now I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but these were great. They were crispy on the outside, but warm and almost fudge-like on the inside. The ice cream was great, but for 3 of us it would have been nice to have an additional scoop.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg1Wr418kgCwKP3v5e7Ly0xAcErmHIOOBjR9RNIPq-yMFD74e_njXfXtS7g9B4_p3Ht4_XhnF84Bkfs5V2EUaM4MfrqDlkCrSzierG9DRFx2E2SfL5e8IlqdVCJtltagkGR-9IXiV1fs/s1600/IMG_3229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg1Wr418kgCwKP3v5e7Ly0xAcErmHIOOBjR9RNIPq-yMFD74e_njXfXtS7g9B4_p3Ht4_XhnF84Bkfs5V2EUaM4MfrqDlkCrSzierG9DRFx2E2SfL5e8IlqdVCJtltagkGR-9IXiV1fs/s400/IMG_3229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we sang to her!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a great meal. I'll be going back, but I hope to see some changes to their menu. Typically a diner has a huge menu and Family Meal...not so much. I would love to see their take on meatloaf! I would also like to check out their breakfast menu someday. Tho, when am I ever out of bed early enough to do that???</div>
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Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-50789904626100009362012-12-18T13:55:00.000-05:002012-12-18T13:55:00.377-05:00Cookography: Brie, Cranberry & Pecan TartsWe interrupt this Holiday Season to talk about the last one...Thanksgiving. Yeah, I 'm behind on posts, sue me! Anyway, I am always tasked with bringing a light appetizer to Thanksgiving dinner. It's my lot in life. Also, it's easily transportable. Last year I took the <a href="http://jimnotmike.blogspot.com/2011/11/off-cuff-cooking-garlic.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Garlic Bites</a>. They were a huge hit and just the right savory combination of flavors.<br />
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This year, I was looking for a baked tart of some kind. I found something along the lines of what I was considering on the web, but it wasn't exactly what I wanted so, as I tend to do...I modified it. Here are Brie, Canberry & Pecan Tarts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUB5ILgNXnuTyWlno4vA2XoIRRekmEBJC5ZVDiOGa0Klp8TgdMLVyMF1gtQ3odC3M77W6Fe7iFFoFqBP993eZXuq8vGam3Is8TlJy2siLFxKSet4Duzohyphenhyphenf3N8-yY6kpnmfKLck6JtzY/s1600/IMG_3204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUB5ILgNXnuTyWlno4vA2XoIRRekmEBJC5ZVDiOGa0Klp8TgdMLVyMF1gtQ3odC3M77W6Fe7iFFoFqBP993eZXuq8vGam3Is8TlJy2siLFxKSet4Duzohyphenhyphenf3N8-yY6kpnmfKLck6JtzY/s400/IMG_3204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm, yummy, sweet and savory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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They're incredibly simple to put together and since everyone complains that I never provide recipes, here is a stab at one. Remember, I hardly every use them, so take this with a grain of salt.<br />
<br />
Brie, Cranberry & Pecan Tarts<br />
<br />
8 T Chopped Pecans<br />
8 T Chopped Craisins<br />
4 T Honey<br />
8 oz Wheel of Brie<br />
30 Filo Tart Shells<br />
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Mix together the pecans, craisins and honey in a small bowl. Add a little extra honey if it's too dry. Here is what that will look like. Everything nicely coated, but there shouldn't be extra honey pooling anywhere.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4I4Y8GBtRFdnEDmwRgqTVPoYhTwgaUMc5PaOyKwPZrfngDvIqT69QGqiSEz4DVJuqPl6fITSTXQZKXu6xKOTf1JJZOtmfe2UlHAHQqDlmSyrDBdrHFQpjtT50u33M_LMdQm0IbhEKtg/s1600/IMG_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4I4Y8GBtRFdnEDmwRgqTVPoYhTwgaUMc5PaOyKwPZrfngDvIqT69QGqiSEz4DVJuqPl6fITSTXQZKXu6xKOTf1JJZOtmfe2UlHAHQqDlmSyrDBdrHFQpjtT50u33M_LMdQm0IbhEKtg/s400/IMG_3203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I could just eat this by the spoonful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Leave it to sit at room temperature while you cut the skin off the brie and cube it into roughly half inch by quarter inch cubes. (Note: I found it easiest to cut the wheel into the half inch cubes first and then simply cut each of those cubes in half and then cut the skin off).<br />
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Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and place the tart shells on a non-stick baking sheet. Place a cube of brie in each tart shell and cover with the pecan/craisin mixture. Use all of the pecan craisin mixture. They may look over-filled, but as the brie melts it all fills in nicely. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them. I found in order to get things nicely combined I wound up baking them a little longer.<br />
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Let them cool a bit before tasting. I got anxious and burned the heck out of my mouth. That honey is hot!!! Even at room temperature they still tasted great. My Mom also just took these to a Christmas Party and they were a huge hit.<br />
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One last Thanksgiving thought...I ate too much!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGYC92lzjbfuRG4M9onPFyi1D3L8cDzIb7T4724NM3jbeyU3dHvBkO2mujA5NW5fjsW8m5Yw_ScEp2bFF3xST1gP8TtLYgS2GQG587xjwX4H1EmoWD1xXVBe6WZx7jaRysDYFEpJxH4o/s1600/IMG_3205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGYC92lzjbfuRG4M9onPFyi1D3L8cDzIb7T4724NM3jbeyU3dHvBkO2mujA5NW5fjsW8m5Yw_ScEp2bFF3xST1gP8TtLYgS2GQG587xjwX4H1EmoWD1xXVBe6WZx7jaRysDYFEpJxH4o/s400/IMG_3205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view of the table.</td></tr>
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<br />Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-63215821727485525292012-12-17T13:57:00.000-05:002012-12-17T18:46:13.514-05:00Theatre: ECSETATS (One Heck of an Acronym!)Last evening I had the pleasure of traveling to Martinsburg, WV to see my BFF Tod in a production of "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and <i>Then</i> some)". Well, the travel wasn't a pleasure, lot's of highway construction and crazy drivers. But the show was delightful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFxYQu4YiqXSgoMLvexnshKmrI7U3HBvbokzGfjqkBk_QH2PpbBQ14iI9ccksLSF-xXtptkWBGpts6j32Sn-gCYhzzt5BKbhWphI6skKeJttL9RVk4Ag2kOBADrcyo7dsYfnX5KFqwpY/s1600/ECSET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFxYQu4YiqXSgoMLvexnshKmrI7U3HBvbokzGfjqkBk_QH2PpbBQ14iI9ccksLSF-xXtptkWBGpts6j32Sn-gCYhzzt5BKbhWphI6skKeJttL9RVk4Ag2kOBADrcyo7dsYfnX5KFqwpY/s400/ECSET.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show is as jam-packed as the poster</td></tr>
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I had never experienced this particular show and Tod wouldn't even let me help him learn his lines because he wanted it to not be spoiled for me. In the space of what seemed to be a half hour, they managed to stuff every Christmas story I could think of into a very tight stocking. The audience was catapulted from Dickens to Grinch to Charlie Brown like so many flying reindeer. Or as they're referred to in the play "Reingoats". (some sort of licensing issue)<br />
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Tod was joined onstage by Diana Jurand and Tim Eichelberger, both of which gave amazing performances. Ms. Jurand is nothing short of a master at accents. So much so that when an Australian accent popped out of her mouth I was surprised, but probably shouldn't have been considering the round-the-world trip she had taken us on throughout the evening. When Mr. Eichelberger stepped to the front of the stage, gently pulled a blue blanket out his pocket and proceeded to deliver Linus' christmas speech from "It's Christmas Charlie Brown" I was moved to tears. It's no surprise that he played most, if not all, of the children's roles in the show. His honesty on stage and sheer innocence was of clear effect on the audience.<br />
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What can I say about my BFF Tod that won't be construed as blowing sunshine up his a*s? Well, the show begins as a production of "A Christmas Carol" before it starts it's merry race through the Christmas Story Canon (at first to Tod's characters chagrin). I really enjoyed watching the transformation of his character as he eventually throws himself in the frivolity. When the voice of Jimmy Stewart popped out of his mouth in the form of George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" I was giddy with laughter as was the rest of the audience. Still, I have to say I would really like to see him perform the entire roll of Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" some day.<br />
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All in all it was a solid production. That can probably be attributed greatly to it's director, DC Cathro. Not everyone can weave a coherent production out of so much chaos. I can only imagine what things backstage look like for this show. I'm thinking it's something akin to "Noises Off" where the backstage drama of quick changes, running actors and shear panic is practically as entertaining as what is happening onstage. Kudos to the crew for keeping it running smoothly, or at least making it appear to the audience that what is happening onstage is what is supposed to be happening.<br />
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This will mark the 4th (I think) show I have been to at the <a href="http://www.apollo-theatre.org/" target="_blank">Apollo Civic Theatre</a> in Martinsburg. I have been quite impressed with their work. Even "<a href="http://jimnotmike.blogspot.com/2011/05/1776.html" target="_blank">1776</a>"! It's a show I hate and their production didn't make me hate it less, but I did really enjoy the experience. The rest of their season includes "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", "High School Reunion, the Musical" and "Hello Dolly!" I would highly recommend checking out any or all of those performances out for yourself.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-25509138699644948522012-11-28T21:27:00.000-05:002012-11-28T21:27:45.962-05:00Dick...Liz & DickFinally, a post where I can use the word dick all I want and not have it flagged as dirty. Also finally, Lifetime aired a movie I might be the least interested in seeing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxHBLTP4fejv56lpJ-jgJvAcbWZJpI0ThhQfakFjB9uUECW-aDlb4-DfI3nu87C1t5oRRY5dRup4xr9PqnxECe97Hf0sKArJHbxBjic6HoWwqcqYi2-N-FQYzUU6mbUjTwAKkd9X2j0g/s1600/lindsay-lohan-liz-and-dick-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxHBLTP4fejv56lpJ-jgJvAcbWZJpI0ThhQfakFjB9uUECW-aDlb4-DfI3nu87C1t5oRRY5dRup4xr9PqnxECe97Hf0sKArJHbxBjic6HoWwqcqYi2-N-FQYzUU6mbUjTwAKkd9X2j0g/s400/lindsay-lohan-liz-and-dick-poster.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She really does look like her</td></tr>
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Many critics lauded this movie as a train wreck months before it even aired. After viewing it in it's entirety, I actually was kind of impressed.<br />
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My first exposure to Lindsay Lohan was her starring role in The Parent Trap, many years ago. I was captivated by her performance. She brought an essence to the movie that even the original Haley Mills didn't.<br />
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Since then, like everyone I have been over shadowed by her tabloid presence more so than that of her acting. That is, until now.<br />
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Liz & Dick isn't a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but I do feel that it is a shockingly, possibly true representation of their relationship. I think most of the world has created a vision of Elizabeth Taylor and Dick, that transcends reality. I think what the producers of this movie sought to portray were the real people behind the media hype.<br />
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I almost wish that the entire movie had consisted of Liz & Dick sitting in front of the camera as they did from time to time throughout. Their candor during those scenes was amazing! People often forget that during their relationship Liz was a young, immature girl (she was 29 when they met and had done 29 films...not a situation that fosters maturity) and I feel that Lindsay captured that. It's very easy to take the icon that Liz became and easily apply that to every characterization of her for eternity. But she wasn't always an icon, famous and spectacular, but not always an icon.<br />
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This movie captures that time. The time when Liz was a wildly successful actress, but not yet an icon. For that viewpoint I am grateful.Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-78939379515281481192012-11-14T13:35:00.000-05:002012-11-14T13:35:00.454-05:00San Fran: The Hotel<br />
In my 13 years traveling I have stayed at more hotels than I can count. One chain of hotels I haven't had the pleasure of staying in is The W Hotel brand. This time in San Fran, I got my chance. Granted, this hotel chain is a little more upscale than I would ever stay in if I was traveling on my dime. But if someone else is paying...I'm there!<div>
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I had a standard room, so it was small. But some of the touches were very highbrow.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDJqBHrZZW8WvodYSSLBKVtGDclKTiSYFZTtix8H1oSd35UiuL0DnhrU09FV-UMPHTToqZDyDoPdrHuFd8lpScO799h2uyYEFkG2HMkzvK5FDS60J1-jfPsyQNdxtAbdHR_x9JNQOlWg/s1600/IMG_3149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDJqBHrZZW8WvodYSSLBKVtGDclKTiSYFZTtix8H1oSd35UiuL0DnhrU09FV-UMPHTToqZDyDoPdrHuFd8lpScO799h2uyYEFkG2HMkzvK5FDS60J1-jfPsyQNdxtAbdHR_x9JNQOlWg/s400/IMG_3149.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirrored clouds on the headboards.</td></tr>
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<div>
The art in the bathroom was also much more upscale than you find at most hotels. This piece is just amazing. It made me smile every time I peed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UbJ5n8IriyY1D6Dcvj1rWYl8pzgcMIczFE6Gtx6ynhXUqUuuJ5bL3yihBmQgRKunzaH_mCg7ypNdmC_jiozqi6Ing44aSX2GFBu6FzwfRZbLjFQD4zqnlirYou1vmfErqlbEiFtGS4Y/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UbJ5n8IriyY1D6Dcvj1rWYl8pzgcMIczFE6Gtx6ynhXUqUuuJ5bL3yihBmQgRKunzaH_mCg7ypNdmC_jiozqi6Ing44aSX2GFBu6FzwfRZbLjFQD4zqnlirYou1vmfErqlbEiFtGS4Y/s400/IMG_3146.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashioned out of vintage airline tickets.</td></tr>
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The elevators alone were amazing. Not for their speed, but for their art. The tree is a layered glass effect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo1q8EFYvu0hK40ksGJUf5g2BzoluXxP2BOa_hRlNJK_AaoQHcemm8r8NZ2xoC_AGzAFclj3msL0j3L8KvtYJVNiK1UKBGPBipu-b8-vpDSboVkcdehUti2Wm-PDJIbH8K986j8JLYAM/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo1q8EFYvu0hK40ksGJUf5g2BzoluXxP2BOa_hRlNJK_AaoQHcemm8r8NZ2xoC_AGzAFclj3msL0j3L8KvtYJVNiK1UKBGPBipu-b8-vpDSboVkcdehUti2Wm-PDJIbH8K986j8JLYAM/s400/IMG_3101.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little tripy, the leaves seemed to move as you did.</td></tr>
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One thing this hotel does, that I guess a lot of hotels are going towards is being "Green". Upon checkin they offered me a deal where I could opt for maid service every other day and get 500 Starwood Guest Points for every day I didn't have maid service. Well, I'm not a messy person so I said yes to the deal. What it really comes down to is a way for them to save money on maid services. But who am I to complain. I did get to complain one day tho. </div>
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After being at the convention center for 14 hours, I returned to my room at 7pm to find the maid still cleaning it. I was less than pleased and immediately went down to the front desk to complain. I mean, I had been gone for 14 hours...that maid had plenty of time to get to my room before I returned! The young lady at the front desk was sympathetic, she said, "Sir, how can I possibly make this right for you?" I said, "Well you can give me vouchers for a couple free drinks at the bar while I wait for my room to be ready." Without batting an eye she immediately produced 2 drink vouchers and sent me on my way. Moral of the story...a cocktail or 2 goes a long way towards my happiness.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-zOEN_qHeRkburC_GU13QsaMTpE_y7phjzDyRCSBiTSd1_qlL4JkDdUWBUASJf9GJ-2D2gls52c0rRjZ0g_qIdUaW3UCB9jDqE5XjbO9-1D2gXPaSPyTw2bRx5uiOktxF35K5Hh7uFI/s1600/IMG_3108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-zOEN_qHeRkburC_GU13QsaMTpE_y7phjzDyRCSBiTSd1_qlL4JkDdUWBUASJf9GJ-2D2gls52c0rRjZ0g_qIdUaW3UCB9jDqE5XjbO9-1D2gXPaSPyTw2bRx5uiOktxF35K5Hh7uFI/s400/IMG_3108.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the cocktail as much as the flower.</td></tr>
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That is the Meadowlark. It's a combination of vodka, fresh lemon juice and a lavender syrup. It was very tasty and 2 of these was well worth having to wait a bit for my room to be cleaned.</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-24811236663676051002012-11-13T14:01:00.000-05:002012-11-13T14:01:00.264-05:00San Fran: The FoodLet's travel back in time to a few weeks ago. I was in San Francisco. I don't know exactly where any of you might have been. Even if I did know, I 'm sure I've forgotten by now. What I haven't forgotten is all of the wonderful food I was able to sample in San Francisco while I was there.<div>
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I have found a new love...don't worry Hubby, it's a burger. A Super Duper Burger to be exact. Around here we have Five Guys Burgers & Fries, but in San Fran, they have <a href="http://www.superdupersf.com/" target="_blank">Super Duper Burgers</a>, and I have to say...they are super duper! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1JJ0UjgLa3EwPQo7EgiX2_S-RfvE1uTv6HC5bxOERc97C2hdjZ4lHmw-LtY9Nglcm5ITk5AbMp4aeah_hnm3hjc8Y7Y9SefHk7bHp0HFx3CuQKvtO-umUb9z13VccpdtZfGKuOYYTsU/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1JJ0UjgLa3EwPQo7EgiX2_S-RfvE1uTv6HC5bxOERc97C2hdjZ4lHmw-LtY9Nglcm5ITk5AbMp4aeah_hnm3hjc8Y7Y9SefHk7bHp0HFx3CuQKvtO-umUb9z13VccpdtZfGKuOYYTsU/s400/IMG_3111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can get a double or a single burger and their garlic fries are to DIE for! Yeah, I ate here 4 times during the trip. Twice was to prove to other people how amazing the place is. The sacrifices I make for others!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnwco_KvuqHIElS1pGLhcMPMXBMyzDtsoV0jRmEqBLdpB6kYzsb7JYvayBvGVZtLN9_Px65_oaMfeB1H-JwZcXD58rwczPdxktoY15dA7q11PqnPNfnGz7lsh6VMFrs9Z9jikQIvDmDI/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnwco_KvuqHIElS1pGLhcMPMXBMyzDtsoV0jRmEqBLdpB6kYzsb7JYvayBvGVZtLN9_Px65_oaMfeB1H-JwZcXD58rwczPdxktoY15dA7q11PqnPNfnGz7lsh6VMFrs9Z9jikQIvDmDI/s400/IMG_3113.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaven on a cute little metal tray!</td></tr>
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You really do need that wrapper on the burger in order to eat it. They are so juicy that your hands are a mess till your finished even with the wrapper. A word or warning...if you order the garlic fries, you will smell like garlic through the following day. I woke up the next morning and even my pillow smelled like garlic.</div>
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My coworkers and I took the client out to dinner one evening to a delightful little place called <a href="http://www.oola-sf.com/" target="_blank">oola</a>. Right off the bat, I have to tell you that the service was less than exceptional. We were a group of 10 and they really didn't seem to have the ability to service a group that large. I would guess that a party of 2 or 4 would have a delightful experience here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCZz0c9hzEGVHWkLzrmX4B6RwFnthXA1yoyq4RH6UPDMG7hk0gnzZxj0C7loUwAy5ze_YRzuHHllOI-5nCP8DGAr_3a6tEK17fLo8K6Io8cLIv7WjAIR5k8X2cwe85MrhsVcQn2vdH34/s1600/IMG_3114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCZz0c9hzEGVHWkLzrmX4B6RwFnthXA1yoyq4RH6UPDMG7hk0gnzZxj0C7loUwAy5ze_YRzuHHllOI-5nCP8DGAr_3a6tEK17fLo8K6Io8cLIv7WjAIR5k8X2cwe85MrhsVcQn2vdH34/s400/IMG_3114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, they need to clean the bird poop off their sign.</td></tr>
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Their real claim to fame is their cocktail menu. They offer a lot of prohibition era cocktails that are made with the finest ingredients. I was intrigued by the Dark & Stormy. It's a combination of incredibly dark rum, ginger and lime. It is indeed dark, so much so that I had to light it from behind with a candle to get a photo of it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XmCoNHGYzx-rYSc2Pfv-_czsmNFZj6TxTnJPxbH4Dru4jcr5GJI-HWpZUZCOzS3VXNNTx_krEkMIx9tIYRlVcIiMpSExieQNLfsYRCJu-o9hypXrp7BfOZdnxiepmBfV5AK3tFD33Xs/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XmCoNHGYzx-rYSc2Pfv-_czsmNFZj6TxTnJPxbH4Dru4jcr5GJI-HWpZUZCOzS3VXNNTx_krEkMIx9tIYRlVcIiMpSExieQNLfsYRCJu-o9hypXrp7BfOZdnxiepmBfV5AK3tFD33Xs/s400/IMG_3117.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A storm is brewing</td></tr>
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Pretty amazing cocktail. I need to start making these at home. I just need to find some really dark rum to do it with.</div>
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For dinner, I chose their 4 Cheese Mac & Cheese and roasted brussel sprouts. Everything was very tasty, I just wish it had arrived faster. I do have to say...the waiter did keep the cocktails coming, that's a plus. I apologize for the lighting, the cocktails aren't the only dark thing at this place.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEF1Bpp16mdbnw5l7n58_vTFsnb26VziA4q-PCaRgIZOGPeVWzVNYuE2dKGLVeaUj5akmsFoESMML2GfWYx7mAz6_Gq9J-p1Zl0SMMkF1fCIfcwlFEkl2Px9UF7vvliksKdq_au3E3fg/s1600/IMG_3122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEF1Bpp16mdbnw5l7n58_vTFsnb26VziA4q-PCaRgIZOGPeVWzVNYuE2dKGLVeaUj5akmsFoESMML2GfWYx7mAz6_Gq9J-p1Zl0SMMkF1fCIfcwlFEkl2Px9UF7vvliksKdq_au3E3fg/s400/IMG_3122.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't remember what 4 cheeses...but does it really matter?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbfbGVQl1KCA-wurFBAan7gDZSuyQzLoXWVmOiI5gFESTPmwhXnPZKzYUQbE01UVHtNFS3YHY_Br_OEmtZvINhw_aD_tnYg6j1m8w_BZqGoStDa7wrmFkddqaz3VfzrFvy6zl32xLyVw/s1600/IMG_3123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbfbGVQl1KCA-wurFBAan7gDZSuyQzLoXWVmOiI5gFESTPmwhXnPZKzYUQbE01UVHtNFS3YHY_Br_OEmtZvINhw_aD_tnYg6j1m8w_BZqGoStDa7wrmFkddqaz3VfzrFvy6zl32xLyVw/s400/IMG_3123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tender, perfect!</td></tr>
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The meal really was delicious. I am so glad I wasn't paying for it. I mean, those cocktails were $12 a piece and I know I drank more than 6 of them. Thankfully the big wigs didn't say a word. Cause if they had I would have answered with, "13 years...last show...pay up!"</div>
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That was all of the savory food from the trip. Some nights we were finished so late and I was so tired that I just grabbed a sandwich at Subway. One nice little treat were the cupcakes that the convention & visitors association brought to us. Yes, I ate one or two despite the carbs involved.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvHIJORg2OOvWbO4IoPK2NrYg3_NxlvIQSTQs82zoA2y9H6nMwzehgoJVjCGN2lC1SPNtUK6JbmX_xndxr53mn_RtytemUFeca7yv_bvh0U5vZ-NcIrdszerACplESmf5xhph3DXPtfs/s1600/IMG_3134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvHIJORg2OOvWbO4IoPK2NrYg3_NxlvIQSTQs82zoA2y9H6nMwzehgoJVjCGN2lC1SPNtUK6JbmX_xndxr53mn_RtytemUFeca7yv_bvh0U5vZ-NcIrdszerACplESmf5xhph3DXPtfs/s400/IMG_3134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first glance, I thought this cupcake was cussing at me.</td></tr>
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Well, I don't travel again until New Year's and that will be to Las Vegas. So I might not have much on-the-road food to talk about until then.</div>
Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-28862260653817735832012-11-12T13:28:00.000-05:002012-11-12T13:28:00.685-05:00This is a Test: Winter MintLook! A new column!!! Most people assume that the confidence with which I attack my projects somehow means I have any idea how they are going to turn out. Little secret...most of the time I have no idea what the outcome will be. So, I have created the "This is a Test" column for times when I'm relatively sure that the outcome could be way worse than I imagine it to be.<br />
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I have always considered mint to be a summer delicacy. Most consider it a weed, for me it's the main ingredient in my amazing <a href="http://jimnotmike.blogspot.com/2011/05/sir-mix-lush-first-mojito.html" target="_blank">Mojitos</a>. Mojito season officially runs Memorial Day to Labor Day for me mainly because that is when the mint flourishes. For some reason, perhaps because temps have been fairly mild here this fall, my mint is still growing.<br />
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I've decided to try storing some for the winter. Who knows...maybe I'll have Mojitos on New Year's? Anyway, I did a little research and the 2 most prevalent ways for storing mint are to freeze it inside ice cubes or to vacuum seal it. I've opted for vacuum sealing simply because the packages of finished product take up a lot less space in the freezer than a bag of ice cubes would.<br />
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I began by harvesting my mint. I pretty much decimated the plant. Winter is coming and it'll be totally dead soon, I just helped it along. Here is my harvested and carefully selected mint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgQXqZ0g3p66iFx0oJbiWrfj1Mtwkp6oQjVrTjtWH5IQ8a1Bjw-Kop9Rssr3KwZZju3EIKVLl7EMNHIPvCqNhCbIFELZy47ntV6MiI8oHsjLaD8NokU0svJq2nfsUBDCxs9L3Nl2u_ek/s1600/IMG_3181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgQXqZ0g3p66iFx0oJbiWrfj1Mtwkp6oQjVrTjtWH5IQ8a1Bjw-Kop9Rssr3KwZZju3EIKVLl7EMNHIPvCqNhCbIFELZy47ntV6MiI8oHsjLaD8NokU0svJq2nfsUBDCxs9L3Nl2u_ek/s400/IMG_3181.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minty heaven in a colander</td></tr>
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Once I washed it off and patted it dry, I let it sit for a while. All of the websites said that the mint should be as dry as possible prior to vacuum sealing it. My hands still smell like mint from all the handling I did. I love that! I get the same joy out of handling basil.<br />
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I then dug out my trusty FoodSaver machine and sealed up the mint. I think it did pretty well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXbJvyHdUVlbv0ilSe-REGRYnsbcBH-vzyb-FkkDFQfw-JCCeb55QfydKORMpEy_0Dk9jSZ_3NM9MdQYaiHxs3SCSVznbUHXKbhUIXaAqOeXTTfjwA2VL3c6z5XGTRMtxp12h0ZkpnQE/s1600/IMG_3184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXbJvyHdUVlbv0ilSe-REGRYnsbcBH-vzyb-FkkDFQfw-JCCeb55QfydKORMpEy_0Dk9jSZ_3NM9MdQYaiHxs3SCSVznbUHXKbhUIXaAqOeXTTfjwA2VL3c6z5XGTRMtxp12h0ZkpnQE/s400/IMG_3184.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FoodSaver in no way paid for this endorsement.</td></tr>
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The true test will be when I go to use it. I'll be sure to blog about the first ever Winter Mojito!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088173983283266154.post-27329506242707967622012-11-07T14:20:00.000-05:002012-11-07T14:20:00.276-05:00Yep! I Live in the CountryI've talked a lot about my house, but I haven't discussed a lot about the area I live in. It's a pretty small town in Western Maryland. I can traverse the 2 main streets of the town in about 10 minutes, if that gives you any idea of the size. The town is surrounded by a variety of agriculture. There are 6 orchards within a 3 minute drive of my house and an excellent butcher who's offerings come from a 30 mile circumference of the town. So...you can't get fresher than that for produce and meats. More importantly there are 2 liquor stores within a 3 minute drive. You can't get anymore drunk than that!!!<br />
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I've always live rurally. I grew up in a slightly larger Small Town than I live in now. There is something truly priceless about small town living. Sure, I could have moved to somewhere a bit more cosmopolitain, but why? I have everything I need right here.<br />
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My town even has parades...3 of them a year, and my house is directly on the parade route. We have the Carnival Parade every summer, the Homecoming Parade in the fall and every year...the parade that accompanies the annual Steam & Craft Festival. Steam? What??? Well yes, every year they haul out the ancient steam powered farm machinery that powered our early nation and show it off. In addition they have great food and well...crafts. I'm not so much into the crafts, but the food...I enjoy that very much.<br />
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During the parade you see sights such as this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR_qE8MibXnh5l4zbhesJrLp-SRUSslifUw3TumFxIwc6ma0tzubEDqymt56lui2NKhA8Lp291iA34pU1kSnToBcBSRj6a0RAHgSKp1McZooOm1olvqCGYIC7m9GUSfoVuVcisdUoptk/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR_qE8MibXnh5l4zbhesJrLp-SRUSslifUw3TumFxIwc6ma0tzubEDqymt56lui2NKhA8Lp291iA34pU1kSnToBcBSRj6a0RAHgSKp1McZooOm1olvqCGYIC7m9GUSfoVuVcisdUoptk/s400/IMG_3067.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, powered entirely by steam.</td></tr>
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And this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9tzOmWfyBPo4Ny4NdWwQK4T4CEQ9yptBxVzyIxa_4yBH_ux0RJtF_u9EuJcjGK2fwJVXS7cix2WDDWxRpxz8fjvNzcF3WjLXqXelIJsezaa6B5uc4mNCIBqT6H83yp3JgUOfDYTbZo8/s1600/IMG_3069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9tzOmWfyBPo4Ny4NdWwQK4T4CEQ9yptBxVzyIxa_4yBH_ux0RJtF_u9EuJcjGK2fwJVXS7cix2WDDWxRpxz8fjvNzcF3WjLXqXelIJsezaa6B5uc4mNCIBqT6H83yp3JgUOfDYTbZo8/s400/IMG_3069.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like a train and tractor combined!</td></tr>
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Aside from some of the cool steam powered engines that I'm hoping are around when the Zombie Apocalypse hits, it also is a very family centered affair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYucw6bB0chV_AlEDpEJ_M096zgTT51LgzMGhkVa8lG_NSTV5RQFnhVnOwQwTVOLt6_pP0M289LU1FU1uPdIFsP-SQUFjplcWetXEzo7hSemjc_tEyYgqEDo5m1XVVRWwc-0gdgm-JL8/s1600/IMG_3073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYucw6bB0chV_AlEDpEJ_M096zgTT51LgzMGhkVa8lG_NSTV5RQFnhVnOwQwTVOLt6_pP0M289LU1FU1uPdIFsP-SQUFjplcWetXEzo7hSemjc_tEyYgqEDo5m1XVVRWwc-0gdgm-JL8/s400/IMG_3073.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like father, like son..oh wait, like daughter? Good for her!</td></tr>
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The scary part of the parade is at the end. Everyone in town who owns a riding lawn mower saddles up and rides through town behind the steam engines.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAErPsuwcYbVxpBN7Fdn8Ln4K-X9dEfB2pNnqi4JGylFn47Lhs-fwY09tVZ118z31BoGlUJdtXd2UadnaPF1yCKQjbtko6KcMft-rAKMeCqPRtLDnpTx55UhYd4OqsnVKME2ZUIplpcE/s1600/IMG_3078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAErPsuwcYbVxpBN7Fdn8Ln4K-X9dEfB2pNnqi4JGylFn47Lhs-fwY09tVZ118z31BoGlUJdtXd2UadnaPF1yCKQjbtko6KcMft-rAKMeCqPRtLDnpTx55UhYd4OqsnVKME2ZUIplpcE/s400/IMG_3078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I'm so glad I don't own a riding mower.</td></tr>
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Only slightly more shocking are some of the social idioms the parade seemed to enforce. Photographical evidence follows...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb0vSv7BrUg6F4s5cR_LFyt37jkiy0biJOcH126B6a7s6BCa5lh-E7NVsft7vtfIGS4TReAde3jsBhtJfOfMxs9I-xi9mqvfyiCcXExilUWbvc5k29m8NHVhnQrD-wF9oysETXvAuulM/s1600/IMG_3077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb0vSv7BrUg6F4s5cR_LFyt37jkiy0biJOcH126B6a7s6BCa5lh-E7NVsft7vtfIGS4TReAde3jsBhtJfOfMxs9I-xi9mqvfyiCcXExilUWbvc5k29m8NHVhnQrD-wF9oysETXvAuulM/s400/IMG_3077.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wife in the wagon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCUWw-Mdas0WerC4Kov-02eFAjtYxPMcwyy2q2zboDihv6TD8B7ELU5dePwIxGV980NyBKRX1BscrPzHEDEQQ8uvXCBTFfxm4M-E9hyh-PircZorIwJTj3X61lAsLtIpkunIsrPafsws/s1600/IMG_3079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCUWw-Mdas0WerC4Kov-02eFAjtYxPMcwyy2q2zboDihv6TD8B7ELU5dePwIxGV980NyBKRX1BscrPzHEDEQQ8uvXCBTFfxm4M-E9hyh-PircZorIwJTj3X61lAsLtIpkunIsrPafsws/s400/IMG_3079.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma in the wagon.</td></tr>
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And yep...grandma is clutching a flag in that picture. So yes, I do live in the country. A town where the women-folk aren't allowed to drive mowers, but are resigned to riding in the wagon. If I had a riding lawnmower and a wagon you had better believe The Hubby would be driving it while I sat in the wagon with Molly, sipping on a martini and throwing candy and condoms out to those observing!Jim, not Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17375672012080692689noreply@blogger.com1