OK...So 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

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!

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.

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!

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.

So, take your best shot 2014, I can handle it!

A Diner Isn't Always a Diner

Last week a coworker and I took the HR Manager out to lunch for her birthday. We decided to try out Family Meal. It's one of the newer creations of Bryan Voltaggio, owner of Volt in Frederick, MD. We had a great meal, even tho there was some confusion as to who our waitress was at any given time.

Great Design, this used to be a car dealership

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.

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!

Turns out, you can fry anything!

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!

The pickle was really good too.

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.

Warm cheesy goodness!

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!

They had pounded the chicken thin...nice touch!

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.

Duck fat! Who knew???

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.

I sooo want to steal one of these cream containers!

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.

Yes, we sang to her!

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???

Theatre: 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 Then some)". Well, the travel wasn't a pleasure, lot's of highway construction and crazy drivers. But the show was delightful.

The show is as jam-packed as the poster

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)

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.

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.

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.

This will mark the 4th (I think) show I have been to at the Apollo Civic Theatre in Martinsburg. I have been quite impressed with their work. Even "1776"! 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.

Dick...Liz & Dick

Finally, 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.

She really does look like her

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.

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.

Since then, like everyone I have been over shadowed by her tabloid presence more so than that of her acting. That is, until now.

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.

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.

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.

Why is This Even a Question?

Vote YES

Thank you.

Call Me...

...Maybe. It's been the hit song of the summer. I found myself trying to avoid it for simply that reason. Having seen the inspired creativity the song has led to, I can't resist it anymore. Now it even has a Glee version.

That really can't compare to this orchestral and choral version.

It just amazes me that a bippy little dance number can go this far and be this wonderful. So I am hooked. I have started a playlist in iTunes devoted entirely to Call Me Maybe creativity and when I'm at the club I just simply can't resist dancing to it.

Finally!

Something I've always known to be true has been has been consigned to an info-graphic!

Discuss!

Best Explanation I've Ever Seen

I've talked a lot about the low carb lifestyle on this blog, but I've always been at a loss for words to describe how it works. That is, until I found this info graphic.

Thank you Massive Health!

Not to mention the fact that it finally explains to me what a triglyceride is. Not even my doctor could do that!

Nirvana

On Saturday Tod and I went here...

Heaven on earth!

We don't have one in the area yet so we had to trek to Chamberburg. But it was well worth the trip. The Hobby Lobby is better than any craft store I have ever been to. Not only do they have the supplies for any craft project you might enjoy, but they also have a huge amount of home decor and accents, as well as, a bunch of furniture.

It's like Michael's and Pier 1 got married and had a beautiful child.

I'm Seeing Spots

I love Pier 1. I remember when it was a great, cheap place to buy home accessories. Of course, now it isn't cheap anymore...they've gone up-scale. But you can still find some great stuff there. I usually shop the clearance sections. But these were not on clearance and I hope you can see why I had to have them.

I know! Right???

My dear mother made that runner years ago with fabric that I picked out. Now 4 years later, to find this glassware that works so well with it...providence! See why I had to buy them at full price. I just knew they would never make it to the clearance shelf. I think they will also make great tea light candle holders. I am all about things that can have a dual purpose. Sort of makes me feel like I got a 50% off coupon for them.

I know, I know...whatever I have to tell myself. I can rationalize just about anything!

Downton, Not Downtown!

I have often been amazed at the quality of television the BBC manages to create...Doctor Who, Absolutely Fabulous, and Merlin just to name a few. Recently, during my convalescence I stumbled upon Downton Abbey which is now in it's second series (what they call a season in the UK).

Never a more stellar cast!

The plot revolves around the servants and family that inhabit the magnificent piece of real estate. I have found it to be a fascinating period piece (which I usually don't enjoy) that not only highlights the aristocracy, but also those who served them. It also delivers intricate plotting that is akin to what we have come to know as a Soap Opera. For some reason tho, being British, it's all seems much more high class and proper.

No cat fights in the mud or Koi Pond to be found here. The cat fights to be found in this drama are all delightfully verbal and fiendishly clever. Maggie Smith, playing the Dowager Countess, rules the screen with more grace and venom than any "Alexis Carrington" I have ever witnessed.

The series is beautifully photographed. It is mostly filmed on location at the amazing estate you see in the photo above. I have also been captivated by it's score. The Hubby often makes fun of me for my ability to listen to the same selection of music over and over again. This score has been playing from my iTunes since I downloaded it 4 days ago. Take a listen and also get a glimpse of the cinematography that has so captivated my attentions

I hope you have a chance to check out this series if you haven't already. I 'm sure it can be found somewhere on BBC America. It's managed to hold my attention much like Game of Thrones, except here the characters bathe on a regular basis.

It Ain't All Bad

Almost done with the hospital posts folks, only one more after this. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this experience really meant to me and what I may, or may not have learned from it. Now I'm not going to get all sappy and go with the "Live Every Moment to It's Fullest" crap. We all know that's a load of bull. How totally exhausting would that be? You know me well enough by now to know that I am sooooo not about "exhausting". For me, it's about the small things.

I know, I know...the sky is not a small thing.

On the day I was being released from the hospital, this was the view out a nearby window. A storm had just passed and the skies were clearing. For me personally it felt very much the same. Four days earlier I was laying in an ER bed weathering what was perhaps the worst storm of my life to date. But that had passed and the sun was starting to peek through the clouds.

There will be more storms in the coming weeks, perhaps many. I'm not self-delusional enough to think for a moment that this isn't going to be an uphill battle. I mean, I'm fighting my own blood here...or it's fighting me, I'm not sure which?

But as long as I can keep this image in my mind, I know that at some point the rain, thunder and lighting is going to fade and the sun will once again poke it's head through the clouds.

Optimism? Maybe...call it what you will, but I prefer to think of it as an eventuality.

Never Forget

Some might say that I have a terrible memory...shut up Tod! I'm the first to admit that there are a plethora of details that slip through the stringy confines of my mind on a daily basis. But, ya know...I'd rather ask again then be concerned about remembering a bunch of things.  What I need is one of these! A Memory Board!

Look! I am independent!

This handy dandy little board is in every patient's room (Again, I am assuming, hopefully, that you have never been admitted to a hospital). Now I know, from the hospitals standpoint it makes sure that the rotating staff know what's going on and the patient can't pull a fast one on them (Unless said patient brought a Dry Erase Marker with them). For me it was wonderful! Ask Tod, I can never remember people's names. But now I always knew the names of the people I was interacting with that day. I never forgot my doctor's name. Suddenly my memory wasn't so murky. I was King of the World in an ill-fitting backless hospital gown!

All I have to do now is redevelop this for use at home. I already use a lot of paper lists here at the house, but what if I could combine all of that into a Home Memory Board. There could be To Do Lists, Grocery Lists, The Last 10 Topics Tod & I Discussed Online Lists, The Last 5 People I Spoke To Lists, in fact...the list of lists is endless! What would be even cooler is if it were somehow digital. I could tie it to my computer and just update till the cows come home! (No, I really don't have any lost cows...it's an expression people)

Another benefit is that anyone who sees my Memory Board would instantly have all kinds of topics of conversation they could discuss with me. "Oh, so you and Tod were talking about the house he looked at the other day...how is it?" or "What do you need boiled peanuts for???" or "Who's this Imelio person you were talking to yesterday???". Ok, maybe not that last one, that sounds a little accusatory.

Pick up yours...coming soon to Amazon.com!

We Interrupt the Hospital Posts...

...for this breaking discovery. Every now and then at 2 o'clock in the morning I find something amazing on the internet that isn't about porn. I jest! (Hey, it's out there...what can I say?)

Last night I was checking in and catching up on the many Blogs I follow and one had a link to this hilarious You Tube video created by a British comedian named Isabel Fay. Yes, she prefers comedian to comedienne. (says so herself on her website)

Well, at this point, I have probably watched the video 20 times and I can't stop laughing. I pick up something new in the lyrics every time. I have to admit I don't know who some of the british celebrities are, although I did recognize Helen Lederer from Absolutely Fabulous.

You can also click over to Isabel's website Clever Pie to see some of her other videos. I got a huge kick out of "Total Paperclips of the Heart" and "Commemorative Commemorabilia".

Just thought I'd share a giggle what with everything else that's been going on lately. Let me know what you think of her in the comments.

Images That Make My Heart Smile

The other day I walked into the Sanctuary to find The Hubby and The Pup napping together. Don't get me wrong, they do this all the time. But for some reason this image made me pause and snap a pic.

Yes, the Dog Bed is a double. Spoiled...YES!

A lot of things get me about this pic. First of which is just how much space Molly is taking up. The poor Hubby is almost being pushed off the bed! I also like how they are laying opposite of each other in virtually the same pose. I also don't know why The Hubby leaves his glasses on to nap? I also love how the computer and phone are close by...wouldn't want to miss a call or an email!

There they are...my loves!

Why I Love My Backyard

There are days when I get to walk out my back door and see sights like this.

Awesome!

And then I am very glad that my iPhone has such a great camera. Back in the days when I used to create a calendar of my photos for everyone, this is the kind of image that would grace it's cover.

Cry For Your Supper!

Every now and then I run across something on the internet that just makes me go "Wha????". Ok, the internet makes me do that a lot! Let me share my latest find with you.

SALT MADE FROM REAL TEARS!

The Sneezing one worries me a little.

I hope these are real. They come from a company called Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. They have a really cute site, you should check it out.

Even if they might not be manufactured using actual human tears, a collection process I would love to witness!  Flavored salts are fun to play with in the kitchen. I also love the packaging...it's very "Apothecary Chic".

I think if someone were to bottle my tears it would be called "Sappy TV Show". What would your bottled tears be called? Let me know in the comments.

Summer is Here!

That means a lot of different things to many people. To me it means that the A/C units are in the windows, the tanning chaise is in the back yard, and it's almost time for the first Mojito of the season.

I took the week off from work and centered it right over the Memorial Day weekend. The Hubby and the pup headed up to see his family in State College, so here I am, a bachelor for the weekend. What to do? What to do? It's funny how when you have all the time in a day to do whatever you want, just how hard it is to choose what to do. Should I hit the "Chores List"? Run some Errands? Surf the web? Tan? Almost makes me yearn for the typical daily grind to structure my day...almost.

So I've got some errands to run today. Then I have Aslun's House Warming Party on Saturday. Sunday, my house is getting cleaned in time for the Retirement Party I'm hosting here next Friday. On Monday, I am hosting a small Memorial Day Cookout where the new smoker is going to get it's trial run. That should make for an interesting blog post. While I smoke on a daily basis, I've never taken a crack at the type used for smoking meats.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend everyone. Let me know what you've got planned in the comments below!

I Spent the Afternoon in the ER

Relax, I'm fine. I was sure it was a near death experience, but the doctors have assured me it wasn't a heart attack or a stroke. I was at Walmart and suddenly I felt very odd. Not dizzy, not faint, I just simply felt like I couldn't walk anymore. I didn't feel like I was going to pass out, I just felt like I was going to fall down. I thought, "Well maybe this is because I haven't had any lunch?". So, off I went to Burger King to sample one of their new salads. Standing in line at Burger King it just kept getting worse, my left arm and hand were tingling like they were waking up from being asleep. I got my food and went to the car and decided that I was going to drive myself to the ER. Well, as I was rounding the corner from Burger King my workplace is right there and I decided that I was NOT driving myself to ER. I pulled into the parking lot and walked into the HR Directors office and asked her to call me an ambulance. She did, immediately, without asking a single question. I love her!

The ambulance arrived and the HR Director was watching out her window. I said, "Please let at least one of them be big Bo Hunks." She said, "I'm not exactly sure of your definition of "Bo Hunk", but I'm saying no." Turns out, to my definition, both of them were Bo Hunks...SCORE! They assessed that I wasn't in immediate harm of dying so they strapped me to the stretcher and off we went to the hospital.

Do those numbers prove I really do have a heart? I think not!

Once we arrived at the ER they did all kinds of tests. I had blood drawn and a CT Scan. The scan was interesting, I'd never had one before. There is a soothing male voice that talks you through it. It says things like, "Take a deep breath and hold it....now breath" and "Relax, you're going to be just fine." Then the attendant says, "I'm introducing the contrasting fluid" and suddenly this warmth invades your body. I thought for sure it felt like I was peeing myself, but it was just the fluid going into the blood vessels in my legs.

In between the tests the doctor was trying to convince me that I had had a panic or anxiety attack. Well, I have witnessed plenty of those sorts of attacks first hand...Hello! The Hubby!!! So I knew I hadn't had a panic attack. I mean, what at Walmart could cause anxiety...besides the clothes people were wearing. That and I have perhaps the least stressful job imaginable. So he wanted to give me some Adavan, an anti-anxiety drug...this before any of the tests had come back. I refused it and I think it pissed him off a little bit.

After all the tests, when he was assuring me that I was fine and that none of the test pointed to heart attack or stroke he said, "So you refused my Adavan." I said, "Yes, I did. I saw no reason for it since I know it wasn't an anxiety attack." I don't think he liked that answer. He said, "Well if you had allowed it to be administered and you felt better it would have proven it was." To which I responded, "Yeah, and if it wasn't, I'd be all drugged up now and out of it." "You aren't throwing a pill in me as a test!" He said, "Well most people come to the ER looking for something as simple as a pill to treat them." Well, that aint' me! Now if he'd offered me a Rum Punch, that would have been a totally different story.

My disrespect for the medical community surfaces often in this blog. But I've seen too much in front and behind the scenes to just say, "Hell Yeah! I'll take that pill!" I think it's important for people to question what their doctors tell them. In most cases those doctors are just making educated guesses and while it may be a level  of education that I haven't attained, it doesn't mean that it's the right guess.

So, if I'm found dead within the next 48 hours you all will know why.

A Cuban, and I Don't Mean the Cigar

Many years ago I became fascinated with Cuba. I was in Miami for work and at a delightful little cafe on the beach. I don't remember the name of it, I didn't keep the best notes back then. Anyway, on the menu was the Cubano Sandwich. Pork, ham, pickles, mustard and swiss cheese...heaven on a pressed bun! I have been obsessed with finding the perfect one ever since.

I have tried them everywhere. Any time I am on a trip and find it on the menu, I order it. Needless to say, I have sampled some very good and some very bad. One used pressed processed pork...YUCK! I sent that one back and ordered something else while at the same time informing the Chef that pressed pork is a "No No" in the Cubano world.

Cut to my own little town of Frederick and the cuban restaurant Sabor De Cuba. One of my coworkers and I tried it out a few weeks ago. Here is my Cubano Sandwich.

Yum!

So the sandwich was good. It wasn't the best that I've had so far. The pork was sliced a little too thick for my tastes. However, the mixture of ingredients was pretty darned near perfect. With each bite, you got a good sampling of all the flavors.

I am beginning to think that I will have to travel to Cuba to actually find the perfect Cubano Sandwich. Would someone please lift the embargo to make my travel easier!?!?!?