Bits and Bobs

Bootcamp

2009-03-01T16:49:00.006-05:00

March 1st already! Well my New Years resolution was to lose 20 pounds this year. Usually I make a resolution and break it by the end of February. So here it is...March 1st...and I'm still on track. Actually, I've already lost half the weight so now the challenge is whether I should adjust my goal and make it a bit more challenging.

Here's what I did:

Losing weight for me means a low fat diet and lots of exercise. It's been quite painless so far. I eat 5 small meals a day, turned up the volume of vegetables and fruits, lowered the fat in my diet, and supplement with a multi-vitamin and protein shake each day. I'm never hungry, have more energy, and it seems to be working so far. Of course, the one hour bootcamp (outdoor) exercise I've been doing each morning is helping out, as well. (On days when I can't make it to bootcamp, I fire up my Wii Fit or Wii Fitness Coach games.) The bootcamp I attend provides some weight and resistance exercise in addition to a cardio workout. The instructor was previously a weight coach for The Biggest Loser reality series, so he pushes us hard and really wants us to see results.

I don't think you need to buy lots of equipment or sign up for expensive classes. I started out that way because I didn't seem to have the motivation to keep going on my own. It just takes attitude and commitment. So, I hope I can stick with my resolution this year and can develop good eating and fitness habits that will last my lifetime.

Yummy Fun

2008-12-14T10:39:00.002-05:00

I'm always looking for little crafty projects when our younger nieces and nephews come to Florida to visit. So, I was quite excited when I heard about the Yummy Fun website on NPR this morning. I checked it out, and while the site is a bit hard to navigate, it is fun to click on the various items on the shelves. Try it out yourself. And, if you are looking for easy fun ideas, click on the bottle labeled Blog. Scroll through the blog to find some fun food decorating tricks and use it to come up with some others on your own.

I love my Kindle!

2008-12-13T21:26:00.004-05:00

Santa came early this year. And, he brought me a Kindle ebook. I love to read anyhow, so I couldn't be more tickled. I just LOVE my Kindle and have already read three books.

Unlike trying to read from a computer screen, the Kindle's text is crisp, and easy to see; much like reading text on the page of a book. The battery life is great. At least five days on a charge if you don't keep the wireless turned on.

And, there is so much available for it; a myriad of books, magazines, and newspapers. Amazon let's you read the first chapter before committing to a purchase if you are considering a book for download to your Kindle. If you decide to purchase the book, it is just a simple click away. You can preview newspapers and magazines on a trial basis as well.

One big advantage of Kindle is that books are less expensive, available immediately, and, of course, no shipping charges. The wireless connection is seamless and is included in the price of your purchase; ie, no connectivity fees. Plus, there are thousands of classic books available to download for free such as those which are part of Project Gutenberg.

There are a few improvements that would make the Kindle even better. First of all, the buttons for advancing to the next page are quite large and it is easy to accidentally press them and lose your place in the book.

The case that came with the Kindle looks and works great for the most part, but it doesn't hold the Kindle securely in place when it is open. I wrap the elastic strap that is part of the case around the lower right corner; but that sometimes accidentally advances the page.

But those are minor complaints compared for the ease of use and joy I get from this neat little book. I take it with me everywhere and think I'm reading more than ever these days.

Thank you Santa!

Carol Ann has landed...

2008-12-13T21:19:00.003-05:00

Well, it's official! Carol Ann Garrett and Carol Foy flew around the world in a single engine plane in record breaking time. They landed, safe and sound, (albeit a little weary) at Orlando International airport the morning of Thursday, December 11th. Way to go, Ladies!

Carol Ann Flying Around the World for ALS

2008-12-08T13:31:00.007-05:00

Several years ago, Carol Ann Garrett set out to fly around the world in her sporty little single engine plane. My husband had the privilege of joining her for part of the flight (from Singapore to Africa). I wasn't so sure about the safety of it all, but I certainly had to admire and support such an ambitious goal. Well, that flight around the world worked out just fine and, now, she is doing it again! This time with flying partner, Carol Foy. And the goal is even more ambitious; they aim to set a world record by flying a single engine plane around the world in just 7 days!

They are half way to their goal (they are in Djibouti as I write this). You can follow them to the finish at their web site Dash for a Cure. The goal, a world record for the Carol's and a big win in the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CATHY SUE!

2008-12-07T15:07:00.002-05:00

Alex & Me and Daily Coyote

2008-12-07T15:02:00.010-05:00

Ever heard of Alex the intelligent African Grey parrot? Check our Irene Pepperberg's new book Alex & Me. Here's an excerpt that was published by ABC's Good Morning America Library.

Speaking of wildlife, have you heard about Charlie, the coyote pup? Interesting lessons to be learned on life, patience, persistence, and commitment. See the daily update and photos of Charlie's adventures at Daily Coyote.

Fits and Starts

2008-12-07T12:46:00.013-05:00

Okay, perhaps I should rename this blog "Fits and Starts" instead of "Bits and Bobs". I don't know; for some reason, I have so many things I want to share lately. First of all, Happy Holidays! It doesn't really feel much like Christmas to me this year, what with the temps in Florida in the 80s, but we're in the Holiday spirit just the same. Snow is falling for ten minutes, on the hour, each evening in Celebration (although it looks and feels more like soap bubble). Kids love to play in it just the same. And the Celebration Women's Club hosts their annual Holiday Home Tour this weekend. Money raised this year will help provide support for families on the verge of homelessness.

I got my Christmas present from Dave early this year. We drove to Ohio to celebrate Thanksmas with his family and thought I might want to use my present along the way. He bought me a Kindle...ever heard of it? It's an electronic book and boy do I love it! Dave collaborated with friends who have one to set it all up ahead of time and downloaded some books I have been eager to read. Check it out on Kindle. It gets 4 stars from me!

This weekend was a busy one for the students we mentor through Take Stock in Children Take Stock in Children matches students with mentors and provides full tuition scholarships to worthy students. By the way, a great source for scholarship information on the web if you're looking for scholarships for your children is at Fastweb.org.

Anyhow, my student, whose focus is drama, is performing in the school musical, Godspell, that opened on Friday night. Dave's student, whose focus is music performed at a local jazz club along with his twin brother and younger brother. They all did a great job and we are so proud of them all!

Stuff

2008-12-07T12:08:00.010-05:00

Friends and Family,
It's obvious I'm not much of a blogger...just look at the date of my last post!

But something came across my desk (laptop, of course) today that I just had to share. Here's the link to The Story of Stuff

Maybe you've already seen it. It is a video about STUFF....where it comes from, how it's made, who and why we buy it, and what happens to it afterward. This video makes great conversation for a your next outing with friends; maybe too in depth for light banter at a Holiday party, however. In any event, it will make you think the next time you go shopping....and that's good stuff for the soul.

On our way to Seattle

2008-08-28T10:09:00.005-04:00

We’re headed out to Seattle for a wedding and fun family weekend. My cousin, Anton, and his lovely fiancée, Amanda are getting married this weekend! I’ll post photos when we return.

We just love Seattle and are looking forward to exploring the city and Kitsap peninsula. We will start our stay by joining family members for dinner at Ajax Café on Friday night. It’s a unique experience; check out their web site: Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock.

Amanda and Anton (as a couple they call themselves Amanton) have planned a fun, casual wedding which will take place at my cousin, Sandy's, home. Sandy and her husband, Hoyt, just finished a total renovation of the house on the bay and it looks beautiful!

Amanton have even included a night of bowling in the weekend plans! Yikes! I haven't bowled in years; but I assume that others haven't either. At least let's hope so or I'll get creamed.

Oh, and I just added another “to do” item to my green living tips that i want to share. I don’t know about you, but whenever I print something from our computer there always seems to be one page that I really don’t need to save; it usually doesn’t have any important information on it and sometimes it is nearly blank. So, rather than throwing these pages in the trash, I am cutting them in half and clipping them together like a makeshift notebook. I’ll use one of these sheets whenever I need a piece of paper for the grocery list, to write down a phone number, or jot down some notes. It’s a good way to get rid of the guilt I would have by throwing away unwanted sheets of paper and being wasteful.

Getting Green - Saving Money

2008-08-26T16:54:00.011-04:00

We figure we can save both time and money by living a little greener. Here are some practical tips we’re trying for a start. Please share yours, as well.

1. We're switching out our traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescents. They cost more, but last much longer. We're probably behind the curve on this one. Seems most people I talk with have already made the switch.
2. Dust off the bike. If we can get to our desitnation by walking or riding a bicycle...we're gonna try to do it. It takes more time and a bit of planning, but it is definitely more relaxing and we enjoy the scenery. Not only does it save money, but it's a healthy alternative as well.
3. I love a weekly visit to the farmers market nearby. Buying local produce can cost a bit more, but it usually provides you with the freshest produce, picked at just the right time. Did you know that the average distance that produce travels to get to your grocery shelves is 1500 miles? Yikes!
4. Buy a reusable water bottle and refill it. We prefer bottled water over the taste of our tap water; so we refill gallon jugs at our local grocery store with filtered water, then pour from the gallon jug into our smaller reusable water bottles to carry with us.
5. BYO (bring your own) shopping bags to the store. I keep mine in the car; and sometimes that's just where they end up staying while I happily shop away (So try to remember to bring yours into the store with you…I’m still working on that!)
6. Recycle. Know what items your recycling company will accept. This is an area that always confuses me, but most plastic items have a number stamped on them that will help you determine if they can be recycled. Where we live, I need to go to a special recycling drop off facility for cardboard and glass. Took me a few phone calls to find out where it was located.
7. Load up the washing machine and dishwasher before using them. I’m pretty good at this one since laundry and dish washing are not my favorite chores. Use cold water where appropriate. Saves water. Saves money.
8. Make your own disinfecting household cleaner. Here’s how: To a one gallon bottle or jug add: 1 cup of ammonia, one 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dish soap (Dawn works good), and fill the jug with water.
9. Read the newspaper online, then treat yourself to the Sunday paper. Saves paper. Saves money. I have to say that we miss the crossword puzzles from the daily paper and haven't yet found a good online alternative. So, only time will tell if our online news will last. I think this is a generation thing. Folks our age are hanging on to their newspapers; while younger generations are content to read their news online when they have a moment.
10. Combine errands into one trip. Okay, it takes a bit more planning. But who doesn’t want to save money on gas and save time to boot.
Well, that’s what we’re doing for a start. Once these tips become habit for us, we’ll add to the list.

Sweet Salsa Recipe from Sandy B.

2008-08-26T15:05:00.008-04:00

Today is the first full day of the Democratic convention in Denver, and rather than talking about politics I decided to make salsa. If you have a garden, this is the perfect use for those extra peppers and tomatoes. My sister-in-law sent me this recipe for a mild sweet salsa that everybody will like.

This recipe makes eight pints of salsa, so you may want to adjust the quantities as appropriate if you are not canning it for future use.

Ingredients:
- 8 cups of peeled and chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups of chopped sweet onions
- 1 cup of chopped green pepper
- 1 cup of chopped jalapeno peppers...no seeds (wear kitchen gloves when chopping these babies!)
- 3 banana peppers chopped
- 3 cherry peppers chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 6 oz. can of tomato paste
- 14 oz. can of tomato puree
- Add a bit of white vinegar to taste

Combine all ingredients except the tomatoes and peppers. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and peppers and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 more minutes. If you are canning the salsa, follow standard hot bath canning procedures and process for 25 minutes.

Enjoy! Cooking will take your mind off politics.

Celina Governor's Cup Races

2008-08-23T18:23:00.006-04:00

Dave and I were spectators at the The Celina Governor’s Cup this afternoon. We walked the grounds talking with the hydrofoil contestants, eating hot dogs, and watching the boats create giant roostertails as they rounded the corners of the one-mile race course. We cheered for our local hydrofoil race team favorite. The local favorite, Quantum Leap, is a family affair owned by Mike and Cheryl Bruns and their children of Celina, OH. Cheryl was the driver in this years' competition.

The Celina Govenors Cup started in 1958. It began as a joint venture between the St. Mary’s Boat Club and The Celina Lions Club. Governor C. William O Neal presented the Governors Cup to the first winner. The two organizations worked together to produce this community event until 1970. This year more than 100 race teams from the USA and Canada compete for the cup as part of the APBA (American Power Boat Assn.) Inboard Nationals event.

Here's a video posted on YouTube from a previous year so you can get an idea of how the event works. These guys (and gals) go fast, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph in some classes.

Canning Peaches

2008-08-23T17:50:00.009-04:00

I've been canning peaches this week. This is the second year in a row. Dave's Mother, Leona, has been canning fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden for years. She taught me the basics some years ago, but I never ventured to learn until we started spending our summers in Ohio. So, last year I decided to give it a try on my own for the first time. I had forgotten much of what Leona had taught me by then, but with my computer by my side, Dave there to guide and assist, and a few phone calls to Leona; I was on my way.
Canning was not nearly as intimidating this year. I decided to try it again since I was successful last summer. So when my Sister-in-law, Bonnie, called to make her annual peach order I asked her to order a bushel for me; she has friends who go to Michigan on a "peach run" every year. I got brave and canned 15 quarts, made 12 half pints of peach jam, then froze enough peaches for 4 cobblers. Hmmm...is there time left to make some peach salsa?
I was reading a blog by Julie Artz that gave me inspiration to do more canning. She says it's not just for old folks and just think about it; it's "green", it's local, it's healthy and natural. What more could you ask for?

Tecumseh Outdoor Drama

2008-08-18T21:49:00.008-04:00

This weekend we joined Denny, Sandy, Mike, Becky, Gina, and the kids for an overnight adventure in Chilachote, Ohio. Our destination was the Tecumseh outdoor theater. This outdoor theater is very unique. It produces a drama each evening that tells the story of the battles of the Shawnee native Americans against the US Army in the mid-1800s. The setting of the stage is placed within the natural woods, complete with a small pond, adding to the ambiance. The drama wraps around the audience from three directions so you feel that you are a part of the action. There was a full moon that added even more to the drama. Here is a brief history of the warrior, Tecumseh: Ohio History.

It is ironic that we went to see this drama last weekend since we visited Fort Recovery on a whim just two weeks ago during a Sunday drive. Fort Recovery is the site of two of the major battles between the US Army and the Shawnee. Fort Recovery History

Friends of WGTE Party in Lima Ohio and a recipe for Bacon Wrapped Dates

2008-08-14T22:57:00.018-04:00

We were co-hosts for a party last evening to meet and celebrate with friends of WGTE public radio and television.
We met a great group of people at the home of our co-hosts; Barbara and Dusty Young. A special moment of the evening was a piano performance by Greg Kostraba. We were fortunate to be joined by WGTE management staff, who dedicated time from their busy week to show their enthusiasm for Lima supporters.

One of the favorite "sniglets" (that's a new word for appetizer that we learned from our next door neighbor) served at the party were bacon wrapped dates. Here's how you make them in case you want to try it at your next party. It's easy and tasty!

Buy fresh, plump dates that are a fairly decent in size. Wrap a half a slice of medium thick bacon around the date and hold it in place with a toothpick. Bake in a foil lined sheet pan at 350º for 10 minutes, or until the bacon begins to get crisp. The dates will soften and get sweeter; so the combination of sweet dates and salty bacon makes a surprisingly nice treat.

2008 Beijing Olympics Images

2008-08-14T08:58:00.002-04:00

Watching the summer Olympics has kept me up late every evening this week. Wow! What an amazing event!

The Getty site has amazing photos showing the best of the summer Olympics; these pics are best I have seen of the games in Beijing. Here is a link to Getty Images.

The USA is sure doing well, especially with the big story of Michael Phelps history-making performances. But China is really stealing the show with the most medals in the games thus far.

Robert Frost - The Road Not Taken

2008-08-13T09:34:00.002-04:00

We've been hiking some this summer. Walks in Maine and nature walks in Ohio. I always think of Robert Frost's poem while hiking; and ponder all it meanings. So I thought I would publish it here for you to ponder the next time you take a walk out yonder.

Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920.

1. The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

World's Longest Yard Sale

2008-08-12T08:00:00.008-04:00

This weekend was the second time we have experienced the World's Longest Yard Sale. We took a Sunday drive and started seeing yard sales every quarter mile of so. Since we were driving on US 127, we finally figured out that it was not coincidence, it was the long yard sale we had encountered some years ago while visiting Tennessee. The yard sales starts in Ohio and ends in Alabama! Some 650 miles.

I was curious to know a little bit about the history of it. For the curious of mind, here's what I learned. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the sale, now stretching from the Ohio/Michigan border, all the way down to Gadsden, Alabama!

The US 127 Corridor Sale, as its called, started in Tennessee in 1987. The original intent of the sale was to prove the back roads have something to offer, and that the interstate system was not the only mode for travel. Today US 127 is one of the busier "backroads". Thousands of people participate in the sale each year as vendors; turning their front lawns into a showcase for items on display.

Dave and I didn't find any treasures to buy. We're trying to get rid of stuff not add to our collection. But, we enjoyed the sunny day, a ride in the country, and a chance to stop and chat with the vendors.

A little bit of this and that

2008-08-11T16:59:00.014-04:00

We just returned from an awesome trip to Maine. Our friends invited us to join them at a cottage they rent each year at Damariscotta. While the weather was a bit rainy from time to time, it didn't hinder us from enjoying all that Maine has to offer; skiing (tubing in my case), kayaking, sailing, swimming, and day trips to nearby towns. I can't help but be impressed with the simple summer living of the folks who summer on Damariscotta Lake. The writers cottage we stayed in touted a wall-sized bookcase with books of every kind, challenging puzzles for a rainy day, and simple natural green living. The folks who live here were "green" before "green" was cool. Dr. Bronners 18-in-one castile soap was recommended for nearly everything (I haven't seen that since my childhood days at Grandmother's), the surrounding grounds were natural trees, moss, and pine needles...no mowing, ever! No air conditioning or heat; just a small fireplace and whatever Mother Nature offers in the way of a breeze. I really think I could live like this. Hmmm...now that we're back home, I'd better organize the mowing, weed pulling, and all those other "non-green" pesky chores I'd rather do without! Oh, and speaking of living "green"; here's a post on the Speak Media blog that you might find interesting.

Cindy's Chicken Dip - A real family favorite!

2008-08-10T12:33:00.002-04:00

1 cup minced celery
8 oz. cream cheese
3 oz. hot sauce
1 can of chicken (size of big tuna can)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix celery, cream cheese, and hot sauce on low heat or in microwave. Add chicken, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese. Put into baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Retro-Chic Aprons

2008-08-09T20:57:00.001-04:00

We took a drive to Shipshewana, Indiana a few weeks ago with my sister and her husband. As we were browsing, we came across the Vintage Homes shop that sells a variety of retro products touting the comforts of days past. One item in particular caught my eye. It was a rack of lovely retro-chic aprons. Who would think that aprons could be smart and sexy looking. Anyhow, they were made by Jessie Steele and have been featured on Oprah and many magazines. The patterns date back to 1940s and 50s. And, the fabrics brought back memories of my Grandmother. I’m not sure if it is real or my imagination, but my Grandmother always wore an apron in the pictures in my mind.

Bits and Bobs

2008-08-09T15:30:00.003-04:00

This is a place to share creative ideas and thoughts. It's gonna be a bit cluttered, but so is life in general. So enjoy and share your creative ideas, thoughts and tips with me.