North Carolina No. 29 of 50*

Ye Gads!  Has it been 20+ years since we made our trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Asheville and Wilmington, North Carolina?  Yes, it has.  It was a great trip.  We toured The Biltmore  Estates in Asheville; spent a night with our cousins in Wilmington on the Outer Banks; and landed in Myrtle Beach for the World Championship Amateur Golf Tournament (but that's another story:)

Then, again maybe I ought to tell the best part of it here since I have already been to South Carolina in my 50 in 50 State Blogs.

I don't remember much about the tournament since that was Chuck's thing.  What I do remember was 'antiquing, better known in my world as 'junkin', while he was 'golfing'.

*There it is on the left

Then, we attended at 'Tournament' function' and Chuck won a cut-crystal vase in a putting contest.  



However, the highlight of the trip and one we always tell when we get a chance is our first trip to an Outback restaurant.  We had an appetizer...a blooming onion...

The brownie
with ice cream
did us in!

Then, we each had an entree and shared at dessert.  After all, we were on vacation. Why not? 



When we got back to our hotel room all we could do was 'moan and moan some more':) 
It was a life changing event. From that point on we agreed to split everything...which we do with some success!

...and that is the rest of the story! 

*For "new to my blog" friends...on May 17, 2010, I visited Wisconsin.

 I can now say that I have been in, to or through all 50 United States.

 I am committed to make an Artist Trading Card "ATC" for each of

 the 50 States. 

It's Official!!!

The Official is on the left...
her aide on the right!

We are now officially "Country"!  We were initiated at the Roberson Garden this morning by an Official from management!  By the way, she showed no mercy!






We got up around 5:30am and arrived at the Garden around 8:00am.  

Chuck was immediately sent to the beans to pick up high as part of his initiation! Good job, Chuck!

 Notice the shortest person
 was the one picking 'high'!ly

I was declared the 'documenter' until it was my turn to be initiated...which came all too soon!  

We passed and are now officially "Country"!  

This one is mine!!!!

We were rewarded with cucumber, tomatoes, green beans, turnip greens and one zucchini to take home!  

Photo Gallery

Playing the "Clean the Fridge" Game!*

At Ya Ya' last September

Every once in a while Chuck and I play the "Clean the Fridge" Game!  It happens when we get too many leftovers or a full freezer or maybe going on a trip.  Regardless, we play until the "fridge" is empty.
This is the time!


Night before last we had spaghetti and meat balls with a tomato/olive/celery slaw.  Chuck made the garlic toast. The spaghetti sauce was in the freezer and enough for two.  The meat balls were also in the freezer....in a bag bought from Kroger.  I had celery, vine-ripened tomatoes, and olives...sounded Italian to me.  


I chopped all salad ingredients and mixed in Paul Newman's Olive Oil and Vinegar salad dressing.  Yum...if I must say so myself.  Actually, Chuck gave it a "thumbs up"!

Now how could I not post a picture of
Paul Newman?  Reallllly! Yummy!!!

We still have a freezer full, but the "fridge" part is getting bare.  We will have to get really creative.  I do have some potatoes and canned veggies in the pantry so all is not lost.

*This is also posted on the blog that Chuck and I share: Eating In and Out and About.  I wanted to share this post with my other friends.  Right now the post are mainly about eating at home and in Arkansas.  We haven't been out of Arkansas since I started the blog, but we fully intend to blog about our eating experiences wherever we go! I'll let you know when we venture out of Arkansas!

On Vacation!

Every once in a while Chuck and I take a day off and pretend we are out of town on vacation.  When in actuality, we are not.  

7th Street between 8th and 9th

Wednesday was one of those days. We wanted to make a trip to Artist Outfitters downtown. With that in mind and it being close to lunch we went on vacation.  

Our stools were the ones on the right end of the bar.

We found the nicest out of the way pub to help us in our fantasy...Dugan's Pub on 3rd and Rock. What a great find! We got there about 11:30am to beat the lunch crowd, but didn't.  It was already crowded and all tables were taken.  No problem! Vacationers sit at the bar!.  We ordered Blue Moon beer on draft and were surprised at the generous serving.  We didn't have a designated driver so we didn't/couldn't finish them.  Never had Blue Moon before, but will have it again.


I got a Rueben...the best I have ever had!  I shared a bite with Chuck and he agrees.  He got fish and chips...why would you order anything else?...when in Ireland, do as the Irish do!  The cod was cod...not catfish, but good.  The fries were fresh and cooked just like we like them.  


We visited with Don Dugan, the owner, and immediately found a mutual friend connection.  We felt like we were in "Cheers", where everyone knows your name.We recommend Dugan's.  You will not be disappointed!


I also posted this on our blog: "Eating In and Out and About"

There Comes a Time...

The Time is Now! --- 


Time to resolve for 2011! --- jumping in "feet first"! 


 Here goes...

No. 1  Actively Blog on my "Tips 'n Good Stuff" Blog...and certainly continue my other two Blogs:
PLAID Pages, a journal and Eating In and Out and About.  I know all my friends label me "Over Achiever".  So, I love to Blog why not do what I love doing?

Work in Progress
for 20 years-2010

Walling Hanging
Vintage Fabrics and
Embellishments
Started 2010

No. 2  Finish my Quilts that are "almost" there and start on some more that are in the drawer waiting for their turn...know in the Quilt World as "UFOs".

See My Post
9-25-10

No. 3  Continue to downsize...My inspiration is "Throw Out Fifty Things" ...In 2010 I got to No. 8.  I am aiming for 17 more in 2011.  That will put me half-way through.  I am adding No. 9 today:  Delivered unused Christmas Decorations to Goodwill and the Library...reducing my 10 boxes to 5.

A Valentine Book
for Chuck...all the Valentines
he sent me over 30 years
into a blank book from
sale table at
Barnes and Noble

No. 4  Arts and Crafts will always be on my list.  I discovered I have done something "crafty" all of my life so why stop now.  I have a list of albums to make using old coffee table books and blank journals instead of "bought" picture albums or scrapbooks.  In the list for 2011 is:  Arizona, California, San Francisco, "Grant" a tribute to my Dad and one for my Mom....and the list goes on and on.  I will do them as I am inspired. 

Love Lost and Found

 I also love altering 
old "paint-by-number" 
pictures picked up over 
the years from flea markets 
and thrift stores.




No. 5  Start an "Art Journal".  For some reason I woke up on New Year's Day 2011 thinking I wanted to see if I could draw.  I like Calligraphy so I want to draw with pen and ink using watercolor wash as a background.  My daughter sent me the perfect book for my Journal...maybe that's what triggered this urge?


No. 6 Lose 10 pounds-always resolved to keep me on the straight and narrow.  I weigh and measure at the beginning of every month and use a combination of "calorie counting" and "limiting my carbohydrates" to maintain and hopefully to lose... admittedly not always successful but maintaining ...like 2010.  Also, Chuck and I swim, do weights, walk on the track or treadmill, and take a Yoga class as least one time a week at the Jim Dailey Fitness Center.


Six is Enough, don't ya think?---

In the words of Porky Pig---


 "Th-th-th-that's all folks!"

Stayed Tuned for Updates

CHICKEN FINGERS

Thought for the Day:  When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.  CONFUCIUS

OR...Whatever we find "true" about the people and things around us, is also true about ourselves...LIFE 101


Tonight I cooked Fried Chicken Fingers for dinner...supper?...Yum!  For the best ones here is a:


Cooking Tip:  When defrosting chicken, put into a large container, fill with water and add a lot of salt.  (The salt provides extra heat and helps speed the defrosting process.) 


Frying the chicken fingers:
1. Beat an egg and milk in a large bowl.  Sloush (a good Southern word) the defrosted chicken fingers around in the mixture.  I have used just milk and it works out ok...just not as fluffy (another good Southern word).


2. Put several scoops of flour into a "ziploc" bag with a genorous amount of seasoned salt and a little pepper.  Add the chicken fingers and shake until thoroughly coated.  Remove and set on a rack over a piece of paper to catch any flour that may have escaped from the fingers.  Let them set for 15 or 20 minutes while you are preparing your side dishes.


3.  Heat oil...I use canola oil...until it sizzles when you sprinkle water in it.  Add fingers one at a time.  They cook really fast so you have to tend them...you can't be distracted or you will have "burned" chicken fingers.  If your hot grease is deep enough, they will float when they are done.  If it isn't, just make sure the batter is brown and crispy.  Remove to a plate with paper towels to soak up extra oil.


4.  I serve with baked or boiled buttered...really buttered...potatoes and whole green beans (Delmonte is the best brand for this application).  If you put the undrained green beans in a pan with a teaspoon or so of salt, bring to a boil and let simmer while the chicken is resting, they will taste like home-grown beans that have been canned in glass jars.


Now it is time to rest on my laurel, read a while and then,


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEGGY!

Thought for the Day:  Happy Birthday to you,
                                             Happy Birthday to you,
                                             Happy Birthday, dear Peggy,
                                             Happy Birthday to you....
                                                               and...Many More!


Today is Peggy's birthday!   However, we celebrated last night at our house for dinner.  We cooked her own recipe.  She says it's better since she didn't have to cook it.   So here it is.  It is a favorite family recipe and really not that hard to make.  Enjoy!


Recipe:




PEGGY'S CHICKEN SPAGHETTI


1 Chicken or 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 12 oz. Vermicelli  (or your favorite spaghetti)
3 Cups chopped celery
1 chopped bell pepper
1 Cup chopped onion
1 Stick oleo
1 Cup grated cheddar cheese


Cook veggies in oleo.  Cook chicken, drain, cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.


Mix: 
Chicken and 2 Cups chicken broth from broth drained from cooked chicken or a combination of it and canned chicken broth.


1 Can Mushroom soup
1 Can Tomato soup
1 1/2 TBS Chili Powder
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
Dash of Tabasco Sauce


Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and combine with chicken mixture.  Divide into portions:  I use a 6" x 9" and a 7" X 10" (2qt.) pans.  Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and put cheese on top.  Place back in oven until cheese melts. 


I served it with green beans and french bread with Peach Cobbler for dessert....


Yum!


Pleasant Dreams of fairies and sugar plums...Esmee

COME ON LET'S GET HAPPY!

Thought for the Day: 


 Happiness is like a butterfly. 
The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. 
But if you turn your attention to other things,
It comes and softly sits on your shoulder.

Recipe: 
(given to me by a lifetime friend)


       Coffee Mocha
1 Envelope instant cocoa
2/3 Cup hot coffee
1/3 Cup milk
Mix together and heat in microwave until hot to your taste.


...and with that Thought and a cup of Coffee Mocha I leave you for tonight

...Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Think about this:  
The things I never said are waiting somewhere-like the things I wanted to do and never did...Flavia.


Well, one decision made. 
There will be a Thought of the Day at the beginning of each post.


We got a new HP printer, scanner, copier combo today at Office Depot.  They were having a sale.  I got a really good deal.  Everyone there was very helpful.  I actually visited two Office Depots about the sale and at both locations received friendly and helpful service.  I'll connect it tomorrow.


Then, we ate pizza at Shotgun Dan's , which was good.  Not our favorite atmosphere, but good service and pizza the way we like it...thin, crisp crust and tomato sauce with some zest to it.  We are going to start a blog about restaurants we eat in and comments about the food and service.  We'll let you know when it is up and running.


Time to say "Goodnight, Esmee".


Goodnight Esmee, Pleasant Dreams

A DAY OFF

Thought for the Day:  
Wednesday's Child is in the know


Sorry, I missed last night.  I am still tweaking the blog.  I haven't decided on my goals for the site.  It is a evolving process.  I have already changed my title once....more than once in my mind.  I have toyed with critiquing restaurants in Arkansas.  Then, I have resolved losing 10 pounds.  Eating out all of the time doesn't really jive with that resolution.  Also, we are trying to eat at home more and use our money for other things.  So much for that idea.


Speaking of critiquing restaurants, we went to Red Lobster tonight after we had seen Avatar.  It was excellent.  The salad bowls had been cooled and the bread plates had been heated.  All of the food was warm and well-prepared.  The service by Eliza was good. She paid attention, but didn't hover.  Thanks, Eliza.  Of course, the bisquits are wonderful...they were hot, too.  We give the Red Lobster a "Thumbs Up".  In the future expect a section for "eating out in Arkansas" when we do eat out.  We will not make it a passion.


On "Avatar":  It is a must see if just for the special effects and sound.  It left me breathless, heart beating fast and jaw clenched.  We have had dinner and are at home now.  I have almost relaxed.  It was a really "high incident" movie.  I had the same feeling when I left the second Indiana Jones movie.  A very high incident movie for its time.  Of course, I normally go to  "feel-good" movies like, "Julie and Julia" and "The Proposal".


Off to bed.  I go to work tomorrow from 9am to 12 noon.  Then, back to more learning about Blogger and also, Facebook.


Pleasant Dreams....Esmee

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Today's Thought: 
A Child born on the Sabbath is Fair and Wise/Good and Gay.


I have been thinking about my New Year's resolution no. 3:  Lose 10 pounds.  It think it is back to our "cards", a system inspired by Richard Simmons system and a diet given to us by a hospital dietician.  It and a modified "South Beach"* regimen has worked for me in the past. Why mess with what works? 


I use the following "1200 calorie a day" portions for my size:

1 Vegetable e.g. 1/2 cup mature green beans or green peas

3 Fruits: 1 mdm apple, banana or 1/2 sm grapefruit

7 oz. Meat: chicken w/o skin, Fish, 1 1/2 TBS peanut butter   (counts as a fat, too)

5 Fats: 1 tsp mayo, 1 tsp margarine, 2 tsp salad dressing

5 Breads: 3/4 cup dry cereal, 1/2 cup spaghetti, 1 sm baked potato, 1 slice bread, any kind

2 Milks: 1 cup milk or plain yogurt made w/skim milk
Vegetables: all you want-cabbage, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach


*modified means I add some carbohydrates to what is mainly a high protein diet.


I believe that all food groups are needed to make your body work. Also, remember "Everything in Moderation".  To jump start you might check out the "South Beach" diet.  It is all protein for a limited time, but I add some carbs.  I go crazy without them.    Also, please note: "no sugar" or "alcohol".  We refer to this regimen as changing our eating habits.  The word "diet" seems negative to us.


"You can push away from the table" and "keep your mouth shut" all you want, but without some exercise program the inches won't melt away without leaving a bunch of unsightly skin.  We go to A fitness center three times a week to use weights, walk on the treadmill, participate in pilates and yoga classes and swim.


Success Story:  I lost 25 pounds and many inches over a two-year period.  That was five years ago.  However, I still have 10 more pounds and some inches to go.  Thanksgiving and Christmas each year do not help.  This year meant 3 extra pounds.  I weigh-in and measure on the first day of each month and keep a record of my progress.  I need positive reinforcement to keep going.


Well, I was wordy today.  I woke up at 5am thinking about what I wanted to talk about today.  So now it is time to quit.  Actually, I promised myself after I retired that I would quit at 4pm each day.  I am on overtime now.


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee