February 18th, 2013
 Won't have to worry about it for some time. Water temperature is 40 degrees. I love going to downtown Rehoboth Beach at the end of the day. Being that it was a holiday week-end, I decided to check it out and see what was going on.
It was 5:00 p.m. and 38 degrees…yikes!!
Not much going on…the sea gull still perched on that post. Does not matter how many times I take a picture, there is always one of them there. Checking for French fries, I am sure. They’ll have to wait a bit longer, though.
I am posting these pictures because it is hard to believe that this 1 square mile looks like this in February. Quite a different scene pretty soon. For all of you that come to Rehoboth Beach at the height of the season…you know how hard it is to find parking. Plenty now and for the next month or so. So, come on down and enjoy Rehoboth in its Second Season.
Not a person on the beach. The water looked beautiful. Just a tiny wave by the edge.
Down by the south side of the Boardwalk the scene was pretty much the same. The beaches are taking a well deserved rest. Hurricanes, n’or easters, snow…I hope that is all gone now.
Looking north from the south end of the Boardwalk.
The end of the day at Silver Lake; the ducks and geese were on the other side.
We, the residents of Rehoboth Beach, enjoy this solitude of the Second Season because in a couple of months…….the gates will open and off to a 2013 Summer in Rehoboth Beach. Looking forward to it…talk to you later.
February 17th, 2013
 Kari Ainsworth and Marcie Urgo The first Chicks for Charity Dinner was celebrated in July of 2010. Since that time, a monthly charity dinner has been taking place at Fish On! located at The Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. Started by two friends, Marcie Urgo and Kari Ainsworth, the group is dedicated to assisting those less fortunate. The majority of the organizations they have helped are essential community resource agencies that aid kids, families, the elderly, abandoned animals and those that are underserved and in need. The donations are changing people’s lives….and the funds raised stay in Sussex County!! Website? http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
For those of us that live in Sussex County (Southern Delaware) is a chance to get together. And, for the new residents in the area, it is a great opportunity to meet new people, and at the same time help raise funds for those are are deeply in need in our area.
As I mentioned, the dinners are held at Fish On!, 17300 North Village Main Blvd., in The Villages of Five Points in Lewes. Website? http://www.fishon.bz. The February dinner will be on Tuesday, 2/19, at 6:30 p.m. Two delicious entrees to choose from along with appetizer and dessert for $25/person. Cash or check payable to Fish On! It includes gratuity. Cash Bar available. You can email gals4thegood@aol.com to reserve your spot. Please, do not contact the restaurant.
There will be raffle items and a 50/50 too!! I was in Bethany Beach and decided to stop by at TKO. Alice Klein is the owner and designer of this very popular jewelry store and one of my favorites. I asked Alice if she could give a piece of jewelry for Tuesday’s dinner. And she did! The earrings are beautiful and the perfect accessory for spring!! Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com So, they will be there, along with other great items donated by many in the communities of Sussex County.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind-Delmarva Region of Puppy Raisers…Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited, nonprofit, guide dog school with a 50 plus year legacy, providing the blind and visually impaired with superior Guiding Eyes dogs, training, and lifetime support services. Raising a puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a real gift of love. A puppy is not born a guide dog, but created through the dedication and commitment of an entire team of individuals. Puppy raisers are the heart and soul of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Without their hard work, Guiding Eyes would not be able to fulfill their mission to better the lives of blind and visually impaired people.
Their network of individuals are couples, families with children, young adults and senior citizens. The relationship and bond between the raiser and pup will become the foundation for all the life lessons a guide dog needs to master. Raisers provide hours of patient teaching and numerous socialization journeys over a 12 to 16 month period, before they return a well-socialized young adult dog to Guiding Eyes training staff. All of the raiser’s hard work culminates when a blind person receives their priceless gift – a guide dog providing independence, companionship, and mobility.
To know more, please visit http://www.guidingeyes.org. The Delmarva Region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind is located in Milford, Delaware.
Hope to see you there!! Gentlemen, you are also invited!!
February 17th, 2013
Scent aficionados? I think I am one of them. I have to thank my sister in law, Susie, because for Christmas she gave me a gift certificate to Penny Lane Perfumes. I wear a fragrance every single day. I love it. I also like clean scents.
Niche perfumes are those that are not mass produced. You will not find them in large department stores. And, you will also not smell like everyone else. The fragrances are unique; they will last a long time.
Penny Lane Perfumes will be at the Penny Lane location, 42 Rehoboth Avenue, until Thursday, the 28th. Until further notice, you will be able to visit their website, http://www.pennylaneperfumes.com and purchase fragrances online. If you have any questions, you can e-mail pennylaneperfumes@gmail.com, and most likely, Cassandra will answer you immediately.
Fragrances are a luxury and an indulgence. They are also expensive. So, when I heard Penny Lane was awarding savings until they close the location, I went to cash in my gift certificate.
Both, John and Cassandra were there. There was no rush. I proceeded to try and ask questions. This is what I chose.
From Serge Lutens…Nuuit de Cellophane. Osmanthus? The flower is white or tinged with orange. The scent of jasmine laced with mandarin orange. It was clean and fresh. Love it!!
From James Heeley…Ophelia. It is described as too pretty for words. It exudes sensual femeninity and an eternal youth. Jasmine, ylang ylang, and tuberose. Fresh green, aquatic notes combined with orange flowers. Very fresh!!
At times I like to layer the fragrances, but most of the time I just use a particular one each day, depending on my mood.
John fixed me that beautiful bag…inside? Surprise…samples to try!!
One thing I learned the other day, while talking to John and Cassandra, was that we have that understanding that we should wear “heavier” perfumes during the winter, when in reality they should be worn in the summer, when heat makes the scents evaporate quickly.
So, if you are visiting our Delaware Beaches stop by…Penny Lane is open today, Sunday, Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Last Day on Thursday, the 28th. After that…I told you already what you have to do.
Talk to you later…
February 15th, 2013
It is a gorgeous day in Historic Lewes, Delaware….TGIF. What’s Going On?
Friday, 2/15, Saturday, 2/16 – Nassau Valley Vineyard’s 19th Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting…all day long. Enjoy locally-made chocolates from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, cheeses from Touch of Italy in Lewes, and internationally, award-winning, Delaware made wine. 10% discount on all purchase made during these days. Nassau Valley Vineyards is celebrating its 20th year. They are open year-round Monday through Friday 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, Noon until 5 p.m. More info? Please visit http://www.nassauvalley.com. Nassau Valley Vineyards is located at 32165 Winery Lane in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-9463.
Saturday, 2/16 – Lewes Historical Society’s Antiques Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. – This will be an antique-lovers paradise. Location? The Rabbit’s Ferry House, at the Historical Society’s grounds on 110 Shipcarpenter St. in Lewes. The sale will feature antiques and collectables for yourself or that special someone; jewelry to beautiful furniture. The antiques and collectables being sold have been donated to benefit The Lewes Historical Society. More info? Please call 302-645-7670 or visit http://www.historiclewes.org.
Saturday, 2/16 – US Air Force Heritage Brass Band Concert from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. It is free and open to the public. Heritage Brass features the diverse talents of 5 professional Airman-musicians whose commitment to excellence has earned worldwide acclaim and military distinction. From Bach to the Beatles and patriotic favorites, they offer a musical experience enjoyed by all audiences.
These world-class musicians are stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. They travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, presenting over 300 events annually for the general public and in support of Airman morale and protocol events.
Thursday, 2/21 – Artifact Illustration Workshop at the Zwaanendael Museum from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. – Archaeological Illustration Through Stipple Drawing is a workshop on illustrating artifacts through the art of stipple drawing. Art supplies will be provided. The Museum is located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes. The Zwaanendael Museum opens 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Free admission for this workshop but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required. Just call 302-645-1148.
Saturday, 2/23 – Bus Trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Friends of Cape Henlopen. Enjoy a guided tour of the Air and Space Museum. Visit any of the 8 Smithsonian Museums on the Mall. For more info., please call 302-858-6127.
Have a good one!!
February 15th, 2013
I believe that the groundhog was right when its shadow told us that is will be an early spring. Even though the Delaware Beaches are a little quieter during the month of February…..I stand corrected….here is What’s Going On?
Rehoboth Beach is a shopping destination. Besides all the local boutiques, we also have outlets and more outlets; the Tanger Outlets. Sales and more sales; Presidents’ Day Savings…check out coupons and sales offers by visiting http://www.tangeroutlet.com/rehoboth/coupons.
Friday, 2/15 – Saketumi, located at 18814 Coastal Highway (Rt 1) is presenting the debut show for straight-ahead live jazz performances. Pianist, Fred Hughes and Juanita Williams-Eddie Sherman Show. Dinner seating at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. until 10 :00 p.m. in the upstairs room. $15/person. For reservations, please call 302-645-2818.
Friday, 2/15 – Dinner & Belly Dancing Show at Samra’s Mediterranean Grill, located at 19 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-727-5964. Website? http://www.samras.com. Time? 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. A special show with Kalilah Nala celebrating Valentine’s.
Friday, 2/15 – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Milton Historical Society will be co-presenting Delmarva Roots, which is a series featuring films about Delmarva’s history and/or by Delmarva filmmakers. Tonight’s presentation include 2 films. The Red Shoes and The Dream Share Project, starting at 7:00 p.m. At the Milton Fire Hall, 116 Front Street, Milton, Delaware. Milton is about 20-25 minutes from Rehoboth Beach, if that. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. You can purchase tickets by calling 302-645-9095, ext. 1.
The Red Shoes is a musical, only 10 minutes in long. It was filmed entirely in Rehoboth Beach and surrounding areas with local talent. Karen, a young orphan with a wild imagination, strikes creative gold in her new trial home, the “Foster Mother Mansion”. Karen behaves well in this lifestyle of plenty, until she discovers a pair of red dancing shoes. Unable to bottle her excitement for them, she must dance. But, will Karen’s imagination carry her to trouble, or to paradise? This short film praises obedience – to one’s own heart.
The Dream Share Project addresses the question; What does it take to make your dream come true? Delaware documentarians, Chip Hiden and Alexis Irvin, traveled the country finding answers from those who have turned aspirations into reality. You will hear from an Olympic skier, one of the original Latin Kings of Comedy, a slam poet, a Project Runway fashion designer, the CEO of a sustainable flip-flop company, a beer maker, the producer of Austin City Limits and many more. Their wise and surprising comments cover everything from discovering one’s passion, committing to goals, dealings with setbacks and redefining success for the millennial generation. Running time…63 minutes.
Friday, 2/15 – Bethany Blues’ Sydney’s Music Revival presents The Divas of One Love; What’s Love Got to Do with It? Glitter and Spice, fire and ice, vocalists of One Love, Kelly Boyle and PJ Brown. Bethany Blues is located on 18385 Coastal Highway, between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Entertainment begins at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, 2/16 – Merchant’s Attic I! It is the State’s largest indoor garage sale. If you can’t make it on this Presidents’ Week-End, there will be another later in March. It is held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, located at 229 Rehoboth Avenue. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. No admission, but donations for the benefit of the Chamber Event Fund are, certainly, welcome. Favorite vendors will be there and new ones, as well.
Saturday, 2/16 – Rehoboth Concert Band Debut Performance at Rehoboth Beach Elementary School located at 500 Stockley St. in Rehoboth Beach. Professional musicians, students and committed adults come together under the direction of 30 plus year veteran conductor, Sharon Still. Performance begins at 7 p.m. until 8:15 p.m.
 Looking forward to the 2013 Summer Concerts at the Beach!! Saturday, 2/16 – Bethany Blues’ Sydney’s Music Revival presents 3 Sheets, a trio of acoustic guitarists and harmonizing vocalists who play favorite classic tunes along with current tunes about to become classics. Entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m. Bethany Blues is located at 18385 Coastal Hwy. (Rt. 1) between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Until February 24th – The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie presented by Clear Space Theatre, located at 20 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-2270. This is the longest-running play in history, celebrating its 60th anniversary in London, this year. It brings murder and intrigue right to the beach this winter. A group of strangers are snowed in a stately manor in the English countryside. A murderer on the loose has already claimed 2 lives, and has now infiltrated the house, in search of his or her 3rd victim. Who could it be – the owners of the manor? The skittish young architect or the cranky old spinster? The retired Army Major or the man whose car mysteriously crashed in a snow drift? The master of mystery, Agatha Christie, will keep you guessing until the very end, with a twist ending that you’ll be sworn to secrecy to keep!! More info? Please visit http://www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Have a great one!!
February 14th, 2013
If you are visiting Delray Beach, Florida this week-end, you are in for a treat when the 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off will be taking place at Old School Square. It is sponsored by the Delray GreenMarket. Visit http://www.delraycra.org.
It is a free event. Saturday, 2/16 from 10 a.m.until 12:30 p.m. Watch the bravest cooks in town battle over bragging rights for the best traditional, new age, and vegetarian chili recipes. Sample each batch and help choose the People’s Choice winner!! Trophies will be awarded.
Listen to Heidi and The El Cat’s sing the blues!!
After reading 50 Shades of Grey…hmmmm, a friend gave me Fifty Shades of Chicken, a parody in a cookbook. Actually, the recipes are great. So, I decided to tackle the Chicken Chili. Having a gluten allergy in my household I changed the recipe a bit to make it gluten free.
Remember to make it your own. Want it more spicy? You know what to do, right?
Chicken Chili
3 tablespoons extra virgin-olive oil
1 1/2 lbs. ground chicken, preferably a mixture of dark and white meat. Mine was all white.
1/2 tablespoon of Kosher salt (I really don’t use salt, but it was in the recipe.)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper chopped
1 jalapeno chile pepper (If you think it will be too hot, then just use some Tabasco instead.)
2 tablespoons chili powder (If you want to use more, you know what to do.)
1 28 ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
1 bottle dark beer (I got gluten free beer.)
1 15 ounce can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed (If you want more beans….)
1 cup of chicken broth.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
Sour cream, for garnish (I bought lite sour cream.)
Grated cheese, for garnish (Your preference.)
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown for about 7 minutes or so. Add salt and pepper. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and then stir in the tomato paste. Cook, stirring, until the paste is fragrant; about 2 minutes. Stir in the onions, bell, pepper, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook until the veggies are golden; about 10 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, adjust salt content. Cook for a few minutes more.
Add the tomatoes. Stir for a minute.
Then, add the beer, beans. and the cup of chicken broth. The gluten free beer I used is the one of the left….a Spanish beer. Add cilantro and lime juice.
Ladle the chili into bowls. Serve topped with sour cream and shredded cheese. Enjoy!!
Note: Please remember to make sure your ingredients are gluten free if you are following the allergy diet. Grate the cheese yourself, as well.
This recipe will serve 4 hungry people!! Easily doubled.
February 14th, 2013
I was out and about, walking, in Delray Beach, late in the day when a bus caught my attention. I decided to check it out. It was painted with writings all over.
In large letters http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.org was standing out. No idea what it was. A few people were looking at it, as well.
I also noticed a bike. On it, just a plain sign saying “riding 9,000 miles for kids” and “overcome bullying through love”.
There was a slot on the bus to put donations. So, I put something in. Then, I started to take a picture and a voice said “thanks”.
Bob Votruba came out. Chit chat ensued and I wanted to know more about him and his mission. He has already surpassed the 9,000 miles on the bike.
Bob told me that it all started after the Virginia Tech’s massacre. His mission is to save kids’ lives. Personally, near his home, 3 students were killed at Chardon High School in Ohio on 2/27/12. Three young adults he new from his hometown took their own lives. He is honoring them and at the same time he is raising awareness of bullying and adolescent suicide.
Bob also has a sidekick…Bogart. He is his traveling companion and a very social one too. He is a Boston Terrier, who loves people and, actually, has his own story to tell. He even has his own book, which you can purchase by visiting the above mentioned website. Bogart was getting an ear treatment on that day, so I did not get to meet him.
Bob and Bogart have been riding around the perimeter of the United States, beginning and ending in New York City later this year. Bob has 3 children.
The website is full of information, challenges and ways for all of us to extend our kindness to others.
I told him I had not seen him in my neck of the woods….Delaware Beaches!! He said he had been in Delaware, though.
You can find One Million Acts of Kindness on Facebook and Twitter. You can e-mail him at thekindnessbustour@gmail.com. He is more than willing and able to speak at schools and other venues.
If you are, or know someone, who is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
I think his story was perfect for this Valentine’s Day….a good feel story.
And Bob gave me my Nikon moment and off he went….talk to you later.
February 13th, 2013
It was Saturday, 2/9; God forbid we would miss a minute of the Barkfest’s Pet Pageant. Jody and I were seated at Cafe Azafran, located at 109 Market Street in Historic Lewes. It is one of those very popular local restaurants that for many years has been a favorite. A couple of years ago, they also opened another Cafe Azafran on 18 Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Lunch in the Lewes location is served daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. Tel. 302-644-4446. Website? http://www.cafeazafran.com.
We chose salads for lunch, but the restaurants has soups, sandwiches, mini-wiches and mini-ensaladas….yes, there is a Mediterranean influence. The salads tasted as good as they looked.
Chef Salad with chicken and Spanish ham over field greens, endive, artichokes, hard-boiled egg, roasted peppers, tomatoes and olives, balsamic vinaigrette and pecorino.
Spinach Salad with Manchego cheese, egg, crimini mushrooms, chickpeas, almonds, tomato, red onion, cucumber and toasted cumin vinaigrette.
We were totally satisfied, so, no dessert was necessary. Off we went around the corner to see if the pooches were getting ready.
 
This was the 7th Annual Pet Pageant taking place during the festivities of Barkfest. This was started by Lesley Bowers, owner of P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop), located at 117 Second St. in Downtown Lewes. Website? http://www.pupsoflewes.com.
This event raised funds for the Georgetown SPCA. Website? http://www.delspca.org.
Doggies at The Beach….always present when helping the community to raise funds for those that cannot speak for themselves. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Then, we noticed that even the street’s name was being changed for the day…perfect!
It was so chilly but we were there to support a good cause and to have fun. Some of the contestants were mingling; so were we.
All of a sudden I spotted Samson and Delilah. I had seen these beautiful Standard Poodles a few years ago, also competing on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Then and now. So funny, the owners said their costumes were a little tighter this year.
 
There were several divisions….like the look-a-likes.
 
Lesley was the M.C. and stunning was a word used describing the costumes. Jim Ford, the Mayor of Lewes, handed the awards.
The crowds gathered and cheered!!
 
The photographers trying to get those perfect shots for the local newspapers.
And the pageant continued…the Queen of Hearts.
 
Dog Gone Pizzeria!! He was a winner.
 
A wagon full of Yorkies….
It was so much fun!!
 
This little girl was just hugging her pooch after they had won!! Priceless!!
And, this little one found his “forever” home when his foster mom decided to keep him.
Have a great one!!
 Here, here, there, there...it feels soooo good!!
 
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