July 4th, 2010
The 4th of July; a grand and great holiday in the United States, enjoyed by the exciting, colorful and traditional displays of fireworks in most cities. These are, but, a symbol of the meaning behind the Celebration of Independence.
The 4th of July Independence Day, though, came about as the result of the valiant efforts and commitments of our American forefathers; not that long ago.
Have a Great 4th and talk to you later……….
June 17th, 2010
It’s interesting how when the town of Berlin, Maryland is described, it is mentioned that is like traveling back into the past. It’s not just back into the town’s own past history but also my own.
I have mentioned that this is where my children spent their primary school years so believe me when I tell you that Berlin became my home, as well. And, every time I visit, I cannot help to reminisce.
Berlin is in Worcester County. The town is west of Ocean City, Maryland and dates back to the 1790s.
This is another of those towns where the citizens have worked hard to preserve its history and charm. The renovations of the town and its historic preservation are, definitely, a cooperative effort.
Restaurants and shops line Main Street in Berlin. This town is well known. The movie industry loves it. Two major motion pictures have been filmed here. In 1998 Runaway Bride with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts and in 2001 Tuck Everlasting with Sissy Spacek, Ben Kingsley and William Hurt.
I decided to visit Tada on Wednesday because it is the perfect place for what I was looking for. A wedding gift. I figure that Patty and Blair would be able to help me since they knew the bride.
TaDa is located at 18 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website is www.blairelizabeth.com.
The mother and daughter team that owns this beautiful store? Patty Falck and Blair Elizabeth (Blair Falck Parsons). Yes, she got married.
Coming into TaDa at this time of the year gave me the same impression as when I visited in the Fall. The beautiful colors, now even brighter as the summer season is upon us. The displays are perfectly located. Only someone with an artistic eye could put them together in such a way.
Patty is an artist. She paints for her store but accepts custom orders. Her painted glassware has a following.
Blair is also an artist; designing and making her own jewelry. Mother and daughter are definitely a team.
TaDa has something for everyone. Wether you are looking for home accents, a gift for someone close, art, tableware, they have it.
It was a Wednesday and all of a sudden the store was packed. Patty and Blair were so at ease talking to everyone. The customers really engaged them in conversation. And, that’s what I love about shopping in the local stores in all of our towns; you get to know their owners.
This store is always on my “must stop shop”, and it still takes my breath away.
Have a great day….it’s beautiful out…
February 3rd, 2010
Have you ever been to a town called Celebration, in Celebration, Florida (Orlando)? Well, this town was modeled after small American towns and neighborhoods from the early 1900’s. It is not that I want to live like in the early 1900’s. But the idea of living in a town or neighborhood where you can safely walk the sidewalks, talk to your neighbors from their balconies and walk into shops and post offices and become friends, brings nostalgic feelings to my heart.
I believe that towns like Lewes, Princess Anne, Oxford, Berlin, St. Augustine, Milton all of which are located in Maryland, Delaware and Florida have served as models for the above mentioned Celebration concept. One other town, Easton, Maryland, is a perfect example of small town living. With its charming streets, homes and businesses at close proximity to pedestrians, it lets people connect with one another.
Tuesday was a day for a road trip. It took Cindi and I to the town of Easton. We went to meet Susan, a friend that we had not seen for about 6 years. What kind of friends are we? I guess we just have been dealing with our own families, schools, businesses and even though we are only about 1 1/2 hours away, we just let those years slip by.
Cindi and I met in Georgetown, Delaware, and I told her I definitely would take her through the short cut. Well that did not happen since every field looked the same; covered with snow. We made it, though.
Easton, Maryland, just in case you don’t know about this town, is in Talbot County; its County Seat. Its location is at the headwaters of the Tred Avon River. Because of its rivers and creeks it is very popular with boaters.
I have been talking about this small town, but don’t kid yourself, this is a very well connected town. It does not roll its sidewalks at dusk either. Throughout the year it is the host of art festivals, including the very popular Waterfowl Festival. Easton is the home of chic shops, antique shops and restaurants. A wide variety of lodgings are available, as well, including the Historic Tidewater Inn.
The Avalon Theater is another place that should not be missed. It is a happening place. It is located on 40 East Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. Tel. 410822-7299. Website is www.avalontheatre.com. This theater brings you from Symphony to Bluegrass, Comedians to Art Festivals; really, entertainment for the whole family. It was built in 1921. Three world premieres opened at this theater, including “The First Kiss” with Gary Cooper and Fay Ray; filmed in Easton and St. Michaels. Please visit the website above mentioned for more information on the Avalon Theater and upcoming performances. They have their whole schedule up.
 Legal Spirits & Avalon Theater It was time to meet for lunch. Susan met us at Mason’s. This restaurant is located on 22 South Harrison St. in Easton. Tel. 410-822-3204. E-mail is masons@masonsgourmet.com and the website is www.masonsgourmet.com.
You can see from the pictures that this restaurant embodies the small town living. The charming house which was converted into the restaurant greets you with such warmth. One side of the house is the restaurant and on the other side; a more casual and lighter atmosphere. Coffee, gourmet chocolates, candies and wines are all available for purchase.
Mason’s was established in 1966. By visiting the website you will find their history and what they are all about, including menus.
Today I had their Davon Crest Baby Green Salad with candied pecans, peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and honey mustard vinaigrette. I then added fried oysters on top. Great presentation and taste. The honey mustard added the perfect kick to the salad.
Cindi had their Daily Deep Dish Quiche with baby mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette. This quiche looked beautiful. Cindi had been having a quiche craving so she was perfectly happy.
In French cuisine, a quiche is a baked dish that is based on a custard made from eggs, and milk or cream in a pastry crust. But I don’t think that a lot of people would know that even though it is considered a dish of French cuisine, it really originated in Germany. The word “Quiche” is from the German “Kuchen”, meaning cake.
Susan decided on the Chicken Salad Plate. It had also fruit salad and pasta salad on the side. Great presentation, as well.
Did I forget to tell you that today was Susan’s birthday? Yes, on Groundhog Day. We ordered a chocolate torte. Velvety smooth, rich and delicious. It went well with my espresso.
 Susan's Chocolate Torte Mason’s service was prompt, attentive and discreet. Kari, our server, let us catch up, knowing that we had not seen each other for a long time.
So, even though Easton is a little bit of a drive from the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, it is really worth visiting.
A Tip: The only suggestion I would have for Mason’s is that its staff should be informed about ingredients in their chocolates and baked goods in case a customer has a food allergy.
Note: Information of Quiche was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiche.
Enjoying a meal with friends is something that is priceless. Really, it is!!
Talk to you later…
January 27th, 2010
It started with my husband watching the Food Network Channel. All of a sudden they were talking about a restaurant in Bal Harbour called La Goulue; a replica of a Parisian bistro with the best cheese souffle. Well, that is all it took. We wanted to go there, especially after watching the t.v. show and drooling at the site of such a magnificent dish.
Since we were in Florida, at the time, we were willing to drive over an hour to try La Goulue. I called the restaurant to find out if the souffle had flour. I thought that it might. I have never made one. Well, of course, it did, and you already know that in my household we eat gluten free, which means no wheat, flours and derivatives thereof. Well, that was a short trip!!
The word souffle is the past participle of the French verb souffler, which means to blow up or puff up. This is what happens when you combine egg yolks, egg whites and other ingredients. An enriched sauce with egg yolks and lightened with beaten egg whites, is what it is.
My husband kept dreaming about the cheese souffle and tonight his dream came true.
The following recipe is Gruyere and Parmesan Cheese Souffle. I have substituted the all purpose flour for a Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix made by Arrowhead Mills. It worked perfectly and the rest of the ingredients are gluten free as well. I hope you like it. It was so easy to make.
Gruyere and Parmesan Cheese Souffle
Grated Parmesan cheese – Buy a good wedge and grate it, finely, yourself.
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
5 tablespoons Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix. If you don’t have an allergy, then use all purpose flour.
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 large egg yolks
8 large egg whites
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons (packed) coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (about 6 ounces)
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
Generously butter one 10-cup souffle dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to coat.
Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, cayenne pepper and nutmeg. Cook without browning until mixture begins to bubble, whisking constantly, a little over 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk, then wine. Cook until smooth, thick and beginning to boil, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes or so. Remove from heat.
Mix yolks, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add the mixture all at once to the sauce and whisk quickly to blend.
Fold in 1 1/4 cups Gruyere cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (cheeses do not need to melt).
Using an electric mixer, beat whites in a large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold 1/4 of whites into the souffle base to lighten and then fold in the remaining whites.
Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of Gruyere cheese.
 Before Place souffle in oven; reduce heat to 375 degrees. Bake souffle until puffed, golden and gently set in the center. This will take about 45 minutes. Take it out of the oven and serve immediately.
 And After Serves 4 to 6 guests.
I think your guests will be very impressed. This is the type of dish that can be served with a salad and a green vegetable like asparagus, which is what I did.
Remember make the recipe your own; adjust it to your needs.
Bon Appetit!!
Note: This recipe was taken from www.epicurious.com and the information on the word souffle was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/souffl%C3%A9.
January 1st, 2010
We all make the yearly resolutions; never to really go through with them. The following is a recipe that I found some years ago in a recipe book. It is easy and perfect for 2010 and beyond.
The Recipe for a Healthy, Happy, and Active Life
3 cups full of faith
2 heaping cups of a healthy diet full of well balanced, nutritional meals including fruits, veggies, grains, dairy and meat
1 1/2 cups cool, clean water
1/2 cup of vitamins, minerals and good supplements
1/4 cup of plenty of sleep each night
2 tbsps. of truly supportive, giving, loyal friends and family
1 tblsp. positive attitude filled with gratefulness, integrity and hope
1 tsp of exercise to walk the stress away
1 heaping helping of hugs and kisses galore
1 pinch of patience and understanding from that special someone
A measure of compassion for those less fortunate
Mix all of the above ingredients together and gently fold with love, mercy, joy, peace, forgiveness and kindness.
Bake at 365 days a year for a healthy, happy and active life.
Serve to as many people as you can.
Feliz Ano Nuevo!!…
December 9th, 2009
 Delmarva Santa (The Delmarva Santa celebrates the Season with our local treasures, the black lab puppy, the chicken family, the race track foal. The vase is an antique carnival prize.)
When I posted on my blog at the end of October, I told you that I spent so many years going to the town of Berlin, Maryland. It was in this town where part of my children’s education took place. It was also the time where friendships were made that have lasted for many years.
 Old World Santa (Old World Santa is unique and totally made by hand from the wooden base to his sculpted head. The white vase and tiny sheep are antique, as well as his fancy belt buckle.)
Dee was one of those friends I met so long ago. She is also a very talented person. During the Christmas Bazaars and Gala functions at the school she was one of the parents at the head of art projects. I am not artistic, but I was there along with everyone else that volunteered.
I started a road trip in the search for Dee’s Santas. The first ones were found in Berlin and the second ones were found in Princess Anne.
 Old World Santa (This Old World Santa is surrounded by favorite flora and fauna. His hand sculpted head is completed with a cotton beard. His damask coat is lined with velvet.)
This is the perfect time of the year to introduce you to her work. You might already know it, or even have a few of her pieces. She has two specialties. One of them is the handmade Santas. They are Old World Santas and their heads are totally hand sculpted. She uses dry clay and the faces are painted in acrylic. She also uses cotton and raw sheep’s wool from Dora, a sheep that resides at a friend’s farm in Pocomoke, Maryland. Vintage fabrics are utilized in the making of the rich clothing.
 Old World Santa (Old World Santa is entirely handmade, from his wooden stand to his mink hat. His coat is made from vintage linen toile. Hand-sculpted, his head is made with clay and painted with acrylics.)
 Woodland Santa (This Santa is made from a hand pieced and hand quilted Baltimore quilt made in the 1930’s. His head is hand sculpted, as well; his beard is raw sheep’s wool. His harvest basket and woodset accessories are natural; perfect for gift giving.)
She has been making the Santas for a long time and they have become collectibles. Dee will take custom orders, but you need to speak to her about that. She sells them for $350. For more information, please call her at 410-641-4281 or 410-603-7581.
Dee’s other specialty is custom handmade bags. She has been making them for over 10 years. I have taken a few pictures so that you can have an idea of what they look like. She uses beautiful fabrics and linings. The colors change depending on the season. The bags are comfortable and easy on your shoulders; very affordable, as well. 
Dee has a partner in the bag business. Her name is Sharon. They also have a website: www.boppyowls.com. You can visit the website and see what they are all about. You may contact them by calling Dee at 410-603-7581, or Sharon at 410-726-6650. 
Several stores carry the Santas and bags:
TaDa in Berlin, Maryland, 410-641-4430 (Santas and bags)
Petite Fleur, Princess Anne, Maryland, 410-651-4999 (Santas and bags)
Bruder Hill, Berlin, 410-629-1260
Malibu on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, 410-289-3000 (bags only)
Flowers by Alison, West Ocean City, Maryland, 410-213-8330
  
Merry Christmas!! Talk to you later…
December 4th, 2009
Parades, caroling, holiday celebrations!! The joys of the Season!!
Lewes
Until Sunday 12/6 – Is the Children’s Beach House Benefit Art Exhibit Sale. Visit www.cbhinc.org for details.
Saturday, 12/5 – Holiday Cookie Walk. $5.00/pound. Bethel United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visit cookie displays, shop for cookies, weigh them and pay.
Saturday, 12/5 – Is the 3rd Annual Christmas Boutique from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., sponsored by Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, at the Seaside Nature Center.
Saturday, 12/5 – Lewes Historical Society’s House Tour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. 8 homes on the tour plus the Historical Society’s buildings. Tickets are $20. Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Saturday, 12/5 – Is the Lewes Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. followed by tree lighting and caroling at the Zwaanendale Park and reception in the Fisher-Martin House. Call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Rehoboth
Sunday, 12/6 – Community Unity Spaghetti Dinner from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Convention Center. Tickets are $8, seniors $5 and kids under 12 eat free. Call 302-227-2772 or visit www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Monday, 12/7 – Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade. Line-up starts at 4 p.m. Parade begins at State Rd., and travels east to the Boardwalk, then turns west and goes back up to the Convention Center.
Santa’s House is open during the Holiday Season so please visit www.downtownrehoboth.com for hours or call 302-227-2233.
Please Note: Doggies at The Beach will have a float. Look for them. They are located on 18806 John J. Williams Highway. Their tel. is 302-644-8200 and the website is www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday, 12/5 – Ocean City Christmas Parade at Oceanside North Ocean City (91st-146th) Activities at the Gold Coast Mall after the parade. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Route: 100 St. north to 115 St. at Mall. Call Honey Jarvis for info. 410-524-9000
Until January 2nd – Winterfest of Lights at Townwide & Northside Park, 127th St. Call 800-626-2326 for visit website http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation.
Sunday, 12/6 – Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Holiday Joy at Community Church on Rt. 589 in Ocean Pines. Call 888-846-8600 or visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org. It starts at 3 p.m.
Berlin, near Ocean City, Maryland
Until December 25th – Victorian Christmas Celebrations include – life sized storybook window displays, horse and carriage rides, house tours, concerts, parades. Victorian fashion show and teas. Santa visits on week-ends at the Atlantic Hotel. There is a fee for some of the events. Visit www.berlinmdcc.org for more information.
Have a great week-end!! See you soon…
September 7th, 2009
Lewes, Delaware
Saturday, Sept. 12th – Parade of Ponds – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting at Garden Ponds & Landscaping. Location is 14680 Coastal Highway, Milton, DE 19968. Tel. 302-645-7841. Website is www.gardenpondsandlandscaping.com. This event is to benefit the Children’s Beach House in Lewes, Delaware.
Saturday, Sept. 12th – Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. until Noon at the Lewes Historical Society located at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Tel. 302-645-7670. Website http://www.historiclewes.org .
Saturday, Sept. 12th – 4th Annual Chocolate Tasting, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park at the Biden Center at the Cape Henlopen State Park.
Sunday, Sept. 13th until Sept. 17th – Annual Delmarva Antique Bottle & Sea Glass Club’s Show and Sale at the Cape Henlopen High School on 1250 Kings Highway. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Winswept Stables Petting Zoo is open daily from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. On Saturdays, pony rides are available for a fee. The address is 34184 Eventers Way. It is off of Rt. 24 which is also John J. Williams Highway, Tel. 302-645-1651
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Tuesday, September 8th – Farmers’ Market, Noon until 4 p.m. at Grove Park, behind the Chamber of Commerce. Parking available at the Chamber of Commerce and at Columbia and Henlopen avenues. Website http://www.RBFarmersmarket.com.
At the Farmers’ Market you will find the Empty Bowls Project. This is a joint project between the Rehoboth Art League and the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market. Purchase a bowl and it will be filled with soup for $20. Cash or check only, please. This is to benefit “Just Soup Ministry”.
Started by a teacher in Michigan in 1990, the Empty Bowls Project holds events around the country to raise awareness and funds to alleviate hunger.
Thursday, September 10th, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. – Fund Raise for the Delaware Humane Society (http://www.dehumane.org), at the Seafood Shack on 42 1/2 Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach. Dogs are welcomed out back in the patio.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Some of the items are: 2 Ravens football tickets and also certificates for grooming, day care and night care donated by Doggies at The Beach, www.doggiesatthebeach.com (302-644-8200). Please attend and support the DE Humane Society (all pets).
Friday, September 11th, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. – Exhibit opening at Philip Morton Gallery, 47 Baltimore Ave.-Members of the Delaware based Artist Exchange. Visit the website www.philipmortongallery.com
Friday Sept. 11th, until Sunday, Sept. 13th – Delaware Coast Antiques Show and Sale at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Rehoboth Beach, located on 229 Rehoboth Ave.- 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and on Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is a collector and dealer show. Admission with ad is $5.00, otherwise general admission will be $6.00. For information, please call 302-226-5456 or 302-542-3286
Saturday, September 12th – Mosaic Second Saturdays – Destination Art Walk. Visit a dozen of Rehoboth, downtown art galleries from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Mosaic is the new gallery collective for downtown Rehoboth. Website is www.mosaicrehoboth.com
Saturday, September 12th – Rehoboth Walk to Defeat ALS. Boardwalk 2 Mile Walk to raise funds for ALS Assoc. to support patients and research. Registration at 8 a.m. and walk begins at 9 a.m. For more info. call Mary Ann Wollten at 302-684-4151. ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, Sept. 13th – In Millsboro, Delaware is the Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow. For information and directions, please check the website www.nanticokeindians.org/news.cfm.
Dewey Beach, Delaware
Saturday, September 12th – Bottle & Cork 10 Miler/5K – Seven Sisters, Two Brothers Running/Walking Series 2009. Event starts at 7:45 a.m. for the 10 miler, with registration at 6:45 a.m. and for the 5K the starting time will be 8 a.m. Checks and cash only, please. For more information, please go to the website www.sevensistersdeweybeach.com
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Saturday, September 12th – 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. is the 31st Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival. It is sponsored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. Location is the boardwalk and adjacent streets. More than 100 artists will display their work. Live music. Silent auction of works donated by participating artists will benefit local schools. It is a juried show as well. For more information, please call 800-962-7873.
In Berlin, Maryland, near Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday, Sept. 12th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. A Fundraising Event for Paws of Tomorrow – Pet Rescue Association. It will be at A Novel Idea on 11033 Cathill Rd. in Berlin, Maryland, 21811. Tel. 410-641-5211. A successful fundraising event will let them continue their pet rescue effort which has been very well received by the community. Donations are welcomed too.
A Novel Idea is the sponsor of this event and they will be donating many items for Paws of Tomorrow to sell.
Please go to Paws of Tomorrow’s website www.pawsoftomorrow.com and see which pets will be atending this event, in case you see a pet on their website and would like see it. In their website you will be able to see what other events are coming in the next weeks.
Paws of Tomorrow is located in Ocean View, Delaware. They need foster parents for the pets until they find their forever home, as well as people that really want to adopt a pet. So, if you are not sure if you are ready for a pet full time, this might be an opportunity to foster a pet and see if you are ready.
I do know this organization, because this past May, I adopted Addy from them and she is great. I will talking about her one of these days on this blog.
|
0 Comments