November 21st, 2011
“The first true supermarket in the U.S. was opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in a 6,000 sq.ft. former garage in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.” wikipedia
I knew I was home when I first saw how covered with leaves my yard was; then I heard the geese. I love their sound and how low they usually fly. They were migrating south as I had just migrated north. Hmmm….
It is that time of the year when I usually decide if this is another Turducken Thanksgiving or would a regular bird will do this time. I wanted a regular turkey; have not even decided what trimmings I will make this year.
I think it has been about 3 years since we started eating gluten free. Not by choice; by the diagnosis of celiac disease. No wheat or derivatives, please. Just like we have learned to navigate, grocery stores, restaurants, and going to friends for dinner, our friends have learned just as much. They are always on the look out for gluten free products for us.
I got an e-mail from Richard…Hey, I was at the IGA in Lewes and they had gluten free turkeys. You want one? Of course, I did. I told him to tell them to hold one for me until Sunday. He did and then he said…by the way, you should write a post on this grocery store…it will be interesting to see what you think…
First let me tell you that when you mention to someone about a gluten free turkey, they are surprised. They think all of them are. Not, really. People with gluten allergies and celiac have to stay away from words like, basted, marinated, injected, flavor enhanced and even rubs, unless you know exactly what the rub contained. It is tricky but like anything else you get used to it.
So, there I was ready to pick my bird up and to also do the post. When someone considers going to a grocery store a chore, I actually love it. I go pretty much every day. Ask anyone who knows me. I also see everyone else there, as well.
Lloyd’s Market is located at 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6589. You can find Lloyd’s Market on Facebook.
 Oyster stuffing? I can see why Richard goes to this market all the time. Lloyd’s has that neighbordhood charm. If you are lucky to live nearby, then, you really can walk. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking in the back.
The first thing I experienced as I came into Lloyd’s was the smell of rotisserie chicken. That was a good start. Rotisserie chicken makes great chicken salad; add mayo, grapes or raisins and pepper and you are good to go.
Lloyd’s is small in comparison to the new “mega supermarkets”. But, really, what it had was that neighborhood charm. That familiarity that is lost in big stores.
I introduced myself to Lenny. He was the son in law and yes, he had my turkey. He was so friendly. I asked him about taking pictures and he gave me the go ahead.
   
My gluten free turkey came from House of Raeford Farms in North Carolina. You can check this company by visiting www.houseofraeford.com.
Lloyd’s Market had just turned 40 years old on the 19th. My friend, Richard, told me he used to be a bag boy back in the day. The store keeps in touch with past employees, as well.
Lloyd’s is very well stocked. The store is impeccable and every item is perfectly in line. Good lighting and employees are ready to help.
   
They have local produce. The cabbage and the sweet potatoes were huge.
 
Of course, Lewes Dairy Egg Nog was in the refrigerator. It is the best, hands down. Some drink it plain, sans alcohol; others spike it; while others freeze it and eat it as ice cream.
I met Barbara. She was the cashier. She was from Pennsylvania and had been at Lloyd’s for 7 years. She was a widow and loves meeting the customers. Better than sitting at home by herself, she said. Again, that familiarity of a neighborhood market.
I found these gluten free chips called Popchips. Popped, never fried or baked. Vegan too. They were jalapeno potato popped and had quite a bite to it. They were delicious. The website was www.popchips.com.
I was taking pictures and a young boy asked me why I was doing that. I explained it to him and then he said, Oh, then more people would come, right? It was funny they way he said it because as I am writing this post I am thinking that Lloyd’s really did not need an introduction.
 My cart. Thanks, Richard….talk to you later…
November 16th, 2011
Looking for something to do? There are a variety of activities and events throughout the Delaware Beaches. This is what’s in store for you if you are visiting us.
Lewes
Friday, 11/18 – Friday Night Hikes at 6:00 p.m. What comes out every night at Cape Henlopen? Explore the night in the Park. Join a Naturalist to learn about animals and other sights and sounds, that can only be experienced as the sun sets. This event is for children 7 years old to …..Children need to be accompanied by a paying adult. Only $2 per person. Please remember that pre-registration is necessary and you can do so by calling 302-645-6852. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center on 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. Note that Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th. Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware.
Saturday, 11/19 – Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will be holding their Annual Christmas Boutique and Book Fair at the Biden Center from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Crafts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, food, and homemade baked goods. The Biden Center is located inside the Cape Henlopen State Park, which is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes. Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th.
Saturday, 11/19 – TS Smith & Sons, Sussex County’s (Delaware) only apple orchard is joining Windsor’s Plant Outlet in Holiday Celebration. Location? At the corner of Savannah and Wescoats Rds. in Lewes, Delaware.
From Noon until 4:00 p.m. there will be refreshments to enjoy and recipes to use for holiday meal planning. The bins will be stacked full of seasonal produce for visitors to take home for holiday baking and cooking. Charlie Smith, owner and grower of TS Smith & Sons will be on hand to answer all your questions. I have met Charlie and he is so nice and very proud of his farm and hertitage.
Tastings will be available, as well, such as Cape Seasonings Snacks and Backyard Jams, which are made from TS Smith produce.
Windsor’s will have fresh greens and other floral items available for holiday decorating.
Note: Everyone who brings a non-perishable donation to TS Smith’s canned food drive can enter to win 2 tickets, valued at $50, to an upcoming 2012 Coastal Concerts event. Need more info? Please call Greer at 302-236-3675, or you can visit www.tssmithandsons.com.
Mark your calendars!! Saturday, 12/3 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. TS Smith & sons will be holding their Holiday Open House right at the Farm in Bridgeville. Christmas Carols, Santas, Samples, Hay Rides and much more. Check www.tssmithandsons.com.
Saturday, 11/19 – MERR stands for Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute. It is “a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles”. They will be having on Saturday their “Fin” Raiser starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewes Yatch Club in Lewes, Delaware. Silent auction, music, wine tasting and heavy hor d’oeuvres. $40/person. For tickets call 302-228-5029. Or, you may also visit their website www.merrinstitute.org.
Milford (near the Delaware Beaches)
Saturday, 11/19 – Gaynell Rose, One Woman, One Voice, One Life….An Evening of Music and Great Food. “With her jazz band you will glide on the swing of a world-class rhythm section equally at home in juke joints and high roller lounges.” Music from Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Etta James and Smokey Robinson. An unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment with a special performance of high powered jazz and soulful rythm and blues. Please visit Gaynelle’s website www.gaynell.com.
Location? Abbott’s Grill, 249 Front St., Milford, DE. Abbott’s Grill is sophisticated and casual and just about 19 minutes from the Delaware Beaches. Please call for a reservation. Dinner and Show? $55 including gratuity and non-alcoholic drinks. See you at 6:00 p.m. Tel. 302-491-6736.
Dewey Beach
Saturday, 11/19 – Autism Gala – Illuminate!! Location? The Baycenter in Dewey Beach in Ruddertown. Attire? Blue Jeans and Plenty of Bling!! 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
This is a fundraising event including silent and live auctions. The perfect time to get started on some Christmas shopping. Proceeds will help Delaware families affected by autism. Tickets are $150/person. You can get tickets by calling 302-224-6020 in Newark, 302-644-3410 in Milton, or just by visiting www.delautism.org. Dinner and open bar included as well as entertainment by Love Seed Mama Jump.
Fenwick Island
Thursday, 11/2 – 4th Annual Fenwick Island Turkey Trot at 8:00 a.m., sponsored by hipAHA, Fenwick Island Boot Camp. Location? Lewes Street in Fenwick. It is free but donations are being accepted for “new” Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.
2.2 milesFun Run/Walk, starting at Lewes St. to the Ocean city state line and back. Leashed pets are also welcomed.
There will be a limited supply of t-shirts sold on the day of the event for $20.
Post race refresments will be courtesy of Pottery Place in the Sunshine Plaza shopping center. Please bring a “new” pet item for Safe Haven Animal Shelter. More info? www.hiAHA.com, or visit hipAHA facebook page. You may also contact Lori Martin at hipAHA@hotmail.com or call her at 302-539-1290.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
November 5th, 2011
Don’t think I am crazy for writing this post so early. There is a reason for my madness. I am still on the orange mode, as in Thanksgiving, even as I see everything being decorated for Christmas already. But, this post needs to be brought to light since some of you might want to enter the 80th Annual Lewes Christmas Parade, which will take place on Saturday, December 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
This year’s theme? Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Honoray Grand Marshals? The Brittingham Family, owners of Lewes Dairy. Lewes Dairy has some delicious eggnog during the holidays!!
There is a deadline if you would like to enter the parade in a decorated vehicle or in a marching group. In case of inclement weather, the parade will then take place on Sunday, December 4th at 5 p.m. You can enter the parade as an individual or as an organization. The deadline? November 16th.
Please call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073 to receive an entry form. Entrants will be notified in a mailing on November 23rd regarding their entry number and their parade lineup time.
If you would like some more info., please visit www.leweschamber.com.
The Lewes Christmas Parade is the culmination of a number of special events and activities associated with the celebration of Christmas in Historic Lewes. It really kicks off on Tuesday, November 29th.
As these dates come closer I will remind you of what’s going on. In the meantime, if you want to be on the parade, you better call and get that entry form.
Talk to you later….
November 4th, 2011
If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches this week-end, check what is going on in the Historic town of Lewes.
The 2011 International Beachcombing Conference is being held at the University of Delaware’s Virden Retreat Center on 700 Pilottown Rd. in Lewes, until Sunday. The conference is open to the public and you are invited to celebrate and learn about the treasures you can find at the shore.
The Nation’s leading ocean beachcombing experts will share their knowledge of sea glass, fossils, stone and so much more. Please visit www.beachcombingconference.com for complete information.
Saturday, 11/5 and Sunday, 11/6 – The Holiday Sea Glass & Beach Arts Bazaar will also be part of the Conference. Saturday from 10 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 to 3 p.m.
The Mid-Atlantic and the Delaware Bay are the perfect places to discover beach treasures….have a great week-end….
October 21st, 2011
It is promising to be a great week-end at the Delaware Beaches. Historic Lewes is great to visit year-round. But, there is something about the Fall that brings the best in this town that is much loved by its residents and much appreciated by its visitors.
So, if you are here this week-end, this is what you should be looking forward to.
Friday, and Saturday, 10/21 and 10/22 – Historic Haunts, Ghost Hunting. The Lewes Historical Society invites you to find out who roams those historic buildings in the First Town of the First State.
Tour Hours: Both in the evening at 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., or at 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
$26 per person and please note that reservations are required. The tours are for 13 years old and older. More info. and reservations? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Friday, 10/21 – A Taste for Art of Southern Delaware at the Clubhouse o Baywood Greens, located at Rt. 24 & 5. From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Baywoods is near Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Website? www.baywoodgreens.com/about/directions.htm.
Beautiful works by local artisans, top restaurants’ signature dishes, live jazz, beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
This is a benefit to support Children & Families First. An organization that helps families develop solutions to meet challenges and embrace opportunities. All proceeds will support services to families in Sussex County. For more info. please call 302-604-6277 or visit www.cffde.org.
Friday, 10/21 – Kick your heels and get on the dance floor. At Bethany Blues, Lewes, at 8 p.m. you will find The Teletones. Bethany Blues, Lewes is located at 18385 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-644-2500. Website? www.bethanyblues.com.
Besides great food it is a music venue and tonight’s group, The Teletones, is an all-star group of veteran-based musicians who joined forces in 2009 to create their own unique gumbo of blues, soul and funk music.
Saturday, 10/22 - Best way to start your morning is by visiting a farmers market. So many things to enjoy. Well, Lewes outdoes itself with its Historic Lewes Farmers Market from 9 until Noon at the Lewes Historical Society Complex on 2nd & Shipcarpenter Streets. For more info. you can visit www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Cape Henlopen State Park – What’s Going On?
Please remember that Park fees are still in effect until the end of November. $4 for Delaware registered vehicles and $8 for out of state vehicles.
Friday, 10/21 – Is Friday Night Hikes at 6 p.m. Tales of what comes out on Halloween nights? Really, check what comes out at the Park. Join naturalist to learn about animals and other sights and sounds of the Park only to be experienced as the sun sets.
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-645-6852. Cost? $2.00
Saturday, 10/22 – Get Out & Hike Series – Dune Dynamics Hike (1.5 miles) at 11 a.m. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center then they will go to the respective trail heads.
Join a naturalist and discover why the plants and animals that call the dunes their year-round home might be glad that crowds are gone.
Call 302-645-6852 for directions, more info. and to pre-register.
AboutMyBeaches wishes you a great day…..and I will talk to you later…
October 19th, 2011
I knew I had found something interesting when talking to Chris Reachard he mentioned that he had an Alpaca Farm. Would I like to go and visit? How could I refuse such an invitation, especially when there was the mention of a new arrival on the farm?
The word Alpaca immediately sent me to Peru. These animals were treasured by the Incan civilization. They could be found on the high Andean Plateau and the mountains of South America. They were first imported to the U.S. in 1984.
There are 2 types of alpacas; Huacaya and Suri. The difference? The Huacaya Alpaca is fluffy, like a teddy bear. The Suri Alpaca has long shinny locks, very soft, slightly curly hair.
Alpaca fleece is the natural fiber harvested from an Alpaca. They produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is soft, like cashmere but warmer; lighter and stronger than wool; weavers and spinners use it worldwide. It is really so silky, durable, and has no lanolin, therefore, it is hypoallergenic. Designer, Armani is known to use it for his men’s and women’s suits.
 
So, on Sunday I went off to C & C Alpaca Factory, 17219 Sweetbriar Rd., Lewes, DE. Tel. 609-752-7894. The website is being revamped but if you do want to check it out, you can go to www.openherd.com and scroll down through the farms until you reach C & C Alpaca Factory. Chris Reachard is his name along with Christian Addor, the other partner. They belong to the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). You can e-mail them to Chrisreachard@yahool.com. From Rehoboth and Lewes, take Rt. 9 towards Georgetown, DE and when you see the intersection where Hopkins Creamery is located, then turn right. That road is Sweetbriar Rd.
Michael, my son, was my partner in crime on this outing. When we arrived the first thing we saw were the male Alpacas on the left. They were separated from the females. On Sunday there was going to be some breeding in the afternoon.
Cooper was so cute and he was very aware we were checking things out. The Alpacas on this farm are the Huacayas.
Towards the back we saw the only Llama. Its name? Ruby. The only difference between a llama and an alpaca is the bone structure; the llamas being larger.
Chris and Christian are eager to show everyone their farm. You can come anytime on Saturdays and Sundays. They are always there.
The farm also has a small shop, where you can buy yarn, scarves, hats, and other related items associated with the alpaca fleece.
 Shoe liners, keep your feet dry. 
Then, among those alpacas Medianoche stood out. The baby was just so gorgeous. Running and happy to be part of the herd.
One baby per year. Gestation is about 11 1/2 months.
Chris and Christian had a farm in New Jersey where they raised goats and turkeys. Then, they became acquainted with the alpacas and learned everything about them. Having family in the Lewes and Milton area, they decided to move back home.
They are getting immersed into the community. Kids and neighbors love to stop by. They are also involved with some therapy work, using the alpacas as instruments for relaxation, especially with special needs children.
An Invitation to You:
Halloween with The Alpacas on Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Alpaca Farm.
For this event the farms involved are: C & C Alpaca Factory, Misty Meadow’s Alpacas, G-Pa’s Paca’s, and Morning Star Alpacas.
Activities: Spinning, weaving, dying, felting, crocheting, and knitting. Adult costume and child costume competitions.
Trick or Treat for the kids. Stroll through the farm store and the vendors for all your Alpaca shopping needs (yarn, roving, rugs, and many handmade items).
This is their first event and, hopefully, a tradition will start.
The Alpacas had the cutest faces. They liked to be touched on the neck, as well. And they hum. That’s their sound….
Oh, I almost forgot…a couple of horses also make the farm their home.
Have a good one…talk to you later…
Note: Some information for this post was taken from Wikipedia and www.alpacainfo.com.
October 16th, 2011
I was looking forward to this festival that is now in its 20th year. Our first stop was at T.S. Smith & Sons where we had some fresh apple cider. But, my party was getting restless. They wanted to get to the actual festival.
Bridgeville was crowded; streets were blocked. We were lucky to find a parking space in the high school. And, to the streets we took off. My party? John, Michael, and Matt. If you know me personally, you know who these are.
They were hungry. No time to see craft vendors or the car show, you know. They were wondering if they had beer; not really, it is a family festival.
It was packed. Shoulder to shoulder with people. There was no way I was going to be able to get a scrapple sandwich. The lines were too long; I was not waiting.
The music was playing. We found a stand with roast beef that was gorgeous. My companions had each one of those. They were like hoagies. Huge. The roast beef was delicious.
I decided to get a crabcake. Actually, it was very good. Not a lot of filler, but some.
Still no scrapple. We kept on going towards the ferris wheel. Lines on both sides of the street. Then, we saw the sign for ribs. Matt thought we should get half a rack; John decided that a full rack for all of us would be best. Then we heard: “A full rack for Mel Gibson”. We started laughing with them and they could not believe John looked like Mel and started kidding him about him being at the festival in slower lower. This is not the first time this has happened, though. Funny it happened here.
 
The ribs were probably one of the best we had all had. Perfectly cooked; crispy and with just the right amount of sauce.
We tried to get John to do the ”skillet toss” competition using reversed psychology but he did not take the bait.
On the way out we picked up an oyster sandwich. I will admit that I did not like it. Too much dough; not enough oysters.
There was so much food…a lot of fried food too. Fried chicken, fries, funnel cakes. Pastries and pies and cotton candy.
 
We were ready to go. We were glad we had gone. It had a carnival atmosphere; probably not the way it had originally started.
On our way home we stopped at Hopkins Creamery…we had not had enough to eat. Homemade ice cream right there on the farm on Rt. 9. Pumpkin pie ice cream and rum raisin and chocolate too.
 
Hopkins Creamery is located at 16186 Dairy Farm Rd., 3 miles west on the Lewes-Georgetown Highway. The Website? http://www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com.
Ending the evening with Nicola Pizza was too much to take in one day.
That’s okay; I did not get the scrapple at the festival, but I do have it in my refrigerator.
In retrospect, I thought it was too commercialized. Too bad; I would have loved to have seen more of the scrapple and apple representation; that’s why the festival started.
Talk to you later…
October 5th, 2011
“In 1682 one of the most significant milestones occured, when the current lands of the State of Delaware were granted to William Penn. He proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the first “public lands”.”
With that in mind and being that it was late in the p.m., Marisa and I took off from downtown Rehoboth Beach towards Cape Henlopen State Park.
Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Just east of the Cape May Lewes Ferry. It does not take long to get there from Rehoboth, especially at this time of the year.
The Park is open 7 days a week until 4 p.m. The fees are $4 for registered Delaware vehicles and $8 for out of state cars. This fees are in effect until November 30th. If you would like more info., please visit www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen.
Just like the Greyhounds were lounging at the beach in Rehoboth, the deer were out and about in the Park. It was amazing to see that they were totally unafraid. I was so near this young one; I practically could touch it.
The other ones were grazing or just hanging.
As we continued through the Park we stopped at the concession area. I always take the picture walking towards the beach. I love how it looks with the water meeting me at the end.
It was quiet and gorgeous, as usual.
The point was busy and windy, as well. The kiteboarders were having a ball.
On the Calendar:
Saturday, 10/15 is the Wine, Cheese & Beer Tasting, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Officer’s Club in the Cape Henlopen State Park. This is a fundraising event for the new children’s playground sponsored by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.
$20 in advance or $25 at the door (entrance to the Park is included)
Tickets can be purchased at R & B Liquors at 207 Second St., Lewes, The Biden Center at the Cape Henlopen State Park, or at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce in Lewes. More info? Please call 302-858-6127.
The much awaited 23rd Annual Fantasy Trail will be:
Friday and Saturday 10/28 and 10/29 from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10/30 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
$5 per person (children and adults)
Wear your costumes….please!!!
Have a Great Day!!
 
|
4 Comments