December 14th, 2011
“Eating stale cookies and drinking warm milk by the fireplace at 2 a.m. while you learn Chinese from a 46-page set of assembly instructions.” Got to laugh because I always paid extra for those assemblies. No way I was dealing with that.
Holiday dread or excitement? All that baking, shopping, entertaining, and wrapping….Guess what? I have not done any of it..haha Well, maybe a little. I encountered a long line at the Post Office in Rehoboth Beach; 5 people were in front of me. Imagine that. No patience, because here, at the Delaware Beaches, we usually do not have to make those long lines anywhere. Hmm…at the height of the summer season, yes, restaurants are crowded, and finding parking is a pain.
But, it is December and we are all trying to mail our precious gifts. So, there I was. My Mother asked me last year to send her fruitcakes. I am surprising her this year by sending them again. I hope that’s what she wants. By the time these are mailed to Puerto Rico, they will be worth their weight in gold. And, they were, definitely heavy. Fruitcakes are not my favorite, though. Don’t they have fruitcakes in Puerto Rico, anyway?
During the holidays is best to avoid stress by doing something fun. I found an activity and an event. They are on the same day and at the same venue.
Thursday, 12/15 – How to Make and Decorate a Natural Wreath, at 10:00 a.m. This is a hands-on class making your own wreath and decorating from nature’s products. It will be held at East Coast Garden Center, 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please register by calling 302-945-3489. You can also visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
The cost is $25, which will include one 18″ wreath, three leaves of your choice, three pine cones, three acorns, three clusters of dried foliage/flowers and a 1 1/2″ sprig of bittersweet.
Thursday, 12/5 – Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro. 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. The Murder Mystery will start at 7:00 p.m.
$40/person or $70/couple. Please pre-register by calling 302-945-3489 or visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
Note: Directions to East Coast Perennial are all in their website.
Have a great time!! Talk to you later….
December 8th, 2011
Every time I make this recipe I get those “ooohs and aaahs” you want to hear. It is, actually, pretty good. For lunch? For dinner? You decide.
It is really a healthy recipe; light and ready in no time. Great for a crowd; you can double it, or for just a few.
Hope you like it. Here it goes:
Asian Chicken Slaw
1 cup low calorie sesame-ginger salad dressing (I used Wish-Bone’s Light Asian with Sesame & Ginger Vinaigrette)
1 lb. chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mandarin oranges
1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, sliced
1 cup fresh basil, cut into thin strips
2 bunches scallions, trimmed and chopped
1 bag (16 ounces) cole slaw mix
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Combine 1/2 cup of the dressing with the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Let it stand for about 20 minutes.
Toast almonds in a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn. You want to obtain a light brown color.
Remove chicken from marinade and add to that same skillet or use another one. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is nicely done, turning a few times. It might take about 7 minutes or so. You want it cooked through. Then, cut into bite-size pieces.
Drain Mandarin oranges, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Whisk juice into remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing.
In a large salad bowl, toss cabbage, sugar snap peas, basil, scallions, cole slaw mix, salt, pepper and chicken with dressing.
Add Mandarin oranges and almonds; gently stir to distribute well. Serve and enjoy.
If you would like more dressing…then you know what to do….yes, make it your own…..talk to you later….
December 1st, 2011
It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.
In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.
I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.
The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.
     
Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.
I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.
Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.
For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.
This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.
Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!
Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.
Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.
Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!
Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.
Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.
Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.
Holiday House Tours:
Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.
Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!
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…
 
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