January 7th, 2010
For the most part a lot of us have used Property Managers. It does not matter if you own or rent, they are there to make life easier for the owners and renters, as well.
A happy customer is one of the most powerful signs that a Property Manager does a good job with their services.
My criteria for a good property manager is that he or she should have strong communication and organizational skills.
Everything that goes wrong is the problem of the Property Manager and, again, he or she will have the most client contact when disasters occur. You have to agree with that. The Property Manager needs to perform well in crisis situations. Maybe even foresee the future. See when that hurricane is hitting the coast, or, closer to the mid-Atlantic states when will the next nor’ easter strike.
Having that in mind, I really would like to thank my latest advertiser, Beach House Management, LLC. This company is located at 777 E. Atlantic Ave., Suite Z-307, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-376-4329 or toll free 866-414-4329. Website is http://mybeachouses.com. E-mail is beachhousemgmt@aol.com. You can just visit their website by clicking on the banner located on the right hand side of this blog.
I have used this company for about 6 years. Believe me when I tell you that I have used every service they offer and even some that might not be advertised. I cannot say enough about Michael Keegan because not being able to be there to take care of the properties myself, he is the person that I totally trust. From hurricane shutters, mailing of boxes, car inspections, yard, plumbing, internet, cable, air condition, leaks, replacing doors, concierge services like the bistro service they offer, pick up at the airport, help after being locked out, and the list can keep on going. He knows who to call and get them there fast.
They can manage properties from Ocean Ridge to Highland Beach. So if you are thinking about a Property Manager and have a property that needs taken care of in those areas, please give Michael a call. I can assure you that you will not be dissapointed.
In the Delaware Beaches, you will find another great Property Manager. Her name is Debbie Dyer and she owns Coastal Home Services. The address is P.O. Box 3, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-236-5065. The website is www.coastal-home-services.com and the e-mail address is info@coastal-home-services.com.
I also know personally this Property Manager. Debbie has that personal touch that makes you feel like you know her from the moment you meet her. She is very professional and will be able to handle your year-round property management requirements. The Delaware Beaches are very busy during the summer months. Renters come every week, so if you are renting your property, you need someone like her to be on top of things. You don’t rent your property but use it for your own enjoyment? She can arrange for private chefs, spa appointments, summer classes for your children, etc. But, if you visit her website, you will be able to find this info. and much more. And, if you have questions, give her a call. I am sure she would love to hear from you.
Property Managers give you peace of mind.
Talk to you later….
December 21st, 2009
Once in a while I get a craving for Chinese food. I think we all do. And to tell you the truth I had forgotten that we do have a pretty good Chinese restaurant here in Rehoboth Beach, and within driving distance from all the beach towns. I cannot think of a reason why I have not gone lately, but I think it will be worth your while to check it out the next time you are in town.
Confucius opened about 5 1/2 years ago and a lot of us, locals and natives alike were very happy to get a Chinese restaurant that would offer superior quality Chinese cooking. It did not take long for people to discover Confucius; its location is in a quaint little building on Wilmington Avenue, just a couple blocks from the Boardwalk and the beach and one street south of Rehoboth Avenue.
Confucius’ dishes are different from traditional Chinese menus but still authentic and creative.
What a great name for a Chinese restaurant. You know, Confucius was a Chinese Thinker and social philosopher, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese thought and life. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. Hmm…
The address is 57 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-227-3848 and the e-mail is xiongzt@comcast.net. The website is www.confuciusrehobothbeach.com.
Thursday night was when my husband and I got that craving for Chinese cooking that I was talking about. As you know, in my household we have the gluten allergy issue so I proceeded to call Confucius and see if that was a restaurant that could handle such a food allergy.
I was pleasantly surprised to get a positive reaction. They told me that, definitely, they could accommodate us and even though the menu would be a little bit more limited for someone with a gluten allergy, they still had plenty of dishes available; they could work and adjust the recipe.
Driving to the restaurant, we noticed that downtown Rehoboth was pretty quiet for a Thursday evening. It had gotten cold in anticipation of a winter storm. But, the restaurants on Wilmington Ave. had a comfortable crowd.
We brought our own wheat free soy sauce in case they did not have any. They did not carry it, but have assured us they will in the future.
The breading they use in a lot of their seafood is cornmeal. So, the first thing we ordered was an appetizer called Salt & Pepper Calamari. Not the strips but wide pieces of calamari, rolled and wok fried. They were crispy and well seasoned with shredded hot pepeprs. Definitely to be ordered again.
I had the pan seared salmon, which was an Atlantic salmon, lightly marinated with ginger, garlic, lemon, lime, cilantro and seasonings, served with broccoli on a bed of shredded onions, in a very hot platter. It was delicious, as well.
My husband had the steamed halibut and it was steamed in a wok with ginger and scallions. Good seasonings and light.
I remembered that their string beans, which are served as a side dish were so good and they were still just as good. I think they have tiny, crunchy pieces of shrimp that added to the flavor. The beans were perfectly cooked; crispy.
Confucius has an extensive wine list, so for the wine aficionado, this will be a happy place to be.
Then, on Friday, we went again to Confucius in anticipation of my trip to BWI, when I thought I could make it before the storm. Confucius was just as good as the night before.
We had the Ginger Chicken Soup which has been on their menu since they opened and is very good. Wild mushrooms, chicken in a light broth with some lemon grass; perfect for a cold night. My husband had the Salt & Pepper Shrimp as an entree because this dish is usually an appetizer. They added more shrimp and rice and it was great. Mine was the Walnut Shrimp and Scallops with snow peapods and asparagus; very good also.
Well, I think now that I have rediscovered Confucius, it will be one of those frequently visited restaurants by my family.
Note:
Hours of operation are: Thursdays to Tuesdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday brunch is $10/person. Wednesdays, closed. Take out is available and a 10% discount is given to each take-out order.
Information on Confucius was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius
Take it easy during this Holiday Season…talk to you later…
December 17th, 2009
 Rehoboth Beach Christmas Tree
Even though it is getting quieter than usual at my beaches, there are still plenty of things to do besides all the shopping that the area has available.
Restaurants are open with all kinds of specials during the week. People are walking around all bundled up since it has gotten pretty chilly. But, it does feel great to be outside.
The other night when I was coming from Ocean City to Rehoboth I could not believe that there was not a car on the road. I saw a few deer here and there, though.
Tonight we went to get something to eat in Rehoboth Beach. I will tell you about it later. Afterwards we took a ride around town. Rehoboth is all lit up and the lights give the town a peaceful glow.
Even though, in the Spring, I look forward to the waking up of these beach towns and love to see the people enjoy what we sometimes take for granted, it is so nice to be downtown when the streets are bare and I don’t know how to explain it but I love it.
For now I have a few events to mention:
Lewes
Saturday, 12/19/09 – Race – The Seashore Strider Running Club’s 4th Seashore Snowball 5k Run. (Cape Henlopen State Park – Fishing Pier in Lewes) It starts at 10:00 a.m. For more information please contact Tim Bamforth at tim@seashorestrider.com For this particular race please visit www.seashorestriders.com.
Note: Make sure you check their website since the weather is not supposed to be so great on Saturday.
Rehoboth Beach
Saturday, 12/19/09 – A Video Art Holidays Concert & Sing Along – Meet Splash, The Solstice Dolphin and bring a non-perishable for the Food Basket. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The location for this event is at Camp Rehoboth Auditorium, 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Please call 302-227-5620, or visit the website www.rehobothart.com.
Sunday, 12/20/09 – Christmas Concert Recital at Epworth United Methodist Church, at 4:00 p.m. Christopher Berg, countertenor, will present a Christmas recital with Dough Yetter, accompanist and the Chancel Choir joining in for some Christmas favorites. For more info. please visit www.epworth-rehoboth.org.
Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday, 12/19/09 – PETCO Adoption Day – 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Location: Ocean City Outlets, 12641-310 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-213-1929.
Paws of Tomorrow is located in Ocean View, Delaware. It is an animal rescue organization. They are a 501c3 federally recognized animal rescue, which means that all donations are fully tax deductible. Their website is www.pawsoftomorrow.com. Their fax is 866-250-5194 and the best way to communicate with them is through their e-mail which is info@pawsoftomorrow.com. Visit their website for more information and for their mission.
Paws of Tomorrow will be at this adoption event with their adoptable dogs. Please visit their website and send them a request if there is someone special you would like to meet.
I know this organization. I adopted Addy last May and she has been a great dog. She feels so secured now and she is such a funny dog. She is definitely part of our family. To see the post I wrote on her on October 7th, just click on the month of October and scroll down.
I know that at this time of the year, people tend to give pets as presents. Please do remember that this is a serious undertaking, so make sure you are ready to take care of the pet.
Good night…Talk to you tomorrow…and Chinese Food will be on the menu…
December 17th, 2009
We managed to get together again Tuesday evening. It was so nice of Donna to open her home to us. We all brought appetizers to eat and some wine as well. It really turned out so well because some of us had not seen each other in a long time and we were able to catch up in a comfortable setting instead of a restaurant.
The topics of conversation were varied and interesting. It was an all women’s soiree, what can I say?
Donna’s house was fully decorated for the Holidays. I love the traditional colors and her house had all those beautiful reds and greens; so pretty and festive this time of the year.
I decided to make an Asian Noodle Salad that has been pretty popular for some time. The recipe was given to me a long time ago by Mary Jo. I used to make it a lot but then I took a break from it. I thought that for our get together it would be the perfect dish since it is easy to assemble and it is served at room temperature. So, here it goes:
Asian Noodle Salad
1 lb. fresh or dried Asian wheat noodles. I used regular thin spaghetti.
8 ounces snow peas cut on the diagonal into rectangles
1 cup finely chopped green onions, including some green tops
1 cup coarsely chopped unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 cup chopped poached chicken breast, roasted duck, or cooked shrimp (optional)
Asian-Style Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce (I use reduced sodium soy sauce)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup cooking oil, using equal parts sesame oil, vegetable oil and hot chili oil
In a bowl or covered jar, combine rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well to blend. Add the oils and, again, whisk or shake until emulsified. Use immediately or let stand at room temperature for as long as overnight.
In a large pot, bring water to a rapid boil; drop in noodles and stir. Cook, stirring frequently until barely tender and still quite firm to the bite. About 1 minute for fresh noodles or 5 to 8 minutes for dried. Do not overcook. Drain; rinse quickly under cold running water and drain again.
Transfer the noodles to a large bowl; add about half of the vinaigrette and toss well. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to keep noodles from sticking together.
Bring water in a large saucepan to a boil. Add the snow peas and cook until tender-crisp, about 1 minute. Drain, then plunge into ice water to hald cooking and preserve color. Drain well.
Add the snow peas, green onions, peanuts, and cilantro. Then add chicken, duck or shrimp, if desired, and remaining vinaigrette to the noodles and toss gently but thoroughly.
Serve at room temperature.
This recipe will serve approximately 10 people as a salad course and about 6 for a light main course. It is the perfect entree to take to someone’s house, just like I did.
Note: To make this recipe a day ahead, omit snow peas, onions and peanuts when tossing. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature; add snow peas, onions and peanuts. Toss and serve.
I would like to mention that you may be able to make this recipe gluten free by using rice noodles or any other gluten free noodle and wheat free soy sauce. You will also have to make sure that the peanuts do not contain any wheat.
So, enjoy it and make it your own….See you later….
December 7th, 2009
It is that time of the year when family and friends come together and the common denominator is food.
The following are some easy delights that you can either serve your guests at home or take to someone’s house as a gift.
Cranberry-Orange Chutney
1 cup fresh orange sections
1/2 cup orange juice
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups of sugar
1 cup apples, unpeeled and chopped
1/2 cup white raisins
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until berries begin to burst. Remove from heat and stir occasionally while cooling.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 5 1/2 cups.
Note: This recipe keeps well, so it would be an easy one to give as a present. Just put it in a pretty jar. This chutney is delicious with any of the holiday meats.
Marinated Vegetables
Fresh head of broccoli
Fresh head of cauliflower
1 jar pimientos
Combine:
2 cups vegetable oil
2 Tbsps. basil
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsps. garlic salt
2 Tbsps. unflavored meat tenderizer
2 Tbsps. dill seeds
Lay broccoli and cauliflower pieces in a metal cake pan. Sprinkle pieces with chopped pimientos.
Mix remaining ingredients and pour over vegetables.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Serves 6.
Note: I have made this recipe through the years and you don’t really need a metal pan. At first I thought the recipe was weird with the meat tenderizer added to the vegetables, but let me tell you that you will be surprised at how good it is. In a simple white bowl these cold veggies would look great since the colors are vibrant for the Holiday Season.
Cranberry Bread
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups light raisins*
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
Sift together the first 5 ingredients into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Add egg, orange peel, and orange juice all at once; stir until mixture is evenly moist.
Fold in raisins and cranberries.
Spoon into a greased 9″x5″x3″ loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
* You may substitute cranberries for the raisins for an all-cranberry bread.
The next recipe is very easy, and no cooking is necessary, but very well needed at this time of the year:
Recipe for Happiness
2 Heaping Cups of Patience
1 Heartful of Love
2 Handsful of Generosity
Dash of Laughter
1 Headful of Understanding
Sprinkle generously with kindness and add plenty of faith; mix well.
Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve to everyone you meet.
Enjoy!! See you soon…
December 7th, 2009
Sometimes it is taken for granted that we are supposed to automatically get into the spirit of the Holidays. There are years when I am ready to start and others like this one, where, I am asking: What’s the rush?
So, it has been a cold Sunday and even though last week I wished the weather would be a little cooler, I did not expect it to get this cold. Now it is even going to be harder to decorate outdoors. Oh well, it will be done.
I had the idea to visit the Christmas Spirit in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Their address is 161 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-227-6872.
Well, upon entering the store I knew that this shop would really inspire me into getting into the spirit of the Holidays. And, if that did not do it, then nothing would and I would be in trouble.
Christmas Spirit is a good size store. The decorations are so pretty. The different rooms and corners show decorations for every imaginable taste. Some areas are arranged by themes, like the music area. If you have a musician in your family, you will find all kinds of ornaments for him or her. There is another corner for the sport oriented person. Or, your tree is decorated in a coastal theme.
Maybe you are giving a first ornament to a newborn. Or it is someone’s first anniversary or a new home. Possibly, you have been invited to a dinner party and need a hostess gift. How about a present for a Secret Santa? Or, you have decided to start an ornament collection for someone. Christmas Spirit has an ornament for every occasion.
I like to attach an ornament to a wrapped present. It adds a personal touch. Through the years friends and family have given me ornaments and I cherish them more and more as time goes by.
I was noticing all the different tree skirts and garlands that were available; some more traditional than others.
The ladies that work at Christmas Spirit are all very friendly and helpful. Jill Hudson is the Manager and she was telling me that the Rehoboth location has been there for 31 years.
But, wait a minute. I almost forgot to tell you that if you live in Ocean City, Maryland and surrounding areas, Christmas Spirit has a store at 3400 Coastal Highway; great address. This store has been there for over 20 years. The telephone is 410-289-6101.
Please remember that Monday, December 7th is the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade, starting at 6:30 p.m. Line-up starts at 4 p.m. The parade begins at State Rd.
And, if you really want your Christmas cards to be a conversation piece, then you can drive to the town of Bethlehem near Easton, Maryland and have them postmarked there. From Rehoboth is about a 45 minute drive through the back roads.
 Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad
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…
December 4th, 2009
I love Eggnog. Too bad it is so high in calories. I like it on Christmas morning when everyone is opening presents. It’s true. I just do, but I rarely do that anymore.
If you live in Delaware, you most likely buy Lewes Dairy products. It is a family operated business. You can learn more about them by visiting www.lewesdairy.com. The cream is exceptional and during the Holiday Season they do make eggnog. I have added rum to the eggnog and then whipped some of their heavy cream and folded it into the mixture. It will be thick. You can almost eat it with a spoon. Don’t get on the scale next day. I have a few friends that buy the eggnog and put it in the freezer and eat it like ice cream. So good!!
One eggnog recipe that I have and make every year is the following:
Eggnog
6 egg yolks (save the egg whites)
1/2 lb. confectioners’ sugar
3 cups of dark rum
1 quart of whipping cream (I use Lewes Dairy)
1/2 cup peach brandy
Freshly grated nutmeg
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and gradually beat into them 1/2 lb. of sugar.
Add very slowly, beating constantly 1 cup of the rum. Let the mixture stand covered for about 1/2 hour to get rid of the egg taste.
Add, beating constantly the rest of the rum. If you just want to use one cup then do so. Add the brandy. Refrigerate the mixture, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours.
Beat until stiff 6 egg whites and fold them lightly into the other ingredients.
Serve the eggnog with freshly grated nutmeg.
The next 2 recipes are for Coquito. It is like eggnog but it really is a traditional Puerto Rican drink. It is served during the Holiday Season, including the Spanish festivities of Three Kings Day.
I have to laugh because if I were to make the Coquito in the purest way, then I would have to get coconuts and grind the pulp to get the milk, etc. etc. I already could picture the looks I would get at the supermarket when I carried 5 or 6 coconuts to the cashier line. The easiest way is going to be opening a can of coconut milk.
Coquito
2 14-ounce cans of coconut milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups premium white rum
Combine the coconut milk, condensed milk and rum in a blender. You will probably have to do this in batches. Puree until frothy. Pour into a pitcher. Refrigerate until nice and cold. Another way is to pour the coquito into an empty bottle of wine or liquor that has a screw top and then refrigerate. You will need 2 bottles.
Coquito #2
2 cans evaporated milk
1 can cream of coconut
2 cups rum
1 dash of salt
Some ground cinnamon, optional. A dash or two will do.
This is very easy. All you have to do is mix all ingredients. This will make about 1/2 gallon. Pour the mixture in about 3 bottles of liquor or wine with screw tops. Make sure the bottles are rinsed out. Refrigerate.
Remember that you can add a little or a lot of the rum. It’s up to you. Even if you do not drink alcoholic beverages, it would be nice to have in the refrigerator for those unexpected guests in the days to come.
Note: You can also make the Coquito without liquor.
Enjoy…talk to you later…
 
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