March 31st, 2016
“Through participation led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of the disease.” The Cancer Support Community is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides suport, education and hope to people with all kinds of cancer and to their loved ones, as well. ALL programs are offered at no cost to cancer patients, survivors, and their family members.
I have plenty of friends with different kinds of cancer. Come to think of it, I don’t think there is anyone that has not been touched by this physically and emotionally devastating disease. Unpredictable to say the least. My friends that have gone through the initial diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and finally remission say that it does change you. After going through something like that you don’t sweat the little trivial things of every day life.
 
The Cancer Support Community offers so many programs and the participants form friendships and connect with one another. The Cancer Support Community is busy fundraising this year. The following events are coming up and I think it would a great opportunity to participate in some of them. You are new in Southern Delaware? Check What is Going On with this amazing organization and you might make a few new friends.
MONDAY, APRIL 4th – Whoop It Up! For Cancer Support Community Delaware at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar at 19930 Lighthouse Plaza in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Happy Hour on Opening Day the Phillies vs. Reds. Enjoy great bar food and watch the live opening day broadcasts. Silent Auction, 50/50 and Baseball Trivia Games! Open keg with purchase of $5 Commemorative Glass. The tickets are only $20. To get tickets, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Or, you may also get tickets by calling 302-645-9150. Please join Cancer Support Community for a night of good friends and good times!!
TUESDAY, APRIL 19th – At Fish On! Restaurant at the Village of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. A buffet dinner with appetizers and dessert at 6:00 P.M. $30 per person, cash or check only, payable at the door. Checks must be payable to Fish On!. There will be a Cash Bar available, as well. This April Chicks for Charity Dinner will benefit Cancer Support Community Delaware. Please RSVP to chicksdinner@gmail.com. There will be great raffle items and a 50/50 too! They hope to see you there. Check http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
Chicks for Charity started in July of 2010 by Kari Ainsworth and Marcie Urgo. They have helped so many local charitable organizations in the community.
SATURDAY, MAY 7th – Kentucky Derby Party With a Purpose at Northbeach in Dewey Beach, Delaware…fundraising for Cancer Support Community. Opening Party for Northbeach, Summer 2016!! Save the Date and stay tune. Check Northbeach on Facebook, or visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 14th – Sussex Survive & Thrive Walk 2016. Last year my team participated in this walk. We had a blast. Our team was called 16 Miles or Bust! Yes, the walk was 16 miles. This is a big fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware. There are opportunities for sponsorships..from $300 to $7,500 for this particular walk!! More info? Please Call Linda Bowers at 302-645-9150 or visit the website http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
And, Yes that was the team!! It was for such a great cause and some of our team walkers were cancer survivors and others were walking for a loved one that had passed away. We started early in the a.m. and finished at the 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown.
Now is 2016 and a new walk is almost around the corner. This year the walk is called Sussex Survive & Thrive Walk 2016 and it has been tweaked. Instead of the 16 miles there will be 10 miles. You may also do a 3 1/2 walk and a 1 Mile Survivors Walk. For all information regarding the walk, start a team, etc. etc. please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
The walk will begin at Gordon’s Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park in Rehoboth. Check in will be at 7:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 7:15 a.m. The 3 1/2 Mile Walk will check in at 8:45 a.m. and the walk will start at 9:15 a.m. The 1 Mile Survivors Walk will begin at Norfolk Street & the Rehoboth Boardwalk, with a check-in at 9:45 and the walk will begin at 10:15 a.m.
The Covertte Club will also be available to give rides to walkers that might want to take a break!!
The FINISH LINE will be at the Forgotten Mile Ale House, who is sponsoring the Walk, for an After-Walk Celebration from 10:30 until Noon with food, and drinks and….AWARDS!!
Free Shuttle Transportation will be available back to the Gordon’s Pond Parking Lot beginning at 11 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. Parking Passes for the Walk will be included in your Walk Packet, but please try to car pool if at all possible.
You may pick up Walk Packets at the Cancer Support Community at 18947 John J. Williams Hwy, Suite 312 in Rehoboth Beach. Wednesday and Thursday May 11th and May 12th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or on Friday, May 13th from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Packets will also be available on Saturday, May 14th at walk check-in.
So what are you waiting for?….Should be fun, for a great cause, make new friends or catch up with old friends.
March 23rd, 2016
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” plato
No, Patti Grimes, Executive Director, was not getting her hair done by no other than Drexel Davison, owner of Bad Hair Day in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Actually, Patti was very well coiffed. The Freeman Stage came to have a little wine, beer, hor d’ouvres, and to chat about what is very dear to their hearts….the Arts at The Freeman Stage at Bayside.
I thought that The Freeman Stage needed no introduction. Everyone knows by now that this outdoor entertainment venue has been giving Southern Delaware memorable performances. It is like Patti was saying….the first time you hear opera, the first time you see a ballet, the first time you see a live concert, it transforms you. The legendary Bob Marley so well stated “One Good Thing about Music, when it Hits you, you feel no pain”.
Have you attended any of the peformances at The Freeman Stage? It is located about 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. The actual address is 31556 Winterberry Parkway, Selbyville, DE 19975. Tel. 302-436-3015 Website? http://www.freemanstage.org.
The Big Reveal for what is coming up to The Freeman Stage Summer 2016 will be Thursday, March 24th. Check out the website above mentioned or visit their Facebook Page.
Summer nights at the beach are unforgettable, more so if you attend one of the concerts at The Freeman Stage. The Stage is quiet at times during the day, but at dusk it takes a life of its own. People dance and how could they not?
This summer seeing Melissa Etheridge who is such a Superstar. Blondie, and icon from the 70’s. And, The Wailers, entertaining us with Reggae, the music, which is influenced by mento, which is Jamaican folk music, calypso, and American Jazz.
Summer 2016 promises to be an exceptional year, so please check the website to see who is coming to perform on this amazing stage. You will see the performers up close and personal.
Bad Hair Day is located at 20 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-4247. It is a full service salon and barber shop. Website? http://www.badhairday.biz
I want to thank Virgina and Jose Somalo who invited my friend, Jody and I. On the photo you will see Virginia Esteban on the left, Jody, on the center and Jose on the right. Virginia Esteban is the Editor, and Jose is the Publisher of Hoy en Delaware. This is a completely Spanish newspaper, sold throughout the state of Delaware.
Great to have met Leah Reynolds, right, Development Director, and Denise Allen on the left.
It was a very nice time to be able to mingle and meet new faces. Drexel, chatting with his guests.
 Debbie Killeen, Leah Reynolds, Virginia Esteban Somalo Have you been to Bad Hair Day? Let me show you a bit of it while there are no customers. Have in mind that this is an award winning spa. They moved this past year to this new location across the street from the previous one. They are also open 7 days a week….no excuse for not looking your best!!
 Drexel's Dad's Bike 
It was getting time for a presentation by Patti Grimes. She has a soft voice that commands attention.
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It was established in 2007 to honor Josh Freeman after his passing on 2006. Even though in Southern Delaware there is a lot of entertainment, this company set the tone for what is happening in the area. Last year visitors to The Freeman Stage were in excess of 50,000.
Many sponsorships are available. Please visit http://www.freemanstage.org, and http://www.freemanfoundation.org.
The Freeman Stage is helping the community enjoy national class acts as well as regional and local ones.
In the meantime……
January 31st, 2016
“Wine is meant to be with food – that’s the point of it.” julia child
It is January at the Deaware Beaches and it should a little quieter. And it is, don’t get me wrong. But these beaches have become year round resorts. No longer just for summer residents, people have been moving to the Delaware Beaches in large amounts. Years ago living in Bethany Beach meant that once Labor Day Week-End came around, only abou 500 of us would be left behind. I liked it like that but the towns had to grow just like anything else.
I was meeting on Thursday with a few friends from Ocean City, Maryland. This was a good mid point to meet. But, we also found out that 99 Sea Level, a new restaurant that opened this year at the also newly opened Marriott Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, was considered very good with a perfect location, as well. 99 Sea Level is located at 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach, DE 19930 Tel. 302-539-0299 The restaurant is open at this time of the year, Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Website? http://www.99sealevel.com.
99 Sea Level is inside the hotel on the same level of the hotel’s Reception.
It is too cold to sit outside but this summer make sure to stop by and grab outdoor dining which is oceanfront by the Boardwalk.
The lobby of the hotel is so pretty and make sure to notice the chandelier designed and built by glass blower, Jeffrey Auxer, from Berlin, Maryland.
Every Thursday 99 Sea Level offers a Wine Society Dinner. You can choose to be part of the dinner or you can eat from the regular menu. We decided to go with the wine dinner. Ms. Donna Serafini who is the Director of Operations was going to be our Wine Sommelier.
4 Courses paired with beautiful wines. This dinner was $48.00. The bar was crowded and also the room was full with all of us expecting one delicious meal accompanied by the perfect wines.
The First Course was a Chickpea Vegetable Stew with pearl onion, fingerling potatoes and flatbread. The Wine? Firesteed Riesling from Oregon.
Between courses the staff made sure we were comfortable attending to our needs. We were enjoying chatting and catching up.
The Second Course was Warm Octopus…leeks compote, Peruvian Anticucho Sauce, Truffle Virgin Olive Oil. Anticucho, say that again? They say it is a name given by Peruvians to a very hot soup, prepared with a special pepper from the jungle. The Wine? Ferarri Carano Fume Blanc, a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County, California.
The Third Course was a Veal Sirloin…yuca puree, carrots, and mustard peppercorn. It was paired with Edmeades Zinfandel from Mendocino County.
The Fourth Course…The sweet ending of Dessert was an Apple Upside Down with cinnamon, vanilla cake, and candy pecans. It was paired with Block Nine Pinot Noir from California.
It was a lot of fun…and lots of wine!! These dinners happen every Thursday. They will also have in February a Beer Dinner also pairing courses with them. You can check the website or visit them on Facebook for more information.
There will be a Super Bowl Party on the 7th!! And Valentine’s Day is around the corner, as well.
So the evening was over. I headed to Rehoboth Beach and my friends headed to Ocean City, Maryland, but not before we stopped in front of our favorite jeweler in Bethany Beach, Alice H. Klein of TKO Designs.
January 18th, 2016
You know, it really has not been bad at all. The weather here, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has been perfect when you think of what winters we have had these past few years. But, now that it has gotten a bit colder I see that some of my friends are taking off for milder climates.
I just thought that one place where you will have warm weather year round is Puerto Rico. One of my favorites cities is Old San Juan. It is so romantic and a National Historic Landmark District.
And one of my favorite walks is Paseo de La Princesa. It is perfect for a power walk, or for just checking out the vendors that come during the week-ends to sell handmade Puerto Rican artifacts.
Just follow the walk and you will see how beautiful it is.
The group of sculptures is called Raices or Roots, and symbolizes the roots that gave birth to Puerto Rico cultural heritage.
Continue walking, we are heading towards the San Juan Gate.
The San Juan Gate is named after Saint John the Baptist. This gate was built in 1635 and it is the last remaining of San Juan’s principal gates.
When I was younger you were able to drive through the Gate, but now is just walking.
My cousin, Sonia, and I continued walking on a very hot day along the walled City. The wall was started in 1630 and finished in 1798. The wall was 3miles long and encircled the whole City of Old San Juan.
Preserving San Juan National Historic Site…helping to save the historic wall. There is a lot of erosion of wind, rain, and ocean waves. The riprap was finished in the 1990s, the concrete coating sprayed onto the slope is called shotcrete.
You can walk all the way to the back of El Morro Fort, and it is a great walk but remember that you will have to walk back. There is no way to access the other side of town at the end.
I forgot to tell you to take some water with you. There is a water fountain at the end of the walk but the water is warm.
The small island across the channel is Isla de Cabra. It is also the site of Fort San Juan de La Cruz, a vital link in San Juan’s defense system. Today it is a recreation area managed by the Commonwealth.
Entering the City through the San Juan Gate will be perfect to continue your walk through Old San Juan.
When walking through Old San Juan please wear comfortable shoes. The streets are most all cobblestones. The original blue cobblestones are there to see, but soon many of them will be replaced by new ones. The original ones called in Spanish adoquines were cast from iron slag, which is the waste from iron smelting. The first came to the island as ballast in the bottom of European merchant ships circa 1700s. In Calle del Cristo you are sure to see original ones.
La Fortaleza is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico in Old San Juan. On this photo is at the end of the street.
But if you are walking Paseo de La Princesa you can see it. When I was visiting, it was under renovation.
With all the problems Puerto Rico has at the moments, financial and otherwise, it is still a beautiful island, worth exploring.
January 10th, 2016
It just opened about one month ago, but already some of my friends are becoming habitual frequenters to this new place to eat in West Ocean Cit, Maryland at 12611 Ocean Gateway. It is right next to West O Bottle Shop. Tel. 410-213-7020. Website? http://www.hornandshelloc.com.
It is a casual place. Come as you are. It is serving Small Plates, Crafted Signature Sandwiches, Daily Soups, Greens, Oyster Shooters…a Shell Bar!! Desserts!!
Arriving for a quick lunch, Cindi and I ordered oysters. Salty and cold!!
We decided to eat Tapas stye; choosing from their Shares & Tasters Small Plates. An order of Beer Brined Wings…Brined and grilled and then dunked in the fyer to finish. We wanted them well done! We chose the Mojito Glaze.
Black Skillet Corn Bread was dense, rich and warmed on the Pit. It was served with 3 housemade spreads on the side…savory butter, sun-dried tomato pesto, and cheddar cheese spread.
Our third taster was K.H. Beef Plank…Paper thin, super rare Pit Beef, pickled red onion, greens, shaved parmesan, chimichurri, and crisp bread.
Thanks Nikki for your suggestions and for taking care of us so well.
Talk to you later.
January 10th, 2016
Growing up in Puerto Rico gave me an extra holiday to celebrate. This holiday celebrated in Spain and in Latin countries is called Three Kings Day. In Spanish it is Dia de Los Reyes. It’s celebrated on January 6th. Known as the Epiphany it is the Holiday celebrating the biblical adoration of the Baby Jesus by the Three Kings, or Wise Men…in Spanish Los Reyes Magos. Their names? Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.
They offered gold representing Jesus’ royal standing as King of the Jews. They also offered frankincense referring to His Divine nature. And, myrrh which was often used to embalm corpses. This was presented to the new baby as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.
So, when I was a young girl, I would go outside on the eve, which would have been January 5th, with a shoebox, and collect grass for the camels. I would place the box under my bed. Then, I would put cookies and milk for the Kings. In the morning I would find that the camels had made such a mess!!
Once John and I had children and lived in Bethany Beach, I continued with this tradition. It really was a mess, but so worth it!!
The tradition in Puerto Rico was to celebrate this day with roasting pigs, blood sausages, plantains, rice with green pigeon peas, flan and local music!! You still can find those parties but it is not like when I was growing up.
I invited friends for dinner on January 6th to celebrate Three Kings Day. I think this might become an annual tradition. I got some Puerto Rican flags to put on the tree….forgot to get the group photo. I will be more organized next year, I promise.
One of the typical drinks in Puerto Rico at this time of the year is Coquito. It is like an egg nog. My brother told me that the Rum Chata would be perfect to serve. Guess what? I forgot to serve it, as well!! But, Cindi and I tried it the next day. Sooooo good!!
I really thought I was very organized, but as my friends came and the chatting continued I almost forgot a few things that should have started cooking. Hey, don’t worry everything did come out pretty good.
As usual we all gathered in the kitchen…that’s usually the case. A few appetizers…not too many because I had a lot of food. Pasteles are like tamales, but made with plantains. My brother had a Puerto Rican woman in Orlando, Florida, make them for me. Federal Express and here in no time. My grandmother used to make the best plantains but these were a second best. Inside they had raisins, olives, garbanzo beans, and chicken or pork.
Fried plantains with mojito…I like the plantains thin.
Here is Donna helping out in the kitchen.
Pork loin chunks prepared with spices, cilantro, tamarind, olives, capers, and tomatoes. Cooked for some time letting the spices do their thing.
The rice with green pigeon peas was cooking but to tell you the truth I did not like the consistency. The taste was good, nevertheless.
A green salad to clean our palate.
For dessert 2 flans were made. One a traditional Puerto Rican flan with milk and eggs. The other also widely made with cream of coconut….Guess what? I forgot to take the photo but here is a photo of one that I had made some time ago. No kidding, I will have to be better next time. That’s what happens when you are a too relaxed hostess!!
Two tables with the sounds of laughter and story telling, celebrating long time friendships!! It is always amazing!!
And my new granddaughter, Sophia, experienced her first Puerto Rican Fiesta!!
Have a great 2016!!
Note: And if you thought you were finished with the Holidays, think again. In Puerto Rico beginning on January 7th….8 more days of parties…called the Octavitas.
January 4th, 2016
Opening 2016 with a visit to Liquid Assets in Ocean City, Maryland with my friend, Shelley. Crowded? You bet! It was a beautiful week-end at the Maryland and Delaware Beaches. Liquid Assets is located at 9301 Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website? www.ocliquidassets.com.
Liquid Assets is a Bar, a Bistro, and a Package Goods Store. They are open every day of the week…Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to Midnight. Plenty of parking available.
The only seats available were at the Kitchen Bar in the second dining room. This was new for us. We could see some of the preparations going on. I have never sat in this room and to tell you the truth the idea of a kitchen bar is pretty unique just like everything they do.
Coming out of this Kitchen Bar were delicious looking Tuna Crisps…rare ahi, crispy wontons, Kimchee, seaweed salad and wasabi cream.
We ordered the Salted Roasted Beets and Caramelized Pear Salad with Point Reyes blue cheese and coriander dusted pepitas. The cheese melted in your mouth and I always order beets when found on the menu.
My friend, Shelley, loves their Caesar Salad…but she will deconstruct the salad….Topped with grilled chicken. Knew she was going to have it. Did not even have to look at the menu.
From the first time I tasted Liquid Assets’ Pan Roasted Mussels, I have tried them in other restaurants, others states; everywhere. The best EVER are here at Liquid Assets. Plenty of mussels with chorizo, shallots, garlic and grilled bread. A spoon will be also given to you because you will not resist the broth. They are truly awesome!! I have them every time.
Then an order of their Massaged Kale Salad with Burgarian feta, roasted cauliflower, pickled shallots, Serrano ham crisps, crispy leeks, roasted garlic and lemon vin. Topped with a Bristro Steak cooked and seasoned to perfection.
I will have this Sweet Ending one of these days….we looked at it coming out of the Kitchen Bar and it looked soooo good! It is their unique Ice Cream Sandwich…House Made Doughnut with God Bless The Queen Chesapeake Bay Farms ice cream, and a bourbon caramel sea salt sauce. Please note that the doughnuts will be warm!! Seriously decadent.
Liquid Assets can custom build menus for your affair, no matter what size. They bring it to your location. And it is not just food. They have professional servers, bartenders, china, silver, linens, tables and chairs. You may call 410-524-7037. Fax number is 410-524-3308. Email contact@ocliquidassets.com.
The ride is manageable from the Delaware Beaches so get out and enjoy Liquid Assets for lunch or dinner. Check out the above mentioned website because throughout the year they have plenty of events.
Have a good One!!
January 3rd, 2016
We really should not complain here in Southern Delaware. The temperatures so far have been great and it has felt like summer all through the Holidays. But, as we start a new year, and being that it is January, the temperatures dipped a bit this a.m. Thinking about the blue waters of San Juan. Getting to Puerto Rico is pretty easy. It is a relatively short flight and there are daily flights from Baltimore (BWI) and Philly.
Every first Sunday of the month the Mercado Urbano or Farmers Market takes place at 1054 Ashford Avenue…9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is a great way to get up close and personal with farmers, and artists. It is a family affair with plenty of food for everyone. This will be the first Mercado Urbano of 2016!!
This time of the year in San Juan the temperatures will be in the low 8Os, which is great for walking and exploring the Condado area. Mercado Urbano is also ocean front.
Fresh coconut water.
Local produce.
Every Sunday there will be paella.
Local cookies…bring back childhood memories.
Cod Fish Cakes or Bacalaitos. They are so good, and yes they are fattening.
Fresh Pasta.
Throughout the day there are plenty of activities. On Sunday, December 3rd from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Yoga with Lara. All you have to do is bring your mat.
From 10 a.m. unti Noon you can participate in Boot Camp with Spartan Fit.
From 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. there will be live entertainment on the stage.
Shop around for Puerto Rican cigars.
Every household in Puerto Rico has “pique” or hot sauce, locally made.
And please stop by to meet Carla from Carla’s Rosaries. All made by Carla…they are beautiful. Check her out on Facebook. Her website is http://www.carlasrosaries.com.
This customer was so graciously posed for a photo.
If you are in the metropolitan area of San Juan, please stop by. It is a lot of fun!!
 
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