May 4th, 2016
Here we are. We are fairly new to Selbyville. We are Alpacas. Along with LLamas we are family members of the camels but we do not have that hump. We are natives to America and we are known as animals of the new world. Get it? Nuevo Mundo.
I arrived at Jose Palma and Elizabeth Ferguson with my friend, Jody. She has known Liz for some time. Jose and Liz moved to Selbyville from Kentucky. When asking them if it was because of low property taxes, they said no. It was just a random choice after looking at several properties. Both are extremely friendly and generous with their time. This is a new business for them but they are thoroughly enjoying this new journey.
You can check Nuevo Mundo Alpaca on Facebook. The website is http://www.nuevomundoalpaca.com.
On the website Liz is going to be introducing their Alpacas. The first one being introduced is Tempest. She is a 5 year old female. On the photos that I took I am not sure which one she was but on the following photo it might be the one on the right. The brown cria was a doll.
Alpacas and Llamas are natives to the Andes. The Llama is the bigger one. The Alpaca is smaller and compact. Here is Liz feeding them. They are friendly but cautious. And like I told my friend Jody….they do spit.
Jose and Liz are introducing their Alpacas to shows and competitions. Something completely new to them. On the farm their rescued Great Pyrenees keep watch over the Alpcas.
During beautiful weather the Alpacas enjoy the gorgeousl Southern Delaware sunshine. But during inclement weather they have their barn for much needed shelter.
There is more to Nuevo Mundo Alpaca…..chickens!! Their chicken coop is precious. And Jose and Liz’s pooch thinks he owns them.
Liz and Jose are learning everything Alpaca. The fleece is the natural fiber harvested from an alpaca. It is soft, durable and luxurious; a silky natural fiber.
If you have any questions please email Jose@nuevomundoalpaca.com, 502-767-9543, or Elizabeth@nuevomundoalpaca.com, 502-235-4543.
In the area there are now about 3 alpaca farms. Lewes/Rehoboth, Berlin, and now Selbyville.
Jose: Fue un placer conocerte. Espero cuando venga tu Mama pueda saborear algo de su cocina. Gracias a ti y a Liz por habernos recibido tan amablemente.
April 26th, 2016
The Delaware State Fair is a 10-day event that takes place at the end of July. This year’s event will begin on July 20th until July 30th. It is located at 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952. Tel. 302-298-3269. Please visit http://www.delawarestatefair.com.
The fairgrounds include racetracks, agricultural exhibits, and stage where entertainment takes place. People think that nothing else happens at the fairgrounds besides the State Fair, but check the website above mentioned to see what is going on. Save the date for May 21st for the “In the Come Together Day Dog Show” hosted by the East Coast Bully League.
So you wonder, what my friend Susan Dimondi and I were doing there. She does have a connection to the Fairgrounds. Delaware is so small. No one ever comes here, right? I am not sure if other candidates have visited Delaware in the past year, but Donald came to see if he could snatch those 3 delegates we have to offer.
When we arrived, the arena already had about 3,500 supporters. It is a huge place.
Outside security was tight Plenty of food trucks. No alcohol. No protesters.
Hillary’s Tail of Lies….this guy was a hit on the arena. His shirt on big letters “”At this point What Difference does it Make”. No, I don’t think he likes Hillary at all. Check his website http://www.justaskamerica.com
The media was ready. Donald made his usual comments about the media….the Worst!!
Before Donald arrived, a prayer for all, the Pledge of Allegiance, The National Anthem. The crowds were so well behaved.
Donald was about to land in his helicopter.
And then the crowds went crazy. There were over 10,000 people there. Someone said to me that the whole state was there. LOL
His speeches are the same. The crowds react the same. People are definitely angry. There were people there that had just been to Berlin, Maryland, when he visited on the same week. This crowd was very patriotic and anything he said along those lines was cheered.
I was surprised to see how slender he looked in person. Even if you were not a Trump follower, you would have gotten right into it. You could not help to follow the crowd’s chantings.
So The Donald came and went. Please get out and VOTE!!
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 21st, 2016
It has been a while since I have posted a recipe for Meatless Monday. This is a “global movement, created in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health”. It is a way to eat just one day a week free of meat….go vegetarian for just that one day will help in our overall health. For more information, and recipes, as well, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
I had a couple of good size eggplants and decided that today, being Monday, I would use them to make Eggplant Parm. I have made this dish so many times, and every time I either add something or delete something. I always make recipes my own. So should you, it is fun to experiment.
2 medium to large eggplants
3 eggs
Oil for frying
Italian Breadcrumbs (If manking it gluten free, please make sure you buy some of the many available breadcrumbs that are gluten free.)
Spaghetti Sauce (I tried Mia’s Kitchen Bistro Marinara from Safeway and it is all natural and gluten free, made in Sonoma, California.)
Mozzarella Cheese (I used the already shredded cheese, but you can shred your own if you are eating gluten free. Make sure to read the labels.
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese. I grated it myself, which is great if you are eating gluten free. The packaged cheeses already grated might have an additive that contains gluten.
Basil
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Slightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Put about a cup of the spaghetti sauce and spread.
Cut the eggplant in round slices. I do not peel the eggplant. I think the skin looks great and it is where your vitamins are, as well.
In a shallow bowl cracked the eggs and mix. In a plate put the Italian breadcrumbs.
In a large frying pan put enough vegetable oil in order to fry the eggplant. It does not have to be too deep.
Dip the eggplants in the eggs and then dip in the Italian breadcrumbs.
Fry them until lightly brown. I usually get them out and let them sit on paper towels, but you can just transfer them directly to the prepared baking dish, as well.
Arrange them on the baking dish as you wish. You will be making two layers.
Spread spaghetti sauce on them and also half of the mozzarella. Repeat the process and at this point you will also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle some Basil for color too. Then to the oven.
Bake for about 45 minutes or so until they look like this…….
This dish has so much color….it should also be the center of attention on your plate. A green salad or green veggie is all you need.
For dessert, well, it is that time of the year when you just have to think that summer is around the corner but if you feel like living dangerously, well, go ahead and maybe go visit Edie Bees on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, and grab something sweet and sinfully delish.
February 24th, 2016
My friends, Cindi and Jody, on their first trip to Puerto Rico, found the island very charming. When you visit with a local you get a different perspective. The people, the island, the food take a different meaning. So, this was our second day in Puerto Rico. We stayed in the areas of Old San Juan, Condado, and the northeastern side of the island.
 Luquillo Beach On this Thursday, we took off for the area of Luquillo Beach. It was around 1 p.m. when we stopped to eat at La Parrilla. La Parrilla is #2 Kiosk out of about 60 that have been in this stretch of Luquillo Beach, right next to the famous Balneario Monserrate. They have been there as long as I can remember. They have also evolved, keeping their very relaxed open air dining. Some have seating, others you just stand and eat local Crab Tacos, Alcapurrias, Pastelillos and all that wonderful grub that you don’t eat on a daily basis.
We were on the look out for Caribbean lobsters. You know, when I lived in Puerto Rico I thought the local lobster was the best. Living in Delaware…I totally love the Maine lobster. But this particular search for a grilled lobster had me excited about tasting again that sweet local PR lobster.
So we picked our 5 pound lobster right from the tank. Here we were.
 
Okay once that was done, a little Sangria for the group. What a job!!
Our open air seating was perfect. If you look closely you can see Jody, Cindi, and my cousin, Sonia, on the right hand side.
We ordered the Sample Boricua for a little tasting. Filled potatoes, mini piononos, corn sticks, and fried Puertorican cheese. Knowing we were having a full lunch we had a light breakfast. You have to plan when eating in PR.
That 5 lb lobster was to be shared. We ordered Puertorican rice and beans and the tostones, also known as fried plantains. The grilled flavor was so distinct and as you can see we loved it all.
Why dessert was ordered, I don’t know. We were completely satisfied but a sweet ending of not 3 Leches Cake but 4 Leches Cake was a must. It is vey Spanish and usually served at all restaurants. Sweet, delicious and very fattening.
The Luquillo Beach Kiosks are great because you have options, even though a lot serve the same local food. Some families have owned their kiosk for so many years. At night you may find some offering local music entertaining and during the week-ends they are very crowded.
Please note that La Parrilla is on social media. Their website is http://www.laparrillapr.com.
Second stop was a drive through El Yunque. This is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. 29,000 acres, is is one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests. Please call 787-888-1880 for more info. the Forest is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, you may visit http://www.elyunque.com.
A stop at La Coca Falls. The temperature already had come down. It can get quite cool and humid as you go up the Forest.
For day trip tours, please visit http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com.
Have a great day…..Next? The Bioluminescent Lagoon in Cabezas de San Juan in Las Croabas.
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
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 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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