July 25th, 2012
“Almost every culture has a mystique about pearls that they are magical or divine.” joan frense-mulholland
When my friend, Susan, told me that she had met the Pearl Lady at a French class, I did not have any idea what she was talking about. A short road trip took us to the town of Milford, Delaware, which is about 20 or 25 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach.
Downtown Milford is transforming itself, with a lot of help from the people that care about this historic town. Galleries, shops, entertainment, restaurants, farmers’ market….the Mispillion River is the heart of this community, it has always been.
A pedestrian boardwalk goes parallel to the Mispillion River. The river passes through the center of Milford. It is approximately 15 miles long. It rises in northern Sussex County; flowing easter-northeastwardly to its mouth at the Delaware Bay.
Want to know more? Please visit http://www.downtownmilford.org.
The Pearl Lady is located at 4 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor, Milford, DE 19963. Tel. 302-228-2287. Email: The.Pearl.Lady-Studio@gmail.com. Website? http://www.the-pearl-lady-studio.com. The entrance is off Walnut St., around the corner from the Mispillion Art League. She opens Wednesday – Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. By appointment, as well. Meet Joan Frense-Mulholland, The Pearl Lady.
The building is unique. Inside, it is the home to other artists. You can see their works of art as you are going up the stairs and in the hall.
 
The Pearl Lady is at the end of the hall on the 2nd floor.
 
Just as Susan and I arrived, other customers were arriving also. Greetings in French. What a surprise!! The ladies were looking for pearls to match an outfit. To see Joan interacting with her customers was a treat. Very friendly, making suggestions and taking into consideration what her customers want.
Joan graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York. She traveled to far away places, working in the fashion industry. She went to Hong Kong; her job with Otto Versand, one of the world’s largest catalogue sales firm, sent her there. During her years there she studied pearls and started to make jewelry. She took classes in jewelry design, study the pearl history, and became knowledgeable in recognizing and grading freshwater pearls. She was lucky to be able to go to pearl farms and get the best quality before the exporters arrived.
 
In the year 2000, Joan moved back to Milford and opened The Pearl Lady. Her designs include reproductions of museum pieces. Her clientele is both, international and local. Her work has sold at the Smithsonian, Winterthur, and the Delaware Art Museum, where she was contracted to make pieces that looked like the jewelry in the paintings.
 
Joan gave us a little lesson on freshwater pearls. First of all, she said that freshwater pearls have gained in popularity in recent years because of the greater availability of highly lustrous pearls. Freshwater pearls are the only gemstones that come just the way nature gives them to us. They come in a breathtaking array of colors and shapes. They are also “solid nacre (solid pearl)” and will be beautiful and lustrous for generations to come. You do have to observe a few precautions, though.
Avoid getting perfume or hairspray on the pearls. The alcohol will damage the surface. Clean your pearls by wiping with a damp cloth after each wearing. Keep the silk cord from getting wet, if could stretch. Pearls need air and moisture. Do not store in plastic.
 
Joan has been stringing her pearls with wire, therefore, they will last longer. Just rinse them with water after wearing them.
 
While visiting Joan showed us a few necklaces she was designing for bridesmaids.
She offers classes through the Mispillion Art League. If interested, please e-mail her at The.Pearl.Lady.Studio@gmail.com.
Please note that Joan can work with you for a custom piece. Her collection ranges from oblong pink pearls to large rounder pearls the size of a marble.
Stop by and say hello, either in English or French!!
Talk to you later.
July 1st, 2012
I was so glad to finally made it to Abbott’s Grill. This restaurant, located at 249 NE Front Street, Milford, Delaware, is only about 20 minutes away from Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey. It takes no time to get there. Plus, there is plenty of parking. You know how important that is at this time of the year. And, to top it all, their food is excellent.
Telephone? 302-491-6736. Website? http://www.abbottsgrill.com.
My friend, Susan, and I arrived for lunch. We had seating options. Of course we sat outside. Anytime that is available, I take that opportunity. I don’t know, for some reason, the food even tastes better. It is so much more enjoyable. Their outdoor dining felt comfortable and on fall, winter and spring nights, the fire will be roaring.
Abbotts Grill has a large bar.
It was so nice to see Laura and to meet Kevin and Ryan.
Susan and I proceeded to check the menu and we decided to split their Caprese Salad. Ryan told us that those were the first local tomatoes of the season. Just in, from Fifer Farms. Besides the tomatoes, it also had hand-pulled mozzarella, and the most delicious basil pesto.
Then, Susan chose the Colvine Farm Bison Burger. Colvine Farm is located in the town of Greenwood, Delaware. Back on August 6th of 2010, I wrote a post with pictures. You can go under the Archives and click on that month and scroll down to the day.
The Bison Burger had grilled portobello, smoked onions, applewood smoke bacon, and white cheddar. Juicy, and cooked to perfection.
I wanted to try something different and what caught my attention was the Groovy Lavash Wrap with hummus, cucumber, tomato, goat cheese, and local greens. The wrap was so crispy; a nice crunch to it, and warm to the touch. The rest was perfect on a hot summer day; good combination of flavors.
The cole slaw was so good. It was sweetened with pineapple juice. It had a good consistency; one of the best I have had.
Abbott’s Grill opens 7 days a week. Lost of events and specials every day of the week.
Sunday Brunch with a $5 Fix-It-Your-Way Bloody Mary Bar. 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There is a la carte menu, $3 Mimosas, Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Crepes, Omelettes and more.
Mondays is $6 Burger Night!!
Tuesdays is Team Trivia.
Wednesday is 1/2 price bottles of select wine.
Thursday is $5 “Tinis”.
Friday and Saturday is Live Music and DJs!!
4th of July Patio Party on Wednesday, 7/4!! From 5:00 p.m. ’till… $4 Drinks, $4 Grill Menu, Live Entertainment.
July 14th is Bastilles Day. Abbott’s Grill Loves Wine and is celebrating with Bernie’s Wine Tastings. There will be an expanded tasting with lunch on the 14th from 12 – 2 p.m. $35/person.
Note: My server was great. I had known her from another restaurant in Rehoboth years ago…I have to apologize, but the name escapes me as of this writing. She was great, told me how to make my own balsamic reduction and now I am hooked.
Also, please note that Abbott’s Grill can handle customers with gluten allergies.
Have a Good One!! Thanks !!
May 4th, 2012
When my friend Jody called me the other day to remind me that the Lunch with a Purpose luncheon was going to be on Friday, May 4th, I said “Of course”, “I’ll be ready”. Come to think of it, I really did not know what Lunch with a Purpose was about. I knew it had to do with charities, but that was about it.
Well, surprise surprise. I have told you before that I have lived here for so many years. You would think that at this gathering of women I would have known another person besides Jody. Not one person I knew or, actually, recognized. Where have I been living? Unreal.
Lunch with a Purpose started in 2006. It’s Mission? “To support charitable organizations in Sussex County, and the Food Bank of Delaware.” Sussex County is where the Delaware Beaches are and it is the largest county in Delaware.
From September to May, on the first Friday of each month, Lunch with a Purpose has a new location and a new charity. Yes, If you do have a charity, here in Sussex County, you can contact them so they can put you on their schedule of luncheons.
And this organization is comprised of women only. You can find Lunch with a Purpose Coastal Delaware on Facebook, as well.
Lunch with a Purpose is the largest contributor in Sussex County to the Delaware Food Bank. 5,400 pounds of food were donated during the 2010 – 2011 collection season.
What started with a handful of women in 2006 is now an organization of over 600 women, making a difference in Sussex County and Coastal Delaware.
Please note that 100% of all proceeds go directly to the local charities; keeping it, here, in Sussex County.
This was going to be the last lunch of the season until next September. The location was the beautiful Baywood Greens Golf Club located on Rt. 24 in Long Neck, Delaware.
This last luncheon was sold out in 2 days. That’s how popular it is. Upon reserving, you arrive, pay $15 for the lunch, and grab a seat at a table. You can make new friends, just like I did. There is a 50/50 raffle. Throughout the room you will find silent auction items. You can buy as many tickets as you want. So many items; the community, the artists, the shops, and restaurants, have been so generous.
The ladies were moving around the silent auction, or stopping at the bar to get a drink. This room probably held about 250 people and if was completely full.
When you make a reservation for one of these luncheons, you have a couple of choices of food. Jody had chosen a salad for me, which was light and delicious.
Other choices were a chicken sandwich and a vegetarian sandwich. Cookies for dessert.
Cheryl Mitchell welcomed everyone. Announcements were made regarding the funds raised for this year and believe me it was an impressive number considering that they only meet once a month for not even a full year.
The charity chosen for this last luncheon was the Alzheimer’s Association – Early Diagnosis. Sussex County falls under the Delaware Valley Chapter. The address is 108 N. Bedford St., P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. 302-854-9788 or visit www.alz.org/desjsepa. The color purple was on flowers and other decorations; it is the color of Alzheimer.
The lady that spoke works for the Alzheimer’s Association. For me she became the new face of Alzheimer’s. She spoke of her warning signs, her diagnosis, her daily life, and looking towards the future. She does not let Alzheimer’s define her. The way she spoke was moving. Most, in that luncheon, new of someone with Alzheimer’s. Her words were deep and very emotional to all of us that were there.
If you would like to know more about Lunch With A Purpose, please contact Cheryl Mitchell at cherylmitchell13@gmail.com.
There were a few winners at my table; I was not one of them. I put so many tickets on the golf package at The Peninsula. I was sure I would get that one.
Time flew by and it was time to say our good-byes….It is so funny when I think of how this area is called “Slower Lower Delaware”…no way. Look at us now.
What a nice afternoon!! Talk to you later.
Note: When attending a luncheon, please bring canned goods. All of them will be given to the Delaware Food Bank.
April 6th, 2012
It should be an “eggciting” time this week-end; more so if you are a kid. If you are visiting and would like to experience some of the festivities associated with Easter, check out what’s going on:
Milford, Delaware (about 20 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach)
The Milford Blue Hen VFW Post 6483 will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, 4/7 at 10:00 a.m. They are located on Williamsville Rd. It is for kids 12 years of age and under. More info? Please call 302-422-4412 after Noon.
Dewey Beach, Delaware Beaches
It is the Fourth Annual Alley Oop Egg Scoop. Saturday, 4/7. Depending on the ages, this is what you will need to look for.
Ages 2 years to 5 years of age will start the egg scoop at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 years to 8 years of age will start at 11:00 a.m.
Ages 9:00 to 12 years of age will start at Noon.
It will take place at New Orleans St. in Dewey.
You must register before participating, but can do so even on Saturday morning.
Call 302-227-7087 or e-mail them at info@alleyoopskim.com. Send the child’s name and age group. Please visit their website http://www.alleyoopskim.com. for more information.
Ocean Pines, Maryland (West of Ocean City)
Sponsored by The Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks. Easter activities for the whole family. At White Horse Park, located in the north side just off of Ocean Parkway; 239 Ocean Parkway. Tel. 410-641-7052.
April 7th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Ages 0 through 9 join Busy O’Hare on a search for hidden Easter Eggs.
Everyone can enter the Easter Bonnet and Easter Basket Decorating Contest which will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Egg Hunts:
2 years of age and under, at 11:30 a.m.
3 years of age and 4, at Noon
5 years of age and 6, at 1:00 p.m.
and 7 years of age to 9 years of age, at 1:30 p.m.
Berlin, Maryland (Historic Downtown Berlin, West of Ocean City, Maryland)
Historic Downtown Berlin has a full day of Easter celebrations on Saturday, 4/7 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Contests, music, parades, face painting, etc. This town always goes all out.
This is the 17th Annual Berlin Spring Celebration. The Egg Hunt for ages 2 years of age to 10 years of age will begin at 11:30 a.m.
For more information and a list of events, please visit http://www.berlinchamber.org/event-spring-celebration.
Have a fantastic Easter Hunt!!
February 25th, 2012
Two schools in Delaware together are having their Fundraising Events to benefit their Basketball Teams. Wesley College and St. Thomas More Preparatory School. The Wolverine, and The Raven. Both of these schools are located in Dover, Delaware.
Wesley College is located at 120 North State St. It is Delaware’s oldest private college, founded in 1873. The women’s basketball team is The Wolverines. School website? http://www.wesley.edu.
St. Thomas More Preparatory School is located at 139 Thomas Drive, Magnolia, Delaware. It is an independent Catholic High School. School website? http://www.saintmore.org.
Join players, families and friends for the Basketball Raffle/Drawing Party Sunday, that’s tomorrow, February 26th, from Noon until 4:00 p.m. Venue? Abbott’s Grill located at 249 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963. Tel. 302-491-6736. Website? www.abbottsgrillde.com.
$20 per person, includes buffet, Casapulla Subs and 2 drink tickets. There will be raffle, prizes and a silent auction.
The drawing for the 60″ Sharp HD/3-D TV will be at 4:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call 302-736-2555.
Have a great time!!
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….
February 26th, 2011
“Each of our journeys with canine cancer are different, but together, we can help find a cure.” bonnie benson
Bonnie’s story about losing her beloved dog, Checkers, probably hits home for anyone that has had a dog succumb to cancer. They do get our diseases, don’t they? Bonnie did not sit back; unlike most of us, she sprung into action. After going through that painful experience, a non-profit corporation was formed.
Paws for the Cause, www.pawsforthecausefoundation.org. Please visit this website to see what it is all about.
This charitable foundation has partnered with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s Chase Away Canine Cancer Program http://www.acvimfoundation.org.
Check your calendars and see if you can attend the 1st Annual Chef’s Challenge on March 27th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at The Cordrey Center in Millsboro, Delaware, near all the Delaware Beaches.
The Cordrey Center is one of the newest venues in Delaware to hold events like this one. It sits on a historic property in a beautiful and secluded natural setting in Millsboro. The address is East Coast Garden Center, 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966. Take Rt. 24 north, right on Mt. Joy Rd. by the Royal Farm’s store, then left of Cordrey Rd., 3/4 of a mile on the left. Website is http://www.thecordreycenter.com.
Now that you know date, time and place, then let me tell you how much fun you will have if you attend the Chef’s Challenge.
First of all, a Head to Head competition among the following Chefs:
Phil Mastrippolito of Fish On, Lewes
Ryan Cunningham of Abbott’s Grill, Milford
Drew Lopuski of Stingray, Rehoboth Beach
The price is $35 in Advance and $40 at the Door. This will include: Wine Tasting by Fenwick Wine Cellars, Beer Tasting by Twin Lakes Brewery, Entertainment and Silent and Live Auction.
The featured 3 chefs will compete for various awards. There will be guest judges. Atendees can vote for their favorite, a 50/50 raffle will take place.
The live auction will have: Chef’s packages, bed and breakfast-dinning package, golf packages, Cover of the 2011 Book of Dog Photography entitled “In Three Words”.
You will experience lite fare by Fish On from Lewes and, of course, live entertainment.
For more information, please call 302-644-7182, or visit www.pawsforthecausefoundation.org.
I have written about my dog, Addy, in the past. She is a “rescued” dog and I have been thrilled to have given her a “forever” home. But, years ago I had a Springer Spaniel named Koko and I loved her to death. She developed diabetes and I went through the stages of helping her get through this devastating disease that also affects canines. I know what Bonnie went through and I hope you help her raise funds for Paws for the Cause and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s Chase Away Canine Cancer Program.
On her behalf, I thank you.
Talk to you later…..have a great week-end….
February 22nd, 2011
I think this event should be put on the “to do” list for this coming Sunday. I am giving you the information now so that you can make plans.
This fundraising event will be helping two schools very close to the Delaware Beaches. The event will be at Abbott’s Grill, at 249 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963. The website for the restaurant is http://www.abbottsgrillde.com. This restaurant is a very popular one near the beaches, also owned by another very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Nage.
The schools:
St. Thomas More Preparatory School is located at 139 Thomas Drive, Magnolia, Delaware. The school is a private independent Catholic High School. The website is http://www.saintmore.org. The funds raised on Sunday will help the school’s women’s basketball team, The Ravens.
Wesley College is located at 120 North State St., Dover, Delaware. It is Delaware’s oldest private college founded in 1873. The website is http://www.wesley.edu. The funds raised on Sunday will also be helping the Wesley’s women’s basketball team, The Wolverines.
So, mark your calendar. The event will start Sunday at 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. $20 will include buffet and two drink tickets. Subs and snacks will also be available.
But that is not all; the Raffle Drawing is a 58″ Samsung 1080 3D T.V.
There will be games, prizes, and a silent auction.
Silent Auction Items are:
Phillies Baseball Tickets, Orioles Baseball Tickets, University of Delaware Football Tickets, University of Delaware Women’s Basketball Tickets, Flyers Hockey Tickets, Washington Wizard’s Skybox Tickets, 4 some packages for Kings Creek Golf, Wild Quail Golf, Peninsula Golf, Rookery Golf, and Jonathan’s Landing Golf, multiple restaurant gift certificates, Midway Movie Theater passes, Two night stay at Hampton Inn in Rehoboth Beach, 60 minute massage, Lady Ravens Player Artwork and Bad Hair Day haircuts.
There will be fun games so be prepared to have a good time. The idea is to raise funds for these two teams and I hope you will be part of this good cause. Thanks!!
Have a good one!!…talk to you later….
 
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