Whew, this post concludes year THREE of daily posts. I didn’t think I would make it through year one… but TWO and now THREE… WOOHOO! Thanks for reading!!
Each year, at the Times Square Museum and Visitor’s Center you can write down your wishes and they appear on a wall for all to see… if you aren’t in the NYC area, then you can submit a wish online via the link below!
Can’t make it to Times Square? No worries, your wishes can still fall from the sky this New Year’s. Just submit your wish, your dream, your first, online. We will print it onto a piece of confetti for you, so that no matter where you are on New Year’s Eve, your wish will be part of the Times Square celebration. Happy New Year
Another photo from our walk the other morning… Look at these palms. Awesome tall they are! The homes here are nothing short of magnificent. If you don’t live here, you’ve got to come visit! You will love it!
Trying to catch up on all that’s got to be done, back to normal after the first! Happy New Year’s Eve eve to you!
Fred, Charlie and I headed out on Saturday morning fairly early for a walk downtown. Something different. It’s hard to walk day after day after day in the same location. Time flies when you move on to new territory! Charlie had lots of new smells and I was trying to be sneaky with my phone camera as we were whizzing by at a quick pace. I did manage a few shots. It makes me crazy to be without a camera!
Enjoy your Sunday!! The New Year is almost upon is!
We had an early Christmas at Fred’s parent’s house – it was so nice… the food was tasty, the house was decorated beautifully and there were photos taken (thanks for this one LTS)! This is me with a grip on Charlie enough to get a photo… I felt like a wrestler… ha ha…
Normally I schedule my posts ahead of time… I got up this morning, and went to check to see what I had to say… Hmmmm, nothing? Ohhh nooooo! So here is a quick post of the beast and I. Hope that your holidays have been bright and that you are getting back to normal now… My posts will return to normal after the first of the year, let me know what you want to hear more about!
Wishing you a great day! If you’re in Charleston, SC I will be at Galerie on Broad (29 Broad Street) today. It should be a beautiful day to walk around downtown and check out the local galleries. Hope to see you there!
I use WordPress software to write my blog. There has been a steep learning curve since I am not of the younger generation and my brain is not wired to “think like this”… I’ll admit at times there has been smoke coming out of my ears from so much thinking. BUT, that is a good thing right? Recently I’ve had several people tell me that they would have liked to comment on my blog, but it requires signing up for something or it’s just too darn hard to figure out. I promised I would address this, so here are some step by step directions. Once you’ve done it, you’ll see it’s a breeze. Although, trust me, I know how you feel, so give it a whirl! I usually do try to comment back to everyone if possible. If you would like to see my response (emailed to you) as well as anyone else who comments on that particular post, you can click on a button to see just that… Also, DO NOT WORRY THAT YOU DON’T SEE YOUR COMMENT RIGHT AWAY. Because of all the spammers out there (people who “comment” but put links to all kinds of creepy things) I have the comments set to moderate, meaning that I click to approve them. So hey, if you’re creepy and try posting a link to pretty much anything I will most likely mark you as spam and be done with you, please don’t waste your time with me.
The steps are simple
At the bottom of the daily post you will see a LEAVE A COMMENT or 1 COMMENT (2 COMMENTS, etc.) link, click on it.
Then you will see a box pop up to enter your comment. Place your cursor in that box.
Once you place your cursor in the box you will see a few more things. Ways to show me who you are. You have the option of entering your email address (that no one who reads comments will see, only I will see it), and the name that you want to appear to anyone who reads comments. You also have the option of signing in with WordPress [if you have a blog], Facebook, Twitter and Google +). Then click the POST COMMENT button. As soon as I look at the comment to make sure you aren’t a spammer it will appear. You can also click a box so that you receive an email with all comments on that post, mine included…
Here it is step-by-step… I have lots of screen shots, and am probably over-explaining everything, but it truly is easy. Give it a whirl!
Ok, here goes… Step one… click on the “Leave a Comment” link. You’ll see it at the bottom of each daily post on the left hand side…
Step One…
Step two… You will see a box appear. Place your cursor inside the box (click your mouse/trackpad inside the box).
Step two…
Step three… and this is it! Enter your comment. Then enter your email address on that first line. Enter your name on the second line. If you have a respectable website address you can enter it on the WEBSITE line, otherwise, just leave that one blank.
What appears you’re wondering? Your name as you enter it. So if you prefer to only enter a first name, that’s ok… Your comment appears. YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS DOES NOT APPEAR… the only person who can see that is me! If you want to see other comments (mine included) for this post only check the NOTIFY ME OF FOLLOW-UP COMMENTS box. Then… CLICK the POST COMMENT button on bottom right of screen.
Options… Of course WordPress likes to give people options. So if you don’t want to sign in with your name and email, they give you the choice to sign in with your WordPress account (if you have one), Twitter, Facebook or Google +. Ignore this if you don’t have one of these accounts! Just use your email address and name!
Don’t forget to click on Post Comment!
To clarify… You can click on LEAVE A COMMENT as shown in the first screen shot, or on the number of comments. See how it appears after someone has made a comment? You see 1 Comment (or however many there are), you can click on to either read the comments or to leave a comment.
So to leave a comment, click on LEAVE A COMMENT or on “1 Comment” (or 2 Comments, etc) – you can also click that link to read other comments.
I just noticed one more scenario that makes it even quicker for you… sometimes you will not see the comment link (either Leave a Comment or 1 Comment, etc) – this is when you click on the title of the post, or if you click and are looking at a specific post. It will appear with a comment box, so you’re ready to go… Follow the steps above… woohoo… tell me what you’ve got to say!!
Easy as pie… oooh, did someone say pie?
Hey, THANK YOU, to those of you who have commented over the past (nearly) three years! I have “met” some of the coolest people on earth through this blog!
This post was originally entitled “Happy Christmas Eve Eve”, but then I switched things around… well, most things… forgot to update the title, so for those of you who receive this post by email, and then look at it online… you aren’t going crazy! ;)
This was our drive to the airport a few weeks ago… let me tell ya… snow, snow, snow… cars off the road, a few spun around, and these brave souls… collecting money for a local charity. This was a cold, windy day, but they are dressed for it!
Hard core collecting!
This is some hard core collecting no doubt! These photos serve as a great reminder to give what you can to someone in need. Whether its merely a visit, a small gift, or a meal… you can brighten someone’s day who is alone this Christmas season. This can be a sad time for many, so keep your eye out and do what you can do to help out. You will be richer because of it!
I just want to wish all you nice people a very Merry Christmas! I’ve had a very busy day and am ready for my afternoon nap… I look forward to entertaining you in the upcoming months!
I love this! This is a Christmas card my dad made 21 years ago! We had it framed and it’s next to our front door so we see it every day. So simple in design yet so incredibly cool!
May peace be with you and yours this holiday season…
Growing up we had a tradition in our house… Christmas cookies… bake them and decorate. There was nothing better! To top it off they are the tastiest you will ever eat! The frosting sets so they don’t get smushed into each other. You don’t need any special tools (we use zip top storage bags). Make and bake the cookies. Then make the frosting. Scoop some of the “white” into a zip top bag, then divide the frosting into bowls of whatever other colors you like. (Red, green and blue is what we usually did, in addition to white). Add food coloring to each bowl and get it the color you like. A good “grinch” green mix blue and yellow food coloring until you hit that great green… or if you don’t feel adventurous, just use the green food coloring. Next, snip the very corner of the bag, and the frosting will flow through that to decorate. Easy and so much fun. You really see the artsy folks stand out here! Click HEREto print the recipe minus all the photos, etc.
Decorate however you like, neat, messy, in whatever colors you create!
CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIES
Sift 2 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
In mixer bowl add 3/4 cup soft butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Beat until fluffy and light. Slowly beat in flour mixture. CHILL ONE HOUR.
Flour your work surface and roll out dough. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
YIELD: 4 dozen (IF you don’t eat the dough… good luck to ya!)
FROSTING
Mix 1/4 cup butter, 4 cups (1 box) confectioner’s sugar, 1/4 cup scalded cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Blend until smooth. Scoop into separate bowls and add food coloring (hint: yellow and blue mixed makes an awesome ‘grinch’ green). Scoop colored frosting into Ziplock bag (doesn’t have to be Ziplock, any zip top is fine, I use freezer quart size bags) and snip a little off the corner. Squeeze onto cookie to decorate! If you need the frosting thinned a bit more, I have great luck just using light cream, add a little at a time until it will easily come out of the bag to decorate.
I have a gorgeous collection of Christmas ornaments that my dad made. I made one, can’t remember which one, I think it turned out too thick for my liking… he really made each one so different, and they look festive displayed in this wooden bowl that he made. He’s a handy kind of guy. If I was in MI I would be learning how to make all this stuff… treasures!
Are you getting everything on your list accomplished? Well, no worries, me either, ha ha! It’s what the holidays are all about! Have a great day!
G-g-g-g-g-ives ya goosebumps doesn’t it? This photo sends a shiver down my spine… (note to self: make a poster of this for summer in Charleston!)… this photo was taken in front of my parents house on the river in Algonac, MI. The ice is flowing nicely, but at times jams up and a ice breaker (Coast Guard) has to break it up. Pretty entertaining! I used to think the big glacier-like hunks were cool… would be neat to hop on and go for a ride! You really have to respect the river this time of year. It can look frozen and safe to walk on, but there is a swift current that usually keeps that from happening… never a good idea. However, we used to drive out on the lake (frozen with ice) and have a big time! I’ve even been to bonfire’s on frozen canals in my younger years. It truly makes no sense to me that you can have a fire on the ice and not melt, but I’m here to tell you… it happens!
Happy First Day of Winter! The days start getting longer from here! For some of you that is welcome news…
Today is my dad’s birthday… a super cool dad. I am so blessed. He is fun, creative, wise and all and all a good time! I wish my parents lived closer. But it makes you enjoy your time with them that much more. This photo was taken at a cottage we rented in Port Clyde, ME. What a wonderful week it was!
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y D A D !
Hope you have the best birthday ever!
xoxo, me
And… just had to share a few of his sketch pad paintings… I have this book full of wonderful paintings mostly of Maine… it is more valuable to me than gold! You can see a few more on the past posts I’ve shared (below)… Hey dad, I think you should keep at this… you need a website… or a blog! I might know someone who could help you with that ;)
Port Clyde Fish House by Joe Fidler
One year we rented a different cottage, and with it came a fish house that was quite amazing. We sat in the fish house each night and watched the sun set… What memories!
Port Clyde General Store by Joe Fidler
I could look at this forever! One of my favorite places, Port Clyde General Store. I think this would make a great postcard! It’s quirky, fun and what it really looks like!
Thanks Dad!! I will be calling to sing you happy birthday soon… this is your warning ;)
This recipe has been a family favorite for as far back as I can remember. My mom and dad are both excellent in the kitchen, and this is one of those soup’s you can throw together with whatever sounds good at the time, which is convenient. Add vegetables that take the longest to cook earlier in the recipe, and others that cook quickly (spinach), towards the end. Any spices that you enjoy will work well. I can remember having this with amazing French bread growing up! Hope you enjoy one of my staple recipes… click HERE to print this recipe without photos…
To recap…
Set out your ingredients, wash potatoes, greens, etc. if using…
Brown the short ribs in a little olive oil – use a heavy bottom pan if possible…
Chop, chop, chop… Sometimes I sauté the carrots with the onion/celery, sometimes I don’t… whatever… easy peasy, no worries!
This time I browned the short ribs and got nice crusties on the bottom of the pan, and THEN I sautéed the onion and celery… Last time I did it all together. No rules… do what you like!
Saute veggies…
Add short ribs back to the pot… when this soup is done the meat will fall off the bone… heavenly!
Add that biggee can of tomatoes and juice, as well as at least one big can of water (or more)…
Add the beef consommé…. this gives it a nice rich flavor…
Add the big carton of beef broth… as the soup cooks down add more broth/water…
And any spices you like…
The secret is the center of the celery stalk with the leaves, throw it in whole… this will give the soup an amazing flavor!
Now, take the meat off the bone and fat – toss it back in the pan… yum!
Now… a story about the photo… if that baguette looks frozen, it’s because it is! I made soup yesterday for dinner with a hot, crusty baguette. I took photos along the way, but then we were hungry… so we ate. Once the soup was in the fridge… Dang it! I realized I had forgotten to take a photo… so I just had lunch, and snapped a photo… baguette was frozen to use at a later date, but it looks nice, huh? Hee….
Anyone who has lived where there is snow admires a snowy painting. The dark tracks in this painting against the pinky glow in the snow is just incredible to me. It makes me think of Michigan. And after just visiting there, as beautiful as the snow is… I’m kind of glad the snow is there and not here ;) – I do love to visit it though! There is just nothing like snow!
What a fabulous sunset painting! Every element works so nicely together…
If you’re in the Newton, KS area… you might want to check this out, this looks like a great show by Carriage Factory Art Gallery (in cooperation with Strecker-Nelson Gallery)!
Read a blip about Joseph from his website, and check out his paintings – his subject is diverse, and I think you will really enjoy his work!
“Some of my earliest memories have to do with the joy of drawing. Sketching became a natural friend and outlet for my ideas in the imaginary and tangible world of my youth. Pulled to draw and depict things – I took every art class I could in high school and spent time with my sketchpad trying out new ideas. After majoring in art studies at Bethel College, I spent evenings taking classes in multiple media at the Wichita Center for the Arts.
When I realized that painting would become my passion, I pursued artist’s workshops whose work I greatly admired. To Ray Roberts, Joseph Lorusso, Sherrie McGraw, David Leffel, Jeff Legg, and Kim Casebeer; I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for their generosity of spirit and keen insights.
Over the past ten years I have dedicated myself to oil painting. In addition to the teachers I mentioned above, countless trials of plein air (outdoor painting) experience have been my other best ‘teacher’. I love painting outdoors; being in nature and trying to capture the fleeting light/beauty of a unique space. Continuing to find challenge and beauty in depicting a variety of subjects is important to me in my development as an artist. I hope to share with you the dignity and grandeur of both the noble and the ‘forgotten’ people and places I have been so blessed to witness.”
ARTFOODHOME.COM 