Memories

A trip to Florida is special.  Even more special when escaping the cold and blowing snow.  Making memories when in  Florida is also special.  Magic is in the air during Christmas time as it seems to bring out the kindness and goodness in people. Have a magical week!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Making-Memories-Travel-of-WNY/128548933849746

Let it Snow

We're warm as toast with a new fireplace from Fireplace Outlet

 http://www.wnyfireplaceoutlet.com/

Cookies and More Cookies

Are you looking for a great hostess gift or maybe you just don't have time to bake.  Michelle's is offering a great deal on holiday cookies.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelles-Catering-Co-Bakery/140779502628359

A New Website

Today I am launching a new website on Facebook.  Feel free to join and share.  It will focus on local (Genesee County, NY) shops but I will consider adding shops, across the country, that offer online shopping.  This is social media marketing with a very personal touch.  Please join and share.  Thanks  https://www.facebook.com/groups/787646981303061/

Buffalo Bills vs NY Jets Game Day Munchies

AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN ALMOST NO-KNEAD BREAD

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (10 oz), plus additional flour for dusting work space
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3/4 cup, plus 2 Tblsp water(7oz), @ room temperature
• 1/4 cup, plus 2 Tblsp mild-flavored lager(3oz), such as Budweiser
• 1 Tablsp white vinegar

DIRECTIONS

• Whisk flours, yeast, & salt in a large bowl. Stir the honey into the water, then add the water, beer, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Using rubber spatula, fold mixture, scraping up dry flour from bottom of bowl until shaggy ball forms.
• Cover bowl w/ plastic wrap & let sit @ room temperature 8 to 18 hrs.
• Lay 12 by 18 inch sheet of parchment paper inside a 10-inch skillet and spray w/ nonstick cooking spray.
• Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface and knead 10-15 times.
• Shape dough into a ball by pulling edges into middle.
• Transfer dough, seam side down, to parchment-lines skillet and spray surface of dough w/ nonstick cooking spray.
• Cover w/ plastic wrap, sprayed w/ cooking spray, and let rise @ room temperature for 2 hours.
• About 30 minutes before baking, adjust oven to lowest position, place a 6-8 qt. heavy-bottomed Dutch oven w/ lid on rack & heat oven to 500 degress.
• Lightly flour top of dough, and using a razor blade or a sharp knife, make one 6-inch long and 1/2-inch deep slit along top of dough.
• Remove pot from oven, remove lid, & place dough (by lifting parchment overhang), & lower into pot.(Let any excess parchment hang over pot edge).
• Cover pot & place in oven.
• Reduce temperature to 425 degrees & bake, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Remove lid & continue to bake until loaf is deep brown & instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 210 degrees, 20-30 minutes longer.
• Carefully remove bread from pot; transfer to wire rack & cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.
• Makes 1 loaf, and is best eaten the day it is baked, but can be wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days.

NOTES

I found this great bread recipe from my e-cookbook from America's Test Kitchen. It is easy, but you do need to set aside the day, as the dough must rest for 8 to 18 hrs.

Use a cast-iron Dutch oven w/ a tight-fitting lid, or a heavy stockpot.

To read more, go to http://www.bakespace.com/recipes/detail/America%27s-Test-Kitchen-Almost-No-Knead-Bread/4160/#.VEXcVMeJOua

Chicken Cordon Bleu

(makes 1-2 servings)

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts (without the fillet)
• 2 long slices smoked gouda cheese (the thickness of the slices depends on how cheesy you want the dish)
• 2 slices deli ham
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a large, non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Pat the chicken cutlets dry and butterfly the chicken slices open. Place one piece of cheese on top of one slice of deli ham and roll the deli ham around the cheese. Place the ham "packet" on top of one half of the butterflied chicken breast, and fold the other half over top. Use toothpicks to keep the edges sealed.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites with the water. Dip the chicken into the egg wash then into the bread crumbs. Place the chicken onto the baking sheet and spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
4. Bake chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked.
5. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Skinny Taste

Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
• 2 quarts water
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups cooked long grain rice
• 2 cups chopped green peppers
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Originally published as Stuffed Pepper Soup in Taste of Home October/November 1996, p51

Read more: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/stuffed-pepper-soup#ixzz3HCbn6Jv3

Velveeta Dip

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
• 1 pkg (16 oz each) Velveeta®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine undrained tomatoes and Velveeta in medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes or until Velveeta is melted completely and mixture is blended, stirring frequently.
3. Serve warm as a dip with tortilla chips, crackers or cut-up fresh vegetables.

COOK'S TIPS

1. To make in microwave, combine undrained tomatoes and Velveeta in 1-1/2-quart microwave-safe dish; cover. Microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or just until Velveeta melts, stirring after 3 minutes. Remove from microwave; stir until mixture is blended. CAUTION: Dish will be hot; use hot pads. For a double recipe, microwave on HIGH 8 minutes or until Velveeta melts, stirring after 5 minutes. Drain 1 can of tomatoes if a thicker dip is preferred.

- See more at: http://www.ro-tel.com/recipes-RoTel-Famous-Queso-Dip-2693.html#sthash.fzP3G1Tx.dpuf

Planning a Great Friday

It seems as if everything has been on hold for so long.  Our friend, Rosemary, is a Godsend.  She calls Bob several times a week.  He looks forward to hearing from her.  There are times he will talk to her when he won't say a word to his daughter or me.  How blessed we are to have her bring a spark to his day.  Tomorrow, Ro and I are planning to have lunch and spend the afternoon just enjoying each other's company.  Can't wait.

A New Year

January started out with a bang and hasn't stopped.  I'm still reeling over the generosity and surprises given to me by my kids and grandkids.  It was an amazing birthday.  Then, the first of the year, I began my two year term as President of our residents' council.  After three weeks, I feel I have acquired the hats of a mayor; a mediator; an organizer; and all around jack of all trades. One thing, for sure, it keeps the blood flowing.
To make it more exciting, I am writing our newsletter using a great company, Illustratus (www.illustratus.com).  My Live World friends know that each client has different tools that work with their sites.  So, what's wrong with this picture?  I am now the client and I still have to learn new tools.  I'm just joking, of course.  Whatever stumbling blocks I'm encountering are due to senior moments and not the tools.  I'll figure it out eventually. 
There are things to do away from the complex.  I did get away for a quiet weekend in central NY early in the month.  Then a conference with the Buffalo/Niagara Sports Commission in Buffalo a week or so ago and a retirement party near Fredonia where my friend, Ellen, and I held the table at Euchere for over three hours.
So, January is coming to a close.  It has not been a sleepy month.  Today is icy cold and I plan to spend the day inside where I can stay warm and cozy.  Quite a change from a few days ago when folks were in shirt sleeves.  So goes Western NY weather.

Cortland and Groton

There is nothing more "wintry" than sitting in front of a roaring fire, coffee in hand and enjoying the peace of a Saturday morning.  Sadly, here is ski country, there is NO SNOW.  It snowed almost all the way here but stopped about 20 miles from Cortland.  Who would have thought?

Book Discussion for November

Welcome to the childhood of Catherine McClure Gildiner. It is the mid-1950s in Lewiston, New York, a sleepy town near Niagara Falls. Divorce is unheard of, mothers wear high heels to the beauty salon, and television has only just arrived.
At the tender age of four, Cathy accompanies Roy, the deliveryman at her father's pharmacy, on his routes. She shares some of their memorable deliveries-sleeping pills to Marilyn Monroe (in town filming Niagara), sedatives to Mad Bear, a violent Tuscarora chief, and fungus cream to Warty, the gentle operator of the town dump. As she reaches her teenage years, Cathy's irrepressible spirit spurs her from dangerous sled rides that take her "too close to the Falls" to tipsy dances with the town priest. http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780142000403,00.html

This is a fun book. I can't wait to hear what the others think.

York Day 2

"From a spectator point of view, horseshoes is like watching paint dry", so said a pitcher from Columbia, PA. 
There were three of us sitting at a table at the Horseshoe Pitchers' Pro Tour.  One lady, knitting a complicated looking scarf http://www.michaels.com/Knit-Ruffle-Scarf/32001,default,pd.html?start=14&cgid=projects-yarnandneedlecrafts-allknit while her husband pitched in his round.  The young man from Columbia who was waiting for his round to come up and myself.
Getting spectators, other than those closely affiliated with the sport, seems to be a daunting task.  Several other events were underway at the Expo center today.  A home show; a doll show; a Christmas tree sale (?) and the pro tour.  While the pro tour event seemed to have a lot of people, the truth is that everyone there was associated with the sport.  Drawing folks from outside that close knit circle is a job that our committee will have to undertake for the 2014 Worlds. 
One of the nice things about traveling is trying new restaurants.  The Reliance Cafe was the find of the day.  Not only was breakfast enjoyed there, but there was a return trip there for dinner.  http://www.reliancecafe.com/about-us.html

York, Day 1

York, Day 1
Found out that the event venue is at Memorial Hall at the site of the Pennsylvania State Fair.  http://www.yorkexpo.com/mem_hall.html  It is just a few blocks from the hotel.  History galore on the way there, if only a few blocks.  The colonial complex is easy to spot.  http://www.yorkheritage.org/page.asp?id=5
Lunch at The Cove http://www.thecoveyork.com/home.aspa relatively new bar/restaurant well worth the stop.  I had crab legs...perfect.
Then explored Lancaster Co., and because of a slip in directions, even part of Chester Co. (almost to where I lived and worked).  Back on track, through Lancaster Co, and a great dinner at the Family Cupboard Restaurant and Buffet.  Since I've already been to Plain and Fancy; Good and Plenty and Miller's, this sounded like a new experience.  It wasn't a disappointment.  Judging from the way the restaurant filled throughout the evening, others seem to agree.
Starting in the early 60s, our family visited this area many times.  Each time we enjoyed the hospitality of the Stolfus family at their Travelers' Rest Motel.  I was thrilled to see that it is still there, now owned by two Smucker Brothers.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g52882-d611070-Reviews-Travelers_Rest_Motel-Intercourse_Lancaster_County_Pennsylvania.html
I did receive a few phone calls from friends telling me about the snow swirling around.  Hopefully that will be all gone before I leave on Sunday.

Colder Weather is Coming

I'm sitting at Coffee Culture and noticed that their fireplace is lit.  The weatherman says it will dip below freezing either tonight or tomorrow night.  I guess it is 'tis the season'.
A group of us watched the PBS News Hour last night to catch a glimpse of Kathy Hochul speaking before a group from the Towers.  It is always nice to have her visit, and quite a surprise when she showed up with a camera crew. 
I've been exceptionally busy these last few weeks.  I've decided to run for President of our Council (the election is the Monday before our general election).  I'm trying to finish "To Kill a Mocking Bird", our book discussion selection for October.  I've never read the book and I haven't seen the movie, so it is all new to me.  I'll admit I got sidetracked with two excellent historical novels about the War of the Roses.
Two weekends ago, I attended the Farm to Table dinner at 7 Springs Country Club.  The weather was perfect for that "in the woods" type atmosphere one wants for an event like that. 
Last weekend, I was a guest at the LeRoy Horseshoe Club's end of year dinner at the Red Osier.  The food was fantastic.  The next day,  was a three hour trip east to Groton for a tournament and another great meal at a German restaurant in Weedsport.  Sunday, a two hour trip south for an international Thanksgiving day with Canadian friends. 
This weekend will be quiet.  I have plans to just clean and read.  It is time to dial it down for a few days.
Then it is up and running again.  The newsletter's deadline; lunch with the 60's gals;  and the annual poll coordinator training are all next week.  The following week is the appreciation luncheon for my volunteers.  Then....it is the first of November and I'll be off for York PA for a long weekend.
It is wonderful to have people one can count on for help.  I'd be remiss if I didn't thank Pat Burke for the pizzas and Loren Penman for the case of water they brought for Kathy's visit.  Both offerings were so very much appreciated.

Knoxville Trip Winding Down

Our two week adventure is coming to an end. Today, Bob played score keeper and I spent that time checking in with friends back home. Tomorrow, we reverse roles and on Saturday we will both be score keepers for the finals.

Bob ended his competition on Wednesday night. He finished tenth in his class. I think it was a great showing considering this is his first world tournament.

After Bob finished his score keeping duties we decided to take the free Knoxville trolley to Market Square for lunch. This is our third visit to the Downtown Brewery http://www.downtownbrewery.com/index.html and it hasn't disappointed us. Just as we were leaving the restaurant the sky opened and the rain came pouring down. It wasn't a gentle rain, but a true deluge. Umbrella in hand, we tried to make it to the trolley stop, but it was apparent that the only thing we accomplished was getting very, very wet. The stop is in front of Mast General Store, so the obvious thing was to step inside the store until the trolley arrived.

Mast General Store http://mastgeneralstore.com is a story unto itself. It has everything one could imagine, including a bulk candy section that boasts over 500 varieties, We were there yesterday. I found my licorice and Bob found his chocolate. A sugar high for both of us. We were too wet to think of going back to the candy department again. What we did do was abandon any plans we had for the afternoon. We went back to the motel, changed into dry clothes and then out and out crashed. We finally decided to order out for dinner. I think we both needed time to rest and regroup.

In the scope of things the world of horseshoes is very small Yet, 1200 pitchers and their family and friends still make an economic impact on the host city. It seemed that no matter where we went, we ran into people from the tournament. Restaurants, stores, gas stations and even at the local laundromat. There were times when I would forget I was seven hundred miles away from home when I ran into people we see at every local tournament.

Something that makes me smile is the genuine appreciation from the people for whom I kept score. I'd run into them and I'd hear, “Hey, Miss Bea”. How often would I expect to be called by name in a city as large as Knoxville?

I really wish we had another week just to explore the area, but it is time to get back to the reality of everyday life.  The day planner for the week we arrive home is already filling up. 

Sometimes it pays to be the last one in.

Last night we were scheduled to be at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame to attend the NHPA's Hall of Fame Banquet.  As usual, we were running late.  The facility had tables set up on the main level balcony and a lower level.  We found friends sitting at the very last table and joined them.
Sharon and Starry are from the Tri County club in Groton; Dale and his wife, Lee, come to Groton from their home in Pennsylvania.  No one else joined the six of us at that table.
The buffet was served on the balcony which meant either climbing the stairs or taking the elevator.  I opted for the elevator.  Our table was the last served. 

We sat right by this sculpture - very cool

Later in the evening, each table put money in a pot for a 50/50 drawing.  A table number would be called and the people at that table would share the winnings.  Sharon (pictured above) drew #24 as our table number.  Imagine our surprise and delight when it was called and the six of us shared $367.
All of the other tables had 10, our table of 6 made out quite well.
Starry also won the door prize, the centerpiece plant.
Today we start a new routine.  Instead of scorekeeping early in the morning (yes, it means showering at 4:30am) Bob will scorekeep at 1pm and I will do the 7pm. for Mon, Tues and Wed. while Bob is pitching.  I still woke up early, had my coffee and then crawled back into bed for a few more hours.  It was a luxury to take a shower at 9am.  Another luxury was breakfast at IHOP, across the street from the motel, and not feel rushed.

Buffalo Wins the 2014 Horseshoe World Tournament

The vote is in!
Buffalo will host the 2014 Horseshoe World Tournament at the Erie County Fairgrounds and Event Center, July 14 to July 26.
What swayed the vote to Buffalo instead of West Virginia or Wausau Wisc. ? 
Most likely it is the on site parking; the on site camping; and the casino.  To top it all, it has to be the proximity to Niagara Falls and the other attractions that make up our Western New York.
This means a lot of work for those of us on the committee and a trip, next year to St. George, Utah where we will staff a table giving pitchers and their families all of the information about WNY.
So, now we can relax for most of today.
Tonight we'll be at a banquet and tomorrow is when Bob starts his three day adventure to winning his class at his first world championship.
So, taking pictures of people falling over the falls paid off.  People loved the pictures and the wing sauce.
The competition was tough (casino chorus girls isn't easy to top).
As plans progress, you'll hear about it here.  Naturally, the public is invited and I hope many of you plan to stop in and catch the action.

While waiting for the vote.....

Bob hamming it up with one of the casino gals.   You never saw anyone zip into a buffalo suit as quick as he did in order to catch up with her and get his picture taken. 
Each city made their presentation this morning, Buffalo just finished.  Now it is voting and waiting time.
tick, tock, tick tock.

River boat dinner cruise - a great time in Knoxville

We were an international party of 11 on the river boat cruise.  Some from the U.S. and some from Canada...and only ONE who didn't have, what they consider in Knoxville, an accent.
The surprise was our waitress who is originally from Rochester.  Her dad moved them here when he took the early buy out from Kodak in the early 90s.  On our way to the landing, we stopped at a convenience store.  Bob stopped to talk to someone and come to find out she was from Rochester, too.  Small world.
Toughest part of the Buffalo 2014 campaign is convincing people from California that Buffalo isn't that far away.  I figure that there are enough people from NY who are going to Utah next year.  If the NY contingent can do it, those in the western states can certainly make the trip east.

Vote for Buffalo in 2014

As part of our promotion of the Erie Co. Event Center as THE place to be in 2014 we are inviting people to go over the falls in a barrel.  We've had loads of people stop by to get their picture including the people who are touting Wausau Wisc. and West Virginia for the 2014 bid. 
This is Bob battling the rapids. 
He'll be in the Buffalo suit again on Sat. and then at the meeting on Sunday (as Buffalo Bob) where he will hand out small bottles of Buffalo Wing Sauce to the delegates.

Knoxville Tidbits

We arrived in Knoxville on Saturday afternoon.  The weather is HOT! 
First things first, find the convention center.  That done, we looked around - registered for the tourney; and ran into a few New York friends.
When I was here for the World's Fair, this building wasn't here.  It is very impressive.
Settled into the room and did little more than soak in the cool air.
We're never lost, just visiting places that are new and exciting.
This should be Bob's motto.  I must say we have explored new ground - far off our beaten path.  Google maps are great for getting us back on track, even if it is only 10 minutes away.
Electronic score keeping is wonderful.
I can't say how much I love the electronic score boards.  It makes it so easy. 
Bringing the Worlds to Buffalo in 2014
This is the reason we are here.  We are talking up Western New York at every opportunity.  The table will be set up on Wednesday and then pictures will be up showing Bob, Diane and Ellie in their buffalo costumes.  I can't wait to see it.
We ran into a couple from Michigan this evening at supper at Applebees.  Great conversation and they had good things to say about our WNY area.  Let's hope that translate into a vote for us.
The real world beckons
Tomorrow, I'll be on a conference call with the BHA.  It is back to reality for a few hours.
So far, no phone calls about the shop.  That is good.
Sadly, we had bad news just before we left about a good friend's cancer diagnosis.  We are praying that we don't get that phone call anytime in the near future.
Is this trip worth it?
It is on many levels.
I'm glad we decided to go. 
More later

Headed for Knoxville

True to form, we didn't leave when originally planned.  To disspell the rumor, we are not on a 'honeymoon' as one of Bob's friend's suggested.
It is almost 10pm, we are near Painesville, Ohio.  Not sure how much longer we'll go tonight.
More later.