Patrice's Blog

The Hudson Valley...What a beautiful place we live in...

2008-10-31T08:54:59Z

I was travelling home from a job last week and was so awestruck by the view as I came over Minnewaska Mountain that I stopped and snapped these photos. We are beyond peak with the leaves now but th sun was reflecting off the mountains in such a way that it was absolutely breathtaking. I can say that my photos definitely didn't do it justice but, thought I would share them anyway...

here is a second shot

and a third one, hope you enjoy!!

Millbrook NY, Fitch's Corner Horse Trials

2008-07-15T09:09:07Z

The Horse Trials that are held at Fitch's Corner in Millbrook, New York are not only a great event, they are top notch...we are very fortunate to have such wonderful horse events in our area. This event and the Millbrook horse trials (another post) are some of the best in the Northeast. if you have a love of horses, mark your calendar, you won't be disappointed...

This year, the event will run from July 25-27, 2008. It runs all day long. There are food vendors and other vendors on site so either pack a lunch or plan lunch there...it is worth it!! ( Of course, I am a horse lover and so that is my unbiased opinion!!)

There is a great market selling local items, there will be 3 jousting demonstrations...and lots of walking around watching the jumping out on cross country.

For more information, visit their website at www.fitchscorner.com

Chicken Fingers with a Twist !!

2008-07-15T08:48:28Z

I made this up the other evening and it turned out great...

I made an egg and milk wash, dipped chicken strips in the wash and then coated with a mixture of seasoned bread crumbs and dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (I bought it at Sam's Club)

I fried the chicken strips in canola oil.

I then made the Ranch dressing according to the directions on the container and served it for dipping, they were easy and they were a favorite, especially with the kids...

Try it, you'll like it...

Signs that I'm getting old...the funniest email I've ever gotten...

2008-07-03T15:24:36Z

This was probably one of the funniest emails I have ever gotten and so I had to share it. I hope I don't offend anyone but it was just way too accurate for my 40 something year old bones...let me know which ones are your favorites or...if you can't relate to them, let me know that, I guess :-(

I might not be looking for sympathy but, some camaraderie would be nice !!

Personally, I think that number 14, 17 and 26...oh brother, I'm getting old...

This isn't totally off topic for my friends in the dog lover's group since it talks about what we feed our dogs!! Hope you don't mind and that you enjoy this humour

Dutchess County Fairgrounds, here I come...Big weekend plans

2008-07-03T10:30:53Z

I downloaded this poster from the website. What fun this will be. I am hoping to make the concert tomorrow evening. I'm afraid that I could not find admission prices to include in this post except for Sunday's Freedom Fest will be $25. Maybe the other events are free, not sure!!

Anyway, looks like great fun. The HV Philharmonic is wonderful and to have fireworks with it sounds really great...

June 16 hail storm did more damage to our state than I knew, WOW

2008-07-03T08:25:37Z

I just received this in an email. I had no idea that storm was so vicious.

GOVERNOR PATERSON URGES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO DECLARE 23 NEW YORK COUNTIES AGRICULTURAL DISASTER AREAS

Declaration Would Pave Way for Low-Interest Emergency Loans from USDA Farm Service Agency

New York Farmers Suffer Devastating Crop Losses from June 16th Hail Storm

Governor David A. Paterson today urged the federal government to declare 23 New York counties agricultural disaster areas. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Governor Paterson requested disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for farms that experienced crop damage from severe hail storms on June 16th.

If the requested counties receive a disaster designation from the USDA, farmers within those counties, and the counties contiguous to them, will be eligible to be considered for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). FSA considers each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, repayment ability, and other eligibility requirements.

"The hard working farm families of New York State who suffered severe losses last week need this assistance," said Governor Paterson. "While it is still not clear just how much damage this storm caused, or what the total losses will be for these families, it is clear that they will need federal assistance to sustain their businesses this year. I call on Secretary Schafer to act in the best interest of all New Yorkers and make these declarations."

Twenty-three counties across New York State were hit with large sized hail, high winds and excessive rain. Counties included in the Governor's disaster assistance request are: Albany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Ulster, Wayne and Westchester Counties.

The storms damaged strawberries, which have just come into season, and cherries that are near ripening. Immature tree fruits - such as apples, peaches, pears and plums - were permanently damaged by puck marks and no longer have value on the fresh market. Fruit is also more susceptible to disease when hail breaks through its skin. More time will be required to assess damage to vegetables such as onions, cabbage and squash because of their variable stages of growth. Most vegetables in the field were shredded from the hail and then lay in excess water, exposing them to rot.

In most cases, June is too late to replant if the crop is destroyed beyond recovery. If the crop is able to recover, it is still unlikely to be ready for an early season harvest and farmers will lose that market opportunity as well.

I sure hope they get some help. This certainly could drive produce prices up here locally.

Stone Ridge, New York, where my heart will always be...

2008-07-02T16:52:37Z

I grew up here for most of my life and am hoping to be back some day soon...

First, some statistics:

Population (year 2000): 1,173

Median resident age:	42.9 years
New York median age:	35.9 years

Zip codes: 12484.

Estimated median household income in 2005: $46,900 (it was $39,271 in 2000)

Stone Ridge	$46,900
New York:	$49,480

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $242,800 (it was $123,600 in 2000)

Stone Ridge	$242,800
New York:	$258,900

Races in Stone Ridge:

White Non-Hispanic (91.8%)
Hispanic (3.4%)
Black (1.7%)
Two or more races (1.4%)
Other Asian (1.0%)
American Indian (0.9%)
Other race (0.5%)

Ancestries: Irish (27.5%), English (21.4%), German (20.5%), Italian (17.4%), Dutch (13.7%), Ukrainian (6.5%).

Land area: 5.21 square miles.

Population density: 225 people per sq mile...

Some wonderful old buildings in the Main Street area...

the Hasbrouck House which is a Bed and Breakfast

The Stone Ridge Public Library

Now for some real estate:

There are 58 Active Listings in Stone Ridge ranging from $123,900 to $2,290,000.

There were 15 home sales listed through the MLS since January 1st from $189,000 to $1,189,000.

Quite a diverse town, huh!!

Urban Waterfalls on New York's East Side..."Who woulda thunk it?"

2008-07-02T09:26:53Z

I thought this was pretty cool...check it out

Under the Brooklyn Bridge

'Waterfalls' art installation is pictured at the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River in New York.

The public art display, an exhibition of four large scale waterfalls by artist Olafur Eliasson called 'The New York City Waterfalls,' are on view on the shores of the city's waterfront through October 13.

This is Governor's Island

These are soooo coool, what a great concept. I want to go down and take the Circle Line to see them from the water...i will let y'all know what it is like afterward!!

This is Pier 6

This is Pier 35

Very cool, a must see!!

Looking for something different to do in Ulster County, New York??

2008-06-28T08:00:00Z

I was looking for something different to do with my stepchildren this weekend and came across a great calendar. There are so many things to do this weekend, hard to pick!! I will report on what we choose after the weekend...

Here is what is going on in Ulster County, New York this weekend...

June 26-29 - "Sedition"; Shadowland Theatre; Ellenville; Thursday-Saturday performances at 8:00 PM; Sunday performance at 2:00 PM; 647-5511; www.shadowlandtheatre.org

June 27,28 - Chekhov's "On The Harmful Effects of Tobacco"and "A Reluctant Tragic Hero"; Reader's Theater; Unison Arts & Learning Center; New Paltz 8:00 PM; 255-1559; www.unisonarts.org

June 27-29 - "My Fair Lady"; award-winning musical; Quimby Theater, SUNY Ulster; Stone Ridge; Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 PM; Sunday performance at 3:00 PM; 688-1959; www.sunyulster.edu

June 27-29 - Kingston International Jazz Festival Weekend; music, dancing, food, fun, fireworks on Sunday; venues throughout Kingston; 331-7517 or 800-331-1518; www.kingston-ny.gov

All on Saturday, June 28 -

Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour; Kingston's waterfront area; begins at Kingston Heritage Area Visitors Center, 20 Broadway; 11:00 AM; 339-0720; www.fohk.org

Library Day; book sale, bake sale, historic displays and more; Cragsmoor Free Library; 9:00-4:00 PM; 647-4611

Great American Backyard Camp Out; roast marshmallows and listen to great stories; Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston; 6:00 PM; 331-1682; www.forsythnaturecenter.org

5th Annual Orchard Dinner and Wine Tasting; menu created by local chefs using locally grown farm products; Stone Ridge Orchards; Route 213, Stone Ridge; 6:00-9:00 PM; www.rondoutvalleygrowers.org

The Legacy of the American Chestnut; interpretive walk with a naturalist to see the remaining American Chestnut trees at Minnewaska State Park Preserve; New Paltz; 9:30-11:00 PM; 255-0752

7th Annual Sanctuary Shindig; hay rides, farm tours, veggie food, kids tent, vegan cooking demo, live music and upscale tent sale; Catskill Animal Sanctuary; 316 Old Stage Road, Saugerties; 12:00-6:00 PM; 336-8447; rain date: June 29

Western and Swing Dance Party; live music; Ashokan Field Campus, Olivebridge; 8:00 PM; 246-2121; www.ashokan.org

Singles and Sociables Hike to Mud Pond; strenuous, 10 miles; Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz; 10:00-4:00 PM; 255-0919; www.mohonkpreserve.org

All on Sunday, June 29,

Shanghai Quartet; Schubert and Friends; Maverick Concerts; Woodstock; 4:00 PM; 679-8217; www.maverickconcerts.org

23rd Annual Big Indian Car Show; Big Indian Valley Park; Route 28, Big Indian; 8:00-3:30 PM

Forest and Stream Discovery for Kids; discover what's hiding in the woods and have a hands-on search in a cool stream; easy, ½ mile hike; ages 6 and up with an adults; Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz; 9:30-12:30 PM; 255-0919; www.mohonkpreserve.org

Saugerties Community Band; on lawn of Kiersted House; Main Street, Saugerties; 6:00 PM; 246-9529

Guided Walking Tour of Old Hurley; starts at Museum on Main Street; 2:00 PM; 338-1661; www.hurleyheritagesociety.org

The Playful River Otter; family presentation on these mammals; Minnewaska State Park Preserve; New Paltz; 255-0752

Classical guitarist and composer David Temple in concert; champagne reception; Great Room, Emerson Resort and Spa; Route 28, Mt. Pleasant; 5:00-7:00 PM; 688-2828; www.emersonresort.com

Singles and Sociables Hike to Shaupeneak Ridge; moderate to strenuous, 7 miles; Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz; 10:00-3:00 PM; 255-0919; www.mohonkpreserve.org

Pit bull information...PLEASE, be informed

2008-06-27T15:09:06Z

Please check out these websites...

http://www.rescueeverydog.org:80/pitbull_breed.html

http://www.realpitbull.com/temperament.html

Please read...as much as i adore this breed, I really enjoy having multiple dogs so, as I stated in my last blog, I gave up my two rescue pit puppies to a home that understood this breed better than I did and could handle them. I heard this morning that they are happy and are settling in to a foster home to be temperament tested while they interview potential homes that don't have other dogs.

Is this breed good with other dogs in general?
The short answer is no. Developed for the purpose of fighting other dogs, most pit bulls are dog aggressive, at least to some degree. Some pit bulls will simply not tolerate any other dogs, regardless of sex. A few pit bulls will remain dog friendly their entire lives, but they are a minority.The majority of pit bulls are at least same sex aggressive and as adults will not do well with other dogs of the same sex or those that are "pushy" with them, although as pups they may get along fine (this can be very misleading to a novice pit bull owner). Pit bulls will commonly start developing signs of dog aggression between the ages of 8 months and 2 years, although it can develop at any age and can come on either gradually or quite suddenly. It is important to note that many pit bulls do not display the "typical" signs of dog aggression before a fight. They may not growl, bark, or posture at all, but simply alert and raise up on their toes. Owners of dog aggressive pit bulls learn to "read" their dogs and recognize the subtle signs indicating impending dog aggression. Training will not eliminate dog aggression in the pit bull but, when combined with responsibility and vigilance, training can bring these natural tendencies under control in on-leash situations. Where housemates are concerned, if one is a pit bull, extra care should be taken to prevent tension over food, desirable treats (like bones), and favored toys. These items are often "triggers" for spats or fights between dogs sharing the same house and owners should be very aware of them. This is also the reason that an adult pit bull should NOT be left alone with housemates or other dogs. Due to their fighting heritage, many pit bulls do not recognize signs of submission given by a dog they are fighting and, if they are unsupervised, the results can be disastrous. It should be noted that many breeds have dog aggressive tendencies, and leaving any such breed unsupervised with another dog, especially a dog of the same sex, can lead to a tragedy

Peanut Pork Kabobs

2008-06-26T21:02:09Z

No doubt, ethnic food is my favorite...whenever I have an opportunity to experience different flavors, I'm there! so, this one resembles something Asian...I love it!!

3 tbsp. unsalted peanuts

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. ground coriander

1 tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 tsp. black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

2 lbs. pork tenderloin or 6 boneless chicken breast halves, trimmed and cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch cubes

1 lemon cut into 8 wedges

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Blend the peanuts, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, ground coriander, brown sugar, pepper, and garlic in a food processor. Add to a bowl with the cut-up pork or chicken and toss to coat. Chill and marinate for 1 hour.

Push the meat onto one end of 8 skewers. Grill directly over medium coals for 5 to 8 minutes or until the meat is just cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges

Greek Cucumber salad

2008-06-26T20:50:21Z

The proportions on this are estimated since I am so used to making this by feel that I'm not sure...

3 cucumbers slices 1/4 inch thick and into 1/4's again

6 oz. feta cheese

6 oz calamata olives, pitted

1 large sweet onion

1/3 c good olive oil

salt (more than you think)

mix all ingredients, taste and adjust and serve...

This is always a huge hit...try it this summer, you will love it

Mango, Jicama & Cucumber Salad

2008-06-26T20:47:25Z

How about this for a great summer salad...i absolutely fell in love with it...I am posting another cucumber recipe that I love but this is really different from that one and I love this...

This easy-to-assemble salad combines some familiar flavors with a few that may be new to your family. Jicama, a south-of-the-border favorite that tastes like a cross between an apple and a potato, perfectly complements the juicy mango and smooth cucumber

2 ripe mangos

1 medium jicama

1 medium English cucumber

1/4 cup lime juice

Zest from 1 lime

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup canola oil

Salt to taste

Peel the mango, jicama, and cucumber. Cut them into bite-size pieces and place them in a large bowl

Combine the lime juice, zest, and honey in a blender. Run the blender at low speed and slowly drizzle in the canola oil until the dressing is slightly thickened, then add salt to taste

Pour the vinaigrette over the mango mixture and toss to coat.

Mexican "Sushi" Bites...not raw fish...!!!

2008-06-26T20:42:15Z

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup salsa, plus more for dipping

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 avocado, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lime juice

8 (8-inch) flour tortillas

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl, lightly sprinkle the avocado with the lime juice to prevent browning

Trim each tortilla to make a roughly 6-1/2-inch square. Spread 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on a tortilla. Arrange 2 rows of spinach in the center of the tortilla, then top them with a row each of red pepper, yellow pepper, and avocado. Roll the tortilla up tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap. Repeat for the remaining tortillas. Refrigerate the rolls for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.

Right before serving, slice the rolls crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and spoon extra salsa into a bowl for dipping.

My heartbreaking day...goodbye Yodi and Nila

2008-06-26T20:35:01Z

Ok, we decided that the 2 pitbulls that we rescued needed to be separated and put into more experienced bull breed homes. My friend, a far more experienced handler of bull breeds, came over to see how big they were betting and was very alarmed by the behavior they displayed...They were turning aggressive toward my dogs at 11 weeks old. I might not have seen what was happening if not pointed out but...she made it very clear to me so...we decided that we could not risk it or become more attached so we made the appropriate contacts and said some very tearful goodbyes...

here are some pictures I took before

Yodi with his big blue eyes...

Nila and Yodi in the garden

Nila stretching out...isn't she adorable...

Oh, my heart aches...they were wonderful but, I don't feel that we could do them justice, I will keep up on their progress but boy is this a difficult one...

Corn Dogs...on a stick...Yummy summer food, gotta give up the diet sometimes

2008-06-26T20:10:30Z

Summer Shack Corn Dogs

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon finely minced scallion or onion
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
10 beef hot dogs, preferably natural casing dogs (1 1/2 to 2 ounces)
4 cups canola oil
Yellow or deli mustard and dill pickle spears
10 heavy 8-inch wooden skewers

Procedure

1. To make the batter: Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl (a deep narrow bowl if you have one) and whisk well.

2. Combine the scallion, egg, and milk in a small bowl and whisk well. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix. Cover the batter and allow it to rest at room temperature for 25 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees in a large deep skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter).

4. While the oil is heating, skewer each hot dog lengthwise, stopping about 1 inch from the top. When the oil is hot dip a hot dog into the batter, using the stick to twirl the dog and coat it evenly; make sure the bottom end of the hot dog is sealed, but try not to get too much batter on the stick. Remove the dog from the batter and twirl it once to let excess batter drip back into the bowl, then holding the stick end, lower the corn dog into the oil, keeping it suspended about 5 seconds before letting go (this will prevent the corn dog from sticking to the bottom of the pan). Dip 2 or 3 more hot dogs and add to the pan (do not fry more than 3 or 4 dogs at a time). Turn the dogs occasionally with tongs to make sure they cook evenly, and fry until the corn coating is a deep rich brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Lift them out of the oil one at at a time with a Chinese wire-mesh skimmer and transfer to the lined baking sheet, and then into the oven. Dip and fry the remaining dogs, making sure to let the oil come back to 350 degrees between batches, using a candy thermometer. (As you get near the end of the batter, you may need to spoon it over the dogs to coat them evenly.)

5. Serve the corn dogs hot with your favorite mustard and dill pickle spears or hot dog relish.

Chicken Kabobs for the Grill

2008-06-26T20:02:16Z

Chicken Yumstick Kebobs

2/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt

2 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. hot sauce, plus extra to eat with the chicken

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp. salt

8 chicken breast halves

Lemon wedges (optional but I like them!!)

Combine a few tablespoons of the yogurt with the brown sugar in a medium-sized bowl and mix until well blended. Add the remaining yogurt, hot sauce, cumin, garlic and salt

Cut each chicken breast half into 6 to 8 equal pieces

Add to the yogurt mixture and stir until well combined. Thread the chicken onto eight skewers. Place in a doubled gallon-size ziptop bag (to guard against leaks). Chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Grill the kebobs over medium heat, rotating sides every few minutes, until cooked through, about 10 to 14 minutes total.

You can put some veggies on separate skewers and grill as a side dish...yummy, enjoy

How Gourmet...Asian Turkey Burgers, they are yummy and healthy

2008-06-26T19:54:39Z

Ok so these burgers rock, I mean rock!!! you have to try them!!! I have a new summer favorite, hope you enjoy half as much as I did...

A touch of chili paste gives these burgers a little kick. Many grocery stores carry a variety of good-quality pastes in containers that resemble toothpaste tubes (look in the produce department near the fresh herbs). If you can't find any, you can also use a bottled variety.

You can serve the burgers on buns with lettuce, sliced avocado, and, if you like, wasabi mayonnaise.

1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey

1 small onion, very finely chopped

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 teaspoons red chili paste

1 green onion, chopped

1 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Mix together the turkey, onion, egg, panko, parsley, cilantro, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chili paste, and green onion in a large bowl until well combined. Add the salt and pepper, or more to taste.

Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties, gently pressing the center of each to create a slight indentation. This will prevent the patty from bulging in the center, so that you end up with a flat, evenly cooked burger.

Prepare a charcoal fire or a gas grill to medium-hot. Wipe the rack with canola oil and lay the burgers on it indentation-side up. Let them cook, without pressing down on them, until the bottoms are well seared, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the burgers and continue grilling until they are completely cooked through (the juices will run clear), another 5 to 7 minutes.

Please don't breed or buy when shelter dogs are dying...

2008-06-21T08:41:24Z

What profound words. I saw this on a bumper sticker and can't get it out of my head so I thought I would post it...

CALL STEVE AT 845 750-8180. Peanut is a red nosed pit bull, very pretty girl. She is around 60 pounds and two years old. She did grow up in a household with 4 children before she was abandoned and left in an empty apartment till someone discovered her. She is people friendly. Best if she is the only four paw child, since she likes to be the only dog everyone plays with.

Hi. My name is Dewdrop. I am a 10 month old retriever/border collie mix. I am social and playful. I am OK with other dogs but must be the TOP dog. I would do best in a home with older children. Please call 845-687-7619 for more info. Please do not e mail.

This super sweet, a bit shy, momma dog is maybe 1.5 years old and weighs a thin @ 35 lbs. at this time! She is so unique and adorable and in need of some real kindness and love! Molly came in as a starvation case with her pups that were 8 days old! It was quite sad! They are all doing great now and are nice and healthy at this time (puppies to post in about 2 more weeks). Molly is a great little gal and will be in need of a home along with her pups, come the 4th of July weekend! Another great momma dog in need of a great home! (To be spay immediately after pups are weaned) Dog's Best Friend Adoption Center utilizes an adoption application and screening process. We require personal and vet references and a home check made prior to adopting one of our dogs. All of our dogs are companion animals that must be kept inside the house with the rest of the family members. All of our dogs are temperament tested, well mannered, and know some basic commands ~ they are worked with daily, as someone is always here with them. All of our dogs do well with other dogs and many do well with cats. Adoption donations range from $300 to $500, depending on breed, age, and training of the dog (some pure bred and tiny dog fees are higher). This donation helps to cover all shots, de-wormings, spays and neuters, flea protection and heartworm/Lyme testing, treatment, and protection. Most all of our dogs are micro-chipped. (We also provide micro-chipping and boarding at affordable prices, along with a full line of natural supplements for your dogs health needs.) Dog's Best Friend dogs truly make wonderful family pets. Please call or email us for an application. (If you email us and do not hear back from us within 24 hours, please call, as we most likely did not receive your email!) (Also note that many of our dogs are fostered just across the border into PA)

This is just a small sample of a few dogs that are available in our area that look like great dogs...

Contact Your Senators to Support the Dole Amendment

2008-06-20T11:57:14Z

I got this email today and thought it was worth trying to distribute.

Contact Your Senators to Support the Dole Amendment

Urge Your Senators to Support Independent Appraisers

To: Our colleagues
Re: Contact Both Your Senators
From: David Biggers, Chairman, a la mode, inc.

We have another opportunity to advance our position in Congress to fix the HVCC. Congress may take action on housing issues before the July 4 recess.

Both your senators need to hear from us about the negative impact the current version of the HVCC would have on consumers, appraisers and the economy at large.

It is anticipated that the Senate will debate and vote on the Dole Amendment number 4984 to the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) on Tuesday, June 24.

Please contact your senators now by clicking the "Take Action" link above and ask them to support this amendment.

Thank your senators for their consideration and attention to this matter.

They need to hear from us today.

Thanks for your ongoing support. Together we are getting closer to helping create a level playing field and a balanced HVCC.

Dave Biggers
Chairman
a la mode, inc.

Shadowland Theatre...a hidden gem

2008-06-20T08:37:13Z

Shadowland performs in its own building, which first opened on July 3, 1920, as an art-deco movie and vaudeville house. Substantial renovations in recent years have completely rebuilt the interior of the old theatre, retaining the art-deco features while creating a tiered, 148 seat, intimate semi-thrust stage. All seats are within 25 feet of the stage and have clear sightlines in the technically well-equipped and acoustically outstanding space.

Here is the 2008 schedule of productions, it is a must do for the summer, try something different. Also, look for my blog on the restaurant called Aroma Thyme Bistro...a great place to go before or after the play.

ART
May 30 - June 15
Long-standing friendships are brought to the edge of destruction when Serge buys a very expensive new painting. Best friend Marc tells Serge his purchase is ridiculous and neutral buddy Ivan is brought into the fray. Lines are drawn and soon all three square off. The criticism of the art soon erodes to criticism of character and soon all things become fair play.

SEDITION
June 20 - July 13
The same creative team that brought you The Good German returns to stage a striking new historical, yet timely drama about war, patriotism and courage. Based on a true story, Sedition makes its New York premiere at the Shadowland and will be a co-production with Playwrights' Theatre of New Jersey.

BLACK COMEDY
July 18 - August 10
One of the funniest British farces of all time, Black Comedy was nominated for a Tony for Best Play. A young artist has "borrowed" his absent neighbor's fancy furniture in order to impress a big art dealer and his potential future father-in-law on a very special night. But then the lights go out and things get very messy when the neighbor arrives home early...and in the dark.

GLORIOUS
August 15 - September 7
Known as the "first lady of the sliding scale", Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) was a gregarious sociallite who became a must-see performer in the 1940's. The appalling becomes appealing in Glorious, the new Olivier-nominated comedy that chronicles her rise to the pinnacle of a sold-out Carnegie Hall. This is the true story of "the worst singer in the world"!

RISING WATER
September 12 - September 28
A touching and timely drama chronicling a day during Hurricane Katrina, this searing new play (and Pulitzer nominee) is from New Orleans playwright John Biguenet. Funny, poignant and engaging, this NY premiere closes the Shadowland season.

Another poison to be aware of for our four legged friends

2008-06-20T08:21:41Z

I got this email this morning and had no clue about this so I figured I would share it with my rain friends...

WARNING!

To all dog owners pass this on to everyone you can.

Last Friday evening, I arrived home from work, fed Chloe, our 24# Dachshund, just as I normally do. Ten minutes later I walked into the den just in time to see her head inside the pocket of Katie's friend's purse. She had a guilty look on her face so I looked closer and saw a small package of sugar-free gum. It contained xylitol. I remembered that I had recently read that sugar-free gum can be deadly for dogs so I jumped on line and looked to see if xylitol was the ingredient. I found the first website below and it was the one. Next, I called our vet. She said to bring her in immediately. Unfortunately, it was still rush hour and it took me almost 1/2 hour to get there. Meanwhile, since this was her first case, our vet found another website to figure out the treatment. She took Chloe and said they would induce her to vomit, give her a charcoal drink to absorb the toxin (even though they don't think it works) then they would start an iv with dextrose. The xylitol causes dogs to secrete insulin so their blood sugar drops very quickly. The second thing that happens is liver failure. If that happens, even with aggressive treatment, it can be difficult to save them. She told us she would call us.

Almost two hours later, the vet called and said that contents of her stomach contained 2-3 gum wrappers and that her blood sugar had dropped from 90 to 59 in 30 minutes. She wanted us to take Chloe to another hospital that has a critical care unit operating around the clock. We picked her up and took her there. They had us call the ASPCA poison control for a case number and for a donation, their doctors would direct Chloe's doctor on treatment. They would continue the iv, monitor her blood every other hour and then in 2 days test her liver function. She ended up with a central line in her jugular vein since the one in her leg collapsed, just as our regular vet had feared.

Chloe spent almost the entire weekend in the critical care hospital. After her blood sugar was stabilized, she came home yesterday. They ran all the tests again before they released her and so far, no sign of liver damage. Had I not seen her head in the purse, she probably would have died and we wouldn't even had known why.

Three vets told me this weekend, that they were amazed that I even knew about it since they are first learning about it too. Please tell everyone you know about xylitol and dogs. It may save another life.

EarthVoices, LLC Teaching Compassion for Earth & Her Creatures
(517) 548-1807
Relìv Products Nutritional support for healthy humans
SuperPetFood.net Safe Holistic Life's Abundance Food for Your Pets

Have I increased my curb appeal??

2008-06-19T10:03:50Z

Here is a picture of a small kidney shape garden with chairs overlooking the horse paddocks.

Here is a pictue of the gardens in front of the house with the new cedar pergola

Here is the side angle. The side of house is all gardened now...Here is another angle of the pergola too..

This is the new cedar entranceway and there is a path to the front of the house now

Another angle of the side garden with my darling Dharma in the foreground !! :-)

I am playing around a little with some rock creations in the garden

and lastly, here is a photo of the house with a close up of some of the new cedar entranceway

Qigong Healing...It is working...Yeehaa

2008-06-19T08:52:11Z

In my ongoing pursuit to become healthier and lose weight, a friend of mine turned me on to a Qigong healer. I have been working with him for 3 weeks now and have lost 10 pounds...I love it. He is working with acupuncture to balance my metabolism and I have started new eating habits.

It isn't easy but i am getting used to eating salad with 3 oz. chicken or turkey for breakfast and lunch and fruit and vegies for dinner. I can't say enough about how good I feel. It is great to have this much energy, that is for sure...

I am having trouble getting used to the restriction of water around eating. You are not supposed to drink for 1 hr before a meal or 3 hrs after so as to avoid destruction of the gastric juices. I drink a lot of water so that part has been unsuccessful but...10 lbs feels great...

Now I will start to incorporate more walking into this routine...I feel like I am finally on my way, yeehaa

White Gazpacho, what a pleasant surprise

2008-06-18T07:23:11Z

We served this after a caravan that had lunch at my home (which is for sale)...WOW, it was wonderful...you will love it if you love garlic...we actually used more garlic than this

1/2 cup lightly toasted almonds
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 1/2 cups white grapes
1 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup water
2 slices country white bread, crusts removed and cubed
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
2 to 3 tablespoons verjus
2 to 3 tablespoons walnut oil
Chopped chives, for garnish
Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish, optional
Champagne grapes, optional

Place almonds, pine nuts, garlic, grapes, grape juice, water, and bread in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Chill the soup for at least 30 minutes.

Remove soup from refrigerator and fold the whipped heavy cream into the soup. Finish with a few tablespoons each of the verjus and walnut oil. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish each with chives, almonds and grapes, if desired