Chinese New Year, No…Wait…....

(Published on surfKY News on December 29, 2011)

In the past few weeks, my brain has been in “Holiday Overload”, not so much for me, but for everyone else around me. I have been around new mothers talking about their little ones getting ready for Santa Clause and I have been around grandmothers talking about struggling to purchase gifts for all of their children and grandchildren. I have talked with men that were struggling with trying to find that perfect gift and even talked to one man that was going to ask the woman he loves to marry him. I asked him if he was sure she would say yes and he said, “I hope so, I've already bought the ring.”

I remember when I used to put out dozens of Christmas decorations, several Christmas trees and bake until my eyes were crossed. But in recent years, I have stepped into a realm where I am not sure what to do. My child is an adult, well, at least on paper. He is not into the wonder of the lights and decorations like he was when he was little. He does not care about a Christmas tree or how pretty the gifts are arranged under the tree. Matter of fact, he does not care about gifts, he says envelopes are better, as they contain either money or gift cards. He still believes in the magic of Christmas, he knows what will happen if he says he does not. I still believe in the magic. I just do not have the strength or energy to do all the holiday things I used to do. But I have figured out where I am. I am in between children and grandchildren. I am at the point to where I shake my head and wonder if everything will ever come together, if the porch light will ever come on. (You parents of teenagers know what I am talking about.) But at the same time, I am not in a huge hurry to get those grandchildren. But hopefully, by the time they arrive, I will be rested and refreshed, ready to go for the next round.

Get Shorty

(Published on surfKY News on December 15, 2011)

We are quickly coming upon Winter Solstice, also known as the shortest day of the year. I am absolutely thrilled about this day and I am already starting to celebrate the fact that in one week, the daylight hours will start getting longer.

Funny how when I was younger, it did not matter what time the sun came up and what time the darkness began to settle in. But now, I enjoy the daylight hours more than ever. When it is dark at 5pm, I tend to want to go to sleep, and I hate to sleep. I will now have the next six months of increasing daylight hours. But then, just like the never ending circle, the days will begin to get shorter again. Until then, I will enjoy my extra few minutes each day.

More Christmas Cheer!

(Published on surfKY News on December 8, 2011)

This is quickly turning into one of the busiest times of the year. We are rushing around trying to find that perfect gift, planning our family get-togethers and planning our holiday menus, not to mention dealing with the growing excitement of the little ones around us.

Back before my life schedule became super busy, I used to plan for months the gifts that I was going to give my family and friends. I was a lot more “crafty” in my younger years, having more time and better eyesight for things like needlework and any craft that involved a glue gun. Several years ago, I put away my crochet needles and traded in my heated glue gun for a bottle of Gorilla Glue. But this year, I feel my crafty side itching to drag out my craft boxes, my ribbons and of course, my hot glue gun.

Naughty or Nice?

 (Published on surfKY News on November 30, 2011)

T-minus 24 days and counting. Ask any person under the age of 12 and they will tell you exactly what will be in 24 days. This is also the time of year that you can get your child to jump up and do just about any chore that needs to be done. They know this is the time of the year that Santa is making out his list of who is naughty and who is nice.

I can remember the excitement that would be brewing in my home when my JoJo was little. It was so exciting. We would put up the Christmas tree as soon as the turkey was put away and we always made a chain out of colored construction paper. Each day, we would remove a chain and each day, we would get closer to the arrival of Jolly St. Nick. There is just something magical about the Christmas season when you have a child to celebrate it with. But as we grow older, we must keep the magic going. We must continue to believe.

The Blackest Day of the Year

 (Published on surfKY News on November 23, 2011)

“Black Friday” is the name given to the Friday following Thanksgiving day and was first used by the Philadelphia Police Department. The PPD used the term to describe the massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the stores were mobbed from the time they opened until the time they closed.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, but many retailers have decided that this year, they will start their sales on this side of midnight. Many turkey-stuffed people believe it will be much easier to go out late Thanksgiving night than to get up early the day after Turkey day.

National Bread Day

(Published on surfKY News on November 17, 2011)

I have a friend that was always bragging about these amazing yeast rolls that his wife made. Finally, one day I was able to check out these rolls, and he was right. They were the best rolls I have ever eaten. He was kind enough to share the recipe, so I gathered everything to make them myself. Of course, like the bologna sandwiches I constantly talk about, my rolls were not near as good as hers were.

Last week, I told my friend that on Thursday, November 17, we would be celebrating National Homemade Bread Day and asked if he minded if I shared their recipe for those wonderful rolls. I saw him yesterday and he asked me if I knew that today (Thursday) was National Homemade Bread Day. “Uh...well...yeah. I'm the one that told you.” He had arranged for many people in the office to bring in some homemade bread so they could celebrate. Only problem was, I was not going to be in that office today. So, I provide the information about the day and he made arrangements for the celebration that I do not get to attend. He knows I'm just picking on him, like I always do. But trust me; he gets his jabs into me also.

Chicken Soup for My Soul

(Published on iSurf News on November 10, 2011)

Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were repeatedly turned down by publishers when they wrote their first “Chicken Soup” book. Today, over 200 titles later and over 112 million copies in print, the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series is one of the best-selling paperback series of all time.

"Changing The World One Story at a Time" is the mantra of the writers who chose the name of the books because of the use of chicken soup as being “good for the body”. Their inspirational stories were meant to be “good for the soul”. Many of the books are targeted to certain groups and have been known to be great gifts. With the upcoming holidays, consider giving one of these books for your favorite pet lover or teacher. Everyone loves a book with stories about their passion.
 

Hey Charlie, It's The Great Pumpkin

(Published on iSurf News on October 27, 2011)

Every morning, I listen to my favorite radio show while I am getting ready to hit the bricks. "Billy & Wendell in the Morning" helps me get my days going with all the great stories they tell, the guests they have and every now and then, they even throw in a few great oldies song.

Earlier this week, special guest, Hugh Sweatt, was talking about how, when he was a kid, he knew which houses to go to and which houses to skip on Halloween. He talked about how people used to hand out homemade candy and popcorn balls rather than the pre-packaged, bite-sized candy people hand out today. Now, keep in mind, he was talking about a time when children could safely roam their neighborhood and people watched out for each other’s children. Trick-or-Treaters would create their costumes out of items from their parents’ closets and their mother's make up bag, and then they would grab a pillowcase and set out on their mission. They would spend hours hanging out with their friends, knocking on doors and getting great treats only to come home, empty out their sugar treasures and go out for more.

Full of Bologna

(Published on iSurf News on October 20, 2011)

Since October 24 is National Bologna Day I figured we would just talk about a lot of bologna for this week.

Bologna sandwiches are so much better when someone else makes them. I'm not sure why, I just know they are. I recently shared with you that my Granny Goldie always made the best bologna sandwiches in the world. There was just something about the way she slapped that piece of meat between two pieces of bread. Since she has been gone for many years, I only have the memories of those scrumptious sandwiches.

Last week, a friend of mine brought me a bologna sandwich. There was bologna, tomato, lettuce and mayo loaded up on two pieces of fresh white bread. I could not get it out of the sandwich bag fast enough. I will have to admit, my friend Angie makes a mean bologna sandwich. But was it better than Granny Goldie's?

My Friend Joe

(Published on iSurf News on October 13, 2011)

I have several friends named Joe. I have a few musician friends that are named Joe, one of which is the bass player in my favorite local band, Mudd River Union, and the other Joe is an amazing thumbpicker. I also have a friend named Joe that works at my favorite electronics store. Due to my love of that store and my inability to control myself, I only get to see him once, maybe twice per year. I once dated a guy named Joe and I often call my son Jo-Jo. But my favorite Joe is the first one I spend time with in the morning and the last one before I crash at night. Yes, I am a coffee drinker.

Help, I've Fallen…

(Published on iSurf News on October 6, 2011)

No, I've not really fallen, but it is my favorite time of year. I love fall and everything that goes with it. I love the cooler temperatures with the weather, I love the colors that we see when God decides to change the different shades of green to all the brilliant colors and I love all the fall festivals.

In recent years, it seems that we have not been able to enjoy the four different seasons like I remember from years ago. We used to have a spring, summer, fall and winter. In the past 10 years or so it seems like we only have two seasons that I have renamed, Hot and Cold or Snow and Rain. Either way, we usually experience one extreme or the other.

My Life According To Maxine

(Published on iSurf News on September 29, 2011)

Some days, I think Maxine is my alter ego. She can say exactly what she thinks and no one minds. If I said some of the things Maxine says, I would either be fired or shot.

Maxine, The Crabby Lady, was created in 1986 when Hallmark launched Shoebox Cards, and today she is one of Hallmark's top selling characters. Created by John Wagner, who Maxine calls “Arty-Boy”, the character was inspired by his mother and his grandmother. Usually, a cartoon character will begin first as a cartoon, and then moved on to a greeting card. However, Maxine performed this feat in reverse. Her syndicated cartoon strip, Crabby Road, ended in 2002 but she can be found in books available through Hallmark as well as her own licensed merchandise.

Neither Snow Nor Rain

(Published on iSurf News on September 22, 2011)
 

When you were young, what kind of games did you play? Did you enjoy playing board games? Maybe you enjoyed playing card games, jacks or even some games that involved exercise, such as frisbee or catch. When I got a little older, I enjoyed going to the local arcade and dropping quarters into the machines. Many times, I was the high scorer on the Ms. Pac Man game, but I also loved Pac Man, Asteroids and Space Invaders.

I also remember going to teen parties and playing spin the bottle, hoping that when the spinning bottle stopped, it was pointing right at the one I wanted to kiss. There is one game that I do not remember playing, Post Office. For the life of me, I cannot remember playing that game.

Rock Around The Clock

(Published on iSurf News on September 15, 2011)

I was born and raised in Muhlenberg County, only leaving long enough to go to college and then rush back home. Seems like I ran back just as fast as I ran away, something about growing up and hitting the pavement makes you realize that things were not nearly as bad as they had seemed.

There are so many things about this area that I am I proud of. I love to tell people that I am from the same place as the Everly Brothers. I love telling about how this area is so rich in coal, music history and wonderful people. Music has always had a special place in my heart, so when there is a concert or a music event in the area, I'm usually there.

Grandparents Day

(Published on iSurf News on September 8, 2011)

When my son was born, he was the first grandchild for my parents and the first great-grandchild for my maternal grandparents. That kid did not have a chance. Something happens to a person when they become a grandparent. Remember all those rules they had as parents? Well, they do not apply to the grandchild. They still apply to you, the child, but not the grandchild.

Sugar In The Land

(Published on iSurf News on September 1, 2011)
 

A little over a year ago, my best friend introduced me to a county singing group called Sugarland. I had heard a little about them, but my friend thought they were amazing.
I soon fell in love with the song “Stuck Like Glue” and that is how we compared our friendship. We were stuck like glue. When we found out that Sugarland would be in concert at the Indiana State Fair on August 13, we planned a weekend trip to Indianapolis.

My Friend Herb

(Published on iSurf News on August 25, 2011) 

When I was in high school, I had an English teacher named Herbert Smith. Mr. Smith, or “Herbie” as we called him when he was not within earshot, was a jovial man, always smiling, laughing and having a wonderful time. Herbie was a tall, large man with a heart just as big. He was also bald. Well, nearly bald. He did have that ring of hair that runs right above his ears and around his head, but the majority of his head was hairless. He had the same hairstyle as my great-grandfather, what I like to call “Grandpa Hair”, so I thought of Herbie as a little more than just a teacher.

My best memory of Herbie was the day he came into class and started talking about the fact that he had just gotten a haircut. He ran his hand over his hair, what little he had, and announced, “I got a haircut.” I just couldn't resist. I piped up and said, “Herbie, which hair did you get cut?” He gave me the Herbie-Glare, slowly took out his grade book, ran his finger down the list of names as he eerily repeated my name over and over. When he found my name, he took his ink pen in hand and then he said, “Douglas...conduct...F.” The only “F” I have ever gotten in my life!! But it was so worth it.

I have such fond memories of Herbie roaming the halls of my old high school.

My Epiphany

(Published on iSurf News on August 18, 2011)

I was a late bloomer when it came to going to college. There were so many things that I wanted to do, I couldn't decide what to do.

I finally decided that I was going to be a teacher and help young people learn, but as soon as I realized that I would probably be going to school the rest of my life, I decided to pursue another path. By the time I packed my little orange Toyota Corolla, which I called my “Pumpkin”, and headed off to college, I was 21-years-old.

Dreaming The Dream

(Published on iSurf News on August 11, 2011)

When you are young, was there an ice cream truck that came through your neighborhood? Or did you have a neighborhood store that you could walk to on a hot summer day to get your favorite ice cream treat? If so, you were lucky. I had neither. 

I grew up in a rural area where the closest neighbor was a “good, loud holler away”. I always envied the kids that grew up in neighborhoods where they could ride their bikes up and down the sidewalks and where they could just run next door to play with their friends. Not only did I not have my own ice cream truck or a neighborhood store, I also did not have a sidewalk for riding my bike or a friend that lived close enough I could run next door.

Keepin’ the Faith

(Published on iSurf News on August 4, 2011)

With the first Saturday in August being National Mustard Day, things will sure be hopping in downtown Middleton, Wisconsin.
 
The National Mustard Museum moved to its current location in 2009. Before that, it was located in Mouth Horeb, Wisconsin. The museum was founded by Barry Levenson after he started collecting mustards in 1986 while working as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin. In 1991, Levenson abandoned his law career to pursue his passion of collecting mustards and mustard memorabilia full time.

Planting An Egg

(Published on iSurf News on July 28, 2011)

I once heard a lady in a grocery store talking about an eggplant and then heard her small child, who looked approximately five or six years old ask her, “Mommy, why would you plant an egg?” We all know that you do not plant an egg but how did the eggplant get it's name when it does not look like an egg or taste like an egg?
 

Coming Out Of Your Ears

(Published on iSurf News on July 21, 2011)

This is the time of year when everyone's garden is producing so many goodies, they are literally “coming out of their ears”.
I always seem to perk up when I hear someone say this phrase because I know there is a 90% chance that they are talking about their garden.

Jamaica Mon!

(Published on iSurf News on July 14, 2011)

I have been so blessed to have opportunities to do all the things that I've wanted to do. I went to college, then did the things that 20-Something's do. I landed a good job, got an apartment and was living it up.
 
Then came the years of settling down and getting serious about life. The 30-Something's brought me a marriage, a baby and the process of making a house a home. I thought I had it all. I thought I had done it all. But I had forgotten about going through the big “D”. After going through a divorce and trying my hand at being a single parent, I then decided that, now....I have done it all. Now, I'm 40-something and I'm thinking about making the last laps of life and heading across the finish line. My thoughts are filled with pushing my baby bird out of the nest (yeah, right), grandchildren (but not too soon), and retirement from my job so I can do all the fun things that I want to do.

This is where my “Before I Kick The Bucket” list comes into play. I am very concerned that my bucket list is not very long and I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. In a way it could be good because, like I said earlier, I have been blessed to do many things in my life. There was never a question of if I could do them, I just did them. But, in a way, it could be a bad thing. This short list could tell me that I am in for a boring last few years.

One of the things on my bucket list is to go on a cruise. I would love to go to Jamaica, see the famous Dunn's River Falls and shop in Ocho Rios. I want to eat real Jamaican food while being serenaded by locals playing Reggae music. The closest I have ever been to my trip to Jamaica was when I was in college. I discovered a restaurant in Nashville called Rainbow Key. I fell in love with Caribbean cuisine while enjoying my conch fritters amongst the fake palm trees, stuffed parrots and Jimmy Buffet music being piped through the speakers. Rainbow Key has long since closed it's doors, but I can still remember the wonderful times my roommates and I had there.

Jerk Chicken. Jerk Pork. Conch Fritters. Coconut Shrimp. Hey.....it's five o'clock somewhere. Put on some Jimmy Buffett music and enjoy these Jamaican recipes.

 

I'm Bored

(Published on iSurf News on July 7, 2011)

July is “Anti-Boredom” Month. I do not have to worry about this affecting me because I do not have time to be bored. I would not want to be bored even if I had time to be bored.
 
There was a time, many, many years ago, when I was bored. I remember not caring who knew it. When I was a teenager my favorite saying was, “I'm bored.” Until the day came that I said it to the wrong person.

On one of our regular visits with her, I was in my usual, teen-aged, bored and mouthy mood. Betty had held her tongue for as long as she could and when I said “I'm bored” for the ump-teenth time, she spoke these words that I will never forget. “People who say they are bored are just too stupid to find something to do.” For the first time that day, or maybe in my life, I was totally speechless. From that day on, when I would get ready to say “I'm bored”, I would stop myself and find something to do.

As the years went by, I removed that phrase from my vocabulary. Any time I would visit Betty, she would always laugh and ask me if I was bored. I would always respond, “Not now!”

It broke my heart when Betty passed away but I have such wonderful memories of an amazing lady that taught me such simple words of wisdom. Very few times in the past 30-plus years have I found myself bored. And if I was bored, I would never admit it.

So, do not let me hear you say that you are bored. I just might tell you what Betty told me.

 

The People's Princess

(Published on iSurf News on June 23, 2011)

Do you remember where you were on August 31, 1997? More specifically, do you remember what you were doing when you heard the news that Princess Diana had been killed in a vehicle accident? I was on vacation, sitting in a restaurant in Florida when I heard the news. I could not believe the images I was seeing on that television hanging on the wall. How could someone so beautiful, so giving, so caring, be taken away from the people?

She was called “The People's Princess” because she because she could sympathize with the people and she insisted to be treated just like them, even telling people not to call her 'princess'.

Diana helped with many causes and charities and helped bring awareness to many issues in society. Her most notable work was with land mines and her work on behalf of AIDS patients. Diana was one of the first celebrities to be photographed touching AIDS patients and she is credited for helping remove the stigma associated with AIDS.

It is so hard to believe that nearly 14 years have passed since that incredible lady left this world. I know her memory will live on forever. Rest in peace My Princess.

 

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha

(Published on iSurf News on June 23, 2011)

Right after my high school graduation, many moons ago, I decided to put my entrepreneurial skills to work by opening up a booth at the local flea market.
 
I was given a spot right next to where the bunny rabbits and chickens were sitting in their cages waiting to go to their new home. I sat up my table and put all my wares on display, which was mostly health and beauty products with a few pieces of clothing that I didn't want any longer.

A regular visitor, which I had known all my life, stopped each week to see what I had for sale but this particular week, my friend, Wayne Neal noticed my stockpile of brand new, still in the plastic, toothbrushes. Each time he walked by my table, he commented that I had not sold any toothbrushes. Later in the morning, Wayne stopped and said he had a sure-fire idea that would help me sell out my toothbrushes in no time.

He proceeded to tell me that I needed to whip up a batch of cookies, but in the mix, to throw in a little chicken droppings, which I could get from The Chicken Man right next door. He then proceeded to tell me to bake the cookies, then bring them to the flea market and put them on my table with a sign that says “Free Cookies”. (At this point, let me say this. For anyone that knew Wayne Neal, rest his soul, you probably know where this is going.) As soon as someone takes a bite of their cookie, they will say “This cookie tastes like crap!” At this point, Wayne said I should say, “Yep, it is.....wanna buy a toothbrush?” He guaranteed that I would make a mint selling my toothbrushes.

Last week, I was reading about how the toothbrush was invented in China on June 26, 1498. Needless to say, I immediately thought about Wayne and this conversation we had. It amazes me how we remember certain things about a person and of all things I remember about Wayne, a toothbrush brings a chuckle to my heart.

Here are some calcium rich recipes to help take care of those pearly whites.

My Little Daddy

(Published on iSurf News on June 16, 2011)

 I have always been, and always will be, Daddy's Little Girl. While most little girls were in the kitchen with their mothers, learning how to cook and how to be a “Susie Homemaker”, I was out of the garage with my dad working on cars.
 
Before I learned to cook, I learned how to sandblast paint off a car and put a rear axle in place and bolt it up. During my senior year in high school, instead of going on the senior class trip to Florida, I decided to spend that week with my dad finishing up our latest project, restoring a 1963 Chevy II Nova SS. We had worked nearly 14 months on this project and I was so proud when it was finished. My Nova was white with a black vinyl top, black interior with automatic shift in the floor. It was not a brand new car that my dad drove off the lot and just handed me the keys. I worked for this car. Literally.

Grilling Tips

(Published on iSurf News on June 8, 2011)
 

I love to ride around on the weekends and see what I can find going on. This time of the year, I can usually find the wonderful smell of someone grilling out on the family barbecue. This is the point where I usually roll down my window, just to get a better smell, and I also start my investigation to see where it is coming from. When I finally find the point of origin, if it is someone I know, I immediately try to think if there is any reason for me to stop for a visit. If I cannot think of one, I will make one up as I am getting out of the car. If it is coming from a house of someone I do not know, I start counting the vehicles in the drive to see if there is enough of a crowd to where I would just blend in. OK, I confess, I do not really do this, but there are times when I want to. I know you are shaking your head. You have thought about it too!

It's A Man's World

(Published on iSurf News on June 3, 2011)

I had a friend that absolutely adored Marilyn Monroe. He used to tell me that when he was younger, he had such a crush on her, but then he would say, “What young man at that time didn't?”

One day I found a jigsaw puzzle of the famous photo of Monroe wearing that beautiful gold dress. Since my friend's birthday was coming up, I decided to buy the puzzle as a birthday gift for him. But what fun is it to receive a box filled with 500 pieces that you have to do all the work of putting it together?


With the help of several “assistants”, which included an “insider” at his office, I kicked it up into high gear to put together this puzzle, only to take it back apart in sections and use puzzle glue to make it stay together. I planned a daily mailing of each section, beginning with the outer edge, then letting him work the pieces inward until the puzzle was complete. Each envelop was numbered, just in case they arrived out of order, and I included a short note, usually a rhyme or funny quote. Each afternoon, I would receive a call from my “insider” reporting how the events were playing out on that end.

I soon learned that the puzzle pieces had been moved from his desk into the conference room. When the mail was delivered, everyone met in that room to see what quote and puzzle piece had arrived for that day. Since the outer edges and a lot of the background was black, it took several days before any pieces with color started to arrive. Once the gold dress and the blonde locks started to appear, he figured what the puzzle was going to reveal. But he still had no clue who was sending this to him. It was driving him crazy.

When the last section arrived on the day of his birthday, I received a phone call that “Marilyn's face was in place.” I placed a phone call to him, which was strategically timed and transferred to the conference room where everyone was waiting. My “insider” took the call and put me on speakerphone. In my best Marilyn Monroe voice, I sang “Happy Birthday”, just as she sang it to a certain president. Then I hung up. He went nuts. He had no clue who his “Secret Marilyn” was. And my “insider” wasn't talking. I let him ponder for a few days, then I called to confess that I was the “Puzzle-master”. He said that was one of the greatest birthday gifts he had every received.

If Monroe were alive today, she would have turned 85 years old on June 1. I often wonder where her career would have taken her if she had not died so young.

In the book “Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters” there is a copy of a recipe hand-written by Monroe on a piece of stationery from a title insurance company. Who would have thought that such a Hollywood sex symbol would enjoy cooking in the kitchen?

Kick Off To Summer

(Published on iSurf News on May 26, 2011)

Like so many people, I am so tired of the rain and the dreary weather but I know, like the famous quote says, “This too shall pass.” Soon, I will be complaining about the heat and humidity and will be praying for a nice cool fall breeze. I know myself all too well.

May 21 is Armed Forces Day

(Published on iSurf News on May 20, 2011)

A few weeks ago, I was in the grocery store stocking up on some store deals, when I saw the most handsome man I had seen in awhile. A sense of pride came over me as I watched this young man.
 
He was concentrating on his mission in the dairy department and I didn't want to disturb this stranger but I just couldn't help myself. I walked right up to him and said, "Thank you. Thank you for what you do." He responded, "You are very welcome, Ma'am. It is my pleasure. And my duty."

Just a few days earlier, we had been told that the world's most wanted terrorist had been killed when US Navy Seals raided his compound. I wondered what this young man thought about these events. I wanted to ask him but I didn't want my feelings of American pride to be overshadowed by my American anger.

President Harry Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day (AFD) on May 20, 1950 and it is celebrated each year on the third Saturday of May. According to the US Department of Defense, this day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

There are many events to attend to celebrate this day but a simple "Thank You" to a person in uniform may be all that person needs to hear.

Here are some good, all-American recipes to try as we honor the men and women in uniform.

Apple-Cucumber Salsa

●1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●¼ cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●½ small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
● small red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
●1 ½ tbsp white wine vinegar
●1 ½ tsp sugar
●Salt
 
In a bowl, toss the apple with the cucumber, onion and pepper. Stir in the vinegar and sugar, season with salt and serve.

Taste Just Like Chicken

(Published on iSurf News on May 11, 2011)

My family always took a summer vacation when I was growing up but I always remember it being such a rush to do everything that we had to come home to get some rest.
 

Cinco De Mayo

(Published on iSurf News on May 5, 2011)

Cinco De Mayo, not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 6, is observed on May 5.
 
This day is celebrated in order to commemorate the unexpected victory of the Mexican army over the French forces on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. The state of Puebla celebrates this holiday but the celebrations are also popular along the US-Mexico border as well as in areas that have a high Mexican population. The activities planned center around the celebration of Mexican customs and culture.

National Teacher's Day

(Published on iSurf News on April 28, 2011)

I was in elementary school back before students were sitting on the big yellow bus for as long as an hour each way.
 
I attended all 12 years of school in one building at Bremen Consolidated High School. As we alumini prepare to watch this old building be torn down and replaced with a more modern, up-to-date building, I can't help but think about all the wonderful times I had as a student there and a few of the teachers that made an impact on my life.

In high school, my favorite teacher was Shelia Ross, now Shelia Bivins. Ms. Ross (as she will always be to me) was my English teacher and planted the seed of my love of writing and expressing my thoughts. Just in the past few years, I have renewed my friendship with her, still wanting to call her Ms. Ross instead of Ms. Bivins. That is when she told me to just call her “Shelia”, we were now friends. What an amazing lady!

Then, there was my high school band director, W. Dale Warren. He taught me that, alone, I can play music. But if I play music with others, together, we can become a beautiful symphony. Before we would go onto the field for a show, he would lead us in a relaxation exercise that would clear our minds and get us focused on the task at hand. I still practice that exercise today. Mr. Warren is now a Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas.

I am proud to say that I am a student of each of these teachers. I'm not a 'former' student because I'm still learning from these wonderful people. I hope you have the opportunity to thank a teacher that left footprints on your life.

Here are a few of their favorite recipes.

Shelia's Sweet Potato Casserole
 
●3 cups sweet potatoes (drain off 1/2 can of liquid).
●1 cup sugar
●1/2 cup melted butter
●1 tsp. vanilla extract
●1/2 cup milk

Topping-

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter’s on Its Way!

(Published on iSurf News on April 21, 2011)

Many people think that Christmas is the most important day for Christians, however, St Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”

The Resurrection of Christ, brought us the promise of new life, both in Heaven and on earth.

Smile And Say "Cheese"

(Published on iSurf News on April 14, 2011)


I've always wondered why I can only buy egg nog and boiled custard during the holidays.

Maybe we are just not allowed to drink it at anytime except between the months of November and January. Another “holiday dish” that doesn't get much attention at any other time of the year is the cheese ball. With the exception of a bridal or wedding shower, it's rare to find a cheese ball on a lovely platter, surrounded by an assortment of crackers at any other time, but each year, April 17 is set aside to bring awareness to this wonderful snack.


SWEET CHEESE BALL RECIPE

●2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
●1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
●2/3 cup flaked coconut
●8 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
●3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
●Assorted fresh fruit

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the coconut and cherries. Shape into a ball; roll in pecans. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with a sweet cracker or fruit slices.

Knick-Knack Paddy Whack, Give Your Dog A Bone

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

April is Dog Appreciation Month, so you will want to let your favorite pooch know just how much you love them. Some hotels provide “Puppy Packages” during this month, which can include a pet massage, dog toys, special walks and donations to local animal shelters in your dog's name. Now, maybe you are like me and just cannot afford such a vacation at the moment, but still want to find ways to honor your pup this month. How about buying your little princess a new collar with a little bling-bling, making her feel special. Maybe Rover would like an extra long walk through the neighborhood to provide him a little extra exercise, which would also be good for you.
You could also make your pet a special dinner to let them know you care. Check out these “Dog Gone” Recipes. I threw in a few tasty recipes for you dog lovers as well!
 

“Tricky” Recipes and Other Pranks

(Published on iSurf News on March 31, 2011)

I remember when growing up, my brother and I always tried to “out do” each other when it came to our April Fool's Day jokes. The best one that sticks out in my mind was played on me, so I'll have to give props to my brother for coming up with it.

I was probably about 16 or 17 years old and my brother was seven years younger. One morning, right at 4:00, I was awaken to what I thought was a beeping sound. I was still in that “sleep paralysis” state, you know, when you are not really awake but you are not really asleep either. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or if I was really hearing something. After a while longer, I became more awake and realized that surely, I was hearing a beeping sound. I sat up in bed and listened to see where the sound was coming from. The beeping was under my bed and I knew it was bomb!! I started pulling things out from under my bed (because we all know that every teenager keeps things under their bed). Then, I saw it. A small, square, battery-powered alarm clock. I turned it off and wondered why there was an alarm clock set for 4:00 am hidden up under my bed. Then, the light bulb came on! I rememberd that it was April Fool's Day. And I also knew that I had a little brother that just loved to get one on his big sister. I remember walking down the hall to his bedroom, thinking that I was going to get him. Then I saw him sleeping soundly, so I closed the door, thinking that I'd pay him back later. Come to think of it, I never did.

Enjoy some of these fun & “tricky” recipes.

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing

(Published on iSurf News on March 24, 2011)
 

March 29, is the anniversary of the invention of Coca-Cola. In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton formulated the recipe after Atlanta and Fulton County passed prohibition legislation. It was first sold at a pharmacy in Atlanta as a patent medicine when it was believed that carbonated water was good for your health. Over the years, Coca-Cola has seen many different flavors and even changed the formula of the drink with “New Coke” in 1985. The company soon gave into the many protests and returned to the old formula, calling it “Coca-Cola Classic”.

Hello Spring…I Sure Have Missed You!

(Published on iSurf News on March 17, 2011)

 The arrival of spring is very bittersweet to me. The older I get, the more I appreciate watching the new birth of the trees, the green grass and the beautiful flowers.

At the same time, the first day of spring, March 20, is the anniversary of the death of my maternal grandmother. Anyone that knew my Granny, Goldie, knew that she was more fun than a barrel of monkeys but she was so forgetful, she couldn't remember two times around the broomstick.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

(Published on iSurf News on March 10, 2011)
 

Top of the morning to you!! (Said in my best Irish accent) St. Patricks Day is coming up next week! Why do we celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17th? Some believe this is the day that St Patrick, the man who brought the Catholic Church to Ireland, died during the fifth century. For over a thousand years, the Irish traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. This holiday became more important in the US in the late 1800's as thousands of Irish immigrants came to America.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez - Let the Good Times Roll!

(Published on iSurf News on March 3, 2011)

Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday”, refers to the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Part of the fun of Mardi Gras include wearing masks and costumes, dancing, parades, tossing beads and attending parties and balls.

Every year at Mardi Gras there are thousands of King Cakes sold in the New Orleans area. You can find many places online where you can order a King Cake and have it shipped to you. Or you can follow this recipe to make your own. Just don't forget to tell everyone about the baby. You don't want anyone to get choked!

KING CAKE

Cake:
●1/2 cup warm water (100-115 F)
●2 tablespoons yeast
●1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 teaspoons
●3 1/2 - 4 cup flour
●1 teaspoon nutmeg
●2 teaspoons salt
●1 teaspoon lemon zest
●1/2 cup warm milk
●5 egg yolks
●1/2 cup butter
●2 teaspoons cinnamon
●1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash

Icing:
●3 cups confectioner's sugar
●1/4 cup lemon juice
●3-6 tablespoons water
●additional sugar & food coloring for decoration

►1 tiny 1" baby doll (see notes above)

Sprinkle yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar over warm water in a small, shallow bowl. Allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, then mix thoroughly. Set bowl in a warm, draft-free place until yeast starts to bubble up and mixture almost doubles in volume, about 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, mix 3 1/2 C flour, 1/2 cup sugar, nutmeg, lemon zest and salt. In mixing bowl of a heavy duty electric mixer or food processor, combine yeast , milk and egg yolks. Gradually add dry ingredients, and softened butter, adding additional flour, as necessary to achieve a medium-soft ball. Knead dough, again adding flour if necessary, until smooth, shiny and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place dough in a covered, buttered bowl , in a warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

In the meantime, butter a large baking sheet and set aside.

When dough has risen, remove and punch down. Sprinkle with cinnamon and form into a cylinder, then twist this cylinder into a circle. Pinch the ends together to complete the circle. Once again, cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 375° F. Brush top and sides of cake with egg wash and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack completely before hiding baby doll inside or icing and decorating.

Icing:
Mix sugar, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of water until mixture is smooth, adding more water as necessary to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Spread icing over cake and immediately sprinkle colored sugar in alternating color rows of yellow, green and purple.



CHICKEN OR HAM JAMBALAYA

●2 tablespoons oil
●1 1/2 cups chopped onion
●1 green bell pepper, chopped
●2 medium cloves garlic, minced
●2 cups cubed cooked ham or chicken
●1 cup long-grain white rice
●l/2 teaspoon thyme
●l/2 teaspoon salt
●3-4 drops hot pepper sauce
●1 16-ounce can tomatoes
●l/2 cup ham broth, water, or chicken broth if using chicken

Heat oil in a large pot. To the hot oil add chopped onions, green pepper, and garlic; cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add ham or chicken and rice; cook and stir until rice is well coated with oil. Add thyme, salt, pepper sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, 20-25 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper sauce if needed.



GARLIC CHEESE GRITS

Oscar Party Night Recipes

(Published on iSurf News on February 25, 2011)

 If you are ready to "Roll Out the Red Carpet", you can entertain just like a Hollywood event. When your guests arrive, have them to "autograph" your guest book and then start the party with a trivia game, asking questions about previous "Best Pictures" Or "Leading Roles". Hand out voting ballots before the awards show begins so your guests can cast their vote. Have prizes for those that predict the winners. Some clever prizes could include movie rental coupons, movie posters or packets of microwave popcorn. Don't forget the papparazzi. Have someone ready with a camera to catch all the action!

Chilly Weather Chili Recipes

(Published on iSurf News on February 17, 2011)

The temperatures have warmed up for this week, but don't be fooled, Old Man Winter still has another month to get in that last punch or two! So while we are waiting for the wonders of spring to arrive, let's try some unusual chili recipes. If you don't want to venture away from your favorite chili recipe, you can always try adding something new to your old favorite, just by adding a different ingredient, you can get a whole new flavor. Try adding some butter, a cup of brewed coffee, cocoa powder or shredded chocolate, cinnamon or a can of beer (the alcohol will cook off, but the flavor will not).

Happy Valentine's Day to You and Yours!!

(Published on iSurf News on February 10, 2011)

Whether you are giving flowers, candy or perfume to your loved one, or maybe a more practical gift, such as a book they have been wanting or some kind of collectible for their collection, make sure that you are getting them something they really want. And never, I mean never, believe it when she says, “Oh, Honey, you don't have to get me anything for Valentine's Day.” Guys, if you hear that, you better try even harder to find the perfect gift.

Super Bowl Party Ideas

(Published on iSurf News on February 3, 2011)

This time of the year, our thoughts turn to Superbowl, the "Grand Daddy" football game of them all. And what comes along with the Superbowl? Superbowl parties! And what do we have at Superbowl parties? Food!!

Before your party, check out all the e-invites online. Be sure to have different types of drinks for everyone's taste. But the food will be the highlight of the party, other than the game, of course. Oh, don't forget the decorations!

Cooking With The Crock

(Published on iSurf News on Januray 27, 2011)

My crock pot has become my new best friend. Place the ingredients in the crock pot, plug it up and turn it on. With the hectic life that so many of us live these days, learning to use your crock pot could make dinner time one less thing to have to worry about. 
 

Welcome To Culinary Crafts

I started writing a weekly culinary column for a local online news site in January 2011. I have several friends at iSurf and I keep saying that when I grow up, "I'm going to be an iSurfer". I can just picture me being that roving reporter, pushing through the crowd to get the scoop. But sometimes, even when we think we know what we want, something even more fitting comes along.


I love to cook, but find it so much easier to stop by for a quick burger on my way home or just throw something into the microwave, since there is just my son and I at home. But we have had such a long, cold winter and since I had recently developed a love for soup (which I consider a sign of growing older), I decided to make a crock pot of soup one day. It turned out so good and after posting pics of it on FaceBook, I started getting compliments about my soup and my cooking skills.


My friend, Jesse, News Director at iSurf, sent me a message asking for the recipe to put on the weekly column, "Culinary Crafts". After sending several messages back and forth, Jesse said that they were looking for someone to take over the column because the person that was doing it was now having some health problems. After several negotiations, we settled on me being the next "Culinary Crafts" Columnist and he told me I could pretty well write it up any way I wanted. I decided to write it like a blog, using a different theme each week and having three recipes in the column.


So, having said all that, I've decided to keep a blog about my culinary experiences, which will mostly be posts of the weekly columns but I may throw in a few about my culinary romps that I make throughout The 'Land.


So...welcome. Let the Culinary begin!!