Well, maybe not love but obsession. Yes, today Eric Clapton's first new original album since Reptile was released. Being the fan I am, I went out and bought it without waiting for any reviews and am pretty happy with it.
It is much more polished than his early stuff, but has a bit more intrigue and emotion than Reptile. First few listens are pretty good, although after a few more, I'll have more opinions. Overall I like it - "I'm Going Left" has the throaty melodies that make me all tingly, and "Run Home to Me" is a sweet, sweet song.
I am kind of sad seeing the pictures of his young wife - cause it's not me. But I guess I got a good man, even if he doesn't play guitar.
My thoughts on whatever passes through my line of sight.
8/30/2005
8/22/2005
Wedding Planning - Friend or Foe....
For the past few months J and I have been trying to pin down a date/location for our wedding. With multiple weddings this summer (three down, one to go) weddings have very much been on our mind. We've had a blast at the ones we've been to and are looking forward to the last of the season with A & V but in the meantime we've been trying to suss out what we want.
I started with a very specific picture in mind. Those who know me, know that for all my love of sparkles and glittery things on ME, that's not my style when it comes to decor. And while I've always pictured myself getting married outstide, my luck with weather has not been good. So we began the hunt for something rustic, understated, classy, with a bit of flair that could be weatherproof and has yummy food - and most of all, something that won't put us in debt for the rest of our life. Oh, and being the big italian family that I am, needs to hold at least 150 people. No problem, right?
Wrong. And while J and I saying our vows under the stars in the middle of the woods with just a few friends and our folks sounds great, I love my family - all 100 of them - too much to elope. We've found some places that we like, even if they don't quite fit the above. But for the most part it's been hard.
So this weekend we are going to check out one final potiential place - that just may fit into the rustic, understated, classy with flair weatherproof and good food. Thanks to C for recommending it - although I'm trying not to get my hopes up cause after all it is about 2 1/2 hours from us so I'll feel guilty about making the 1/2 of our guest list that live in Jersey travel that far.
And then I'm done. Something is getting picked from what we have - the best of the bunch. And we are picking a date and signing a contract and making a decision. That way we can get onto the fun stuff - like planning the bachlorette party.
Speaking of bachlorette parties - I had a great time in AC this weekend to celebrate with A & V. (Yes, bride and groom - we all had dinner then split to opposite ends of the town) And I only lost $25 at the casino, so not bad!
I started with a very specific picture in mind. Those who know me, know that for all my love of sparkles and glittery things on ME, that's not my style when it comes to decor. And while I've always pictured myself getting married outstide, my luck with weather has not been good. So we began the hunt for something rustic, understated, classy, with a bit of flair that could be weatherproof and has yummy food - and most of all, something that won't put us in debt for the rest of our life. Oh, and being the big italian family that I am, needs to hold at least 150 people. No problem, right?
Wrong. And while J and I saying our vows under the stars in the middle of the woods with just a few friends and our folks sounds great, I love my family - all 100 of them - too much to elope. We've found some places that we like, even if they don't quite fit the above. But for the most part it's been hard.
So this weekend we are going to check out one final potiential place - that just may fit into the rustic, understated, classy with flair weatherproof and good food. Thanks to C for recommending it - although I'm trying not to get my hopes up cause after all it is about 2 1/2 hours from us so I'll feel guilty about making the 1/2 of our guest list that live in Jersey travel that far.
And then I'm done. Something is getting picked from what we have - the best of the bunch. And we are picking a date and signing a contract and making a decision. That way we can get onto the fun stuff - like planning the bachlorette party.
Speaking of bachlorette parties - I had a great time in AC this weekend to celebrate with A & V. (Yes, bride and groom - we all had dinner then split to opposite ends of the town) And I only lost $25 at the casino, so not bad!
8/19/2005
Random Thoughts on a Friday...
I was going to talk today about the wonderful Neil Diamond concert last night - thank you smelmooo, but I have a bunch of thoughts floating through my head. And since I have to do some writing for work, I figured it's a good time for a download of the brain.
Speaking of Neil Diamond - how a 65 year old man still has a waist that tiny is beyond me. Go Neil. Oh, and I found out all his spangly shirts are custom made (I don't know why that suprises me).
I love my man. But going to concerts always make me wish he played an instrument. Boy do trumpet players make me swoon. And guitar players too. But then again, I did swear off dating musicians after a few encounters. They are crazy!
We had leftover sandwiches in the office, so as I was taking the tray out to grab a quick lunch, it fell over, knocked into my "big a**, bad** mug". This mug held at least 14 oz of water (a bit heavy when full) and it was my first mug I made for myself in ceramics. Although not perfect, I loved it cause I only had to fill it once or twice a day. Now I'm sad - it's the first piece I ever made that broke after I used it, as opposed to during firing, which I had gotten used to. :(
On Air America the other day they listed the books Prez GWB was reading on his 5 week vacation (boy, wish I could have a 5 week vacation). Anyway, one of them is Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. Now I consider myself pretty smart and can read intellectual books, but as interesting as Salt is I've managed to only read half of it when I lose interest and put it down. So I will be very depressed it GWB actually finished it - it will blow my mind and I believe it will also be a sign of th apocolypse.
The other day I watched a women drive into a intersection, the light turned yellow/red as she was in the middle and she STOPPED and BACKED UP. What the F***. Please people, learn to drive or you will be killed by the mob of people that think you are an IDIOT.
Oh, and since everyone I know was so worried, my little niece - no longer allergic to dairy. Yea! I can start getting her addicted to Mint Chip ice cream like me! And when she spends summers at Camp Crazy Aunt Gina's we can make ice cream, and I can teach her all sorts of yummy recipies involving cream, butter and cheese. Yummmm.
Ok, time to go write some fundraising letters....lets see if I can get my creativity flowing....
Speaking of Neil Diamond - how a 65 year old man still has a waist that tiny is beyond me. Go Neil. Oh, and I found out all his spangly shirts are custom made (I don't know why that suprises me).
I love my man. But going to concerts always make me wish he played an instrument. Boy do trumpet players make me swoon. And guitar players too. But then again, I did swear off dating musicians after a few encounters. They are crazy!
We had leftover sandwiches in the office, so as I was taking the tray out to grab a quick lunch, it fell over, knocked into my "big a**, bad** mug". This mug held at least 14 oz of water (a bit heavy when full) and it was my first mug I made for myself in ceramics. Although not perfect, I loved it cause I only had to fill it once or twice a day. Now I'm sad - it's the first piece I ever made that broke after I used it, as opposed to during firing, which I had gotten used to. :(
On Air America the other day they listed the books Prez GWB was reading on his 5 week vacation (boy, wish I could have a 5 week vacation). Anyway, one of them is Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. Now I consider myself pretty smart and can read intellectual books, but as interesting as Salt is I've managed to only read half of it when I lose interest and put it down. So I will be very depressed it GWB actually finished it - it will blow my mind and I believe it will also be a sign of th apocolypse.
The other day I watched a women drive into a intersection, the light turned yellow/red as she was in the middle and she STOPPED and BACKED UP. What the F***. Please people, learn to drive or you will be killed by the mob of people that think you are an IDIOT.
Oh, and since everyone I know was so worried, my little niece - no longer allergic to dairy. Yea! I can start getting her addicted to Mint Chip ice cream like me! And when she spends summers at Camp Crazy Aunt Gina's we can make ice cream, and I can teach her all sorts of yummy recipies involving cream, butter and cheese. Yummmm.
Ok, time to go write some fundraising letters....lets see if I can get my creativity flowing....
8/17/2005
Photo Friday - Violet
Lilacs from my mom's garden this spring. Ah, if only pictures could give off scent...my favorite spring smell.
8/15/2005
Planning a vacation...
As August is halfway over, I realize I need a vacation. It's been over two years since J and I went on a trip longer than 4 days (and although I love his family, our weekends to his parents just don't count as a vacation). Last summer he had just switched jobs so time was limited. This winter we kept putting it off and with weddings and my mom's surgery we figured the summer would be a bust. But of course, we realized that we haven't made plans for fall and time is growing short if we're going to squeeze some fun in before winter holidays arrive.
So here's the question - where do we go? Saving for the wedding and a house, we're thinking somewhere close that we can drive to. Not against camping for a few days, in fact love the vacations that involve a few days in the woods and a few days in a city. We like wineries and breweries, can't tear me away from a good craft or agricultural fair, and love finding fun little things like the Scottish Festival in Maine. Any suggestions from anyone out there?
G
So here's the question - where do we go? Saving for the wedding and a house, we're thinking somewhere close that we can drive to. Not against camping for a few days, in fact love the vacations that involve a few days in the woods and a few days in a city. We like wineries and breweries, can't tear me away from a good craft or agricultural fair, and love finding fun little things like the Scottish Festival in Maine. Any suggestions from anyone out there?
G
8/13/2005
It's a Game...
Jersey and karchamb posted a new game on their blogs - it seememd like fun so here's the rules - leave me a comment with your name, and I will answer the following questions for you.
* tell you what song/movie reminds me of you
* pick a color/flavor of jello to wrestle with you
* say something that only makes sense to you and me
* tell you my first memory of you
* tell you what animal you remind me of
* ask something that I've always wondered
Anyone game?
* tell you what song/movie reminds me of you
* pick a color/flavor of jello to wrestle with you
* say something that only makes sense to you and me
* tell you my first memory of you
* tell you what animal you remind me of
* ask something that I've always wondered
Anyone game?
8/11/2005
Eat Local Update:
So, I really thought this was going to be a bit easier, but I've found that eating 100% (or sometimes even just 75%) local is not all that easy.
I've had some highs this week, including the Zucchini & Corn Timbale made with local produce, eggs from Griggstown, and even NJ produced cream. There was also more yummy ravioli with vodka sauce made in Flemington (if I remember, or was it Newark).
But I think my favorite meal so far (besides the Perfect Summer Meal) was Chicken with Lavender, Honey & Citrus. While I haven't been able to find lemons and limes locally, everything else was. Here's a quick summary of the recipe in interested:
Tonight I think I'll head down to the Dutch Farm Market to get some beef, and maybe some pork. Definitly need to restock up on some cheese and breads. And although it's not Jersey, I did check and Lancaster falls in the 100 mile mark.
I've had some highs this week, including the Zucchini & Corn Timbale made with local produce, eggs from Griggstown, and even NJ produced cream. There was also more yummy ravioli with vodka sauce made in Flemington (if I remember, or was it Newark).
But I think my favorite meal so far (besides the Perfect Summer Meal) was Chicken with Lavender, Honey & Citrus. While I haven't been able to find lemons and limes locally, everything else was. Here's a quick summary of the recipe in interested:
Juice of 3 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup olive oil
1 - 2 tbs (your preference) of fresh lavender, ground in a spice grinder
salt & pepper to taste
Mix all together, pour over chicken and marinade at least 4 hours, periodically flipping as the marinade will not immerse the chicken. Grill (or broil if like me you have no outdoors of your own) for about 20 minutes each side until juices run clear. Serve with corn and salad for yumminess!
Tonight I think I'll head down to the Dutch Farm Market to get some beef, and maybe some pork. Definitly need to restock up on some cheese and breads. And although it's not Jersey, I did check and Lancaster falls in the 100 mile mark.
8/04/2005
Perfect Summer Meal
I belive this is the most perfect summer meal ever. Fresh Jersey corn with a pinch of salt and some butter. And homemade mozzerella, basil and tomatoes from my dad's garden, a bit of red onion with a slight drizzle of olive oil on some nice fresh baked bread. Just doesn't get any b etter than this...
Grist Magazine: Britty Twister
Estrogen exposure blamed for upswing in male chest-reduction surgery
British men are flocking to clinics for surgery to reduce their man mammaries. Here we pause a moment to savor that sentence ... OK, done. U.K. doctors blame increased exposure to female hormones for a reported doubling over one year of the number of operations for gynecomastia, a condition in which men grow bosoms similar in structure and composition to those of women -- as distinct from the mere fat deposits adorning portly TV-sitcom husbands. A society of U.K. plastic surgeons reported that members performed about 53 male chest-reduction surgeries apiece in 2004 compared to 22 in 2003. Likely causes of the estrogen exposure include traces of women's contraceptive pills in the water supply and hormones fed to animals raised for human consumption. Increased female hormones in the environment are also blamed for falling sperm counts in British men, whose ongoing emasculation is raising world schadenfreude to levels not seen since the Thames flooded with raw sewage almost a year ago.
straight to the source: The Sunday Times, Sarah-Kate Templeton, 31 Jul 2005
British men are flocking to clinics for surgery to reduce their man mammaries. Here we pause a moment to savor that sentence ... OK, done. U.K. doctors blame increased exposure to female hormones for a reported doubling over one year of the number of operations for gynecomastia, a condition in which men grow bosoms similar in structure and composition to those of women -- as distinct from the mere fat deposits adorning portly TV-sitcom husbands. A society of U.K. plastic surgeons reported that members performed about 53 male chest-reduction surgeries apiece in 2004 compared to 22 in 2003. Likely causes of the estrogen exposure include traces of women's contraceptive pills in the water supply and hormones fed to animals raised for human consumption. Increased female hormones in the environment are also blamed for falling sperm counts in British men, whose ongoing emasculation is raising world schadenfreude to levels not seen since the Thames flooded with raw sewage almost a year ago.
straight to the source: The Sunday Times, Sarah-Kate Templeton, 31 Jul 2005
8/02/2005
Eat Local Update...
Ok, so August has begun and I have "finalized" my rules for the Eat Local Challenge. So far the things giving me issues include sugar, flour and cereals/grains, citrus fruits and yougurt. Most of this I can't go a month without so I am planning on doing organic for those (pretty much already do). I will say my first day was pretty bad, had leftover diner omelette for breakfast and lunch involved the remaining Marlin from dinner, but the corn was local. Day two was a bit better and our whole dinner was from Jersey.
We did our first excursion on Saturday to aquire some of our local food. A failed trip to Lucy's Pasta led to a slightly detoured trip to Griggstown Quail Farm where we picked up some quiche, poussin's and local honey. Two Brothers ravioli rounded out some of our purchases at the farm across the street.
I can't say it enough, I had some more of the chicken from Griggstown. It really tastes different than run of the mill supermarket chicken. And I can't even take the credit for this cause we bought a pre-marinated one and all I did was broil it for 25 minutes. I highly reccomend everyone to take a trip to Griggstown and try some. All yummy stuff.
We did our first excursion on Saturday to aquire some of our local food. A failed trip to Lucy's Pasta led to a slightly detoured trip to Griggstown Quail Farm where we picked up some quiche, poussin's and local honey. Two Brothers ravioli rounded out some of our purchases at the farm across the street.
I can't say it enough, I had some more of the chicken from Griggstown. It really tastes different than run of the mill supermarket chicken. And I can't even take the credit for this cause we bought a pre-marinated one and all I did was broil it for 25 minutes. I highly reccomend everyone to take a trip to Griggstown and try some. All yummy stuff.
8/01/2005
Random Thoughts....
Another wedding, another 3 day weekend. Despite the heat, it was a pretty good weekend.
1) “The cousins” really are too much fun. Especially when at weddings we all go to the lobby to take “the cousins” photo and realize that is the only time of the night when the bar is empty.
2) As the final cousins weddings loom on the horizon (well, ok so we got more than a year till mine) I get sad thinking that our dancing days are limited. Perhaps we should start having DJ’s at all the christenings with the babies that will be coming in the next few years?
3) I spent an afternoon at the Cranford pool, where growing up I spent hours swimming, diving, playing spoons, spit and shuffleboard and was depressed to know that they have since took out one of the diving boards and you can no longer dive anywhere from the edge – including at the 7 foot end of the pool. How am I supposed to get into the water then – use a ladder, there’s no fun in that. Jeez, what people do in the name of “safety”.
4) On the plus side of the pool, you no longer need bathing caps. And the put up nice umbrellas.
5) As much as I love my niece, it was very nice to spend time with my parents without her. Much calmer and we had a nice dinner at the Cranford Hotel.
6) Another afternoon of watching Stargate. I’m not sure when it happened, but I think I have officially become a Sci-Fi geek. I blame Jack.
1) “The cousins” really are too much fun. Especially when at weddings we all go to the lobby to take “the cousins” photo and realize that is the only time of the night when the bar is empty.
2) As the final cousins weddings loom on the horizon (well, ok so we got more than a year till mine) I get sad thinking that our dancing days are limited. Perhaps we should start having DJ’s at all the christenings with the babies that will be coming in the next few years?
3) I spent an afternoon at the Cranford pool, where growing up I spent hours swimming, diving, playing spoons, spit and shuffleboard and was depressed to know that they have since took out one of the diving boards and you can no longer dive anywhere from the edge – including at the 7 foot end of the pool. How am I supposed to get into the water then – use a ladder, there’s no fun in that. Jeez, what people do in the name of “safety”.
4) On the plus side of the pool, you no longer need bathing caps. And the put up nice umbrellas.
5) As much as I love my niece, it was very nice to spend time with my parents without her. Much calmer and we had a nice dinner at the Cranford Hotel.
6) Another afternoon of watching Stargate. I’m not sure when it happened, but I think I have officially become a Sci-Fi geek. I blame Jack.
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