My Train Whistle...

Happy Christmas!

Yesterday, Colleen said she was going out for some last minute shopping. Penny heard this and asked if Colleen was going to bring her a present.

 Colleen said "No! No presents for you!"

Penny cried...

This Is So Cool!

Rob told me that this is the only steam engine running in Massachusetts in 2010! She is on loan from Boothbay Railway. 

That's Fireman Heath ringing the bell. His real job is to shovel coal. 

I'll have more on this later. I have a ton of pictures and stuff!

Light bulb snowman craft

Guest post written by Madeline Cross

When something is no longer usable for its purpose around the house, I like to use it for a craft or see if it can come to some other use. I just hate to be so wasteful and it's even better to try and reuse something rather than just recycle it.

I went online with our clear wireless internet about a week ago to try and come up with some Christmas crafts to make with my kids out of some repurposed stuff. Well, I found all kinds of stuff but some of it just didn't look that nice.

However, I did find this light bulb snowman project that I thought would be pretty neat. I had held onto some of our old light bulbs after we had switched over to some of those strangely shaped energy efficient ones. I had held onto them because I thought that they would be good to make some Christmas ornaments from and I was right! That's exactly what I ended up using them as, with the help of a little paint and art supplies.

Thanksgiving is The Start of All Things Christmas...

Guest post from: Fredrick Watkins
Our big family toils all year long to pay the bills, lay up some money for the future and times of crisis, and to make Thanksgiving and Christmas really special. No, we don't spend a fortune on gifts for ourselves. In fact, each of us only gets two gifts. We get one on Thanksgiving Day and the other on Christmas Day. The rest of our resources are given to help those in our community who don't have much.

Thanksgiving Day is the day of eating too much, but it is also the day we start watching all of our favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas TV specials. We watch everything from “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” to “It's A Wonderful Life” from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. I must admit that on Christmas Day, we do watch “A Christmas Story” more than once. That's where my son got the idea for a Red Ryder BB gun. Yes, I told him he would put his eye out. I have watched “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” every year since it was first aired back in 1973. Now the family follows my quirky traditions.

I stuff myself with food on Thanksgiving, but I also force myself to go outside and put up the Christmas decorations on that day no matter what the weather. I guilt the rest of the guests into helping me. Then in the evening, we all gather around the Expert Satellite television and start watching the holiday specials.

It's Thanksgiving...

and yes I am thankful for stuff.

But Thanksgiving is always a weird day for me. Go to dinner, eat, ruminate, have fun with fam, go home.

Then what? Generally, there is no one to hang out with because people don't hang out on holidays. There's always the movies, but I refuse to pay for a movie ticket when I have so much cable at home.

In the past, stores were shut tight. Closed up. Everyone home enjoying or fighting with their families. One would think that the people who fight with the family would lobby for the store to be open so they would not have to spend it with the family. Whatever.

This year, I think some stores around here are open. Weird. Is that because the fighters got their way? Or is it because the economy is so bad, the store needs the extra 12 hours to try to pluck money from us we don't have?

At any rate, I'm going to dinner at Mum's. When I get home, I may watch all 10 episodes of Boardwalk Empire on onDemand. In a row. Without stopping.

Oh, I may stop for a turkey sandwich...

I heard the lonesome whistle blow...

...from my doorstep.

Edaville has a steam locomotive on loan from Boothbay Railway. When she arrived the other day, we were all excited and rushed to welcome her. I was sort of sad she went directly to the car shop, to rest I guess from the journey.

Today, as I was traveling Meadow Street, I saw they had the little engine out, running around the track. I called Tam and we made arrangements to meet on Meadow, to take pictures...

I rushed home a little faster to get the camera. I drove into the driveway and bolted to the steps. I thought I heard something and paused. I heard the train whistle.

I'm not sure how far away from here Edaville is, but I would say, less than 2 miles. It's been a while since a steam engine has run at Edaville and I'm happy there will be one this year. I'm even more happy it can be heard from my house.

So, I snatched up my camera and sped back to Meadow Street. I didn't see Tam anywhere, so I continued on to Pine and planned to head into Edaville. I hoped to catch the engine at the station so I could get some close ups. I met up with Tam coming from the front gate. She said they had just left the station. I went to DinoLand, jumped out and positioned myself just inside the gate to get some shots as the little engine passed by the pond on the first part of her trip around the track.

I pushed the button to turn the camera on. My heart sank when I looked down to see the message: LOW BATTERY - POWER OFF.

I didn't get any pictures today, But Dana did. Go here to see them.

OK, I'll bite the bullet....

...and put the heat on in the house.

Coming home at night from cold Edaville to a cold house is beginning to be a total bummer.

And my birds are protesting. They want warm.
So I guess it's time....

somebody throw me a bone...

this evening i've had a crisis
in my faith in the internet to entertain me
the internet has failed to entertain me
this has not happened in a very long time
i am in crisis mode

i've become a little suspicious
suspicious because i've received no email in more than an hour
not even spam
none of my friends are here to talk to me
not at gmail
or
facebook
or
aim
i'm serious
this is serious

it's come so far that i actually
called someone on the phone
it is well within my abilities to carry on a telephone conversation
but i like the phone less and less lately
it hurts my ear

i've made a decision
i will forsake the internet
and
direct my attention to television

aha!
a text!

my faith is restored
somewhat

it's not chat
but it's not nothin either

Weekend Reflections - Faux France...

I had a great time mosey-ing around the world...

 Nice reflection...

Rubbish Bin

France, World Showcase, Walt Disney World 

If you want to see some really stunning reflection photos, take a trip over to see James at Newtown Area Photo. You won't be disappointed!

More from Python Printable Games...

When I first checked out Python Printable Games, I found a good selection of word games for kids, teens and adults. What I like most about Python products is that all you really need to do is add paper. Each Party pack has word searches, scavenger hunts, trivia and a ton of other activities to liven up a party, camping trip or road trip. Once you purchase your Party Pack, it is available for download instantly. You then save the games to you computer. When its Party Time, just add paper! Print away, the files are yours to keep!

Each different Patry Pack has 30 games. Pauline and I took the Thanksgiving printables with us on our recent trip. We were howling in our seats on the plane playing Food Fight MadLibs and Who's the Turkey Trivia. Pauline decided these games should make an appearance at Thanksgiving dinner at Mum's house. She picked out a few games we both agreed would liven up the table! I think we should have a go at Football Trivia and Massachusetts Trivia. We'll see who knows what about where we live.

We always play games after dinner an Thanksgiving, but it's usually a tired old board game or cards. This year Pauline and I aim to spice things up with Thanksgiving party games from Python Printable Games. Fall into Fun? You bet!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Finally Doing a Little Cooking...

Guest post written by my pal Henry Adams

Now that I’m retired, I’ve really tried to learn a thing or two in the kitchen. My wife is a fabulous cook, and she loves to do it, so I’ve had the pleasure of her cooking for the past 35 years. Left to my own devices, I might make a hotdog or some spaghetti, something really simple. Last night, I learned how to make a stir-fry. Using a simple recipe and our new wok, I was able to cook a great mixture of chicken, noodles, water chestnuts, snap peas, and teriyaki sauce. Sure, it wasn’t the most complex thing in the world, but it was exciting to actually cook some meat and add in some fresh ingredients.

I didn’t mind the experience at all. I was wearing my miracle ear hearing aids and listening to old folk songs on the radio, and before you know it, the whole thing was finished. I think I could really get into cooking. At my age, I’ve really come to welcome new hobbies and cooking is something that could keep me busy for many nights to come. I’m sure my wife will welcome that, as well.

Soon?

Pauline and I had a fabulous time in WDW. We messed around in the parks, we ate way too much and we laughed a lot. Both of us were very sad to come home and both of us are dreaming about the time we will be able to return. Needless to say, Pauline and I are die-hard Disney fans.

Today and today only, I am going to do something I never do, ever. I am going to share a picture of me. Do not make fun of me!

I hate it when people take my picture. But I subjected myself to this because I knew when Pauline and I saw the photos we would have a good laugh!

All I can think of when I see this picture is what a great time we had and how much fun Pauline is! She really made the trip the best it could be!

So what say  Pauline?

When are we going back???

Skywatch Friday...

Skies from all over our Planet!

Check out more Skywatch!

A Long Walk, A Scary Ride and Two Impressive Introductions...

Coronado Springs is a sprawling resort.

We walked around this beautiful lagoon to reach our room at the far reaches of the place. We thought we had a teeeny bit of luggage. During the trek, we realised just how heavy it really was.

We reached the room completely overheated but happy to finally be able to ditch our bags. Orlando was experiencing record high temperatures during the few days we were there. While I despise hot, I loved our room. The beds had pillow top mattresses and down comforters that were encased in a super soft duvet. Each bed had four pillows and a round bolster thingy. The sink and bathroom were separated from the room by big brown doors that slid together.Pleased with our new digs,we explored Coronado Springs enough to find the gift shop, restaurants and bus stops.With that done we hopped a bus and headed for Animal Kingdom.

I found the day to be broiling hot and quite humid. But I got over it as we traveled though the park taking pictures and discussing our plan for the afternoon and evening.We agreed on making the trip to Epcot to see Illuminations after we toured Animal Kingdom. I like Animal Kingdom, but its huge. A lot of walking. As we traveled, we came upon this.

Some would say Expedition Everest is tame for a thrill ride. Others are terrified by it. Pauline told me it was a piece of cake. I believed her. Once I recovered from the terror of Expedition Everest, we continued on to Flights of Wonder where we were introduced to this Eurasian Eagle Owl.

There were a bunch of great birds featured in Flights of Wonder but my favorites were the Eagle Owl and this guy, the Bald Eagle.

Pauline and I messed around Animal Kingdom til 5 when the park closed for the evening. We decided on dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe. Once we had consumed large amounts of food, we didn't have enough energy to make it over to Epcot for Illuminations. We headed back to the room and as we walked the pathways of Coronado Springs we were treated to this vista.

We began our day at 3am and by 6:30pm we were quite done in. We checked out the quiet pool adjacent to our room and hit the sack.

More later...

Weekend Reflections -

If you want to see some really stunning reflection photos, take a trip over to see James at Newtown Area Photo. You won't be disappointed!

It All Began Like This...

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
SLAM!

I was out of bed and into the shower and out the door and at Pauline's house by 3:10am.
Pauline and I were in Logan airport by 4:15am. Our flight left at 6am and this is what I saw:

We boarded the plane still sleepy.

So our flight was a little late, but we were magically transported over to our resort.

We ended up here...

This is what we saw when we stepped away from the registration desk...

More later...

Oliver's Labels - Personalized Labels for All Your Child's Things...

The folks over at Oliver's Labels were kind enough to send me a few labels for review.The labels are designed to be attached to kids clothing, shoes, toys, dishes, cups or what-have-you. I like the labels very much. The labels are personalised with the child's name and are waterproof and quite durable. I received labels for shoes,cups or toys and clothing. I put two labels in a pair of shoes belonging to a four year old. I put labels in some of her clothing. I also applied them to a dish and a cup.

After a couple of weeks, the labels are hanging tough inside the shoes. No wear or peeling is evident. The labels I put to the toys have held up well too. I was a little skeptical about the labels I placed on items that would be washed. But they seem to be holding up rather well. Again, I have seen no evidence of peeling, fading or scuff marks. I can honestly say these labels are waterproof, dishwasher and laundry safe.

Not only are the labels colorful and fun, but they have a great feature I find quite interesting. Printed on the label with the child's name is a code that is used to get the item back to it's owner if it is ever lost.

I work at a small theme park geared toward the 3-9 year old set. I find a lot of shoes, cups and toys that have been left behind. While I send everything I find to the lost and found department, there is only one way a lost toy or shoe can be reunited with its owner.The parent has to call us and see if their item actually showed up in lost and found. With the code printed on the label, a finder can let the fine folks at Oliver's Labels know the item was found. Oliver's labels will then alert the family and help arrange to get the toy or shoe or cup back to it's rightful owner. I bet this could all take place before the child or mom even realises the thing has gone missing.

Check out these rough and tumble labels over at oliverslabels.com. Once there you can design your label and customize it the way you like. The original labels are priced very nicely at just under 50 cents each. I like this price because it seems the labels will last a very long time and may never need to be replaced.

This product was a free giveaway sponsored by Tomoson.com

Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Change of Plans...

A couple weeks ago, Pauline and I made arrangements to go to New Hampshire to close up her cottage. She made arrangements to have the plumber meet us at 9am. We decided we would go to the dump a few times over the weekend and clean up the yard a bit...

You may recall I tried to get her to change plans and go to Myrtle Beach instead. No go. But she did call me up this afternoon and tell me the plans did change. She told me not to pack for New Hampshire. I asked why? What happened? Aren't we going? Pauline said we are still going away, but not to New Hampshire. So I asked where we are going....

We are going to Disney World!

She fooled me into thinking we were going to New Hampshire to work and I was fine with that. But this is so much better!

I asked Pauline why she didn't tell me a month ago when we made the initial NH plans.This is what she said:
"Last Christmas at dinner, we were all talking and you (meaning me) said you wished someone would just call you up and say "We're going to Disney World tomorrow!"' (wow) "So I'm calling you. You got your wish!"

You know, I am blessed to have such a person in my life. Someday, I will do the same for her.

The Muffed Target - No. 17...

Post a picture that didn't come out.

Tell what happened, or what you were aiming for.

Link up to Thom and check out the other Muffed Target entries...

I think it's plain to see, Travis was trying to work her puzzle and I got too close with the camera. Pfft!

Logos Rated - Simple!

I've been searching for a company to have a couple logos designed. I need one for the greenhouses and one for my blog.I want something plain and simple for my blog, but one that's interesting and informative. Logo Works seems promising to me, but I'm unsure.

LogosRated.net is a company the reviews design companies and puts all the comparative info in one place. From there it's easy to peruse and choose which design company best suits your needs. The logo for the greenhouses needs to be a little more than simple and plain. I want that logo to show color and detail, I want the greenhouse logo to showcase what they are all about in a tiny space. I want the greenhouse logo to be easily recognised and most important, remembered.

Logo Design Guru has a great package for small businesses. After a consult, Logo Design Guru will design a logo, include one revision and charge a very reasonable price.This is great! It's just what I  had hoped for. I'm still going to shop around a bit, but LogosRated.net has taken away the worry and stress of choosing a design company.

microfiction Monday #54...

The idea is to tell a story in 140 characters or less.

Joan looked at Bette with disdain and

hissed to Mae, "She has no shame!"

Bill saw Bette had no bra.

Bill said to Seamus "That's my girl! 

Have A Great Time At New Hampshire Motor Speedway!

Contribution by Darren Saunders

Every year my dad and I make the trip to Loudon, New Hampshire. That's the closest NASCAR track to us. We've been to a couple others, but there are no other racetracks that are on our yearly list.

Loudon is just over a mile long, which makes it easy as far as being a spectator. We have never had a bad seat, although we do prefer to sit up high to see the whole course. It's a great little racetrack that is actually a world-class facility.

We used to pack for it, but now we let the day dictate. Lots of people bring their coolers but we stopped doing that about five years ago. Now it's grab the tickets, set theHome Security alarm, and head out the door. Whatever we need we'll get on the way.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a must for New England NASCAR fans. It's pretty cool to be up there and see the kids who are obviously there for the first time. Their eyes are wide and they're basically speechless. I remember being that way! Now I'm not quite as obvious, but I still have a great time.

Weekend Reflections - Ella Resurfaces...

After I trudged all the way back from Three Acre Bog, I was fit to be tied! I wasn't afraid anymore, I was mad. I went back to the platform to thank Conductor Bob for all his help. 

"Good news!" cried Bob, "I found her!"

"Ella, where have you been?" I demanded. "I've been looking all over for you! You were lost for like 3 hours!"

Ella rolled her eyes and explained to me that she was never lost. 

She knew where she was the whole time!

As Ella and I walked back to the kitchen, she told me of her adventures.

First, Ella boarded the train and headed out to Three Acre Bog. While she was there, she begged Mike to take her for a spin around the bog on the picking machine.

Mike said he was sorry, but he thought it was too dangerous for elephants. He said "Ella, there are rides over there that are superfun! Go check 'em out!" and sent her back to the park.

Ella was psyched to find one of her own kind who was friendly enough to have a picture made.

Ella enjoyed the carousel, but she did spend a lot of the ride looking at her reflection in the mirrors!

I hope Melli forgives me for misplacing Ella! Surely Ella's independent spirit is no reflection on me!

Take a ride over to see James at Newtown Area Photo...it's worth it!

House Party!

I was lucky enough to be chosen to host a House Party today!

I used a special House Party website to invite my guests and I got a few RSVP's. 

Just now I'm waiting for everyone to arrive.

My party features Folger's Special Roast Coffee and Land O'Lakes Half & Half. Folger's and Land O'Lakes were kind enough to send me a party pack with a bunch o' goodies inside!

But the most exciting thing is the great coffee and coupons for half & half included in my party pack.

I'm looking forward to hanging out with my friends and sharing some coffee and snacks! 

Neighborhood Tour...

Guest post written by Carl Martin

This is a pretty big year for everyone in our town because we're celebrating our bicentennial. That means that our small town is hosting a lot of different events next weekend, including a tour of the historical homes in the oldest parts of town, which happens to include our home.
We've kept up our home to be pretty true to how it looked historically, with modern updates, of course. I wanted to make sure that it was looking its best because there would be a whole bunch of people looking at and taking pictures of our place. So I headed to HomeProImprovement.com and found some pricing for getting our place reroofed.
We went with the black shingles like the original look on the house and it looked so much better once it was all finished. We're feeling a lot better about hosting the tour. Now my wife is just worried about making sure that her garden looks in top shape.
People won't be really vocal about if our place didn't look great, but I want my wife to get lots of compliments on our home, which I'm sure we'll get.

Thomas the Tank Engine birthday...

My son is obsessed with trains. I guess I can blame it on my sister for getting him all those Thomas the Tank Engine books and toys. But there are a lot worse things that a 6 year old can be obsessed with, like something violent.
I wasn't at all surprised when I asked him what kind of party he wanted to have for his 6th birthday that he said he wanted a party about trains. So I ordered a bunch of Thomas the Tank Engine party supplies online for him. I wanted a matching cake but didn't trust myself to handle that too so I searched online for cake decorators with direct tv internet. I found one that was right near our town and called her and told her what I wanted.
The cake along with all the decorations were perfect and I think my son and his friends had a whole lot of fun. I don't know if he'll still be into Thomas the Tank Engine for his next birthday, but if so we'll still have plenty of party favors left over.

Aspen Medical Products for Back and Neck Pain...

Last week I was discussing neck and lower back pain with my friend Madeline. I was describing  my problems to her. Madeline works for a physical therapist and she said I may be helped by the products from Aspen Medical Products.

I've been considering back supports. I've had a diagnosis of degenerative disk disease from the doctor. I've also been to physical therapy. But I still have pain. I'm hoping a back brace will give me some support while I stand for lengthy periods at work. I also lift things, so the brace just might help keep me from straining myself. I learned that with degenerative disk disease, there is not a whole lot that can be done. Degenerative disk disease is common as we get older, it is normal wear and tear on our backs..

Madeline talked to me about spinal stenosis, another common ailment of folks getting older and daily life taking its toll. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column which causes a compression of the spinal cord and nerves. A back brace would take the strain off the tired muscles and allow  me to feel better sooner. Spondylolisthesis is another common ailment caused by degenerative disk disease or arthritis. This occurs when a vertebra slips forward onto a bone below it. Treatment for spondylolisthesis varies, but the condtion can be helped by a back brace.

 I'm glad Madeline told me about Aspen Medical Products. I feel better about trying a back brace. My doctor told me surgery isn't necessary. I will go back to physical therapy, but I think a back brace at work may keep me from doing any more damage.

Ask Not for Whom the Meme Tags; It Tags for Thee!

Quilly at Quintesenntially Quilly didn’t tag me with this, I just jumped up and took it. Since I stole it, I am not obligated to tag anybody, but I will leave 7 questions at the end in case you feel inspired to tag yourself. Q  gave me these seven questions:

1. If you were alone with Obama and could ask him one question, what would it be?
"Have you mastered the walk?"

2. Tell us about your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Why? It's like any other brush and paste. Whatever do you want to know? That I use them? I do.

3. Which room in your house do you spend the most time in — why?
I spend most of my time in what is technically my living room. It is the biggest room an the house and it also doubles as my bedroom, office and closet. I spend most of my time here because there is no place else for me to go. The two bedrooms are occupied by others and the house has a total of 576 square feet.The only other place is the kitchen, which is not even big enough for two people to stand in.

4. What article of clothing do you detest but wear anyway — why?
There is no article of clothing I detest but wear anyway. I given all that up. I do not wear clothes that do not suit me, ever. Even when it is required, I do not wear them. If I get in trouble, I take it.

5. What favorite food from your childhood would you refuse to eat if you were given some today?
There is not one.

6. Chances are good that you got blamed and punished for doing something you didn’t do when you were a kid. What was it, and was your innocence ever proven?
I was usually the one doing the dirty deeds and allowing others to be caught and punished. I remember one time, I wrote in green chalk on my mother's kitchen calendar, "Peter Galbreth is a fag." I must have been about 8 or 9. I'm not sure if I understood all the meanings of the word fag, but the twins got slammed for this. They were in deep doo-doo. I kept my mouth shut and slinked away. But later they found me and I got my a** kicked.

7. Why did you decide to answer these questions?
Because, everything I do on this blog is in hopes that someone will notice me and I will get readers! And with readers come COMMENTS! After comments? Who cares! Just as long as people visit and comment, I'm square.

Each of the following questions assume money is not an issue.
My 7 questions for you:


1.Where would you visit? Who would you take along?
2.Would you take 3 four year olds to a theme park or the playground at school?
3.How much of your money would you give away?
4. You have a choice between a 3 year old BMW 328i that needs major work or a perfect Nissan Versa hatchback. Which one?
5.Your pet has taken ill, the vet is unable to pinpoint the cause of the illness and the pet is suffering.What now?
6.Freshman girl comes home with  a wad of cash, spiked green hair, metal in her face, skimpy clothes and a senior boyfriend, (who was actually held back 2 years). What would happen at your house?
7.If I called you up right now and invited you over, would you bring anything? If so, what?

The Muffed Target - No. 16...

Post a picture that didn't come out.

Tell what happened, or what you were aiming for.

Link up to Thom and check out the other Muffed Target entries...

No, this is not what I wanted to see. I wanted to see the frog. He was there when I raised the camera to my face. But when I looked at the pictures later, the frog was not there. He must have slipped under just before I pressed the button. 

Try Southern Cooking...

Thanks for the article from a fabulous cook,Glenda Hanson.

Most cooks in the kitchen get tired lof the same recipes. If you cook everyday it is not hard to run out of ideas for cooking. Try cooking something new to please family, friends or guests. Agood southern cooked meal always hits a home run. I get most of my ideas by watching the cooking channel on the directv I got from http://www.expertsatellite.com. Satellite television has many great cooking stations to choose from. It is always best to be organized and plan ahead. Making a menu will be quite helpful. Southern Fried Fish is a meal the whole family will enjoy. It will serve well with steamed vegetables and a green salad and add an ice cold beverage to make the meal complete.

Southern Fried Fish

Ingredients:

2 pounds of fresh filet catfish

Salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

Corn oil

1 cup of yellow corn meal

1 cup of flour, all-purpose

Directions:

1. Season the fish with the salt, pepper, and the garlic powder. Set aside in a bowl for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to soak in.

2. In a heavy skillet, heat 3 cups of corn oil to 350 degrees F.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the corn meal and the flour until well combined.

4. Coat each piece of fish on all sides and shake off excess mix.

5. Place some pieces of fish into hot oil, do not over crowd, leave room for turning the fish over.

6. Turn each piece of fish over. You will know when the fish is ready to turn by the edges turning golden brown. If the heat is set to medium it will take about 5 minutes before the fish is ready top turn.

7. Turn the fish with a spatula, this prevents the fish from breaking.

8. Take each piece out of the hot oil and place on a platter that is covered with paper towels to allow the grease to drain from the fish.

9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ella's Adventures at Edaville...Part Deux...

After Bob made the announcement, there were a few Ella sightings. 

One said she was on the platform waiting to board the train. One said she was on the train, heading for the bogs. One said she had gone to The general manager's office and was 

taking a nap on the couch. Conductor Bob sent one of the Candy Store Kids up to the office. No go. Ella was not on the couch.

As the train arrived in the station, I tried to be calm as I searched the cars for her. Mr Heath, the engineer hopped down and marched over to me. "I hear you've misplaced an elephant. Well, I found her!" 

Mr Heath was very angry. 

"That elephant pulled the emergency stop! 

She made me let her off  by Three Acre Bog so she 

could ride the picking machine! 

"You get out there NOW! CONTROL THAT ELEPHANT!" 

he bellowed in his loud voice.

Needless to say, I ran!

When I got out to Three Acre Bog, the machine was parked and all the pickers had gone for lunch. 

Ella was nowhere to be seen...

to be continued...

Book Tee Times on Short Notice? Yes You Can!

In a couple weeks, Pauline and I are going up to New Hampshire to winterize her cottage and close it up for the season. I love watching the seasons change, I love cool weather and winter sports.But right now I'm itching for more summer.A few rounds of golf at a course that doesn't turn into a tobogganers dream in a couple months would be great. Yes, I am still pining for South Carolina and the golf courses there. I am hoping that over the next couple of weeks, I can convince Pauline to let Manda and Colleen close up the cottage.That way Poe and I would be free to hit the road to Myrtle Beach! Tee times are available! I think we should have a weekend, one weekend to play golf before the snow flies.

If I'm lucky and Pauline agrees, we will be making plans at the very last minute. But I'm positive we can make last minute golf plans at www.48hourteetimes.com. From there you can book tee times within 48 hours of  play. If I do talk Pauline into South Carolina instead of New Hampshire, we will be able to get tee times at over 50 great courses offering all skill levels. I am a brilliant golfer. Pauline not so much. So we need a lot of courses to choose from.

I'm cruising the course list on 48 hour tee times now. They all look grand and it will be hard to choose. But I have to work on Pauline, Myrtle Beach is calling...

"Grandmother," That's Who...

Who wears black and a string of pearls to a picnic? 

"I thought I told you not to take my picture."

Looking for Mr. Webhost...

"And here's your host..."

I've been thinking about putting all my domains with one host. It's become too confusing to keep them all separately. I just want to keep the ducks lined up and the eggs all in one basket. But I’m having a tough time finding a host that suits me.

With so many web hosts out there, I'm not sure I have the time to sift through all of them and find one that can host multiple domains. I’ve been reading for two hours and I’m no closer to making a decision. I’m going to check out the winners of best hosting awards. That will help me wade through countless reviews and lists. Since I already have my domains and sites, transferring everything over has to be relatively simple and quick. I don’t want to wait around for my changes to take place. I need a strong, fast server with 100% uptime. Is there such a thing? I’m looking for unlimited bandwidth and disk space. I know I can have that.

Has anyone got any suggestions? I’d like feedback. I’m looking for a reasonably priced package containing what I described above. Let me hear your praises and slams. Let’s talk, shall we?

Fall Plantings and Fiberglass Planters - A Great Combination...

Fall is upon us here in New England. The leaves are turning and the nights are growing colder.Some cranberry farmers are still harvesting.Folks have closed up swimming pools, begun to winterize campers and put away all the summer toys.Just this week I took the last tomatoes off my plants and turned everything under in preparation for next year.  I've decided to plant winter rye in my vegetable garden. Over the winter and when I turn it under in the spring, the winter rye will add valuable nutrients to my soil. I also took all the summer plants out of my fiber glass planters, to make ready for some fall plantings.

Still, I'm not ready for winter just yet. I found some stunning  fiberglass planters and I'm going over to the greenhouses to check out asters and mums and other fall plants. I particularly like mums and asters because they will hang tough through light frosts until Thanksgiving. 

I like the idea of a fiberglass planter because they are frost tolerant and quite durable. Over the years I've ruined terra cotta planters by leaving them out too long. If allowed to freeze, terra cotta will crack or break. I know this from experience. I miss my flowers and decorative plants in the winter. Sometimes after a windy day or a storm, I go out and gather pine branches and bits of holly to adorn my bare planters. In the past I've wired pine cones to the branches for more interest.

Some Advice for Friends...

This came in the mail to me today from my sister Peggie.

Please send an uplifing message to a friend.

We all need a little encouragement!

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad,

is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Today's "Message of the Day" is:

Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly,

laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.

Ella's Adventures at Edaville...

Cranberry Festival took place over Columbus Day weekend. It was busy and a bit chaotic at times, but all the kids stepped up to the plate and worked hard. Ella had a good time too.

In fact, we didn't see her much at all.

Ella and I arrived early on Saturday. I set to work and my co-workers began to arrive about 8am. By 8:30 I was busy assigning tasks and going over the events of the day with the other supervisor, grill and fry cooks and the runner. About 10, when the gates opened, I realised I hadn't seen Ella for quite some time.

I asked Shuli, the runner, "Have you seen Ella?"

Shuli said he had last seen Ella riding the Carousel. So I hustled over to the Carousel. I stood at the exit and watched the ride travel round and round. I didn't see Ella. When the ride stopped, I climbed aboard to look for her. I was worried she may have fallen and been trampled by the horses. I called for Ella, I howled for Ella, then I began to cry. Head in hands, I said quietly, "Melli is going to kill me."

One of the Carousel horses snorted loudly to get my attention.

He reported seeing Ella just before the ride let out, heading in the direction of the Dumbo ride. He also told me Ella had mentioned fried dough and helicopter rides before she took off. All I could think was "I'm dead when Melli finds out I let Ella loose at Cranberry Fest."

I ran over to the Dumbo ride. No Ella.

From there, I went directly to the platform to Conductor Bob. I tearily explained the situation. Bob said "Settle down, hang tight. I'll make an announcement." He pressed the button on his walkie - talkie and alerted the train crew, the clean-up crew and management, that Ella was missing. Then he got the microphone for the PA and began his announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention ,please!" I stood there wringing my hands.

To be continued...