Interests, Expertise and Favorite ThingsGood Afternoon: Marsha's suggestion for new topics is well received, at least by me, so thought I'd start a new topic for discussion. I have taken on the project of painting the entire interior of our home, including all of the woodwork which was previously stained a shade of "could be" (could be oak, could be maple, etc.). Anyway, I am painting it all white and have undertaken the chore of painting the French doors (2 of them, 2 front and back = 60 panes of glass to paint around). While it's very tedious and time consuming, it gives me time to think of other things, so I don't mind doing it and have music to work by playing in the background and on this beautiful day, all of the windows are wide open! So, while wielding the paintbrush, I've been giving some thought as to what I might contribute to the blogs besides ranting about national and local politics, so here goes. My personal interests are gardening and my very patient spouse and I have become quite good at growing things here in Florida, which is not easy when you've lived in the Northeast and the snowbelt for most of your life. We use native plants and mostly plants which require little water. Water conservation is another passion of ours (we have 2 rainbarrels and are going to get 2 more this year) as is using sustainable materials when practical. Sometimes it's just too darned expensive to be "green" or as Kermit sang "It's Not Easy Being Green". If I can answer questions for anyone who is interested, I'd be happy to do that, and if I can't answer, I have some good resources on gardening, landscaping (xeriscaping), etc. My expertise is in Microsoft Office applications and if anyone has questions about things that make you crazy with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Publisher, I'd be glad to try to answer them. I have used these products since they were invented, so am fairly proficient. I do not have Vista, but use XP Pro and I haven't moved up to the 2007 Office yet - am still using 2003 - just so you are aware I cannot answer Vista questions. I am for sale, but would be happy to answer questions or refer you to a helpful website link, so this is not a personal advertisement for my business. Some of my favorite things are of course, gardening, sitting on the deck and watching it grow (impossible - there's always another weed to pull or trimming to do), watching the back yard birds, and the satisfaction of looking at a newly painted area and giving myself a "pat on the back, job well done". Let's hear from some others who have some thoughts on their own area of interests, expertise (everyone has something they are good at), and favorite things. Thanks, Related: Sunflower's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version | Tags: computer software | excel | gardening | native plants | newsletters | painting | powerpoint | word
Submitted by SoloVoce on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 5:57pm.
Sunflower, Before you go & paint over your woodwork, stop & give it a thought. While there are applications where it might desireable to paint over wood, one may want to think twice. If your woodwork is ornate, such as in ceiling molding, go ahead & paint over it. It'll be a shame to do so, but in the long run, you'll save yourself some time & money. But if it's basic molding, baseboard etc. you might want to think of taking the time, effort & money in replacing it, staining & put a coat of poly urathane on it. The warmth & beauty of wood can be a valuable commodity besides the beauty of it. I would suggest that you might want to get some info from your local home improvement/hardware store before you proceed to paint over everything. I can't remember how many times I've been in an expensive home, ie. something over 300K where the ceiling molding costs @ $15 a foot & more, & all I saw was the same color of paint from the ceiling to the floor. If nothing else, I would consider that a waste of good money. Give it a thought & get some advice. that's all. It's a bit more work, but in the long run, you'll enjoy the look much more. Good luck. JATFUR. RichK Submitted by pioneer on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 6:17pm.
My interests, other than loving my family, friends, and county lie in researching my ancestry. I started my genealogy research many years ago, in the 197O's---the tv mini-series "Roots" started my interest in searching for those that came before me. I put away my research for many years while having a career and raising a family. I returned to my research just a few years ago, and this research has become my passion. I guess you could call me the family historian. It's been difficult--no Bibles, no data from relatives. Just me following my hunches and traveling to countless archives, libraries, cemeteries, etc. The internet has made some things easier, but my poor computer skills and lack of organization are my biggest problems now. My research has led me to grandparents who started the Protestant Reformation, those that died from the plague, the founding father of Jamestown and the purchaser of the first slaves and indentured servants from the Dutch ship, a story of murder in SC, and to pioneers that settled this Florida Territory where we now live, to name a few of the discoveries I have made. These stories mean so little to so many people, but I love to tell them anyway. Each year at the family reunion, I try and have a different story to tell from those grandparents that came before us. Many of the stories are like a chapter from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," but tell the stories I do. Some stories make us proud, others do not, but they are part of what makes us who we are. Through laughter and tears, the cousins of all ages listen as I weave the tales traveling down through the centuries to touch the souls and hearts of the family we are today. Bless be the ties that bind.
Submitted by Sunflower on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 6:30pm.
Rich: I surely do appreciate your very sound advice. HOWEVER, this trim is builder's grade (no offense Bax), and the house is 21 years old and 'old looking'. I'm freshening it up and making everything light and bright. The interior doors were the flat luan stained a shade of "could be" so we are replacing with the white raised panel doors. The kitchen cabinets were also of questionable "color" but solid, so we painted them white with new hardware, and we're extremely pleased with the outcome. I have been working for a realtor for the past 18 mos. and put flyers, booklets, etc. and upload photos of all of her listings (all price ranges) to the websites, so have had the opportunity to "study" the look I want. There is no crown molding, nor anything of value that white paint is going to spoil. Plus, I'm on my way to rounding the far turn on this project, so it's a little late to turn back now. On the other hand, my son just purchased a 100 year old colonial in Syracuse, that has all of the original woodwork which has never been "tarnished" with paint! It is gorgeous, and I would never cover that wood with anything other than a preserving wood oil. Again, thanks for the thoughts and believe me your suggestion would have been a lot easier than what I'm doing. But...it's too late, baby!! (Carol King). Thanks,
Submitted by Marsha on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 7:49pm.
Judy, Thanks for a subject that does not require teaching the pig to sing You gotta go read Finders response in another thread to get that but it's still cracking me up three hours after having read it. I now have a new line of sarcasm to toss at my husband when he's being......a man. What an intersting blog. I will never do any real painting of any sort where I live. It's a log home, no sheetrock/drywall at all. Everything is wood so I hear you Rich, I'm all about the natural wood, this house is peaceful. I am however a gladiator of spray paint trying to touch up wicker furniture on the porch that is forever chipping off. I'm not much for yard work either. I did too much pulling weeds out of beans and detassling corn as a kid. Besides I have a fatal allergy to bee's so although I love flowers I really don't want any out in the yard around me. I have to enjoy flowers inside, or enjoy the efforts of my neighbors with their green thumbs. I have a huge veranda, and lots of potted plants. Have you ever used rainwater to wash your hair? My Paternal Grandmother had naturally platinum hair and she always swore by rain water for keeping it from yellowing. It's really nice of you to offer to give some free advice where your expertise are concerned. I have to be really careful about any professional expertise I can freely share, I have liability for it. My favorite things are pretty simple, nothing makes me happier then to hear the laughter of my children or the wee little voice of my two year old Grandaughter saying "I love you Grammy" on the phone. I like dining Al Fresco, so I'm still a sucker for picnics so long as there are no bees around. I love to read, very much into History. Has your son done any searching into the history of this 100yr old house to see what stories lie within the walls. Do you believe a home or a building can absorb memories and radiate them back to those that are inside those four walls? Maya Angelou has written about how careful she is in what she allows inside of her home in order to maintain a sense of balance and peace. Speaking of history, Pioneer I am still waiting for another installment of your family history. You put some real teasers into your entry, please tell us more. CV you enjoy good wine, maybe you could share some of what you know. The only thing I really know about wine is that I look at the percentage of alchohol. Anything under 8 or 9 is koolaid and could be nasty koolaid at that.
Submitted by Sunflower on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 8:13pm.
Clayvoter: I have found that growing tomatoes in containers is one of the best ways to get good results. Any container with good drainage will work, and it should be large enough to put a tomato cage or a trellis. One of the best investments we've made is called an "Earth Box". You can look at them on www.earthbox.com (I do not sell them nor am I affiliated). You water them through a built in opening and it let's you know when it's full, plus there's a protective covering goes over the box (but has holes for the plants). They are a little pricey, but can be used over and over. I could not believe the amount of water one tomato plant uses when it's large enough for a trellis. That is one reason you may not have had luck with growing tomatoes - they use a lot more water than you can give them in the ground. I seem to have good luck with pepper plants in the ground and in containers. I also have pretty good luck with the herbs planted in the ground, but they are nice in containers as well. At Thanksgiving I used containers (painted mugs) filled with cut herbs for part of my table decor. We're experimenting this year with a large variety of veggies - carrots, beets, beans, and greens. Here is an extremely helpful link that I use often when I have a question about gardening, home improvements, etc. The main link is www.gardenweb.com and within that site are many forums - one being the Florida Gardening forum. We are in zone 9B, and there are many gardeners from our zone who offer their advice and support. All it takes to participate is a simple login and password - just like this blog but you don't have to register to just read. A search will bring up the subject you're interested in. I hope I didn't give too much information. Sometimes, when I'm asked a simple question, I tend to go overboard. Thanks, Submitted by clayvoter on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 8:23pm.
Many Thanks Sunflower! I am going to read up, "blog" up with the links you have suggested and give it another try. If I am successful I will have have my favorite summer lunch (white bread, lots of miracle whip and homegrown maters. yum!) Submitted by pioneer on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 8:48pm.
Marsha, As a matter of fact, I got out a bunch of notes and old letters yesterday and tried to decide which old letter or tale I would use next on the blog... Right now it's got my head spinning trying to decide... Will it be the stories from right here on the banks of the Black Creek during the Seminole War, the story of an attack on a plantation and it's owner during the War of Northern Aggresion, a tale of murder and dismemberment in the woods of SC, the story of a runaway horse and buggy with a baby inside, Uncle Henry's case of the back door trots, an imprisonment in the tower of London during the 1500's, etc...So many stories, so many letters from which to choose Hmmm.... Submitted by clayvoter on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 10:31pm.
Marsha, I wish I could say I have some wine expertise. All I know is: I know what I like. I do have a few "rules"for picking wine. 1) don't buy ANYTHING because you like the label, it may only be good for holding a candle as a centerpiece! I have made that mistake a few times. 2) High price does not mean high quality! 3) For Red table wine (with your favorite pasta) I prefer a "mont-te-pul-chee-an-o" grape. If I could spell or there was a bottle in the house I would not do it phonetically. 4) The wine shop on Edgewood near 17 is the most helpful place I have ever been, I have been shopping there for years and years. They have never made a bad recommendation. They even keep a list of what you like and keep it in the computer. I went to that mega store at the St. Johns Town Center once. There was too many choices and not enough help! I left empty-handed and confused! We are having two couples for dinner tomorrow night, I will tell you if my latest pick was good with grilled salmon. I sure hope so because we have never had one of the couples to our home before. New salmon recipe, new wine, making tiramisu for the first time. Gives new meaning to "pot luck" Submitted by Sunflower on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 11:40pm.
Marsha - too bad about your bee allergy - it's nice to be amongst the flowers and watch the busy bees along with the dragonflies, hummingbirds, and other critters. I would love to have a log home - our dear friends have a log home in New Jersey - they live in the woods surrounded by flower gardens and water features. Visiting them is like going to a resort (except we help with the 'chores' and meals of course). My son has done some research on his home's past, and believes there is a spirit there, but I don't think he has experienced anything to validate that. He is a "ghost hunter" and makes a point of staying at old inns that are known to be "haunted". We purchased our current home not only because we liked the layout and the lot, but mainly because of the feelings we had when we were invited in to see it. We were driving around the neighborhood taking flyers out of sign boxes, when the owners came to the door - Buy Owner -and asked if we'd like to see it (they had just shown it to some others so it was ready for a tour). We fell in love with it and could hardly wait to get home to call them back with an offer. We've lived here for 10 years and have made many changes in its physical appearance but many visitors have remarked on how 'comfortable' they feel when they are here. I do believe that buildings energy from the inhabitants, now and then. We used to own a 150 year old building in NY that was originally built as a hotel. But that's another story. Pioneer, I'm so glad you're going to share your stories. I love history and wonder why I've never gotten the genealogy bug. When my children were born they had living great-great grandparents on my maternal side and my paternal side of the family (and I've got photos to prove it) Rich - I forgot to say that I do have the time for a project as you suggested, but not the money, as I left my fairly lucrative job in Jacksonville because of the commute. Then, I had the money, but not the time. It'd be nice to have both, but I am just grateful for what we have and the fact that I am able to wield that paintbrush!! Islander - I was just browsing the blogs and realized it was you who bemoaned the lack of other topics and Marsha concurred. Thanks for the suggestion. We look forward to hearing more from and about the MCS bloggers! Thanks, Submitted by stryker on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 12:50am.
Go on clayvoter.........you've got my mouth 'a watering'... the only thing I'd change is Duke's mayo instead of miracle whip. Of course it's got to have salt and pepper. Bite into that delectable 'sammich' and let the juices flow. Ever try cucumbers instead of 'maters'...now that's good too Hey, maybe we should start a "Recipe" blog??? Ok, now I need a midnight snack lol...on my way to the fridge. Good night 'John Boy' Stryker
Submitted by 3claykids on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 1:25am.
I live in a construction zone and haven't around much lately because I've been painting and shopping for tile, so I'm right there with sunflower with the zen-like experience of miles to paint, and random thoughts to occupy my mind. Tonight was the kitchen; next, the kids' rooms (green, then blue). And solo, we're combining natural stained wood windows with painted wood baseboards and hoping for the best. pioneer, I've lost many an hour to researching my genealogy. A few months ago I found a great great (etc) grandfather who died at Ocean Pond (Olustee), which was interesting because my dad takes the cub scouts out there each year for the reenactment, but we had no idea we were actually connected at all. History is not my field, but it is intriguing and sometimes my students wonder if they haven't wandered into an history class by mistake... I'm impressed by (and a bit jealous of) the number of family stories you have. My grandparents are the gardeners, and I hope once this gosh darned house project is finished, that I can set up a proper vegetable garden with their advice. But I'll never grow a tomato as well as they do, I fear. I always have too much to distract me. Finally, I love dark wines and chocolate (Marsha asked about that a while back), though I'm not generally picky about either. I heard that Americans' choices of wines lean toward labels with animals on them. How embarassing, but then again, how else would you choose? I bought my father-in-law a wine called "Fat B*stard" on a lark. (gold hippo on the label, of course) It was surprisingly good and has become a standard. I try not to indulge too much, though-- not enough time to work it off... NCLB: No Chocolate Left Behind
Submitted by Marsha on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 8:05am.
The girls and I stumbled onto Ghost Hunters several months ago on a cold and rainy Saturday. Now we have a standing date on Wednesday evenings to watch it together. I like the show because many of the places they go are of course old historical homes/buildings. I also like the premise they work by to "debunk" things that people perceive as paranormal activity. The show is also an excellent way to drive the point home to the girls that things are not always as they appear to be. I'm just glad we have one night a week where they put down their house phones, their cell phones and their computers to hang out with their old Ma. Thank goodness they're now old enough to not be afraid of everything that goes bump in the night. Now, to work on the dog.
Submitted by finder on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 8:10am.
Not much food in the house when I was a kid but some of the 'poor' folks food still lingers in my memory banks as some of the best there is. Fried green 'maters is one of them. Mine has to have Hellman's. Salt, Pepper and your favorite spices go in the breading. Add some Water Cress and you may just think you've been transported to your favorite place. Ahh the tastes of youth. A two dozen sack of steamed clams and a couple of ears of Sweet Jersey Corn dripping with real home churned butter. Real, honest to God, cooked all day gravy (sauce) for your pasta. A hotdog (Nathan's) cooked over an open fire. Journey (we called it Johnny) cake with a little milk and sugar. Missed a lot of meals back then. Might be why I don't miss many now. But some of those simple meals are a sure reminder of a few great times gone by. Others I'd just as soon forget, but that is a different side of my youth. Mike Heemer
Submitted by ClayCounty on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 10:02am.
Well Sunflower, you have some of the interest that I have; all but gardening. I am quite experienced with MS Office also but have not upgraded either. Hubby has Vista but since I retired a couple of years ago, I haven't upgraded. I've been thinking about it but when I see the price tag for it; I have second thoughts. I guess whenever I replace this laptop I will upgrade with the new software. Since retiring I have really gotten into making videos and have made many videos of family gatherings and music concerts that I like to attend. Of course, these concert videos are just making a DVD from fan videos. I’m quite a groupie and my kids love making fun of me. What music do you listen to? I've recently begun a program at St. John's Community College for people who have degrees in fields other than Education to become teachers. I am taking 4 classes and it keeps me very busy but it's very interesting. I don't know if it's because I haven't been in college since the 90's and my brain just doesn't learn as quickly as it once did, or that I'm something of an overachiever when it comes to education, but I find I spend 4 or 5 days a week just on the academics. BTW, I have the same kind of woodwork that you have and would love for it to be white also. My husband loves it as it is but it sure dates a home. I would like to know anything you learn from your experience. I also have done volunteer work for a few organizations with children that takes up time but is very fulfilling. I’ve just cut back on this a little as again school is taking up my time. Lastly, I am a pretty good cook. Most Friday evenings, I cook for my two son’s and their family and sometimes my parents which usually makes it around 10 to 12 people. I love making these memories. Submitted by stryker on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 12:39pm.
finder....I'm with you...grew up in a farming town with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. One of our favorite Sunday morning breakfasts was left over rice from Sat. nights 'supper' covered in milk, sugar and cinnamon. And the milk was fresh and cold, delivered right to our front door We never locked a door, windows were left open and car keys were left in the ignition. If anyone came to the front door, you knew it was 'company'. Friends and family came to the back door, opened it and announced themselves. I could go on and on, but have 'honey-dos' to get done. So, until the next time for reminiscing, I remain just a 'country bumpkin' at heart. Still hate to wear shoes Hope others will share their childhood remembrances. Life was so carefree way back....WHEN? Stryker Submitted by stryker on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 12:43pm.
Marsh for a great suggestion Sunflower for opening the door
Submitted by Marsha on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 1:51pm.
I appreciate the time you took for the thank you, but there have been several over the course of the last near year who have suggested we put something a little more lighthearted in. I try but sometimes miss the mark of what anyone is interested in. It's hard for people to get along for any length of time if they can make no connection to the people around them, even here. When you don't know the person, you don't know why they do what they do or why they don't do some things. That can lead to alot of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. What I say in the company of strangers can easily be misconstrued. What I say in the company of friends is rarely misconstrued. Simply because they know me. I would like to consider a great many people who come here reguarly to be "my blogging friend". That's why I think it's important to share who you are if you care to share. It just makes the communication so much better. Submitted by stryker on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 3:18pm.
You're welcome. You know, it seems the 5 words that are seldom used any more are.... please, thank you and you're welcome. And it takes such little effort and time to say them. Who knows where they just might get someone!! Stryker Submitted by SoloVoce on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 3:54pm.
Marsha, Personally, I'm glad we've got some lighter subjects on the blog. Heck, they're fun & informative at the same time. While the subjects of politics, local & national, religion and animal control can be worthwhile & informative, too much of even a good thing may tend to get tedious, at best. Just one of the reasons I stay off any blogs dealing with religion or politics. Hope I didn't shock you too much. But I have stayed away after many tries. I hope we have more entries on more subjects. But reality must be given its due. I think that when all is said & done, we'll still gravitate towards the subjects that interest us most. On making connections. One unfortunate aspect of blogging is the fact that people don't get to know the other person in person. We don't know you, what you're like or your life experiences. Top that off with the fact that we are all hindered by not being able to use our senses of sight & hearing to capture the nuances of comments, we are all reduced to guessing at the intentions and the words & that is a poor substitute. Unless any of us are skilled writers, it is going to be difficult to discern the subtleties of communication without seeing a facial tic, a wink & nod or an inflection of the voice. so I guess we'll have to settle for judging the comments of a writer solely by their words. But it's better than no communication at all. JATFUR. RichK
Submitted by Baxley on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 10:32pm.
Thanks Sunflower, for giving us our latest "lighter side" break. It was definitely time. My wife still doesn't "get" tomato sandwiches, after nearly 28 years. They are truly a summer gift - homegrown 'maters only, please. The cardboard ones from the grocery don't quite cut it. Salt, pepper and Mayo - yeah! The bread has got to be fresh - real fresh. Umm, ummm. Can't wait. Re "builder's grade" - no offense. I know of what you speak, and builder's grade = cheap as it comes. That's why we don't use it - whatever "it" is. Some people still believe in quality. (Commercial's over.) Great to learn a little more about each of you. Helps paint the picture better. Just learning to appreciate wine, and still only drink it at dinner out, or a friend's. So far, white is all I can handle (Pinot Grigio -sp?). Warm red is still a bit too strong for me. Back in the day, it was Riunite D'oro - but, that's a whole other story. I used to have other hobbies, but then they went and started this blog site!! Just kidding. MyClaySun has obviously found a good thing, and it is neat getting to read everyone's 2-cents worth. "Light" is safer. Rich - there's a reason people say you shouldn't discuss politics or religion in polite company. But, we do it anyway. See ya'll tomorrow. PS - lily - where are you? everything ok? Bill.
Submitted by Baxley on Mon, 02/11/2008 - 10:51pm.
Thanks Sunflower, for giving us our latest "lighter side" break. It was definitely time. My wife still doesn't "get" tomato sandwiches, after nearly 28 years. They are truly a summer gift - homegrown 'maters only, please. The cardboard ones from the grocery don't quite cut it. Salt, pepper and Mayo - yeah! The bread has got to be fresh - real fresh. Umm, ummm. Can't wait. Re "builder's grade" - no offense. I know of what you speak, and builder's grade = cheap as it comes. That's why we don't use it - whatever "it" is. Some people still believe in quality. (Commercial's over.) Great to learn a little more about each of you. Helps paint the picture better. Just learning to appreciate wine, and still only drink it at dinner out, or a friend's. So far, white is all I can handle (Pinot Grigio -sp?). Warm red is still a bit too strong for me. Back in the day, it was Riunite D'oro - but, that's a whole other story. I used to have other hobbies, but then they went and started this blog site!! Just kidding. MyClaySun has obviously found a good thing, and it is neat getting to read everyone's 2-cents worth. "Light" is safer. Rich - there's a reason people say you shouldn't discuss politics or religion in polite company. But, we do it anyway. Interests: working at my career; coaching youth sports - a break from reality & a lot of fun; Clay County. Expertise: sales & construction; dabbbling in public speaking/training. Favorite things: dinner with family; working around the house with my wife; hugs & giggles from grandkids - does it get any better? See ya'll tomorrow. PS - lily - where are you? everything ok? Bill. Submitted by SoloVoce on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 11:18am.
Bax, Along with the people replying here, I'm enjoying taking a break for th eoighter side. I've never had a 'mater sammich, or as some of us in Chicago say, sangwich, (I have no idea why) but I might try. I like tomatoes especially on a big thick BLT with a fried egg. Oh yeah babe! I've been fortunate in that I've tried many different wines. I tend to stay away from anything too sweet for my tase unless it's a good port. I've never met a BBQ I didn't like. I drool over Woody's aroma on the air. You're right. Haven't heard from Lily in a while. Hope all is OK. Yeah, people have been saying for years that religion & politics shouldn't be discussed. that's why I think we have so many problems in those areas. But I will continue to discuss them if for no other reason than to learn. JATFUR. RichK Submitted by Sunflower on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 11:55am.
We owned a tavern in Central New York for many years and served food along with beverages. Had a beautiful garden in soil as rich as any I've ever seen. Turned out, in the 1800s the land was used as a burn "dump" (we did find a lot of junk when turning the soil). Anyway, to get to my story (I do ramble on, don't I?), I planted 12 beefsteak tomato plants the first year we had the garden, and they grew over 5 feet tall (the plants - not the tomatoes) and almost as wide (somewhere I have a photo to verify it) and produced tomatoes so large that all we needed was one slice to cover the slice of bread. I introduced grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches for a lunch special and they were a huge hit! For a few weeks, we had various "specialty" sandwiches, always involving fresh tomatoes. Because the growing season in the north is so short, we had tons of tomatoes that didn't ripen - they need warm nights and that stops in August. So our patrons who liked fried green tomatoes had an additional treat and I got so tired of tomatoes that happy hour included a bag of green tomatoes to go. At the time, I was reading one of Garrison Keillor's books about Lake Wobegone and there was a story about the annual town competition over who could grow the biggest tomatoes. We would have won!! Submitted by SoloVoce on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 12:25pm.
Sunflower, You ramble on girl. In case you are not aware, you are in the presence of a bona fide, official poster boy of ramble. But as I've always heard, if the story is worth telling, it's worth telling right. I'm a city boy & I've had the good luck to be able to travel, first with the Navy & then with my wife. I tend towards ethnic foods & international taste treats. After 36+ years of being married, my wife still can't understand how I get so gaga over her pot roast & mashed potatoes. She says it's just a simple meal, I consider it a feast. I still get great big monkey eyes when I think about steak & eggs at Bob Evans or IHOP. I think I feel a tear in the corner of my eye. I meant what I said. I will try fried 'maters but I could use the help of my fellow bloggers. What kind of tomato do I buy? How do I fry it & for how long? What do I put it on & are there any other things to put on it? HELP! I won't try to grow any tomatoes because of my brown thumb. I listen to NPR a lot & love to listen to Garrison Keillor on Sundays. It gives me an insight to what entertainment was like before television. I like it. I'll wait for some recipes. so let's move it people. You got me thinking, that's dangerous & it's all your fault. JATFUR. RichK Submitted by pioneer on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 11:24pm.
I just posted my "next installment" on a new thread, as requested. It's a sanitized version of a murder, the details of which I uncovered in my genealogy research. Full version and cleaned up version not one for the faint at heart at the family reunion!! People are talking about ...Here are the recent blog postings with the most comments. |
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1)sitting in my backyard reading (number one today because of the glorious weather)
2) good friends and good wine, I'll even settle for good frinds and average wine!
3) Brownies
4) Honesty
Sunflower, Gardening is NOT my area of expertise, but I appreciate the beauty none the less. My question to you: How in the devil do you grow tomatoes here? I have never had any success.
What I do well, or so I have been told is: cook and bake. I have some family recipes that always get rave reviews.