The Tale of Two Fairs: The Iowa State Fair and The Minnesota State Fair

Posted on September 12, 2025 by oltimetv

September 12, 2025

The Tale of  Two State Fairs:
The Iowa State Fair and The Minnesota State Fair

The Iowa State Fair 

Upon entering the fair, my Mom and I pose in front of the
Iowa State Fair sign.

 

…………….Mission Impossible

Good Morning, Ms. Annette,

Your mission, Annette, should you choose to accept it, …
is to compare and contrast the fabulous,
Iowa State Fair
with the equally fabulous,
Minnesota State Fair,
happily eating your way throughout.

As always, should you, or any of your IM Force be caught,
the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.
Good luck, Annette.

Obviously, my “assignment” did not have the gravity of the situations featured in the 1960’s TV series, Mission Impossible, (that ran for seven seasons),
but I took my task seriously (sort of).

I invite you to follow along with my photo montage, from my attendance both the
Iowa State Fair, and the Minnesota State Fair within the month of August, even visiting the Minnesota State Fair twice!

For a taste of Mission Impossible nostalgia, from 1969 (S3, ep 13), take a look at the beginning of this program, here.

The Sights

This whimsical mural greets visitors as they enter the fair.
Animal Mural by Scott McBride with Lashier Graphics & Signs

The Flying Royals offered some free entertainment at the fair.

The various livestock is one of the fair’s main attractions,
and the winner of the largest boar garners a large crowd.
Duke, this year’s winner, weighed in at 1268 pounds!

I was surprised to see elk among the livestock at this year’s fair!

I snapped this photo, as the sheep competition had concluded.
This young man is leading his well-groomed charges back
to his family’s truck.

Intricate ice sculptures, created by Bill Gordish, were part of the “cool”
(yes, that was a pun) sights at the agriculture building.
My favorite frozen art piece was this piggy bank filled with coins.

Celebrating it’s 30th year,
this Toy Story butter exhibit was impressive.

My mom and I enjoyed seeing the popular
life-size butter cow, sculpted by Sarah Pratt and her two daughters.

A replica of this butter cow will be displayed at the
Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. from
August 22, 2025, to September 7, 2026.

It is part of an exhibit called,
“State Fairs: Growing American Craft”,
that includes fifteen states’ fair displays.
For more information click, here, and here.

Beautiful quilts, galore, were on view at the fair.
For a closer look, click here, and here.

A stop by the Iowa State University booth was a must for me!
On display was the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
This trophy is awarded to the winner of the football game, each year,
between Iowa State and Iowa.

Iowa State’s “Pop Tart Trophy“(Yes, the toaster on this trophy really works!),
from their win against Miami in the 2024 Pop Tart Bowl,
was a real treat to see (See what I did there?) .

I was disappointed, though,
as I had hoped to see this toaster/trophy in action.
(Apparently, pop tarts WERE toasted via this trophy,
earlier in the week for lucky fair goers.)

Enjoying an Iowa State Fair photo op with my group.

A daytime look at the fair.

Nighttime brings a sort of magic to the fair.

The Tastes
View all of the options, here.

First snack stop is for a batch of yummy cheese curds.

I enjoy a delicious corndog at the fair.

Corndogs have long been a staple at the Iowa State Fair.
As a teen, with my friends, it was “a must” to partake in a corndog,
along with freshly squeezed lemonade, on our visits to the fair.

For my homemade lemonade recipe, click here.

Fair food offerings have changed over the years.
This year’s winner for new Iowa State Fair food was the
Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll.
I liked it.
I enjoyed the Crab Rangoon even more.

A runner-up in the new food category was
The Scotcheroo Shake.
Although, I am a Scotcheroo fan from way back,
this shake proved to be too much of a good thing.
The sweetness of this shake would have been more appropriate
for a shot glass-sized treat.

For my recipe for Scotcheroos, click here.

The large sign for Josephines Doughnuts, from Indiana, was hard to miss.
They are new to the Iowa State Fair this year,
replacing the popular Amish Doughnuts of Peachey’s Baking Company  ,     from previous years.

Peachey’s, of Florida, is scaling back on their fair visits in favor of their
“brick and mortar” shops.
(They were at the Minnesota State Fair, however.)

 

These doughnuts were large enough to share.

This doughnut was my favorite taste treat at the
Iowa State Fair.

A popular fair food was Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies.

Warm chocolate chip cookies are fresh from the oven.

Barksdale Cookies was gifted to the Iowa State Fair by its founders.

For my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, click here.

To view all of the Iowa State Fair food offerings from 2025,
click here.

The Sounds

Being silly for the camera as the band warms up,
prior to the
Herman Hermit’s concert with Peter Noone.

Herman Hermit’s are known for such 1960’s hits as,
“Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter”,
“I’m Henry VIII, I Am”,
and “There’s a Kind of Hush“.

Herman’s Hermits photo from the Ohio State Fair, 1968.
This fair’s concert was broadcast as a television special, 
“In Concert:With Herman’s Hermits“.
Photo via public domain

Peter Noone (age 77) and his Herman Hermits put on a great show!

Peter Noone playfully “steals” my backpack during the concert.

My friend was gifted this CD, while in the audience.
She already has one, so happily she gifted it to me!
Thank you, friend!!!

 

The Minnesota State Fair

I enjoyed going to the Minnesota State Fair twice during the week.
On the first visit, I posed with a stand-up of the fair mascot,
the gopher, Fairchild.

The Sights

Linus and Me
Charles Shultz, from Minnesota, created the Charlie Brown comic strip.

Crowds grew larger as the day(s) got longer.

The Skyride glides above the crowd.

The Great Wheel/ferris wheel was an imposing sight.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Holstein dairy cows,
and I was excited to spot this display in the dairy barn.

Meet Teddy Bear, Minnesota’s fair winner for the largest boar,
weighing in at 902 pounds.

Yes, that is a massive pile of poo behind me!
 This educational exhibit about waste water treatment
was called, “Oh, Poo_”. 

 

We had fun watching the dogs in the frisbee competition.

Being from Iowa, I just had to take a photo of this ear of corn!

Butter statues of the dairy princesses was a popular exhibit.

The Science Museum of Minnesota, along with NASA, had a
“Journey to Space” exhibit at the fair.

A father and son watch a short film on a space walk.

    

What a treat to see the iconic Oscar Meyer Wienermoblie!

The Tastes
View all of the options, here.

My Two Favorites Foods at the Fair

 

One of my favorite Minnesota State Fair treats is the delicious
“Big Fat Bacon”!
It is a thick slice of perfectly seasoned, and maple-glazed bacon,
served on a stick.
Their slogan? They call it meat candy.
I would agree!

These delectable milk shakes were an item that was new to me,
and stood out as another winner.
Found at the Gopher Dairy Barn,
this booth is operated as a fundraiser by students from
the University of Minnesota’s Gopher Dairy Club,
 a University of Minnesota student group.

These milk shakes are like no other.
Smooth, creamy, thick, and frothy,
these unique shakes begin with a soft-serve ice cream base made by the University of Minnesota, using the freshest ingredients,
and mixed by a special machine made by TSBL.

Other Offerings

Too many foods, too little time!
Other items that my fellow fair goers enjoyed.

Loon Lake Iced Tea

Dill Pickle Iced Tea-left
Cotton Candy Iced Tea-right

Croffle Cloud

A croissant pressed in a waffle iron,
with whipped cream, a drizzle of fruit puree and a cloud of cotton candy.

 

Maybe Next Year?

These Lines Were Too Long, and/or I Ran Out of Time!

I have yet to try the famous Pronto Pup, a hot dog dipped in a pancake batter.
The lines were long!

Minnesota’s official state grain is wild rice.
I ran out of time to try the raved-about rice burger
(hamburger mixed with wild rice) located in the food building.

My favorite food item on previous visits was the Amish Doughnuts of Peachey’s Baking Company, but the long lines had me saying,
Maybe next year.

Unique to Minnesota?

Spam is made in Austin, Minnesota.

Hot Dish is Minnesota’s state’s unofficial state cuisine or national dish. 

Adam Turman‘s Hot Dish Girl greets visitors to the fair.

To view all of the Minnesota State Fair food offerings from 2025,
click here.

 

Thank you!

I enjoyed both fairs, sharing the experiences with family and friends!
Thank you for joining me on my photo state fair “tour”.

A great big thank you to my friends and family (You know who you are!)
who contributed several of the awesome photos featured in this post!

 More State Fair, and Related, Posts!

Iowa and Iowa State Fair

Our State Fair is a GREAT State Fair-Here

A Brief Visit to Iowa-Here

A Mansion Called Terrace Hill-Here

The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get-Here

 Minnesota and Minnesota State Fair 

Happily Eating My Way Through The Minnesota State Fair-Here

Food Glorious Food! Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair-Here

Oops, I Did It Again!  (Yet, Another Visit to the State Fair, plus an apple orchard, too!)-Here

Family Fun at the Fair, and Other Minnesota Stuff-Here

Hot, Hot Hot! (Minnesota Hot Dish that is!)-Here

Minnesota Nice=A Very Nice Family Reunion- Here

Minnesota Nice-Here

Tater Tots, Truffles, and Turkeys-Here

Wintertime Means Comfort Food-Here

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

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I really do like enjoy your kind comments!
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Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!

To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “SEARCH” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.

I have been blogging since 2013,
so there are plenty of posts to choose from!
If you do decide to read all of the posts from the beginning to the present,
I would love to hear about it! :o)

Radio Signals

I invite you to “tune in” to,  A Song and A Prayer, a radio program that I host.”:o)
It is now streaming for free!

I am part of the radio station team at,
WSJF 92.7.
I host A Song and A Prayer.

A Song and A Prayer
(A 30-minute program of uplifting, and contemporary Christian music)

The program times,
(Times, below, are listed in Eastern Standard Time),
and how to listen, are below.

Tuesdays and Thursdays-8:30 pm
Fridays-10 pm
Saturdays-8:30 am
Sundays-3:30 pm
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Use the free app Live 365,
or go to the website.
https://live365.com/station/WSJF-LP-a06008

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

California (Disneyland) Dreamin’

Posted on May 9, 2025 by oltimetv

May 9, 2025

California (Disneyland) Dreamin’

 

Taking advantage of a Disneyland photo op,
in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
January 31, 2025

Disneyland Bound

My family really likes Disney!  I guess, I was the one who started it. :o)
When each of my four kiddos had a third birthday, a trip to
Walt Disney World was planned and executed around the time of their big event.
These were modest, yet memorable trips, that planted a Mickey Moused-shaped seed in their young hearts, that has endured to this day.

John Wayne Airport

So it was, with great enthusiasm, that I joined my daughter and her family on a”recent” trip to Disneyland!  And flying into California’s Orange County, John Wayne Airport,
was an added bonus, as I am classic movie fan, and enjoy John Wayne’s (comedy) films.

John Wayne’s massive statue stands guard over the Orange County Airport.

To read an earlier post on John Wayne’s birthplace, click here.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger in Santa Ana, California

Equally as thrilling, upon our arrival, was our visit to the renowned West Coast eatery,
In-N-Out Burger. Not only was our food delicious, but I enjoyed meeting the delightful  employee, Paula.  During our chat, Paula shared with me that In-N-Out Burger places Bible verses on their paper products. She also provided me with a hat for our selfie.

In-N-Out Burger was delicious!

I enjoyed meeting the delightful employee, Paula.

In-N-Out Burger places Bible verses on their paper products.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5

Two fun facts about In-N-Out Burger

Upon researching In-N-Out Burger for this post, I found a couple of fun nuggets of trivia.

  1. This eating establishment, started in 1948, was the first drive-thru hamburger stand in California,

2. In-N-Out Burger founder, Harry Snyder, was a big  fan of the movie,
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. (As am I!)

SPOLER ALERT!
The following paragraph exposes major plot points in this film.
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World features a madcap race to find buried treasure, culminating in its discovery under palm trees planted in the form of the big letter, “W”.
Harry considered each and every one of his In-N-Out Burger a true “treasure”.
With this in mind, he had palm trees planted in the form of a “W”,
situated in front of most In-N-Out Burger locations, since 1972.

It’s the big W, I tell ya! It’s the big W!
                                                                                                           Lennie Pike / Jonathan Winters

File:Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Trailer9.jpg

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is a classic screwball comedy,
released in 1963.
This photo is in the public domain in the United States.

To read more about In-N-Out Burger on the company’s web site,
click here.

Disneyland and California Adventure!

Pictures, I have pictures!
Please join me for a photo montage of my delightful 2025 trip to the two parks of Disneyland.

The Fun

Disneyland 

The beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle serves as the iconic entrance
into Disneyland’s Fantasyland.

Peter Pan’s Flight
is one of my favorite Disney rides at the park.
I especially enjoy “flying” above London.
|
A fun aside-
Years ago, when visiting this ride at Walt Disney World, and my youngest was little,
he accidentally dropped his “blankie” on top of London!
Fortunately, a Disney cast member was able to retrieve it for us.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is a favorite from my youth.

The Pearly Band, from the film, Mary Poppins,
plays on the streets of Fantasyland.

A bit later, The Pearly Band, along with Mary Poppins and Bert, are spotted on the ornate King Arthur Carrousel.

This carrousel is over 100 years old, and was one of the original rides when Disneyland first opened in 1955.
Read more about the carrousel’s history, here.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been a Disneyland favorite
since the park first opened in 1955.

Unfortunately, It’s a Small World, one of my favorite rides, was closed for renovation.
Fortunately, the It’s a Small World gift shop was still open,
and allowed me the opportunity to purchase a few fun, ride-related, souvenirs.

There is so much to love about this ride including,
the brilliant colors, Mary Blair’s whimsical touch, and the Sherman Brother’s catchy tune.
I first rode on this ride at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair!
Read about this ride’s creation, here.


The Main Street Magic Shop is easy to overlook,
but this is a fun place to stop in for a quick magic trick,
and see Steve Martin‘s photo on the wall.
Martin used to work here as a teen.

I was blown away by the colorful and fanciful Mickey’s Toontown,
and enjoyed experiencing Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway for the first time.

Look who I happened upon, on my way to Mickey’s Toontown;
the Genie from the movie, Aladdin!

A parade of Disney characters drive by at the front of the park.

I also had the privilege of meeting Disney’s big stars,
Mickey and Minnie Mouse!


Disney California Adventure

My photo-taking leveled off, I’m afraid,
as I was having too much fun to be snapping photos.
However, our experiences included many rides and much food, enjoying each other’s company, and watching a parade in celebration of Chinese New Year.

The California Adventure’s (Pixar Pal-A-Round) Ferris Wheel at Pixar Pier,
happily dominates the landscape.

Star Wars-Galaxy’s Edge was just like stepping into a “Star Wars“ film!

   

It was fun to encounter “Star Wars”, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and R2-D2.

Okay, I’d be lying if I claimed to be well-versed about all things
“Marvel Cinematic Universe”
(although, I have seen a few Spiderman movies),
but the Avenger’s Campus was impressive.

Although, I enjoyed meeting the mysterious Dr. Strange,
I knew very little about his role in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” 

The optical illusion, near the Dr. Strange’s Ancient Sanctum, is as mind boggling, as it is fun.
These flat “illusion tiles” transform when a photo is taken.

I spied this sweet scene between Spiderman and a young fan.

Run Disney

Cheering on the early morning, half marathon runners,
including my daughter, as they near the finish.
February 2, 2025

The Food

Technically, I could have put this all under the “Fun” heading, as Disney food IS fun!

Disneyland

Food options abound!

One of my all-time favorite Disneyland treats, found at The Mint Julep Bar,
are the New Orleans-style, Mickey-shaped beignets.
Thank you to my fellow Disneyland travelers for indulging me!!!

 

Another Disney favorite of mine, is their famous pineapple Dole Whip;
the perfect treat for a warm Disneyland day.

Not all of my meals were of the snack variety, as was the case with this tasty, quick service dish from Bengal Barbecue.
I especially enjoyed that bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Disney California Adventure

My second time trying a churro (the first time, many years ago, was not so great).  This one was fresh from the frying pot at Señor Buzz Churros,
and delicious!

Hey, if you serve corn dogs, it might as well be from a place called
Corn Dog Castle.  Right?
This one hit the spot.

I think that Cars Land of California Adventure is my favorite area.

I love the theming, complete with 1950’s rock music,
and retro “sets”!

You have got to go the Popcone (at the Cozy Cone Motel) to buy popcorn!

    

I am a major fan of their dill pickle popcorn!

Dill pickle popcorn-YUM!

There is always room for ice cream!
Ghirardelli’s sundaes are wonderful!

Again, proof that my meals consisted of more than sugary and fatty snacks. :o)
This clam chowder, served in a fresh sourdough bread bowl, was delectable!
One of the offerings at The Pacific Wharf Cafe.

 More Disney (and Chowder) Posts!

Walt Disney World

Disney Memories 😮)–Here.

Rick Springfield and Floating Cars….Another Glorious Visit to Walt Downey World!–Here

A (Sticky) Taste of Walt Disney World–Here

Disney Food and Wine Festival (Eating Around Walt Disney World…)–Here

Disney World Family Reunion (Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook…)-Here

Disney World Recipe (Walt Disney World Really Cooks)–Here,

(Discovering New Fun At Walt Disney World, Part 1) –Here ,  

(Discovering New Fun At Walt Disney World, Part 2)-Here

(Dole whip Mama…)-Here

 Disneyland and Disney Studios 

Disneyland (A New Stove and Disney Peanut Butter Cookies)–Here

Disney Studios(My Birthday with Disney)–Here

Disneyland and Disney Studios (A Girl’s Disney Weekend)–Here

Chowder

Chowder!-Here

Lobsters, and Clam Chowder, and Birthday Cakes, Oh My!-Here

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for my next blog in (hopefully, in about) a month.

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Thank you blog readers!
I do so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
It’s nice to know when you are enjoying this blog content.
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts,
or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.

I have been blogging since 2013,
so there are plenty of posts to choose from!
If you do decide to read all of the posts from the beginning one up until the present post,
please let me know how long it took you, to do so! :o)

Radio Signals
I invite you to “tune in” to, A Song and A Prayer, a radio program that I host.”:o)
It is now streaming!

I am part of the radio station team at,
WSJF 92.7.

A Song and A Prayer
The program times, and how to listen, are below.

Tuesdays and Thursdays-8:30 pm
Fridays-10 pm
Saturdays-8:30 am
Sundays-3:30 pm

All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Use the free app Live 365,
or go to the website.
https://live365.com/station/WSJF-LP-a06008 

Disney Planning

My daughter is a Magic Maker® for Off to Neverland Travel.
She is extremely Disney knowledgeable and an
“Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” for any of the Disney destinations,
and Disney vacation locations, and cruises.
Vacation planning services are totally FREE!

Contact me, here, for more information.

Wonderful Disneyland memories remain,
along with these colorful Disneyland souvenirs in the form of
these two Starbuck Disney mugs.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Being “Crabby” (…with J.O. Spice, that is)

Posted on January 6, 2025 by oltimetv

 

January 6, 2025

Being “Crabby”
(…with J.O. Spice, that is)

J.O. Spice Company’s, Crab Seasoning

What state do you live in?  Does your state have a “state crustacean”?  Maryland does!
It is the blue crab, or known in scientific circles as, the Callinectes sapidus Rathbun.

The Blue Crab is the “state crustacean” of Maryland.
Top photo-live blue crab
Bottom photo-steamed blue crab

 Crab Cakes, and Steamed Crabs, and Crab Dip, Oh My!

Maryland is famous for its crab cakes, along with its steamed crabs, crab dip,
and crab soup (the tomato-based crab soup, the cream-based cream of crab soup,
and the mixture of both into a delectable delight called, half and half),
among other crabby epicurean delights .

Crab Cakes

Maryland crab cakes differ from those in other parts of the country.
What sets this Chesepeake variety apart, is the minimum use of fillers and breading, allowing the large, succulent pieces of crab meat to take center stage.
It has been said that,
“If you have never had a Maryland crab cake, then you have never had a REAL crab cake!”

What sets this Maryland crab cake apart, is the minimum use of fillers
and breading.

The Maryland crab cake consists of large, succulent pieces of crab meat.

Steamed Crabs

Steamed crabs are another Maryland crab specialty.
Getting to the sweet, tender crab meat requires “picking” the crab.
This art of “picking”is taught to Marylanders at a young age,
and passed along to Maryland transplants, like myself.
Crab picking, not only yields a delectable pile of sweet crab meat,
but serves as a social, bonding time.
It is a time where friendly conversation flows,
stress ceases for awhile, and even time slows down, for a bit.

A box of steamed crab is ready for picking.

With a table covered in crab/kraft paper, steamed crabs are often
dumped on the table for crab picking.

Crab picking, not only yields a delectable pile of sweet crab meat,
but serves as a social, bonding time.

Crab Dip

 I love a good crab dip!  Served warm, it can be paired with fresh vegetables, bread, or crackers.  It can, also be slathered on a large pretzel, and heated, for a hearty crab pretzel,
or on a chicken breast for a satisfying Chicken Chesepeake.

Served warm, crab dip can be paired with fresh vegetables, bread, or crackers.

Crab dip can be slathered on a large pretzel, and heated, for a hearty crab pretzel.

J.O. Spice Company

Speaking of crab dip, below is a recipe that my friend, Tyler, recently shared with me.
I am looking forward to trying it, soon!

My friend, Tyler, recently shared this crab dip recipe (below) with me.

J.O. Spice Crab Dip

Ingredients:

– 1 pound crab meat
– 2/3 cup mayo.
– 3 – 8oz. blocks of cream cheese
– 2 tbs. white wine for cooking
– 2 tbs. cooking sherry
– 2 tsp. prepared horseradish
– 2 tsp. prepared yellow mustard
– 2 tsp. J.O. #1 ALL PURPOSE SEAFOOD SEASONING plus a little extra to sprinkle on top when prepared!
– ½ tsp. garlic powder
– 1 tbs. parsley
– 1 tbs. dry chives

Cooking Directions:

Combine everything except crab meat, parsley, and chives. Cook over low constantly stirring until melted. Once melted add drained crab meat, parsley, and chives. Bake at 350 in oven until bubbly or in a crock pot to stay warm for a party! Sprinkle additional J.O. #1 on top for presentation. Serve with your favorite crackers, rolls, or French breads! ENJOY!

Note-I suggest locally-sourced crab meat, if possible.

For more J.O. Spice recipes, go here.

Tyler has strong ties to the Maryland crab industry.  He works for, and his family owns, J.O. Spice Company.  If you are not familiar with this spice, it is the spice used in preparing crabs by the majority of restaurants in Maryland.

Tyler, proudly displays an assortment of J.O. spices.

Tyler’s great grandparents, J.O.(James Ozzle) and Dot Strigle, started the
J.O. Spice Company in 1945, and it has continued to this day as a family-run business.

Read more about the interesting history of J.O. Spice, here.

Dirty Jobs

Mike Rowe, a Baltimore native, is familiar with eating crabs.
What he was not familiar with, until a Dirty Job episode, was the major role that
J. O. Spices plays in preparing the majority of crabs at restaurants in Maryland.
Check out this entertaining episode, where Mike visits J.O. Spice Company.
(Don’t worry, none of the spice packed that day was sold to the public! :O))

Dirty Jobs
Season 10, Episode 4
Streaming on MAX
More information about the episode is, here.

Tyler and Mike Rowe shown while recording the J.O. Spice episode.

For more information about J.O. Spice Company, and to shop their online store,
go here and here.

      

Thank you, Tyler, for all of your assistance with the writing of this blog post,
and sharing these spices with me!
I can’t wait to try them all!

Other Crabby Epicurean Delights

Okay, I admit it, I did not know where to stick these two crab epicurean delights within this post, so…I put them here.
I love cream of crab soup, and my friend, Nancy, shared this recipe with me.
I had planned to make it to share with you, but the grocery store where I was shopping, did not have local crab meat that day.
I will share the recipe with you now, and plan to make it soon.

Cream of Crab Soup

I love cream of crab soup!

 

Cream of Crab Soup via Slow Cooker

Ingredients:

1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
1 cup milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 Tablespoon J. O. seasoning
1/4 cup (half a stick) salted butter
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

(My friend added an additional
2 cups half and half
2 cups 2% milk)

3 Tablespoon cornstarch
3 Tablespoons cold water(to mix with the cornstarch to make a paste)

Cooking Directions:

Combine all ingredients, except cornstarch and water, in the crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

In small bowl combine cornstarch and water into a paste.

Add cornstarch paste to soup and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or til soup thickens.

Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of J.O.seasoning.

Serve with bread, breadsticks , or crackers.

J.O. Bagels

 Another, epicurean delight, that is enjoyed by many, is the J.O. Bagel.
My daughter loves these, and when I visit her in Minnesota,
I often bring a few along.

J.O. Bagel from Kismet Cafe.

Kismet Cafe makes their bagels here, on site.

 

Crab-related Art

This beautiful stained glass crab
is on display at the
Baltimore Washington Airport.

Weighing in at 500 pounds, that’s a whole lot of crab meat! :O)

Photo courtesy of the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Read more about this mighty crab here, and here.

This colorful crab sign creation is by talented sign artist, Marty Mummert.

More Reading Fun

Read more about Marty Mummert, and family crab picking fun,
in a blog post from 2016, here.

And

Read more about Maryland crab cakes in a blog post from 2017, here.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for my next blog in (hopefully, about) a month.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower for free!
It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette (Especially E-mail) Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, or are missing entirely, please click on imannette.net,
or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
It’s nice to know that you are enjoying the blog content.
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!
If you DO decide to read all of the posts from the beginning one until the present post,
please let me know how long it took you, to do so! :o)

Radio Signals
I invite you to “tune in” to, A Song and A Prayer, a radio program that I host.”:o)
It is now streaming!

I am part of the radio station team at,
WSJF 92.7.

 A Song and A Prayer
The program times, and how to listen are below.

A Song and A Prayer

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 pm
Fridays 10 pm
Sat 8:30 am
Sun 3:30 pm

Eastern Standard Time

Use the free app Live 365,
or go to the website.
https://live365.com/station/WSJF-LP-a06008 

Crab mallets, used for crab picking.

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Oops, I Did It Again! (Yet, another visit to the State Fair, plus an apple orchard, too!)

Posted on October 21, 2024 by oltimetv

 

October 21, 2024

Oops, I Did It Again!
(Yet, another visit to the State Fair, plus an apple orchard, too!)

Enjoying my favorite Minnesota State Fair treat, 
Peachy’s Baking Company‘s delectable glazed donuts.

Dear Readers,
If you have followed my blogs for any length of time, then you have become acutely aware that I love food, aka an unashamed foodie. So…when my daughter and son in-law asked me to join them (again) to the Minnesota State Fair, I heartily accepted!

Wanna join me on a look back?  Grab your ticket, and let’s get started!


Fairchild, the gopher,
has been the Minnesota State Fair mascot
since 1966.

The always fashionable Hotdish Girl at the Minnesota State Fair,
created by Minneapolis artist, Adam Turman.
Turman also created 
Fairchild the gopher, above.

See more Adam Turman’s colorful state fair creations, here.

On a quest for the Perfect Pickle?
Look no further!



These fried pickles were prepared “just right”.



A stop by the honey barn to see our friend’s second place ribbon!
Congratulations!

We weren’t the only ones in search of tasty state fair food!

Tasti Whip is the state fair equivalent to a Disney World Dole whip!

“Dole whip” for the win!

The loon is the state bird of Minnesota, 
making Loon Lake Iced Tea a perfect choice
for the Minnesota State Fair.

A refreshing flavored tea from Loon Lake Iced Tea.



The sun sets on the Minnesota State Fair.

One last stop before heading home…
Sweet Martha’s Cookies!
Because, there is always room for a chocolate chip cookie! :o)

To the Apple Orchard 
for
Apple Cider Donuts!

Pine Tree Orchard  (in White Bear Lake, Minnesota)
makes a statement with this giant apple near its entrance.

There was a line, awaiting the 10:00 am opening.

   

There were items to catch customers’ attention everywhere,
like this folksy display (top photo),
the workers packing apples for Minnesota schools (middle photo),
, and hundreds of apple picking baskets stored up high for later use (bottom photo).

  

And there they were, sitting before us,
the holy grail of autumn apple awesomeness,
Apple Cider Donuts!
These morsels of apple goodness did not disappoint!

And,
Pine Tree Orchard had the perfect spot to sit and enjoy our apple goodies, with picnic tables overlooking picturesque (and historic), 
White Bear Lake.

Check Out These Previous State Fair Blog Posts

Food, Glorious Food! Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair,
June 2024

Family Fun at the Fair, and other Minnesota Stuff,
September 2019

Hot, Hot, Hot! (Minnesota Hot Dish, That is!)
September 2019

Happily Eating My Way Through the Minnesota State Fair,
September 2017

Our State Fair is a GREAT State Fair!
August 2014

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for my next blog in (about) a month.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower for free!
It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette (Especially E-mail) Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, or are missing entirely, please click on imannette.net, 
or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Radio Signals

I invite you to “tune in” to, A Song and A Prayer, a radio program that I host.”:o)
It is now streaming!

I am part of the radio station team at,
WSJF 92.7.

 A Song and A Prayer
 The program times, and how to listen are below.

A Song and A Prayer

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 pm
Fridays 10 pm
Sat 8:30 am
Sun 3:30 pm

Eastern Standard Time

Use the app Live 365,
or go to the website.
https://live365.com/station/WSJF-LP-a06008 

May all of your autumn be filled with 
apple cider donut (kind of) days!

 

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Galaxy Space Men and Radio Signals

Posted on July 23, 2024 by oltimetv

July 23, 2024

Galaxy Space Men and Radio Signals

Four ‘Galaxy Space Men’ 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
I was thumbing through my copy of the decorator book, Country Living’s Collection Style, when I spotted them…
a trio, of eye-catching Galaxy Syrup space men bottles,
neatly displayed upon a shelf.

Thumbing through my book,I spotted them…
a trio of Galaxy Syrup space men bottles.

 I no longer own this book, but I recently found this copy,
through my local library.

The days went on, but I could not shake the image of those cute and colorful space men bottles from my brain!  
 I wanted to know more about them, and I wanted one of my own!

So, I began to do some sleuthing about these vintage bottles.  
I found that, although, the book had identified them as “jelly jars”, that was not accurate, and their background, was actually, a whole lot more interesting!

Astroid Commander

Spacemen… from Baltimore

Although, these fellas have an outer-space vibe, they actually hail from earth;
Baltimore, Maryland USA, that is.

In 1971, a gentleman purchased a building as a manufacturing facility in Baltimore.
To his surprise, he discovered boxes, stored in the upstairs area,
that were filled with thousands of these cool and retro spacemen bottles!

It seems, that sometime in the 1950’s, Space Foods Company was preparing to launch a line of syrups called Galaxy Home Syrups. These syrups would enable consumers to prepare soda pop in the comfort of their home.
(I am guessing that the fizz factor would have been missing, however.)



Galaxy Bombardier

Ten different bottle designs, in eight different colors, would contain one of five different flavors, as printed on the lid.
And, to add to this unique product’s appeal, once the syrup had been emptied, the screw-top lid had a slit in the top, allowing the bottle to be used as a coin bank. 

Unfortunately, the Space Foods Company filed for bankruptcy before their product made it into the stores, never selling a single bottle of their space-age beverage. 

Space Commander

I am told that black is the rarest color in the Galaxy Home Syrup collection.

Since 1971, a few of these “found” bottles have been sold to collectors here and there.
I got my trio, via eBay, on my “fact-finding” mission, many years ago.
Last year, I returned to eBay, adding an orange space man to round out my set.
You can, now, buy these bottles directly from the Space Foods Company, here,
along other related merchandise.
(Thank you, Ryan, for answering my questions!)

Orbit Admiral

Last year, I bought this orange admiral to round out my set.
All four now fit into a white tray that I was lucky enough to find from
Home Goods.
(See the photo at the bottom of this post.)

Satellite Appetizer and Space Movies

With this space-age post, comes this Sputnik-inspired appetizer. My daughter and I made this creation many years ago, when she was in high school, for a team party at our home.
  It was a hit!

Cheese and Tortellini Satellite Kabobs

Items Needed

18-24 wooden skewers

Large ziplock baggie

9 x 13 pan, tray, or cookie sheet

Serving tray

Ingredients

1 Head of Cabbage


1 (8-9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 (16 ounce) bottle Light Ken’s Caesar dressing

1 pkg. turkey, or regular pepperoni

1 can, or bottle of Kalamata/purple olives, drained

1/4 pound Swiss, or Pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes,
or slices

1/4 pound Cheddar cheese,
cut into 1/2 inch cubes,
or slices

(1-2) bottles, or cans of button mushrooms

Directions: 

Cook tortellini according to package directions (Go on to next step while cooking); drain.
Cool.

Meanwhile, as the tortellini is cooking and cooling,
place Italian dressing, tortellini, olives and mushrooms in large plastic food baggie.
Tightly seal baggie.

Coat everything in baggie; place baggie flat in 13×9-inch pan.
Refrigerate, turning over baggie occasionally, for 2 to 3 hours; drain.

Tear off the outer unclean leaves of the head of cabbage.
Place on serving tray;
flatten bottom of cabbage head, if necessary to steady “satellite”.

Drain marinated items from baggie after 2-3 hours.
Thread marinated items onto skewers in the following order…

Tortellini

Pepperoni (folded in two)

Cheese cube, or folded slice

Olive

Cheese cube, or folded slice

Mushroom

Makes approximately 18-24 skewers.

Space Movies

Need a movie, or tv show, to go with this retro appetizer? Here are a few of my favorites.

I Love Lucy 
“Lucy is Envious” 
Season 3, Episode 23
1954

Lucy and Ethel pose as the Women from Mars atop the Empire State Building,
 as a publicity stunt for a movie.

The Reluctant Astronaut
Don Knotts
1967

Don Knotts stars as an astronaut, who has an extreme fear of heights, in this family fun comedy.

Galaxy Quest
Tim Allen
1999

Tim Allen plays a type-cast actor who can not shake his image from starring in an earlier  sci-fi television series. (Think William Shatner and Star Trek.) His life takes on new meaning, however, when aliens require his, and his tv crew’s, assistance against an evil foe.
An entertaining comedy, and rated PG for the whole family.

Forbidden Planet
Leslie Nielsen
1956

A well-done sci-fi classic of a more serious nature, Forbidden Planet immerses the audience in this 23rd century mystery.  Filled with adventure, and complete with a robot, and Disney sound effects.

The beautiful metal sign, above, is by artist Marty Mummert.  
Read more about his work, here, in a previous blog post.

Radio Signals

I am excited to share with you some fun news!  
For the past ten months, I have been part of a radio team at a low powered station,
WSJF 92.7. The low power meant that if you lived outside the confines of our radio signal, that you, just, could not listen.
But, WSJF is now streaming!
And, thanks to streaming, now everyone, everywhere, can listen!
So….I invite you to “tune in”! :o)

I am part of the radio station team at,
WSJF 92.7.

The program that I host is called, A Song and A Prayer.  The program times, and how to listen are below.

A Song and A Prayer

T and Th 8:30 pm
Fridays 10 pm
Sat 8:30 am
Sun 3:30 pm

Eastern Standard Time

Use the app Live 365,
or go to their website.
https://live365.com/station/WSJF-LP-a06008 

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for my next blog in (about) a month.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower for free!
It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette (Especially E-mail) Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, or are missing entirely, please click on imannette.net, 
or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Four ‘Galaxy Spacemen’ Keep Watch Over My Kitchen

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Food, Glorious Food! Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair

Posted on June 14, 2024 by oltimetv

June 14, 2024


Food, Glorious Food!
Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair

My son and I gleefully pose
as Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox 
at the
Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair

To borrow from the lyrics of the song, Food, Glorious Food!, (from the movie, Oliver!),
food can, indeed, be glorious!
A good case in point, are all of the delicious offerings that were available at the
Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair,
 that I recently visited with family and friends.
A good time was had by all!

Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair

I share with you, below, a few of the items that I happily sampled on my Memorial Day Weekend food excursion.

Our first stop was for the much-lauded Rick’s Pickle Pizza.



Rick’s Pickle Pizza menu describes this unique item as a
“homemade hand tossed pizza with
dill ranch sauce, mozzarella cheese, sliced dill pickles, and topped with
dill weed seasoning”. 

My group gave Pickle Pizza two thumbs up!

Big Fat Bacon is advertised as “1/4 pound of maple-glazed bacon on a stick”.
It did not disappoint!

This yummy piece of sweet-glazed bacon reminded me of the “Million Dollar Bacon” that I made, here.

There were foods to the left of me, and foods to the right!

We all shared a this bucket of yummy The Mouth Trap (fried) cheese curds.

One of my favorite’s from the Minnesota State Fair,
is the Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich from Turkey to Go.  
Unfortunately, it was not open this weekend. :o(
(This sandwich reminds me of one of my other turkey sandwich favorites,
from Ohio’s The White Turkey Drive-in.)

Donuts were another item on our list for the day.
Peachy’s Baking Company‘s glazed donuts were so awesome!
These are sometimes called Amish Donuts (Peachy’s former name), 
and yes these donuts are made from an actual Amish recipe!

We also tried the Tiny Tim’s Donuts.

Blue Moon Dine-in Theatre had some unusual offerings.
Being an Iowa girl, I HAD to try out the Sweet Corn Ice Cream!

Sampling some Sweet Corn Ice Cream 

Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar is a Minnesota State Fair staple, and very popular.

A tub of Martha’s Chocolate Chip Cookies is always filled to over-flowing!

My son, from out-of-state, is anxious to try out his first 
Martha’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.  He was not disappointed!

Our last stop was the The Perfect Pickle.
I could not eat another bite, but for those who saved room, they enjoyed their “naked” pickle on a stick. :o)

It was an array of sights, sounds, and tastes. 
Even, this giant Rubber Duckie was pleased with the delicious assortment of 
edible treats offered at 2024’s
Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair!

Check out these previous blog posts about the Minnesota State Fair

Click on the titles, below, to bring up the posts

Family Fun at the Fair, and other Minnesota Stuff
September 2019

Happily Eating My Way Through the Minnesota State Fair
September 2017

 

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog in about a month.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower for free!
It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette (Especially E-mail) Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

 This cute Minnesota loon (Swedish dishcloth), a gift from my daughter,
serves as a happy reminder
of that fun and delicious day at the
Kickoff to Summer at the (Minnesota) State Fair!

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A Mansion called Terrace Hill

Posted on May 3, 2024 by oltimetv
May 3, 2024

         A Mansion called Terrace Hill

Grab a cup of tea and let’s chat for a bit!

Is it really May, already?!  Is it just me, or is this year just flying by?  
In the interest of relaxing, and catching my breath for a brief moment, I have poured myself a piping-hot cup of my favorite tea (Barry’s), settled into my seat in front of my “handy dandy”*computer (*Blue’s Clues, anyone?), and am now ready for a pleasant, leisurely chat with you. :o)

A Mansion Named Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill is Iowa’s Governor’s Mansion


Fun Facts for Ya

Stately Terrace Hill, in Des Moines, Iowa, sits high above the Raccoon River.
I had only had the opportunity to see the current governor’s mansion (since 1976) from afar, while driving by. Also, catching a quick glimpse of it in the 1971 film,
Cold Turkey
(I mention this film in an earlier blog post, here.)

On a recent visit to Iowa, I finally took the opportunity, along with my mom, to tour this majestic and historical home.

 

Historic Terrace Hill
 
A brief “CliffNotes” summary of Terrace Hill‘s history goes like this…
Terrace Hill was built by Iowa’s first millionaire, (and later an Iowa senator),
Benjamin Franklin Allen.  He hired celebrated Chicago architect William W. Boyington to design his 18,000-square-foot, Terrace Hill, in the French Second  Empire style.  The beautiful residence boasted several new and unique innovations for the time, such as indoor plumbing (No outhouses!), gas lighting, and steam heating. 

A brief “CliffNotes” summary of Terrace Hill‘s history.

 Construction was completed in 1869 at a cost of $250, 000, which today translates to over $5,700,000!
Unfortunately, due in large part to a bank crash in 1875, Allen lost his fortune, and was forced to sell Terrace Hill at a considerable loss.  Purchased by his former business partner, Frederick M. Hubbell, in 1884, for $60,000, Terrace Hill stayed in the Hubbell family until 1971, when it was, then, donated to the state of Iowa.

Terrace Hill is now home to Iowa’s first family with their private residence on the third floor. The first and second floors are on display for public tours.

(For more historical information on Terrace Hill, go here, here, here, and here.)


The Tour

 Did you know that there are five states that do not even have an official governor’s mansion?!
Of those states that do have governor’s mansions, not all of those open their doors to the general public. Happily, for me, Terrace Hill does offer public tours, with an advanced reservation, and for a minimal entrance fee. This tour does not disappoint!

From the first moment that one enters the formidable front doors of Terrance Hill, it is impressive. Yes, there is a reason that this luxurious estate was once referred to as the “Palace on the Prairie” of the West.

Terrace Hill’s North Hall/Entryway
Note the intricately stenciled walls and ceiling.

Below, I share with you just a few of the beautiful rooms seen on our tour.

The Reception Room
Note the peacock fire place screen, with real peacock feathers.

 

The Drawing Room
This room boasts a sparkling crystal chandelier that is over seven feet tall, and weighs over 250 pounds, which was added by the second owner, Frederick Hubbell.

Stained Glass
It is believed that this stunning stained glass window was, also, added by the Hubbells.
It is not known who designed this colorful piece, although, after a consultation,
Tiffany Studios has said that it is not one of their works.

Grant Wood
I was excited to see this painting on the second floor of Terrace Hill.
It is by one of my favorite artists, Grant Wood.
Painted in 1927, after Wood’s study of impressionism in France, this unnamed painting depicts a fall scene of an Iowa farm (Grant Wood was an Iowan).

Grant Wood’s style would evolve, and he would become known for his American regionalism style, with his iconic American Gothic, being his most celebrated piece.

“I came back [from France] because I learned that French painting is very fine for
French people and not necessarily for us, and because I started to analyze
what it was I really knew. I found out. 
It’s Iowa.”

Grant Wood

The home office for the governor is on the second floor of
Terrace Hill.

Guided Tour reservations are required at least 48-hours beforehand, and are available Tuesdays through Saturdays; March through December.

Upon researching for this blog, I came across a fellow blogger’s post on Terrace Hill, filled with beautiful photos and interesting information.  You can read it, here.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog in about a month.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
Be an I’m Annette follower for free!
It’s easy!!! It’s fun!!! It’s absolutely free!!!!
Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
Sign up now, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette (Especially E-mail) Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly, please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

Enjoying my Iowa visit with my uncle, aunt, and mom.
March 2024

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Niagara

Posted on February 26, 2024 by oltimetv

February 26, 2024

Niagara Falls

“Going Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel”

Please, do not despair at the above image of my family members and I “going over the falls”! We all, actually, navigated Niagara Falls safely, without incident,
and with nary a drop of Niagara mist moistening our brows.
The fun photo, above, was taken at Skylon Tower (you can read more about that below), and our likenesses were creatively superimposed to compose this comical picture.
No danger there, except for the possibly of splitting our sides in laughter. :o)

Big Family Hugs

Okay, as Father Lonergan so aptly put it in one of my favorite movies, The Quiet Man,
“Well, then. Now, I’ll begin at the beginning.”

When my eldest, and his family, asked me to join them for a vacation to northern
New York, and just over the border to Canada, I was in!  It is always a treat spending
time with my four (grown-up) kiddos, and their families!

It was a happy reunion, filled with hugs and smiles, as their flight and mine arrived at the Buffalo (New York) Airport.  Once luggage was secured, we pointed our rental car toward our Niagara Falls destination. Stopping along the way for a hearty breakfast at
Break’n Eggs seemed like a perfect plan. And it was, indeed, and a delicious one!

Enjoying a hearty breakfast at Buffalo’s Break’n Eggs.


Niagara Falls State Park
The American Side

With our appetites sufficiently satisfied, it was on to Niagara Falls State Park.
Our first glimpse (as were those glimpses to follow) of the mighty falls was awe-inspiring!

The Magnificent Falls as seen from Niagara Falls State Park.

Pausing and posing at a popular photo op stop.

Nikola Tesla was here.

A memento from daredevil  Nik Wallenda‘s historic 2012 tightrope walk.


More on Niagara’s Daredevils

Niagara Falls has had a history of daredevils, eager to take on the the mighty waterfalls.
Below are just a few.

Charles Blondin

Charles Blondin was the first to cross Niagara Falls in 1858.

Annie Edson Taylor

Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year old school teacher, was the first person to successfully go over the falls in a barrel, padded with a mattress.

Robert Woodward

Although, not a daredevil, one of the most miraculous Niagara Falls stories, involves seven-year old, Robert Woodword, who went over the falls by accident in 1960.
He survived, wearing only a life jacket!  To read more about the incident,
go here, and here.

The Canadian Side of the Falls

Our time on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls not only afforded us a new perspective of this world wonder, but offered up some additional fun!

We were awed by the spectacular view of the falls from our room
at the  Marriot Falls View.

 

 

Our meal on the top of the Skylon Tower was a delicious opportunity to celebrate my son’s birthday, and the revolving dining room’s views were magnificent!

A stunning view from the Skylon Tower’s observation deck.

Another scenic and wonderful meal was spent at The Table Rock House Restaurant. with an unsurpassed view, sitting next to the falls.

 

 

 

There were fun things to see and do along the Clifton Hill area.

 

 

Colorful lights illuminate the falls each evening.
We could not get enough of this night view from our hotel room window at
the Marriot Falls View.

 Souvenirs from Niagara Falls
(Actually, I discovered this wonderful black tea at Niagara Falls ,
and ordered via Amazon when I got home. :o))

 

Niagara the Movie

I could not conclude this post without mentioning Marilyn Monroe’s 1953 movie, Niagara.  A suspense film, similar to those of Alfred Hitchcock origin, it is Niagara Falls that is the true star of this film. If you have never seen it, and decide to watch it, I’d love to get your review in the comments.

On a side note, I remember reading somewhere, years ago, that another Niagara star, Jean Peters, (She was once married to Howard Hughes!) almost found herself going over the falls while filming!  I can no longer find any mention of this anywhere, so if you have information pertaining to this incident, pretty please leave a message in the comments.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

   

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Family smiles, taken on the American Side of the Falls.

 

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You’re a Mean, Green One, Mr. Grinch… How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Posted on December 18, 2023 by oltimetv

 

December 18, 2023

You’re a Mean, Green One, Mr. Grinch…
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

My DVD copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Merry Christmas!

I love this time of year!  The combination of colorful holiday decorations,
delicious yuletide treats, catchy Christmas music performed at school concerts and in church plays, all add to the feeling of holiday cheer in the air, making this season truly special. Another one of my favorite things about this time of year, is the array of delightful Christmas movies and TV programs available to watch, many of which, have become a major part of my annual yuletide-watching tradition.


I enjoy (along with my younger sister on the left) a Merry Christmas morning in 1965. Note that I am proudly wearing my star gift of the day,
a real Cinderella watch.

My earliest Christmas viewing memories include Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (1964), the stop-motion animated special, and A Charlie Brown’s Christmas (1965), where Linus recites John 2: 8-14. I enjoyed both of these. And, yes I admit it, I saw each of these the very first time that they each aired. (Yep, I really did!) AND I even watched each of them, that first time, on my family’s black and white television set!


Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)


A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

In 1966, a brand new Christmas special would make it’s appearance. It was How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, based on Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book of the same name. My third grade self was anxious to see this one, and even more exciting, I had been invited by a neighbor to watch it on their color television set! Upon seeing it for the first time, and in color, I was overwhelmed. Unlike the book’s plainly colored illustrations, this TV portrayal was in amazingly vivid colors, that were totally mesmerizing, as the story came to life before my eight year-old eyes. AND the Grinch was a bright neon green! To add to the fun were the voices emanating from the TV. At that time, I did not know that the narrator was Boris Karloff, the actor from those classic 1930’s Frankenstein movies, and the one singing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, was the voice of Tony the Tiger himself, Thurl Ravenscroft. With Chuck Jones as the director, having previously directed numerous Warner Brother’s, Bugs Bunny cartoons. (Dr. Seuss/Ted Geisel had previously worked together during WWII on a training cartoon.)
Watching this program was an eye-opening experience, and the Grinch would never be the same!
(Just over a year later, my own family would purchase our first color television set, allowing me, for the years that followed, to watch this classic Christmas special in all of its glory.)


How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was published in 1957.

Grinch-Green Food 

With that first Christmas special airing, the Grinch would forever be associated with his green-colored fur. So to celebrate the Grinch’s greenness, I’d like to share with you a couple of recipes in his honor.  
But first, I have to show you this.  I saw this green bagel at my local bagel place yesterday, and I just had to get it; this Grinch-green bagel! :o)
I haven’t tried it yet, but the bagel shop assured me that it tastes the same as a regular plain bagel.
So here’s to the Grinch, and his change of heart, in the true spirit of Christmas…

A true-blue, green bagel. :o)
Purchased in honor of the Grinch.

Recipes

I share with you a couple of no-bake recipes below, that I recently made with my granddaughters, and that give a green nod to the Grinch.

 The first is a vintage recipe, Cornflake Wreaths. (A nod to the part in the Christmas special where the Grinch throws stolen wreaths upon Max, the dog, like he’s playing horseshoes.) Although, I never had these cookies until this past week, I remember seeing photos of them in magazine advertisements when I was a kid.  (If anyone has any information on these goodies, I’d love to hear your nuggets of knowledge in the comments. While attempting to discern the year that these green goodies appeared, I could find nothing, not even from Kellogg’s information line!)  These taste similar to Rice Krispie bars.  I substituted mini-m&m’s for the red hots.  Beware of the green food coloring, as it stains easily.

Cornflakes Wreaths
The original recipe from the Kellogg’s website is, here.

Ingredients

5 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal

1 teaspoon green (liquid) food coloring

Red mini-m&m candies
(The original recipe calls for red cinnamon candies)

Prepared vanilla frosting

PAM cooking spray, or butter

Wax paper

Small baggies

Directions

Prepare large baking pan with wax paper.

 Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
Add marshmallows while stirring until completely melted.
Remove from heat.

Stir in food coloring.

Quickly add Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal.
Stir until well coated.

 Portion warm cereal mixture evenly, by using ¼ dry measuring cup, coated with cooking spray. 

4. Using small baggies placed on hands and sprayed with PAM or buttered, quickly shape into individual wreaths.

5. Dot with red m&m’s, (or cinnamon candies), using prepared frosting to hold candies in place.

6. Store in single layer in airtight container.

Enjoy!



This second recipe was less messy than the one above. We used green m&m’s, rather than almonds, to honor the Grinch, in making this Almond Toffee Brickle.  You can also find this recipe in an earlier blog post, here.

Almond Toffee Brickle

Ingredients:

40 Saltine crackers

1 cup packed, light brown sugar

1 cup butter

12 oz. bag chocolate chips
(I use the Ghirardelli bittersweet variety)

1/4-1/2 cup sliced almonds, or 1/4 cup m&m’s
(You may leave off the top, if desired.)

Heat oven to 400°F.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

 Cover bottom and sides of a cookie sheet parchment.
Place saltines on the sheet, side by side, without overlapping.
Set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepan; add brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
Bring to full rolling boil for exactly 3 minutes, stirring often.
Remove from heat and pour gently over saltines.
Distribute evenly.

Bake 5 minutes at 400°F.
Remove from oven and sprinkle package of bits over the toffee and crackers.
Turn off oven.

After a few minutes, spread the chocolate chips evenly over the entire pan.
Place into (the still hot) oven until chocolate appears soft and melty.
Smooth chocolate using knife, or a back of the spoon.
Cool slightly for several minutes.
Sprinkle on nuts, or m&ms, if desired.

Refrigerate at least 1 hours, or until chocolate is set.
Remove from refrigerator.
Remove parchment from back of toffee and break with hands into desired pieces (do not cut).
Store in a container, refrigerated.

Enjoy!

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!
Merry Christmas,

I’m Annette Stuff

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Grinch and myself. :o)

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It’s a Wonderful Life!

Posted on December 7, 2023 by oltimetv

December 7, 2023
It’s a Wonderful Life!

It’s a Wonderful Life!


It was such fun meeting Karolyn Grimes/Zuzu from It’s a Wonderful Life!
September 7, 2023

Dear readers, exactly where do I begin?!  Perhaps, it is best to first address the fact that I had intended to “pen” this particular blog post, months ago!  Or maybe, I should start with just how excited I was to meet Karolyn Grimes in person.  
But…
as it was so aptly expressed at the start in one of my very most favorite films,
The Quiet Man,

Well, then, now, I’ll begin at the beginning.
Father Peter Lonergan

You can hear Father Lonergan narrating this line, here.

So, I will, indeed, begin at the beginning… 
Deep breath…here it goes…

It Happened on 5th Avenue

To actually “begin at the beginning”, I must go back to the end of 2018.  I was doing a little research for my blog on the delightful classic Christmas film, It Happened on 5th Avenue, starring Don DeFore.  DeFore had grown up in Iowa, like myself, and I was hoping to find out more information than I was currently gleaning from my Google search.  Through the miracle of the Internet, and the kindness and generosity of Don’s son, Ron DeFore, I was able to get just that:  some fun information and tidbits for my December 2018 blog post,
What’s Slumgullion? (You can read that post, here.)

IMG_8741 2.jpg
Delicious Slumgullion

It was through the emails that flew back and forth, as I finished up that blog post, that I learned that Ron DeFore was writing his soon to be published book,
Growing Up in Disneyland. (A truly enjoyable read! Yes, he really did spend a lot of his childhood in Disneyland!))

Fast forward to July 2019, and an interesting phone interview with Ron about his new book, for a blog post. (You can read that post, here.) To be honest, I do not remember if it was during this conversation, or an email later on, but Ron mentioned that he would be attending the September 2019 Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention to sell and sign his new book. My interest was piqued, but I was unable to attend. (I was later told that Ron’s attendance was a success, with his book being a popular item that year.) It was through this correspondence with Ron DeFore, that I was made aware of the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention.

!!FINAL COVER
Growing Up in Disneyland
By Ron DeFore

The Airport

It was now April 18, 2023.  I was at the airport waiting for my Southwest flight.  (Southwest was having a bad day.  You can read about that, here.) I had just settled down at my gate, to read my book, Surviving Cissy: My Family Affair of Life in Hollywood, by
Kathy Garver, and await my flight, when a gate change was announced. The mass of traveling humanity moved and settled into the next gate. But, it was not to be, as the moving gate scenario was soon repeated at the second gate. Then a short time later…you guessed it, yet another gate change.  Settling down for the third time, a fellow passenger, sitting next to me, glanced over and remarked, “I know her. I’m going to text Kathy, that you are reading her book.”
Well, you don’t hear that sort of comment every day! Just as I sputtered out, “Really?!”, there was yet another PA announcement, and the gate changing game commenced once more (shades of Musical Chairs).  

My fellow passenger made tracks to the next gate, leaving me to quickly gather my belongings (again), and mull over his comment. Now, anyone who knows me, can assure you that I am not one to allow a conversation end before its conclusion!  Spotting him ahead in the crowd of shuffling passengers, I headed in his direction, and asked if Kathy Garver might want a photo of me with her book, in hand. The rest, as they say, is history. A photo was, indeed, taken and texted (Ms. Graver’s photo response was, “Cool! Thanks for sharing.”), and our conversation continued as we waited at the gate. (Yes, this was our final gate shift of the flight!) I soon learned that my fellow passenger was, Martin Grams, the events coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention!  It was through our brief, but interesting, airport visit that I learned that Karolyn Grimes would be in attendance in September. I wanted to meet Grimes, who had graciously granted me a phone interview for a blog post, in 2021. Yep, I now knew what I would be on September 7!


Catching up on my reading at the airport with
Surviving Cissy: My Family Affair of Life in Hollywood, by Kathy Garver.
Thank you for the photo, Martin, and for your extreme helpfulness and kindness!

The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, September 2023

I attended the first day of this three-day, non-profit convention.  I had an absolute blast!
 I share a few photos from the day, below.
For more information on The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, go here.


I was able to say “hello”, and get a quick (and blurry) photo with Martin,
the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention events coordinator.


There were several authors, including David Krell with his book
1962: Baseball and America in the Time of JFK.


There was an array of merchandise, much of it from yesteryear. 


There were seminars, like this interesting one with writer/actor Jim Rosin,
who wrote and starred in Quincy, M.E.(1976-1983)

   
There were fans dressed up in character.
It was so fun!


Not to mention, being able say hello to the charming
George Hamilton, and other stars at the event! 
Photo is courtesy of Martin Grams

Karolyn Grimes

Okay, I am assuming that all of you are familiar with the classic Christmas tale,
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).  If you have, somehow, never seen it, make this the year that you do! Karolyn Grimes was six years-old when she played the sweet Zuzu opposite James/Jimmy Stewart, as her father. Having had the pleasure of doing a phone interview with Ms. Grimes in 2021, for my blog, I was anxious to meet her in person.(You can read that blog post, here.)  She was such a treasure.  I enjoyed chatting with her, and her husband. We discussed movies, of course, the colorizing of movies (We both agreed that the newest colorized version of It’s a Wonderful Life is enjoyable.), Annette Funicello (Annette beat out Karolyn for the original The Mickey Mouse Club with her dancing.), and our similar midwest roots. I was eager to purchase a few items that were for sale at her booth. After all, I just couldn’t go home without a Zuzu ornament!


Meeting Karolyn Grimes was a pleasure.

There was a steady stream of fans at the Karolyn Grimes booth.


How cool is it to have a Christmas bell ornament signed by Zuzu?!


Two new, and signed, Karolyn Grimes cookbooks joined my Karolyn Grimes collection that day! :o)

It’s a Wonderful Life

Now you have it, my story (or Godwink) of how reading a certain book at the airport, began a conversation and awarded me the opportunity to meet the events coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention (of which I was familiar), and how that, in turn, afforded me the opportunity to meet, the sweet, Karolyn Grimes. This story makes me smile, and I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed being a part of it.
It really is a wonderful life, isn’t it?
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
   I purchased these two
It’s A Wonderful Life
books for this Christmas season.

Some Related Previous Posts

Zuzu’s Petals: An interview with Karolyn Grimes, and Racing with Bagpipes, The Celtic Solstice Five-Miler

What’s Slumgullion?!

Growing Up in Disneyland: a Conversation with Author, Ron DeFore

Christmas in August/December in Switzerland, Part 1

Christmas in July August September/December in Switzerland,Part 2

12 Days of Christmas…Goodies

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!
Merry Christmas,
AND
always remember,
Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog in about a month.

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 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I so enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

Check Out Blog Posts From the Past!
To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!


 A 2007 Zuzu’s Petals ornament signed by Karolyn Grimes,
that I once ordered,
and (behind) a 1997, 50-year It’s a Wonderful Life ornament.

 

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