Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook: from the Happiest Place in the World, Walt Disney World!

Posted on July 15, 2014 by oltimetv

July 14, 2014

Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook:
from the
Happiest Place in the World, Walt Disney World!
June 2014

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I’m (Annette) enjoying a Mickey (Mouse Ice Cream) Bar
near Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends
(Note my Disney magic wristband, a new Disney innovation making fast passes/going to the head of attraction rides even easier to use.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/understanding-magic-band/)

Called the happiest place on earth, my family of Disney enthusiasts agrees that Walt Disney World fits this description. (The definition of our family consists of my husband, myself, our four grown children and their families, plus an esteemed “honorary” family member and his wife.) In fact, most of my brood has just returned from a fun-filled week at Walt Disney World. (Our new grandbaby and parents decided to stay home this time.) Please join me, as I share with you, a few of our vacation highlights. :o)

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Our first glimpse of the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World
Photo courtesy of Martese Ehm

Walt Disney World FUN

Let me begin with the obvious. Walt Disney World is fun! Encompassing four Disney theme parks, each one offers a little something for everyone from fantasy to thrills. In the interest of time and space, I will focus mostly on one particular ride, my very most favorite: The Great Movie Ride. This great ride is located in Hollywood Studios, which was at one time known as Disney-MGM Studios. Being an old movie buff (no I am NOT old, the old pertains to the movies), this ride feels as if it was made with yours truly in mind. In fact, my enthusiasm for this attraction is so intense that I dream of one day having the honor, as a temporary cast member, of hosting/narrating just one tour on this awesome ride. How fun would that be? I love this ride!

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My daughter, Martese,
who did a nine month WDW internship in Hollywood Studios while attending college, and me, in front of The Great Movie Ride.

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Standing by Mouseketeer Annette Funicello’s handprints,
in the courtyard of The Great Movie Ride.
(This ride’s design is a reproduction of Hollywood’s old Grauman’s Chinese Theatre)

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Movie props line the inside entrance into The Great Movie Ride.
I stand next to the dress worn by Scarlett/Vivian Leigh in the barbeque scene from
Gone with the Wind

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I sit in anticipation at the beginning at my favorite WDW attraction,
The Great Movie Ride!

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The Casablanca vignette, one of many movie scenes throughout
The Great Movie Ride

The figures are so lifelike that Ingrid Bergman’s grandchildren came on this ride to “see” their grandmother.

For more Great Movie Ride Trivia and information, please click on these links.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/great-movie-ride/

http://www.studioscentral.com/great-movie-ride-trivia

http://allears.net/tp/mgm/m_movieride.htm

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The Wizard of Oz section of The Great Movie Ride makes one feel that they are not in Kansas any more. (Insert the munchkin’s tee hees)

Indiana Jones

Having expounded upon my favorite ride, I cannot end this portion of my blog without mentioning a favorite feature of my husband’s. It is the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular, also found in Hollywood Studios. This “fun for the whole family” show is based upon the movie Indiana Jones and the Lost Ark. Adding to this attraction’s allure, is the fact that it was featured on an episode of the 1990’s family sitcom Full House. (In fact, Walt Disney World was the stomping ground for several 1990’s sitcoms. This past May, The Middle also ended up at WDW for its season’s finale.) Unfortunately, rumor has it that this explosion-filled, punch-jammed, action-packed adventure will close at the end of this year to make room for Star Wars features being added to Hollywood Studios. :o(

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Enjoying the opening scene from the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular

To read about:
• the rumors surrounding the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular,
• see a clip from the Indiana Jones Full House-Season 6, Episode 24,
• see which other ‘90’s shows visited WDW,
• read more about the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular,
• or view the recent WDW episode of The Middle,
please click on the links below.

http://popwrapped.com/2014/06/14/breaking-indiana-jones-epic-stunt-spectacular-confirmed-to-close-at-the-end-of-2014/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvds-_4K7ec&feature=kp

http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/every-sitcom-in-the-90s-went-to-disney-world

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/indiana-jones-epic-stunt-spectacular/

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-middle/episode-guide/season-05/524-the-wonderful-world-of-hecks

The Magical World of FOOD

Walt Disney World presents its patrons, and in particular, foodies (I, myself, am a self professed foodie.), with a variety of culinary options to please the palate. Options range from the simple, yet delightful, Mickey Bars, Pineapple Dole Whips and turkey legs, to fine dining at the hotel resorts, and the park’s finer restaurants. I took a few Disney food photos, as only a true foodie would, and share them with you below. If you wish to read more about the restaurant featured, click on the link below each photo.

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Dale, Chandler, and Eric chompin’ on Mickey Bars on a hot day at Epcot.

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Ravioli Gigante at Downtown Disney’s Portobello Italian Restaurant
This delicious gigantic pasta was filled with spinach and ricotta. Yum!
http://www.portobellorestaurant.com

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Trevor enjoying his German meal and beverage at Epcot’s The Biergarten
I  recommend the weiner schnitzel!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/biergarten-restaurant/

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When at Disney World, a Pineapple Dole Whip is a must.
This photo was taken of Martese at WDW in 2012.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/aloha-isle/

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Mike and Martese loving the cream cheese filled pretzels near the America attraction in Epcot

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The infamous, and oh so wonderful, Walt Disney World Turkey Leg!
Near the America attraction at Epcot

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My husband, son, and I made a special trek to the Columbia Harbour House, quick service restaurant, in the Magic Kingdom, for a lobster roll. Upon arriving, we found that lobster rolls were absent from the menu. We asked an employee about them, and they made three lobster rolls for us upon request! SCORE! They were very good and the kettle chips were yummy, as well!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/columbia-harbour-house/

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Eric enjoying another Mickey Bar, in Hollywood Studios, on his birthday!
(I’m not quite sure just how many Mickey Bars our group consumed during the making of this blog!)

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I have two favorite restaurants in WDW, and both reside in Hollywood Studios: The Sci-Fi Café and The Brown Derby. (We did not make it to the Sci-Fi Café this time around. :o( ) The original Brown Derby, known for creating the Cobb Salad, Grapefruit Cake and, disputably, the Shirley Temple, is no longer in Hollywood. Thankfully, we can still enjoy The Brown Derby’s replica, a throwback to old Hollywood, at Walt Disney World. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I love dining here. In my imaginary world, my table is just across from Lucy Ricardo’s, a fellow patron at The Brown Derby-Hollywood in the “I Love Lucy” episode “L.A. at Last!” (My favorite “I Love Lucy” episode!)

Brown Derby Hollywood Lucy
To watch the “I Love Lucy” episode “L.A. at Last!”, please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2_OiFndMjU

http://dearoldhollywood.blogspot.com/2009/04/hollywood-brown-derby.html

https://lisawallerrogers.wordpress.com/2009/10/13/i-love-lucy-lucy-meets-bill-holden-part-i/

To read my previous post from July 2013, Walt Disney World Really Cooks!, which includes a WDW recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo; please click on the link below.
https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/tag/walt-disney-world/

http://originalhollywoodbrownderby.com

http://www.yumsugar.com/Who-Invented-Shirley-Temple-33994595

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-brown-derby/

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/sci-fi-dine-in-theater/

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Our group got bigger, as Brandy’s family met us at the park. :o)

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A beautifully arranged, and delicious, Cobb Salad at The Brown Derby

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The recipe for The Brown Derby’s Cobb Salad
I make it often at my house.
For the recipe, click here, http://allears.net/din/rec_cobb.htm

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A delectable slice of Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake
I have made this at home, but it is much easier to eat it here. :o)
For the recipe, click here, http://allears.net/din/rec_grck.htm

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I had to try this interesting combo, when at the quick service
Restaurantosaurus in the Animal Kingdom!

It is a Macaroni & Cheese Hot Dog topped with bacon bits.
It was ok, but I think that I can upgrade this at home to gourmet status by using higher quality ingredients.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/restaurantosaurus/

IMG_2569Dining at the Sanaa Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Resort
Eric and Brandy had headed back home the day before. :o( https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/sanaa/

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The star of the Sanaa meal, for me, was their signature banana cheesecake with pistachio crust (center) and, of course, the sight of African animals roaming just outside the window!

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Gotta have Mickey Waffles while at Walt Disney World! YUM! These were served at the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma’s breakfast buffet with tasty Jamba Juice. The baked bread pudding with praline sauce (to the right of the Mickey waffles) was delicious, too! Bacon was the perfect side.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/boma-flavors-of-africa/

IMG_2598Ajaye (age 5) enjoying a sweet treat from Downtown Disney

FAMILY Time at Disney

Dale and I cherish our time together with our family. Disney afforded us the opportunity; to not only enjoy each other’s company throughout the week, but to witness the marriage proposal of Trevor to Tanya! How special to be present for that wonderful moment. We also joined Eric in the celebration of his birthday that week, enjoying the day at Hollywood Studios. On our final WDW night, we all delighted in staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, something new for all of us. Sharing time together with our kiddies, and playing at Walt Disney World, equals a wonderful week!

Screen Shot 2014-07-15 at 10.24.18 AMTrevor proposes to Tanya at Portobello Restaurant in Downtown Disney on
June 22, 2014.

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Tanya says “YES!”, as Ajaye looks on.

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The happy couple plan a spring wedding. :o)
Proposal photos courtesy of Martese Ehm

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Ajaye jokingly covers his eyes as his mom and Trevor kiss in front of
Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. (My family refers to this as The Big Ball.)
Note Trevor’s “Just Engaged” and “Family Reunion” buttons, courtesy of Walt Disney World

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Our crew at Walt Disney World, 2014
I am guessing, judging from this photo, that Ajaye would rather be on a ride than posing for this photograph.  :o)

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Chandler and I share a silly moment on the Magic Kingdom ride “It’s a Small World” with an equally silly Martese and Mike in the background. (Sorry for the poor quality due to low lighting.) I first encountered this ride as a six year old at the 1964 World’s Fair. (Now you can calculate my age. :o)) I still remember it!

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Brandy’s brother, Brandy, and Eric are eyeglass ready for the Michael Jackson mini-feature film “Captain EO”. When Trevor was a little tyke, he was very afraid of this one!

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Mike modeling Muppet wear at the
Journey Into Imagination With Figment gift shop

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Chandler speeds down the 12-story drop on Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach
Needless to say, I was only a spectator for this one!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/blizzard-beach/summit-plummet/

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After a day at Blizzard Beach, Martese, Mike, Chandler, Dale, and I hit the Winter/Summerland Miniature Golf Course next door, complete with Christmas Carols playing overhead.
Most fun putt putt golf course, EVER!

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Brandy and Chandler sing “Happy Birthday” to Eric at The Brown Derby.


Brandy poses with her new friend, Minnie, and me with my buddy, Mickey

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Tanya and Chandler take aim at the Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®


Ajaye visits with the toy army man from Toy Story in Hollywood Studios
AND
A big Toy Story and Buzz fan, Ajaye is all smiles standing next to the giant Buzz toy in Downtown Disney

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Martese and Mike waiting for the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular to begin

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Chandler enjoying Hollywood Studios

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IMG_2555Rhinos and Elephants and Giraffes, oh my!
Scenes from our Safari ride at Animal Kingdom.
(We liked it so much that we went twice in one day!)

This great ride has been rated #5 from all the African safaris that you can take worldwide. (Click on the link below to read the article.)
https://www.yahoo.com/travel/most-sought-after-safaris-in-africa-91381058117.html?soc_src=mags

Being the old movie fan that I am, I always imagine myself on this Disney safari with John Wayne as my guide, like in the 1962 movie Hatari! (If you haven’t seen this one, I highly recommend it!)

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For information on the movie Hatari!, such as, most of the stunts were done by the actors on this film, click on the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatari!

A Night at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Having rented a very nice, comfortably spacious house 15 miles from Disney World for the other nights, we decided to splurge on the final night, staying somewhere new to all of us. For our final night’s lodging, we reserved (thanks to Martese’s Disney travel agent expertise) a couple of rooms at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. (Eric and Brandy’s jobs dictated that they go back home, the day before.) We opted for hotel rooms overlooking the savannah. I can not overstate the delight that we all experienced upon walking out on our balcony to watch giraffes (my favorite), zebras, warthogs, and other African wildlife grazing a mere three floors below us! It was wonderful!

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Dale, checking up on the latest news, while enjoying the lobby of
The Animal Kingdom Lodge

(Note the footbridge in the background)

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Dale and I enjoy a stroll on the footbridge in The Animal Kingdom lobby
Photo courtesy of Martese Ehm

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Loving our balcony view (after a hot day at Animal Kingdom) at
The Animal Kingdom Lodge

Photo courtesy Martese Ehm

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Martese, and Chandler in the next room, look over the balcony at the amazing display of African animals

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The thrilling view from our balcony
Photos courtesy of Martese Ehm

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Enjoying watching the graceful giraffes

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Our crew viewing the animals at ground level, just outside the Sanaa Restaurant

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I just HAD to include this precious photo taken from our July 2012 trip to WDW. Eric captured this magical moment, at the Epcot aquarium, as a park scuba diver came up to greet a mesmerized Ajaye.

(Note the thickness of the glass.)
This wonderful photo taken by Eric Barnes

Thanks for reading! :o)
Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
I will talk to you again around July 29.

A great BIG thank you to all of my blog followers!!!
You inspire me to continue this endeavor.
I truly appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

I invite you to sign up to get “I’m Annette” via email.
To receive “I’m Annette” via email, FREE, yes FREE, immediately upon posting, sign up on the right-hand side of this page.
Did I mention that this service is FREE?

To read my previous Disney World related post from July 2013, Walt Disney World Really Cooks!, which includes a WDW recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo; please click on the link below.
https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/tag/walt-disney-world/

Planning a Disney Vacation?

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Our Daughter, Martese Ehm, is a Magic Maker® for Off to Neverland Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for any of the Disney Destinations, and other vacation locations.
Martese’s vacation planning services are FREE!
Website: marteseehm.offtoneverland.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martese-Ehm-Off-to-Neverland/258249034343274

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Beautiful Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom
Photo Courtesy of Eric Barnes

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Hitting a Homerun with Fun Baseball Flicks

Posted on June 17, 2014 by oltimetv

June 14, 2014

Hitting a Homerun with Fun Baseball Flicks

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With my hubby, Dale, at a Cleveland Indians-Baltimore Orioles baseball game
at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Fall 2008

 Last weekend was a Baseball Flick Week-end. A marathon of my baseball movies of choice had been running for two days at my house. It was such fun! As an ode to summer and a nod to Father’s Day (Happy Father’s Day!), I would like to enthusiastically share with you, MY baseball movie favorites. Please, read along, and you may discover a new (to you) baseball film to enjoy!

 Annette’s Top Baseball Movie Picks

 Rhubarb (1951)

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Rhubarb is probably the least known of all my baseball movie picks, yet it is one of the most enjoyable. Rhubarb features a feral/stray cat who is adopted by eccentric millionaire, TJ Banner (Gene Lockhart). With Banner’s passing, the majority of his estate is willed to Rhubarb, including a professional baseball team. William Frawley, Fred of I Love Lucy fame, is the team’s manager, and look for Leonard Nemoy, Spock of Star Trek, as one of the ball players. Ray Milland stars as Rhubarb’s, often frustrated, guardian. This fun film is a “home run” from start to finish!

 To read more about Rhubarb, please click on the links below.
http://roarofthetigers.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/the-greatest-baseball-movie-of-all-time-and-youve
probably-never-seen-it/

 http://www.classicfilmboy.com/2013/05/rhubarb.html

 

It Happens Every Spring (1949)

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Before there was Rhubarb, Ray Milland starred in another baseball comedy, It Happens Every Spring. This time, Milland is a college professor who invents a formula, which acts as a wood repellent. Armed with his secret potion, the professor embarks on a successful second career as a major league pitcher. (The major league baseball commissioner, at the time, frowned upon this plot, due to the “cheating/formula” element, and did not sanction this film.) Paul Douglas stars as Milland’s catcher and buddy, and Jean Peters, (at one time, the millionaire Howard Hughes’s real life wife) plays Milland’s girlfriend. This film is a silly joy to watch.

 To read more about It Happens Every Spring, please click on the links below.
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79519/It-Happens-Every-Spring/videos.html

 http://www.classicfilmboy.com/2013/05/it-happens-every-spring.html

 Angels in the Outfield (1951)

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The last in my trio of baseball black and whites is the 1951 classic, Angels in the Outfield. Paul Douglas (who also was in the film mentioned above) stars as the fictitious Guffy McGovern, the salty manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. When orphan Bridgett White (Donna Corcoran, was discovered for this film.) begins praying for the team and its manager,  a guardian angel is sent to help out. Janet Leigh stars as the sports reporter, who first breaks the story. Cameos are provided by some of the ball players of the day and Pirate’s part owner, Bing Crosby. Take note of the manner in which the manager’s swearing is unrecognizably garbled, a technique later famously used in the holiday favorite The Christmas Story. This entertaining baseball movie was remade forty-three years later with the same name. (The 1994 Disney remake is worth a look, as well.)

 To read more about Angels in the Outfield, please click on the links below.
http://www.classicfilmboy.com/2013/05/angels-in-outfield.html

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109127/

 http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/14945/Donna-Corcoran

 Rookie of the Year (1993)(PG)

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I love this film! When my kids were growing up, it was a family favorite. Recently, I was overseas, and a bit homesick, and when this movie came on, all was well again. :o) Thomas Ian Nicholas’s character is so very likable, and despite the fantasy of the situation, one is easily drawn into the premise. Henry Rowengartner (Nicholas) is a twelve year old who breaks his arm, and finds that his tendons have healed a “little tight”. This abnormality enables Henry to throw over 100 miles per hour, so of course, he becomes the MBA’s youngest player ever, when signing on with the Chicago Cubs. Gary Busey stars as Henry’s mentor, and fellow Cub, Chet Steadman. John Candy adds extra comic relief as the long-suffering Cub’s announcer. Cameos of players of the 1990’s include a slender Barry Bonds.

 To read more about Rookie of the Year, please click on the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rookie_of_the_Year_(film)

 The Sandlot (1993)(PG)

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Another family favorite around my house, The Sandlot rates high in baseball fun. When first viewing this movie upon its release in the theatre, I discovered that my sense of humor differs from much of the film going population. I was laughing, somewhat loudly, during one particular scene, while others in the audience were grimacing at the grossness. (Not THAT gross. I will not say more, as I do not wish to spoil the movie for your first timers.) I also love the early 1960’s vibe throughout the film. :o) Tom Guiry stars as Scott “You’re killing me” Smalls with a cast of talented youths, Karen Allen (Raiders of the Last Ark) and James Earl Jones (Voice of Darth Vader and Terence Mann in Field of Dreams) as Mr. Mertle.

 To read more about The Sandlot, please click on the links below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandlot

 Little Big League (1994)(PG)

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The third in a trio of early 1990’s baseball films, Little Big League rounds out the set. Minneapolis is the setting for this amusing baseball flick. Luke Edwards stars as Billy Heywood, grandson of the owner of the Twins. When his grandfather unexpectedly dies, Heywood becomes the eleven-year-old owner of the team. Timothy Busfield, who also starred in Field of Dreams, plays Twins player Lou Collins. Several major league players of the day make cameos, including Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr.

 To read more about Little Big League, please click on the links below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110363/

 Field of Dreams (1989)(PG)

 

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The final movie on my “Baseball Movie Hall of Fame” list holds a special place in my heart. Field of Dreams setting is an Iowa cornfield, and having grown up in Iowa, I can not help but feel a sentimental attachment to it. I love the verbal exchange between the movie’s characters Ray Kinsella and his father, John.

John Kinsella: “Is this heaven?”

Ray Kinsella: “It’s — it’s Iowa.”

John Kinsella: “I could have sworn it was heaven.”

This baseball fantasy makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, and having visited the site of its filming, twice, makes it even more precious. What a joy it is to watch this sweet tale of baseball interwoven between various relationships, past and present, as they pertain to farmer, Kevin Costner/Ray Kinsella.

A touching favorite, it is no wonder that the 25th anniversary of this film is being celebrated this Father’s Day weekend.

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Our two youngest two, Chandler and Martese, explore thee cornfield in
Dyersville, Iowa, site of the movie, Field of Dreams
June 2009

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Is this Heaven? By Lisa Johannes

I love this print! -A souvenir from our 2009 visit to the Field of Dreams site.

To read more about Field of Dreams, please click on the links below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_of_Dreams

 http://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/local/2014/06/14/kevin-costner-returns-field-dreams-site/10512109/

That Touch of Mink (1962) 

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Although not a baseball film, I had to include this cute Doris Day/Cary Grant film for one scene that takes place in the Yankee’s dugout. Baseball greats Yogi Berra’s,
Mickey Mantle’s and Roger Maris’s cameo in That Touch of Mink is great fun to watch.
To see this clip, click this link https://youtu.be/-nuEZAZyfGs

Annette’s Classic TV Baseball Picks
(Leo Durocher, Los Angeles Dodger manager in the early 1960’s, made guest appearances in all three of these.)

 

The Munsters: Herman the Rookie:  Season 1, Episode 29 (April 8, 1965)

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Funny!!! Herman Munster meets baseball! (Herman is similar to Frankenstein, only family friendly. The Munsters creators also were responsible for Leave it to Beaver.) Herman gets a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and mayhem ensues.

 To watch a clip of Herman the Rookie, please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKBpn13P5oQ

 

Mister Ed: Leo Durocher Meets Mister Ed:  Season 4, Episode 3 (September 29, 1963)

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Mr. Ed, the talking horse, visits the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Several players of the day have cameos, including Sandy Koufax and announcer Vince Scully.) Watching Mr. Ed hit the ball, run the bases, and slide into home is a hoot, and makes watching this episode well worth your time!

 For a clip of Mr. Ed sliding into home plate, please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlVr45CHOuA&feature=kp

 Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts and the Dodgers:  Season 1, Episode 29 (April 10, 1963)

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While on the golf course, Jethro impresses Dodger manager Leo Durocher with his throwing arm. Silliness is the result when Jethro gets a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 To watch The Clampetts and the Dodgers episode, please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQexg3K8hKY

 

MLB Stars Make an Appearance on Classic Television

 The Brady Bunch: The Undergraduate, with Wes Parker (First Baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and broadcast announcer.)  Season 1, Episode 17 (Jan 23, 1970)

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–

The Brady Bunch: The Dropout, Don Drysdale (Pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Broadcast announcer.)  Season 2, Episode 1 (September 25, 1970)

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To watch a clip of Don Drysdale in The Dropout, please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eexB8e8VfaY

 Bewitched: Twitch or Treat, Willie Mays (Center fielder with the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets.)  Season 3, Episode 7 (Oct 27, 1966)

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 Why not, grab yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jacks ala Take me Out to the Ball Game, and watch one of these entertaining baseball movies, right now?

For my Cracker Jack/Carmel Corn recipe, please click on the link below.
https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/07/31/lawrence-of-arabia-airs-this-saturday-evening-time-to-make-some-carmel-corn/

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

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To hear Take Me Out to the Ballgame in some interesting forms, including one from the 1955 episode of I Love Lucy, please click on the link below.
http://www.fender.com/news/ten-awesome-versions-of-take-me-out-to-the-ballgame/

 Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

 I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly, but will be on summer hiatus until July 16.

A great BIG thank you to my blog followers!!!

You inspire me to continue this endeavor. I truly appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

Sign up to get “I’m Annette” via email.

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Our youngest, Chandler, sliding into a base during a Little League game
Summer 2002

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Peanut Butter and Elvis!

Posted on May 5, 2014 by oltimetv

May 3, 2014

Peanut Butter and Elvis!

2012-12-07 21.17.49
Running into “Elvis” in Maryland, in December 2012

 Yesterday, my trusty “Facebook Trending News” tool informed me that Britain’s royal princes, William and Harry, had just toured the home of The King, Graceland in Memphis, while in town for a friend’s wedding. Although, I have no impending weddings of friends, near Memphis, Graceland is on my travel “to do” list, too! Also on that list, is the Hawaiian island of Kauai (more specifically, The Cocoa Palms hit by 1992 Hurricane Iniki and slated to reopen in 2016.) where I can set foot in the land where Elvis once walked in “Blue Hawaii” (…one of my favorite Elvis films).

To read about the royals’ Graceland visit, click on the link below.
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-william-prince-harry-visit-elvis-graceland-pictures-201425

 article-1224715-070e0eba000005dc-61_634x742Elvis in front of his Graceland, 1957

 For more information on Elvis’s Graceland, click on the links below.
http://www.graceland.com/connect/gracelandcam.aspx

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1224715/Birthplace-rocknroll-Discover-real-Elvis-Presley-tour-Mississippi-Memphis.html

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The final/wedding scene in Elvis’s Blue Hawaii, with Joan Blackman, 1961

 To read more about “Blue Hawaii’s” Kauai, click on the links below.
http://movies.elvispresley.com.au/blue_hawaii.shtml

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054692/locations

 http://www.examiner.com/article/50th-anniversary-of-elvis-blue-hawaii-celebrated-on-kauai

 http://www.gohawaii.com

 Elvis and Me
(Yes, I know, Priscilla wrote a book by this same name.)

 It seems that Elvis Presley has always been around. While in elementary school, Elvis was one of my first Hollywood crushes. In the 1970’s, while my high school peers were listening to the heavy metal hits of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, I preferred singing along to the lyrics of Elvis’s “Return to Sender” and “Little Sister” from some fifteen years earlier. And when it was announced that Elvis would be singing in my hometown of Ames, Iowa, just after my high school graduation, I happily shelled out $12 of my hard-earned baby-sitting money to attend with five friends. The highlight of that evening came when my friends and I let out a perfectly timed scream amid a brief stage silence, and Elvis looked directly at the five of us, doing his infamous swivel shudder. Bud-um. Oh, Yeah! And, when my husband’s sister and later his mother, moved to Cape Cod, there came yet another Elvis connection. The beautiful and historic church where they attend, “graces” the album cover of Elvis’s 1967, How Great Thou Art.

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Petersen Schmidt 15 6

A ticket and newspaper clipping  from that historic night in 1976.
 Thanks to my good friend Jodie, for these two photos!

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Elvis made the front page of my hometown newspaper,
after his performance the night before.

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I recently found MY ticket, and the newspaper (above) from this historic evening.
Added August 2020.

1975-16
Elvis performs at James W. Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
On May 28, 1976, to 14,750 fans
Elvis wore his “Bicentennial Jumpsuit”
http://www.elvisconcerts.com/jumpsuits/1975-16.htm

 http://www.elvisconcerts.com/concerts

 http://tcbelvisworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/elvis-concert-list-1976.html

Elvis_How_Great_Thou_art
Elvis on the cover of his 1967 album with a Cape Cod church in the background

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_Great_Thou_Art_(Elvis_Presley_album)

 http://www.firstchurchsandwich.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Church_History.pdf

 The Sandwich That Elvis Made Famous

 The fried peanut butter and banana sandwich has become synonymous with the legend that is Elvis. Just type in this delicacy on Google, and over two-dozen pages of recipes pop up on how to recreate this tasty, although not low fat, Elvis comfort sandwich. Being a cookbook lover extraordinaire, I am the proud owner of two Elvis cookbooks, both of which share the recipe for this Elvis culinary treat. After all, no Elvis cookbook worth its weight in paper would be worth anything without the inclusion of this recipe. I have included the recipe for Elvis’s Peanut butter and banana sandwich below, sort of combining the best of both cookbook recipes.

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My two Elvis cookbooks: Elvis in Hollywood, by Elizabeth McKeon
(Thanks for introducing this one to me, Aunt Liz!), and Are you Hungry Tonight? ,
by Brenda Arlene Butler.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

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Elvis, eating a sandwich in “G.I. Blues”

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

2 slices white bread

peanut butter

butter

Directions

Mash up peeled banana in bowl.

Toast bread lightly.

Spread peanut butter on one piece toast,

And other piece with mashed banana.

Fry sandwich in melted butter until each side is golden brown.

Drain on paper towel.

For another variation of Elvis’s sandwich, check out this blog https://suckitmartha.com/2012/09/24/elvis-peanut-butter-banana-sandwiches/

 How to Make Your Own Peanut Butter

Why would anyone make his own peanut butter, you ask? Well, when my children were young, and natural peanut butter choices were scarce, making my own natural peanut butter, sans the added sugars, was pretty much my only option. More recently, when my husband and I were overseas, natural peanut butter was non-existent, so it required that I dust off my peanut butter making skills once again. I have had several people ask me, recently, for my recipe, so here it is. It is easy to make, as long as you can find good quality cocktail peanuts and have a heavy-duty food processor.

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 Homemade Natural Peanut Butter

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Ingredients

 2-3 cans (approximately 12-14 ounces each), or bags, of cocktail peanuts

 Yep, that’s it!

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Directions

Pour peanuts into food processor canister, reserving about 1/3-1/2 cup, if you want the crunchy variety.

You may wish to use earplugs, depending how noisy your food processor is.

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Chop for 1-2 minutes, and stop to stir down. Your food processor will get hot, and burn out your motor, if you do not stop every minute, or two, and stir. Continue to process, stopping every 2 minutes, for about 8 minutes.

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Add last 1/3-1/2 cup peanuts, if making chunky peanut butter,
and process about 30 seconds- one minute, until chunks are the size that you prefer.

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That’s it!  Store in the refrigerator, in covered container.

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When at home, I use one can of regular cocktail peanuts and one can of lightly salted. 

 Peanut, Peanut Butter…

 I just could not write this blog about peanut butter without including a quick mention of PBS’s Barney the Dinosaur’s rendition of the song “Peanut Butter”. A favorite with our youngest, in his toddler years, this song was often heard coming from the Barney video plugged into our home VCR. :o)

To hear Barney belting out this tune, click on the link below.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usz_4pmXsT0

 Elvis Craft on my Crafting “To Do” List

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Isn’t this cute? Over at the blog Makely School for Girls, Lindsay posted the instructions on how to make this. I am not sure where this would fit into my home décor, but when I figure it out, I am making this fun DIY. To see how to create this Elvis masterpiece, click on the two links below.

 http://makelyhome.com/elvis-art-template/

 http://makelyhome.com/elvis-pressley-custom-artwork/

Test your Elvis movie knowledge

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Elvis made 31 movies during his career. While researching for this blog, I came across this fun Elvis movie quiz. Can you match each Elvis movie tag line with the movie it represents?

 Click on the link below to take the Elvis movie quiz.
http://www.elvisblog.net/2012/01/14/elvis-movie-match-up/

Click here, for another Elvis related blog post.

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
I will talk to you again around June 1.

 

As Elvis would have said, “Thank you, thank you very much”…

 A great BIG thank you, thank you very much, to my blog followers!!!

You inspire me to continue this endeavor. I truly appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

Avoid the Heartbreak Hotel, and sign up to get “I’m Annette” via email, so that you do not miss the latest installment.

If you do not currently “follow” my blog, and would like to receive 
“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting,
please, sign up on the right-hand side of this page.
Did I mention that this service is FREE?

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Our eldest son, tapping into his inner Elvis, as his sister feigns a star-struck pose,
in 2007

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Lovin’ Cap’n Crunch French Toast

Posted on April 27, 2014 by oltimetv

April 27, 2014

 

Lovin’ Cap’n Crunch French Toast

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Enjoying The Blue Moon Café’s Cap’n Crunch French Toast, April 9, 2014

 Good ‘ol Captain Crunch, it/he stirs up all kinds of memories to this baby boomer (…on the young side of the baby boomer scale, of course.). Premiering in 1963, I remember the commercials for this cereal, encouraging me to (have my parents) purchase this new breakfast delicacy that was “fun to munch ‘cause it keeps its crunch”.

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Enjoy viewing the very first Cap’n Crunch commercial, click on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZSjFtdKcCU – t=38

 To view a fun website about Cap’n Crunch, click on the link below.
http://ripjaggerdojo.blogspot.com/2011/03/cereal-sellers.html

 As the years went by and I became a college student, and took a job as a part-time grocery cashier; Cap’n Crunch took on a different significance. I began to notice that four young men (all good-looking college room mates) had the habit of shopping each Sunday evening. With the encouragement of the older married full-time cashiers (they made themselves scarce when the guys came up to the register), the foursome soon began to choose my check out line exclusively, often with a bright red box of Cap’n Crunch among the purchases in their grocery basket. (This particular purchase always made me smile.) Needless to say, as a young college co-ed, I began to look forward to seeing this fab four each Sunday evening! It was not long, before we struck up a comfortable acquaintanceship and the guys began calling me “Grocery Lady” on their weekly shopping excursions. AND to make a long story, short, a year and a half after this quartet first showed up in my shopping lane, I married one of them! Yes, Dale! :o)

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Dale and me on July 4, 1977. We had been dating about one month.

 Fast Forward from the late 1970’s to April 2014. Dale and I are jubilant over the birth of our first grand child and visiting our two-day old bundle of cuteness at the hospital in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. After a fun visit with lots of baby snuggles, we ventured a couple of miles away to the nearby Fells Point area. My intention was to sample The Blue Moon Café’s Cap’n Crunch French Toast, made famous having been featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2008 (Season 3, Episode 10-Comfort Food).

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Holding our beautiful two-day old grand daughter at the hospital

 I have actually been preparing Cap’n Crunch French Toast for years, thanks to the recipe provided in Guy Feiri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives first cookbook (I own all three.). Being Annette, I have revised the recipe a bit, but have basically remained true to the original recipe. It was now time for me to compare my Cap’n Crunch French Toast with the original. (When I taught Parent-Child pre-school cooking classes for a county program, this French Toast recipe was one of the most popular recipes that I did.)

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My Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Cookbook

 To view The Blue Moon Café on a second visit featured on Guy Fieri’s show, click the link below.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/back-at-the-blue-moon-cafe-0188530.html

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Cap’n Crunch French Toast at The Blue Moon Café. Isn’t it cute, and it was yummy!

 The “comfort food” that arrived at our table did not disappoint. It was delicious! (There is one improvement that I could suggest. That is to serve this with authentic maple syrup. Using “the good stuff” takes this yummy recipe to a whole new level. :o)) In chowing down this uniquely original dish, I am happy to say that mine is a yummy replacement, if you can’t make it to The Blue Moon Café. :o)

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Captain Crunch is honored on the tabletop at The Blue Moon Café, Baltimore, Maryland

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Outside The Blue Moon Café in Baltimore, Maryland, Home of the delicious Cap’n Crunch French Toast

 

To read more information about Cap’n Crunch, click on these links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap’n_Crunch
http://www.mrbreakfast.com/cereal_detail.asp?id=53

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Cap’n Crunch French Toast

Inspired by The Blue Moon Café’s recipe via “Diner’s, Drive-ins and Dives”

 For a tutorial from The Blue Moon Café on how to make their classic, Click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqIejXUTT7M

 My recipe version for this delicious treat is below.

 

INGREDIENTS:

¾ cup skim evaporated milk

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 tea. real pure vanilla extract

3 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal

8-10 slices Texas Toast (thick-sliced white bread)

Butter for cooking

 

Real Maple syrup (Real stuff only, as it is best)

 

Optional garnish-prepared whipping cream and

fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries,

and sliced bananas

.

Directions:

Preheat, if using electric skillet,

or griddle, on medium heat.

 

Mix evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, whisking until combined.

 

Put cereal in large Ziploc bag, and use hand, or rolling pin,

until it resembles the texture of cracker meal, or a little larger.

Transfer to a shallow dish, like a pie plate.

 

Dip Texas Toast into milk mixture just until soft, not soaked.

Let excess liquid drip from the bread.

 

Press bread into cereal crumbs to coat evenly.

 

Add butter to warmed skillet. Cook cereal covered Texas Toast until caramelized. Flip and cook other side of toast, about 6-8 minutes total.

 

Remove from heat and top with warmed, real maple syrup.

If desired, garnish with strawberries, and/ or blueberries, and/or bananas and whipping cream.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

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Our Daughter, Martese Ehm, is a Magic Maker® for Off to Neverland Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for any of the Disney Destinations, and other vacation locations. Martese’s vacation planning services are Free!

 Website: marteseehm.offtoneverland.com

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martese-Ehm-Off-to-Neverland/258249034343274

 

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
I will talk to you again around May 12.

 A great BIG thank you to my blog followers!!!

You inspire me to continue this endeavor.

I truly appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

Please, sign up to get “I’m Annette” via email.

If you do not currently “follow” my blog,

and would like to receive

“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting,

please, sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

Did I mention that this service is FREE?

 Image
One last peek at our gorgeous grand daughter.  Dale and I are proud grand parents!

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Bunny Rap

Posted on April 14, 2014 by oltimetv

http://youtu.be/y1YdCOHlWg8

This is a song my son and his buddy made about wanting a bunny. Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Easter: Bunnies, Babies, and Patent Leather

Posted on April 10, 2014 by oltimetv

April 11, 2014

Easter: Bunnies, Babies, and Patent Leather

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With my new grand daughter on April 8, 1014
Isn’t she a doll baby?  (Details in the blog post below.)

 Easter was always the high water mark for spring in my early years in Iowa. Not only did it mean that the frigid snow had melted away with warmer weather ahead, and that the world was in bloom, filled with glorious color, including flowers of my favorite blue-purple (periwinkle) variety, but it was the stuff of my little girl dreams. It meant that deliciously, luscious chocolate would be found in my Sunday morning Easter basket, and that I would be outfitted in a NEW Easter ensemble, complete with shiny, black patent leather (…still a favorite of mine!) purse and matching shoes to wear to church that Easter Sunday.

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My younger sister, Cheryl, and I pose for an Easter photo in 1969.
Check out the shiny patent leather handbags and my groovy matching shoes

 Holidays are memory makers, and Easter is no exception. In addition to cultivating my love of patent leather, another one of my favorite early Easter memories, is my Grandma Westphal’s Easter cupcakes. I always looked forward to the sight of those “Easter basket” frosted cupcakes sprinkled with green tinted coconut, jelly bean “eggs”, a yellow pom pom chick, and topped with an arched pipe cleaner as a basket handle. As we had our own children, we created our own Easter memories, filled with Easter outfits, Easter church services celebrating Christ’s resurrection, Easter Egg hunts, and Easter gifts, including a real white bunny, quickly named Fluffy,  for our son Spencer.

(I would love for you to, please, share in the comments section at the bottom, for everyone to read, your favorite Easter memory!)

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Easter 1996 in Texas with our four children, Spencer is holding Fluffy Bunny

 One favorite video that we played each year at Easter, when my four kiddies were young was the 1974“It’s the Easter Beagle,     Charlie Brown”. The sight of Snoopy cavorting with the local bunnies and delivering Easter eggs made for a smile-inducing 26 minutes.

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Snoopy and his bunny pals in “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown”

What is it about hulking grown men decked out in bunny costumes that I find so hysterical? Two particular bunny images come to mind.

The first image that lurks in the Easter archives of my mind  is in the 1970 episode of Bonanza-Caution: Easter Bunny Crossing, and features 300 pound Hoss (Dan Blocker) in a white bunny suit!

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Hoss (Dan Blocker) as a reluctant Easter Bunny on “Bonanza”

To watch this fun episode, click on the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO6ypCIBSTc

The second memorable bunny suit image in my mind is of John Wayne, yes THAT John Wayne, dressed in a fluffy pinkish bunny suit. He wore this costume on a 1969 show of that hip show, Sock It To Me, “Laugh-In”! Somehow, Wayne’s tough cowboy image is hard to align, in my head, with the cowboy image shown below. :o)

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John Wayne adorned in bunny gear

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John Wayne in one of my favorite movies, “McLintock”

 Another cowboy, who will always be entrenched in Easter lore, is the actor and singer Gene Autry. The “singing cowboy’s” popular 1950 hit “Here comes Peter Cottontail” is still heard today during the Easter season. (Autry also sang “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “Here Comes Santa Claus” to great success.)

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Autry

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Cowboy Gene Autry sings “Here Comes Peter Cottontail”
To hear this Easter hit, click on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XQLypAGqTc

To listen to a fun “Bunny Rap” click here.

 Easter is a celebration of new life, at springtime, when all is anew, as green grass begins to show itself, plants bud and begin to bloom, and nature’s creatures prepare for their new offspring. This year, on April 7, this Easter season has brought a new little life into Dale’s and my world, our first grandchild! It goes without saying, that she is gorgeous! Spencer (Penny) Marie came into the world at 9 pounds, 2 ounces and 21 inches long. The proud parents, Spencer (our son) and Cayce, are doing fine.

 

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 Dale and I are extremely proud grandparents!

 In honor of Easter, I would like to share with you four wonderful Easter printables (to put in a frame, magnet to the fridge, or post on a bulletin board), and one craft, that some very talented, fellow, bloggers have so generously allowed me to share with you. Just click on the link below the printable that you wish to print out, or for the craft directions, and it will take you to the blogger’s site.

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http://www.lepapierstudio.com/blog/2011/03/free-printable-tea-time-silhouette.html

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Available in several different colors!

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/02/easter-peter-cottontail-free-printable.html

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 I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Available in a few different colors!

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2009/02/contact-me-with-questions-or-comments.html

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http://www.hymnsandverses.com/2013/03/easter-chalkboard-printable.html

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Pictured above is the bunny centerpiece that I made a couple of years ago, using Rook 17’s instructions.

http://www.rookno17.com/2011/03/easter-decorating-diy-moss-bunny.html

The “hopping bunnies on a stick” are available this year, again, at Pier 1 for $2.95 each. Item #: 2758029

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Happy Easter!

 

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

 

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
I will talk to you again around April 28.

A great BIG thank you to my blog followers!!!

You inspire me to continue this endeavor.

I truly appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

Please, sign up to get “I’m Annette” via email.

If you do not currently “follow” my blog,

and would like to receive

“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting,

please, sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

Did I mention that this service is FREE?

 

 Image

“He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny.” “… he looks like a pink nightmare!”

Mr. Parker from “A Christmas Story”

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Delighting in Dubai

Posted on March 20, 2014 by oltimetv

March 20, 2014

Delighting in Dubai

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My “selfie” in front of my hotel window. The magnificent Burj al Arab dominates the background.

 Amazing!  That is how I describe the current view from my hotel window.  Dubai’s crowned jewel, the iconic Burj al Arab, is perched upon its man-made island just outside my window from our Jumeirah Beach Hotel.  Surrounded by the inviting aqua blue waters of the beautiful Persian Gulf, and embellished by numerous, towering, swaying palm trees, next to a beach of ecru-colored sand, this is a vacationer’s delight.  March 15, 2014

How did this one-time Iowa girl find herself in such an exotic location?  Marriage.  No, I did not marry into a family of untold monetary wealth. My husband was in Dubai (UAE) for a series of meetings and conferences due to work, while I, somewhat guiltily (Okay, I admit, not all that guiltily.) spent my time in a much more leisurely manner. It was a wonderful week.

In addition to continually gazing out of my hotel window, I enjoyed:

  • Experiencing the Burj al Arab, including an incredible dinner at the top floor’s Al Muntaha Restaurant
  • Dining at the numerous restaurants on the Jumeirah Beach Hotel site
  • Shopping and eating at The Mall of the Emirates
  • Lazing on the beach
  • Trying on a million dollar diamond ring….

As someone once aptly put it, a picture is worth a thousand words, so with that sentiment, why not sit back, relax, and join me on a tour, complete with photos, of the delights of my very enjoyable week in Dubai.

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Early evening in front of our hotel-The Jumeirah Beach Hotel

 Happily gazing at the Burj al Arab daily, often brought to mind the first photo that I ever saw of this architectural masterpiece.  It was on a calendar, and Tiger Woods (in 2004) was swinging his golf club atop the hotel helipad, the Gulf’s water and Dubai’s coastline far beneath him. Being one of the tallest hotels in the world, The Burj al Arab has been the inspiration for several other sporting exhibitions since its 1999 existence. Rory McIlroy, also, took golf shots from this location in 2011, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played tennis here in 2005, and David Coulthard did donuts in his Formula 1 race car in 2013 atop the infamous helipad. (No, the car DID NOT go up the elevator to get to the top.) I was, personally, lucky enough to witness the landing and take off of a pair of helicopters from this location during my stay, but unfortunately, saw no spectacular sporting feats.

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Tiger Woods golfs over the Gulf (Yes, that was a lame attempt at a pun.)
http://www.marshu.com/collection-architecture-dubai-burj-al-arab-emirates-helipad-tiger-woods-Image

I marveled as this helicopter landed on the helipad of the Burj al Arab.
The structure on the back right-hand side of the building is the Al Muntaha Restaurant and Skyview Bar.

 Check out the YouTube video below of Agassi and Federer on the helipad! Click on the link.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lxp8gz_QN0&feature=player_embedded

Click on the link below for more photos of the Burj al Arab and of the tennis match.

 http://www.home-designing.com/2008/11/burj-al-arab-interior

 Check out the YouTube video below of David Courtland and his Formula One Racecar doing donuts on the helipad.
Click on the link below.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDCOf0TG2IU

 For more information about the Burj al Arab and helipad stunts, click on the link below.

 http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/helipad-stunts/

Like Paris’s Eiffel Tower, and London’s Big Ben, the immediately recognizable form of the Burj al Arab symbolically identifies Dubai, with its unique stature, shaped like the sail of a Dhow/Arabian sailing ship upon the gulf. Known for its opulence, the interior of the Burj al Arab is filled with fountains, aquariums, and architectural details at every turn, drenched in 24-karat gold leaf. There are no ordinary rooms to offer its guests here, only suites, the most expensive demanding upwards of $18,000 per night.  Among the perks that guests enjoy, is a 24-karat gold leaf iPad “virtual concierge” in each suite, and a 24-hour per day butler service. Want a nightcap with a view? Skyview Bar patrons may sip on the most expensive cocktail in the world, at $9,000, or drink other offerings from an 18-karat gold souvenir glass.

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The impressive Burj al Arab

 

 To read more about, and view more of, the Burj al Arab hotel, please click on the links below.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_al-Arab_Hotel

 https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/

 http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1849667_1849594_1849205,00.html

 http://www.marshu.com/collection-architecture-dubai-burj-al-arab-emirates-inside-hotel.php

 http://www.goexcitetourism.com/pro_excite/frontend/main_tours_info.php?id_trs=27

 http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57585487-1/staying-at-the-burj-al-arab-enjoy-a-24-karat-gold-ipad/

 http://hardyservices.co.uk/news/burj-al-arab-dubai/

 http://www.therichest.com/luxury/the-burj-al-arab-dubais-luxury-hotel/

 

 foodie – a gourmet, or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food…[1] A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out for convenience or hunger.

The American heritage dictionary of the English language. (4th ed. ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 1992.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foodie

 I must admit that I am a foodie. My husband sweetly bowed to my foodie inclinations, and indulged me, by treating me to a very special dinner at the Burj al Arab. Ascending the glass elevator to the 27th floor, we were enveloped in a dining fantasy at the world famous Al Muntaha (Arabic meaning ‘The Ultimate’ or ‘The Top’). The views were breathtaking, the food phenomenal, and the service impeccable. It was a memorable evening. The “icing on the cake”, literally, came in the form of a delicious birthday cake and two-dozen beautiful roses delightfully presented to me by the restaurant wait staff. I was completely taken by surprise, and of course, jubilant! (The concierge had asked upon reserving our dinner time, if we were celebrating any event.  I jokingly replied, “My birthday was last week, does that count?” I guess that it does!!! :o) )

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Looking up, the interior of the Burj al Arab

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 Dining with Dale at the Burj al Arab’s Al Muntaha

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My special Burj al Arab birthday cake that we took with us to eat later. Yummy!

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Upon presenting me with these flowers, the waiter said, “I hope that the color of the roses suit you?”
They do!  Aren’t they beautiful?

 Although, not as extravagant as our meal atop Dubai, we found dining on site at the hotel both delicious, and very enjoyable.  Through that experience, I have become a big fan of British chef, Jamie Oliver, and his restaurant, Jamie’s Italian, eating there several times. I am especially in love with his Epic Brownies, which are just that -EPIC! (I found a recipe for them online, and am anxious to try it.) I also obtained a new recipe (I share it below, with my notes in parentheses.) thanks to another restaurant’s chef, for a delicious avocado bruschetta that we had our first night in Dubai.

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 At Jamie’s Italian with our wonderful waiter, Sammy

 Another dining experience afforded me the pleasure of happily scoring my favorite Avocado Egg Rolls from The Cheesecake Factory at The Mall of the Emirates. What fun to enjoy lunch and to be entertained out the restaurant window by the, mostly youngster, indoor skiers bundled up in their winter gear. After my meal, it was an enjoyable time spent shopping at the mall, methodically checking off the items from the shopping list that I had brought along.

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I had been dreaming about these avocado egg rolls for weeks! Note the blue inner tube in the background, out the window.

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Enjoying the view out my Cheesecake Factory window

 To read more about, and view more about The Mall of the Emirates, please click on the link below.
http://www.malloftheemirates.com

 Most days, while Dale worked, I happily planted myself under a beach umbrella on the sand. The temperature was perfect, the atmosphere, relaxing, and the view amazing.

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Enjoying my time on the beach. Yes, that is my foot.  :o)

 In addition to the restaurants, pools, and beach, the hotel property offers several shops with high-end merchandise. One day, while window-shopping in the hotel, I spied the most beautiful ring. I just had to ask how large the diamond was!  The staff was extremely nice, informing me that the center stone was 14 karats! They asked if I would like to see it. I told them that I would love to, informing them that I was not in any position to purchase the stunning piece.  The salesman took the sparkler out for me to admire and informed me that the price was, gulp, over one million dollars!  (Hey, no one can say that I that I do not have a discerning eye when it comes to jewelry!) They did say that they could reduce it to around $700,000, if I was interested. :o) An emerald-cut diamond of movie star quality, it is similar to Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from Prince Rainier (as seen in the movie “High Society”).

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This is what a 14 karat diamond looks like.

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This is what a nearly flawless, 14 karat diamond with side baguettes costs!

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Another diamond beauty, with natural color, WOW!

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Grace Kelly “graced” by her actual engagement ring in “High Society.”

In the film, Bing Crosby sees the ring and jokes, “Some stone, did you mine it yourself?”

  

To read more about Grace Kelly’s diamond ring, click below.

http://www.ballardgem.com/two-timeless-beauties-recalled-grace-kelly-and-the-diamond-engagement-ring-of-a-princess/

 I loved Dubai, but it was time say good-bye. Happily, I had one more (happy birthday) moment awaiting my return.  My birthday necklace from my hubby was finished being crafted and ready for pick-up. I was/am dazzled by the finished product.  I LOVE it!

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My beautiful royal blue topaz birthday necklace/gift

 To read my earlier post about choosing the stone, click on the link below.

https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/happy-birthday-to-dr-seuss-texas-and-me-o-2/

 Dubai Bruschetta

IMG_1913

Goat Cheese Bruschetta and Avocado (My notes in parentheses)

 What to  buy and Prep…

 50 Gm (1/4 cup) Goat Cheese (thinly sliced)

1 ea. Mini baguette bread

40 ml (scant 2 +3/4 Tbsp.) extra virgin olive oil

50 Gm/ (¼ cup) avocados

60 Gm (2 oz.) mixed lettuce

20 Gm(1.4 Tbsp.) Sundried tomatoes

20 Gm (1.4 Tbsp) fresh tomatoes

20 Gm (1.4 Tbsp) Gm Red onions

10 Gm (scant ¾ Tbsp) Coriander leaves (cilantro)

40 (2+generous 3/4 Tbsp) Gm Lemons

Salt and ground black pepper to taste.

 How to Make It…

  • Cut the breads into half
  • Preheat the oven to 180C (350F [actually 356])
  • Brush the olive oil on both sides of bread pieces,
  • then toast for 5 minutes (in oven)
  • Cut tomato, sundried tomato, red onion into small dices (pieces)
  • Add chop (chopped) coriander (cilantro) leaves
  • Combine all the ingredients together, season with salt, pepper, oil and lemon juice
  • Cut the avocado and goat cheese into slices
  • Top baguette slices with tomato salsa (4th step), avocado and goat cheese
  • Heat up under salamander (this is a professional broiler oven, use regular oven to broil)
  • Arrange the bruschetta in (on) the plate (pan)
  • (watch closely and remove when browned)
  • Toss well-mixed lettuce with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper
  • Serve the bruschetta with above mixed salad

(Bon Appetit!)

 I used Diana’s Desserts Conversion Calculator to convert the measurements of the original recipe, above.
http://dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/tools.measures/Measures.cfm

Thanks for reading!  :o)

 Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
Due to a bit of traveling, I will be taking a short break, and will talk to you again around April 14.

 A great BIG thank you to my blog followers! You inspire me to continue this endeavor.
I appreciate your loyalty and encouragement!

 If you do not currently “follow” my blog, I would love for you to join us! To receive 
“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting, I invite you to sign up on the right-hand side of this page. Did I mention that this service is FREE?

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Dale and me enjoying a sunset stroll on the beach

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Dale snapped this, of me, while I was blissfully (unaware) strolling down the beach.
The (only) bridge leading to the Burj al Arab is in front of me.

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The Frustrations of an Attempted Blogger, 
an addendum to yesterday’s blog post

Posted on March 5, 2014 by oltimetv

March 5, 2014

The Frustrations of an Attempted Blogger, 
an addendum to yesterday’s blog post

 Image

It began on March 6, 2013.  “Ya’ Gotta Start Somewhere!”, my first blog post, was a mere two sentences. With this inauspicious beginning, my entrance into the world of blogdom had begun. Since that day, I have learned about many aspects of the blogging world; revising a few things on my own blog along the way, and having gained a small, loyal readership, for which I am extremely thankful.  Unfortunately, I am still in blogging “kindergarten” with much to learn, and if I did not know this already, I found it out yesterday.

Generally, after posting a blog, I find a minor typo, or two, but after posting yesterday, I realized that a key photo was missing! Without going into all of the ins and outs of blogging, yesterday I had hit a glitch, technical difficulty, a boo boo, when trying to publish. In the frustrating process of working out the issue, a photo that I had intended to add, was overlooked.

So, to rectify this oversight, I present you with an addendum to yesterday’s blog entry.

Click on these links to read yesterday’s post, as well as my very first blog post.

https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/happy-birthday-to-dr-seuss-texas-and-me-o-2/

 https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/ya-gotta-start-somewhere/

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Dale, my wonderful hubby, preparing baking pans for my birthday cake

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Spreading the butter cream frosting on the birthday cake

Wishing for you a day void of frustration!

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. 
Talk to you again around March 25.

I would love for you to join my blog “following” to receive 
“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page. Did I mention that this is FREE?

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My delicious birthday cake, 2014

This recipe can be found on my previous post
https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/happy-birthday-to-dr-seuss-texas-and-me-o-2/

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Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, Texas, and Me! :o)

Posted on March 4, 2014 by oltimetv

March 3, 2014

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss, Texas, and Me! :o)

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Celebrating my March 2, 2014 birthday with my special cake made by my hubby

 March 2nd is my birthday.  I am in good company, sharing my big day with a big state, Texas, and a big name in the world of children’s books, Dr. Seuss.  The Lone Star State, where I once lived for 16 years (All four of our children were born there.), turned 178 years old this year with the 1836 signing of the Declaration of Independence, making Texas an independent republic. Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, and author of such children’s classics as Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, would have turned 110 this year.  I am happy to declare that I am younger than both of these “celebrities” who share my birthdate! :o)

My birthday this year was a good one, filled with the things that I love: classic movies, Disney, jewelry, food/cooking, and more importantly my family and friends. :o)

Image2003 Dr. Seuss Postage Stamp

 To read more about Dr. Seuss, please click on this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss

ImageThe State Flag of Texas

To read more about Texas Independence Day, please click on this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Independence_Day

I once read that the perpetually 39-year-old actor, Jack Benny, said “Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” I hold to this philosophy and really do not mind if people know my actual age. How old am I? I just turned 39, having been 29 last year. How does one gain ten years with just one birthday, you ask? My eldest, Trevor, turned 30 last month. Upon wishing him a Happy Birthday, I remarked that “We are a miracle of nature, with you turning 30, and your mother, me, just 29!” So with this birthday I decided that it is necessary to add another 10 years to my (fictitious) age, so I am now 39. (Big guffaw, hee hee, ho, ho…)  (Okay, so actually, I graduated from high school at the age of 18 in 1976, if you care to do the math, and are a fan of word problems.) The addition of ten years this birthday, not withstanding, I love birthdays! Birthdays are always a good reason/excuse to celebrate.  Here is how my wonderful 2014 birthday unfolded.

 

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Jack Benny in a cameo from one of my movie favorites,
“It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”

 

In my quest for a healthier self, I have been trying to be diligent about beginning my day with exercise; in the form of a semi-brisk walk, and a birthday was no excuse to “beg off”. My Australian friend, Jenny, joined me, this morning, on my birthday walk, making exercise feel like fun, as we chatted the steps away.  :o) A wonderful beginning to my day.

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Jenny, my talented friend from Australia, and me

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A post-walk selfie on my way home from my morning walk

 After a half day of work, Dale came home.  It was a treat to spend the day with my hubby, and the first in several years that we had been on the same continent  (due to his work commitments) on March 2nd, making this time together even more special.  My wonderful husband baked my special birthday cake, Raspberry Continental, (making it with strawberries since we could not find raspberries) (see recipe below), downloaded a movie for me to watch and one that I love (1966’s “Batman), and took me to the jewelry area of town, to the jewelry man who sells gems and makes jewelry to order. My friend Jenny calls this shop Aladdin’s Cave!! And indeed it was! It was so much fun looking at his inventory of loose rubies, sapphires, aquamarines, and a virtual rainbow of topazes. Yes, it has to be said; I WAS like a kid in a candy store! I felt like Marilyn Monroe’s character in “How to Marry a Millionaire”, when she dreams that jewels are being presented to her by the armload! (Yep, Marilyn and me.) Dale surprised me by instructing me to choose a stone to have made into a piece of jewelry.  I chose a stunning, emerald-shaped, royal blue topaz from Sri Lanka to be made into a pendant. Happy Birthday to Me!!! :o)

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“Aladdin’s Cave” of gems

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Happy with my Birthday Pick!

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Marilyn Monroe/Pola Debevoise dreams, sweet dreams, of being in Arabia and given an armful of jewelry to make her feel welcome “according to an old Eastern custom” in the movie “How to Marry a Millionaire”.

Back from my unique shopping experience, ravioli awaited me.  (Happily, a few days earlier, we had discovered Buitoni ravioli at the local grocery store-a rare occurrence.) Seven minutes of cooking the pasta, a little butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and voilà, dinner was served with my wonderful birthday cake for dessert. Delicious!

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A happy find at the grocery store! Just add butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the remainder of evening I enjoyed watching “Batman” and Disney’s 1962 “Sammy the Way Out Seal” (a great gift from my daughter and son-in-law via iTunes), while in-between, talking to my four kiddies who all called to wish me a happy day, and reading the slew of email and Facebook wishes from all of my terrific friends and family.  What a perfect way to end a perfect birthday!

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Batman and Robin climb up a wall with their batarang in the movie “Batman” (1966) (PG)

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Originally on “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color”, “Sammy the Way Out Seal” (1962)
explores what life would be like if one had a seal for a pet

 

 Raspberry Continental
(Annette’s birthday cake of choice)

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Ingredients:

 

1 pkg. yellow cake mix prepared according to box (with eggs, oil, water)

 

¼ cup butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

 

 ¼ cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 small pkg. frozen raspberries that are prepared with sugar-partially thawed (Strawberries may be used, instead)

 

(If using unsugared raspberries, increase sugar amount until sweet enough. This may take up to ¼ cup more, or so.)

 

1 cup whipping cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

 

 Preheat oven at 350 degrees

Directions:

Cake

Prepare cake per pkg. directions.

Divide evenly into two 8 in. greased and floured round pans.

Bake according to directions on box.

Cool completely.

Place one cooled layer on plate.

Spread with butter filling,

then with cooled (not chilled) raspberry filling.

Top with other layer of cake

(At this point it is advisable to lightly cover and put into the refrigerator for a couple hours, or overnight.)

Then frost cake cooled, assembled cake with cooled whipped cream

Chill until serving.

Keep this cake in the refrigerator.

 Butter filling

In small mixing bowl, beat softened butter.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Cream well.

 Raspberry filling

In small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch.  Add raspberries and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick and clear. (Be patient, as this takes awhile.)
For a seed-free filling, strain out the seeds with a small sieve.

Cool completely.

 Whipped cream topping

Whip whipping cream using clean, chilled bowl and chilled beaters.

When whipping cream is almost whipped,

gradually add ¼ cup powdered sugar.

Chill.

Enjoy, and Happy Birthday to you, whenever that may be!

 

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly.
Talk to you again around March 25.

I would love for you to join my blog “following” to receive
“I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page

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Adam West as Batman, one of my first childhood crushes! :o)

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Top of the Mornin’ to Ya!

Posted on February 23, 2014 by oltimetv
February 23, 2014

 

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya!

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Enjoying the Irish countryside on our visit to “Quiet Man” country” in September 2013

 PINCH!


That was the penalty administered by fellow students, when I was a child at Abby B. Sawyer Elementary School, if one forgot to wear green on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day…because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone was/is Irish! Teachers hurriedly safety pinned hastily cut-out construction paper shamrocks upon those green deficient children, as they entered the classroom, to ward off the annual pinchfest .  Years later, when I myself, taught elementary school, things had progressed, shimmery Hallmark shamrock stickers replacing the construction paper variety, yet still dispensed posthaste to those students neglectful of the wearin’ o’ the green each St. Patrick’s Day.

 $_57
St. Patrick’s Day “Armor”, Protecting against St. Patrick’s Day Pinches

 So, just where did this tradition of non-green wearing persons being subjected to the dreaded St Patrick’s Day pinch come from?  According to blogger Deborah in her fun post “Erin go Braugh!”, March 17, 2013 …

 The pinching on St. Patty’s Day was started in America sometime in the 1700′s. The myth said that leprechauns could not see a person dressed in green, and anyone they did see (anyone not wearing green) the leprechauns would pinch. So, be sure to wear green today otherwise the leprechauns (and random Irish-lovin’ strangers) will pinch you.

 For more from Deborah’s blog posting and wonderful 1940’s movie star St. Patrick’s Day photos, including this Maureen O’Hara one, please click on the link below the photo.

 

maureenohara
Maureen O’Hara, star of “The Quiet Man”
in a St. Patrick’s Day publicity shot

 http://hellcat-vintage.com/tag/maureen-ohara/ 

 

The Quiet Man:
A Film for St. Patrick’s Day,
and Vacation Inspiration, too.

 On that one day of the year when “everyone is Irish” and thoughts turn to the land of St. Patrick’s Ireland, one film comes to mind for me, The Quiet Man!  One of my very most favorite movies ever, and just chosen in December 2013 by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, this 1952 John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara film is indeed a classic.  In fact, it was “The Quiet Man” that was the impetus that led to a brief trip to Ireland for my husband and myself last fall. It was three days wonderfully spent!  :o)

IMG_0864
Standing next to the”Quiet Man Bridge”

 IMG_0633“The Quiet Man Bridge” in the movie

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At “The Quiet Man” Museum in Cong, next to replicas of wardrobe from the film

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Ruins in Cong (Ireland)

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Enjoying  the serine landscape of County Mayo, Ireland

Mayo county
County Mayo Sunset, September 2013

 Please, read my four blog postings on our Ireland trip.
Click on the links below.

 https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/the-quiet-mans-ireland-day-1/

 https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/the-quiet-mans-ireland-day-2-or-a-day-fit-for-a-quiet-man-crazy/

 https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/irish-gold-part-1-3/

 https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/05/irish-gold-part-2/

Watching The Quiet Man

 Watching “The Quiet Man” is a tradition each St. Patrick’s Day at our house.
(My four children were raised on the classics! :o)) I have owned this movie in several forms over the years, but many were disappointing in quality.  However, I highly recommend the new Blu-ray version!  The picture quality is phenomenal!

quietman_blu-300x420

The Quiet Man is my one “must watch” movie on March 17.
“The Quiet Man” now out on Blu-ray!

Update-The Quiet Man will air on Turner Classic Movies on
March 17, 2020 at 8:00 pm EST!

IMG_0230
Dale and me with the stream from “The Quiet Man” fight scene behind us

 To read more facts about The Quiet Man, please click on the post below.
Note, the fight scene was not shot at Ashford Castle as described,
but at a stream in the town of Cong.  (See photo above)

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045061/trivia

 Bonus St. Patrick’s Day Movies

 

 Song of the Islands (1942)

I stumbled upon this delightfully light-hearted film on Fox Movie Channel one day.
A musical comedy starring Betty Grable, this Hawaiian/Irish film, culminates with the tune “O’Brien Has Gone Hawaiian”performed at their St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the (fictitious) Hawaiian Island of Ahmi-oni Isle.

IMG_1282
Betty Grable performs “O’Brien has Gone Hawaiian” in the movie
“Song of the Islands”

 To view the lyrics for “O’Brien has Gone Hawaiian”,
please click on the link below.
 http://www.squareone.org/Hapa/o9.html

 For more information on “Song of the Islands”,
please click on the links below.
 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035361/

http://dawn-bettygrable.blogspot.com/2010/05/song-of-islands-1942.html

Luck of the Irish (2001)

This fun Disney film, with Irish flavor, has always been a favorite of my family.
It follows Ryan Merriman as a boy with very Irish roots on his mother’s side
(Spoiler Alert, his mother is a leprechaun!), and Cleveland (Ohio) roots on his
father’s side.  :o)

 220px-Disney_-_The_Luck_of_the_Irish

 This 2001 Disney Channel movie is currently showing on Disney+.
(This statement was posted as an update in March 2020.)

 To read more about “The Luck of the Irish”,
please click on the link below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274636/

 Leap Year (2010)

A sweet (PG) movie starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode.
(Update-This film is currently available to watch on Hulu in March 2020.)

Bonanza (1963)
S5, Ep12
Hoss and the Leprechauns

One, of two, humorous episodes of Bonanza that I enjoy
(the other being the Easter bunny episode).
View it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Iz4MCpCLk

The Emerald Isle (1948)

A short cartoon about Ireland.
Watch it at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIa1ZKO76Ho

St. Patrick’s Day Fun: A Craft and Recipes
 The Craft: LUCK in Green Glitter

2013-02-20 16.48.34 

DSCN0071_1024

As a fan and frequent persuer of Pinterest *,
I incorporated several ideas that found on this site, and combined them into my LUCK in green glitter project,
Green Glitter Letters.

Having done this project last year, or was it the year before?, I do not quite remember the sequence of my steps, but I think what follows is pretty close.

 Gather materials–

Letters L, U, C, K (Michaels, or Hobby Lobby)

Emerald Green acrylic paint(not sure of actual name)

Sponge brush (1 or 2)

Glue Gun and Glue gun sticks

Newspaper for painting and to catch excess glitter

          Green, finer grade, glitter (I think that I used Martha Stewart brand)

          Mod Podge

 Paint letters green.  It may take two coats. Let dry.

Hot Glue together letter in configuration desired. (If it needs more stability, staple gun back of letters, or

Refer to these great directions at http://www.lifesweetlifeblog.com/2010/12/diy-pottery-barn-knock-off-noel-sign.html.)

 Cover front of letters with Mod Podge.

 On newspaper sprinkle glitter over wet Mod Podge generously,

allowing extra glitter to spill onto the newspaper.

 Allow letters to dry.

 Pour spilled glitter from newspaper back into bottle.

 GOOD LUCK! :O)

 http://www.pinterest.com

You can follow my pins on Pinterest- In the search box type
“I’m Annette” blog-annettehoffman.wordpress.com


Other Items in my photo above:

 The Irish Blessing

Came from this fun blog below.
Click on it to visit her site.

 file://localhost/Printable http/::myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com:2008:03:happy-st-patricks-day.html%3Fpfstyle=wp

 

The Bless This House Sampler

This was a collaborative effort between
my daughter in law and myself.
After buying the supplies  (the frame, material , felt, embroidery thread, tag, stamping letters, and stamp pad), I cutout the shamrocks. Cayce stitched the saying, and sewed on the shamrocks.
I put it the frame, and added the stamped tag “All Who Enter Here”.

Other Items 

God Bless Shamrock was purchased at Hobby Lobby last year, or year before.

Shamrock lights were purchased at Target, I think, a year, or two ago.

 Candlesticks were a gift.  They were brass and I painted them white.

 

The Recipes

 

Two Easy and Delicious Treats for March 17,
or any day!

Easy Artichoke dip

Easy Artichoke dip

Easy Artichoke Dip

 Ingredients

1 can, or jar artichoke hearts, drained

1 cup of light mayonnaise ( I use light Hellman’s)

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Fresh is best)

 Crackers ie. Ritz, Club, Triscuits, or crudités (sliced, fresh veggies)

 Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine all ingredients, chopping up artichokes, if needed
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.  (The microwave can be used, too, if in a hurry.)

Serve with crackers or crudités.

 

 Irish Gold

tumblr_inline_mjnvi9c25A1qz4rgp 

Repinned from my earlier blog, Irish Gold 2
https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/05/irish-gold-part-2/

 This photo courtesy of http://blog.saymmm.com/page/3
Check out her blog filled with recipes by clicking on the link above.

Ingredients 

 Miniature Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich crackers,
(or 2 plain Ritz Crackers with peanut butter spread in the middle,
or just plain Ritz Crackers, if desired)

 
1 (12oz.) bag Butterscotch chips

 Directions

▪   Melt chips in in a microwave safe bowl.

▪   Carefully dip the crackers into the melted chips.

Set on wire rack, or waxed paper, and let butterscotch harden

Enjoy!

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. Talk to you again around March 18.

I would love for you to join my blog “following” to receive “I’m Annette” via email, FREE, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page. 

IMG_0221

Vintage Phone Booth in Cong (Ireland) where much of
“The Quiet Man” was filmed

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