I'm Annette!

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya!

Posted on February 23, 2014 by oltimetv

February 23, 2014

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya!

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.

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.

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)

Standing next to the”Quiet Man Bridge”

“The Quiet Man Bridge” in the movie

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

Ruins in Cong (Ireland)

Enjoying the serine landscape of County Mayo, Ireland

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!

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!

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.

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Abby B. Sawyer Elementary School, Bless this House sampler, Cong, Easy Artichoke Dip, Green, Irish blessing free printable, Irish Gold, John Wayne, LUCK glitter sign, Maureen O'Hara, Pinching, Song of the Islands, St. Patrick's Day, The Luck of the Irish, The Quiet Man, Top of the Mornin' to Ya | 15 Comments

If I Only had a Heart!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by oltimetv

February 10, 2014

If I Only had a Heart!

Hearts! When I see that sweet geometric shape, my heart (the anatomical variety) does a happy little leap. Hearts have always held a fascination with me, stemming from (I think…) the Tin Man and the gift bestowed upon him by the Wizard from that classic film “The Wizard of Oz”. I remember loving that scene as a youngster, watching the Tin Man (Jack Haley), with his sweet, gentle demeanor, accepting the Wizard’s gift of a heart. Hey, I even wanted that glorious clock heart “necklace”!

The Wizard presents the Tin Man with a heart in “The Wizard of Oz”

Samantha, of the classic TV show “Bewitched”, also had an item that piqued my heart interest as a child. (Okay, it still does.) That stunning diamond heart necklace of hers captivated me! Elizabeth Montgomery wore it weekly, making me want to reach into my family’s 1960’s television screen and snatch it for myself.

Elizabeth Montgomery wears a gift from her then real-life husband, a diamond necklace, on “Bewitched”

To read more about the necklace, and “Bewitched”, please click on the link below.
http://bewitchvic.tripod.com/faq.html

In addition to my early (heart) jewelry obsession (I still have it.), hearts were the central theme for the annual Valentine’s parties that I loved at the local Abby B. Sawyer Elementary School. Hearts surrounded us everywhere: on the walls, on the bulletin boards, on our purple smeared mimeographed worksheets, on our party treats, on our homemade Valentine boxes, and most importantly, on the Valentines that we were instructed to give to each classmate. Such heart-filled, fun memories! :o)

While looking at 1960’s Valentines online, I came across these.
I think that I may have given these out one year for Valentine’s Day!

To see more vintage Valentines, click on the link below.
http://organizedclutterqueen.blogspot.com/2013/02/sweet-valentines-from-my-childhood.html

Having always had a “heart” for hearts. (Yes, you may now laugh hysterically, that was a pun.) It was only natural that I chose, with Dale, a heart-shaped engagement ring 35+ years ago. Trendy, the heart cut was brand new at that time, and exclusive to Zale’s. Of course, I still love it, and the guy who goes along with it. :o)

Movies with Heart

There are a gazillion movies made in the past eighty years that deal with the affairs of the heart, but these four are my personal picks for Valentine’s Day.

Sleepless in Seattle(PG) (1993)

The Empire State Building all lit up for Valentine’s Day on “Sleepless in Seattle”

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star, along with Ross Malinger, in this fun romantic comedy, that even guys do not seem to mind. :o) Many references are made throughout this movie to the 1957 Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr film An Affair to Remember. (You may wish to include this on your to Valentine watch list, too.) Meg Ryan’s character in “Sleepless in Seattle” even suggests that she and Hanks meet on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day, just as Grant and Kerr were planning to do in their film.

Note: Some scenes were filmed in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point and nearby locations. :o)

To read more about “Sleepless in Seattle” location shots, click link below.
http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/s/Sleepless_In_Seattle.html – .UvoGSHlbT0s

Rocky(PG) (1976)

A “memorable” scene from “Rocky” A really memorable scene! :o)

“Rocky” is my sentimental pick for Valentine’s Day. My hubby and I went to see “Rocky” on our first date in June 1977, and then went out for pizza. If we do not get around to watching this for Valentine’s Day, then we are sure to view it for our May anniversary.

This is the film that made Sylvester Stallone a star. It is the story of a sweet underdog, heavyweight boxer who romances an ugly duckling (Adrian) while training for the national bout.

To read more about “Rocky”, click link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky

Pillow Talk(NR) (1959)

green gown Doris Day Pillow Talk
Doris Day and Rock Hudson star in “Pillow Talk”
Notice Day’s stunner necklace, above!

Doris Day and Rock Hudson star in this quintessential romantic comedy, that almost wasn’t. Rock Hudson turned down this part three times before finally accepting, deeming this role too risqué. Eye candy abounds in this film, from Doris Day’s fashionable wardrobe and fabulous jewels to the stunning sets and shiny automobiles. The smart script, clever repartee, and chemistry between the protagonists make this movie a must for Valentine Day, or anytime.

For more information on Pillow Talk, please click on the links below.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053172/trivia

http://www.glamamor.com/2011/10/cinema-style-file-doris-day-makes.html

The Wizard of Oz(PG) (1939)

“Oh, oh, it ticks!”

“The Wizard of Oz” is about love and friendship.( …not to mention that wonderful clock heart “necklace”) making it a perfect Valentine’s Day movie, or one to watch on any day. Dorothy (Judy Garland) and Toto’s journey with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion is chronicled in this heart warming tale. It is only through the group’s cohesiveness and sacrifice for one another, that they succeed. When the group must part ways, it is the sensitive Tin Man who tearfully proclaims, “Now I know I have a heart, because it’s breaking”.

Note: Shirley Temple, who was considered for the role of Dorothy, sadly passed away today at age 85.

For more information on the movie “The Wizard of Oz”, please click on the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz_(1939_film)

Sweets to the Sweet, a Recipe for Valentine’s Day

For Valentine’s Day, I am sharing my hubby’s favorite dessert. His mother gave me this recipe when we were first married. It is a must for his birthday, and also has shown up on our family table at Easter, Thanksgiving, and various meals throughout the year. I always double the recipe (shown in parentheses’) because when we had four kids around, this one disappeared in a hurry. Warning! Guard the refrigerator when this pie is cooling inside, or you may find random scoops of filling stealthily stolen before dessert time.

Chocolate Angel Pie
(Dad’s/Dale’s birthday cake of choice)

Dale’s Birthday 2011
Two of our sons wait impatiently for Dale to blow out the candles.

(I double this recipe for our family.)

INGREDIENTS:

(4) 2 egg whites

(1/4)1/8 tea. salt

(1/4 )1/8 tea. cream of tarter

(1) (1/2) cup granulated sugar

(1 or less) ½ cup chopped pecans

(1) ½ tea. real vanilla

(2) 1 bar German baking chocolate

(6) 3 Tbsp. hot water

(2) 1 tsp. vanilla

(2) 1 cup/1/2 pint whipping cream

(4) 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Preheat oven at 300 degrees.

Directions:

Crust

Beat egg whites in mixer until foamy.

Add salt and cream of tarter.

Beat until stands in soft peaks.

Add (1)1/2 cup granulated sugar, gradually.

Beat until very stiff. (Must be stiff to keep its shape.)

Fold in pecans.

Pour egg white mixture in 8 inch (9-9.5 inch) inch greased pie pan/dish and shape into bird’s nest.

Bake for 45-55 minutes until very lightly brown.

When done, remove pie shell from oven and completely cool.

Filling

Melt bar(s) of German baking chocolate with the hot water. * (I do this very carefully in the microwave. 30 seconds, stir, 30 more seconds, stir, etc. Do not over-do, as chocolate will become grainy!)

Allow to cool.

In the meantime, whip up the whipping cream, adding the powdered sugar slowly until blended in.

Add (2)1 tsp. vanilla to cooled chocolate, and gently fold in whipping cream.

Place mixture into cooled meringue pie shell. (If crust is not cooled, will melt filling.)

Garnish with chocolate chips, curls, etc., if desired.*

Refrigerate.

*What if your recipe calls for melting chocolate along with water or some other type of liquid? That’s fine, as long as the liquid is mixed with the chocolate from the beginning of the melting process, it won’t get grainy on you, (but adding even a drop in mid-melting will cause this problem).

62697064197__339B805D-8E1F-4F99-9919-DA3188C2E96C

Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate gives this pie its chocolate flavor.
Photo added in 2020.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! :o)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. Talk to you again around February 24.

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

Cupid-Young Shirley Temple (with Jimmy Dunn), 1935
To read more about Shirley Temple, click on the links below.
http://mothgirlwings.tumblr.com/post/3285420767/jimmy-dunn-and-shirley-temple-1935
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Temple

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 1960's Valentine's, Bewitched, Chocolate Angel Pie, Empire State Building, heart necklace, Heart shaped ring, Hearts, Pillow Talk, Rocky, Sawyer Elementary School, shape, Shirley Temple, Sleepless in Seattle, Tin Man, Valentine's Day, Valentines, vintage Valentines, Wizard of Oz | 12 Comments

Football, the Super Bowl, and John Madden’s Super Bowl Stew

Posted on January 23, 2014 by oltimetv

January 23, 2014

Football, the Super Bowl, and John Madden’s Super Bowl Stew

Me, enjoying Monday Night Football at a cold FedEx Field in
Landover, Maryland
The San Francisco 49ers vs. The Washington Redskins
November 25, 2013

The Super Bowl-a very American tradition, which occurs yearly, and involves eating, watching creative commercials, eating, watching two football teams compete for the title of national champion, complete with an entertaining halftime show, and more eating.

Super Bowl XLVIII (48) is just around the corner on Sunday, February 2. The Denver Broncos square off against the Seattle Seahawks in New Jersey’s Met Life Stadium, and outdoors! Brrr… Like much of America, I will be watching, while paying particularly close attention as each new (Super Bowl) commercial airs, at a cost of approximately 4 million dollars for a mere 30 seconds!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/04/super-bowl-advertising-marketing-fox-commercials/3862761/

Over the years, the Super Bowl has brought us some memorable commercials. Below are three of my favorites.

Three Memorable Super Bowl Commercials

Mean Joe Green and Coca-Cola (1979)

Click on the link to view this commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xffOZYX6F8

For a 2016 update about this commercial,
click here.

GI Joe and Barbie, along with a Van Halen soundtrack, for Nissan (1996)

Click on link to view this commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXdFKcETEPg

Michael Jordan and Larry Bird for McDonald’s (1993)

Click on link to view this commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVrmo1SkkBg

The Super Bowl Shuffle, a Microcosm of the 1980’s

Another fun Super Bowl memory that comes to mind is the Chicago Bear’s Rap, “The Super Bowl Shuffle”, produced three months prior to their 1986 Super Bowl win. Watching it now, it serves as an amusing microcosm of the 1980’s, and the music videos that were all the rage at the time. Nominated for a Grammy Award (They lost to KISS.), this video has raised over $300,000 for charity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Super_Bowl_Shuffle

Click on link to view the video
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xfwam5_super-bowl-shuffle_sport?

The Brady Bunch and Football

I love “The Brady Bunch”! Fortunately, “The Brady Bunch” affords me the opportunity to merge the world of classic TV and the world of the gridiron for the purpose of this blog. :o) During the five seasons of the Brady Bunch, the subject of football came up in several episodes, either directly, or directly.
Two of my favorites are:

“The Subject Was Noses” (1973) Season 4, Episode 18

This infamous Brady episode has Marcia receiving an errant football pass to the nose. Ouch!

To view a clip of this episode, click the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9nSSrOp6ck

Mail Order Hero (1973) Season 5, Episode 2

Joe Namath guest stars in this episode, which finds Bobby
fibbing to his friends, saying that he knows Namath, and that the football star is coming to his house for dinner.

To view a clip of this episode, click the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pKjVaQJ7ec

John Madden Means Football

In my mind, John Madden’s name is synonymous with football. Yes, he played football, coached it, (Coaching gained him access to the Football Hall of Fame in 2006.) and went on to become a Sunday afternoon and Monday night staple, announcing NFL games on national television. And yes, it is John Madden’s name which graces the packaging of the ever-popular NFL video games that comes out anew each fall. Yet, I revere this man for his football presence in two other areas, closer to my heart, that being, for a movie and for a recipe.

The 1994 movie “Little Giants” was a favorite at our house when my youngsters were small, and I must admit that I still enjoy watching it! Briefly, this film is about two brothers who coach opposing peewee football teams, and are competing for the town championship. Rick Moranis’s team is the underdog. One day, John Madden unexpectedly stops in town and helps Rick’s team with advice and a special play, “The Annexation of Puerto Rico”. (Some say that the Carolina Panthers borrowed this play in a December game in 2011!)

Rick Moranis and John Madden discuss football strategy in “Little Giants”

To view a theatrical trailer for this movie, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6iPV7h-TfM

John Madden’s recipe for stew has become a tradition at my house each Super bowl Sunday. I originally found this recipe in a magazine in 1987, and it is delicious! This recipe is a bit time consuming, so make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time to prepare it. My recipe notes are in parentheses. (Note-I make my stew soupier, than John Madden’s.)

“Family Circle” Magazine-January 20, 1987

John Madden’s Super Bowl Stew

Ingredients

1/3 cup all-purpose flour (+ more to thicken the stew toward the end)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt (or less)

1.5-2.5 pounds bottom round, cut into 11/2 inch cubes
(to cut time, use pre-cut stew meat, although not quite as good)

2 to 3 Tablespoon vegetable oil (Usually takes more)

2 large onions, sliced (I keep my onions whole)

2 small sweet green peppers (one red pepper, and one green pepper),
seeded and cut into chunks

2 stalks celery, sliced

1 large clove garlic, pressed (I skip this.)

3 large carrots, peeled and cut in chunks
(I use a large handful of the peeled baby carrots.)

4 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
(I used the small red potatoes, scrubbed and with skin.)

(I add 1/2 pound of fresh, or frozen cut green beans)

1 small turnip, peeled and cut in chunks

1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut into chunks (I often skip this.)

3 cups beef broth (I use 3-4 large cans/boxes, 32 ounce)

5-6 drops liquid red-pepper seasoning (I use Tabasco, and I use less, or none, placing Tabasco on the table)

1/8 teaspoon leaf savory, crumbled
(Savory seems to be hard to find. I found ground at Harris Teeter, and just used that.)

1/8 teaspoon leaf marjoram, crumbled

3 Tablespoons chopped parsley (I often skip this)

Directions

Combine flour, pepper and salt on a large piece of wax paper.
Dredge beef cubes well on all sides with flour mixture.
(I place ingredients in a large Ziploc bag, and shake the cubes to coat.)
Reserve flour for thicker gravy.
(More flour will be used at the end of the recipe.)

Brown meat in oil in large Dutch oven, working in batches if necessary.
(I use a large stainless steel pot.)

Remove meat. Sauté onion, (red and) green pepper, celery and garlic (if wanted)
in pan drippings 10 minutes.

Add carrot, potato, turnip, rutabaga (if desired), (green beans), broth, red-pepper seasoning (if desired), savory, and marjoram.
Bring to boiling.
Add meat.
Cover; simmer 1.5 hours until meat is tender, adding broth if mixture becomes too dry.

For thicker gravy, mix together 1/4 cup cold water (I use about 1/2-3/4 cup broth instead of the water) and reserved flour mixture (the extra flour) in small bowl to make smooth paste.
Remove meat and vegetables with slotted spoon from Dutch oven to serving bowl.
Stir flour mixture into pan liquids.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and bubbly.

Pour over meat and vegetables in serving bowl. (I add a little extra broth to flour, and then add directly to the stew.)
(Make sure that you stir this stew frequently, so that it does not stick on the bottom.)

Serve with crusty French bread if you wish.

Enjoy!

Annette’s Note-When thickening the stew with the flour, I do not remove the meat the vegetables, but just stir around it. Yep, the secret is out, I am a lazy cook! :o)

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. Talk to you again around February 10.

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

My Football Hubby, in high school -1973

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Barbie Commercial, Coke Commercial, Family Circle, Gi Joe Commercial, Joe Namath, John Madden's Super Bowl Stew, Larry Bird, Little Giants, Mail Order Hero, McConale's Commercial, Mean Joe Green Commercial, Michale Jordan, Nissan Commercial, Rick Moranis, Super Bowl, Super Bowl 48, Super Bowl Commercials, Super Bowl Stew, The Annexation of Puerto Rico, The Brady Bunch, The Subject was Noses, The Super Bowl Shuffle, Van Halen Commercial | 7 Comments

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Posted on January 9, 2014 by oltimetv

January 6, 2014

Baby It’s Cold Outside

“Chillin’” in the igloo in my backyard, built by my son, Chandler and his buddy, Max.

With a cold snap sweeping the U.S. this week, winter weather is utmost on everyone’s mind. While I stay inside, all warm and cozy beside the fire, the 1944 song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, as well as the 60’s “It’s Cold Outside”, continually play in my head.

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, written by Frank Loesser, was first featured in the 1949 Esther Williams film “Neptune’s Daughter”, via duets by Williams & Ricardo Montalban, with another by Betty Garrett & Red Skelton. (I’m not quite sure why they were singing this song in Southern California!) Numerous artists have sung “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” since it was first introduced, with one of the most recent being Lady Gaga in the 2013 special Lady Gaga and the Muppets’ Holiday Spectacular. !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby,_It’s_Cold_Outside

Baby Its Cold Outside – Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban /Red Skelton and Betty Garrett from Neptune’s Daughter, 1949.

Click on this link to watch a clip to hear “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from Neptune’s Daughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRGZULIkfwE

1966’s “It’s Cold Outside” by The Choir was first introduced to me by my hubby, a Northeast Ohio native, a few years ago. The Choir (Three members would later become part of the nationally famous rock group The Raspberries.), a Cleveland garage rock band had their first hit with this tune.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Choir_(garage_rock)

Click on this link to hear The Choir’s “It’s Cold Outside”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MspEyQbA24k

Annette’s List of Fun Winter Flicks

The winter weather is always a good excuse to snuggle under the blankets and enjoy a good movie by the glow of the fire. Here are a few of my favorite winter flicks.

Ski Party (1965)-This is a fun beach party, but in the snow. It was advertised as “It’s where the HE’s, meet the SHE’s on SKIs and there’s only one way to get warm!” Frankie Avalon stars, and there is even a cameo appearance by Annette Funicello. Filmed in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Rory Calhoun and Betty Grable in “Maine”, actually Sun Valley, Idaho

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)- I love this movie, and, happily, winter gives me an excuse to watch it again. It is such fun watching Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe as three women out to find rich husbands in 1950’s New York City. This movie is escapism, pure and simple. The Maine winter scenes were actually filmed in Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Snowball Express (G) (1972)-A Disney comedy, starring Dean Jones as a family man who leaves his job in the city to run a hotel that he has inherited in the mountains. Filmed in Crested Butte, Colorado.

David Niven and Claudia Cardinale star in The Pink Panther.
I do not know if this scene was shot before, or after, David Niven’s frostbite issue.

The Pink Panther (PG) (1963)-David Niven stars in this funny Pink Panther film, along with a stellar cast, including Peter Sellers in his first of five Panther movies. (Seller’s “Shot in the Dark” and “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” are also favorites of mine, both worth a look, if you are new to the Pink Panther world.) This movie is a feast for the eyes containing beautiful winter scenes of the Italian Alps. On a side note of a somewhat delicate nature, according to a Turner Classic Movie write-up, during a break from filming ”Niven went skiing in 35-degrees-below-zero weather. On his way down the slopes, he got frostbite on a very private part of his anatomy. He was forced to thaw the frozen appendage by dipping it painfully in a glass of brandy.” Yikes!!!
http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/17924|0/The-Pink-Panther.html

The Duchess of Idaho (1950)-Esther Williams stars in this light-hearted movie as a friend who attempts to play cupid for her shy roommate and her roommate’s playboy boss. Filmed in Sun Valley, Idaho.

John Payne and former ice skating Olympian, Sonja Henie in Sun Valley Serenade

Sun Valley Serenade (1941)-The Queen of the Ice, Sonja Henie, is the star in this romantic comedy filled with music by the legendary Glenn Miller. This black and white movie was filmed mostly in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Snow Day (PG) (2000) – A Nickelodeon made-for-kids movie (Hey, I’m still a kid at heart! :o)), Snow Day explores one particular day when school is called off due to the white stuff. Chevy Chase adds a touch of humor as a meteorologist and father. Filmed in Canada and Wisconsin.

Soup for a Chilly Day

Nothing takes the chill off your bones better than a bowl of piping hot soup. My hubby and I love the aromatic onion soup served at the historic Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A few years ago, through the magic of the Internet, I discovered the recipe for this gastronomical treat in the archives of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. I share it with you below, with my cooking notes in the parenthesis.

DSCN0399
A visit to Dobbin House Tavern in 2009

The Dobbin House Onion Soup, Gettysburg
http://www.post-gazette.com/food/20020217soupap9.asp

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups beef stock (I use 2-3 boxes of the 32 oz. beef broth, or beef stock.)

2 tablespoons butter (or more)

6 medium onions, diced

1 cup stewing beef, cut into 1/2-inch cubes  (If I have any around. Leftover steak, or roast beef works, too.)

1 cup dry sherry (I use a lot less, about 2-4 Tbsp. of cooking sherry.)

6 slices good white bread  (Usually, I use French bread that has been sitting out for a few hours.)

12 slices Swiss cheese

12 slices provolone cheese

Directions:

Bring stock to boil. In skillet, melt butter, sauté onions and brown beef. Add to stock and pour in sherry. Simmer 30 minutes. When ready, fill 6 bowls with soup. Place slice of bread, 2 slices Swiss cheese and 2 slices provolone cheese on top. Broil until cheese is browned.

Serves 6.

For my Best Hot Chocolate Mix recipe, please refer to (click the post listed just below) my August 13, 2013 blog,
“Touring with Swiss Miss/Mrs.”https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/touring-with-swiss-missmrs/

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly. Talk to you again around January 27^th.

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

This is the blizzard scene from the beginning of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”.It looks very cold, so it seemed appropriate to include in this blog installment. :o)

Please, Stay Warm!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Baby, backyard igloo, Best Hot Chocolate Mix, Cleveland, David Niven, David Niven frostbite, Esther Williams, Frank Loesser, Fun Winter Flicks, How to Marry and Millionaire, It's Cold Outside, Ski Party, skiing, Snow Day, Snowball Express, Sonja Henie, Sun Valley Idaho, Sun valley Serenade, The Choir, The Dobbin House Tavern Onion Soup recipe, The Duchess of Idaho, The Pink Panther, The Raspberries | 10 Comments

Counting the Days till Christmas

Posted on December 6, 2013 by oltimetv

December 6, 2013

Counting the Days till Christmas

Don’t you just love Christmas movies? Me, too! :o) Call me a Christmas traditionalist, but I wait to indulge in all that is Christmas, including holiday movie viewing, until that final float of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, complete with Santa (on Thanksgiving Day) has passed from my television screen. Although, I must confess that on my overseas trip home, the week prior to Thanksgiving, I caved. I just could not resist the inflight movie offering of White Christmas. What a delightful way to spend two hours of our 11+ hour flight!

With Thanksgiving Day past, and now a sweet memory, Christmas is just upon the horizon. I am currently inhaling all of my favorite Christmas programing, barely taking time to catch my breath. It is Christmastime! :o) A few years ago, when my youngest son was in high school, we began to make a list of the Christmas movies and shows that we wanted to be sure to watch that Christmas season; one for each day in December. It is sort of a Christmas movie advent calendar-a Christmas countdown, so to speak. I still continue this annual movie countdown tradition, insuring that I don’t miss my Yuletide faves. :o) (Annette’s confession-I actually watch more Christmas fare than what is on this list. I am a true ChristmasShowaholic!) Here is my list for this year.

Cary Grant as an angel in The Bishop’s Wife

My 2013 Movie (Advent) Calendar

December

1-Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (1964) &

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

2– Deck the Halls (PG) (2006) Matthew Broderick

3– To Grandmother’s House We Go (1992)

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olson

4– Desk Set (1957) Spencer Tracy

5– Christmas with the Kranks (PG) (2004) Tim Allen

6– Holiday Affair (1949) Robert Mitchum*

7– Jingle All the Way (PG) (1996) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Make sure that you watch the last minute that follows the credits!

8– Never Say Goodbye (1946) Errol Flynn

9– Christmas in Connecticut (1945) Barbara Stanwyck*

10– The Bishop’s Wife (1947) Cary Grant*

11-A Very Brady Christmas (1988) Florence Henderson

12-Come to the Stable (1949) Loretta Young

13-All I Want for Christmas (G) (1991) Lauren Bacall

14-Elf (PG) (2003) Will Ferrell

15-Holiday Inn (1942) Bing Crosby

16-Nativity (PG) (2009) Martin Freeman

17-White Christmas (1954) Bing Crosby

18– Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Judy Garland*

19-The Lemon drop Kid (1951) Bob Hope*

20– Miracle on 34^th Street (1947) Maureen O’Hara

21–National Lampoon’s Christmas (PG-13)(1989) Chevy Chase

22-Home Alone (PG)(1990) Macaulay Culkin

23-A Christmas Story (PG) 1983

24-It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) James Stewart

25-A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

*Denotes movies shown on Turner Classic Movies this December, always commercial-free. Click on the link below for showing times.

http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/919515|0/Holiday-Classics-in-December.html

Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan

Classic Christmas TV

One special TV Christmas episode that aired in 1956 was from the classic I Love Lucy. After airing, it went missing, and was not shown again until 1989. Now this episode, and the “stomping grapes” episode have been colorized and will be shown on CBS this December 20. My DVR will be set!

http://www.parade.com/234540/viannguyen/first-look-watch-a-preview-of-the-colorized-i-love-lucy-christmas-special/

An It’s a Wonderful Life sequel?

I recently read that a sequel is being made of the 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life for the 2015 Christmas season. Normally, I wouldn’t have much hope that such a sequel merited our time, or money, but this sequel stars the original’s Zuzu, Karolyn Grimes, as the angel. Grimes claims that this is the first script relating to It’s a Wonderful Life that she has read that she wants to be a part of, and that it is well written, keeping with the sentiment of the original. The sequel will follow the life of George Bailey’s grandson. I must admit, this film’s concept is peaking my interest!

Annette’s Note from December 2019-This film idea was discontinued. You can read about that, here.

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/wonderful-life-sequel-coming-2015-213200658.html

Fun at Christmastime: The Best Flight Safety Video Ever!This brief video was recommended by the iconic A Christmas Story house and museum on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/AChristmasStoryHouse
It is so much fun that I had to share it with you! Click on the link below the photo to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P-fqUoHMBc

My gifts to You

You are either going to love me, or hate me, for introducing you to this wonderfully yummy, yet very easy peanut cluster recipe. Warning, these are addicting!

Also, I have included two printables, thanks to my daughter’s help:

The first from Charlie Brown Christmas, and the second from White Christmas.

Peanut Clusters

Ingredients:

12oz almond bark
(White chocolate chips may be used, in a pinch, but the almond bark is better.)

10-12 oz. (1 bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
(I use Guaradelli 60% cocoa chocolate chips)

1-2 (12 oz.) cans, salted, Spanish peanuts
(I have used cocktail peanuts, as well.)
(I use two cans.)

Directions:

Melt almond bark and chocolate chips together.

(I do this slowly in microwave in 30-second increments.)

Stir.

Add peanuts.

Drop by teaspoonful onto waxed paper over cookie sheet. (It takes a couple cookie sheets.)

Cool in refrigerator.

Can be frozen. (I like them frozen.)

Store in covered container.

A clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

A colorful scene from the classic White Christmas

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog bi-monthly (sometimes weekly) on, or around, Monday, but I plan to take a Christmas hiatus, posting again around, January 6. Have a Merry Christmas!

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

Check out my daughter’s blog, Engineering Princess- http://mikersandtesers.tumblr.com

Annette Funicello, 1955

(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged And there were, Best Flight Safety Video, Charlie Brown Christmas printable, Charlie Brown printable, Christmas movies, Christmas printables, Count your blessings instead of sheep, Counting the Days till Christmas, I Love Lucy Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life sequel, Linus, Movie Advent Calendar, Peanut Cluster recipe, White Christmas, White Christmas printable | 19 Comments

Free Thanksgiving Printable

Posted on November 12, 2013 by oltimetv

Free Thanksgiving Printable

“As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”

Arthur Carlson

WKRP in Cincinnati
“Turkey’s Away”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged As God as my witness, free Thanksgiving printable, free WKRP Cincinnati printable, I thought turkeys could fly free printable, Printable, Thanksgiving, Turkeys, Turkeys Away, WKRP in Cincinnati | 4 Comments

Annette’s Thanksgiving

Posted on November 12, 2013 by oltimetv

Annette’s Thanksgiving

Doris Lee’s Thanksgiving (1935)
The Art Institute of Chicago
Photo courtesy of http://mommyofamonster.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-recipes.html

This painting is a favorite of mine! It is so homey, so cozy. It reminds me of dinners at my grandparent’s farmhouse when I was young. My grandmother, mother, great-aunt, and aunts cooked up more than one delicious feast in that small Iowa kitchen. (I have been blessed to have grown up surrounded by wonderful cooks!) I remember the delightful aroma that wafted from that country kitchen, as the sounds of friendly chatter and laughter joined in combination with the loving preparation of the upcoming meal.

This painting also celebrates my most favorite of holidays: Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving, a time when we take the day to give thanks to our God for all that He has given us, embrace the love of our family (All of my kiddies will be home this Thanksgiving week-end!!! :o)), and taste the bounty of the array of food made available to us. It is also a time to relax, take a family walk, play games and watch (maybe even play) football games, and Thanksgiving appropriate movies; the ambience set by the glowing fire in the fireplace. …kind of like Christmas, but without the inherent pressures of gift giving. :o)

Below is my list of Thanksgiving TV and movie favorites to watch around the Thanksgiving holiday, in addition to the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Thanksgiving day/weekend football games, of course. :o)

Annette’s list of fun Thanksgiving TV Episodes and Movies

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)-a fun Peanuts made for TV special that finds an unwitting Charlie Brown obligated to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the gang.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN4Grf4Sem4

Mayflower Voyagers –This Is America, Charlie Brown:
Season 1, Episode 1 (1988)-a mini history lesson on the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth.
http://www.bionicdisco.com/2012/11/22/a-charlie-brown-thanksgiving/

Both of these are on the DVD shown above.

The Munsters (1964) – Low-Cal Munster (Season 1, Episode 6) My favorite of all The Munster’s TV series, Herman goes on a diet just before Thanksgiving and finds that his willpower may not be enough. This one makes me laugh every time.

http://www.bionicdisco.com/2012/11/21/brady-bunch-moments-gregs-thanksgiving-movie/

The Brady Bunch (1970) –The Un-Underground Movie
(Season 2, Episode 4) Greg makes a movie, Our Pilgrim Fathers, for a class assignment, and the whole family gets
involved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NlLxyacAPk

WKRP in Cincinnati (1978)- Turkeys Away!
(Season 1: Episode 7) This is a funny episode about a radio Thanksgiving Day promotion gone disastrously awry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeCGURWzjwE

Believe it, or not, this episode was based on a real life event!
http://radio.about.com/od/thanksgivingradio/a/WKRP-In-Cincinnati-Turkey-Drop-Episode.htm

Mister Ed (1962)- Ed, the Pilgrim (Season 3, Episode 9) Mr. Ed, the talking horse, tells his owner,
Wilber, the “true” story of the first Thanksgiving.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbV1nF9JtwA

Bewitched (1967)- Samantha’s Thanksgiving to Remember (Season 4, Episode 12) Samantha’s, Aunt Clara, accidently transports the whole family, plus nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz, back to 1620 to spend Thanksgiving with the pilgrims. http://howsweetitwas.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/bewitched-samanthas-thanksgiving-to-remember/

The Bob Newhart Show (1975)-Over the River and Through the Woods (Season 4, Episode 11) Bob’s wife spends Thanksgiving with her family and leaves her husband back at home to be available for his patients. Alone, Bob invites his single guy friends over to spend the day watching football, but things get a little out of hand with too many drinks and nothing to eat, culminating in an inept and humorous attempt to order Chinese food.

Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989) Jon invites Garfield’s vet, Liz, to Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, Jon has no idea on how to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Grandma pops in to save the day. I love the part where Grandma wields a chainsaw in her dinner preparation!
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL55EC32CF4D23AB66

Saturday Night Live– (November 20, 1976) I have to admit, that I just discovered this one, while looking for some information for this blog. Paul Simon, known for his rather serious persona, dressed up in a turkey suit is pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNterlu_VVU

Paul Bart: Mall Cop (PG)- (2009) Kevin James as Paul Bart, is as the title implies, a mall cop who must protect his beloved West Orange Pavilion Mall against a sophisticated band of thieves on Black Friday/the day after Thanksgiving.

All Hands on Deck (1961)- Pat Boone is lieutenant on board a Navy ship with Buddy Hackett and Owasso, his pet turkey. This movie has a Christmas song and “mistletoe”, but I say that the pet turkey makes this movie more appropriate for Thanksgiving. :o)

Deck the Halls (PG)-(2006) This Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito holiday comedy, of neighbor against neighbor, has become a holiday favorite. My family often watches this on Thanksgiving weekend, kicking off our holiday film fest for the Christmas season.

Miracle on 34^th Street (1947) A holiday classic with Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood, opens with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and ends on Christmas morning.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953) Doris Day stars in this upbeat musical that revolves around an American family just after WWI. When the turkey that the family is fattening up for Thanksgiving dinner becomes the young son’s pet, things get comical.

Holiday Inn (1942) Another holiday classic, with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, this film revolves around an inn only open for the fifteen, 1942, holidays per year. It was in this film that the velvety strains of Bing Crosby’s Christmas melody White Christmas was first heard.

A Couple of Thanksgiving Recipes to Share

Turkey, prepared by my hubby, on our grill’s rotisserie-delicious!
2012

Part of the Thanksgiving celebration, of course, involves the much-anticipated Thanksgiving dinner. Several traditional recipes show up on our family table for Thanksgiving each year. Please allow me to share two of these recipes with you below. Enjoy!

My son helps me in picking apples, Fall 2012

On autumn weekends, as well as Thanksgiving weekend, you can smell this brew warming in the crockpot on my kitchen counter,
inviting you to help yourself to a big cup.

Hot Apple Cider

INGREDIENTS:

1-gallon cider

2 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

4 whole allspice

1/4 – 1/2 lemon sliced

1/4 cup honey

Directions:

Add spices, honey and lemon slices to cider.

Simmer 10 minutes, or place in crockpot until hot.

Remove lemon immediately.

(They make the brew bitter, if left in.)

Spices may stay in, but strain when ladling into mug.

Enjoy a warm cup in front of the fire for a cozy evening.

Serve 6-8.

This cute story is a family favorite at my house

These turkey cookies have been part of our Thanksgiving since my kiddies were small, and helped me to make them each year. In fact, my brood still assists me in assembling these treats, when they all gather home for Thanksgiving.

Turkey Cookies

Recipe inspired by and photo courtesy of http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cookie-Turkeys
Originally published as Cookie Turkeys in Quick Cooking November/December 2004, p17

INGREDIENTS:

40 fudge-striped cookies

Approx. ¼ cup chocolate frosting

1 pkg. malted milk balls*

(Chocolate covered cherries were used in the photo. YUK!)

20 pieces of candy corn

DIRECTIONS:

Place 20 cookies on a flat surface, solid chocolate side down. With frosting, attach a malt ball to the top of each base cookie.

Position another cookie perpendicular to each base cookie; attach with frosting.

With a dab of frosting, attach one piece of candy corn to the front of each malted milk ball for the head. Let stand until set.

Yield: 20 servings.

*I have also heard of miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups being used.

Thank you for allowing me to share my Thanksgiving movies and recipes with you today. To celebrate the holiday, I present you with a Thanksgiving printable, shown below, (…that my sweet daughter created for me. Thank you!) in honor of a favorite Thanksgiving TV episode. ;o) Wishing all the best to you and your family for a blessed Thanksgiving season! :o)

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog weekly on, or around, each Monday, but will take a Thanksgiving hiatus, posting again around, December 15. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

For a printable version of this, please go to my next blog post here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged A turkey for Thanksgiving, Doris Lee Thanksgiving, fun Thanksgiving movies, fun Thanksgiving TV episodes, Iowa Thanksgiving, Larriland Hot Apple Cider, List of Thanksgiving tv episodes and movies, Thanksgiving, Turkey Cookies | 17 Comments

London!

Posted on November 8, 2013 by oltimetv

November 8, 2013

London!

At the London Eye chatting with “David Beckham”
January 2013

England swings like a pendulum do,

Bobbies on bicycles, two by two,

Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben,

The rosy red cheeks of the little children…

Lyrics from the song “England Swings”

By Roger Miller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWB1Sqsx1jo

Don’t get me wrong; my education from the Ames Community School District of Ames, Iowa, was excellent, truly excellent.
(Except for their misdirected, though well intentioned, decision to teach arithmetic via the “new math” method in the 1960’s, but that’s another story. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Math , http://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/2012/10/02#.UnsPaJHc_wI)

But despite such educational advantages, my early mental images of London were mostly formed through the influence of Roger Miller’s catchy ditty “England Swings” and TV sitcom’s The Beverly Hillbillies’ visit to London in season six,(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD6DmCYjXXk) not from school lessons and textbooks. Yep, sorry teachers (As once one of you, I feel your pain.), but the media can impact more quickly and deeply than a laboriously well-planned, thought-out, multi-paged lesson plan. Over this past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to match the reality of London to my mental “canned” version. I am happy to say, that some of that version was actually correct, but there is so much more!

Though far from being Rick Steves, travel expert and host of the show Rick Steves’ Europe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5GKDUK0cLk), I have been blessed with the privilege of traveling on a few occasions to London, the land of the Union Jack. (…once for fun, but mostly due to my hubby’s work.) London is a great city, and to paraphrase my daughter, “I liked Paris, but I loved London!” I invite you to join me on a leisurely pictorial tour of London, as I revisit some of my favorite spots. (in no particular order. :o))

Martese-our daughter, myself-Annette, and my hubby-Dale

Starting out our visit to London by enjoying a tour via a double decker bus tour.
This was a great overview of London, and helped familiarize us with the city.
Big Ben is visible just over Dale’s shoulder.
January 2013

The always-impressive Big Ben, with the Union Jack flags flying proudly
(…or as Roger Miller calls it, the Tower Big Ben)

I couldn’t help, but think of Disney’s Peter Pan when seeing Big Ben
Photo courtesy of Martese Hoffman Ehm
January 2013

Big Ben in the evening
January 2013

Disney’s Peter Pan, along with Wendy, John and Michael, visit Big Ben

The Peter Pan statue in Kensington Garden
Photo courtesy of Martese Hoffman Ehm
January 2013

Martese and the statue of Paddington Bear in Paddington Station

Paddington Bear is famous from the children’s books by Michael Bond.
We like to stay at the convenient Paddington Hilton located just beyond this statue.
January 2013

London’s Tower Bridge on the River Thames
January 2013

Chandler and Martese, our son and daughter, on the Tower Bridge at night
January 2013

A quick photo with the local “Bobbies”/British Police
in Piccadilly Circus
(…although, not on bicycles as Roger Miller described)

Not actually a Ringling Brother’s type circus, the term comes from the Latin origin of circus, meaning, “circle”
due to the traffic roundabout situated there.
Piccadilly Circus is similar to New York City’s Time Square area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piccadilly_Circus
January 2013

Piccadilly Circus and double decker buses
September 2013

An impressive display of pageantry at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

We were surprised at just how long this “changing” took.
It took more than the thirty minutes suggested in our guide books.
January 2013

Near the Tube/Underground station, London’s subway

Me, outside of Harrods’s, after a nice lunch and a little shopping.
Note the British taxis to the right of the photo.
September 2013

Martese and Chandler on the Tube/Underground
January 2013

Me, having just gotten off the Tube/Underground (London Subway)

I am headed down the escalator outside
in a much different manor than Daniel Craig / James Bond in the movie “Skyfall”!
September 2013

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-2209451/James-Bonds-Skyfall-007-goes-underground-Stig-stuntmen-line-duty-explosive-showdown.html

When in London, Harrods is a must!
January 2013

Shopping and lunch at Harrods with Chandler, Martese,
and Dale (taking the photo).

We were surprised at the variety of dining choices at Harrods.
January 2013

Martese and I love shopping at the UK’s Cath Kidston, too!
January 2013

With daughter, Martese, aboard the London Eye

Admittedly, I was apprehensive about going, at first,
as I am not a fan of heights.
It was fun, not scary, and afforded us a wonderful view.
January 2013

Chandler, on the London Eye
January 2013

A view of Parliament, Big Ben, London from the London Eye
January 2013

The London Eye along the south bank of the River Thames

When built in 1999, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world
at 443 feet tall.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye
January 2013

No trip to London would be complete without fish & chips (fries)
and mushy peas,…
January 2013

tea…
January 2013

…or a crumpet!

My first crumpet was here at Harrods. Yum! :o)
September 2013

Thank you for allowing me to share my London photos and memories with you.

I believe that it is time for me to say good-bye, and prepare myself “a spot of tea”. :o)

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog weekly on, or around, each Monday.

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

London Phone Booth
October 2012

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Ames, Beverly Hillbillies, Big Ben, Cath Kidston, Changing of the Guard, England Swings, Harrods, Iowa, James Bond, London, London Eye, London Tower Bridge, New Math, Paddington Bear Statue, Peter Pan Statue, Piccadilly Circus, Rick Steves, Roger Miller, The Tube, Underground | 4 Comments

Jolly Old England

Posted on November 4, 2013 by oltimetv

November 4, 2013

Jolly Old England

Enjoying a visit to York on a Sunny, Breezy, Sunday
September Day, 2013

As I stood groggily in line at the early morning hotel breakfast buffet, the gentleman ahead of me smiled and motioned “Carry on, Love.” This small act of chivalry had made my day, complete with a smile firmly fixed upon my face. After all, it sure beats a plain “go on ahead of me in line”! Ya gotta love England!

While a fan of the UK mushrooms at breakfast, and I loved their tea,
I can not endorse their epicurean creation of (baked) beans on extremely buttered crisp toast.

Happily, I had been able to join my husband on this business trip to the northern part of England. While said-hubby was in daily meetings, I was determined to spend one day exploring in nearby Lincoln. A pretty city, Lincoln’s personality is defined by the imposing edifices of its cathedral and its castle, both of Norman origin and built around the 11^th century. For me, an American, who when at home, considers pre-1900 buildings as “old”, seeing these immense, centuries old structures, was a mind-boggling experience!

Entering into the sanctum of the massive Church of England’s, Lincoln Cathedral, I felt dwarfed by the enormity of it all. The vaulted 82-foot ceiling of the nave/sanctuary, the colorful stained glass windows, and the hushed reverence that it all demands, create an awe-inspiring setting. Apparently, I am not the only one who thinks so. After my visit, I learned that the Lincoln Cathedral was used in the films “DaVinci Code” and “The Young Victoria”.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-17457506

http://lincolncathedral.com

Lincoln Cathedral

The impressive interior of Lincoln Cathedral

Across the cobblestone street, Lincoln’s Castle was next on my tourist’s list. I hoped to view one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta (The Magna Carta, 1297: Widely viewed as one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy. *), and to walk along the castle wall and towers. My visit was short-lived however, and limited to a look-see in the gift shop and an enjoyable visit with the staff. I had arrived while major renovations were currently in the works for the 800th anniversary, to take place in April 2015, of the signing of Magna Carta. The Magna Cara, itself, was away on loan, while the locations to view at the castle were severely limited due to all of the repairs. Happily, though, in chatting with the well-informed gift shop lady, I found that I had actually already viewed their Magna Carta! When visiting the National Archives a few years ago in Washington D.C., it was the Lincoln Castle’s Magna Carta that had been on loan there, and I had seen it! :o)

*http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/magna_carta/

http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/visiting/historic-buildings/lincoln-castle/

My obligatory tourist stops done, I was now ready to explore the shopping of Lincoln. To do so, I first had to descend Steep Hill; the shopping district begins here. Just across from Lincoln Cathedral, my “repelling” down the hill began, and I was thankful for my trusty Keen walking shoes/sandals.

Steep Hill lives up to its name in Lincoln

My trusty Keen shoes

Although, not normally a marathon shopper, I found some fun places to spend my time in the Lincoln shopping district:

In fact, I have become a fan of the UK’s array of thrift shops for various charitable causes, and Lincoln had several to explore. These shops are always are neat, clean, orderly and items are of good quality at Goodwill Store prices, plus it feels good knowing that your purchase goes to a worthy cause.

I visited the House of Fraser, a department store that has the queen’s royal warrant, which means that the queen uses their goods and gives it her seal of approval.

I was introduced, via a brief makeover session, to Benefit cosmetics, which are from San Francisco. It took a trip to England to find this?!

A young college fellow/clerk kindly taught me about British currency at a bookstore, and I had my first Yorkshire pudding (…and it is NOT pudding.) at a little café called Churchill’s.

I enjoyed a very pleasant day in York.

So this is Yorkshire pudding!
Meant to be filled with veggies and pieces of meat from your plate.

Not content to allow me to have all the fun :o), a few days later, on his day off, Dale joined me on a day trip to the nearby city of York. A city of Roman origin, one of its most dominant landmarks is York Minster, of the Church of England. Constructed in the 1300’s, York Minster is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, which were actually taken out just before the first and the second world wars for safe keeping, having to be carefully put back into place, piece by piece, afterwards. Amazing to look at and comprehend, in both size and aesthetics, Dale and I were fortunate enough to be at the cathedral when their choir was singing. The choir voices were angelic, and the acoustics were phenomenal. I became almost giddy, however, as the afternoon church bells began chiming, which were just like those in Disney’s Robin Hood when Maid Marion weds Robin Hood.

Welcome Billboard at the York Train Station

York Minster

One of the stained glass windows in York Minster

The bells of York Minster sounded like the wedding bells in
Disney’s Robin Hood

Another York landmark we visited that day was William the Conqueror’s castle, now called Clifford’s Tower. (There are various theories as to why it is presently called this; one refers to Roger de Clifford who was hanged at the tower in 1322 for his opposition to Edward II.) A self-guided tour of the tower was interesting, and the view of the city lovely, but with the low wall combined with the height, I was eager to make it back to lower ground!

http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/norman/clifford-s-tower

http://www.yorkminster.org/history-and-conservation.html

The beautiful, but scary view of York, from the top of Clifford’s Tower

Dale and Me at the outside of Clifford’s Tower
(I was happy to be on lower ground)

Dale and I happily spent the rest of the day shopping, with me scoring two British products, a top from Cath Kidston, and a new Radley handbag, complete with Scottie dogs, from The Shambles, an old area in York filled with old shops. (I will not regale you with tales of the origin of the name, The Shambles, but if you are interested, and not weak of stomach, please read below.*) One of the best parts of our day was having the time to take an unusual, leisurely late lunch at the wonderful Betty’s Tea Room before heading back to meet our taxi at the York train station. One of six Betty Tea Rooms in the UK, we found a line out the door with patrons waiting for tables. We soon discovered that the wait was well worth it, Betty’s being a real treat, and a fitting ending as our relaxing day in York came to a close. Yep, the day just reconfirmed it,

Ya gotta love England!

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shambles

Shopping in The Shambles of York

Dining at Betty’s Tea Room

My new Radley handbag with a handy dandy cell phone pocket

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog weekly on, or around, each Monday.

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

An English/British bulldog in York

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Betty's Tea Room, billboard train station, Clifford's Tower, Disney's Robin Hood, England, Jolly Old England, Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral, Magna Carta, Steep Hill, The Shambles, UK, York, York Minster | 9 Comments

Happy Not -So- Very- Scary Halloween

Posted on October 25, 2013 by oltimetv

October 25, 2013

Happy Not -So- Very- Scary Halloween

Not actually a Halloween costume, but dressed up for a sorority
look-alike contest with my daughter in 2011.

Autumn is my favorite season, and all that goes along with it:

The foliage changing from green to brilliant reds and oranges, cooler fall days followed by crisp clear nights, apple picking, pumpkin picking, hot apple cider, hearty soup bubbling on the stove, football games, Thanksgiving, Halloween…

I have never been a fan of Halloween’s unseemly side, and prefer to focus on celebrating the very American tradition of trick or treating, along with the beauty of the fall season.

Even now that my kiddies are no longer of the trick or treating age, I enjoy the young costumed visitors who knock at my door with an enthusiastic “Trick or Treat”. This was my Facebook entry from last November 1, 2012.

Halloween 2012 in Review:

Had 47 trick or treaters last night from ages 2-13 in an array of costumes, including Charlie Brown, a pink angel adorned in 3 foot feather wings, a fortune teller who predicted that I would give out a lot of candy corn in the near future (the candy corn was a big hit, by the way), a test pattern, a glowing disco ball, and a pillow-stuffed Baltimore Oriole who informed me that his costume represented that he was a big Oriole fan both “literally and “metaphorically “!!! :o)

brachs-70piecebag-im-1252561

Just in case you are wondering, the candy corn mentioned was the small, trick or treat sized, pre-packaged variety.

In addition to making sure that the treat bowl is filled with goodies to pass out every October 31, I also like to put my home in a festive mood. I have a small table in my entryway that changes monthly with the latest holiday/season. For Halloween I try to keep it simple and non-scary.

DSCF2884

My hall entryway 2011, as scary as my Halloween décor gets.

The “BOO” printable (center left) was thanks tohttp://ginghamcherry.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-prints-love-or-boo.html

My family photo pumpkin (bottom middle, and in photo below),my first attempt at decoupaging an artificial pumpkin,with photo printed copies of past family pictures.
I used Country Living’s instructions below as my guide.

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/decoupage-a-pumpkin

In-between enjoying the trick or treaters on Halloween night, it has become my tradition to watch It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. In fact, there are several “must watch” shows on my schedule to go along with Halloween. I invite you to read through my list below. You may find one, or two, programs that are new to you, and that you may wish to include in your watch list this year.

poster

Annette’s list of fun Halloween Movies/TV

IMG_4329x_JWO

John Astin stars in the 1960’s comedy TV show The Addams Family

(This list starts with my “must see” selections at the top, descending to the
“if there is time to watch” toward the bottom.)

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
I have been watching this 1966 made for TV special, since its inception. (Yes, I am THAT old!) I never miss it.

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)
No one looks, or acts, more scared than Don Knotts in a haunted house. Very funny!

Tickle Me (1965)
Elvis in a haunted house, need I say more?
(Julie Adams co-stars in this, and is also in Creature from the Black Lagoon, below.)

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Young Margaret O’Brien steals the spotlight from Judy Garland with her Halloween night pranks.

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
A Disney made for TV movie that has been a favorite in our family for years.
Charles Shaughnessy, of The Nanny fame, stars as the not overly frightening vampire.

Young Frankenstein (1974)
(Yes, I AM old enough to have watched this film in the movie theater, when it was first released!)
Gene Wilder stars as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in this comedy classic.

Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)
Dean Jones, the “face of Disney films” in the 1960’s, stars in this lesser known Disney tale. All the fun and silliness of Disney films of that era.

The Dick Van Dyke Show

Episodes:

It May Look Like a Walnut- Season 2 (1962)

The Ghost of A.Chantz – Season 4 (1964)

Long Night’s Journey into Day -Season 5 (1965)

Uhny Uftz-Season 5 (1965)

For episode details go to

http://the-haunted-closet.blogspot.com/2010/10/spooky-dick-van-dyke-show-episodes.html

The Andy Griffith Show The Haunted House -Season 4 (1963)

Don Knotts in the precursor of The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

The Brady Bunch

Fright Night-Season 4 (1972)

For episode details go to

http://the-haunted-closet.blogspot.com/2008/08/fraidy-bunch.html

Munsters Go Home! (1966)

This is the 1966 color movie based on the TV series.

The Munsters (1964-1966)

Any and all episodes

(Fun Fact for ya-Created by the original think tank for earlier TV show “Leave it to Beaver” (1957-1963).

Sort of a ”Leave it to Beaver” but played by friendly monsters.

The Middle (2009-the present)

Starting with the second season, this family series has had an annual Halloween episode filled with laughs.

Halloween

Halloween II

Halloween III

The Addams Family (1964-1966)

Any episode

Bewitched (1964-1972)

Any episode

Bewitched (2005)
First, let me say that this movie got a bad rap when it came out. I like it, and I think it is cute. Basically, Will Ferrell’s character is going to play Darren in the remake of the classic “Bewitched” TV series, with Nicole Kidman as his Samantha. Unbeknown to those working on the new show, is that Kidman’s Samantha really IS a witch!

Ghost Breakers (1940) & Scared Stiff (1953)
The first stars Bob Hope; the second, Scared Stiff, is a musical remake
of Ghost Breakers, but this time starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
Both are “scary” comedies.

You’ll Find Out(1940)
Another comedy “horror” movie, this time with big band leader Kay Kyser and his band.
This film also stars horror legends Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi, plus Peter Lorre!
Just fun, with a touch of scary.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Funny horror spoof with Lon Chaney
(Star of The Wolf Man, below)

Check out other Abbott and Costello titles for a hint of scariness. :o)

Wizard of Oz (1939)
Because I love to watch this one anytime, and the Wicked Witch, Glinda, Scarecrow,
Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy have become Halloween costume staples.

Batman: The Movie (1966)
Because this is MY blog, after all.
I love the campy Adam West as Batman!
Besides, he is dressed in a costume, as are his trusty sidekick and four criminal foils, right?
This is the 1966 movie based on the Batman TV series.

The Canterville Ghost (1944)
Margaret O’Brien stars again, this time with Charles Laughton as the inept and unscary ghost.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
My family are fans of the British claymation characters Wallace and Gromit. This dog and his master have come up with an animal friendly machine to keep rabbits from eating the community’s vegetables. All in good fun, keep an ear out for all of the little jokes.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
I am a fan of the Wimpy Kid movies. They make me laugh. This one finds Greg in trouble, as always, including on Halloween.

The Spy Next Door (2010)
Jackie Chan stars as, you got it, the spy next door! I threw this one in, as it occurs around Halloween. Cute family film.

I Married a Witch (1942)
Veronica Lake stars as a beautiful witch, who falls in love with the ancestor of the man who persecuted her in the witch trials. A fun comedy.

Beware!

If you do not like anything remotely scary, skip past the suggestions below.

mcqueen

Steve McQueen stars in The Blob

If you desire scarier stuff…

My Mildly Scary Picks

Alfred Hitchcock

The master of suspense is a great addition to movie watching this month. Here are a few:

To Catch a Thief (1955)-They wear costumes in this, so, of course, it is perfect for Halloween (May I remind you that this is MY list), and besides, Cary Grant is in this.
This one is not scary.

Rebecca (1940)-Joan Fontaine marries a widower, Laurence Olivier, and moves into mysterious Manderley.

Rear Window (1954)-Jimmy Stewart is laid up with a broken leg, and, apparently, even the attentions of the beautiful Grace Kelly are not enough to detour him from snooping on his neighbors.

The Birds (1963)-A bunch of birds become hostile in Bodega Bay.

North by Northwest (1959)-Great movie and Cary Grant stars in this. (Not scary enough for Halloween? Again, this is MY list.)

Them! (1954)

James Arness (of Gunsmoke fame) and really giant ants!

The Blob (1958)

Steve McQueen stars, with a ball of silicone, playing the alien amoeba, that terrorizes his Pennsylvania town.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

A funny- looking beast becomes captivated by beauty, Julie Adams. A few years later, Elvis seems captivated, too, in the funnier, Tickle Me.

The Wolf man (1941)
A werewolf bites Lon Chaney, and his looks begin to change. Claude Rains also stars.

I Walked With a Zombie (1943)
Val Lewton, known for his horror films, produced this RKO film, and this is the scariest film on my list. A nurse moves to the West Indies to care for a sick woman.
Jane Eyre was the inspiration for this script.

This film can usually be seen on Turner Classic Movies in October.

Cat People (1942)
Another Val Lewton produced RKO film.
A man unwittingly marries a woman who periodically turns into a very grouchy panther, literally.

This film can usually be seen on Turner Classic Movies in October, too.

Them!

Humorous Clip of a Halloween

Yucky, Gory “Haunted House” Visit

I absolutely, totally hate the yucky, gory, haunted house tour thingies that pop up in Everytown, USA in October. (I love the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World, however. It is neither yucky, nor gory. It is fun!) I saw this piece on Facebook (the link is just below), and had to share it with you. The reactions of this fellow/Andy navigating through Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Night’s Maze are pretty funny, as a few yuckys and gorys jump out at him throughout. Apparently, Andy is more of a not-so-very-scary Halloween type, too. :o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZ6K21wvZM

Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion

Photo courtesy of www.bigfloridacountry.com

Check out their great article on WDW’s Haunted Mansion.

http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/wdw/hauntedmansion.shtml

Now that you are armed with a sufficient list of Halloween films, both non-scary and a little scary, why not make tonight one for cookies, and a movie? Whip up a batch of these Mummy cookies below, put one on your plate, pour yourself a cold glass of milk, put in a movie, get comfortable, and watch!

Wishing you a Happy Not-So-Very-Scary Halloween!

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog weekly on, or around, each Monday.

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

My Mummy’s Chocolate Cookies

Inspired by a recipe from Pillsbury.com, or was it BettyCrocker.com?

Ingredients

One gingerbread boy cookie cutter, 5 inch

1 cup of softened butter

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1+3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

Prepared white frosting in spray can

Approximately 1/2 cup M&M’s

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F.

In large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes, or until creamy.

On low speed, beat in flour, and cocoa and 1 to 2 minutes or until well mixed.

Divide dough into 2 balls; press each to form disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap; freeze 10 minutes.

On lightly floured surface, roll 1 dough disk at a time until 1/8 inch thick.
Cut with 5-inch gingerbread boy cutter.

On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts 1 inch apart.
Reroll and cut any remaining dough.

Bake 9 to 10 minutes, or until set. Do not over bake.

Cool 1 minute; carefully remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

Cool completely, 15 to 20 minutes.

Use flat tip of frosting can for mummy wrapping.

Pipe on frosting, using photo as guide.

Add 2 m & m’s to each cookie for eyes, using frosting

as “glue”.

If you prefer a not-so-very-scary cookie, skip adding the frosting “mummy wrap”. :o)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Annette's Halloween Movies/TV, Boo Printable, Chocolate Cut Out Cookies, decoupage pumpkin, Family Photo Decoupage Pumpkin, Halloween, Halloween Cookies, Humorous Haunted House Clip, My Mummy's Cookies, not scary Halloween Movies, Not So Very Scary, Not So Very Scary Halloween, Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion | 19 Comments

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

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

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

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