It’s a Wonderful Life!

Posted on December 7, 2023 by oltimetv

December 7, 2023
It’s a Wonderful Life!

It’s a Wonderful Life!


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

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

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

You can hear Father Lonergan narrating this line, here.

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

It Happened on 5th Avenue

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

IMG_8741 2.jpg
Delicious Slumgullion

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

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

!!FINAL COVER
Growing Up in Disneyland
By Ron DeFore

The Airport

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

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


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

The Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention, September 2023

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


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


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


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


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

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


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

Karolyn Grimes

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


Meeting Karolyn Grimes was a pleasure.

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


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


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

It’s a Wonderful Life

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

Some Related Previous Posts

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

What’s Slumgullion?!

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

Christmas in August/December in Switzerland, Part 1

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

12 Days of Christmas…Goodies

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

I’m Annette Stuff

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


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

 

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Happy Herman Munster Halloween

Posted on October 30, 2023 by oltimetv

 

October 30, 2023

Happy Herman Munster Halloween!

Fred Gwynne starred as the iconic Herman Munster 
in the classic 1960’s TV show, The Munsters 

Dear Readers,
Before sharing with you photos of my visit to Fred Gwynne’s final resting place,
I must preface this October 2023 blog post with a full disclosure…
The photos at the cemetery and church property, below, were taken on my visit one year ago, in October 2022. 
I had intended to revisit this cemetery again this month, prior to the writing of this post, and taking new photos. But… the time got away from me. That being the case, sit back and enjoy a little Herman Munster fun with this Halloween post.
Happy Trick-or-treating,
.

The Munsters
1964-1966
Two seasons
+ Two movies with the three original adult cast members

The original cast of The Munsters (1964)

Butch Patrick as Eddie, Beverly Owen as Marilyn,
Al Lewis as Grandpa,
Yvonne DeCarlo as Lily,  and Fred Gwynn as Herman Munster

The 1960’s was the decade of the classic TV sitcom.  One of the gems, of the comedy genre of those years, was The Munsters.  Originally inspired by the producer’s young son, who was into monster movies at the time, and with the producer having previously helped to create the popular family TV show Leave It To Beaver (1957-1963), The Munsters (1964-1966) was born.  The Munsters is a fun mash-up (mash-up being my pun-nod to the oft played song at Halloween, Monster Mash) of suburban family meets a spoofed and gentler version of Universal’s monster line-up.  The loving monster family of The Munsters includes Frankenstein/Herman, Vampire/Lily, Dracula/Grandpa, and Werewolf/Eddie.  There are times, it seems to me, that a script, or two, actually heavily borrows from a previous Leave it to Beaver script, being reworked to fit into The Munsters’ framework.

The popular family show Leave It To Beaver (1957-1963)

A light-hearted take on the family sitcom, that could often be found on television at the time, The Munsters even mirrors the opening credits of The Donna Reed Show’s (1958-1966), another popular TV show at the time.

The Donna Reed Show (1958-1966), another popular TV show at the time.

The First Marilyn, Beverly Owen

At this point, I must acknowledge actress Beverly Owen.  Not only does she have the distinction of portraying the first sweet Marilyn on The Munsters, but she is also a fellow alum of my high school in Iowa! ( No, unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of meeting her, as she graduated over twenty years ahead of me. ) 

Owen was only to star in the first 13 episodes of The Munsters, as she married and moved away halfway into the first season.  (Her husband, Jon Stone, was a writer for the children’s program Captain Kangaroo, and would go on to co-found another children’s program, that you may have heard of, Sesame Street.)  

In a sweet story, as told in the book The Munsters: A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane, by Stephen Cox, Owen’s employers were resistant to her leaving the show, holding her to her contract.  It was only through the support and persuasion of fellow co-stars Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis that the producers relented, allowing Owen to marry, move, and leave the show.  She was replaced by actress Pat Priest.

Beverly Owen poses for this Munsters publicity photo, between,
Al Lewis (left) and Fred Gwynne (right)

Fred Gwynne, the One and Only, Herman Munster

Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster
on the cover of my Season 2 DVD set

Fred Gwynne played the perfect Herman Munster. He struck just the right balance between a terrifying-looking Frankenstein and a devoted father and husband with a heart of gold, all wrapped up with a child-like innocence. Gwynne made you believe that he WAS Herman Munster, and doing it all while wearing about 40 pounds extra padding for his costume!

Playing this character so convincingly, often left Gwynne “type-cast” later on, however.  
On one occasion, Gwynne walked off a potential part (on Punky Brewster), when the casting director referred to him, not by name, but as “Herman Munster” on the set.
(Read about that here.)

Later on in his career, when asked about what roles were his favorites, he mentioned some, and then interjected,
“And I might as well tell you the truth. I love old Herman Munster,” he said.
“Much as I try not to, I can’t stop liking that fellow.”

We all love Herman!

For a couple of well- written and informative articles on Fred Gwynne, go here and here.

Fred Gwynne‘s Final Resting Place

Frederick Hubbard Gwynne
July 10, 1926 – July 2, 1993

It was last year, when I learned that Fred Gwynne is buried in my “neck of the woods”,
I had known that Fred Gwynne lived in Maryland, with his (second) wife, during his final years, but little more.  Thanks to the magic of the Internet, I learned that Gwynne is in an unmarked grave in Finksburg, Maryland.  Along with my son and daughter in-law, we set out to visit Gwynne’s final resting place one beautiful autumn afternoon.

The drive through the countryside was beautiful, as autumn was in full swing.
 October 2022.

The older part of the pretty Sandy Mount United Methodist Church
and the sign (below) that stands nearby.
The cemetery is behind here.


Sandy Mount
United Methodist Church
1827-1977

An original one acre was deeded in 1827 by
 Allen and Susannah Baker.  Civil War issues
divided the congregation in 1856 and Pleasant
Grove Church was founded.  A log meeting house
was replaced in 1867 by a stone structure
built of local field stones gathered by church
families.  Formal incorporation came in 1868.  
A bell and belfry were added in the 1890’s.
The congregation rejoined with Pleasant Grove
in 1943.  An education building was erected in
1958.  The present sanctuary was completed 
in 1974.  In the new church tower hangs the original bell.

Exploring the area of Fred Gwynne’s unmarked grave.

The cemetery is in a quiet and peaceful location.

My Munsters Recommendations

With Halloween right around the corner, The Munsters are a great choice for not-so scary holiday watching.  Here are a couple of my recommendations.

My Munster DVD Collection

Although, most any of The Munsters programs from its two seasons will not disappoint, my favorite is actually the Thanksgiving episode from the first season, Low-Cal Munster.  
We can all relate to Herman, as he attempts to curb his eating on Thanksgiving day.  
Paul Lynde guest stars as Herman’s family doctor.

Fred Gwynne and Paul Lynde star in the hilarious
Season 1, Episode 6 of
Low-Cal Munster

Every October, I dust off my copy of the 1966 full-length movie, Munster go Home!
I find it, just plain, fun and silly.  Several guest stars are seen throughout, including
Terry-Thomas (Disney’s animated Robin Hood), Richard Dawson (Family Feud), and Robert Pine ( Chip’s and actor Chris Pine’s father).

While I enjoy The Munster’s first movie, Munsters go Home!  I recommend bi-passing the second film made several years later in 1981, The Munster’s Revenge. The later, having lost the charm displayed in the earlier film and series.

Every October, I dust off my copy of the 1966 full-length movie, 
Munster go Home!

Previous Halloween Posts

Key Lime Pie, a New Halloween Tradition

Halloween, Not-too Scary, Movie Watching Fun

A Halloween Movie/TV Show Checklist

Autumn in October: Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween, and Pumpkin Cake…

Happy Not -So- Very- Scary Halloween

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

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

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Please post yours positive thoughts in my comment section at the bottom of the blog post.

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

 The lesson I want you to learn is, it doesn’t matter what you look like.
You can be tall or short, or fat or thin, or ugly or handsome, like your father. Or you can be black or yellow or white… it doesn’t matter.
What does matter is the size of your heart and the strength of your character.

-Herman Munster to his son, Eddie

This quote is from Season 1, Episode 19,
Eddie’s Nickname

The photo is from Season 1, Episode 9
Knock Wood, Here Comes Charlie

 

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

Posted on September 24, 2023 by oltimetv

 

  •  

September 24, 2023

Christmas in JulyAugust September/December
in Switzerland
Part 2

A festive cart, laden with Christmas fare, was one of the numerous 
delights at the Gruyère Christmas Market
December 2022

 

Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.
 Kris Kringle
 Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street, a Christmas “feel good” film.

I must agree with good ol’ Kris Kringle’s assessment of Christmas, in Miracle on 34th Street;

Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.

 It seems appropriate to share Kringle’s quote at this time, while introducing Part 2 of this December/Christmastime 2022 Switzerland trip .  Yes,  I know that it’s September,  
but who couldn’t use a little Christmas cheer, no matter what the time of year, right?

(For an earlier blog post on the Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street, please go here.)

So, I share with you a little Christmas cheer, via photos, from my amazing December 2022 trip
to Switzerland.
It was magical, wonderful, and smile-filled, and my special friends,
Jenny and Geoff, were the perfect hosts! 
So, why not grab a cup of tea, or coffee, get comfy in your favorite chair, and join me for a few minutes on this fun photo journey?

Chaminox-Mont-Blanc (France)

Chaminox-Mont Blanc is an area know for its skiing.  In fact, Chaminox-Mont Blanc was home to the 1924 Winter Olympics, the very first Winter Olympics. It was at this olympics that the world was introduced to an eleven year-old ice skater from Norway, named Sonia Henie.  
Henie would later become the darling of Hollywood, staring in thirteen films.
(One of my favorites is the light-hearted, Sun Valley Serenade from 1941.)  

Eleven year-old Sonja Henie competed in the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chaminox-Mont Blanc.

The breathtakingly beautiful Chaminox-Mont Blanc (France) was less than two hour drive from our home base in Rolle (Switzerland).

The view from through our Chaminox rental’s window was breathtaking.

Jenny and Geoff, my dear friends, and wonderful
“tour guides”,  enjoy a cup of hot tea.

Jenny and I stand before the beautiful  Saint Michel Church.
This Catholic church’s original structure was built in 1119, but of that structure,
only the bell tower remains. 

It was a winterwonderland! 
(The Casino Le Royal sits in the center of the photo.)

The Petit Train de Chamonix was a fun way to see the sights around town.

Enjoying the winter sights on our little train ride.

There were sights as we walked around the picturesque town, as well,
including the Chamonix Alpine Museum (above).

The Montenvers Railway transported us, up to the Mer de Grace (Sea of Ice),
a glacier in the French Alps.

We were treated to magnificent views as we traveled up to the top.

The Mer de Grace (glacier)

Enjoying one of many delicious meals in Chaminox-Mont Blanc, and throughout this visit.

Goodies galore!

Crossants!  So good!

 

 Beauty in the Night in Chaminox-Mont Blanc

Night time descends over the town.

Saint Michel Church seems to glow in the dusk.

Main Street is brightly lit up for Christmas.

 Main Street seems magical.

This restaurant embraces its ski surroundings with its creative outdoor seating.

A majestic Christmas tree lights up the front of Le Savoy Place Hotel with the magnificent
French Alps as a backdrop.

This pretty “Christmas card” of a scene presented itself,
as we walked back to our Chaminox lodging one evening.

 

Nyon (Switzerland) and Yvoire (France)

 

Nyon’s fairytale castle keeps watch over the town’s landscape.

It is a short 20-minute ferry ride across Lake Geneva from Switzerland to France.

Good company, and great views, accompany our leisurely sail across Lake Geneva.

The French and Swiss flags are on display upon our arrival.

Yvoire is a beautiful medieval French village, 
often called one of the most beautiful villages
in France.

Yvoire Castle sits on Lake Geneva, and was originally built in the 1300’s,
but was extensively renovated in the early 20th century.
The castle has been owned by the Yvoire family since the 17th century,
and is not open to the public.

 This fortified gate, is one of two remaining in Yvoire.

Cute shops dot the streets of Yvoire.

The Church of Saint Pancras
The first part of this church was constructed in 1250!

Saint Pancras overlooks the town of Yvoire and Lake Geneva.

 Jenny and Geoff stroll the Lake Geneva shore.

 

Rolle‎⁨ (Switzerland)
Our Home Base

Rolle Castle, built in the 1200’s, was the sight of a small, but beautiful Christmas festival.

The castle courtyard was lit up for the evening…

…as were the tables!

Kris Kringle even made an appearance!

The streets of Rolle celebrate the season, too!

 

Gruyères⁩ (Switzerland)

The small storybook-like town of of Gruyères⁩ is renowned for its cheese,
 and also home to a wonderful annual Christmas Market.

This nativity was displayed prominently at the center of the Christmas Market.

Situated in the center of Gruyere’s short Main Street, is this building,
once owned by actor Charlie Chaplin. 

A variety of goods and treats were offered for sale at the Christmas Market.

Pretzels and and an array of breads were some of the many offerings.

Chocolates of all sorts, 
were available from the local chocolate shop,
Chocolaterie de Gruyères. 
It was worth the steep climb up the stairs to buy their delicious confections.
(see stairs on the left, in the above photo)

 

 Gruyères Castle

 Gruyères Castle was built in the 1200’s.
It became a museum in 1938.

The entrance to the Gruyères Castle still stands guard.

Armor, of many varieties, was on display.

The view behind me, from the castle window, was beautiful.

    Another castle window afforded us this spectacular view.

 

The perfectly manicured landscaping of the castle is blanketed in snow.

 

Hotel Le Saint Georges

Our lodging in Guyeres was the quaint Hotel Le Saint Georges. 

The staff was so friendly, the accommodations and food were great,
and the views from our room were incredible.

The hotel even had a chef making crepes at the entrance to the hotel!

The crepes were delicious!

The cheese board that was our appetizer one evening, at the hotel restaurant.
(We ate a lot of wonderful cheese on this trip!)


One of the decorative Christmas touches throughout the hotel.

 

Twilight Brings Out the Lights of the Christmas Market

 Jenny and I happily take in all of the evening’s Christmas cheer,

There were lovely Christmas displays everywhere.

As darkness falls, the street takes on a magical Christmas glow.

Gruyères as the Christmas Market winds down for the evening.

 

Sunday Morning

St. Theodul Church, a Catholic Church, beckons worshipers by ringing its bell.
St. Theodul was built in the 13th century, having been destroyed by fire twice.

Jenny and Geoff walk the cobblestone streets toward the church.

We were treated to the melodious sounds of a men’s choir in St. Theodul’s historic sanctuary.

Gruyères was simply beautiful! 

 

Thank you for allowing me to share my Switzerland Christmastime photos with you!

To see Part 1 of this trip to Switzerland, please go here.

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

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
I typically post on a monthly basis.

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Please note that all comments submitted can be seen by the public.

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To enjoy any, or all, of my past blog posts and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net,
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I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!

A solitary candle burns brightly at the Christmas Market
in ‎⁨Gruyères (Switzerland)

 

 

 

 
 
 
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Christmas in August/December in Switzerland, Part 1

Posted on September 1, 2023 by oltimetv

 

 

August 31, 2023

Christmas in JulyAugust/December in Switzerland
Part 1

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens– A Christmas Carol


Yes, that IS me dressed up in my best Christmas (tree) finery!
A Christmas party game, December 2022

Christmas in July I’ve heard of, but “Christmas in August?,” you say!
And besides that, its almost September!
(For Christmas in September, yes there is one, you’ll have to look, here.)
Well…full disclosure here,
I must admit that I actually missed the Christmas in July window, barely making the August one, which…
well, you get it.
In other words, I am behind. :o)


A sign proclaims Christmas in July 

With that true confession behind me, I began to ponder;
Just where did the whole “Christmas in July” phenomenon derive from, anyway?

Christmas in July


 Myrna Loy and William Powell star as Nick and Nora Charles
in The Thin Man (1934)

Putting on my Nora Charles sleuthing/thinking cap, of Nick and Nora Thin Man fame
(you can read about that here.), I discovered that the first Christmas in July celebration
occurred at a North Carolina girl’s summer camp in 1933.  
Preston Sturges’ 1940 movie, Christmas in July, then brought the
Christmas in July concept to national attention.
You can read more about this “holiday’s” creation here and here and here.
AND, additionally, my research uncovered a precedent for a Christmas in August, citing the Yellowstone National Park’s celebration! Wanna go? More information is here.
Read more about Christmas in August here and here and here.

In any event, please allow me to share my own personal piece of Christmas in August here!

A Trip to Switzerland


Making the twenty-minute trip from Nyon in Switzerland to Yviore in France via
the Lake Geneva ferry

With this Christmas in August post, I share with you some of my Christmastime photos of 2022.  
My dear friends, who had an extended stay in Switzerland,
generously invited me to join them for a visit.  
Please, join me in revisiting this magical Christmas trip via the photos below.
I hope that they bring a smile to your face, as they do to me.

Rolle (Switzerland)


My wonderful hosts Jenny and Geoff, at a local Christmas shop


A couple of shoppers stroll toward Lake Geneva


A short walk from our apartment in Rolle, was the beautiful Lake Geneva


Rolle comes complete with its own castle!


And these unique trees!
After some research, I think they may be called
platanus, planes, or plane trees, or platane?

Montruex (Switzerland)
A Christmas Market

Enjoying a delicious meal in a restaurant “tent”at the Montruex Christmas Market.
Although, this restaurant was constructed for temporary use,
you’d never know it by our posh surroundings,
and the food served was not your typical fair food!
Note the photo bombing waiter.  :o)


A large Ferris wheel welcomes us to the festivites


Twinkling lights set the holiday mood


There were Christmas treats galore

Freddie Mercury’s statue, of the group Queen, stands watch over the lake.
Mercury lived in the area for several years.


The highlight of the evening was watching a real live Santa “fly”overhead, over the lake.
Watch that happen here.

Chaplin’s World
The Museum and Home of Charlie Chaplin
Corsier-sur-Vevey (Switzerland)

My friends know that I am a movie buff, and suggested visiting actor and film maker
Charlie Chaplin‘s museum and home.

The costume often associated with Chaplin’s work

This majestic Christmas tree stands in the foyer of Chaplin’s Swiss home
that he shared with his wife Oona (O’Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O’Neill)
and eight children.

    

Jenny and Geoff enjoying the Chaplin living room

Coppet (Switzerland)


Visiting Coppet, one of the picturesque villages of Switzerland,
 was a delight

Window shopping included viewing wonderful chocolate creations

We enjoyed exploring the beauty of Coppet

It was a pleasant surprise to find that we had stumbled on Coppet’s Christmas market,
on the grounds of the Coppet Castle

      

Everything from olives and nuts, to jewelry, were available for purchase

The lovely night lights of Coppet’s Christmas market

Thank you for allowing me to share my Switzerland Christmastime photos with you,
and please join me again, soon, for part two!

To see part two of this trip, please click here.

As always, thank you for reading I’m Annette.
May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
I typically post on a monthly basis.

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selecting the posts that you desire to see in the Recent Posts, or you can “search” a topic in the Archives section, in the upper right-hand side.
I have been blogging since 2013, so there are plenty of posts to choose from!


Coppet’s stars shine bright

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10!

Posted on July 3, 2023 by oltimetv

 

July 12, 2023

10!


Ten years!
Can you believe it?!
Yep, Yours Truly has been blogging away on I’m Annette for ten whole years!!!
(If you are so inclined, you can read the post that started it all, with my very first,
very brief blog entry, here.)



              A 2013 Disneyland Paris photo from the I’m Annette About Page


After much careful deliberation, volleying around various ideas back and forth in my brain, including some fun suggestions from my, always-fun, British blogging “pen pal”, Jenny,  (I wrote about her, here, and here.)

        I love this photo of Jenny, my blogging “pen pal”, that she shared with me   for my February 2018 post

I eventually concluded that marking this ten-year milestone with a delectable treat was mandatory! Think of it as a blogging birthday “cake”. :o)



4th of July Bars

With this birthday blogging in mind, I share with you a newly discovered recipe!
4th of July, 2023, will forever be remembered as the holiday that my (wonderful) daughter and I first stirred together these yummy S’more Bars, and from this day forward, this dessert will now be referred to, in my house, as 4th of July Bars. This recipe definitely falls into the keeper category for desserts, ticking off all of the boxes.
This s’more-type bar is simple, delicious, and not overly sweet.

Speaking of 4th of July, I just had to share this precious photo,
taken by friend, Independence Day 2022.
Thank you, Brian!

Please, join me in celebration of a decade in blogging by making this treat soon.  
Give it a try, and if you like it, please follow up with a kindly mention in the
comments section.
(FYI, all comments are seen by the public.)



Please join me in celebration of a decade in blogging.


The Recipe

4th of July Bars

 

Ingredients

9 graham cracker squares
(One sleeve-worth)

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup brown sugar

 

2 cups soft, large marshmallows

1 ½ cups chocolate chips
(Ghirardelli 72% chocolate ships, purple bag)

 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving about an 1-inch hanging over on sides, enough to hold on to.
 
Stir melted butter and brown sugar until well mixed.
Crumble graham crackers in a bag, or in food processor and pour into the butter and sugar mixture.  Press graham cracker mixture into bottom of the parchment prepared pan  to form crust.

Bake in the preheated oven until crust is lightly browned and smells toasted,
about 7 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, covering crust evenly with large marshmallows, that have been torn in half. (See photo below)
Sprinkle chocolate chips over marshmallows.

Bake in the preheated oven until chocolate chips are melted and marshmallows are lightly browned, about 3-9 minutes.

Allow  s’mores to rest in the pan until cool, about 30 minutes.
Refrigerate until set, about 45 minutes.

Remove from the pan, using the parchment, and cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Photos to Cook By (sort of) 

 

Ingredients

 

 

Cover crust evenly with large marshmallows, that have been torn in half



Bake until chocolate chips are melted and marshmallows are lightly browned

Allow  s’mores to rest in the pan until cool, about 30 minutes.
Refrigerate until set, about 45 minutes.
Remove from the pan, using the parchment, and cut into squares.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette.

If you find yourself with some free time, I invite you to take a stroll down the I’m Annette’s archives, here, or check out the archive spot of imannette.net.  There’s a lot to explore; ten year’s worth!


May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
I typically post on a monthly basis.

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

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please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I really, really  enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please note that all comments submitted can be seen by the public.

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

Made Me Smile! :o)



I spied this as I walked by a car in the store parking lot.
Yes, it made me smile.
(This was taken a couple of months ago, which is why the windshield is covered in pollen!)

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

A 4th for a Foodie

Posted on July 4, 2022 by oltimetv

 

 

July 4, 2022

A 4th for a Foodie

On Saturday, I was happily surprised to find that American flags were decorating my neighborhood street.

Happy 4th of July!  

True confessions, first.
 I am on a sugar high, as I pen this July 4th blog post. Yep, its true. In keeping with the patriotic holiday spirit, I set out to immerse myself in various epicurean delights over this festive three-day weekend,
with today consisting of a gargantuan fudgy milkshake served at  The Crazy Mason, Milkshake Bar.  Needless to say, this milkshake gave me my chocolate “fix” for the day! YUM!

This milkshake gave me my chocolate “fix” for the day!

Fortunately, I got to The Crazy Mason early, before its opening time of noon, to beat the crowd.
By the time noon rolled around, a line had begun forming in anticipation of partaking in this delicious milkshake mania.

I got there early, before its opening time of noon, to beat the crowd.  

By the time noon rolled around, a line had begun forming.


Other 4th of July Goodies.

Yesterday, it was Cap’n Crunch French Toast that I prepared, and strawberry Dole Whip at our local snowball stand.  While on Saturday, I dined at a new (to me) restaurant in the area that served up a juicy Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich.  All were delicious additions to my 4th of July celebration!

Red, White, and Blue Cap’n Crunch French Toast
For the recipe, go here.

Yesterday, I enjoyed a bit of strawberry Dole Whip.


I, also, dined at a new (to me) restaurant in the area that served up a juicy
Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich.


I had been craving my Potato Salad since Memorial Day, so.
For the recipe, go here

A Couple of Star-Spangled Desserts

Buster Bar Dessert

If you are a fan of the ice cream chain Dairy Queen , you are familiar with their famous Buster Bar;
Ice cream on a stick, infused with peanuts and dipped in chocolate coating.

 

Dairy Queen’s famous Buster Bar

This dessert recipe that I share with you, on this 4th of July, is inspired by Dairy Queen’s Buster Bar.
 It is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Buster Bar Dessert is inspired by Dairy Queen’s Buster Bar.


Ingredients needed for Buster Bar Dessert

 

The Recipes

Buster Bar Dessert

Ingredients

Ice Cream Mixture

12-14 ounce package regular Oreos, crushed

1/2 cup/1 stick butter

1/2 gallon-1 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened

12 ounce salted Spanish peanuts


Topping

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup dark chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli, or Guittard)

1/2 cup/1 stick butter

1-13 ounce can of evaporated milk

Directions

Combine crushed Oreos and 1/2 cup melted butter.
Press into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.

Spoon on ice cream, making smooth.

Sprinkle on peanuts evenly.

Place in freezer.

Prepare topping:  combine remaining ingredients in a sauce pan.

Heat until chocolate chips melt.

Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Cool thoroughly.

Pour over ice cream.

Freeze until firm.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Waffle Stars

In my ever ambitious plans for this blog post, I had planned to prepare star-shaped Chocolate Waffle Cookies to share with you.  Although, I share the recipe, below, I did not get them made to display.  One day, I will, and add them to this blog post….maybe.  ha

A star waffle maker to prepare Chocolate Waffle Cookies

Chocolate Waffle Cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

2 squares of unsweetened baking chocolate


1/3 cup butter


2 eggs


3/4 cup sugar


1 cup flour


1 teaspoon vanilla

 

Cookie Glaze

1 ounce square of unsweetened baking chocolate


1 Tablespoon butter

1/4-1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Cookies

Melt together baking chocolate and butter. Stir.

Add the next four ingredients and stir together.

Oil waffle iron, and heat.

Drop about 1.5 Tablespoon batter onto hot waffle iron.

Close waffle iron and “bake” until done.

Cool slightly, and then frost with glaze (below).

Glaze


Melt 1 ounce square of unsweetened baking chocolate with 1 Tablespoon of butter.

Add 1/4-1/2 cup powdered sugar, mixing by hand.

A Pair of Movies for 4th of July

Need a good 4th of July movie?  I am watching National Treasure, and National Treasure 2. They are both currently playing on Disney+.

National Treasure and National Treasure 2 are good choices for 4th of July fare.

Made Me Smile  :o)

Five Guys

Speaking of historic days!  A Five Guys opened in my area, and it is delicious as ever!

Firework Oreos

To avoid the chance of an Oreo overdose, I did not purchase these fun Oreos!

Explore related blog posts, below.
Click “here” after the blog title, and enjoy.  :o)

A Yankee Doodle Hilton Head Reunion, July 2019, here.

Minnesota nice=A Very Nice Family Reunion, July 2018, here.

Rice Krispies, the All-American Snack, June 2020, here.

Istanbul in 48 Hours, July 2015, here.


Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook…Walt Disney World, July 2014, here.

4th of July Food Food Favorites, July 2013, here.


Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

 

 

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog post August 25.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

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

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

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I really enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please note that comments submitted are public.

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

My souvenir from The Crazy Mason, the Milkshake Bar


Fun historical ice cream fact-First Lady Dolly Madison’s favorite ice cream was Oyster Ice Cream!!!

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Hooray for Hollywood!

Posted on June 18, 2022 by oltimetv

June 18, 2022

Hooray for Hollywood!

I excitedly “take in” the massive movie backdrop from Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece,
North by Northwest.

Recently, while in South Florida, I stumbled upon some information about a truly unique exhibit (the first featuring these gigantic pieces of art) at the Boca Raton Museum of Art called Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, Cinema’s Creative Legacy. I was immediately intrigued. I love classic movies!

Boca Raton Museum of Art’s brochure for their unique movie backdrop exhibit

Ready for a little Hollywood magic, my son and I set out to see what this Hollywood exhibit had to offer.  I must admit, I was in awe at the very first sight!  The expansive, and beautifully painted, backdrop from Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (in my opinion, his best film) was there, stretched out in all its glory before me. It was beautiful.

My son and I pose before the massive and beautiful Mount Rushmore movie backdrop.

To think that those who painstakingly painted these gigantic beauties did so anonymously, working behind the scenes during Hollywood’s ‘”golden age” and beyond. The Boca Raton Museum of Art wants to “recognize them for the masterful illusions they made.”(as stated in their write-up of the exhibit).

It was equally exciting to think that I stood close to the very same backdrop that Hollywood legend, Cary Grant, had once used! Yep, I was just a little starstruck!

The Mount Rushmore backdrop was used in this scene starring
Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest.

Another view of this iconic 91 foot-wide movie backdrop from the museum’s upper level,
looking down.
The skill of the artists is amazing!

This backdrop is on loan from the Texas Performing Arts Hollywood Backdrop Collection at the University of Texas. 

When viewing this “tapestry” from Marie Antoinette (1938), I was flabbergasted to discover that it is actually a painting, and not a real tapestry!  Another surprise awaited me when researching for this blog post!   I learned that this piece was also seen in the film North by Northwest during the auction scene, twenty-one years later!

This “tapestry” was used in the auction scene in North by Northwest,
having been used before that in Marie Antoinette.

My DVD copy of this Hitchcock classic.
North by Northwest (1959)

 

While attending a huge, annual, church community’s rummage sale this week, I spied this.
I just HAD to take a photo to add to this post!  :O)
No Cary Grant here, unfortunately, though.
I wonder if this piece sold?

Singin’ In the Rain

The fun continued as we continued to immerse ourselves in the movie world of backdrops. The Singing’ in the Rain backdrop was another of my personal favorites, complete with an area for selfies including a couch and a headless dummy, just like in the film.
You can watch a clip of Donald O’Connor’s (and the dummy’s) rollicking song and dance, “Make ’em Laugh”, here.

The “Make ’em Laugh” dummy and I, having a nice visit  :o)

This backdrop is on loan from the Motion Picture Academy in
Los Angeles.

Donald O’Connor performs his memorably entertaining
“Make ’em Laugh” song and dance sequence.

This photo is courtesy of the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

You guessed it, I have a DVD copy of this movie, too!
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

The Sound of Music

The final two backdrops that I share, surprised me, as they came from the movie The Sound of Music. Knowing that The Sound of Music was filmed on location in Salzburg/Austria, I did not expect to see a backdrop for this movie, let alone two! I am guessing that the backdrops were used upon the film’s completion of location shooting, when back in California.
You can read about the movie locations of The Sound of Music, here and here.

The backdrop for Salzburg, as seen out the convent window.

My son and I enjoy the mountains of Salzburg.  :O)

Hoping that this photo portrays the massive scale of these paintings!

The backdrop for the Von Trapp’s back terrace.

An actual location shot of the Von Trapp’s back terrace in Austria.

This photo is courtesy of the Boca Raton Museum of Art.


Yep, I have a DVD copy of this one, too! :o)
The Sound of Music (1965)

 

Disney

There were no original Disney backdrops on display in this exhibit,
but this photo and quote were prominently displayed.

This Walt Disney quote was displayed prominently at the beginning of the museum exhibit.
It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

More Information

Thank you for the Boca Raton Museum of Art for their generous sharing of information.
Read more about this wonderful exhibit, and its history, here.

Watch this six-minute CBS Sunday Morning program for a brief history of, and about preserving movie backdrops, here.

The Brown Derby

After walking around and enjoying the backdrop museum exhibits, I get hungry. When I get hungry, I think of Hollywood, and when I think of Hollywood, I think of the famous Brown Derby! And when I think of the famous Brown Derby, I naturally think of of their often re-created Cobb Salad!

The Brown Derby, note that the building is shaped like a derby/hat, on Wilshire Blvd.
1956

Let’s back up just a little bit, and discuss this once hat-shaped establishment.  The Brown Derby Restaurant is, alas, now only a “blast from the past”.  But, during its glory days, The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant was known as the hangout for celebrity movers and shakers.
(There were actually five Brown Derby Restaurants at one time in the Los Angeles area.  Read about those, here.) Now, The Brown Derby only exists in The Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.  And it is here that one can
dine on a truly spectacular Cobb Salad!

The delicious Cobb Salad as served at Walt Disney World’s
The Hollywood Brown Derby.

A recipe card from Walt Disney World for Cobb Salad

According to The Brown Derby Cookbook (My son kindly gave me a copy one year for Christmas.) the Cobb Salad was hastily arranged from leftovers by the restaurant’s owner, Bob Cobb. Finding an avocado in the refrigerator, he chopped it up, along with lettuce, celery, tomato, bacon and salad dressing.  A few days later, he made it again, but added more ingredients, perfecting it into the now famous Cobb Salad.

According to The Brown Derby Cookbook,
(My son kindly gave me this copy one year for Christmas.)
the Cobb Salad was hastily arranged from random ingredients found in the refrigerator
by the restaurant’s owner Bob Cobb.

And, if you have never seen it, check out The Brown Derby episode called L.A. at Last! (1955) of
I Love Lucy.
It’s my favorite I Love Lucy episode.! (Season 4, Episode 17)

 

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

The basic ingredients needed to make Cobb Salad

The Recipe

Cobb Salad

The Brown Derby Cobb Salad
(My version)

Ingredients

Salad

Ingredients:

1/2 head iceberg lettuce

1/2 head romaine lettuce

2 medium tomatoes, chopped with seeds removed

1 1/2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced

3 eggs, hard-boiled, slice or dice

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

6 strips crisp bacon, crumbled

1-2 tablespoons chopped chives

French Dressing

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 cup red-wine vinegar

Juice of 1/4-1/2 lemon

1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon English mustard, if you have it on hand

1/2 cup olive oil

1 1/2 cups salad oil

Directions

For Salad-
Chop all greens very fine and arrange in salad bowl.
Cut tomatoes in half, remove seeds, and dice fine.
Also fine dice the turkey, avocado, & eggs (or slice eggs).
(If you like, you can now just mix it up, add the dressing, and eat it, or…)
Arrange the above ingredients, as well as the blue cheese and bacon crumbles, in straight lines across the greens.
Arrange the chives diagonally across the above lines.
Present the salad at the table, then toss with the dressing (below).
Place on chilled plates.

For Dressing-
Blend all ingredients except oils, then add olive oil and salad oils and mix well.
Blend well again before mixing with salad.
Keep under refrigeration.

Makes 1-11/2

Enjoy!

Cooking with Gammy

Eric Carle’s, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was a particular favorite of one of my son’s in his toddler years.  It was a “blast from the past”, then, as I settled down to read this children’s classic with his precious two-year old daughter/my granddaughter. Making a craft and a donut caterpillar was just
” the icing on the cake”.  (See what I did there?  hee hee)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

To recreate this delicious donut caterpillar, “glue” together
mini chocolate-covered donuts with frosting.

Add vanilla white chocolate discs for eyes, and use pretzels for the antennae and a mouth.

This construction paper caterpillar was made with strips of green paper taped together,
a red circle taped on the front for a head, and embellished with glued on green eyes and brown antennae.
Allow for the paper sections to be colored and decorated prior to assembling.

Made Me Smile :O)

How could I not smile when this sweet, sweet note arrived in my mailbox today?!
My five year-old granddaughter dictated it to my son, and he wrote it down verbatim.
I love it!  I have been smiling ever since I opened this!!!  :o)

 

It was a delight to view the magical The Wizard of Oz on the big screen on June 5th!
(I also enjoyed seeing it, here, in 2015.)

 

These two little bunnies greeted me on a recent walk in my neighborhood.

 

Always a soft touch for Disney Park-related recipes, and with an Amazon gift card “burning a hole in my pocket”, I was happy to find this goodie, Ashley Craft’s The Unofficial Disney Parks Epcot Cookbook, on my doorstep this week! Can’t wait to try out a few of the delicious looking recipes!

 

I had to chuckle when I read this!  Ha

From the Archives

Check out these related blog posts from the past, below.
Just click “here” after the blog title, and enjoy.

A recreated scene from The Wizard of Oz on ( the former ) The Great Movie Ride 
at Walt Disney World in 2014.

Dole Whip Mama, or Rubbin’ Elbows with Mickey, January 2019, here.

Rick Springfield and Floating cars…Another Glorious Visit to Walt Disney World!,
April 2019, here.

My Birthday with Disney, April 2016, here.

A Girls’ Disney Weekend, February 2015, here.

We’re Off to See the Wizard (of Oz movie), January 2015, here.

Annette’s Big Family Vacation Scrapbook:…Disney World!, July 2014, here.

Walt Disney World Really Cooks!, July 2013, here.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog post around August 25, if not sooner.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

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

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

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

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

A view of the iconic “Hollywood” sign in 2015.
See more about that trip, here.

Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Flourless Chocolate Torte

Posted on May 8, 2022 by oltimetv

May 7, 2022

Flourless Chocolate Torte!

Who wants Chocolate?
Flourless Chocolate Torte, that is!

It winked at me-each week.   For the past couple of months, as I made my way down the grocery aisle, it seemed that the Godiva, Belgium 1926, Flourless Chocolate Torte baking mix was making its presence known to me. Yesterday, I stopped to introduce myself. :o). In other words, I finally broke down and bought a box, having always wanted to whip up my very own Flourless Chocolate Torte.

I finally broke down and bought a box.

 I do love a good Flourless Chocolate Torte!
 I have had the privilege of enjoying some very delicious ones over the past few years, but the gold standard of these tortes has to be one that I dined on in England, at the Forest Pines Hotel, Lincolnshire.  In fact, the chef there even gifted me his recipe. I have, as of yet, to try that recipe out. One of these days, perhaps, but in the meantime, this box seemed like a simple alternative. 

The gold standard of Flourless Chocolate Tortes has to be this one that I dined on in England.
September 2013

The mix not only comes with almost all of the ingredients needed, but even includes a disposable,
one-time use “pan”.  A baking sheet is needed to place underneath the “pan”.

The mix not only comes with almost all of the ingredients needed,
but even supplies a disposable, one-time use “pan”.

Not included in the mix is the “grease” to prepare the “pan, unsalted butter, and two eggs.  Unfortunately, I did not read the instructions carefully while in the grocery store, and when it came time to prepare the mix, I had NO unsalted butter!  Thankfully, my sweet next-door neighbors had some to trade (for my salted butter), and all was good, again, in the world of baking.

 


Not included in the mix is the “grease” to prepare the “pan, unsalted butter, and two eggs.  

The end result was delicious!  I would make this mix again, but allowing plenty of time.  
In addition to the preparation and almost 30 minutes of baking, one must allow another 30 minutes for cooling, and then an additional two hours in the refrigerator, before adding the ganache

 

 

 

The end result was delicious!

So, if you are in the mood for some Flourless Chocolate Torte at home, consider Godiva’s baking mix.  You won’t be disappointed. 

(I was not gifted, reimbursed, or paid to endorse this product.)

Enjoy These Previous, Chocolate-related Blog Posts, below

Just click “here” after the blog title, and enjoy.  :o)
For more Chocolate-related blog posts, go to imannette.net, here,
and browse under “archives” on the right-hand side. 
Hint-type in brownies, or chocolate.  :o)


A Visit to Hershey Park; Chocolate is a Vegetable, Right?  May 2018, here.

Love and Chocolate, February 2018, here.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!, March 2019, here.

Lobsters, and Clam Chowder, and Birthday Cakes, Oh My!, May 2019, here.

Beach Getaway, February 2017, here.

Delighting in Dubai, March 2014, here.

Counting the Days till Christmas, December 2013, here.

Have a Sweet Christmas, December 2019, here.

Willy Wonka and Lebron, June 2016, here.

Did Someone Say Chocolate Chip Cookies?!, May 2020, here.

Chicken and Dumplings & Ma and Pa Kettle, September 2014, here.

12 Days of Christmas…Goodies, December 2020, here. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies !!!, June 2013, here.

Happy October, October 2020, here.

Continue reading →

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The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get!

Posted on April 26, 2022 by oltimetv

 

April 26, 2022

The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get!

I enjoy a cup of (Barry’s) tea from my beloved “It’s a Small World” cup.  :o)

The calendar in front of me proclaims that spring is in “full bloom” (See what I did there? ha),
and that April is quickly coming to a close! My promised blog post date for this month looms terrifyingly near. Oh, boy!

Some of the “bloom” that is occurring in my neck of the woods.
Can you spot the bumble bee near the middle of this photo?

To quote an oft uttered phrase, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!” Or so it seems!
So….rather than going “hurrier” and getting “behinder”, I will take time out from my schedule to sip my tea, relax a bit, and chat with you via this posting. :o)

Travel Fun

  How delightful it has been to see family and friends these past couple of months!  AND, of course, enjoy the foods of different areas of the country!  I share just a few photos of my recent travels.

Iowa

Tenderloins!

Enjoying one of the three pork tenderloins (on St. Patrick’s Day) that I devoured during my
Iowa trip, Goldie’s in Prairie City.

   

                   The Redwood Steakhouse, Anita.           Enjoying a tenderloin at Johnston’s, Jethro’s.                                           

Dutch Letters from Jaarsma Bakery in Pella

Frisian Farms cheese from Leighton.

The most unique of my Iowa dining experiences was pizza at Fong’s Pizza, Ankeny!
They are known for their Asian-inspired Crab Rangoon Pizza.
Fans include Alton Brown from Good Eats/The Food Network.
See this brief video about Fong Pizza on Youtube, here.

The Sights

Bison spotted at the
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge,
and (below) a steel bison sculpture nearby,  Prairie City.

This windmill is a nod to Pella’s Dutch roots.

Jesse James was here!
Near Adair


New York, New York!

Two Visits to Central Park

A cool, but pretty spring day

Enjoying NYC with my son and his family.
We are all smiles as we take a leisurely carriage ride through Central Park.

Not exactly planes, trains, and automobiles, but bikes and scooters work!

I just HAD to get a photo with Balto!
When my youngest two were little, Balto, the animated movie about this amazing dog,
was a favorite.
It was Balto who helped to get life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska in 1925.
My kiddos happily saw the taxidermied (Is that a word?) Balto at the
Cleveland Museum of Natural History many years ago.

I liked this view, just outside of the park.

Eating Our Way Through NYC

Eating a piece of NY pizza is a must when visiting the city!

Mama Mia 44sw was awesome!
Italian food at its best, and friendly service, too!
They make you feel like you are one of the family!
They have been in business since 1971!

Delicious Cantonese food at Big Wong Restaurant in New York’s Chinatown district.
(Note-They only take cash as payment.)

Bagels are another must when visiting NYC!
These bagel sandwiches at Hudson Bagel were the perfect breakfast!

I hope that you enjoyed my photo tours of Iowa and New York City!
Are you hungry, yet? :o)

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

 

I’m Annette Stuff

 

The Next Blog Post!
Look for my next blog post around June 30, 2022

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

Get I’m Annette Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!
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Receive my blog via email, Free, immediately upon each posting.
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A Special Note about Photos in I’m Annette Followers!
If you are receiving this blog via email, and if some of the photos do not come through clearly,
please click on imannette.net, or click here, to refresh the post.

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Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please note that comments submitted are public.

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

Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!
Robin Williams

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Faster than a Speeding Bullet

Posted on February 6, 2022 by oltimetv

March 6, 2022

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

You know, when you have all of these plans, and all of these items on your “to do list”,
but you just didn’t get around to actually doing them?  Well, I had plans for February to include some Super Bowl recipes in my next blog post.  (The last Super Bowl recipes in one of my blog posts was in 2014!). 

George Reeves as TV’s Superman (1954)

This winter, though, it seems, has flown by faster than Superman inflight  (“Faster than a speeding bullet.”). To put it simply, that Super Bowl blog post never got finished. So, without any further delay, let’s discuss a couple of tasty recipes that would be appropriate for the Super Bowl, or for anytime!

Super Bowl Food

To me, the food is one of the highlights of Super Bowl Sunday.  For many years I have prepared and enjoyed John Madden’s (may he Rest In Peace) delicious Super Bowl Stew for my family and friends.  (Find the stew recipe, here.)

John Madden’s Super Bowl Stew

Buffalo Wings have also been a favorite at my house for many a football game, including for the
Super Bowl. (Find my baked wing recipe, here.)

Baked Buffalo Wings

This year, I share with you, below, two more Super Bowl friendly recipes:  
Tex Mex Dip and Annette’s Not Terry Bradshaw’s Baked Beans.

Tex Mex Dip

This original recipe hails back to the 1980’s when I was living the life of a Texan.  I have always enjoyed this layered yumminess, but it was not a super quick recipe to prepare, and it was not easy on the ol’ WW/Weight Watcher point tally.  With this in mind, I will give you both recipes, and allow you to make the choice; quick or not, lower-cal or not.  You make the call! (See what I did there?  Football, call, referee.  Hee hee )

Easy and Slimmer Tex Mex

Ingredients

1-(16 ounce) can fat free refried beans

2-3 (2 ounce) containers of Pre-made Wholly Guacamole, or something similar
(Often found in the deli area, or in the premade produce area)

1/2 cup low-fat sour cream

1/4 cup low-fat Mayonnaise 
(I like Hellmann’s)

1/2 pkg (1 ounce size envelope) taco seasoning

1/2 cup chopped green onions
(Other onions will work in a pinch)

1-2 cup diced tomatoes

1 (3.8 ounce) sliced black olives, drained

1 cup shredded 2%/low fat cheddar cheese
( I plead with you to not use no fat.)

multigrain tortilla chips, tortilla chips, Doritos, carrot chips, sliced cucumbers

Directions

Spread refried beans in the bottom of a 8 x 6 inch baking dish.

Spread guacamole on top of beans.

Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning mix. Spread on top of the second layer.

Top with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, drained, sliced black olives.

Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.

Serve with tortilla chips (I prefer multigrain), or Doritos,
Carrot chips, or
Sliced cucumber.

Enjoy!

The Original Recipe Tex-Mex

Ingredients
2 large cans bean dip (usually sold near the chips)
3 ripe avocado, mashed
2 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is preferred)
1/8-1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup chopped green onion
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 (3.5 ounce) cans sliced black olives, drained
8 or more ounces shredded cheddar cheeseTortilla chips (I prefer multigrain)
Carrot chips
Sliced cucumbers

Directions
Spread bean dip in the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan.
Mix mashed avocado, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.  Place as a layer on top of the bean dip.
Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning mix. Spread on top of the second layer.
Top with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, drained, sliced black olives.
Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve with tortilla chips.

Annette’s NOT Terry Bradshaw’s Baked Bean Recipe

Let me begin by saying that I am not normally a reality show kinda gal.  Give me a good family sitcom anytime, especially those of  the retro variety.  Think The Brady Bunch, I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, or the more recent, The Middle. I actually have on The Middle as I type. :O)

 Give me a good family sitcom anytime, especially those of  the retro variety.

So, when I tuned into former NFL quarterback, Terry Bradshaw’s TV series, The Bradshaw Bunch
 (The first season is free to watch on Peacock), it was with low expectations.  Ladies and Gentlemen,
I must admit that this program drew me in!  I found myself giggling out loud while following the football legend and his family. (Warning, at times this program is geared toward a PG-13 audience.)

Bradshaw loves good food, and is especially fond of his own recipe for baked beans.  Me, being me, I just had to find his recipe!   After a brief Internet search, I hit pay dirt!
You can find his recipe, here.  

I made them, but honestly, although they were good, I feel that my own Hot Mixed Bean recipe not only tastes better, but is easier to prepare.  The photo below is my creation of the Bradshaw’s recipe.

 Bradshaw Beans made by me.
You can find the recipe for Bradshaw Beans, here.

Annette’s Not Terry Bradshaw’s Baked Beans

These flavorful Hot Mixed Beans are great as a side dish, or this recipe can be a meal all by itself!

Ingredients need for Hot Mixed Beans

Hot Mixed Beans 

Recipe

Hot Mixed Beans

Ingredients

1 1b. bacon, cut into pieces

1-1/2 onion, diced

½ bottle Heinz chili sauce

½ cup light brown sugar

Small can lima beans, drained

Small can black-eyed peas, drained

1 large can northern beans, drained

1 medium can pork and beans, undrained

 

Directions

Cut bacon into piece and dice onions.Fry.When done, drain off grease.

Place into saucepan, pot, or crockpot adding chili sauce, brown sugar, drained beans, and undrained pork and beans.

Cook on low heat for 2-4 hours. ( Crockpot temperatures vary, but you may wish to cook on high.)

Enjoy!

Made Me Smile  :o)

Disney Mugs

How do you typically begin your day?  Most mornings, I enjoy the morning with a steaming brew of my favorite Barry’s Tea, served up in a cute Disneyland, or Disney World, Starbucks mug. 
Do you have a favorite mug at your house?

My colorful collection of cute Walt Disney World and Disneyland mugs

Esther Williams Movies

On Sunday winter afternoons, I have been enjoying “diving”(Pun alert) into a happy classic film.  
My movies of choice, lately, have featured swimming sensation, Esther Williams.  Each film is a treat for the eyes filled with colorful costumes, amazing swimming sequences, and fun plot lines.

 

My movies of choice, lately on Sunday afternoon, have featured swimming sensation,
Esther Williams.  

 

Enjoy these St. Patrick’s Day-related blog posts, and others, below.
Just click “here” after the blog title, and enjoy.  :o)
For other March-related, and other past blog posts, go to imannette.net, here,
and browse under “archives” on the right-hand side. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, March 2019, here.
Includes instructions for no-bake Leprechaun Hats

A Bit o’ Green to Chase Those (Coronavirus) Blues Away, March 2020, here.
Includes recipe for no-bake Shamrock Pretzels

Irish Gold, Part 2, October 2013, here.
Includes a recipe for Irish Gold

Irish Gold, Part 1, October 2013, here.
Includes the recipe from Ashford Castle for Tea Sandwiches

The Quiet Man’s Ireland-Day 1, October 2013, here.
Includes locations from the classic film, The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man’s Ireland-Day 2, or A Day Fit for a Quiet Man Crazy, October 2013, here.
More locations from, the classic film, The Quiet Man

Top of the Mornin’ to Ya, February 2014, here.
Includes locations from the classic film, The Quiet Man,
plus other St. Patrick’s Day movie and tv show suggestions,
and a recipe for Easy Artichoke Dip.

Don’t Pinch Me, I’m Wearing Green Underwear!, March 2018, here.
Includes recipes for Irish Gold, and Irish Stew

Failte, March 2021, here.
Includes recipe for Shepherd’s Pie and Chocolate Mint Dessert

Family Fun at the Fair, and other Minnesota Stuff, September 2019, here.
Includes recipe for Baked Buffalo Wings.

Football, the Super Bowl, and John Madden’s Super Bowl Stew, January 2014, here.
Includes the recipe for John Madden’s own Super Bowl Stew.

Thank you for reading I’m Annette!

May your days be blessed, and your taste buds happy!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

I’m Annette Stuff

The Next Blog Post!
Look for the next blog post around April 28.

Follow My Instagram
Check out my Instagram page at imannettedotnet.

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

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

 Please, Leave a Kind Comment!
Thank you blog readers!  I enjoy hearing your kind comments!
Please note that comments submitted are public.

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

Adults are only kids grown up.
Walt Disney

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