If you haven't seen or heard of the Nike+FuelBand yet... go to the Nike+FuelBand.com website and check it out... then order one immediately!!! It is the coolest tool for the everyday fitness/athletic person. After I received the fuelband I ordered... I've been wearing it everyday for a month now... and... like all things I really like... I just gotta share this one to my blog readers.
You may be asking yourself... "What the heck is it???"
It is a 1" wide, lightweight bracelet you wear on your wrist that keeps track of your daily activities, and then translates your movements into Nike fuel. Every activity counts and adds up to fuel points. At the end of the day, you simply plug your bracelet into a computer thru an USB port that is inside the clasp of the bracelet, or sync it through bluetooth on a mobile phone (yes.... there is an ap for that)... and collect your daily results.
The bracelet looks great on both men and women.... it is literally a black band that looks like a bracelet on a woman, or a watch on a man. On the band is a hidden button... push it once and a band of pin dot lights will light up on the bottom.... starting at red and progressing towards green... there is a single pulsing green pin dot light at the end of the lights to let you know how much further you need to go to reach your daily goal. On the top of the bracelet, once you have pushed the button once, you will see a lit readout of how much fuel you have burned... a 2nd push tells you how many calories you have burned... a 3rd push tells you how many steps you have taken... and finally... a 4th push tells you the current time. So.... if you don't wear it for anything else... it is still a really cool watch! Once you have met your daily goal (which you set your personal goal when you receive your watch and log on to create your account.... which is free... you set your own personal goal for your personal lifestyle) when you push the hidden button, the top of the watch band lights up with the word GOAL... which then tells you, you have met your daily goal requirements for that day.
When you plug your nike fuelband into the computer, or sync to your mobile phone, you will get the results for that day... if you met or exceeded your goal for the day, how many days in a row you have met your goal, a timeline graph of when you used the most fuel during the day, how you are doing compared to yourself, how you are doing compared to women in your age group (or men among the men's group), and how you are doing compared to every person wearing the nike fuelbands. In other words... this fuel band keeps track of all your activity for as long as you keep wearing and using the fuelband.
I personally receive so many compliments on my beautiful bracelet every single day... and then once I tell the complimenter that it is actually a fitness tool, they are amazed! Same for men.... it looks like a really cool watch... but once it's functions are explained, everyone wants one! The only place you can't wear this band is in water... you can't wash dishes with it on, shower, or go swimming with it... but other than that you can wear it anywhere, and with anything you are wearing. Before I discovered this wonderful tool, I was wearing a pedometer on my underwear... but... since I usually wear dresses, and skirts... I always had this hump/bump sticking out of all my clothes... or... it would pop off during restroom visits, and I have lost a couple of pedometers because of that, a couple of my pedometers have gone toilet swimming (NO!! I did not retrieve them from the toilet)... so to me... wearing this bracelet was the perfect solution! I no longer have to discreetly fish up under my dresses/skirts to check on my progress... now I can just push my wrist button and viola!!! information instantly accessible, and I don't have to squint to read it either, because it is all lit up for me to easily read... day or night.
My husband and I try hard to keep fit, workout, and eat healthy (we are in our 50's), and enjoy having tools to help keep us on track of our daily goals. I think this creation is genius! My fuelband never gets in my way of doing any activity, and I don't realize it is even on my wrist until I choose to check my progress. My other pedometers were rather inexpensive (ranging from $10-$20), but only gave me results for steps walked.... the Nike+FuelBand is $150, which is much pricier... but... the information it gives me, the ease of wearing it, and the encouragement I personally receive from wearing it just in one month, make me feel like it has, and will continue to pay for itself. I look at this as an investment to my health... and... as they say... you do get what you pay for.
The Nike+FuelBand comes in 3 sizes (Small, Medium, Large).... when you order, there is a printable wrist measure for you to print out and check your wrist size. I wear a small... my husband wears a medium.... but... each Nike+FuelBand comes with a tool and an extra link to increase the size if needed... however... for now the only color selection is black.
I waited for a month before I would share this wonderful fitness tool on my blog, because I wanted to make sure it really worked... and it does really work! I just LOVE it!!! I suggest you go to the Nike+FuelBand.com website first... check it out, see what it looks like, and read all about it before ordering... but then... do order one and get started on setting a goal, and reaching a goal everyday once you begin wearing your own Nike+FuelBand.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Hot As Hades In Kansas
No kidding.... it truly IS 'Hot As Hades' here in Kansas. Today (Monday, June 25th, 2012) the temperature index was 'supposed' to be 106 degrees... but... on my way home from dinner out tonight, I noticed on the bank sign as I passed by that it ended up being 113 degrees, and my car instrument panel read 110 degrees... but... I was driving in my convertible with the top down and wind blowing, which must account for the 3 degree difference... but none the less... give or take a degree or two... it IS Hot As Hades!
The hot temperature will be with us for at least the next 7 days... tomorrow (Tuesday) it is expected to be 104, Wednesday 106, Thursday 106, Friday 100, and Saturday 100... but... it is likely those temperatures will rise higher than that. All I can say is... "It's a good thing we have a pool to refresh in as the temperature continues to rise"... but then... the pool water is also rising... 86 degrees today with it probably reaching 90 degrees in the next couple of days... bath water warm!
Last year Kansas had over 60 days in the triple digits, 2 of those days our teeny tiny town of Hutchinson (which is smack dab in the middle of the state) hit 112 and was officially declared the "hottest spot in the Nation"!! Some days there is a fierce wind that actually stings because it is so hot... other days it is quiet, still, and stifling... but... I just LOVE it!!!! Kansas also doesn't get very much rain during the summer months... so it is hot AND dry.
After living in these hot temperatures for several months, your body actually starts to acclimate itself to these temperatures. Last year, my husband Joe and I took a trip to Seattle, and Vancouver Canada the last week of July/first week of August... the "hottest" weeks of summer, or so they say. This region was experiencing their hottest week of the summer while we were there visiting... the highest temperature that week was 78 degrees! The locals were so excited for the really warm weather that week... but I nearly froze to death all week because my body was so used to triple digit temperatures. Everyone is walking around in tank tops and shorts... I was walking around with my sweater on, wishing I had brought a sweatshirt instead. I'm sure the locals thought I was crazy or sick... but I was just dang cold! Although... it really was a very lovely vacation and we enjoyed every minute of it. I just couldn't get over the fact at how used to the hot heat I had become.
Even here in Hutchinson Kansas folks think I'm a bit off my rocker for just LOVING the heat... but I have always liked the heat and just want to be outside as much as possible. I have a convertible that I drive with the top down from April thru October... and a day or two in November on occasion when possible. In April and May I do have to use my hinnie heater, and have the heat blowing full blast to stay warm with the chillier wind blowing... from June thru September I have the hinnie cooler on (I had never heard of such a thing as a 'ventilated seat cooler' until I bought this car 4 years ago... but it is pure GENIUS!!!) and I have the a/c blasting... then in October it is back to the hinnie heater and heat blasting until I have to eventually put the top up for winter. But then... I really don't get out much in the winter time because I HATE the cold! : )
I consume ice tea, (sweet... southern style... like I was raised on) lemonade, and ice water all day long during the summer months. Fresh fruit and salads are my preferred meals during these hot times as well... it's just too dang HOT to eat heavy food items.
If you like it hot... and "Some Like It Hot" (remember that movie with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe) ... like me... make your way to Kansas and enjoy the heat with me!
The hot temperature will be with us for at least the next 7 days... tomorrow (Tuesday) it is expected to be 104, Wednesday 106, Thursday 106, Friday 100, and Saturday 100... but... it is likely those temperatures will rise higher than that. All I can say is... "It's a good thing we have a pool to refresh in as the temperature continues to rise"... but then... the pool water is also rising... 86 degrees today with it probably reaching 90 degrees in the next couple of days... bath water warm!
Last year Kansas had over 60 days in the triple digits, 2 of those days our teeny tiny town of Hutchinson (which is smack dab in the middle of the state) hit 112 and was officially declared the "hottest spot in the Nation"!! Some days there is a fierce wind that actually stings because it is so hot... other days it is quiet, still, and stifling... but... I just LOVE it!!!! Kansas also doesn't get very much rain during the summer months... so it is hot AND dry.
After living in these hot temperatures for several months, your body actually starts to acclimate itself to these temperatures. Last year, my husband Joe and I took a trip to Seattle, and Vancouver Canada the last week of July/first week of August... the "hottest" weeks of summer, or so they say. This region was experiencing their hottest week of the summer while we were there visiting... the highest temperature that week was 78 degrees! The locals were so excited for the really warm weather that week... but I nearly froze to death all week because my body was so used to triple digit temperatures. Everyone is walking around in tank tops and shorts... I was walking around with my sweater on, wishing I had brought a sweatshirt instead. I'm sure the locals thought I was crazy or sick... but I was just dang cold! Although... it really was a very lovely vacation and we enjoyed every minute of it. I just couldn't get over the fact at how used to the hot heat I had become.
Even here in Hutchinson Kansas folks think I'm a bit off my rocker for just LOVING the heat... but I have always liked the heat and just want to be outside as much as possible. I have a convertible that I drive with the top down from April thru October... and a day or two in November on occasion when possible. In April and May I do have to use my hinnie heater, and have the heat blowing full blast to stay warm with the chillier wind blowing... from June thru September I have the hinnie cooler on (I had never heard of such a thing as a 'ventilated seat cooler' until I bought this car 4 years ago... but it is pure GENIUS!!!) and I have the a/c blasting... then in October it is back to the hinnie heater and heat blasting until I have to eventually put the top up for winter. But then... I really don't get out much in the winter time because I HATE the cold! : )
I consume ice tea, (sweet... southern style... like I was raised on) lemonade, and ice water all day long during the summer months. Fresh fruit and salads are my preferred meals during these hot times as well... it's just too dang HOT to eat heavy food items.
If you like it hot... and "Some Like It Hot" (remember that movie with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe) ... like me... make your way to Kansas and enjoy the heat with me!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Crab Boil With The Geriatric Group
This past week several of my husband's family (His parents, 2 Aunts, and 1 Uncle) drove to visit us here in Kansas from Kentucky. This group... whom we loving refer to as the "Geriatric Group"... because they are the older relatives... but... they are hilariously fun!!! We laughed, giggled, and shared many memories from all our past get togethers, and the time just flew by.
My husband Joe just LOVES any, and all kinds of seafood... his specialty meal being his famous "Crab Boil". Joe and I have had crab boils many times over the past several years, but we usually do them when our daughters and their husbands are in town, and as a summer time get together event with friends. We have talked about these crab boils with his parents (who also just LOVE seafood of all kinds) afterwards, but they have never been around to experience one. So.... when we found out they were coming for a visit this year, we decided to do a crab boil just for them. It was a HUGE success and very enjoyed by all!
Several years ago I bought Joe a turkey fryer for frying his Thanksgiving turkey... but this pot is also good for crab boils as well. It is a large pot that sets on a stand that is connected to a propane tank. When he fries his turkeys he fills the pot up with peanut oil... when he does his crab boil he fills the pot up with water and makes his own seafood broth. This turkey fryer has been well used for over 10 years now, and is still going strong with many more turkey fryings and crab boils to go.
Joe begins by layering his ingredients into the huge pot... placing the food items that take the longest to cook in the bottom, and ending with the food items that just need to be quickly steamed on top. The longest part of doing the crab boil is getting the cooking broth up to boil... after that the whole process goes very quickly. First in the pot is the baby new potatoes (kept whole), then he places ear corn nibblets on top (whole ears of corn that have been cut in half), then in goes the smoked sausage. It is at this point that he adds in his water, spices, seasonings, and herbs to flavor the boil. Then after the broth starts to boil, he adds the crab legs, shell on shrimp, then the clams, and finally the mussels. When he has determined everything is cooked to perfection... he then pours the entire contents of the pot into large aluminum roasting pans and sets those in the middle of the table... then declares... "It's time to feast!"... and the feasting thus begins!
We set up tables outdoors with plastic disposable tablecloths on top, so that when the feast is finished and everyone is completely satiated, fingers licked, and all juices have been sopped up with the crusty bread we serve with the crab boil.... we then... just gather up the plastic tablecloths and dump the whole nasty mess into a garbage can and VOILA.... clean up is a breeze! As Joe is preparing the crab boil, the table is set with plastic dinnerware... utensils aren't needed... just your fingers... little bowls of butter for dipping for each guest, a couple rolls of paper towels for face and finger wiping, another aluminum roasting pan for all the empty shells... that's it!
This is definitely a warm weather kind of eating experience so that you can keep all the mess, and seafood smells out doors, and for an easy cleanup. After all bellies are full to brimming over, we then continue to sit outside and enjoy wine and conversation until dark. Every time we have put on a crab boil it has been such a fun relaxing treat for everyone. We are doing another crab boil just next week when our youngest daughter and her family visit (Lauren, Kevin, and Henry)... and they have been looking forward to the crab boil for 6 months now!
To make a crab boil you basically need a large pot over a hot heat source... then you can add any ingredients and seafood you desire, as well as any flavorings to make the broth as you desire. There are lots of recipes to be found for crab boils... don't be afraid... they are very easy and basically are a "One Pot Meal". But do be sure to have lots of crusty bread around for lots of broth sopping after all the delectable nibbles have been consumed.
Grab some family and/or friends.... begin a new summer time tradition and have a crab boil, wine/beer and have a mav-ah-lous good time! YUM YUM, SLURP SLURP AND SOP SOP!!!!
My husband Joe just LOVES any, and all kinds of seafood... his specialty meal being his famous "Crab Boil". Joe and I have had crab boils many times over the past several years, but we usually do them when our daughters and their husbands are in town, and as a summer time get together event with friends. We have talked about these crab boils with his parents (who also just LOVE seafood of all kinds) afterwards, but they have never been around to experience one. So.... when we found out they were coming for a visit this year, we decided to do a crab boil just for them. It was a HUGE success and very enjoyed by all!
Several years ago I bought Joe a turkey fryer for frying his Thanksgiving turkey... but this pot is also good for crab boils as well. It is a large pot that sets on a stand that is connected to a propane tank. When he fries his turkeys he fills the pot up with peanut oil... when he does his crab boil he fills the pot up with water and makes his own seafood broth. This turkey fryer has been well used for over 10 years now, and is still going strong with many more turkey fryings and crab boils to go.
Joe begins by layering his ingredients into the huge pot... placing the food items that take the longest to cook in the bottom, and ending with the food items that just need to be quickly steamed on top. The longest part of doing the crab boil is getting the cooking broth up to boil... after that the whole process goes very quickly. First in the pot is the baby new potatoes (kept whole), then he places ear corn nibblets on top (whole ears of corn that have been cut in half), then in goes the smoked sausage. It is at this point that he adds in his water, spices, seasonings, and herbs to flavor the boil. Then after the broth starts to boil, he adds the crab legs, shell on shrimp, then the clams, and finally the mussels. When he has determined everything is cooked to perfection... he then pours the entire contents of the pot into large aluminum roasting pans and sets those in the middle of the table... then declares... "It's time to feast!"... and the feasting thus begins!
We set up tables outdoors with plastic disposable tablecloths on top, so that when the feast is finished and everyone is completely satiated, fingers licked, and all juices have been sopped up with the crusty bread we serve with the crab boil.... we then... just gather up the plastic tablecloths and dump the whole nasty mess into a garbage can and VOILA.... clean up is a breeze! As Joe is preparing the crab boil, the table is set with plastic dinnerware... utensils aren't needed... just your fingers... little bowls of butter for dipping for each guest, a couple rolls of paper towels for face and finger wiping, another aluminum roasting pan for all the empty shells... that's it!
This is definitely a warm weather kind of eating experience so that you can keep all the mess, and seafood smells out doors, and for an easy cleanup. After all bellies are full to brimming over, we then continue to sit outside and enjoy wine and conversation until dark. Every time we have put on a crab boil it has been such a fun relaxing treat for everyone. We are doing another crab boil just next week when our youngest daughter and her family visit (Lauren, Kevin, and Henry)... and they have been looking forward to the crab boil for 6 months now!
To make a crab boil you basically need a large pot over a hot heat source... then you can add any ingredients and seafood you desire, as well as any flavorings to make the broth as you desire. There are lots of recipes to be found for crab boils... don't be afraid... they are very easy and basically are a "One Pot Meal". But do be sure to have lots of crusty bread around for lots of broth sopping after all the delectable nibbles have been consumed.
Grab some family and/or friends.... begin a new summer time tradition and have a crab boil, wine/beer and have a mav-ah-lous good time! YUM YUM, SLURP SLURP AND SOP SOP!!!!
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Devine Day
Every once in awhile we all get to experience one of those marvelous wonderful days, when everything seems to go just right, or it is just a day of unexpected pleasures. Well yesterday I had such a day... and it was just DEVINE!!!!
I woke early, feeling very refreshed and well rested. I had my "cuppa" (hot tea like I do every morning) and sat down to my computer to check on my emails, Facebook, and such... and have some Facetime with my Grandson and Daughter. The morning was just one of those BEAUTIFUL sunshiny mornings, birds chirping, breeze blowing through the trees... one of those mornings where you grab your "cuppa" (coffee or tea) and head outside and sit on the porch to enjoy your morning over your "cuppa"... which is what I also did after Face timing with Lauren and Henry. Then after I enjoyed my leisurely cuppa tea, I took care of all my house chores, then headed out for a scheduled golf lesson.
I have been playing golf... or I should say... I have known how to play golf for 18 years, and I am still at the 'hit and giggle' stage and don't bother to keep score, because I know I will get the max shots allowed per hole... so why bother keeping score... and... when I go out and play it is usually with my husband, and then I just tee off and pick up and play where his ball is through the hole. So..... it was a big deal for me to decide to get more serious about my golf.... thus the golf lesson to get fitted for some new clubs. My current clubs were bought second hand 18 years ago for $100, and are made of real heavy steel!!! I have no flex in my shaft... so they say! The newer clubs weigh less than half my current clubs.... plus if you know anything about golf.... I only have 4, 6, 8 (irons) 3 wood, driver, pitching wedge, and putter.... that's it!!!!
Any hooty.... back to my "Devine Day". After my golf lesson, I decided to work on what the golf pro taught me, and stayed on the practice green to hit 100 golf balls. After I hit those 100 balls, my forearms were screaming and knotted up tight as an overwound watch! But... as I was heading back to my car to go home, a couple of ladies I golf with on Tuesday nights were passing me by in a golf cart after just playing the front nine, and asked if I would like to join them on the back nine. I have NEVER just picked up a random game and gone to play.... so I said "SURE!!!!!"... and I did! After all those practice shots, I literally had no more energy or umph in my swing... but I could still chip and putt pretty good. So again... I teed off, and if my shot wasn't very long or good, I would pick up and play where their ball was. We had such a fun fun fun time that afternoon! I'm soooooo glad they asked, and sooooo glad I said yes!
After golf, I came home and plopped on the couch for a 1/2 hour to catch my breath. Then it was back out to run a few errands... got my car filled up with gas, and ran her through the car wash.... then to the grocery to pick up a couple of things for dinner... and back home again, home again, jiggity jig to start dinner.
Joe had prepared a marinated skirt steak on the grill a couple days earlier, so we sliced the left overs up and turned them into fajitas. And for whatever reason... which again... NEVER happens!!!... Joe decided to join me in the kitchen and we made our meal together... commenting all the while to each other that we need to cook together more often. It was such fun! The fajitas were absolutely DELISH!!!!! I made homemade guacamole and pico de gallo to go with them.... OH MY GOODNESS GOOD!!!
After dinner we took our nightly stroll through our woodsy neighborhood and chatted about all our up coming events and visitors. The night was as beautiful as the day had been, and the breeze was still just swirling around us... just enough to make it pleasantly refreshing... I forgot to mention that it was still 91 degrees at this time... which was 8:00pm.
That was really all that happened on this particular day.... nothing majorly exciting happened... it was just a day that was beautiful weather wise from dawn to dusk, I worked hard on my chores, I played hard with my new golf lady friends, I enjoyed a simple but delish meal prepared with my husband, we walked and talked and then hit the bed... but the whole day just flowed along like a sweet burbling brook running along side a beautiful meadow. Basically it was a wonderfully fun and beautiful summer day!!!!
Obviously this blog has no redeeming value to it... other than to just say... I had a really good day and wanted to share it, in hopes that whoever is reading this blog will say... "OH that reminds me of this "Devine Day" I too once had", and the memories will spark and you will have a nice day from your memories! This day is in my "Special Day" memory bank for sure! And the great thing is.... it is only June!!!! We still have 3 more months of spectacular summer weather to enjoy and create more "Devine Days" with!
Wishing you and yours a Devine Day... today and everyday!
I woke early, feeling very refreshed and well rested. I had my "cuppa" (hot tea like I do every morning) and sat down to my computer to check on my emails, Facebook, and such... and have some Facetime with my Grandson and Daughter. The morning was just one of those BEAUTIFUL sunshiny mornings, birds chirping, breeze blowing through the trees... one of those mornings where you grab your "cuppa" (coffee or tea) and head outside and sit on the porch to enjoy your morning over your "cuppa"... which is what I also did after Face timing with Lauren and Henry. Then after I enjoyed my leisurely cuppa tea, I took care of all my house chores, then headed out for a scheduled golf lesson.
I have been playing golf... or I should say... I have known how to play golf for 18 years, and I am still at the 'hit and giggle' stage and don't bother to keep score, because I know I will get the max shots allowed per hole... so why bother keeping score... and... when I go out and play it is usually with my husband, and then I just tee off and pick up and play where his ball is through the hole. So..... it was a big deal for me to decide to get more serious about my golf.... thus the golf lesson to get fitted for some new clubs. My current clubs were bought second hand 18 years ago for $100, and are made of real heavy steel!!! I have no flex in my shaft... so they say! The newer clubs weigh less than half my current clubs.... plus if you know anything about golf.... I only have 4, 6, 8 (irons) 3 wood, driver, pitching wedge, and putter.... that's it!!!!
Any hooty.... back to my "Devine Day". After my golf lesson, I decided to work on what the golf pro taught me, and stayed on the practice green to hit 100 golf balls. After I hit those 100 balls, my forearms were screaming and knotted up tight as an overwound watch! But... as I was heading back to my car to go home, a couple of ladies I golf with on Tuesday nights were passing me by in a golf cart after just playing the front nine, and asked if I would like to join them on the back nine. I have NEVER just picked up a random game and gone to play.... so I said "SURE!!!!!"... and I did! After all those practice shots, I literally had no more energy or umph in my swing... but I could still chip and putt pretty good. So again... I teed off, and if my shot wasn't very long or good, I would pick up and play where their ball was. We had such a fun fun fun time that afternoon! I'm soooooo glad they asked, and sooooo glad I said yes!
After golf, I came home and plopped on the couch for a 1/2 hour to catch my breath. Then it was back out to run a few errands... got my car filled up with gas, and ran her through the car wash.... then to the grocery to pick up a couple of things for dinner... and back home again, home again, jiggity jig to start dinner.
Joe had prepared a marinated skirt steak on the grill a couple days earlier, so we sliced the left overs up and turned them into fajitas. And for whatever reason... which again... NEVER happens!!!... Joe decided to join me in the kitchen and we made our meal together... commenting all the while to each other that we need to cook together more often. It was such fun! The fajitas were absolutely DELISH!!!!! I made homemade guacamole and pico de gallo to go with them.... OH MY GOODNESS GOOD!!!
After dinner we took our nightly stroll through our woodsy neighborhood and chatted about all our up coming events and visitors. The night was as beautiful as the day had been, and the breeze was still just swirling around us... just enough to make it pleasantly refreshing... I forgot to mention that it was still 91 degrees at this time... which was 8:00pm.
That was really all that happened on this particular day.... nothing majorly exciting happened... it was just a day that was beautiful weather wise from dawn to dusk, I worked hard on my chores, I played hard with my new golf lady friends, I enjoyed a simple but delish meal prepared with my husband, we walked and talked and then hit the bed... but the whole day just flowed along like a sweet burbling brook running along side a beautiful meadow. Basically it was a wonderfully fun and beautiful summer day!!!!
Obviously this blog has no redeeming value to it... other than to just say... I had a really good day and wanted to share it, in hopes that whoever is reading this blog will say... "OH that reminds me of this "Devine Day" I too once had", and the memories will spark and you will have a nice day from your memories! This day is in my "Special Day" memory bank for sure! And the great thing is.... it is only June!!!! We still have 3 more months of spectacular summer weather to enjoy and create more "Devine Days" with!
Wishing you and yours a Devine Day... today and everyday!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Coconut Cream Pie
My Dear Friend Kay is a true down home Southern Gal... who has a really large sweet tooth... especially for anything lemon or coconut. Last year when she and her husband came to visit, I promised I would make her a lemon tart... which I did and she ate every bite. When they had plans to come visit again this year I asked her what she wanted me to make special for her, and she requested a Coconut Cream Pie.
I have never eaten or tasted a Coconut Cream Pie before, and baking in general isn't my strong suit in the kitchen... but... I was confident I could and would figure it out... and indeed I did!!! I used Julia Child's pastry dough recipe (it can be found in her famous "The Art of Mastering French Cooking" cookbook... I used the Coconut Cream Pie recipe from Emeril Lagasse that I found on foodnetwork.com. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! This truly was the tasty-est pie I have ever put in my mouth! WOWZERS!!!!! It was FAB-U-LOUS!!!! I will add both recipes to the bottom of this blog for any of you who want to try this incredible delicious pie.
The pastry dough I made from Julia's recipe is the simplest and easiest dough to make and it is so easy to work with when rolling out. I used her version where you just throw all the ingredients in a food processor, pulse it a few times til well mixed, wrap it in plastic and let it set in the refrigerator for a 1/2 hour or more. I blind baked the pie on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, removed the foil and baking beads, placed back in the oven for another 10 minutes until slightly golden brown, then removed pie shell from oven and let it cool, and then added the coconut cream filling.
The coconut cream filling is a custard sauce made from scratch with toasted coconut added in at the end. After filling the pie shell with the coconut cream custard, I whipped up the meringue, piled it on top of the coconut cream and baked it for another 5 minutes til brown. My pie was so perfect and beautiful, it could have been a photo in a food magazine... and... it was so dang delicious too! I was quite proud... in fact... I think my feathers are still a bit puffed up with pride from my pie! I am re-making this recipe this weekend for another set of guests who are coming to visit. I set the bar so high with my first pie, I sure hope this one comes out as pretty and delish!
The pastry shell was a breeze to make and bake... but the coconut cream pie filling recipe is a bit time consuming... but definitely worth the trouble... I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we did.
Here is the recipe for Julia Child's pastry dough.
PASTRY DOUGH
2 cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled... not sifted)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) chilled butter cut into 1/2" bits
4 Tbsp chilled shortening (I used Crisco)
A scant half cup of iced water, plus more droplets more as needed
Measure dry ingredients into food processor bowl (equipped with steel blade). Add chilled butter bits and chilled shortening to flour in bowl. Pulse 4 - 5 times, add a scant half cup of iced water, turn food processor to on, pouring water into mixture all at once, immediately pulse food processor several times and the dough should mass on the blade. If not, dribble in a little more water and repeat, repeating again if necessary. Dough is done when it has begun to mass on blade... DO NOT OVER MIX!!!! Scrape dough out of bowl, pat into disc shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but it may remain in refrigerator for 2-3 days, or it can be frozen at this point if wrapped in was paper and sealed tightly in a plastic bag.
To blind bake pastry shell... roll dough out on floured surface to a 1/8" thick circle, and about 2" larger than your pie pan. Crimp edges as desired and cut off excess dough from rim. Place pie shell in refrigerator for 20 minutes and let rest. Remove pie shell from refrigerator and line inside of shell with foil, then place dried beans or baking beads inside of shell and bake in 400 degree oven in the middle of oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove beans/baking beads and foil, prick bottom of pie shell with fork, and return pie shell to oven for another 10 minutes more.
Here is the recipe from Emeril Lagasse I used from foodnetwork.com
COCONUT CREAM PIE
1 blind-baked 9-inch pastry shell (Julia Child recipe for pasty shell)
I have never eaten or tasted a Coconut Cream Pie before, and baking in general isn't my strong suit in the kitchen... but... I was confident I could and would figure it out... and indeed I did!!! I used Julia Child's pastry dough recipe (it can be found in her famous "The Art of Mastering French Cooking" cookbook... I used the Coconut Cream Pie recipe from Emeril Lagasse that I found on foodnetwork.com. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! This truly was the tasty-est pie I have ever put in my mouth! WOWZERS!!!!! It was FAB-U-LOUS!!!! I will add both recipes to the bottom of this blog for any of you who want to try this incredible delicious pie.
The pastry dough I made from Julia's recipe is the simplest and easiest dough to make and it is so easy to work with when rolling out. I used her version where you just throw all the ingredients in a food processor, pulse it a few times til well mixed, wrap it in plastic and let it set in the refrigerator for a 1/2 hour or more. I blind baked the pie on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, removed the foil and baking beads, placed back in the oven for another 10 minutes until slightly golden brown, then removed pie shell from oven and let it cool, and then added the coconut cream filling.
The coconut cream filling is a custard sauce made from scratch with toasted coconut added in at the end. After filling the pie shell with the coconut cream custard, I whipped up the meringue, piled it on top of the coconut cream and baked it for another 5 minutes til brown. My pie was so perfect and beautiful, it could have been a photo in a food magazine... and... it was so dang delicious too! I was quite proud... in fact... I think my feathers are still a bit puffed up with pride from my pie! I am re-making this recipe this weekend for another set of guests who are coming to visit. I set the bar so high with my first pie, I sure hope this one comes out as pretty and delish!
The pastry shell was a breeze to make and bake... but the coconut cream pie filling recipe is a bit time consuming... but definitely worth the trouble... I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we did.
Here is the recipe for Julia Child's pastry dough.
PASTRY DOUGH
2 cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled... not sifted)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) chilled butter cut into 1/2" bits
4 Tbsp chilled shortening (I used Crisco)
A scant half cup of iced water, plus more droplets more as needed
Measure dry ingredients into food processor bowl (equipped with steel blade). Add chilled butter bits and chilled shortening to flour in bowl. Pulse 4 - 5 times, add a scant half cup of iced water, turn food processor to on, pouring water into mixture all at once, immediately pulse food processor several times and the dough should mass on the blade. If not, dribble in a little more water and repeat, repeating again if necessary. Dough is done when it has begun to mass on blade... DO NOT OVER MIX!!!! Scrape dough out of bowl, pat into disc shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but it may remain in refrigerator for 2-3 days, or it can be frozen at this point if wrapped in was paper and sealed tightly in a plastic bag.
To blind bake pastry shell... roll dough out on floured surface to a 1/8" thick circle, and about 2" larger than your pie pan. Crimp edges as desired and cut off excess dough from rim. Place pie shell in refrigerator for 20 minutes and let rest. Remove pie shell from refrigerator and line inside of shell with foil, then place dried beans or baking beads inside of shell and bake in 400 degree oven in the middle of oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove beans/baking beads and foil, prick bottom of pie shell with fork, and return pie shell to oven for another 10 minutes more.
Here is the recipe from Emeril Lagasse I used from foodnetwork.com
COCONUT CREAM PIE
1 blind-baked 9-inch pastry shell (Julia Child recipe for pasty shell)
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup for the egg whites
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 3/4 cups toasted coconut
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a saucepan, whisk the 2 cups of the milk and 3/4 cup sugar together. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid up to a simmer. Whisk the egg yolks together. Temper the hot milk into the egg yolks. Whisk the egg mixture into the hot milk mixture. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining milk, making a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the hot milk mixture. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the filling is thick, about 4 to 6 minutes. Fold in the vanilla, coconut, and butter. Mix well. Pour the filling into the prepared pan and cool the pie completely. Using an electric mixer with a whip attachment, whip the egg white to soft peaks. Add the remaining sugar and whip the egg white to stiff peaks. Spread the egg whites over the top of the pie. Place the pie in the oven for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fifty Shades
Well.... OH MY MY!!!! That is about all I can say about this series of books... which are "Fifty Shades of Grey"(Book I), "Fifty Shades Darker" (Book II), "Fifty Shades Freed" (Book III). This series of books have been dubbed as 'Mommy porn'... but... since there are no pictures or photos in these books... just words... I wouldn't say they actually qualify as 'Mommy porn'.... but.... they are VERY graphically written.
The story plot is about a GORGEOUS adonis looking billionaire (Christian Grey) who is 27 years old (he turns 28 as the story continues)... he has had a dysfunctional childhood... was rescued and adopted at age 4 by a Doctor who attended to him when brought to the ER after his crackwhore Mother died.... he didn't like to be touched except for on his head, and he had a lot of built up anger from being abused, and from having to watch his Mother be abused by her pimp. Unbeknownst to his adopted Mother, her best friend is into "kinky sex".... to put it mildly... and she encourages a 15 year old Christian to vent off his anger thru kinky sex. That is the basics of who he is and why he is who he is. He meets Anatasia (Ana) Steele when she comes to his office to interview him for her college newspaper. Boy meets girl... boy/girl fall in love... and boy tries to encourage girl into kinky sex. Anastasia is as beautiful as Christian is gorgeous... but she isn't aware of her beauty... she is graduating college with a 4.0 GPA and has never had a boyfriend... thus... she is 'sweet and innocent'. The rest of the story is about their romance/relationship and the rest of his childhood story... along with LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of very descriptive lovemaking between them.
I am an avid reader of all sorts of writing, I decided to read this series of books just so that I would be 'in the know' (same reason I read all of the Twilight books) of all the talk I've been hearing about these books from women young and old, family, friends, and strangers. These books are indeed quite the arousing read! The first book was mostly about their sexual relationship, which is VERY HOT! The 2nd book is more about their evolving relationship... but again... their sexual trysts are very detailed. The 3rd book ties the whole story together and answers all the questions about Christian's earlier life. The story is wonderful.. I'm always a sucker for a good love story.
Because I have never read anything quite so.... ummmm... sexually detailed, while reading the first book I think I actually blushed the whole way through the book. At times I just HAD to put it down to catch my breath! When I got to the 2nd book... I was actually getting tired of reading about their sexual exploits, but wanted to keep reading to get to the rest of his story, and I found myself speed reading through the endless love making paragraphs... seriously... their constant... and I mean CONSTANT... as in... 6 times a day... EVERYDAY!!!!... gets a bit old and I just want to get through it so I can continue on reading about the story. By the 3rd book I was.... OH MY GOSH!!!!... stop looking at each other and/or touching each other, so that you can stop constantly doing it!!! But then... I'm old, they are young lovers and they love to lovemake!
I'm glad I read the books... I really did enjoy the books and the story... these books were just such a different kind of reading than I am used to. If you are considering reading these books... I do suggest you read them on an electronic reading device... or get a book cover for the books... reading this book in public will get you 'those' kind of glances!!! And of course... I give fair warning that these books are graphically detailed and they are not for prudes or prisses! They are similar to all those Harlequin Romance novels my Grandmother and Mother used to read... except these are wayyyyyy more detailed. I must say, I did learn a lot! : ) Nuff said about that!
If you are curious, you like to read, and you want to be 'in the know' of the latest reading trend, you will enjoy them... though I would NEVER check these books out of the library.... hmmm I even wonder if the library would even carry them... seeing how they are judged as "smut' reading! As they say... "Curiosity killed the cat"... but... "Satisfaction brought him back"! I was curious, so I ordered my books from Amazon.com, which delivered this smutty material right to my front door all hidden in the shipping box, as if the box contained CD's instead of smutty books... and now... I'm "in the know". I have giggled behind my hands while whispering with other women about these books... they just seem like such a naughty thing to read. It's like there is this underground secret society of those who have read vs those who have not. I will continue to discuss these books with my women friends, as our husbands look at us with curiosity themselves. I suggested to my husband to read them... but he just wants the cliff notes version from me... well... sorry honey... you read them, you get to discuss... you don't read them, my lips are sealed!
Are you curious yet? Go ahead... go out and get them and read them... then pass them along to your girlfriends... then enjoy all the discussing to follow!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Infused Simple Syrups
Simple Syrup = part water + part sugar simmered slowly on the stove until the sugar is melted and absorbed in the water. Measure both water and sugar into pan... place pan on stove over med-low heat... do not stir... leave it to simmer for about 5 minutes... after you remove the pan from the stove, then you gently stir it. Simple syrups are used mostly in liquid beverages, such as, sweet tea, lemonade, iced drinks, etc., but can be used for other purposes too.
Depending on how sweet you want your simple syrup depends on the water to sugar ratio. Some use equal amounts of sugar and water, others use 2 measures of water to 1 measure of sugar... or for really sweet and/or thicker simple syrup you would use 1 measure water to 2 measures of sugar. Basically simple syrup is made and used for when you need to add sweetness without having undissolved sugar crystals in your beverage. My personal recipe is 1 cup of water to 1/2 cup of sugar. To "infuse" any flavor to your simple syrup... you simple slice and place the flavoring ingredient and place it in the pan with the sugar and water as it heats and melts. After the sugar as melted in the water, I turn off my stove and let the simple syrup just sit on the stove until I'm ready for it. When I am infusing any other flavor in my simple syrup, I let the infused simple syrup sit on the stove for at least 30 minutes so that the flavoring ingredient also has time to seep it's flavor into the simple syrup. If you are using cinnamon sticks or other fresh herbs to infuse into your syrup... I leave them whole and just place them with the sugar and water... and then of course the infused ingredient is removed and thrown away from the simple sugar when I go to actually use or store the simple syrup.
Recently I discovered the art of 'infusing' simple syrups with various other flavorings. The one that stood out in my mind the most... and... is responsible for me blogging about it is.... a fruit salad (cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries) I had that had been lightly drizzled with jalapeno infused simple syrup. OH MY GOSH AMAZING!!!!! And I remember thinking to myself.... I would have NEVER thought about infusing a simple syrup with an ingredient soooo strong and hot! But... the effect was this... I placed the first bite of cantaloupe in my mouth and was instantly hit with the light sweetness that coated the piece of melon, then I bit into the melon and the sweet juicy fresh taste of the melon mingled with the light sweet coating, and as I swallowed I got this strange back note of heat on the back of my palate and tongue... which made me instantly go.... WHAT WAS THAT???!!!! So I quickly took another bite to figure it out... but it wasn't until the Chef came out and told us how he had prepared this fruit dish that it all made sense. You couldn't taste the jalapeno flavor in this simple syrup, you just tasted a tiny bit of heat in with all the fresh sweetness of the fruit. This was such an amazing palate experience, I just couldn't eat that fruit quick enough... and when I was finished with my small appetizer size bowl of that fruit... I wanted MORE!!!!
I came home and started experimenting with jalapeno simple sugar for myself. I placed a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar in a pan... set it on med/low heat... then I cut one pointer finger size jalapeno in half (keeping the seeds in the pepper pod) and threw it in with the water and sugar to simmer. It was seriously that easy and the results were fantastic! You can flavor any simple syrup with any flavor profile you wish by simply adding the flavor ingredient to the simple sugar as it heats and dissolves into each other. I think sliced lemons, limes, oranges added to simple syrup would be a great way to add sweetness and an extra flavor profile to any beverage. A cinnamon stick or other stronger spices could be added to simple syrup for hotter beverages, such as, hot teas, hot chocolates, ciders, etc. And fresh herbs could be added to simple syrups to serve with various fruits.
After making simple syrup... I store mine in a plastic container with a screw on lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for a couple of weeks if it is kept stored in the refrigerator. You can also pour the simple syrup into ice trays and freeze them til you need... which would be perfect for times when someone requests sweet tea, but you only have unsweetened tea... instead of making two separate batches of ice tea.... you could plop a simple syrup ice cube into the unsweetened tea glass and it will sweeten as it melts without having the undissolved sugar crystals end up in the bottom of the glass.
The flavor profiles you can make with simple syrup is endless. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your own personal favorite simple syrup... the ingredients to make simple syrups is inexpensive and if you don't like it... toss it and try a new flavor profile... all that would be wasted on a batch you didn't like is a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar and whatever ingredient you placed in the pan with the water and sugar.
Simple syrups are an easy and unusual way to add sweetness and/or any flavor to any food or beverage you want to serve. Try it.... you will be surprised at the small difference a flavoring in simple syrup can add to beverages, fruit and such. YUMMMMMMMMM
Depending on how sweet you want your simple syrup depends on the water to sugar ratio. Some use equal amounts of sugar and water, others use 2 measures of water to 1 measure of sugar... or for really sweet and/or thicker simple syrup you would use 1 measure water to 2 measures of sugar. Basically simple syrup is made and used for when you need to add sweetness without having undissolved sugar crystals in your beverage. My personal recipe is 1 cup of water to 1/2 cup of sugar. To "infuse" any flavor to your simple syrup... you simple slice and place the flavoring ingredient and place it in the pan with the sugar and water as it heats and melts. After the sugar as melted in the water, I turn off my stove and let the simple syrup just sit on the stove until I'm ready for it. When I am infusing any other flavor in my simple syrup, I let the infused simple syrup sit on the stove for at least 30 minutes so that the flavoring ingredient also has time to seep it's flavor into the simple syrup. If you are using cinnamon sticks or other fresh herbs to infuse into your syrup... I leave them whole and just place them with the sugar and water... and then of course the infused ingredient is removed and thrown away from the simple sugar when I go to actually use or store the simple syrup.
Recently I discovered the art of 'infusing' simple syrups with various other flavorings. The one that stood out in my mind the most... and... is responsible for me blogging about it is.... a fruit salad (cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries) I had that had been lightly drizzled with jalapeno infused simple syrup. OH MY GOSH AMAZING!!!!! And I remember thinking to myself.... I would have NEVER thought about infusing a simple syrup with an ingredient soooo strong and hot! But... the effect was this... I placed the first bite of cantaloupe in my mouth and was instantly hit with the light sweetness that coated the piece of melon, then I bit into the melon and the sweet juicy fresh taste of the melon mingled with the light sweet coating, and as I swallowed I got this strange back note of heat on the back of my palate and tongue... which made me instantly go.... WHAT WAS THAT???!!!! So I quickly took another bite to figure it out... but it wasn't until the Chef came out and told us how he had prepared this fruit dish that it all made sense. You couldn't taste the jalapeno flavor in this simple syrup, you just tasted a tiny bit of heat in with all the fresh sweetness of the fruit. This was such an amazing palate experience, I just couldn't eat that fruit quick enough... and when I was finished with my small appetizer size bowl of that fruit... I wanted MORE!!!!
I came home and started experimenting with jalapeno simple sugar for myself. I placed a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar in a pan... set it on med/low heat... then I cut one pointer finger size jalapeno in half (keeping the seeds in the pepper pod) and threw it in with the water and sugar to simmer. It was seriously that easy and the results were fantastic! You can flavor any simple syrup with any flavor profile you wish by simply adding the flavor ingredient to the simple sugar as it heats and dissolves into each other. I think sliced lemons, limes, oranges added to simple syrup would be a great way to add sweetness and an extra flavor profile to any beverage. A cinnamon stick or other stronger spices could be added to simple syrup for hotter beverages, such as, hot teas, hot chocolates, ciders, etc. And fresh herbs could be added to simple syrups to serve with various fruits.
After making simple syrup... I store mine in a plastic container with a screw on lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for a couple of weeks if it is kept stored in the refrigerator. You can also pour the simple syrup into ice trays and freeze them til you need... which would be perfect for times when someone requests sweet tea, but you only have unsweetened tea... instead of making two separate batches of ice tea.... you could plop a simple syrup ice cube into the unsweetened tea glass and it will sweeten as it melts without having the undissolved sugar crystals end up in the bottom of the glass.
The flavor profiles you can make with simple syrup is endless. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your own personal favorite simple syrup... the ingredients to make simple syrups is inexpensive and if you don't like it... toss it and try a new flavor profile... all that would be wasted on a batch you didn't like is a cup of water and a 1/2 cup of sugar and whatever ingredient you placed in the pan with the water and sugar.
Simple syrups are an easy and unusual way to add sweetness and/or any flavor to any food or beverage you want to serve. Try it.... you will be surprised at the small difference a flavoring in simple syrup can add to beverages, fruit and such. YUMMMMMMMMM
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Power Outage Hide and Seek
When I was young, my brother, myslef, and our Dad would always play "Hide and Seek" at night on the weekends inside the house. We used to play this often as my Mom would be holed up in her bedroom watching TV or sewing on her latest project. We would play for what seemed like hours, and I just never tired of that game. I don't know why Mom never played with us... she never seemed to like the game, but she didn't mind getting to do her own thing while the rest of us played.
When the power would go out from a thunderstorm... that was the BEST time to play because it was really and truly dark inside the house and outside too. When the lights go out from a thunderstorm, there is literally nothing to do... you can't read, watch tv, go outside and play in the storm, you can't play board games or cards... so.... the BEST thing to do is play "Hide and Seek".
When my girls were young I carried this tradition forward and we would always play "Hide and Seek" when the power went out from a thunderstorm. We took our games quite seriously and would actually prepare ourselves before the game would begin.... but... you had to move quickly because you just never knew when the lights would come back on again. We would dress ourselves in all black... I always borrowed Joe's dark dress socks to cover my feet and legs... and then would use a 2nd pair to cover my hands and arms. Joe would sometimes play with us... but mostly he would nap and relax as we played our game. And then of course, there are times you are bored and just wanna play "Hide and Seek" anyway by turning off all the lights and shutting all the window coverings, which is lots of fun too.
As in any game... there are rules... these are our rules, which may or may not differ from any one else's rules... but these were the ones we played by. You must start with an "It" or "Finder" person... usually decided by "rock paper scissors" or "eenie meenie minie moe"... once the "It" person has been chosen, that person must close/cover their eyes, face the 'safe/base' wall and count to 100.... SLOWLY!!!!!... and then all the hiders go hide. Boundaries must also be stated... usually containing the game to one level of a house if there are more than one level, or staying to a couple of rooms. Once the "It" person has finished counting to 100, they then must shout out... "OK... HERE I COME"... to signal to the hiders that the hunt has begun. The hiders wait quietly and patiently to either be found or cleared to run back to the safe/base wall and shout "Ollie Ollie Omp I'm Free!!!" Should the "It" person find a hider... that particular round is over and the found person is the new "It" person... all other hiders come out from hiding and return to the safe/base wall and the game starts over.
The thing is to find such a good hiding spot that you can re-hide there for several rounds before having to creatively find a new spot. Once I hid on my bed... laying flat on the bed with all my stuffed animals around me and was never found... no I didn't fall asleep! Another time I was never found was when I climbed on top of the refrigerator and perched huddled on top disguised in all black... did I mention I am only 4' 11" tall and weight 105#?.... this game was perfect for me... it's amazing how many places I can squeeze this little body into! But having blonde hair meant that I always had to wear a hat... which gets HOT while you are hiding! When the "It" person is near... and I think I'm about to be discovered... I hold my breath so as not to make a sound and not to giggle in fear!
I remember playing "Hide and Seek" for hours and hours, and how much fun we had, and how exhausted we were afterwards too. Then you sit and giggle and recount the places you were hiding and/or how close you were to being found, and how fun the game was. Sometimes my brother, Dad, and myself would play a version of "Hide and Seek" during the daytime... but we would wad up sheets of paper into balls as ammunition and then throw them at each other til someone was hit... then they became the "It" person. Often in the summer months we would gather all the neighborhood kids and we would play "Hide and Seek" outside after dark as our parents enjoyed coffee and conversation sitting in lawn chairs under ours, or a neighbors carport. Again... it would seem we played for hours on end and would be sooooo tired afterwards.
Playing "Hide and Seek" outside was a common game we neighborhood kids played all summer long. Sometimes flashlights were used... that of course was called "Flashlight Tag"... where the "It" person was the only one with a flashlight. Again... rules and boundaries must be stated prior to the game... whose yards we could hide in... no going inside, no climbing trees... and such. The thing with outside "Hide and Seek" is to find a spot where passing car lights won't reveal your hiding spot. After playing outdoor "Hide and Seek" we would be sooooo dirty, grimey, and sticky... so much so, that our bath water was black and the tub would need to be scrubbed after we bathed.
Ahhhhhh the memories! These wonderful memories came flooding back to me this past week when Joe and I found ourselves in the middle of a power outage from a thunderstorm. I found myself wishing that my brother, my Dad and/or my girls were here to play the game with me... especially since the power was out for an hour and this house has LOTS of good hiding spots! I was in the middle of preparing dinner when the power went out... as in... 5 minutes away from plating and eating. We finally did get to finish preparing dinner and eating... but... it wasn't the best meal ever!
We are in the season of thunderstorms... next time your lights go out what will you do? If you get too bored... play a game of "Hide and Seek"... or... play a game just because. It is great entertainment and doesn't cost a dime!... and the memories last forever!!!!
Dad... I know you will read this blog, and I hope you remember all those magical nights we spent playing "Hide and Seek". Thank you for being such a "kid at heart", and such a "good sport" to play "Hide and Seek" for hours with Mike and I! I cherish those times dearly!!! Love you bunches!!!!
When the power would go out from a thunderstorm... that was the BEST time to play because it was really and truly dark inside the house and outside too. When the lights go out from a thunderstorm, there is literally nothing to do... you can't read, watch tv, go outside and play in the storm, you can't play board games or cards... so.... the BEST thing to do is play "Hide and Seek".
When my girls were young I carried this tradition forward and we would always play "Hide and Seek" when the power went out from a thunderstorm. We took our games quite seriously and would actually prepare ourselves before the game would begin.... but... you had to move quickly because you just never knew when the lights would come back on again. We would dress ourselves in all black... I always borrowed Joe's dark dress socks to cover my feet and legs... and then would use a 2nd pair to cover my hands and arms. Joe would sometimes play with us... but mostly he would nap and relax as we played our game. And then of course, there are times you are bored and just wanna play "Hide and Seek" anyway by turning off all the lights and shutting all the window coverings, which is lots of fun too.
As in any game... there are rules... these are our rules, which may or may not differ from any one else's rules... but these were the ones we played by. You must start with an "It" or "Finder" person... usually decided by "rock paper scissors" or "eenie meenie minie moe"... once the "It" person has been chosen, that person must close/cover their eyes, face the 'safe/base' wall and count to 100.... SLOWLY!!!!!... and then all the hiders go hide. Boundaries must also be stated... usually containing the game to one level of a house if there are more than one level, or staying to a couple of rooms. Once the "It" person has finished counting to 100, they then must shout out... "OK... HERE I COME"... to signal to the hiders that the hunt has begun. The hiders wait quietly and patiently to either be found or cleared to run back to the safe/base wall and shout "Ollie Ollie Omp I'm Free!!!" Should the "It" person find a hider... that particular round is over and the found person is the new "It" person... all other hiders come out from hiding and return to the safe/base wall and the game starts over.
The thing is to find such a good hiding spot that you can re-hide there for several rounds before having to creatively find a new spot. Once I hid on my bed... laying flat on the bed with all my stuffed animals around me and was never found... no I didn't fall asleep! Another time I was never found was when I climbed on top of the refrigerator and perched huddled on top disguised in all black... did I mention I am only 4' 11" tall and weight 105#?.... this game was perfect for me... it's amazing how many places I can squeeze this little body into! But having blonde hair meant that I always had to wear a hat... which gets HOT while you are hiding! When the "It" person is near... and I think I'm about to be discovered... I hold my breath so as not to make a sound and not to giggle in fear!
I remember playing "Hide and Seek" for hours and hours, and how much fun we had, and how exhausted we were afterwards too. Then you sit and giggle and recount the places you were hiding and/or how close you were to being found, and how fun the game was. Sometimes my brother, Dad, and myself would play a version of "Hide and Seek" during the daytime... but we would wad up sheets of paper into balls as ammunition and then throw them at each other til someone was hit... then they became the "It" person. Often in the summer months we would gather all the neighborhood kids and we would play "Hide and Seek" outside after dark as our parents enjoyed coffee and conversation sitting in lawn chairs under ours, or a neighbors carport. Again... it would seem we played for hours on end and would be sooooo tired afterwards.
Playing "Hide and Seek" outside was a common game we neighborhood kids played all summer long. Sometimes flashlights were used... that of course was called "Flashlight Tag"... where the "It" person was the only one with a flashlight. Again... rules and boundaries must be stated prior to the game... whose yards we could hide in... no going inside, no climbing trees... and such. The thing with outside "Hide and Seek" is to find a spot where passing car lights won't reveal your hiding spot. After playing outdoor "Hide and Seek" we would be sooooo dirty, grimey, and sticky... so much so, that our bath water was black and the tub would need to be scrubbed after we bathed.
Ahhhhhh the memories! These wonderful memories came flooding back to me this past week when Joe and I found ourselves in the middle of a power outage from a thunderstorm. I found myself wishing that my brother, my Dad and/or my girls were here to play the game with me... especially since the power was out for an hour and this house has LOTS of good hiding spots! I was in the middle of preparing dinner when the power went out... as in... 5 minutes away from plating and eating. We finally did get to finish preparing dinner and eating... but... it wasn't the best meal ever!
We are in the season of thunderstorms... next time your lights go out what will you do? If you get too bored... play a game of "Hide and Seek"... or... play a game just because. It is great entertainment and doesn't cost a dime!... and the memories last forever!!!!
Dad... I know you will read this blog, and I hope you remember all those magical nights we spent playing "Hide and Seek". Thank you for being such a "kid at heart", and such a "good sport" to play "Hide and Seek" for hours with Mike and I! I cherish those times dearly!!! Love you bunches!!!!
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About Me
- Vickie G
- I am a short little lady with a passion for cooking and pilates. I have been married for 31 years to my high school sweetheart (my soulmate and love of my life!!!) and we have 3 amazing daughters. I am 50 years old and love living life with as much zest as possible.