tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301210232024-03-16T01:12:48.333+00:00HEART SHAPED STONESUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-63014962647815470432023-10-10T12:48:00.004+01:002023-10-10T12:50:34.444+01:00'Tis the season - Halloween and Old Legends<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh37OZuC-qinpYJY6SAat_9EF23zTTu3ktCJRKsbrf-lZZYI5brZVGAicqnj6dKjpkmkRihaMd9P3U6Bma_s4V-SfzEUNH8_tjNGx4303FIN4wRYeG-2lGSYuREq0K9MuGuI_6NRtWR1XVD1zPJFPpJjtlMg6hlI2ZQrTxyIo8FrfAC33Owodyu=s16000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bram Stoker</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh37OZuC-qinpYJY6SAat_9EF23zTTu3ktCJRKsbrf-lZZYI5brZVGAicqnj6dKjpkmkRihaMd9P3U6Bma_s4V-SfzEUNH8_tjNGx4303FIN4wRYeG-2lGSYuREq0K9MuGuI_6NRtWR1XVD1zPJFPpJjtlMg6hlI2ZQrTxyIo8FrfAC33Owodyu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">As Halloween approached, this is the season when many fire up their TVs to enjoy some classic horror movies. One of the most popular is Dracula!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many believe that Ireland's Bran Stoker got his idea from the Romanian prince known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula. He was the son of Vlad Dracul, or Vlad the Dragon. Adding the A to form the name Dracula means son of the dragon.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But this isn't where Stoker's vampire story actually began!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here in Ireland where Bram Stoker was born and raised, there is an ancient chieftain called Abhartach who ruled a petty kingdom in today's Northern Ireland. The area was dotted with petty kingdoms ruled by tribal warlords dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Legends paint Abhartach as a small, disfigured man who was jealous and suspicious by nature. He was cruel and unyielding, and some legends say he also had magic which made him all the more evil. Of course, he trusted no one, not even his wife and suspected her of having an affair. One night, he decided to catch her in the act and climbed out of a window of their castle to creep along the stonework to her bedroom, however, he ended up falling to his death.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Abhartach was buried with all of the rights of his station in a place called Slaughtaverty. However, that wasn't to be the end of this cruel overlord. He arose and returned to his castle and demanded the loyalty from his subjects...they but give him bowls of blood to sustain his life. Those who refused were slain. By drinking their blood, he became known as a *marbh bheo*, or living dead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually the people had had enough. Tired of living in more fear than when Abhartach was alive, they hired an assassin, Cathán, to kill him. Once slain, Abhartach was reburied in his grave, but again, he arose and demanded blood loyalties from his subjects. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Confused, Cathán consulted with local Druids (holymen of the time) and a plan was formed. Abhartach would be slain once more, but this time with a sword made from the wood of a sacred yew tree and driven through Abhartach's heart, then he must be buried upside down. Thorny twigs and branches and yew ash was to be scattered above the grave and around it before the topsoil was replaced. Finally, a large, heavy stone was to be placed directly on top of the burial site. The theory was that upside down, Abhartach would dig himself away from the surface and would never to walk the earth again.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="675" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwoKnA3D2o4vvewPR60TO1bNAZqfFjBtgJUUEfFL2s1-FkbzDiTsyD9Tf2s90_w4jaU03mlOChDsTl-ntHPj5rKOSHq9_lnOhLmNrjhsxg_4BPeGpCN5xh9Zc9bX1MOWQVzVfXmstIeVECghclBDGlALhGeHyPe7TTecRRL8zzejXkKUZiWh2B=w640-h496" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Abhertach's Burial Place</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwoKnA3D2o4vvewPR60TO1bNAZqfFjBtgJUUEfFL2s1-FkbzDiTsyD9Tf2s90_w4jaU03mlOChDsTl-ntHPj5rKOSHq9_lnOhLmNrjhsxg_4BPeGpCN5xh9Zc9bX1MOWQVzVfXmstIeVECghclBDGlALhGeHyPe7TTecRRL8zzejXkKUZiWh2B" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Little more than 1300 years later, this Irish legend would spark the idea of a blood thirsty monster in the Irish born writer, Bram Stoker. He also fed off the legends of Vlad the Impaler to create the iconic Dracul we know today.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The ground where Abhartach was buried has long been considered bad ground and all the centuries, nothing has been built around or near it. While King Abhartach's monument no longer exists, the heavy stone placed upon his final burial is still there, in place, protecting the Irish people. And a single Yew tree has grown up from the rushes scattered over the burial site before the stone had been placed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some have tried in recent times to remove the tree and stone, however chains broke each time on chain saws and hand saws couldn't get through the bark. When the stone was chained to drag away by machines, those chains also broke, lashing one man and nearly killing him. Witnesses say that his spilled blood was soaked into the soil immediately, as if feeding Abhartach's ancient corpse, and all efforts to remove the tree and stone were abandoned and has never been attempted again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It should also be noted that Patrick Weston Joyce wrote the book A History of Ireland, published in 1880, and told the story of Abhartach. This was a fully 17 years before Stoker's Dracula had been published...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Are vampires real? You be the judge... bwahahahahahaha</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-kOqIWtgjqki3zL6TN8MqrsKuQmCB6NW6n3DuM4Jj-8cT3Q-7zBE2rfEaI9H_8NHrtiTUxkVUJ9XmCammSgNTIfhIiL_6s0zm_hOWBWFQN7J3nt9yvwF3Xdzk4SdLFRuMISepr-XXj3cODMVj4z3fnYpBLPU_5gacE-cIm10Q1pCFEpcSM4yM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="200" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-kOqIWtgjqki3zL6TN8MqrsKuQmCB6NW6n3DuM4Jj-8cT3Q-7zBE2rfEaI9H_8NHrtiTUxkVUJ9XmCammSgNTIfhIiL_6s0zm_hOWBWFQN7J3nt9yvwF3Xdzk4SdLFRuMISepr-XXj3cODMVj4z3fnYpBLPU_5gacE-cIm10Q1pCFEpcSM4yM" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></div><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-11505484170664166712023-07-18T11:52:00.002+01:002023-07-18T12:05:37.009+01:00Chicken with Easy Teriyaki Sauce<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV2i0gqcO8P5vxWdiFYdi0hHIzm4-lqS4cqibelG8Iju8vi-sdGJCJ1M5pZ6b7q0eBr3OiZ67_V5mqzAC1DlXeEFP7nDyVwbyTH0omQC1pFip_9P63BSSlnABPGNZXhktusbh_ZZ0lzXXrp4RNrJV2XRKFL_XF1rFkyZdQSnPJ0ryMrxl8DILy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV2i0gqcO8P5vxWdiFYdi0hHIzm4-lqS4cqibelG8Iju8vi-sdGJCJ1M5pZ6b7q0eBr3OiZ67_V5mqzAC1DlXeEFP7nDyVwbyTH0omQC1pFip_9P63BSSlnABPGNZXhktusbh_ZZ0lzXXrp4RNrJV2XRKFL_XF1rFkyZdQSnPJ0ryMrxl8DILy=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dad and I share a lot of recipes and this is one he sent me.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think it's very nearly the perfect recipe...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* It uses minimal ingredients, yet it's flavorful.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* It cooks up quickly, but tastes like it takes a lot of time.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* And it looks great on the plate.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This recipe has everything to impress your dinner guests.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Give it a try and let me know what you think.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 - 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">60 g flour (1/4 cup)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4-5 minced garlic cloves</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tbsp soy sauce</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">90 g (1/3 cup) maple syrup or honey (I use maple syrup)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">METHOD</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cross cut the chicken, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and dredge in flour to coat.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fry in butter and olive oil for about 3 minutes on each side.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add garlic, and just as it colors, add in the A.C. vinegar, soy and honey/maple and reduce.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the sauce thickens, spoon over the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. Turn chicken to coat evenly.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serve, adding the remaining sauce.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serve with rice or Asian noodles (optional)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">OPTIONAL ADDITIONS</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just before the dish is fully cooked, you may want to add in some fresh vegetables. Consider:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spring onions</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sugar Snap Peas</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Snow Peas</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Broccoli florets</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carrot slivers</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mushrooms slices (straw or button)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bell Pepper slices</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Toasted sesame seeds</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What ever you choose, make it simple.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use just 2 or 3 for color and crunch, and be sure not to overcook.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">VEGETARIAN OPTION</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This sauce would be great with vegetarian options, such as:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soy curls</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seitan</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tempeh</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tofu</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quorn pieces</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or simply making a pile of vegetables and tossing in the sauce made separately.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>FINAL NOTE</u></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This recipe is easily increased.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Simply double or triple the ingredients.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Give this recipe a try and let me know what you thought of it.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can use the mailer on the sidebar.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyFJLOBVbmvDG-LHjwMOtWceDFMX4v-r0VY_EQwouukyd0v8rUis8v3CNSPNA43QnQQ3ktvX2Ek1vQfZ2etM872V0j9QZISwkApOtw7NLnBZ-I_-N2IjOtCyYKLUlK5w9bq9PGZIwqN7V258UmuDrYxBgfVMQOqVuf2Eu8-sbzd-8rFwRlhCoZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyFJLOBVbmvDG-LHjwMOtWceDFMX4v-r0VY_EQwouukyd0v8rUis8v3CNSPNA43QnQQ3ktvX2Ek1vQfZ2etM872V0j9QZISwkApOtw7NLnBZ-I_-N2IjOtCyYKLUlK5w9bq9PGZIwqN7V258UmuDrYxBgfVMQOqVuf2Eu8-sbzd-8rFwRlhCoZ=w640-h480" width="640" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDD6tDNT6B33-1PFHjyoURln9HrFj6SIhqe6dZ9QdISWC9jnuC5m0lbpfoR0kpuK8W3uv9bO4v6mZuAGb_Kq6t9Bq3buCKNtt5Uo8dUbpxZjpJu_-M9JIx14KPKHCSb2MoMh_YsZjO_ABnMFKamVxDPZjSQ9hMN5yMRTbhb_dYRBNb61ktRlh/s327/tasty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="327" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDD6tDNT6B33-1PFHjyoURln9HrFj6SIhqe6dZ9QdISWC9jnuC5m0lbpfoR0kpuK8W3uv9bO4v6mZuAGb_Kq6t9Bq3buCKNtt5Uo8dUbpxZjpJu_-M9JIx14KPKHCSb2MoMh_YsZjO_ABnMFKamVxDPZjSQ9hMN5yMRTbhb_dYRBNb61ktRlh/w400-h213/tasty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-18131276434699634312022-04-15T13:31:00.002+01:002022-04-15T14:09:45.572+01:00Vegetarian Chili con Quorn Mince<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYUEHJIDsUdgnpw4f_cni9noE2zCBtVPG60cBgRjNEOaBs1kHW7vlUThSnFDX1S96EPnh-6KJ_pdH3yPgVPQjwaizsdIoo__PC_RQl5iIdxERuA8TInE-DxHs8HHQ6cTxsGpQzLOeD4CL4sA57rVy1FC6dqqjn78f_t5w08FLT0-5phjiy4Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYUEHJIDsUdgnpw4f_cni9noE2zCBtVPG60cBgRjNEOaBs1kHW7vlUThSnFDX1S96EPnh-6KJ_pdH3yPgVPQjwaizsdIoo__PC_RQl5iIdxERuA8TInE-DxHs8HHQ6cTxsGpQzLOeD4CL4sA57rVy1FC6dqqjn78f_t5w08FLT0-5phjiy4Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This is my favorite recipe for chilli.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In this recipe, the Quorn mince can be swapped out for the same measurement of beef mince, or other favorite minced meat.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I've included some optional ways to serve this dish at the bottom.</span></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>INGREDIENTS</u></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One 500g bag of Quorn mince (OR replace with 500g of mince meat)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One diced large onion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One diced bell pepper (color of choice for contrast)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One can of chopped tomatoes</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One can of beans - well rinsed (your choice bean)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One can of consommé or one stock cube dissolved in hot water (add to one of the empty cans above for the one can measurement)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">2 tablespoons chili powder</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">1 teaspoon of cumin powder</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">2-3 large garlic cloves minced</span></li></ul></ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>OPTIONAL ADDITIONS</u></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Splash of soy sauce (Quorn mince flavoring)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (the ketchup cuts the acidity of the tomatoes, the BBQ sauce makes a sweeter chili)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tapatio (if you like your chili hotter)</span></li></ul></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>METHOD</u></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Brown off the Quorn mince, using a splash of soy (optional) as the mince starts browning then set aside to sauté the onion and pepper until soft.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Add back in the mince and add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Simmer for about 15-20 minutes.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do a taste test to see if you need to add the optional ketchup or BBQ sauce or Tapatio.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- BEST SERVED HOT -</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>OPTIONAL SIDES</u></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Corn bread (my favorite)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Steamed rice</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Baked potato</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Green Salad</span></li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><u>OPTIONAL TOPPINGS</u></div></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (my favorite)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Minced raw onion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Cheese and onion</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Minced pickled jalapeno</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Creme fresh</span></li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This batch will serve 4 to 6, and leftovers freeze well.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Happy eating!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJw5-kS9Dbcyy3zBjpIjKszWkvz3014YyO4CDmtg75o6V3s1AwwaSgbRK83Y2Ge3jlcGtAluzPnV92m_s1qcJeMtHVUMK6EP1ea6M8BK-91A-5pa_GTIqD6sWrbL_kMEZzzH9M2fv6kR1DK4FaUJBaYzJHOXUiWMVWMja06QmnxrJLje609w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJw5-kS9Dbcyy3zBjpIjKszWkvz3014YyO4CDmtg75o6V3s1AwwaSgbRK83Y2Ge3jlcGtAluzPnV92m_s1qcJeMtHVUMK6EP1ea6M8BK-91A-5pa_GTIqD6sWrbL_kMEZzzH9M2fv6kR1DK4FaUJBaYzJHOXUiWMVWMja06QmnxrJLje609w=s16000" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-30260944994830403302021-05-07T12:24:00.003+01:002021-11-10T15:32:14.663+00:00Spicy Mac and Cheese<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SPICY MAC AND CHEESE</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">(c) Kemberlee Shortland, 2021</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I originally saw this recipe listed as Turkish Mac and Cheese, but upon doing a little research, I discovered it was also called Indian Mac and Cheese, Pakistani Mac and Cheese, and simply just Spicy Mac and Cheese, which is what I've called this recipe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As I learned with researching the <a href="https://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/2021/03/tavce-gravce.html" target="_blank">Tavče Gravče</a> recipe, ingredients and flavors can change with not just the region, but also within a family. Some recipes include making a flour roux during the course of cooking, some don't use the chili but opt for paprika, and some even add ginger.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe my version is a good basic recipe and one which you can use to create your own preferred flavor. And you'll see at the end of the post, I've suggested some ways you can adapt this recipe to create slightly new flavors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As always, if you try this recipe, or any of my others, drop me an email and let me know what you thought, and how you added to it to make your own version of Spicy Turkish Indian Mac and Cheese.</span></p><p><i>! This recipe serves two hungry hippos, our four if served with side dishes such as salad.</i></p><p><i>!! This recipe can easily be doubled or further increased as desired.</i></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">INGREDIENTS</span></b></u></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA57LX3Iv-03JyI1JmH1yaXmZN6BBJaBDDIjOZ578Gvji6LR1LuI2j7CSIfgtPOKT9sBNK1Qq27lRuZlcJO0GtplR4NRaGLYgrXf8uJbK4GkgVF3V0kz1uLrKMo26V9-HJcaLo/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA57LX3Iv-03JyI1JmH1yaXmZN6BBJaBDDIjOZ578Gvji6LR1LuI2j7CSIfgtPOKT9sBNK1Qq27lRuZlcJO0GtplR4NRaGLYgrXf8uJbK4GkgVF3V0kz1uLrKMo26V9-HJcaLo/w334-h400/image.png" width="334" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 cup of dry pasta - any will do, but I used macaroni here</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">*reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Olive oil or other cooking oil, as needed</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 cloves of garlic - minced</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 small onion - finely chopped</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/3 cup tomato paste</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 tsp chili flakes</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 tsp red chili powder</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 tsp black pepper</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 tsp oregano</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 tsp salt</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 tsp sugar - used to balance the flavors (optional)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup milk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup heavy or double cream</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 stock cube - vegetarian or chicken flavored - crumbled</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup cheddar</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup mozzarella</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Tbsp butter</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">METHOD</span></b></u></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">First, put on the pasta to boil. Pasta times vary, but take this time to prepare your onion and garlic.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPZwEdosQRVqWAxuKr9VHtXaQ1BadzH5KWjTIT2kiAKo00ros54dPh3qEq-MBPXuzoV-0bRN6iESDs69gd0kUd_T-zuPp7_6nxC9d6r5a99OKW_kVtj9n_0bH8LP_xGamLtaa/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="500" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPZwEdosQRVqWAxuKr9VHtXaQ1BadzH5KWjTIT2kiAKo00ros54dPh3qEq-MBPXuzoV-0bRN6iESDs69gd0kUd_T-zuPp7_6nxC9d6r5a99OKW_kVtj9n_0bH8LP_xGamLtaa/w400-h296/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />When the pasta is al dente (done cooking but still with some firmness), drain and set aside. *Be sure to save your 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Into a hot skillet, add some cooking oil. When warm, add the garlic and onion and sauté until translucent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Add the tomato paste and mix well. Cook the tomato paste for a few minutes which will enrich the tomatoey flavor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Add your dry spices to a bowl and mix well before adding to the tomato, garlic and onion mixture in the pan. Mix well.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6-LPYDdRhRtTP31kjQV0qwewlN6fokUvaXljCdtIJXpE3zgSeZcNGxOiazMxo7i7gkQrZhPK1ZNSqJMiIRr2ROVrT6tQkkS3J2w3uCh37aw9SsScsty5cq-NvHiVMx22f5qC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6-LPYDdRhRtTP31kjQV0qwewlN6fokUvaXljCdtIJXpE3zgSeZcNGxOiazMxo7i7gkQrZhPK1ZNSqJMiIRr2ROVrT6tQkkS3J2w3uCh37aw9SsScsty5cq-NvHiVMx22f5qC/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Now add your pasta water and mix well to smooth out the spicy tomato paste.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zSKDK3TcJgslh7EBzEBFb0dcSSywgS_sel2s6Zme9sWQz6abKoyw3sHiqhCFqlXmjdg1ZaSOUd_8vrkkftq_Q2J-DVbdIGey3c4xJwjI2JU6Du7_b43cWyrd7JGaXhX8wv-x/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zSKDK3TcJgslh7EBzEBFb0dcSSywgS_sel2s6Zme9sWQz6abKoyw3sHiqhCFqlXmjdg1ZaSOUd_8vrkkftq_Q2J-DVbdIGey3c4xJwjI2JU6Du7_b43cWyrd7JGaXhX8wv-x/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Next, add in your milk and cream. When that's well-blended, add in your crumbled stock cube and mix well.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28BzEufejoAtbqymEbLu5Dsdbd8rbDKBsT2OO-gWw3Juzuw6mHaeCMYrL7pcHGkgnqE0Jz3Uxf_wPNA9ZgQm_jKcvMqdhTj43FsXKI1v7dm2D75n_djaMsHbXWO4lWe_FNL3M/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28BzEufejoAtbqymEbLu5Dsdbd8rbDKBsT2OO-gWw3Juzuw6mHaeCMYrL7pcHGkgnqE0Jz3Uxf_wPNA9ZgQm_jKcvMqdhTj43FsXKI1v7dm2D75n_djaMsHbXWO4lWe_FNL3M/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Add in your cooked pasta and stir well to be sure all the pasta is coated.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVBIy0SFWQUoeZpiSkexHCxQnlG-hRg-X8c-5QGSJK48k2JDaiZaRD2CWcrImGMMzSPlC8DzsCBlHw1_1WX3qKEudTz3qGIXu68HsKLNRZoMqazGHKjnv4kyWracTxsCmrrlW/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVBIy0SFWQUoeZpiSkexHCxQnlG-hRg-X8c-5QGSJK48k2JDaiZaRD2CWcrImGMMzSPlC8DzsCBlHw1_1WX3qKEudTz3qGIXu68HsKLNRZoMqazGHKjnv4kyWracTxsCmrrlW/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Add both cheeses and the butter and stir well.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbjCuxTmlHr_C_MyD7qT8feX5UvV7gnGMTIa1qd-sMDnvW7wf2FUPnQ-PE3wiBUmfSSZYUFYXfOhGrJOt0fyKJxUciW_83Ud89UY_OoaFvcmOFdFtHYarXHxIAeNBQUHLqXuP/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbjCuxTmlHr_C_MyD7qT8feX5UvV7gnGMTIa1qd-sMDnvW7wf2FUPnQ-PE3wiBUmfSSZYUFYXfOhGrJOt0fyKJxUciW_83Ud89UY_OoaFvcmOFdFtHYarXHxIAeNBQUHLqXuP/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Once the cheese is melted and everything is hot through, it's time to plate up.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSafkyIqJbesPf6Fsisof3_6r8rDUpavtigNLb_71lxjeCICuLQCyNLOfmJRc-5RBradVjX-jRI5PS8SRFRoSGGC4BrhGRHoCNBqvFqx_mG8ZEN7uCnqkVzcJFp5vePnT73-T/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSafkyIqJbesPf6Fsisof3_6r8rDUpavtigNLb_71lxjeCICuLQCyNLOfmJRc-5RBradVjX-jRI5PS8SRFRoSGGC4BrhGRHoCNBqvFqx_mG8ZEN7uCnqkVzcJFp5vePnT73-T/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrFFuiKgoOelC6FR3kj2eicR-2lq7tZPex2OwIwheFMODLIv3ILwy4MbLG1F1x6lw6t5ftTj-Pu6eHzthawcMsfPq3TRG8rqdtAuenLslRYgtwOhsdhI5DYgXqr_0EmO_UkpK/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrFFuiKgoOelC6FR3kj2eicR-2lq7tZPex2OwIwheFMODLIv3ILwy4MbLG1F1x6lw6t5ftTj-Pu6eHzthawcMsfPq3TRG8rqdtAuenLslRYgtwOhsdhI5DYgXqr_0EmO_UkpK/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or just a big spoon.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaoW0IiykL_iQFsFwzCOUi4yNWwnyLF3swphpsGuaewasgAHiHhCq8A18Ev8He6Y56M2M-78X9OlS5IXCOEdSAA4Jp3iewXtruhFw06Rj6jnmQHxE6Ufvc7zK1FEDQ3_UnH_J/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaoW0IiykL_iQFsFwzCOUi4yNWwnyLF3swphpsGuaewasgAHiHhCq8A18Ev8He6Y56M2M-78X9OlS5IXCOEdSAA4Jp3iewXtruhFw06Rj6jnmQHxE6Ufvc7zK1FEDQ3_UnH_J/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Customize ingredients to your taste</span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you don't like a very cheesy mac and cheese, use 1/4 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar. If you like it more cheese, add more cheese to taste.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This dish is a warming dish, meaning you will have a warm spice feeling as you eat. If you want a hotter dish, add in a 1/4 tsp of cayenne or 1/2 tsp Tapatio or Sriracha sauce.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This dish is easily adapted to have more of an Italian flavor by adding 1 tsp of oregano vs 1/2 tsp, and add 1/4-1/2 cup of Ketchup.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For something a little fancier, add the finished meal into a baking dish and add a layer of cheese to the top and put into a preheated 350F oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and with a golden brown color.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYuujqBCXHa7yrknHH5u0tlMqmAMoum_53vKcZ6gWjti5HVK5W8uHUOW41ThLazZHddYfj-1GXfyOD84Dd3CM3Y0vx_zy0MUpH0tQePkNe5ot95krUnb-ZSq-0HP47q2tosbM/s500/eatup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYuujqBCXHa7yrknHH5u0tlMqmAMoum_53vKcZ6gWjti5HVK5W8uHUOW41ThLazZHddYfj-1GXfyOD84Dd3CM3Y0vx_zy0MUpH0tQePkNe5ot95krUnb-ZSq-0HP47q2tosbM/w400-h320/eatup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-27307919672877550952021-04-08T18:46:00.003+01:002021-04-08T18:46:46.712+01:00Chicken à la Kiki<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CHICKEN À LA KIKI</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(c) Kemberlee Shortland, 2021</span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS </span></u></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MacDetTuko_ukX_HOwS85d11LqUQhIOdn7KxOtuU32ZqBD0U8pqJvzvOgPo21TkpPOIYqRajfd1f46tcm0ZeC3ERuFAX9Gah2UZHEyUDNllae6iArLvSCwTAhdo3zjwZXpv1/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MacDetTuko_ukX_HOwS85d11LqUQhIOdn7KxOtuU32ZqBD0U8pqJvzvOgPo21TkpPOIYqRajfd1f46tcm0ZeC3ERuFAX9Gah2UZHEyUDNllae6iArLvSCwTAhdo3zjwZXpv1/w299-h400/image.png" width="299" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">8 large chicken thighs (2 per person)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 large onions, peeled and sliced</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 medium-large shallots, peeled and sliced lengthwise</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 large yellow bell peppers, sliced (any color but yellow stands out against the red sauce)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 medium size carrots, peeled, cut in half and into half circles...or whatever shape you want</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4-5 large garlic cloves, peeled and rough chopped</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 can of good quality chopped tomatoes</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 jar of salsa (mild, medium or hot)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons dry mixed herbs</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3 stock cubes, chicken or vegetable (traditional stock cubes, not stock gel/jelly)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">olive oil, as needed</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>! Options below for vegetarian and other ingredients</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">METHOD</span></u></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA9-6GCXMnLT0H5lhGQuvALPah5dOnfi3a8zE5ybkPh6Gp-gNOytQlMAYyYUNbCMGoKSrVoawd80FoR_E7pyHNBKRPvKC50rWztqRNHCA1B-YR1dB2TgqKYw4LPqLz8LDGF1x/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 350F</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Clean and prepare the chicken thighs (remove straggling pin feathers, lose fatty bits, etc), rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put 2 stock cubes into a wide bowl and add about 1/3 cup of olive oil. With the back of a spoon, mash the cubes into the oil to form a lose paste.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA9-6GCXMnLT0H5lhGQuvALPah5dOnfi3a8zE5ybkPh6Gp-gNOytQlMAYyYUNbCMGoKSrVoawd80FoR_E7pyHNBKRPvKC50rWztqRNHCA1B-YR1dB2TgqKYw4LPqLz8LDGF1x/w320-h240/image.png" width="320" /></span><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt7oXKhuPpLne20UYplWpSIjGtky6LjFwfqmjte5g80j46Uf6eYXb26hZt-A2XqjWr5iNLLZi1IHz4yx0eWfDwbz4JfutfFy-016d7-H2NXXmoFdoCTR1obNW-1FXxATN2yxD/" style="font-size: x-large;" width="320" /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Baste your chicken thighs with the paste and set aside, reserve the leftover paste. If you don't have enough, add a little more olive oil.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heat a heavy skillet with a little fresh olive oil and when hot, add the chicken skin side down. Brown both sides.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinT1FbGmQxp_VBMPeAwUfgQSYMrMH7kgfC7cbnu4chjMmthrU3SUmWU3GL-cnTWdtFgDIu6163y8HfZ3s5OFarO9CfpIUjWf7e2s0i5cUEFwHG433sNb2cEM9gnXXxnewecbk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinT1FbGmQxp_VBMPeAwUfgQSYMrMH7kgfC7cbnu4chjMmthrU3SUmWU3GL-cnTWdtFgDIu6163y8HfZ3s5OFarO9CfpIUjWf7e2s0i5cUEFwHG433sNb2cEM9gnXXxnewecbk/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While the chicken is browning, prepare your vegetables. Slice the vegetables vs rough chopping it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="2016" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6l4qeiZacw1gCjbOhR4hGF3HWeH7uxrtW7UwKQtyNRLNza1zL-0OwlsIv2i2eui3pKNu3t5Rdlv7JO9LXtPmizWfyhbH1_1t_xkHObAR-HhELJ_CBQMDnyXA3V9HFXOgTMbv/w400-h299/image.png" width="400" /></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the chicken is done, remove to a pan or dish and set aside.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Using the chicken cooking oil, add the reserved paste, onions and peppers and sauté until they start to soften. Add the carrot and garlic and mix thoroughly.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6l4qeiZacw1gCjbOhR4hGF3HWeH7uxrtW7UwKQtyNRLNza1zL-0OwlsIv2i2eui3pKNu3t5Rdlv7JO9LXtPmizWfyhbH1_1t_xkHObAR-HhELJ_CBQMDnyXA3V9HFXOgTMbv/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">When your veg is well mixed and softened, add the can of chopped tomatoes and your jar of salsa and mix well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, crumble in your last stock cube and and the dried herbs and mix well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5od4LA0NPC8Qo3u-mMaV6ORgvALyUGtfQP_T8Z0flz5fFYBEMCARIMMmMb0Ns_JGCqHQqz94xBx7vnx8LY014NFp6aqlJtxiOuFR7puI-uOFvPCSE-sZ40naZt3ZObkUh_62h/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5od4LA0NPC8Qo3u-mMaV6ORgvALyUGtfQP_T8Z0flz5fFYBEMCARIMMmMb0Ns_JGCqHQqz94xBx7vnx8LY014NFp6aqlJtxiOuFR7puI-uOFvPCSE-sZ40naZt3ZObkUh_62h/w296-h400/image.png" width="296" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large oven proof dish or pan, pour in your vegetable mixture. Layer the chicken on top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cover and put in the oven for approx 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OUITTUqYvkPzbpx8BFMGWetup_48_oYUXOQhZrQr9wkssyrTP-BWxHS24bW9NV6RkUY-vq-ZWcPdz8_RXcG8ZWcglodj8CqWZThE-5NzRlS9fLejA989HlGnhc3xM4KfuGE5/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OUITTUqYvkPzbpx8BFMGWetup_48_oYUXOQhZrQr9wkssyrTP-BWxHS24bW9NV6RkUY-vq-ZWcPdz8_RXcG8ZWcglodj8CqWZThE-5NzRlS9fLejA989HlGnhc3xM4KfuGE5/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Remove the cover and continue cooking in the oven for another 10-15 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcddlZd-8wDG0fUaUGip7SKGc2n1vQrVJAda9obg0T7nEc5HD57V14nY8_HDArJKbYzuod89W-6S0u-p4lLxa_CVWBWduF87HBZcsfjIBhlfEoMiaF2N7690UCQ2cIhqDBV8J/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">At this time, if you're serving with rice, prepare that now. If you're using a pot on the stove method, this will take about 15-20 minutes. If you're using a rice cooker, this takes 15-30 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB5ned5yT8rgcV93urCensejuNTTkg5-3ExagVSvcNoksnBsq0s3UcFW8z4y7YdAgi5w_zNWWdmV2ywU4LKm_2uCUZb6l9Y12mPET0DQ7Y9dZgYp1ecpvQB_4eDpzUfrdBBGV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMB5ned5yT8rgcV93urCensejuNTTkg5-3ExagVSvcNoksnBsq0s3UcFW8z4y7YdAgi5w_zNWWdmV2ywU4LKm_2uCUZb6l9Y12mPET0DQ7Y9dZgYp1ecpvQB_4eDpzUfrdBBGV/w297-h400/image.png" width="297" /></a></div><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serve hot when the rice is ready.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpdc4NAKPKn7uUO3SNyYfFprNn0l8VQLJcb7zltP6HKW8Y0rrhG-eLkWJQMfookIEaac1BcSeuC0ixPWwMBUKqg-x_duHl55IcIURxZAF3P1GCocCn0xcsJpRSOowas0iq_ao/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpdc4NAKPKn7uUO3SNyYfFprNn0l8VQLJcb7zltP6HKW8Y0rrhG-eLkWJQMfookIEaac1BcSeuC0ixPWwMBUKqg-x_duHl55IcIURxZAF3P1GCocCn0xcsJpRSOowas0iq_ao/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></span></a></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OPTIONS</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>*Option 1:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have zucchini available, add that to your mix. Slice into strips like the onions and peppers, or into halves like the carrots.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can also add in some cherry tomatoes if you have some laying around. Add them into the pan just before putting it into the oven.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>** Option 2:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you don't want rice, just before you pour your veg into the baking pan, add in a can of your favorite beans. Drain well. White beans or garbanzos would be a nice color to stand out against the red sauce.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>*** Option 3:</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another alternative to rice is baked or steamed potatoes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><u><span style="font-size: large;">!! Vegetarian option:</span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Use vegetable stock cubes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Also, in place of the chicken, use cubes of good quality tofu. Prepare the same as the chicken by basting them in the paste, then quickly browning the cubes in a pan. Add to the stop of the veg mix before putting into the oven to finish off. Start your rice at this time.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nbEpQHjQUuI-efC5WjPDPZ5101sxBR8PwzA1fD8zo9OPlwBzh-OSxaH4xXV_KvoRv24oCriBtnLfgMgEnHVoG9NEai-Zo-G_eb0UA_DTYACkbMpbP3Gdsze6UAikf0rnkxa2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="583" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nbEpQHjQUuI-efC5WjPDPZ5101sxBR8PwzA1fD8zo9OPlwBzh-OSxaH4xXV_KvoRv24oCriBtnLfgMgEnHVoG9NEai-Zo-G_eb0UA_DTYACkbMpbP3Gdsze6UAikf0rnkxa2/w400-h248/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-64533759709446570752021-03-15T15:43:00.004+00:002021-03-15T15:43:49.241+00:00Tavče Gravče<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4FYY2olk60y4xJReDh4eVJ5Q_ipisZFs0GMvtxVX0Hihi0WtJEv97eS_8PPkkVqfWMTJ-o0wY2mVbKz-HBEAdLxFgATZGY-whAW16CyvaOCTkTCqty1M3ZS_fFpAWZTugF-1/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4FYY2olk60y4xJReDh4eVJ5Q_ipisZFs0GMvtxVX0Hihi0WtJEv97eS_8PPkkVqfWMTJ-o0wY2mVbKz-HBEAdLxFgATZGY-whAW16CyvaOCTkTCqty1M3ZS_fFpAWZTugF-1/w320-h320/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unglazed earthenware pot<br />traditional to Macedonia</i></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Tavče Gravče</b> is considered the national dish of North Macedonia and is the most popular dish eaten by the Macedonian diaspora. However, this dish is also popular in neighboring countries such as Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, and other nations which once made up the country of Yugoslavia.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">First, let's pronounce this dish:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Tavče Gravče</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Tahv-chay Grahv-chay</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The name translates as <i>beans on a tava</i> (a flat or concave disc-shaped frying pan similar to a wok), although the dish I'm talking about today is traditionally slow-cooked in an unglazed earthenware pot, and usually over an open fire.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was inspired to make <b>Tavče Gravče</b> after watching the video for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlezRkAubys" target="_blank">Epic Beans & Sausage Tavče style</a> by <a href="https://www.almazankitchen.com/epic-beans-sausage-tavce" target="_blank">AlmazanKitchen</a>. I love watching his videos. He takes viewers out of the traditional kitchen and into nature where he often uses produce he's grown himself and water from his fresh running stream. Or he brings viewers into his covered cooking area with a built-in fire space for cooking, which is where he made his version of this dish.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NlezRkAubys" width="560"></iframe></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Like most national dishes, every family has their own take on <b>Tavče Gravče</b>. </span>I've looked at several recipes and watched a lot of videos on YouTube, and came away with the basic ingredients that all dishes have: beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and paprika. Simple. Each cook adds their own favorite ingredients and method of cooking.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For my dish, I followed Almazan's recipe and tweaked it a little based on some of the other ingredients in my research.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Before starting, let me just say that the dish is normally eaten as is...the beans and sausage. I changed it up a bit and cooked some rice to go with it. I know. I doubled up on the carb...beans and rice! But, I only did that because I didn't have any crusty bread to sop up the sauce. For you, eat it as-is, or with rice, or with crusty bread, or whatever takes your fancy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Okay, so here's my recipe for:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TAVČE GRAVČE KEME STYLE</b><b> (or Kiki Style if you're talking to Beck)</b>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">>> Tools: Sharp knife, wood or non-scratch spatula or spoon, deep-sided skillet, ovenproof baking dish with lid (or foil to cover).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">>> Prep time: About 45 minutes</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">>> Serves: This dish, as-is, serves two people. Double or triple as needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">>> Preheat: Oven to 250F/125C, Skillet to medium heat.</span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INGREDIENTS Part 1</b></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 large bell peppers - yellow and orange/red for contrasting color</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 medium shallots</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 small red finger chili (optional)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4 or 5 fresh garlic cloves</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Cooking oil, as needed</span></p><p><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS Part 1</b></span></u></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">De-seed bell peppers and cut into thin rings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">De-skin shallots and cut into long, thin slices.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">De-seed chili and cut into thin, diagonal slices.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">De-skin garlic and mash with the knife blade, rough chop.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Add cooking oil to pan and add everything in at once, mix well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Continue mixing for just a couple minutes. You're not cooking these ingredients, just getting them started.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Go to part two:</span></b></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><p><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INGREDIENTS Part 2</b></span></u></p></div></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 can of white beans of choice - Navy/Haricot are smaller than Canallini but taste the same </span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 can of chopped tomatoes (unseasoned) </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2-3 bay leaves</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3-4 tsp of smoked paprika (does not need to be level)</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Tbsp real butter (does not need to be level)</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Salt and pepper - half tsp salt and 1 tsp fresh ground pepper or to taste</span></p></div><div><p><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS Part Two</b></span></u></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>To your pan of veg, add paprika, rosemary, bay leaves, </span>mix well.</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Add butter, salt and pepper, mix well.</span> </span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Add beans (drained and rinsed), mix well.</span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pour everything into baking dish and set aside.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Got to part three:</b></span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>INGREDIENTS Part 3</b></span></u></span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">4 medium homemade or artisan style sausages (can be omitted for vegetarians)</span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">a big handful of cherry tomatoes - 6-10 whole or cut in half</span></p></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>INSTRUCTIONS Part 3</b></u></span></p></div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wipe out the skillet and reheat with a little oil.</span></p></div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Add the sausages and brown all over.</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While the sausages are browning, fold the cherry tomatoes into the sauce.</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When evenly browned, add sausages to the top of the sauce, partially submerge. </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b>SLOW COOKING</b></u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Cover your baking dish (lid or foil) and put into the preheated oven. Slow cook for 4-5 hours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Be sure to check every couple hours to ensure the sauce is not evaporating. If so, mix in a little water and recover.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">About half an hour before you're ready to serve your meal, prepare your accompaniments, such as steamed rice or crusty bread.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Also at this time, remove the cover to give the sausages a little more color if needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Before serving, remove the rosemary stems (leaves will have fallen into the sauce) and the bay leaves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>*Taste</b> - If the flavor is too sharp or hot from the chili, add a squirt of ketchup. It will knock the edges off the sharpness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Serves two or one piggy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Macedonian - <i>Dobro jadenje!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Serbian - <i>Dobro jelo!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">English - <i>Good eating!</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnrcENCE0NSZ0U4Pk48DYvOxwNXrQvziswt6DGTyUb0jDb2zlSCQ647zD7_Nt76_94JgIS4JiKTt3XAIj7oMep6Vh_nKNZX9TbAZay8RvSeVcE2rJoJTPRtzvf4u3nJ3WwSB4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnrcENCE0NSZ0U4Pk48DYvOxwNXrQvziswt6DGTyUb0jDb2zlSCQ647zD7_Nt76_94JgIS4JiKTt3XAIj7oMep6Vh_nKNZX9TbAZay8RvSeVcE2rJoJTPRtzvf4u3nJ3WwSB4/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><i>If you make this dish, or any others on my site, please message me through the mailer on the sidebar and let me know how it went and if you liked it or not. And let me know if it's missing an ingredient you'd like to see. Your email is not harvested and I'll be the only one seeing your message.</i></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-29373281982169754922020-12-09T18:10:00.002+00:002020-12-09T18:10:50.656+00:00Quick and Easy Beef Stew<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ldLnedW7P3yhGmAk_MqQEGzagAZgN6dcVF7K3BqmiAp1WTNTxwWaj5myMEZyLcvWXcy8jZ-Rw3yFD3yReP4i_dqBgE9eabPQpZD7rtRGtZtd5wwP7VhjhLZyRYjWLShp-aV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9ldLnedW7P3yhGmAk_MqQEGzagAZgN6dcVF7K3BqmiAp1WTNTxwWaj5myMEZyLcvWXcy8jZ-Rw3yFD3yReP4i_dqBgE9eabPQpZD7rtRGtZtd5wwP7VhjhLZyRYjWLShp-aV/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It's wet, cold and mucky days like today that make me wish I'd made a bigger pot of beef stew last night.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Seriously, the easiest recipe on the planet.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There's no measuring, no weighing, no detailed instructions. This is a a real country-style pot of comfort food that packs a punch with flavor. Guaranteed.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You can save some time if your supermarket sells prechopped stewing meat, onions and carrot, and get one of those squeezy tubes of fresh garlic.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ready?</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>QUICK AND EASY BEEF STEW</b></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><u><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ingredients</span></u></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9c5pp-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="7og7u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7og7u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7og7u-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">about a kilo (2+pounds) of chopped stewing beef</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="a0c93-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a0c93-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a0c93-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">a big onion, roughly chopped</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="defgo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="defgo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="defgo-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">a big carrot, roughly chopped</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="9o89m-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9o89m-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9o89m-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">3 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="6ipal-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ipal-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6ipal-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2 generous tablespoons of mixed dry herbs</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="a6pvd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a6pvd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a6pvd-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">half bottle of good dry red wine (I used merlot here but also use Medoc)</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="7hesq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7hesq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7hesq-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">equal measure of beef stock (not broth) as wine</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="2pkee-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2pkee-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2pkee-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2-3 tablespoons of plain flour</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">cooking oil</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">floury potatoes, about 2 tennis ball size per person</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e75d3-0-0"><u><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instructions</span></u></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="274m2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="274m2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="274m2-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="41s7a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="41s7a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="41s7a-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Preheat your cooking pot with the oil. Toss in your meat and flour together and give it a good stir. Be sure the meat gets well-covered. When the flour has browned and the meat looks like it's startint to cook, toss in the rest of the ingredients.</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="f7h06-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f7h06-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f7h06-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="e0pcn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e0pcn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e0pcn-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stir well, then cover and bring to a boil then turn down to simmer and cook for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart. Pretty much forget about it, but set your timer. By 90 minutes, your house should be filled with the smell of the stew.</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="eva85-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eva85-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eva85-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="fs4dc" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="background-color: white;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Just before it's done, put the potatoes in the microwave (should be less than ten minutes). When they're done, roughly chop them up in a deep bowl and mash to break them up a little before ladling on the stew. </span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">*Tip: the better cut of meat, the tastier it will be. I prefer skirt steak (not flank) when I can find it</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That's it. 10-15 minutes prep and the meal is done in about two hours. If you want to eat at 7pm, get it in the pot for 5pm. That's it</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Serves 2 to 4</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And you have leftover wine for the table.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">No matter how you say it, it's...</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ithe maith!</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">¡Buen provecho!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buona mangiata!</span></div><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">Gutes Essen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bon appetit!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bwyta da!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Liánghǎo de yǐnshí!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Dobré jedlo!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ukutya okumnandi!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Khoroshaya yeda!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Yoi shoku!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">'akl jyd!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Goed eten!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good eating!</div></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNff3FkW0PpgpMIDCEOf-_Ug120drXt2OaEFLkpWtFl-F7w_XSIRMN2k5Ir-ek9AeKFhkYydmp2ALYnZ4iHb6xuxykQsN8GhlWbCinK8vidmT4rEjeEvCM99HrzmbSntYx57s5/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="756" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNff3FkW0PpgpMIDCEOf-_Ug120drXt2OaEFLkpWtFl-F7w_XSIRMN2k5Ir-ek9AeKFhkYydmp2ALYnZ4iHb6xuxykQsN8GhlWbCinK8vidmT4rEjeEvCM99HrzmbSntYx57s5/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cpmt0-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-33961578488470514482020-09-24T11:48:00.005+01:002021-07-21T17:36:00.260+01:00The original Lucy and Ricky<span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">My grandparents were Lucy and Ricky before Lucy and Ricky were a thing.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="560" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5vHApIvgkPSI0l461rU6AVeMkwwktKzsINfy1b9bBHau7p1s1v5c-_1y4jY2O4fL4nnExX0Bf8dDa4_oNHhVgxTQHooFLOfbnT0IvThuYPZdyIgf9XhaSPCKDu7192cy50R8/w392-h528/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="392" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Roberta and Reyes in their new home</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5vHApIvgkPSI0l461rU6AVeMkwwktKzsINfy1b9bBHau7p1s1v5c-_1y4jY2O4fL4nnExX0Bf8dDa4_oNHhVgxTQHooFLOfbnT0IvThuYPZdyIgf9XhaSPCKDu7192cy50R8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My grandmother, Roberta/Bobbie, was of Irish/German extraction and the daughter of migrant farmers who followed the work between Wyoming and Colorado. They eventually moved to the Central Valley of California not long after the Great Depression for better work and where she was born. When her parents eventually retired, it was to a sleeping coastal town on the Central Coast. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My grandfather, Reyes/Ray, was Puerto Rican. He was in the middle of 16 brothers and sisters. He took on many jobs growing up which included working on a cattle ranch in the East Bay across from San Francisco. He took care of the horses and worked the cattle.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At the tender age of 13 (some family suggest it was a little later), at the height of the Great Depression, he decided to go out and make his way in the world. He eventually ended up on the Central Coast where he worked long hours and earned a reputation as a hard worker. This is also where he met my grandmother.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">They married in 1942 right after she graduated high school. She was 18 and he was 23. My father was born the following year.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="500" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHltWGPn_Pslz9F4UXu3BDwl2Dv36L5cr5Jk4l1klorcXzC_7Kvwt3JH6Ei9pYSHSyRV1btRHMEBN1ivH4WcJy8OtY812_-a6e75cDRSdqdsYE3oVl0wqDtv-HDRjRJc2-JHB/w369-h521/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="369" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Roberta with her first born, Richard</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHltWGPn_Pslz9F4UXu3BDwl2Dv36L5cr5Jk4l1klorcXzC_7Kvwt3JH6Ei9pYSHSyRV1btRHMEBN1ivH4WcJy8OtY812_-a6e75cDRSdqdsYE3oVl0wqDtv-HDRjRJc2-JHB/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My grandfather was a hard worker his whole life. His motto: <i>If there's time to lean, there's time to clean. </i>He ran a clean shop! Another motto: <i>Never put anything on credit. If you don't have the money, you can't afford it</i>. A home mortgage was the exception.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Around the time of their marriage, they started their own business and continued that hard work ethic. But in his spare time, he continued his love of working with animals. He had a horse called Silver and a dog called Coco, and the three became famous in the region, participating in all the big parades and events. Coco was a performance dog who could climb up and down ladders, walk upright while carrying a parasol, and loved riding on the back of the horse.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="500" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphennELVVzaYu7YdYEdj1O0YS5Dy-e8v6pkUmf9tnKF-shWOoxHaSKiL7dGEyTPfR-b_x8lazjfP3lGHMVE1oMYRyTdieaV5OZIsJn9pAImaA4DrxmqiOqM2pNVw4WzLXKh4cWk/w353-h475/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="353" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Reyes with Coco on the beach</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLtz5YMlW8tcz4OlutMnyITWz7k7lkqrwMeA9HBmXc_0Q6DfM9B9-z0VKUaqOPve7UJrZx9PwpNAkVOUafWZk3BVDu3_yQ0VKjmExHuhtgRDX5v8zkdkShT2q9JQ88BFKBr9S/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="500" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLtz5YMlW8tcz4OlutMnyITWz7k7lkqrwMeA9HBmXc_0Q6DfM9B9-z0VKUaqOPve7UJrZx9PwpNAkVOUafWZk3BVDu3_yQ0VKjmExHuhtgRDX5v8zkdkShT2q9JQ88BFKBr9S/w336-h407/image.png" width="336" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Reyes with Coco and Silver, Butterfly Parade</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />My grandmother was the quintessential housewife--staying home to raise a family, kept a beautiful home, and cooked tasty meals for her family.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I feel my grandparents were an amazing couple. She was migrant farmer's daughter and he was the son of a poor rancher. They found each other, created a life and family together, and made a name for themselves with in their community.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">They remained married for 47 years before my grandfather passed suddenly in 1989. She never remarried. Because of this couple, they left a lasting legacy that includes four children, eight grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Can't ask for more than that.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-20421925623773496772020-06-26T12:38:00.000+01:002020-06-26T12:38:23.038+01:00Easy Banana Muffins, Bread, and Cake<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqvN8WZxWQZ_TPhrHWhVHlh2nTTjXCp8h6TxGVzUbVH67IYVILa73u05yA0cCGa5rwIQOHMXe0YQxGA6R9TFccIYlO5Bj21jVpArKtp3iX6RRkQD9uv3UNZYiO8t0JlRM7o2M/s1600/recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqvN8WZxWQZ_TPhrHWhVHlh2nTTjXCp8h6TxGVzUbVH67IYVILa73u05yA0cCGa5rwIQOHMXe0YQxGA6R9TFccIYlO5Bj21jVpArKtp3iX6RRkQD9uv3UNZYiO8t0JlRM7o2M/s320/recipes.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trusty recipe book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it's been a while since I posted a recipe, I thought I'd add one to my recipe file here. This is my own recipe which I use when I have bananas that are starting to go off. You know the ones. The skins are full of black speckles and they're going soft. You think it's time for the compost, but let me stop you right there. This is when bananas are at their sweetest. Give this recipe a try and see if I'm not right.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Here's what you need</u></b><br />
<br />
3 mashed very ripe bananas<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower or something light)<br />
2 average size eggs<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1 & 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon good quality vanilla (real vanilla, not the fake stuff, <a href="http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/2015/03/vanilla.html" target="_blank">make your own here</a>)<br />
1/4-1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350F/180C/gasmark 4<br />
<br />
<i>For muffins</i> - Put your paper casings into a 12 muffin pan and set aside<br />
<br />
<i>For bread or cake</i> - oil the loaf pan or cake tin and set aside<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Here's how to do it</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6wDmw8XC-ib0sYTGTbMdkxkS1CVIqnkyjNTfb9Za3fL8G_c9OeLLozDmfAZWbHhKfEr1KRp2lrrbs6VLfoomgYJsQONttMl8uYeMI2pRubGjHgO-69rIWl2jTkJMiCfVjfKJ/s1600/Step1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6wDmw8XC-ib0sYTGTbMdkxkS1CVIqnkyjNTfb9Za3fL8G_c9OeLLozDmfAZWbHhKfEr1KRp2lrrbs6VLfoomgYJsQONttMl8uYeMI2pRubGjHgO-69rIWl2jTkJMiCfVjfKJ/s320/Step1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peel the bananas and mash with a fork.<br />Add to your mixing bowl.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6rNgrZQFl30WkohbPtaWz-0otGw-Lu20zBVcj_HiSkc225w63Q0fZ_lEcoCaEfp5flEUVFIc2kgGvABS57uwKvGY95INqgh1KJhZvjf9d31cCEHS68As_Nt2AsYBqVfo5cKe/s1600/Step2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6rNgrZQFl30WkohbPtaWz-0otGw-Lu20zBVcj_HiSkc225w63Q0fZ_lEcoCaEfp5flEUVFIc2kgGvABS57uwKvGY95INqgh1KJhZvjf9d31cCEHS68As_Nt2AsYBqVfo5cKe/s320/Step2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla.</span><br style="font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-size: small;">Blend until the ingredients are just mixed.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgum5OmLrtr0aUz184-_imruDH-4s0sJS7SFgYYGOLBT-EpBr7Z11X3AveY5FL-B9-MqNjww71cff_isHz8PoZ8I__ILE45hoIb_ZACCwLyG1zcUl8kh-CHXIM7loG9ycPmODL2/s1600/Step3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgum5OmLrtr0aUz184-_imruDH-4s0sJS7SFgYYGOLBT-EpBr7Z11X3AveY5FL-B9-MqNjww71cff_isHz8PoZ8I__ILE45hoIb_ZACCwLyG1zcUl8kh-CHXIM7loG9ycPmODL2/s320/Step3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium;">
Add the sugars, flour, baking soda, and salt.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
*Chopped walnuts are optional.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
Blend until all the ingredients are well-incorporated.<br />DON'T over-mix.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmShWmLl1yFHMRbYUtsFR0r5dgIJqHL2Hk-mFLxttR0SJG5C9HBv0_Luo5fNpCPlhLmpR41LDnIF_7TnkxZkbT_FFg7sOQjLVebZvRnpose_sCoaxqApmJwU4yT5vqn7E03iU/s1600/Step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmShWmLl1yFHMRbYUtsFR0r5dgIJqHL2Hk-mFLxttR0SJG5C9HBv0_Luo5fNpCPlhLmpR41LDnIF_7TnkxZkbT_FFg7sOQjLVebZvRnpose_sCoaxqApmJwU4yT5vqn7E03iU/s320/Step4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium;">
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin casings.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
Of if you're making bread or a cake, pour into the prepared pan.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIugECq6ro38O7JOSjzAgMU1OrGKsesTdKIGg87OgqgkNYjmirAEDxoxX4qwIJwhbWO2s1G5XzJ7souGRsy1sYWQbXCCxPwMulFTcPsshRc0VHiDaBLWCMT7ew29rUhEiPo8QC/s1600/Step5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIugECq6ro38O7JOSjzAgMU1OrGKsesTdKIGg87OgqgkNYjmirAEDxoxX4qwIJwhbWO2s1G5XzJ7souGRsy1sYWQbXCCxPwMulFTcPsshRc0VHiDaBLWCMT7ew29rUhEiPo8QC/s320/Step5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slide the pan into your preheated oven, middle shelf.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Timing</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For muffins</i> - bake for approximately 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use a toothpick to test the center of the muffin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If the toothpick comes out wet, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*This time is for average size muffins. Large muffins will take 40+ minutes to bake before testing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For bread or cake</i> - bake for 1 hour before testing. Use a toothpick as above.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Cooling</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When done, remove the muffins from the pan and set on a wire rack to cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSttaDsU72KmKbNvNosdvKwCn6HyocAzlhQJ7ejvGMA7qwVFA3d-6Zie_uJ2mXWC1mFbCbqrbGFNBnPPIhm2yzDOqq8bRoCMreMkCjR5v7TEna5DLCdH5X6pi3K1svbf9OkD7f/s1600/Step6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSttaDsU72KmKbNvNosdvKwCn6HyocAzlhQJ7ejvGMA7qwVFA3d-6Zie_uJ2mXWC1mFbCbqrbGFNBnPPIhm2yzDOqq8bRoCMreMkCjR5v7TEna5DLCdH5X6pi3K1svbf9OkD7f/s320/Step6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why, yes, my muffins are lopsided. It's an old oven and I forgot to rotate the pan.<br />Hashtag #HomeMade :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
* For bread or cake, leave in tin for about 15 minutes to cool before turning out onto a wire rack to complete cooling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Topping?</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adding a topping to this recipe is up to you. This recipe will yield a very moist muffin/bread/cake and probably doesn't need anything on top. At least, I don't think so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Storage</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muffins store well in a large ziplock bag or covered container. The bread or cake will store well under plastic wrap on a plate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Double your recipe and store some in the freezer Wrap in wax paper, then put into a large ziplock bag or wrap in foil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Yield</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This recipe makes 12 regular size muffins or 6 large muffins, 1 bread loaf, or one cake layer. Make a second recipe to create a layered cake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ENJOY!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(don't forget to lick the bowl!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-83247125791617281512020-02-11T13:48:00.000+00:002020-02-11T13:48:11.219+00:00Watering Day: Moth Orchids and Air PlantsWatering day.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share how I take care of my <i>Phalaenopsis Orchids...aka Moth Orchids</i>. Once you get into a routine, it's pretty easy, IMO.<br />
<br />
<b>I sink-soak about every 6-8 weeks</b>. It gives the orchid bark a chance to soak up some water, and gives the plant a drink through the roots. I run the water through the top of the pot and let the runoff fill the kitchen sink about half way up the pots. Then let them soak for about half an hour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnYgHeyRa4g_3ztndxf7ObruiHEEBcWIKasJ45p4wJVyfPqwTDnyzF64ccS1iQvEJXNWIgQYlOLyaaGeX_C_dBiLm5zWXCr0j3iMHmjWiws2fLjGr451loZTNsPdw-UOQ2cba/s1600/plant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnYgHeyRa4g_3ztndxf7ObruiHEEBcWIKasJ45p4wJVyfPqwTDnyzF64ccS1iQvEJXNWIgQYlOLyaaGeX_C_dBiLm5zWXCr0j3iMHmjWiws2fLjGr451loZTNsPdw-UOQ2cba/s400/plant1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>While the plants are in the water, I use a soft cloth and wet it in the sink water and use it to gently wash the dust off the leaves</b>. Currently, there aren't any flowers, but if there were, I would pay extra attention to NOT get them wet.<br />
<br />
<b>After about 30 minutes, I pull the stopper and let the pots drain away and dry out for a while</b>.<br />
<br />
At this stage, <b>I spray on some <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Sz20Ax" target="_blank">Miracle-Gro Orchid Plant Food Spray</a></i> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2uq7969" target="_blank"><i>Orchid Myst from Advance Nutrition</i></a></b> directly onto the leaves and roots and leave in.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVR2YBRpY79YUscWbWvkSbevhI8vu_WinCJJU3h33B9Q4O6U6GvNB1zQl8ldz8rt9fV3mRNOqM9iDFtBRMfdPgGOFp8Bs9zDzxcK1F6BFr9PaBT2P8DAttBlMO1h8-JhrOXhtE/s1600/plant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dvLs5Jx-gHPG_SLRiGqzIS_Rq2JFjaISX6mPe60pWySZT2ReYFs6dHgWPH1maOoKk7mK8gD5zk81wu1rFMjfnTgfSxvjsUHNI8fTN6-r0m1xeYy3NZl5XJlYd-tHDp0yxoF1/s1600/plant2.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dvLs5Jx-gHPG_SLRiGqzIS_Rq2JFjaISX6mPe60pWySZT2ReYFs6dHgWPH1maOoKk7mK8gD5zk81wu1rFMjfnTgfSxvjsUHNI8fTN6-r0m1xeYy3NZl5XJlYd-tHDp0yxoF1/s320/plant2.2.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVR2YBRpY79YUscWbWvkSbevhI8vu_WinCJJU3h33B9Q4O6U6GvNB1zQl8ldz8rt9fV3mRNOqM9iDFtBRMfdPgGOFp8Bs9zDzxcK1F6BFr9PaBT2P8DAttBlMO1h8-JhrOXhtE/s1600/plant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVR2YBRpY79YUscWbWvkSbevhI8vu_WinCJJU3h33B9Q4O6U6GvNB1zQl8ldz8rt9fV3mRNOqM9iDFtBRMfdPgGOFp8Bs9zDzxcK1F6BFr9PaBT2P8DAttBlMO1h8-JhrOXhtE/s320/plant2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Once I'm satisfied the pots are <b>dry enough to move, I replace them into their container pots where they live</b> on a table near a northeast facing window in a bright room (orchids don't really like lots of light, but prefer a bright room vs a sunny room, if that makes sense).<br />
<br />
Then, <b>every 10-14 days</b>, depending on the time of the year and the heat index, I'll use a handheld mister (clean spray bottle with tepid water) and <b>give them a good misting, leaves and roots</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Because I've soaked the bark, I probably won't have to mist for at least 3-4 weeks</b>. The damp bark will create condensation inside the pot which the roots will drink from, and humidity from inside the pot rises up to give the leaves a boost.<br />
<br />
I've added a close up of my big boy to show the annual leave growth and mature roots. Also the purple coming out in the leaves (you can also see this in photo 1). Totally natural in orchids with purple/fuchsia-dominant flowers. I had double spikes last year and hope to see those again this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ytm4zdzcOVXa7eGWHWAaMMrKj-o1cYNf1sdiDVoCn6taMOKovNw4hbaf28WTa7jW_e2BsY7BvYK4x4L1Hy88GjT83FpyyS0TSuocIi_6ZnIIGX5nuhf80umdLcAkyPxjTp0q/s1600/plant3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="746" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ytm4zdzcOVXa7eGWHWAaMMrKj-o1cYNf1sdiDVoCn6taMOKovNw4hbaf28WTa7jW_e2BsY7BvYK4x4L1Hy88GjT83FpyyS0TSuocIi_6ZnIIGX5nuhf80umdLcAkyPxjTp0q/s400/plant3.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Side note, my plants are still in their nursery pots which are a standard 5 inch pots, though I also have a mini orchid in a 2 inch pot.</li>
<li>Also, yes, orchids are ready for repotting which I'll be doing soon. If anyone's interested, I can photo that process. Let me know.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Bonus photos:</u><br />
<br />
Along with the orchids, I'm soaking my <i>Tillandsia</i>. I do this about once a month, or when I'm soaking my orchids. Similarly, I mist them about every week or so until they get soaked again.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, I find my <i>Tillandsia </i>get nearly the same treatment as my orchids, so I won't repeat my notes from above for these guys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mR2nI1fIh6_Sbof1ffuxP6cPIbnl2g-sXWdsesXz4L5Sg53VACMAJ0Dl2pTl53RZN2yT_VzExti_dhogniXMb35ro1sBhNe-2H58-ZXxCO3p9iAwUaamuadfZLxF72Uieddj/s1600/plant4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mR2nI1fIh6_Sbof1ffuxP6cPIbnl2g-sXWdsesXz4L5Sg53VACMAJ0Dl2pTl53RZN2yT_VzExti_dhogniXMb35ro1sBhNe-2H58-ZXxCO3p9iAwUaamuadfZLxF72Uieddj/s400/plant4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I bought the <i>Tillandsia argentea</i> (wispy one) about five years ago. It's quadrupled in size and it blooms every year with tiny purplish flowers.<br />
<br />
Two <i>Tillandsia Ionantha</i>, one red and one green. The green has a baby already.<br />
<br />
And the one from my wish list, <i>Tillandsia Xerographica</i>. With so many curls, I have a hard time displaying it.<br />
<br />
Finally, as I was watering the rest of my crew, I noticed my <i>ZZ </i>is throwing a TT (<i>Zamioculcas Zamiifolia</i> - temper tantrum) and threw out one of it's stems. Admittedly, it was a little squishy (the rest of the plant is fine), so I cut it back just below a newly forming node and have put it in water to see if I can get it to root. Wish me luck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvlSCpuzuaxH935_pAHTosf2VJ00a59weh0lBeMf5kiKrOQiWZBPL_1FnXVaeNXcrBUn7y2dazEDTjhRpWQaUE0Do8v4MQr75sbJHTXSxghWLcpFeY3FvCr9OJaHAkk-w-yLq/s1600/plant5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="746" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvlSCpuzuaxH935_pAHTosf2VJ00a59weh0lBeMf5kiKrOQiWZBPL_1FnXVaeNXcrBUn7y2dazEDTjhRpWQaUE0Do8v4MQr75sbJHTXSxghWLcpFeY3FvCr9OJaHAkk-w-yLq/s400/plant5.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope my orchid notes help some of you struggling to keep your beauties vibrant. Let me now if you have any questions. It's as easy as sending me a private message with the emailer on the side bar. I reply to all messages.<br />
<br />
Have questions about your houseplants, or your roses, let me know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-41248179541488578752019-11-20T19:33:00.000+00:002019-11-22T18:20:43.695+00:00Beef Slow Cooked in Red WineWinter is upon us here in Ireland. While where we live is relatively sheltered from most of the worst weather, it does get very cold. This time of year means putting on a thicker pair of socks...and 2-3 layers of clothes to stay warm! Even in the house. Especially for this California girl.<br />
<br />
This time of year also means a change in cooking habits. Pointedly, making more soups and stews. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for a beef that's slow cooked in wine. This is my lazy adaptation to a traditional Beef Bourguinon.<br />
<br />
*This is not a slow-cooker recipe, though you could use one if you aren't home all day to monitor your cooktop or oven. Turn it down to low too cook about 8-9 hours. Be sure to follow your slow cooker's own instructions for an all day cooking time.<br />
<br />
This recipe is very easy. Most of the work is in the cutting of the ingredients. There's no precooking or browning. Just dump everything into the pot and simmer for a few hours. Like a dump cake, but savory :-D<br />
<br />
<b><u>INGREDIENTS</u></b><br />
<br />
2kg/appr 4.5 pounds of Bavette or Skirt Steak (chuck or stewing beef is OK too), rough cut into largish chunks (4-5cm/appr 2in or so)<br />
<br />
2 large white onions, de-skinned and rough cut (yellow onions are OK too, but not purple)<br />
<br />
1 large carrot, peeled and rough cut into similar size as the onion<br />
<br />
1 large fresh beet, peeled and rough cut as above (do not use precooked or pickled...fresh!) (I used a Candy Beet, hence the stripes)<br />
<br />
2-3 large cloves of fresh garlic (to taste) (if you must, use granulated, but not powder or garlic salt)<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons mixed herbs (I was out so used sage and thyme here)<br />
<br />
1/2-1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (season to taste)<br />
<br />
2 whole chipotle chilies<br />
<br />
1 container of good beef stock (pouch or canned, preferably homemade)<br />
<br />
equal measure of water to stock<br />
<br />
2 beef stock cubes<br />
<br />
half bottle of good red wine (I prefer Malbec but merlot works great too...use half in the stew and serve the other half with dinner!) (Most often, I use <a href="https://www.barefootwine.com/" target="_blank"><b>Barefoot</b></a> wines when I cook, as they're affordable and very tasty, AND from my home state of California. You know the saying, <i>If you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it!</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABH7lXA-OJ7S82bgGFkIebD7YETVGJYKv0cRiR45L1WWCyAireXrpR6ehQAk_kHTEDwEOhqaCuh3fLn9t7habD2LZTlagLMYr952-r0RC1hHzTq_GAlvAVfLklZ6w4w9H_5D/s1600/stew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABH7lXA-OJ7S82bgGFkIebD7YETVGJYKv0cRiR45L1WWCyAireXrpR6ehQAk_kHTEDwEOhqaCuh3fLn9t7habD2LZTlagLMYr952-r0RC1hHzTq_GAlvAVfLklZ6w4w9H_5D/s400/stew1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SOETVFhNdUH59QhzOn9czEf_StujxRuLm-uRAXCouvOlUwsAL-OH35bJwFPxOLNI_MOEUYjIe1dTJxjf7tYcTvmIpNvD4hq-kStQ945jkZ1ew0yA_xVKPMkwrTqAFzfuouor/s1600/stew2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SOETVFhNdUH59QhzOn9czEf_StujxRuLm-uRAXCouvOlUwsAL-OH35bJwFPxOLNI_MOEUYjIe1dTJxjf7tYcTvmIpNvD4hq-kStQ945jkZ1ew0yA_xVKPMkwrTqAFzfuouor/s400/stew2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV24uChj1MaREqiZmBYQmmp3NMCD1q4aSxx7hLBQiYF-eKhDpJ2kNtLqIsPiDfJV3khc7glhhHigvGeQ-t9MWZdqWGwpP5v4_A3m09T5BeQJIBmbtWEH2vtC5LpeIl94WPgKIM/s1600/stew3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV24uChj1MaREqiZmBYQmmp3NMCD1q4aSxx7hLBQiYF-eKhDpJ2kNtLqIsPiDfJV3khc7glhhHigvGeQ-t9MWZdqWGwpP5v4_A3m09T5BeQJIBmbtWEH2vtC5LpeIl94WPgKIM/s400/stew3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u><b>METHOD</b></u><br />
<br />
Dump everything into your pot and stir well.<br />
<br />
That's it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g4t88Y9YBOtQmc2pThxZTeFztv8Cv7eMe0jaPXlgXx2Dh1P1kJi-SBaBN1l2gEl2S8tS4dLXsSj57QxllJI3g229LZRo4-d6Hk8Xyfl_UJ4CfVwXeRGLGIJcBt6rsebJETmX/s1600/stew4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g4t88Y9YBOtQmc2pThxZTeFztv8Cv7eMe0jaPXlgXx2Dh1P1kJi-SBaBN1l2gEl2S8tS4dLXsSj57QxllJI3g229LZRo4-d6Hk8Xyfl_UJ4CfVwXeRGLGIJcBt6rsebJETmX/s400/stew4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa5zHVaX1GQsYE21gk3haU0V9VU1sRyN-EkHZKQ6loCXVbUQEe8O-Odn4bFMBQqrVYU8oQ_4rQrWsrTZzYDVovB4v8FLxZYtCg3BRMVz7KAKPodPQSdLbUR7zEznVOTV8flEe/s1600/stew5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa5zHVaX1GQsYE21gk3haU0V9VU1sRyN-EkHZKQ6loCXVbUQEe8O-Odn4bFMBQqrVYU8oQ_4rQrWsrTZzYDVovB4v8FLxZYtCg3BRMVz7KAKPodPQSdLbUR7zEznVOTV8flEe/s400/stew5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cover and turn on the stove to high to get the liquid warm and you can see some steam coming off the top of the liquid (you <b>don't</b> want it to boil), then turn it down to low and leave it for at least three hours. *I start the heating on the big burner then move the pot to the small burner for slow cooking.<br />
<br />
It should take about 3-4 hours until the meat is super tender and literally cuts with a spoon. You might even find it falls apart as you're ladling it into your bowl.<br />
<br />
*If you use a slow cooker, as above, refer to manufacturer settings for an all day cooking time.<br />
<br />
Serve with warm, crusty bread (I prefer sourdough), or with creamy mashed potatoes.<br />
<br />
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings depending on your appetite.<br />
<br />
This freezes well so you can make a big pot in advance and divide into servings to freeze and thaw later. You can reheat in the microwave.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4aI97xgoqw8w3DTtTECMtbTlFi39LL4AYsvpdZwcmMm-VtNSYqZOmyBtUMoCzU1OKmP58-MhC17d9OCzuGEZP5VthuEnJKR5uYlyy7LOtymAeW2zFe-ToWgeX_qe8QfX-ijC/s1600/stew6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4aI97xgoqw8w3DTtTECMtbTlFi39LL4AYsvpdZwcmMm-VtNSYqZOmyBtUMoCzU1OKmP58-MhC17d9OCzuGEZP5VthuEnJKR5uYlyy7LOtymAeW2zFe-ToWgeX_qe8QfX-ijC/s400/stew6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fRlq1bf6atCHLUVVTRG9oQJuBZgG_Z99wh-69PQVUiEoGYbQoF19Re_IYSLV_8vcw-LyspWZ_lfMWH0nBTXhWmVrajeib7ytFUtSj6oxXhxBtSRNQK-eXJgMnyU82RR0uy5d/s1600/stew7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fRlq1bf6atCHLUVVTRG9oQJuBZgG_Z99wh-69PQVUiEoGYbQoF19Re_IYSLV_8vcw-LyspWZ_lfMWH0nBTXhWmVrajeib7ytFUtSj6oxXhxBtSRNQK-eXJgMnyU82RR0uy5d/s400/stew7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Stay warm this winter season with a wonderful, hearty beef stew!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy eating!</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-79499808798212569382019-05-16T11:50:00.003+01:002019-10-25T13:42:15.809+01:00Game of Thrones Stained Glass Windows<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of six stained glass windows are being released each week as the last season of Game of Thrones airs on TV. The windows are being laid out in a three kilometer-long trail around Belfast, which will end in the Titanic Studios where much of the show was produced. Each window pays homage to one of the Houses from the show: House Stark, Targaryen, Lannister, etc, and depicts key moments from the plot.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Week one - House Stark, reveled outside Belfast City Hall.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmRrG8y-KfRLlcR8fE65_8BFsfqDvIWW3O0qddvkTXiyG3phMq0vaf2od56zSVLIOSj4rw5QeLHCmBG84CcJRnJwqz-qwlb21ZdDy5s_tioUC5pb8BVhHwEMq4exdTEfmoG5S/s1600/Stark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmRrG8y-KfRLlcR8fE65_8BFsfqDvIWW3O0qddvkTXiyG3phMq0vaf2od56zSVLIOSj4rw5QeLHCmBG84CcJRnJwqz-qwlb21ZdDy5s_tioUC5pb8BVhHwEMq4exdTEfmoG5S/s400/Stark.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Week two - House Lannister, revealed outside Waterfront Hall.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD-vdR3hZ14b-5DJnZYcqVfxqnDSYmAGG3BELtHBER8eAJMvYstw_4V0yxClV5IRZsfEDFTuMMW7MZ9Hx0e34pdP_Hg6e3Sr2Nlh29-hJkCFRtfgdH51uKH-yKzZhGzUPkGvI/s1600/Lannister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwD-vdR3hZ14b-5DJnZYcqVfxqnDSYmAGG3BELtHBER8eAJMvYstw_4V0yxClV5IRZsfEDFTuMMW7MZ9Hx0e34pdP_Hg6e3Sr2Nlh29-hJkCFRtfgdH51uKH-yKzZhGzUPkGvI/s400/Lannister.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Week three - House Baratheon, revealed at Lagan Weir.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOYNVIvhYcJ9cCxZTL_5gktS3oBn-7JR0_AbR_bDG8WdpeLRlClLdctr8jkBe9wVhTO0sUrdmPP2IlVMS_VrScdABWrzjUxvVequinLdXbOxHFlSWvEHOuo3yDNSdTNYCxqr-/s1600/Baratheon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOYNVIvhYcJ9cCxZTL_5gktS3oBn-7JR0_AbR_bDG8WdpeLRlClLdctr8jkBe9wVhTO0sUrdmPP2IlVMS_VrScdABWrzjUxvVequinLdXbOxHFlSWvEHOuo3yDNSdTNYCxqr-/s400/Baratheon.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Week four - House Targaryen, revealed outside SSE Arena.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1GEx_YBY8X5GABof64hT4ddK5lz8j1-K6-L0iTsVu3M_MJXVEaMCh0wh-P0zCAut3gfdsFBBxXQcdeCg_bVd-5b4uWWLt5AQYjsfjOFPGoRmx4UF_9OLBDP31yXAJDCFRwra/s1600/Targaryen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1GEx_YBY8X5GABof64hT4ddK5lz8j1-K6-L0iTsVu3M_MJXVEaMCh0wh-P0zCAut3gfdsFBBxXQcdeCg_bVd-5b4uWWLt5AQYjsfjOFPGoRmx4UF_9OLBDP31yXAJDCFRwra/s400/Targaryen.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Week five - White Walkers, revealed outside Titanic Museum.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FV4PgMnhFzoqKOTgXT1xw-tOgw7rixTJDYRVehJBw6OWvn_U4cjDf9jp9dfW9cTzLzCQGB4m_X8TZaJzL_Zt81L0ihMlzMp2LdD-5gJbZfWeojqZLbhB5UJCS-KtcmIdFh3C/s1600/White+Walkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="609" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FV4PgMnhFzoqKOTgXT1xw-tOgw7rixTJDYRVehJBw6OWvn_U4cjDf9jp9dfW9cTzLzCQGB4m_X8TZaJzL_Zt81L0ihMlzMp2LdD-5gJbZfWeojqZLbhB5UJCS-KtcmIdFh3C/s320/White+Walkers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Week six</b> - The Iron Throne, behind the Titanic Museum, overlooking Titanic Studios where Game of Throne was filmed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr6_1DDIoC3pcCj0B56ciebrMAsYz6yPN12N3vub-zUva8fJrndhUwAjpfFaI9IVYLk5T8DaXkvr5878c7mF0lhPefmBPwdYmuc96GC1AV2s2c3CmU-Mzz-meUDg4HQSm0G5w/s1600/Iron+Throne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr6_1DDIoC3pcCj0B56ciebrMAsYz6yPN12N3vub-zUva8fJrndhUwAjpfFaI9IVYLk5T8DaXkvr5878c7mF0lhPefmBPwdYmuc96GC1AV2s2c3CmU-Mzz-meUDg4HQSm0G5w/s640/Iron+Throne.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tourism Ireland hopes the windows will become a major tourist attraction for the city, providing fans of the show some selfie opportunities as they make their way to the production studio where they can take one of the coach tours out to filming locations, and an opportunity to sit on the Irish Throne!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How big of a GOT fan are you? Is this on your must see list for your visit to Ireland?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Check this if you want to see the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KemberleeShortland/posts/10219319035270537" target="_blank">Doors of Thrones</a> (hand-carved timber felled from the Dark Hedges during Storm Gertrude in 2016)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhiGYAO18CpZgWGhbqabDGVg8a14uxO7bGr-MoEcZh8br0C5VDmL-XEavgDILaLn3g1yVNuFO2ZSXmEGhLYNUAGz68dku5eMtEFKJOAi84epMm6C-lsk8pey13BXGnNmDGTbt/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="676" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhiGYAO18CpZgWGhbqabDGVg8a14uxO7bGr-MoEcZh8br0C5VDmL-XEavgDILaLn3g1yVNuFO2ZSXmEGhLYNUAGz68dku5eMtEFKJOAi84epMm6C-lsk8pey13BXGnNmDGTbt/s640/door.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-60865831879422810992019-02-22T09:50:00.000+00:002019-02-22T09:50:28.570+00:00Curried Potatoes<b><span style="font-size: large;">Curried Potatoes</span></b><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Peel and cube 2-3 large firm potatoes into bite size pieces.<br />
Madras curry powder<br />
Minced garlic (fresh preferred by dry OK)<br />
Sunflower or olive oil<br />
<br />
Heat a heavy pan on high, add oil just to coat the base of the pan. When hot, add the potatoes and toss evenly in the oil and cook until a fork just pierces the surface...mixing occasionally to prevent burning.<br />
<br />
Add about 2 tablespoons of curry power, 1-2 teaspoon of garlic (to taste). Toss well to be sure all the potatoes are coated.<br />
<br />
Continue mixing to prevent burning, but if you like crispy edges, let sit longer before stirring.<br />
<br />
If you want a stronger curry taste, add more curry powder and garlic.<br />
<br />
If you like hotter curry, use a hot madras powder.<br />
<br />
Serve warm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1N2d8FA0AcD5SyJQrj7lfWyjfyuo6-F8AFe8UkG7_uNOJgfdfGDl8_m5EJh4ku3IO6vbrLzwlRHQ2QqxFEse7jTqieHSrFFZl6-22tNy3MUkPN2ubi_TrhjJ4MGzhCrp0QwD/s1600/curried+potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1N2d8FA0AcD5SyJQrj7lfWyjfyuo6-F8AFe8UkG7_uNOJgfdfGDl8_m5EJh4ku3IO6vbrLzwlRHQ2QqxFEse7jTqieHSrFFZl6-22tNy3MUkPN2ubi_TrhjJ4MGzhCrp0QwD/s400/curried+potatoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-83846611718145198082019-02-22T09:46:00.001+00:002019-02-22T09:47:46.105+00:00Savory Potatoes and Squash<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Savory Potatoes and Squash</b></span><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
2 large firm potatoes (about 2 cups), cubed (skin on, optional)<br />
1 small butternut squash, peeled/seeded/cubed (about 2 cups)<br />
1 large onion, peeled and cubed<br />
2 large garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped<br />
1 tablespoon chopped thyme (fresh preferred but dry OK)<br />
1 gelatin stock pot, chicken or vegetable<br />
½ cup of hot water<br />
Oil to cook, sunflower or olive<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
Preheat a heavy pan on high. Add oil to coat the base of the pan. When hot, add the potatoes and squash and toss together to coat evenly in the oil.<br />
<br />
When you can just pierce the veg with a fork, add the onions and toss evenly.<br />
<br />
Add the garlic and thyme and toss evenly.<br />
<br />
Dilute the stock pot or cub in the hot water, then pour over the vegetables. Mix well, then cover the pan, turn the heat to low and cook until the potatoes and squash are cooked and most of the water has cooked away.<br />
<br />
Serve warm.<br />
<br />
Served here with a Spanish style fried egg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguBZm5awtpn-n0uYFH6qiotPkdim7FvvNXHOMZ2rDYisHqc0LnAHEoGMtgjmnTpHR1qAXDKEgq5S-mj_1UpeoNOYtjzlX56JKfiul8QcnKQJz-BfYPhuNRLbUHQI9DtLAXCKo/s1600/savory+potatoes+with+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguBZm5awtpn-n0uYFH6qiotPkdim7FvvNXHOMZ2rDYisHqc0LnAHEoGMtgjmnTpHR1qAXDKEgq5S-mj_1UpeoNOYtjzlX56JKfiul8QcnKQJz-BfYPhuNRLbUHQI9DtLAXCKo/s400/savory+potatoes+with+egg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-43723142730365938302017-08-04T15:22:00.000+01:002019-12-04T12:09:33.046+00:00Smoky Spanish Chorizo with Vegetables and ChickpeasHoly moly. Has it really been a year since I posted something here? Hopefully, this will make up for it. :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJdBb0BvngfAO1IaF2v28-AyhJrby3in8_l0VS-0a1gV7a7QYjKHBTrOBCi4-pmOKN2FKmLk5KQizGsNsHany0D_Q8_QQnRoz5GxxLlYDQshaR2D4ySxmJk_3cpM-ZsLvoPmu/s1600/chorizo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJdBb0BvngfAO1IaF2v28-AyhJrby3in8_l0VS-0a1gV7a7QYjKHBTrOBCi4-pmOKN2FKmLk5KQizGsNsHany0D_Q8_QQnRoz5GxxLlYDQshaR2D4ySxmJk_3cpM-ZsLvoPmu/s400/chorizo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Smoky Spanish Chorizo with Vegetables and Chickpeas</b><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<br />
1 Chorizo (dried <a href="http://atmedia.imgix.net/a639b0792185bad0799c230395bd5e437ad4640f" target="_blank">Spanish</a> vs fresh <a href="https://honest-food.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/mexican-chorizo-recipe.jpg" target="_blank">Mexican</a>)<br />
1 Onion (I prefer white when I can find it but yellow will do)<br />
1 Bell Pepper (I use yellow to stand out from the sauce)<br />
2-3 Garlic cloves, crushed and rough chopped<br />
2-3 tsp Smoked Paprika - to taste<br />
1 can chopped tomatoes (no herbs or seasoning, just plain)<br />
1 can RoTel (chopped tomatoes with chilis)<br />
1 small can/jar chickpeas/garbanzo beans the last 5 minutes just to warm<br />
1 chicken or vegetable stock cube.<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u><br />
<br />
Chop everything up into similar size pieces before starting to cook.<br />
<br />
Preheat your *dry* pan to medium heat and throw in the chorizo. It will sweat off oil and spices into the pan so you don't have to oil it. Color one side of the chorizo then stir to start the other side coloring.<br />
<br />
At that point, add the onions and peppers and stir well to coat in the chorizo oil and to cook evenly.<br />
<br />
When the onions start to turn translucent and cook down a little, add the garlic, tomato sauce and RoTel and stir well.<br />
<br />
Add the paprika and crumbled stock cube stir well.<br />
<br />
Simmer on low for about 15 minutes (get your dishes out, prepare your side dish, set the table). You can leave the pan uncovered or cover it. Your choice.<br />
<br />
Add the chickpeas/garbanzo beans (drained, but no need to rinse), stir well. Cook another 5 minutes until they're hot through.<br />
<br />
Serve.<br />
<br />
Partners well with basmati rice, mashed potatoes, or country fries.<br />
<br />
Salt (and pepper if you wish) to taste.<br />
<br />
EAT :-)<br />
<br />
All in all, a fabulously rich tasting meal in less than 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Double the recipe for leftovers for the freezer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-27247081627637743222016-06-07T16:13:00.003+01:002016-06-07T16:13:51.131+01:00The Town Where I Live<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQO6YBEEXWQt1uGeTHq8w-pkBCmUqg2N0_FAVslNxYijkUsEi2j6DZc8TV3G_-7Y4MnwHZ4U_1N771iDMuEAdJBKZevXsaESdWTch8LVCAPaFX1SVXwhIAfc_amPp0hjVJivH/s1600/millmount1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQO6YBEEXWQt1uGeTHq8w-pkBCmUqg2N0_FAVslNxYijkUsEi2j6DZc8TV3G_-7Y4MnwHZ4U_1N771iDMuEAdJBKZevXsaESdWTch8LVCAPaFX1SVXwhIAfc_amPp0hjVJivH/s320/millmount1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort, c 1808</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
OK, I don't actually live IN Drogheda, but it's the main town to where we actually live.<br />
<br />
Drogheda is full of history and interesting things to see and places to visit. Yesterday, a bank holiday in Ireland, the sun was shining and we decided to take in one of the town's tourist attractions...aka Millmount Fort. We drive past the fort one or two times a week and always said we should stop in and see the place. So we finally did.<br />
<br />
According to history, there has been a fortification on this site since pre-12th century. However, it's thought that beneath the first fortification is a Neolithic Passage Tomb, most of which date back to sometime between 4300-2000BC! To visualize what a passage tomb looks like, consider the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newgrange" target="_blank">Newgrange tomb</a>.<br />
<br />
It was in the 12th century that a motte was constructed and upon it a timber fortification.<br />
<br />
A motte, for those who don't know, is a tall earthen mound, vs a moat, which is a ditch dug around a structure and often filled with water or effluent to deter marauders. It's a little confusing, like raise (to lift/build) and raze (to level/destroy).<br />
<br />
But who is buried in the tomb? No one knows for sure, but Irish legend says it's the burial place of <i>Amhairgin mac Míled (Amergin, </i>whose name in Irish is: "Amhair" = singing; "gin" = give birth...Or literally, the one who gave birth to singing). In ancient Irish mythology, he was regarded as the creator of the arts: song, poetry, and music. How cool is that? Ireland has long been known for her arty types :)<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj_S0eEV9tY" target="_blank">The Song of Amhairgin</a>. Here are some <a href="https://songofamergin.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/an-introduction-to-the-song-of-amergin/" target="_blank">lyrics and translation</a>, and some info on Amhairgin.<br />
<br />
In more modern times, Hugh de Lacy, who came to Ireland on the foot of Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare, in 1272 and was granted the Kingdom of Meath by Henry II. By this time, de Clare had been in Ireland for three years, having secured the Leinster kingdom for its king and subsequently marrying his daughter, Aoife/Eve. And Henry had laid claim to the rebellious Celtic nation.<br />
<br />
At that time, Meath was the fifth province in Ireland, and called the Royal County because the High Kings sat at Tara in the heart of the region. Meath has now been incorporated into the province of Leinster...the other three being Ulster (Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan, including all of Northern Ireland), Munster and Connacht.<br />
<br />
Hugh de Lacy became the Lord of Meath, which was the most extensive liberty in Ireland...a very high honor indeed. Henry II allowed de Clare to remain south of Dublin in Leinster, but directed de Lacy to begin constructing stone castles in Meath and north Leinster. This includes the amazing Trim Castle (used in the filming of Braveheart).<br />
<br />
It was while Hugh was in Drogheda that he saw to the fortifications, which included the walls, towers, and gates* on both sides of the River Boyne. <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Drogheda_1649.jpg" target="_blank">Here's a map of what Drogheda probably looked like by 1649</a>, according to Ravell's Map, c. 1749.<br />
<br />
de Lacy went back to his holdings in England after leaving <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Tyrrel" target="_blank">Hugh Tyrrel</a> in charge of the construction, but returned in 1177 as Procurator General of all Ireland...essentially a lawyer of sorts who represented others in court...and as Irish governor.<br />
<br />
It wasn't all rosy for Hugh though. He was eventually recalled to England where he faced charges against him by the Irish for his cruel and unjust treatment. In 1181, he was recalled again for marrying the deposed King of Connacht's daughter without Henry'ls permission! And so his life went...going against his king who lived in another land...until he was finally killed in Durrow, County Offaly, while supervising the building of a motte and bailey similar to Millmount Fort.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until September 1649 that Drogheda really made the history books with the now historical battle, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Drogheda" target="_blank">Siege of Drogheda</a>, also called the Rape of Drogheda, led by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Cromwell" target="_blank">Oliver Cromwell</a>. You can follow the links to read up on this battle and the subsequent Cromwellian War in Ireland, but I'll say that Drogheda was the first major battle on Cromwell's landing in Ireland, where his troops ransacked and murdered over 3000 people who inhabited the barracks, and untold numbers of civilians, before taking the next several years to do the same throughout Ireland.<br />
<br />
367 years later, the people of Drogheda still well-remember this atrocity and have their own stories to tell...whether it be stories passed down through the family or personal grudges against those who committed the murders.<br />
<br />
Sorry, got a little sidetracked ;) Back to Millmount.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVytuiXiZw2ufQYB_cSqdKsEgQaaFkRrqOVmK2vYnWb716D1gOBXiOB4TFuKQwNhWNhSNgwPpdLZUwIXEJ5YPtZ-kogrpY_RMhQdR-m50046OA8DlJE0TyhDxgkKpa1XewqREL/s1600/millmount2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVytuiXiZw2ufQYB_cSqdKsEgQaaFkRrqOVmK2vYnWb716D1gOBXiOB4TFuKQwNhWNhSNgwPpdLZUwIXEJ5YPtZ-kogrpY_RMhQdR-m50046OA8DlJE0TyhDxgkKpa1XewqREL/s320/millmount2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort, c 1808<br />
Governor's House, c. 1810</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After the massive destruction around Drogheda at Cromwell's orders, Millmount rebuilds itself, as soldiers are now carrying gunpowder weapons rather than axes and pikes. The Drogheda Militia is formed to fight the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Rebellion_of_1798" target="_blank">1798 Irish Rebellion</a>.<br />
<br />
But until the early 18th century, the motte was all that remained, as the timber structure had been part of Cromwell's destruction, which included soldier billets, and most of the walls and gatehouses*.<br />
<br />
There had always been some military occupation on the site, known as Richmond Barracks, as the Duleek Gate was just one hundred yards behind this area along the western wall, and had a line of site to both the Butler Gate and Dublin Gate, north and south gates, respectively, on the south side of the river. But also as the highest point in the town, the barracks here had a commanding view of the entire town, so a very strategic location. So by the 1700s, it was time to rebuild.<br />
<br />
Some of the structures already on this site before the stone tower construction were mainly billeting quarters for the soldiers who protected the gates and the connecting walls.<br />
<br />
It was in 1808 that the Martello Tower that we see today was completed. These towers, aka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martello_tower" target="_blank">Martellos</a>, were built around Irish, and British, coastal areas as protection against French forced during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolutionary_Wars" target="_blank">French Revolutionary Wars</a>. While the wars officially ended in 1802, many of these towers still went up around the Irish coastline for continued defensive purposes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzInMgZwuv-_fg0OK3UUOz6_5QXujvd_4vrqSETS81siWyZBz1ccTOmddCLBFSy-k747QvIFOud4fiHoYjC-lp3sbXVbo7bQUnn0h_3wsqMKK147JDp5N2IxhAHFjia9n0FKg/s1600/millmount5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzInMgZwuv-_fg0OK3UUOz6_5QXujvd_4vrqSETS81siWyZBz1ccTOmddCLBFSy-k747QvIFOud4fiHoYjC-lp3sbXVbo7bQUnn0h_3wsqMKK147JDp5N2IxhAHFjia9n0FKg/s320/millmount5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard at Richdmond Barracks<br />
overlooked by Millmount Fort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today, many Martellos are either museums or private homes, including <a href="http://jamesjoycetower.com/" target="_blank">Joyce's Tower</a> in Sandycove, south County Dublin, which was home to the writer and now a museum.<br />
<br />
Along with the tower construction, new billeting buildings were constructed.<br />
<br />
Then in 1831, the stone arch and iron gate were erected, to replace the timber ones.<br />
<br />
And finally in 1850, the Governor's House was built at the foot of the tower, as well as the officer's mess.<br />
<br />
Richmond Barracks remained a barracks for another seventy years until 1922 when the barracks and fort saw more action during the Irish Civil War/War for Independence.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Free_state_troops_capture_Millmount_in_Drogheda_during_the_Civil_war.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Free_state_troops_capture_Millmount_in_Drogheda_during_the_Civil_war.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort, Drogheda<br />
Irish Free State Forces<br />
c. 1922</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On 4 July 1922, the fort had been occupied by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Republican_Army_(1922-69)" target="_blank">Anti-Treaty Forces</a>...until Collins was forced to negotiate for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Irish_Treaty" target="_blank">Anglo-Irish Treaty</a>, the Irish largely remained on the same side as the Irish Republican Brotherhood, fighting for independence from England.<br />
<br />
When Collins came back to Ireland with only 26 of the 32 counties, the Brotherhood split between pro-treatyists and anti-treatyists. That is to say, for anyone with a little knowledge of the time, that Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins had a falling out. de Valera and his followers became Anti-Treatyists, and Collins and his followers became Pro-Treatyists, aka the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Army_(Ireland)" target="_blank">Free State Forces</a>.<br />
<br />
Under the command of Michael Collins, with the backing of Winston Churchill, the fort, occupied by de Valera soldiers, underwent many hours of shelling until it fell into Free State hands.<br />
<br />
While the fort had been 'put back together', it did not undergo proper restoration until the 1990s, and eventually reopened as a museum in 2000, part of the country's millennium celebrations.<br />
<br />
What visitors will find on the site today includes the restoration of all buildings and rooms. Some have been rented out in the past to special interest groups, such as the Drogheda Photographic Club, and at one time a cafe in a glassed in atrium room at the back of a billeting house, overlooking the Boyne River.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i6qI8FpPAHT1kBWXv9yAWQJVK3J4H9046gPzItEcQaBD-jwsvnTWfGgwsGrAYCl6CtHsys6oozP7TJNK_G4LQ7U4pnmGm89fuei9Lequqhc431Pj1cVEcrgz4iID_x8TW208/s1600/millmount+tower6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i6qI8FpPAHT1kBWXv9yAWQJVK3J4H9046gPzItEcQaBD-jwsvnTWfGgwsGrAYCl6CtHsys6oozP7TJNK_G4LQ7U4pnmGm89fuei9Lequqhc431Pj1cVEcrgz4iID_x8TW208/s320/millmount+tower6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dueling Pistols<br />
Millmount Fort, Drogheda, Co Louth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Millmount Museum is open, with three floors of artifacts on display. Some of the current exhibitions include the <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/guild-and-trade-banners" target="_blank">Guild and Trade Banners</a> display, the <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/industrial-exhibition" target="_blank">Industrial Exhibition</a>, the <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/folk-kitchen" target="_blank">folk kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/archaeological-exhibition" target="_blank">archaeological</a> and <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/geological-collection" target="_blank">geological</a> exhibitions, and the <a href="http://www.droghedamuseum.ie/exhibitions/post-office-exhibition" target="_blank">post office exhibition</a>.<br />
<br />
The tower itself contains some of the original and reconstructed artifacts from the Cromwellian War, the 1798 Louth Militia, and a large cache of weapons, including a small collection of dueling pistols.<br />
<br />
Outside the tower are two canon reconstructions, both of which are fully operational and are fired in August during Heritage Week for the Drogheda Festival.<br />
<br />
Below are some of the other photos taken during our visit, including some views from the tower overlooking Drogheda.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uXJ3IjcgHfj-BcA9gMPbyX9u2fMqsVpy-u79wYlvqXR9ID3qS-MJOxk2qLYk1INHCtlYZ8Q7LVHvt3QEd_zMZIOZDM9pjQjV-S5qCu_Jer6gWKVQVGVBV8Q4hNKmxh3brdC7/s1600/millmount+tower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uXJ3IjcgHfj-BcA9gMPbyX9u2fMqsVpy-u79wYlvqXR9ID3qS-MJOxk2qLYk1INHCtlYZ8Q7LVHvt3QEd_zMZIOZDM9pjQjV-S5qCu_Jer6gWKVQVGVBV8Q4hNKmxh3brdC7/s320/millmount+tower1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort<br />
new interior roof, c 2000</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht47nmPEKt02z1S2OLns7CyFXrQXHBY93_YnbguWX9zi3gSCpOXsf2X_mEJ5myL1A6YbdxTNLCucP20irwpEMWfCgNltqMhm699yelPSJungzNqGKK1yv0FhHlL8Qom6ZIqujp/s1600/millmount+tower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht47nmPEKt02z1S2OLns7CyFXrQXHBY93_YnbguWX9zi3gSCpOXsf2X_mEJ5myL1A6YbdxTNLCucP20irwpEMWfCgNltqMhm699yelPSJungzNqGKK1yv0FhHlL8Qom6ZIqujp/s320/millmount+tower4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Neill and Cromwell Sieges, 1641-1649</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2MgLK6Se0rGFS2FbTGQcUhFia8WL3irsXOnrnN8Xzzi72SFo0aKCRhzw0mGiU4t3My062H023eiuVUDD-0qM1CdKj9qEm1MN-S8VceQy3d0Nqy6VSv2DRGZcb6eC50szuYJD/s1600/millmount+tower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2MgLK6Se0rGFS2FbTGQcUhFia8WL3irsXOnrnN8Xzzi72SFo0aKCRhzw0mGiU4t3My062H023eiuVUDD-0qM1CdKj9qEm1MN-S8VceQy3d0Nqy6VSv2DRGZcb6eC50szuYJD/s320/millmount+tower3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldier kitted out as a Cromwellian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundhead" target="_blank">Roundhead</a>,<br />
a term given to Presbyterian Puritan cavaliers<br />
for the short hair they wore, not the shape of the helmets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTOVXQSxVhomT0aw6SdV9PEAQBH8zLHBq_ze0fXggHa4LEPUqguKjKCHDetQhan-PkeJeE2j8UI1g8tBch8yafLnbUeoQdXDVbtfjVXfHU99BsIQcH9QLRVq5JC0vt-FbVDy7/s1600/millmount+tower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTOVXQSxVhomT0aw6SdV9PEAQBH8zLHBq_ze0fXggHa4LEPUqguKjKCHDetQhan-PkeJeE2j8UI1g8tBch8yafLnbUeoQdXDVbtfjVXfHU99BsIQcH9QLRVq5JC0vt-FbVDy7/s320/millmount+tower2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Free State Forces<br />
general infantry uniform, c 1922</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Da5vlBTb84QuUlWZLvGjEznzNXTV2JdqcrplvgUiVaNmVvIgvS1Rv5KQJszEwYdbZa9-r2AmF7y4eMjMN9QRfq2FQw9T6QkGW9an8ANjYV-DSLd7x4ovXmD5XmNUbiW2QN8v/s1600/millmount+tower5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Da5vlBTb84QuUlWZLvGjEznzNXTV2JdqcrplvgUiVaNmVvIgvS1Rv5KQJszEwYdbZa9-r2AmF7y4eMjMN9QRfq2FQw9T6QkGW9an8ANjYV-DSLd7x4ovXmD5XmNUbiW2QN8v/s320/millmount+tower5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort<br />
Dueling weapons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_amJU3LhPXdQiLjiukBmnqP39JJQlLZ_6fcdcgO3aunL4SNqPmaJdKFqYegm8j5Qf9cQRDjiGNOD2KkFpEN28HmtR24QMplyvRGyyBXiNJcQ2NfwzrHkIgrBdiGo0B_oufscN/s1600/millmount3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_amJU3LhPXdQiLjiukBmnqP39JJQlLZ_6fcdcgO3aunL4SNqPmaJdKFqYegm8j5Qf9cQRDjiGNOD2KkFpEN28HmtR24QMplyvRGyyBXiNJcQ2NfwzrHkIgrBdiGo0B_oufscN/s320/millmount3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Museum<br />
Original Irish phone box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJDSc92DG5QXr0EFXJhiGhhWI9B-in8PnUzwXXjuguk0Y5jUNNnfPkmqoN51-MnG35iZUQcbWB0f8ppGskS0P0-baOWY1oDViK0j537hAm3FoJpdP1z406s9I-X6H4EW9GY6Y/s1600/millmount4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJDSc92DG5QXr0EFXJhiGhhWI9B-in8PnUzwXXjuguk0Y5jUNNnfPkmqoN51-MnG35iZUQcbWB0f8ppGskS0P0-baOWY1oDViK0j537hAm3FoJpdP1z406s9I-X6H4EW9GY6Y/s320/millmount4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where would you like to make your call?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb5PoxPE7yPlo7n3KWLrRH8aAX3PvjzV4QImzcNchbQE7QL_8SvsY8p_ZdxMHuw8z4162o6jm_4c6M5J6TZqYmzcNfJxT6PlFe7C3mzfOAvASglJ1ezXaOGZU0fIM0sx7ANgs/s320/millmount+tower7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millmount Fort<br />
one of two working canons<br />
directly ahead, St Peter's Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEb5PoxPE7yPlo7n3KWLrRH8aAX3PvjzV4QImzcNchbQE7QL_8SvsY8p_ZdxMHuw8z4162o6jm_4c6M5J6TZqYmzcNfJxT6PlFe7C3mzfOAvASglJ1ezXaOGZU0fIM0sx7ANgs/s1600/millmount+tower7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEKjrTFhs_LGWWrjJb0Kw9s0dqabzrKjIv9GuPVd9lW0wMYdKzs-m2nEIClslIlj6VUS8MMT7tCpJc7rIuiRJN4lYDS3ZZJrcga902Bhc_TuTabmcjGQYo0lx6Mwt0ZbUcbHd/s1600/Drogheda+St+Peter%2527s+Cathedal+rose+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEKjrTFhs_LGWWrjJb0Kw9s0dqabzrKjIv9GuPVd9lW0wMYdKzs-m2nEIClslIlj6VUS8MMT7tCpJc7rIuiRJN4lYDS3ZZJrcga902Bhc_TuTabmcjGQYo0lx6Mwt0ZbUcbHd/s320/Drogheda+St+Peter%2527s+Cathedal+rose+window.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Peter's Cathedral, rose window<br />
keepers of the head of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Plunkett" target="_blank">St Oliver Plunkett</a><br />
martyred July 1681</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniX8-T-b0z4yAfYNCXZyUsMGU3gQNgzXWrrKFGFHpa76GjBwRb6RWeur2iWPtudNCM1UgBg7h1E6ZJMA7YCm8uKe2YVEIa0t1q3ePWIxk_paennDV_U7Y2imEkNIxW0QbSMh/s1600/Drogheda+viaduct+railway+and+St+Mary%2527s+cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniX8-T-b0z4yAfYNCXZyUsMGU3gQNgzXWrrKFGFHpa76GjBwRb6RWeur2iWPtudNCM1UgBg7h1E6ZJMA7YCm8uKe2YVEIa0t1q3ePWIxk_paennDV_U7Y2imEkNIxW0QbSMh/s320/Drogheda+viaduct+railway+and+St+Mary%2527s+cathedral.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drogheda, County Louth<br />
toward the medieval quarter<br />
St Mary's Cathedral, the viaduct rail bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0YEL7IifJgL_b2kmuN4rXDWOdKWtNmnjXAanLU-7Q7f-xTbIocGu8DFYh6IRhq_aLMgPMCCwQcM4b_n2Z7_yLm4cPo8kxNMstP7f31w7qZ1bF__ZZRcGjC6gGHSpOT4xO1EK/s1600/Laurence%2527s+Gate+Drogheda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0YEL7IifJgL_b2kmuN4rXDWOdKWtNmnjXAanLU-7Q7f-xTbIocGu8DFYh6IRhq_aLMgPMCCwQcM4b_n2Z7_yLm4cPo8kxNMstP7f31w7qZ1bF__ZZRcGjC6gGHSpOT4xO1EK/s320/Laurence%2527s+Gate+Drogheda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">* <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Laurence_Gate" target="_blank">St Laurence's Gate</a>, c 13th century<br />
last remaining barbican in Drogheda<br />
originally the Great East Gate<br />
the last portion of the city wall remains nearby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gDUmY8KbLglNhaPi4Jbo24YveSBSzHiSTJYz8XN2b2SkRg2ZWu7muQP2ZJ6qB9rH-KersYBB3t-yLLAiAR0AehogLjV8jg0v0ULiYoj_uLVHNoVsS8E2MN9NTnVS37UC54J5/s1600/water+skiing+the+boyne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gDUmY8KbLglNhaPi4Jbo24YveSBSzHiSTJYz8XN2b2SkRg2ZWu7muQP2ZJ6qB9rH-KersYBB3t-yLLAiAR0AehogLjV8jg0v0ULiYoj_uLVHNoVsS8E2MN9NTnVS37UC54J5/s320/water+skiing+the+boyne.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the River Boyne<br />
on a sunny June bank holiday Monday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of Millount Fort and learning something about the history of Drogheda. There's SO much about the place to learn, if you look beneath the surface.<br />
<br />
The area surrounding the town is rich in history as well, as Trim Castle is about 30-40 minutes drive, Newgrange/Nowth/Dowth are 15 minutes from town center, the Battle of the Boyne (c 1690) and Oldtown House is 5 minutes drive, and more, including amazingly scenic drives.<br />
<br />
Here's view of Drogheda from Millmount Fort...the beautiful River Boyne, the cathedral spires, and the medieval quarter. Please ignore McDonald's, the ugly modern buildings, and the haze. ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/93MyKDmIhXE" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you've ever been to Drogheda, drop me a note and share your experiences! You can email me from the handydandy, emailer on the side bar :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-58866130053120031872016-05-05T17:30:00.001+01:002016-05-05T17:37:28.246+01:00We're all Mexican on Cinco de Mayo!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">F</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span><span style="color: magenta;">l</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span>z <span style="color: blue;">C</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">i</span><span style="color: orange;">n</span><span style="color: blue;">c</span>o <span style="color: magenta;">d</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">e</span> <span style="color: red;">M</span>a<span style="color: orange;">y</span><span style="color: magenta;">o</span>!!!</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5kf64fkQt4Ee4nK-WABN0wVWUX0sDSQcMBHozJEpUAJ0HiMrWWUcBtKXB13-nhzPEHvnSooI8lPpBDgTuHDe6Ui1Zqrywm4-szrSYsGkwt1olfFw8V0QVVkP6esdT62BkXOk/s1600/Robert-Rodriguez-Illustrator-Cinco-de-Mayo-Stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5kf64fkQt4Ee4nK-WABN0wVWUX0sDSQcMBHozJEpUAJ0HiMrWWUcBtKXB13-nhzPEHvnSooI8lPpBDgTuHDe6Ui1Zqrywm4-szrSYsGkwt1olfFw8V0QVVkP6esdT62BkXOk/s400/Robert-Rodriguez-Illustrator-Cinco-de-Mayo-Stamp.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
Wow! Can you believe it's May already? I can't. We're nearly half way into the 'new year'. But what a great way to spend it today.<br />
<br />
<b>What is Cinco de Mayo?</b><br />
<br />
Many would say it's the day of Mexican independence, but that's untrue. The official date of Mexican Independence Day is actually 16 September and known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry_of_Dolores" target="_blank">Grito de Dolores</a>, the Cry of Dolores?<br />
<br />
<b>Why Dolores?</b><br />
<br />
On 16 Sept 1810, it was in the Mexican town of Dolores that the battle cry for Mexican independence was shouted. The ensuing battle marks Mexico's break from Spain and the beginning of Mexican independence as it's own nation.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Batalla_de_Puebla.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Batalla de Puebla.png" border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Batalla_de_Puebla.png" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">The </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Puebla" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;" title="Battle of Puebla">Battle of Puebla</a>,<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> May 5, 1862</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>This goes back to what, exactly, is Cinco de Mayo? Why is 5 May so important?</b><br />
<br />
Today marks another battle in Mexican history. This battle was between Mexico and France! 5 May is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862...nearly 50 years *after* Mexican independence. The French troops were in greater number, better quipped, and better trained, than the Mexican forces. Yet, it was Mexico who prevailed in this battle.<br />
<br />
<b>Why is Cinco de Mayo more widely celebrated than Grito de Dolores?</b><br />
<br />
Well, you can thank the American drinks industry for this. Seriously. While Mexicans in Dolores do host an annual feast to commemorate winning the Battle of Puebla, the event is much larger in the US. Immigrant Mexican's are often surprised how big the feast day is in the US compared to their home country...because of the American drinks industry, who took the Mexican holiday to start promoting Mexican alcohol on this day, such as Corona, Dos XX, Modelo, Sol, Tecate, and other beers, as well as tequila.<br />
<br />
Once the drinks companies started promoting alcohol on this Mexican holiday, the holiday grew exponentially to the massive event we have today...a day when everyone is Mexican! It's grown to the proportion of the Irish St Patrick's Day...again, thanks to the American drinks industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://d2pu2bk1b66iw6.cloudfront.net/photos/2016/03/24/143-74236-christie-tate-pinata-1458843030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d2pu2bk1b66iw6.cloudfront.net/photos/2016/03/24/143-74236-christie-tate-pinata-1458843030.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a><b>How do we celebrate?</b><br />
<br />
Putting up traditional decorations, preparing many Mexican and Mexican style dishes, and playing games. And of course, Mariachi's and dancing!<br />
<br />
One of the most popular games is the piñata (pronounced pin-ya-ta), which is a cardboard figure covered in crepe paper and filled with sweets. The most popular design is of the donkey or burro, but today you can even get them in the shape of popular, and not so popular, political figures ;-)<br />
<br />
<b>How does one play?</b><br />
<br />
This is a fun children's game where each child gets three whacks before handing the stick over to the next child. Players are blindfolded, given a stick, spun around to disorient them, then they try whacking the piñata with a stick until the treats fall out. The one who breaks open the piñata wins.<br />
<br />
<b>What kind of decorations?</b><br />
<br />
All kinds of bunting, streamers, lanterns, etc. Decorating tables with little piñatas, tables covered with the traditional Mexican blankets and sombreros, little potted flowering cactus, etc. Really, anything colorful and bright. Some even fly a Mexican flag.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://plazaaztecava.com/communities/3/000/001/502/053//images/5327526.jpg" height="212" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<b>What are Mariachi's?</b><br />
<br />
The origin of the word <i>mariachi </i>stems from many translations, but essentially, this is a type of regional music that has come to symbolize all of Mexican traditional Music. The band can have anywhere from five to fifteen members, several playing violins and guitars, horns, and the <i>guitarrón</i>, which is a bass guitar...seen here above in the center of the picture.<br />
<br />
Mariachis are expected to know hundreds of songs, as one of the primary functions at events is taking requests.<br />
<br />
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is recognized as the oldest and most famous mariachi ensemble, founded by Gaspar Vargas in the late 1890s.<br />
<br />
<img height="265" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrUeuj2DaC0SCw9aWEp6pmIWCNLY6x6qyzPPd8Wqnkh5zYYEesjw" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<b>And Mexican dancing?</b><br />
<br />
Mexican Folk Dancing is performed by well-trained dancers wearing colorful dresses with huge skirts that are spun and swirled through many dances. Mexico’s modern folk dance tradition is a blending of elements from its Indigenous, African and European heritage. But was recognize today is known as Jarabe dancing which has its roots in Jalisco, and became a political tool to evoke feelings of patriotism and “liberty.” And today symbolizes freedom and joy during many Mexican events. These folk dances also include <i>fandangos, huapangos, jotas, boleros, zambras and zapateados,</i> and are performed by men as well.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.lahaciendaforney.com/images/header.jpg" height="248" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<b>And what about the food?</b><br />
<br />
I know you've been waiting for this section :-)<br />
<br />
Mexican foods are as diverse and exciting as the Mexican culture and heritage. With such a large country, every region has it's own influences, ingredients, spices, and versions of so many traditional dishes we know and love...<i>enchiladas, tacos, burritos, flautas, menudo, frijoles, quesadillas, mole pablano, tamales, tostadas</i>, and <b>so </b>much more. {drool}<br />
<br />
For a full list of traditional Mexican dishes, check out this list on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mexican_dishes" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/cb/28/b8cb2894e8ebc59fdbf9afb7d3fa94db.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
One of my favorite ways to start my Cinco de Mayo day is with <i>Huevos Rancheros</i>, which literally translated to ranchers eggs...aka <i>Mexicanos</i>. The basic dish is composed of fried eggs served on lightly fried/softened corn tortillas which are topped with a type tomato-chili sauce, or enchilada sauce or salsa. Common additions include frijoles, Mexican rice, and either slices of avocado or guacamole.<br />
<br />
When I was growing up, we feasted on what we just knew as egg and tortilla. The corn tortillas was dipped in hot oil for just a moment on both sides to soften, then patted dry and a fried egg was put on top. It depended on taste whether the eater wanted their eggs sunny side up, mashed yolk, or scrambled egg, but traditionally, this dish is served sunny side up. The egg was then rolled into the tortilla and gobbled down. Having these as an adult reminds me of my childhood, and kind of helps alleviate some homesickness now that I live so far away.<br />
<br />
For the bigger Cinco de Mayo meal, I normally serve either tacos, enchiladas, tamale pie, or even a Mexican lasagna. Tonight, it's looking like tacos, or nachos. But those huevo rancheros are looking mighty good too!<br />
<br />
Recently, another California expat, Lisa, joined me for a great Mexican meal in our home.<br />
<br />
What was on our menu?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lcphmaUDz8v0U518GaYkny2QqxiZY5LY9Xae-TjWG4gZJPQJxFps88AnyXRPB4eWfxoaCA2wI4iarbfnwU3wsLU7Tuv2-gdHuTVefUBrd__IlOWi9fSs6tjGxdXP8irtXkQ1/s1600/menu+background2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lcphmaUDz8v0U518GaYkny2QqxiZY5LY9Xae-TjWG4gZJPQJxFps88AnyXRPB4eWfxoaCA2wI4iarbfnwU3wsLU7Tuv2-gdHuTVefUBrd__IlOWi9fSs6tjGxdXP8irtXkQ1/s640/menu+background2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are a few easy recipes you can try at home:<br />
<br />
<b>Vegetarian Enchiladas</b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Please note: </i></b>Easy means using some premade ingredients. If you want to be a traditional Mexican mama, you can make your own individual ingredients before assembling ;-) :<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<br />
Filling:<br />
<br />
1 tin of black beans<br />
1 tin of spicy frijoles<br />
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional mozzarella if you can't get Jack)<br />
Mexican rice<br />
Black olives, pitted, sliced<br />
Green onions, aka scallions or salad onions, sliced<br />
<br />
Also:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Note: </span></b>I use <a href="http://www.blanco-nino.com/" target="_blank">Blanco Niño</a> authentic Mexican style corn tortillas here in Ireland. They're based in Clonmel, Co Tipperary and deliver to your door, fresh frozen! These tortillas are made with lime treated fresh corn masa, a little salt and water...no flour or other ingredients. Look for this type of tortilla wherever you are for the most authentic taste. If they have flour in them, send them back!<br />
<br />
6-8 authentic corn tortillas<br />
Monterey Jack, or mozzarella<br />
Black Olives, pitted and sliced<br />
Green onions<br />
Enchilada sauce<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u><br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to around 375F/190C<br />
<br />
Start by putting a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a rectangle baking dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking during cooking.<br />
<br />
Then, fill each tortilla by hand. For me, the easiest way is by cupping the tortilla in the palm of one hand, and using a spoon to add ingredients to the tortilla. Add the beans, rice, olives, onions, and cheese to the tortilla, then gently roll it together. Place in the baking dish, seam side down.<br />
<br />
Fill all of your tortillas until the dish is full (you can usually squeeze in one more if you think it's full but don't sardine them.<br />
<br />
Pour over the enchiladas your sauce of choice. Be generous. You want the tortillas to really soften when you bake them. Cover the tortillas well, and be sure you get some down the edges of the dish to prevent sticking.<br />
<br />
Top with a generous amount of cheese, then add the olives and onions before covering with foil and putting into the oven.<br />
<br />
Bake for about half an hour then remove the foil and cook until the cheese is browning and the sauce is bubbling.<br />
<br />
Let the enchiladas rest on the sideboard for a short time (or open the oven door and turn off the heat, to let the cheese set up a little. Then serve with the following side dishes which you can prepare while the enchiladas are cooking.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Note: </span></b>Start by putting the rice onto cook first, about the time you remove the foil from the enchladas. You can then prepare the salsa while it's cooking, which you will use in the Mexican rice and the guacamole.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Mexican Rice</b><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<br />
1 cup of rice - long grain or basmati<br />
2 cups of water<br />
Salsa Fresca<br />
Tomato sauce<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u><br />
<br />
Bring two cups of water to the boil, then add your rice. Bring back to the boil, then cover and turn off the heat. Leave it on the burner while you prepare the guacamole, recipe below.<br />
<br />
Just before the rice is done, use a fork to loosen the rice in the pot. Then spoon in some salsa until you have the desired rice to salsa ratio. Add a little at a time but start with about 1/2 cup. Then spoon in a little tomato sauce and let it soak into the rice. Turn on the heat to low, cover the pot and continue cooking until the rice is tender.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Salsa Fresca</b><br />
<br />
My friend Lisa brought this to our meal, as she did the Mexican rice. Her recipe is an old family recipe which she's not sharing ;-) But I have a <a href="http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/2010/08/farm-to-fork.html" target="_blank">great recipe of my own</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<br />
2 medium ripe tomatoes, deseeded, skinned and chopped<br />
1 small red onion, finely diced<br />
1 medium garlic clove, finely diced<br />
1/2 small jalapeno pepper, deseeded and finely diced (can use Ortega roasted chilies if you can get them, about 1 tbsp or to taste)<br />
cilantro, a small bunch, finely chop the leafy parts, discard the stems<br />
splash lime juice<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<u>Method</u><br />
<br />
Put all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix with a spoon. Easy!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Note:</span></b> Double this recipe if you will be using it to make your rice and guacamole.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chunky (or smooth) Guacamole</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">An important note on avocados:</span></b> Do not use salad <a href="http://www.californiaavocado.com/how-tos/avocado-varieties.aspx" target="_blank">avocados</a>, aka Fuerte avocados, as they're too watery. Look for a thick, dark green, pebbly skins which will tell you the fruit is suitable for mashing.<br />
<br />
Hass avocados are usually best for guacamole...Hass and the larger Lamb Hass.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<br />
2 large Hass Avocados, skinned, pitted, and roughly chopped<br />
Salsa Fresca<br />
Pinch of sea salt (optional)<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u><br />
<br />
Lightly fork mash the avocados. When you have the texture you want, chunky or smooth, spoon in the salsa to your desired taste. Also add salt to taste, if you think it's needed.<br />
<br />
How easy is that?!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJHKJofC7_EctiKEHJ3GAbcqT7B3EjHDuJ4IkbAD4-MRUOBAtSlbSDMlrLNOhZiiM1UNHaZUOQDEnXSMHvnNv8VleHSFZQucgdrk8-G43J3rWnTX_O6mEr9B0Gcu1UQNSdVLs/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJHKJofC7_EctiKEHJ3GAbcqT7B3EjHDuJ4IkbAD4-MRUOBAtSlbSDMlrLNOhZiiM1UNHaZUOQDEnXSMHvnNv8VleHSFZQucgdrk8-G43J3rWnTX_O6mEr9B0Gcu1UQNSdVLs/s640/IMG_2750.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>To Serve</b><br />
<br />
Be sure everything is hot, of course, but put out bowls for each of the side dishes...Mexican rice, frijoles, guacamole, salsa, and even some sour cream or creme fresh.<br />
<br />
And don't forget the chips!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tenvinilo.com/vinilos-decorativos/img/preview/vinilo-decoracion-buen-provecho-7155.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tenvinilo.com/vinilos-decorativos/img/preview/vinilo-decoracion-buen-provecho-7155.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4es443-1ngrSParU-teVr2uju8Y8Be5QUZ4eGzrZCfQd4ZhRhrGL2tu5IvOOZipY7ITi8SRk5E35MQF9Eq2seWJ6f_ey3CCheIZW2GVCEjpMsu_f22gpCAo2kz99me8lqlJS/s1600/20160422_143928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4es443-1ngrSParU-teVr2uju8Y8Be5QUZ4eGzrZCfQd4ZhRhrGL2tu5IvOOZipY7ITi8SRk5E35MQF9Eq2seWJ6f_ey3CCheIZW2GVCEjpMsu_f22gpCAo2kz99me8lqlJS/s640/20160422_143928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtifJsLLDng2PjuQkAyLhwZ1P_sT74yXHsc4IB2iSezrb3OXbSP1tYrycb5K1w04tHAS3Ut9NykK4TWkqS6VPQM5_3s4xEJq7OzADuwvPOPrI1RMGFE8OIx6-pjFu0Uq1DRKG_/s1600/cincodemayo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtifJsLLDng2PjuQkAyLhwZ1P_sT74yXHsc4IB2iSezrb3OXbSP1tYrycb5K1w04tHAS3Ut9NykK4TWkqS6VPQM5_3s4xEJq7OzADuwvPOPrI1RMGFE8OIx6-pjFu0Uq1DRKG_/s1600/cincodemayo.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-67494101432296216102016-03-15T15:43:00.000+00:002016-03-16T13:25:52.823+00:00We're all Irish on St Patrick's Day!<a href="http://www.e-dublin.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/20100428210437_935531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.e-dublin.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/20100428210437_935531.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a>With St Patrick's Day looming before us, there are a few things you'll need to know to celebrate:<br />
<br />
First - It's called Paddy's Day or St Paddy's Day if you're going to give the saint a nickname. Patty is a girl's name and does not stem from Patrick. Paddy comes from the Irish for Patrick...Padraig, which is pronounced pawd-rig.<br />
<br />
Also - Corned beef is an American creation. It's not been until recent years you'd see it in Ireland. In Ireland, it has always bacon, which is a special cut of ham, or from the loin, that was cured for preserving and brought out for holidays.<br />
<br />
When the Irish went to America, pork wasn't a great commodity so it was very expensive. They turned to a cheaper alternative of cured beef which was suggested by their Jewish neighbors who'd been curing beef for centuries!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://www.foodireland.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bacon-and-Cabbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.foodireland.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Bacon-and-Cabbage.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
As it turns out, Patrick was probably Welsh. He was taken prisoner as a very young man but escaped and came to Ireland to spread Christianity. Ireland's true patron saint should have been Brigit, aka Brigit of Kildare. She founded a monastery there (much of which still stands), and worked beside Patrick and guides him around parts of Ireland where they both spread the word of God.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ireland has THREE patron saints -- Patrick, Brigit, and Columcille, all of whom are interred in Downpatrick. County Down.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Coat_of_arms_of_Ireland.svg/640px-Coat_of_arms_of_Ireland.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coat of arms of Ireland.svg" border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Coat_of_arms_of_Ireland.svg/640px-Coat_of_arms_of_Ireland.svg.png" width="153" /></a>Green...everyone's wearing green on St Patrick's Day. But did you know that green is NOT the national color of Ireland? The official color is *blue*.<br />
<br />
Here's the official Irish Coat of Arms which appears on all Irish government documents.<br />
<br />
Swilling Guinness...These days, St Patrick's Day isn't complete without a pint or three of the black stuff. But did you know, that as a holy day, St Patrick's Day was originally dry? Just like Good Friday and Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1679415/thumbs/o-SAINT-PATRICK-570.jpg?3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1679415/thumbs/o-SAINT-PATRICK-570.jpg?3" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
St Patrick's Day was originally a holy day, where people visited churches for masses and prayers. Today's famous parades held all over the world are an American invention, boosted by the Irish expats as a way to remember the auld sod.<br />
<br />
This practice dates back to the very first St Patrick's Day Parade in 1732 in Boston, then again in New York City by a growing Irish population nearly 30 years later, in 1762.<br />
<br />
Ireland started hosting parades for American tourists who started coming to Ireland on holidays around the 1970s, and festivities grew exponentially to what we see today, with city center Dublin closed for several days around the 17th, including street entertainment, food, music, carnival rides, and throngs of people gathering from all over the world. And of course, the massive parade on the 17th.<br />
<br />
Did Patrick banish snakes from Ireland? Well, it depends on your interpretation of 'snakes.' Ireland has never had those cute little slithery creatures called snakes. It's simply too cold, and they never made it over the ice bridge before the thaw. While there are domestic snakes today, which have been brought in through pet stores, Ireland has never had a native population of wild snake.<br />
<br />
However, if you consider the word 'snake' can also mean someone or something you consider honest and sincere but is really lying or is a scam, then it could be interpreted that Patrick banished Paganism from Ireland when he converted Pagans to Christianity, saying their faith was a lie.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://cdn3.cdnme.se/3998428/6-3/st_patricks_day_small_5140e74be087c32280318f21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://cdn3.cdnme.se/3998428/6-3/st_patricks_day_small_5140e74be087c32280318f21.jpg" width="320" /></a>How did he do that? With the shamrock, of course. The shamrock is recognized as a holy plant in Ireland because Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity to those he sought to convert, each leaf representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> It was *St Nicholas* who created the Holy Trinity! Patrick just used the shamrock to explain it to the old Irish, and probably telling them that if the Holy Trinity wasn't in Ireland, why were their blankets of these special plants all over Ireland? Great marketing!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ireland tries creating the festival so many have come to expect. This includes offering green lager in the pubs, selling green souvenirs, and dying the River Liffey green. However, the year they tried this, officials got the tide wrong and ended up dying Dublin Bay!<br />
<br />
There are loads of facts and traditions associated with St Patrick and the 17th of March. One I bet you didn't know is credited to farmers. They aim to have their seed potatoes in the ground before St Patrick's Day. It's kind of superstitious that if they're not in the ground by the 17th, St Patrick won't bless the planting for a healthy crop, which in turn means a prosperous year.<br />
<br />
So whatever you're doing to celebrated St Patrick's Day where you are, don't forget to put a few potato eyes into the ground, or even a big pot of dirt, if you want St Patrick to bless your year. And if you keep them watered, you may just have a few spuds for your dinner table in a few months!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3mC0rWgUqTc" width="420"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-57654939471090457002016-02-20T12:41:00.001+00:002023-01-07T13:49:08.431+00:00Heart Shaped Eggy Toast and Other GoodiesWho doesn't like eggs and toast? They're one of the ultimate comfort foods. And what a wonderful thing to share with your sweetheart on a lazy Sunday morning!<br />
<br />
Here's a great recipe for eggs and toast, which was made famous from the 1941 classic film, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1RelStGcuw" target="_blank">Moon Over Miami</a>.<br />
<br />
After the movie aired, this dish became very popular and took on names such as Egg in a Basket, Moon Over Miami Eggs, and Betty Grable Eggs.<br />
<br />
While the basic recipe simply involved cutting a hole in a slice of bread, cracking an egg into the middle (hence egg in a basket), and frying both together, there are simple ways of making this preparation more aesthetically pleasing . . . especially if you're trying to please your sweetheart!<br />
<br />
There's a great recipe in today's <a href="http://www.independent.ie/" target="_blank">Irish Independent eNewspaper</a> for <a href="http://www.independent.ie/life/food-drink/recipes/breakfast-in-bed-luscious-breakfasts-to-thrill-this-weekend-34440743.html" target="_blank">Betty Grable Eggs</a>.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2PnkmWZA3xFU-6xGYB8sNoRBOyyGrpuLDWerFZFwlsSzeOJ6vKBmGAdP-6JrhJNY15_lqePF0cDuxsYRDfJe6y2hnc_7fc46-jVE_LfD1XJkTTlwxZpXWFX2qNnS8JZ1m5XgNi-FN0KQLvxxf3DKQaBWa1uuHvkDTxxXvO6-T1d1ee4wpLQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="629" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2PnkmWZA3xFU-6xGYB8sNoRBOyyGrpuLDWerFZFwlsSzeOJ6vKBmGAdP-6JrhJNY15_lqePF0cDuxsYRDfJe6y2hnc_7fc46-jVE_LfD1XJkTTlwxZpXWFX2qNnS8JZ1m5XgNi-FN0KQLvxxf3DKQaBWa1uuHvkDTxxXvO6-T1d1ee4wpLQ=w400-h310" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />
My personal comments about making these eggs are simple:<br />
<br />
Use really good, fresh bread, and cut thick slices . . . not sandwich width, but something generous to hold the eggs and that will take slightly longer cooking time so your egg has a chance to cook.<br />
<br />
Use good quality, fresh, room temperature eggs. They'll cook faster and have a better flavor, the fresher they are.<br />
<br />
Use good quality butter, and butter both sides of your bread so the bread and egg don't stick to the pan, and when it's done, all you really need is a little fresh, cracked pepper. Lovely!<br />
<br />
Use the part of the bread you cut out to make toast. Butter and fry alongside your egg and bread. You can use these piece for some great jam, or as 'soldiers' for your yolk (I like mine runny)<br />
<br />
Are you a bit more health conscious? You can still make Betty Grable Eggs by making some simple changes:<br />
<br />
Toast your bread<br />
<br />
Use a cookie cutter to cut out the whole<br />
<br />
Poaching your eggs and place into the toasted bread<br />
<br />
Simples!<br />
<br />
As the original name implies, Egg in a Basket, you can use anything for your basket. Check out some of these nifty ideas:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkmyjtusbb3zilqCX1Njf1wkGRM-iXPVZRMlrTM1f34kjdz8HnJmQZQdKyUxGOcyZ-fX6zCvbXdfjD2FJ9hbqFcs7IbvKkXfcNA49om5Uwhx8Scz55bqWW1cBFNnhP230OTl-2iKtF-qwIYkMC_-5l5TSxV0Z3LtRHd_yLXyqvQlG3o8wDNQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkmyjtusbb3zilqCX1Njf1wkGRM-iXPVZRMlrTM1f34kjdz8HnJmQZQdKyUxGOcyZ-fX6zCvbXdfjD2FJ9hbqFcs7IbvKkXfcNA49om5Uwhx8Scz55bqWW1cBFNnhP230OTl-2iKtF-qwIYkMC_-5l5TSxV0Z3LtRHd_yLXyqvQlG3o8wDNQ=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs in pablano pepper<br />Bell pepper would also work</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="211" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-07-11-20130523bakedavocadoegg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs in an avocado<br />
Cooked avocados are wonderful!<br />
Bake these in the oven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJX5QD71ijszcAxhALF1fN47ps9WFe1yeDX-_C4Pjhd3TECB9EZdBJi7uc1uoNLQ6aBUAh8M7CD4zZqz2j-9gp9UfsZ8XduOifC2I4mcarBoj3dUGxebiBaT2E0FOTEP-l9yYnKFuoxtDCGg5Fq-BUwop2rTC5F5Z1FxuvhUUrnRdcx56JMg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="592" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJX5QD71ijszcAxhALF1fN47ps9WFe1yeDX-_C4Pjhd3TECB9EZdBJi7uc1uoNLQ6aBUAh8M7CD4zZqz2j-9gp9UfsZ8XduOifC2I4mcarBoj3dUGxebiBaT2E0FOTEP-l9yYnKFuoxtDCGg5Fq-BUwop2rTC5F5Z1FxuvhUUrnRdcx56JMg=w320-h316" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs in a bagel hole<br />Cut in half and add an egg into the hole<br />Use spicer bagels for added zing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OR grab a muffin tin and go to town filling those baskets!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="195" src="http://media.eggs.ca/assets/RecipePhotos/_resampled/CroppedImage830506-Egg-Baskets-Resize-CMS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs in a toast basket<br />
Butter your bread on one side, then push the buttered<br />
side down into the muffin tin. Crack your egg into the well,<br />
and bake until the egg is done. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://www.jocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/goat-cheese-and-eggs-in-bacon-baskets-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line your muffin tin with bacon, crack in your egg, and<br />
bake until the egg and bacon are done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="180" src="http://static.oprah.com/images/o2/201404/201404-orig-egg-baskets-949x534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use quality deli ham.<br />
Push into your tin, crack an egg into the well,<br />
and bake until done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
The possibilities are endless for how you basket your eggs. How will you do yours? Please share your images and suggestions with me in the comments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-35685275113745215042016-02-05T19:22:00.003+00:002016-02-05T19:25:10.716+00:00Valentine's Day Heart Cake<div style="text-align: center;">
OK this is something a little different for your Valentine's Day, but a pretty cool addition to the site...a heart shaped . . . well . . . heart!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Will you make one? I'd love to see the photos :-) Share in the comments.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Valentine's Day, however you celebrate!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJU7dK7564M" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more recipes for unusual cake design: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvM1hVcRJmVWDtATYarC0KA" target="_blank">How To Cake It</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-31908831646462609642016-01-21T21:50:00.001+00:002016-01-21T21:50:50.936+00:00Shima Ding<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6obaHiu3p0ThE_d_-D1X04ynM6uFAs-b-PDFI1vNz1p-b8MXxRPuVvnXH9UJLcAAsXSev-PWqOxXvfFVf5hQRDAevgXySuh2qNjrm5oPziKTT_GcG013VV0qOcuKfb0ndbQf4/s1600/Shima+11-20-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6obaHiu3p0ThE_d_-D1X04ynM6uFAs-b-PDFI1vNz1p-b8MXxRPuVvnXH9UJLcAAsXSev-PWqOxXvfFVf5hQRDAevgXySuh2qNjrm5oPziKTT_GcG013VV0qOcuKfb0ndbQf4/s400/Shima+11-20-2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SHIMA<br />Arrival day - 20 November</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Has it really been since September that I posted last? Well, I have some catching up to do!<br />
<br />
ON 20 November, we took in a small collie-cocker mix to foster -- Shima. The poor little thing had been kicked by a horse and his rear femur was snapped in two. Because it was the holidays, the local rescue (<a href="http://www.dar.ie/index.php?page=dogs-needing-homes" target="_blank">Drogheda Animal Rescue</a>) couldn't find a quiet home for him to recuperate in. So we volunteered. He arrived with a fold down cage and wearing the cone of shame because his leg had been surgically repaired with a pin in the bones to keep them together while the leg healed. 8 weeks cage rest was ordered. Of course, once the painkillers were stopped after a couple weeks, keeping him down was like trying to contain a cyclone in a paper cup!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNbs7ozr5xH5BbdmpGL1oR4Ebh8uJ7NQMAu44do9rDqW7Q-uEuo9DYgre1btu8GOeRitfajacoR2qtJBsXw0c9T7hiEHSO1eiFxhfDfgOJKuiPktx4v0fwjVeGAkxM0Uwqk1r/s1600/shima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNbs7ozr5xH5BbdmpGL1oR4Ebh8uJ7NQMAu44do9rDqW7Q-uEuo9DYgre1btu8GOeRitfajacoR2qtJBsXw0c9T7hiEHSO1eiFxhfDfgOJKuiPktx4v0fwjVeGAkxM0Uwqk1r/s320/shima.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of December 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By 10 December, he was allowed out of the cage for longer periods of time (other than his business in the grass out back) so he was leashed to my desk in the afternoon. You can see his poor but cute little shaved bottom.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, Shima was healing pretty well, so by the end of December, he was allowed out of the cage and off the lead in the house for short periods.<br />
<br />
Now, 8 weeks later, Shima is hell on wheels. He's had his pin removed and all wounds are heeled. His hair is growing back. And he wants to run! And so he does. Like the wind.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZGDZkygOpa5envbKKTmt4tIlyzvEgeTzpoik0je6579P2xcSJx0SC6PG4nmdcIzhs-cilInD-GONu7hFsCYBpvOUmKJ_DnlMumHVUjyT0Dd-mQkuMJ_AChJRTBPFeEu69byh/s1600/Shima4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZGDZkygOpa5envbKKTmt4tIlyzvEgeTzpoik0je6579P2xcSJx0SC6PG4nmdcIzhs-cilInD-GONu7hFsCYBpvOUmKJ_DnlMumHVUjyT0Dd-mQkuMJ_AChJRTBPFeEu69byh/s320/Shima4.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belly rub!!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh, and if you're reading this, Shima is ready for a new home! While <a href="http://www.dar.ie/index.php?page=dogs-needing-homes" target="_blank">Drogheda Animal Rescue</a> is actively posting rehoming notices for Shima, we still need more help in finding a forever home for this little scamp. He's currently living with us in County Meath, but any good home will be considered.<br />
<br />
<i>Here are some vitals...</i><br />
<br />
<b>Name</b>: Shima (we've been calling him Shima Ding, Ding Dong, and Dingaling...he answers to it all. He'll answer to anything as long as you have food in your hand!)<br />
<br />
<b>Weight</b>: about 10kg/20lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Age</b>: 18 months-ish<br />
<br />
<b>Breed</b>: Cocker/Collie mix<br />
<br />
<b>Healthy</b>: All vaccines and recent worming, microchipped, and health certified.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmnQQFGqAVamJLmmXl81jmk_N2qgLTHremU2AfTiyJtrYb6z9ceLWRQ9mO12-88QW7IYac5zHGLq2N_739-1clok3CpCqVCYw80LwZENS8IYpFaOozQ598vGtTI7J-toXyfZN/s1600/Shima2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmnQQFGqAVamJLmmXl81jmk_N2qgLTHremU2AfTiyJtrYb6z9ceLWRQ9mO12-88QW7IYac5zHGLq2N_739-1clok3CpCqVCYw80LwZENS8IYpFaOozQ598vGtTI7J-toXyfZN/s320/Shima2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like an ice cream kissed him on the face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Pros:</u></b><br />
<br />
Shima knows basic commands in the house...come, sit, down/lie down, shake (he's a left pawed dog!), get in your bed, wait*, heel (on lead), find water, potty time...And he'll catch treats in the air...and toys, and balls, and basically anything.<br />
<br />
*At feeding time, he will sit down and wait for you to tell him OK and then will eat. He will also wait at the back door while you open it. Say OK and he'll run out to do his business.<br />
<br />
So YES. Shima is potty trained! And once he knows which door you take him out to do his business, he'll go there when he needs to go out. If you don't see him, he will come to you and spin circles in front of you, as if to say, "Take me out, cuz I gotta go!"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNnKYvnETToz5BFlq5fKOHbZgTks8mcPqdAjwm6kWMNhwz4uenEZBYh0QzpB4zhw3xlXIYG07aaghyphenhyphenr59Nbe4o4UNrwa7ux0FQlF32hgMAeqCCiknO6r-Oxg-x6mcufUycIZ_/s1600/Shima3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNnKYvnETToz5BFlq5fKOHbZgTks8mcPqdAjwm6kWMNhwz4uenEZBYh0QzpB4zhw3xlXIYG07aaghyphenhyphenr59Nbe4o4UNrwa7ux0FQlF32hgMAeqCCiknO6r-Oxg-x6mcufUycIZ_/s200/Shima3.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the river on a long lead<br />for a little runaround.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Basically, Shima is a lover. He *loves* to be loved and will cuddle with you at the drop of a hat. Once on his back with his tummy rubbed, he'll be like jelly in your hands.<br />
<br />
Shima is mostly a quiet dog. He spends the afternoon and evening under my desk when he's not playing with his toys. First hint of action and he's up like a shot! He. Wants. To. Play. Or run! Maybe his name should have been Joy because he's certainly the embodiment of it. Or maybe he's just giddy!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Cons:</u></b><br />
<br />
Really, his only fault is no recall. Keep him on a lead, or a long lead, out in public and he's a fabulous boy.<br />
<br />
Shima wants to *run*. Not to run away, but because he loves the wind in his face. Or he wants to run to where the action is. He's fixated on fun, which can be a good thing. Keep him on a lead until he's been trained properly and this trait will disappear.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hyphenhyphenMhk1KZDb7A8NskC6DHgrJT3wZ17tSemym85c3bmuZlhdqnp1jF2PTaPKHZdFmbdjHF9DyjRujt04J3rpRpMAqTuTehrQUH925YHljhYlQPvavseBQFg16O9ltXeqO3lg6v/s1600/Shima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hyphenhyphenMhk1KZDb7A8NskC6DHgrJT3wZ17tSemym85c3bmuZlhdqnp1jF2PTaPKHZdFmbdjHF9DyjRujt04J3rpRpMAqTuTehrQUH925YHljhYlQPvavseBQFg16O9ltXeqO3lg6v/s320/Shima.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shima will play for hours. He loves toys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>When he's rehomed</b>, he will come with his own bed and toys, treats and food, new collar and lead.<br />
<br />
Contact <a href="http://www.dar.ie/index.php?page=dogs-needing-homes" target="_blank">DAR</a> for more info on adopting Shima. Of course, you can message me for more details.<br />
<br />
His time is coming to an end with us so <b>it's urgent we actively ask around for anyone interested in taking in a wonderful little dog</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>So please ask around</b>. No one will come to you and ask if you know of anyone with a dog needing a home. Ask around and show his picture. Share this blog.<br />
<br />
There is a perfect home in Ireland for Shima. We just have to find it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAIi63TsrX1rZ4CUt6qyXc839Oe87R_PyTmdaXtvCFYiLxDkggx2veDSGx-SToPlBJSwKH5M6vnvHv5M4zbbif9aHCJRgiOF-Q-avqQBDzqmxGF8ri87qpK_Sxy4u9DljxSPP/s1600/Shima5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAIi63TsrX1rZ4CUt6qyXc839Oe87R_PyTmdaXtvCFYiLxDkggx2veDSGx-SToPlBJSwKH5M6vnvHv5M4zbbif9aHCJRgiOF-Q-avqQBDzqmxGF8ri87qpK_Sxy4u9DljxSPP/s400/Shima5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sshhh . . . Shima is sleeping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-10404298443342890482015-09-28T13:46:00.004+01:002015-09-28T13:46:53.466+01:00Lunar Eclipse from Ireland: 28 Sept 2015It's me again. Out with my camera. This time, in the wee hours of the morning...or late at night, depending on your perspective. I set my clock for 2:50am, so you decide which end of the day it is ;-)<br />
<br />
I'll just say here I'm really bummed because the time reported on <a href="http://www.thejournal.ie/red-moon-total-eclipse-2354128-Sep2015/" target="_blank">thejournal.ie</a> said the eclipse was to start was 3:11am! I thought I was early. They meant to report 2:11am!<br />
<br />
According to those in the know, the last lunar eclipse was on 20 Dec 2010. It was earlier in the evening and we did have partial clearing to view it, but of course, I had a basic digital camera and the images didn't come out well, so I'm not sharing them here ;-)<br />
<br />
The previous lunar eclipse I remember was on 16 Sept 1997. It was my first trip to Ireland, I was here for six months and heading toward my last month here before going home to California. I remember listening to the birds awaken in the full moon's glow, then quieting during the eclipse, then rousing again when the moon came out again.<br />
<br />
Similarly last night, standing in the back garden with my camera on a tripod and me snapping a few photos as Earth's shadow passing over the moon, I heard gulls down in the dunes behind our house, rousing in the early morning light of the full moon, then settling as the moon was in full eclipse, then rousing again when the moon brightened the sky...and sunrise shortly after 6am when the eclipse was all said and done.<br />
<br />
So, what's with full moons and eclipses? We had 12 to 13 full moons per year, but we don't always have full eclipses. We do have some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_moon" target="_blank">interesting names for full moons</a> though:<br />
<br />
Harvest Moon<br />
Huntsman's or Hunter's Moons<br />
Blue Moon<br />
Milk Moon<br />
Wolf's Moon<br />
Snow Moon<br />
Hunger Moon<br />
Long Night's Moon<br />
Cold Moon<br />
<br />
And dozens of others. Including Super Moon and Blood Moon, and of course, the Super Blood Moon.<br />
<br />
<i>A super moon</i> is when the full moon appears closer than normal.<br />
<br />
The term <i>blood moon</i> is recent reference. No one knows who first coined the term or the meaning. Some think it's religious, and some think it's simply due to the red color the moon turns after the first cycle of the eclipse when the moon is in full shadow.<br />
<br />
And when you have a full moon eclipse that happens during the super moon cycle, and the moon turns a deep red color, it becomes a super blood moons. The last super moon eclipse was in 1982 but, to my knowledge, the moon didn't turn red. And if it did, the term blood moon hadn't been used then.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://astronomynow.com/2015/09/22/dont-miss-the-totally-eclipsed-supermoon-of-28september-2/" target="_blank">How rare is a supermoon total lunar eclipse?</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://astronomynow.com/2015/09/22/dont-miss-the-totally-eclipsed-supermoon-of-28september-2/" target="_blank">Total lunar eclipses that coincide with a supermoon are quite rare. Since 1900, there have been just five — on 17 November 1910, 27 November 1928, 8 December 1946, 19 December 1964 and 30 December 1982 (all dates UT). If you get clouded out for this month’s totally eclipsed supermoon, then you will have to wait until 8 October 2033 for the next!</a><br />
<br />
For those of you who follow astronomy, you might be interested in some information about the full moon <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrad_(astronomy)" target="_blank">tetrad</a>...a set of four total lunar eclipses within two years.<br />
<br />
And for those who follow religious prophesy, this blood moon was the fourth in the Biblical predicted <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_time" target="_blank">End Times, aka End of Days</a>, or the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Moon_Prophecy" target="_blank">Blood Moon Prophesy</a>. You can read up here about that!<br />
<br />
You can decide for yourself what this means, but <b>for me</b>, this was just a super cool phenomenon. <b>This</b> is why I set my alarm for 2:50am. And now I'm happy to share some of the better shots.<br />
<br />
I'm not a brilliant photographer; I still have yet to really get into the workings of my 'new' Canon Powershot SX60 HR. But as you've seen in previous photos, I've taken some decent shots of the moon with this camera, and with last night's eclipse, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for more interesting shots. I hope you enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuS3Gx6A-ZnQ2jlEpiqM16d1pAIspmsQEO_AVUhNv_5mKfjk26CljXAE7YI_jKqwAFRdgV6ii2l4diEa8q6CyDte4cW79LzlatpDLP74YFWAIzUJSBvc_SC5k7Uwop9Px0c3Y/s1600/eclipse0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuS3Gx6A-ZnQ2jlEpiqM16d1pAIspmsQEO_AVUhNv_5mKfjk26CljXAE7YI_jKqwAFRdgV6ii2l4diEa8q6CyDte4cW79LzlatpDLP74YFWAIzUJSBvc_SC5k7Uwop9Px0c3Y/s320/eclipse0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full moon - 27 Sept 2015<br />hours before the eclipse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfGexrVxQ8Oq5oKnbxOyEmRRcPEwHTES6RG5mTltAd_MOPT2lYKbz4fvdTHTkg9hrDVFkncN-ybljQ4EufceNVGPys9UXMZxI2Zq-NvZ3309FEi5LUoHajnXmNcKQgKSy9G_I/s1600/eclipse4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfGexrVxQ8Oq5oKnbxOyEmRRcPEwHTES6RG5mTltAd_MOPT2lYKbz4fvdTHTkg9hrDVFkncN-ybljQ4EufceNVGPys9UXMZxI2Zq-NvZ3309FEi5LUoHajnXmNcKQgKSy9G_I/s320/eclipse4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As above, national media got the time wrong,<br />so I didn't capture the start of the cycle. This is<br />around 3:15am, just before full eclipse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrscNmpHHUikiVbANVEc3pFikcEN9pqSkg1mUXIqV9OAhCspuqGOZzqmcVJ4FSyPyQWD6f1bTYkqvLT-NN7PY0ysKGXMHKjPP3qxmsfaSlu359uD2gZG6MV3FBU5hFh8lpvCp/s1600/eclipse5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrscNmpHHUikiVbANVEc3pFikcEN9pqSkg1mUXIqV9OAhCspuqGOZzqmcVJ4FSyPyQWD6f1bTYkqvLT-NN7PY0ysKGXMHKjPP3qxmsfaSlu359uD2gZG6MV3FBU5hFh8lpvCp/s320/eclipse5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxh8IafPUpkF8Q6y9H8ImkwxxZjAn4H35cLNQkwVRVYrt16mUjZRyChJXS2q7edmREG-KpHf8888kU03apVViT9b1a0laGCk23YgixxawOvoT1RuDWZysg8746J1w7pDEOTlP/s1600/eclipse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxh8IafPUpkF8Q6y9H8ImkwxxZjAn4H35cLNQkwVRVYrt16mUjZRyChJXS2q7edmREG-KpHf8888kU03apVViT9b1a0laGCk23YgixxawOvoT1RuDWZysg8746J1w7pDEOTlP/s320/eclipse3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Turning red</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnbAKrMvVVYg8DNparz_eZNxcZu6o-uFBUNBuGqIvB_q3mHToqJahq7AGeaYmjt0fPxQ4e9vNwQs9xYcY7qyHaT9yYI8nPDa1LXfTZ_XmOgdaZTj24cy3ImqD05mJIHaykkqN/s1600/eclipse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnbAKrMvVVYg8DNparz_eZNxcZu6o-uFBUNBuGqIvB_q3mHToqJahq7AGeaYmjt0fPxQ4e9vNwQs9xYcY7qyHaT9yYI8nPDa1LXfTZ_XmOgdaZTj24cy3ImqD05mJIHaykkqN/s320/eclipse1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blood Moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94FKwh80XON9Hy9ZTaDtCzPTYf2NZORd-6EaUFNGMjhlQxGzE7VB1HA44XTKYQx0GKLwlF2YhDKKf_QyKF13Qh6QNVC2JGqbONaBoLkt8Qn4mQdBVNLsiBFIGSlHXPPhPaWw1/s1600/eclipse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94FKwh80XON9Hy9ZTaDtCzPTYf2NZORd-6EaUFNGMjhlQxGzE7VB1HA44XTKYQx0GKLwlF2YhDKKf_QyKF13Qh6QNVC2JGqbONaBoLkt8Qn4mQdBVNLsiBFIGSlHXPPhPaWw1/s320/eclipse2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Blood Moon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg02eoZaPKGJgGYfWyhY0GEjd1L5y5cKfc_bc6URzzRNDdq9tZDPFqWlRmsUm3EoXNr_1IsDhdTg4ZZ2VQKj2izPyyPrV1HmLIWz6c-ldiaE-KgVfighLJ64d-kWY5eZd-2VR/s1600/eclipse6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg02eoZaPKGJgGYfWyhY0GEjd1L5y5cKfc_bc6URzzRNDdq9tZDPFqWlRmsUm3EoXNr_1IsDhdTg4ZZ2VQKj2izPyyPrV1HmLIWz6c-ldiaE-KgVfighLJ64d-kWY5eZd-2VR/s320/eclipse6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming out of eclipse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dtV5GKKy2MKMAdYV9EtXIZFG-fRmXQWLvrqRzxfHuP79t28OYeQ12HNWDOEzYe5na9TedpVD8yKC4KNnoPr5d2lbXLxXlsAT1PAStEFVXGRPnExe-UYGwulJZx30s7aoPb-2/s1600/eclipse8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dtV5GKKy2MKMAdYV9EtXIZFG-fRmXQWLvrqRzxfHuP79t28OYeQ12HNWDOEzYe5na9TedpVD8yKC4KNnoPr5d2lbXLxXlsAT1PAStEFVXGRPnExe-UYGwulJZx30s7aoPb-2/s320/eclipse8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Coming out of eclipse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjgRK_xAkOsEofp065fZfBXdLfdeFl396aMSnCmWDwTu67XbDbV_UILEHgGhjlbHFuv0c641DOg4uh0BXgSwqqk0_v0gUgfyM_8HjLjD5YmD-lNHrTE34G-37OGwNEaoTD-mA/s1600/eclipse7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjgRK_xAkOsEofp065fZfBXdLfdeFl396aMSnCmWDwTu67XbDbV_UILEHgGhjlbHFuv0c641DOg4uh0BXgSwqqk0_v0gUgfyM_8HjLjD5YmD-lNHrTE34G-37OGwNEaoTD-mA/s320/eclipse7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6am and back to the full moon<br />Take note of the first full moon picture and this one.<br />The aspect has shifted clockwise by 35 degrees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>MONEY SHOT!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmF8VGXG-WwoIhF_rzTEfilRFbbdnOcRXpg5UCtBpz9rar-adhVc8hlfOlVyjeTH0QZc6vksMrVdL-tn0NykbDiSmtiKuIj9sG5ZuYj1G8uf4wMIHXIsGqhjCH6wbfwsIZWzb/s1600/eclipse-airplane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmF8VGXG-WwoIhF_rzTEfilRFbbdnOcRXpg5UCtBpz9rar-adhVc8hlfOlVyjeTH0QZc6vksMrVdL-tn0NykbDiSmtiKuIj9sG5ZuYj1G8uf4wMIHXIsGqhjCH6wbfwsIZWzb/s400/eclipse-airplane2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the 'Money Shot'<br />Discovering this photo was the cherry on the sundae.<br />I captured the silhouette of a jumbo jet just as it was<br />passing the moon. I wonder if the passengers saw<br />the eclipse from their seats.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-33455381832884486232015-09-11T16:54:00.000+01:002015-09-11T16:54:33.891+01:00Laytown Horse Races September 10, 2015<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://deirdremorgan1.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/f47b1fb35e3f568bd7e42adc43f41f5b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://deirdremorgan1.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/f47b1fb35e3f568bd7e42adc43f41f5b1.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Tara Brooch, c 1850</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've lived in Mornington for two years this month. This is a unique area, and the hubs and I both agree one of the most pleasant places we've lived in Ireland in the last 18 years since I came here.<br />
<br />
There are three small communities along a three mile stretch of coastline: Laytown, Bettystown, and Mornington. While Mornington is not actually a village but a residential community, it occupies a wonderful position at the entrance to the River Boyne at the Irish Sea . . . water on two sides of us.<br />
<br />
Laytown is two villages south, with Bettystown in the center. Bettystown would be the larger village with a recent history as a resort community...we even have carnival rides year round!<br />
<br />
Laytown is a smaller community which borders the River Nanny at the opposite end of the strand. It has a lot of history, including being the place where the famous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Brooch" target="_blank">Tara Brooch</a> was discovered in 1850 by a local woman, while digging in the sand for clams.<br />
<br />
Laytown is also home to the famous <a href="http://www.laytownstrandraces.ie/" target="_blank">Laytown Strand Races</a>, which is what I'm talking about today.<br />
<br />
The Laytown Races, as it's locally known, was founded in 1867 with the first recorded race in 1868, which was held in conjunction with the Drogheda Regatta. It's said rowing took place at high tide with a horse race at low tide.<br />
<br />
Today, the Laytown Strand Race is the only beach horse race sanctioned by the Turf Club in Ireland and Britain. So it's no surprise a lot of British come over on the ferry on a day trip.<br />
<br />
The Laytown Races are held one day every year, on the second Thursday of September. Thousands of people come out for the event, the local schools are closed, and people show up in their finest. Well, some do. As typical of horse racing, ladies often dress for the occasion, which includes a big, fancy hat. There were some interesting characters, for sure, from the fancy dressed ladies to men in cravats and straw hats. One man in velvet trousers and a glorious long, white beard.<br />
<br />
The main attraction were the horses, of course.<br />
<br />
Below are some photos from the first three races. There were six races in all, but we only stayed for the first three. Sick dog at home so couldn't be out too long. But it was a fun time, and high time we went, considering we've been here two years now and missed the last two.<br />
<br />
<b>A quick note or two:</b> I used my Canon Powershot SX60HS to take these photos. The staring gates were a mile up the beach, and in the fog. This camera normally takes great distance photos but with the low fog, we'll call these atmospheric!<br />
<br />I hope you enjoy the photos. Maybe it will inspire you to attend The Laytown Strand Races in 2016!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzaWW5IgxPKXeUOHaaH903qEEckTmhRdS0YHLz7KM3LJ4r-fgk9IG4CxpYg7moo4a34XyOKk1t0H5nYeuI1DJwUvMraZdElf_X_WIOJta8SMLGRjwtMQ2AIrSfO59EACM9Pz9/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+north2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzaWW5IgxPKXeUOHaaH903qEEckTmhRdS0YHLz7KM3LJ4r-fgk9IG4CxpYg7moo4a34XyOKk1t0H5nYeuI1DJwUvMraZdElf_X_WIOJta8SMLGRjwtMQ2AIrSfO59EACM9Pz9/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+north2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Racecourse<br />Approx. 1 mile, from near Bettystown to Laytown<br />When the tide is in, it comes up near the chainlink.</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0azlL0aWXQlHMEaPX304863-mMi114mR1KrBLw_FYitKEFPYYPKxSRQedC8RDogcALY0dB6cYicraj8mywq6PfEJqHlHCDYqT-Nt0PmNibgTPqbkYbMpn2qlFhOFNwnuwpis/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0azlL0aWXQlHMEaPX304863-mMi114mR1KrBLw_FYitKEFPYYPKxSRQedC8RDogcALY0dB6cYicraj8mywq6PfEJqHlHCDYqT-Nt0PmNibgTPqbkYbMpn2qlFhOFNwnuwpis/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+north.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Bettystown Strand, north<br />3 mile flat, sandy tidal beach</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFl71-n-OLBkZcoTVf29E7scooBRDe32doNU-phDAEHGa5nQxAzf0Ea99L8dOnmeNEg9f4u3r1L-lryM0X05sQEltuFSFHTkMN-x6UJe9mTlKHgXYKbsvxJxrZDrnG88f2Fg_/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+south.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFl71-n-OLBkZcoTVf29E7scooBRDe32doNU-phDAEHGa5nQxAzf0Ea99L8dOnmeNEg9f4u3r1L-lryM0X05sQEltuFSFHTkMN-x6UJe9mTlKHgXYKbsvxJxrZDrnG88f2Fg_/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+south.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Bettystown Strand, south<br />3 miles of flat, sandy tidal beach</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU2xl4eQkEfQMgh7o5j0rsKgF9irgY-OL-X9BbJEvaGGmPRBUE4tuH5wkXD33XVW2fJbd_Zzq5ADBVYRrnV5ZY8xFHIs9mzBp2x4R1Zh80rNDYMWZe2mm-Q6DodG7Ua7hHndC/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Finding+the+best+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU2xl4eQkEfQMgh7o5j0rsKgF9irgY-OL-X9BbJEvaGGmPRBUE4tuH5wkXD33XVW2fJbd_Zzq5ADBVYRrnV5ZY8xFHIs9mzBp2x4R1Zh80rNDYMWZe2mm-Q6DodG7Ua7hHndC/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Finding+the+best+spot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Finding a good viewing spot on the embankment</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYAHsCOlwVwbWf6tyZn6ZdG0MbminfxdahNNDtlIxBpvzI8ji8sUkU5K3lcZ8bzDT-GpG2cWa4lzj5Ya8-ZcJMJwmJ1UzSX04j_eK1aXU2HoCa_KYMJ4DGUZr0lUKICBN_eBq/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Place+your+bets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYAHsCOlwVwbWf6tyZn6ZdG0MbminfxdahNNDtlIxBpvzI8ji8sUkU5K3lcZ8bzDT-GpG2cWa4lzj5Ya8-ZcJMJwmJ1UzSX04j_eK1aXU2HoCa_KYMJ4DGUZr0lUKICBN_eBq/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Place+your+bets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Everyone, place your bets!</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFl71-n-OLBkZcoTVf29E7scooBRDe32doNU-phDAEHGa5nQxAzf0Ea99L8dOnmeNEg9f4u3r1L-lryM0X05sQEltuFSFHTkMN-x6UJe9mTlKHgXYKbsvxJxrZDrnG88f2Fg_/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+Racetrack+south.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG1zfkkFW6_fMHJVGiwDdcUuZzATPEhpyKgl48cXddxEJDNzLbEGKOA6Vs6MtXBDc0_Za-fOkEnoeGeix1BvhZqGGpT1pT-H53ydRgrP8d1hSxNFcbW2yyI8pentVkl3Fblny/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG1zfkkFW6_fMHJVGiwDdcUuZzATPEhpyKgl48cXddxEJDNzLbEGKOA6Vs6MtXBDc0_Za-fOkEnoeGeix1BvhZqGGpT1pT-H53ydRgrP8d1hSxNFcbW2yyI8pentVkl3Fblny/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Gotta move faster than that, lad, if you want to catch up!</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBz7GYP3hLKwN8PHV4kTHESuf42BVaRndNtRhCBq_faiA25eRzIfDswE_ywWsKRnGC4-X-7Zp365NoBxNssXwdZhwjNVOMTVij8Q7L88Gxs_kHQ4ForooG3XzRcsSmea7AnIV/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBz7GYP3hLKwN8PHV4kTHESuf42BVaRndNtRhCBq_faiA25eRzIfDswE_ywWsKRnGC4-X-7Zp365NoBxNssXwdZhwjNVOMTVij8Q7L88Gxs_kHQ4ForooG3XzRcsSmea7AnIV/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling on the beach. Sure, why not?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv9QzPUvVCDJHSehpR9u_bAWv3yks6afJ2gzJjq1QrAii-bjTlmYBgU1msiebZGFDKmnyRKoV6oXRiaaeKxhU53pPKHj1dy45QTgtC99Wp4rmwq87lw_tK2eCdVTReAbphgVN/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimv9QzPUvVCDJHSehpR9u_bAWv3yks6afJ2gzJjq1QrAii-bjTlmYBgU1msiebZGFDKmnyRKoV6oXRiaaeKxhU53pPKHj1dy45QTgtC99Wp4rmwq87lw_tK2eCdVTReAbphgVN/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+A+peculiar+entrant3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Cycling on the beach. Who'da thought?!</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz6nCvCfNbFpd5ta9kWhLUv_Z-ajoTD3ISPVDim1R3QeUQnl6xeT2ac8LAGV3NU_D0r4-ttIg0_VQz28h_dF4r9iFsfkpzDl8_J-Mmu-7JvaCH9arCKJD5fAQ9S0bBpiqc2H0/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Finish+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz6nCvCfNbFpd5ta9kWhLUv_Z-ajoTD3ISPVDim1R3QeUQnl6xeT2ac8LAGV3NU_D0r4-ttIg0_VQz28h_dF4r9iFsfkpzDl8_J-Mmu-7JvaCH9arCKJD5fAQ9S0bBpiqc2H0/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Finish+line.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The finish line</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaY39tNhFFdRzlX8u9VesLk0KfecI8qe1LU-3Dql5H5ln9hvt1FCyjpemxtGeGw3OK4kyzpMSS42w4tAcek8hgkhyGi_XxIL2ipj35YOP5uPKA35rJ2AaT2Ucyv5X9XqfthAmK/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Fast+On+getting+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaY39tNhFFdRzlX8u9VesLk0KfecI8qe1LU-3Dql5H5ln9hvt1FCyjpemxtGeGw3OK4kyzpMSS42w4tAcek8hgkhyGi_XxIL2ipj35YOP5uPKA35rJ2AaT2Ucyv5X9XqfthAmK/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Fast+On+getting+ready.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast On<br />
Mane braiding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliDezQdYCaatSMl_8Fs07crYFsAZox1cjxzcOhn3uI1hHUyK23gGni2CnaK7lNQz7_vQW7PKg30KPCDwcFLm_N_ChRZ1SkRJonjRVs-ahQlqWsWPprlnmH1fFlRGp0qb8zbcV/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Red+All+Star+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliDezQdYCaatSMl_8Fs07crYFsAZox1cjxzcOhn3uI1hHUyK23gGni2CnaK7lNQz7_vQW7PKg30KPCDwcFLm_N_ChRZ1SkRJonjRVs-ahQlqWsWPprlnmH1fFlRGp0qb8zbcV/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Red+All+Star+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Red All Star<br />heading to the gates</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije45V509aigSfbDTpLJOxvLtw2cbs1PrWYj1CCHfGoIAZnKARmKYEcrjCNcnLuLFC65nsOEfq6h-k3d1m6AzLtAp_nxKh-FsfAzCARD5KPaAKjG2k8JjS0-wqOwyk7Eoq9iWG/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+In+the+gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije45V509aigSfbDTpLJOxvLtw2cbs1PrWYj1CCHfGoIAZnKARmKYEcrjCNcnLuLFC65nsOEfq6h-k3d1m6AzLtAp_nxKh-FsfAzCARD5KPaAKjG2k8JjS0-wqOwyk7Eoq9iWG/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+In+the+gates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Race 1 - In the gates<br />Foggy afternoon</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKgoWSj1f2fx-VgkHKGPRFB7aY7dWR1KkSMFf6Cw8udYHpzaxAAVpgL9YybzvluDer2n-q16LDXrjvxrwVcWpWG4TGcBL5m5riQkZv_aSzwPBpDofEWyBHFoxlEp5CBdfnJEf/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+And+they%2527re+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKgoWSj1f2fx-VgkHKGPRFB7aY7dWR1KkSMFf6Cw8udYHpzaxAAVpgL9YybzvluDer2n-q16LDXrjvxrwVcWpWG4TGcBL5m5riQkZv_aSzwPBpDofEWyBHFoxlEp5CBdfnJEf/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+And+they%2527re+off.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Race 1<br />And they're off!</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsWOwzQNwjiepE_obYD5rXHEyNW9Nh1UqELZ6D6Vai5a0-Ws-wZAhLclkWAYs-y1eOy8oDJ-GlNgoW-BVQ5lAHC1ax3ylDpPjyIGH3b26pKfjaM4mg0WNJpq8yPK3llV7aB0v/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Nearing+the+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsWOwzQNwjiepE_obYD5rXHEyNW9Nh1UqELZ6D6Vai5a0-Ws-wZAhLclkWAYs-y1eOy8oDJ-GlNgoW-BVQ5lAHC1ax3ylDpPjyIGH3b26pKfjaM4mg0WNJpq8yPK3llV7aB0v/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Nearing+the+finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race 1<br />Nearing the finish</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3EDHq118zs2Gm4Iox8GXYSPKVYqs3VvDcHPIDolEmTysPxzvtaBTG21sp7QDJw6f-_1uHlMt20O47Yzv4KJvc-dcI_p_ybcBRid96bLUiDhOBFU6OQK8kQcaymbDDHh8I6O9/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Putin%252C+Kiss+the+Stars%252C+and+Shabra+Emperor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3EDHq118zs2Gm4Iox8GXYSPKVYqs3VvDcHPIDolEmTysPxzvtaBTG21sp7QDJw6f-_1uHlMt20O47Yzv4KJvc-dcI_p_ybcBRid96bLUiDhOBFU6OQK8kQcaymbDDHh8I6O9/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+1+-+Putin%252C+Kiss+the+Stars%252C+and+Shabra+Emperor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race 1</i></b><br />
<b><i>Finish!</i></b><br />
<b><i>1st - Putin</i></b><br />
<b><i>2nd - Kiss the Stars</i></b><br />
<b><i>3rd - Shabra Emperor</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2DiGZ_RzFWtJ6lvJnvdr6e6ugdLZCkyTOr0HfPCpr4mbi4cFmgfaaJKZTRNv_q2onj-4hAeT1DCHFz0PWxkOF8_l5WL5yQOWwdBWufc2MVfPhZagksiWrDJYO4oC3PIWZOMS/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Nearing+the+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2DiGZ_RzFWtJ6lvJnvdr6e6ugdLZCkyTOr0HfPCpr4mbi4cFmgfaaJKZTRNv_q2onj-4hAeT1DCHFz0PWxkOF8_l5WL5yQOWwdBWufc2MVfPhZagksiWrDJYO4oC3PIWZOMS/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Nearing+the+finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race 2<br />And they're off!</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILMVc89glUAjKS21oCOa9W-y0FcVW8se6Ld81G8YRH5tbVHjyQtUqGSvr_jWAIYOcnzhKWIQrYPdH4aG8PCv4qTKa8QIRL-fN9G7DW8V-hU5R8EMDzQdf8jaIgzG7LL1unHPq/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Acroleina%252C+Enigma+Code%252C+and+Clear+Focus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILMVc89glUAjKS21oCOa9W-y0FcVW8se6Ld81G8YRH5tbVHjyQtUqGSvr_jWAIYOcnzhKWIQrYPdH4aG8PCv4qTKa8QIRL-fN9G7DW8V-hU5R8EMDzQdf8jaIgzG7LL1unHPq/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Acroleina%252C+Enigma+Code%252C+and+Clear+Focus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race two<br />Finish!<br />1 - Acroleina<br />2 - Enigma Code<br />3 - Clear Focus</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXBPB9u-0FgIz5RIsfmfHyLjLoEZwVYuptjtf4NqM8HNzsYHOs4Q74o6xJDsy4fFpV111uZbaP0Uwr2hQ6KBkMumeTOSyOroDvc5P911sFgN_wx_Uy1LGVsKIBol4Gk6z7pqa/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Clearly+excited+to+see+Virile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXBPB9u-0FgIz5RIsfmfHyLjLoEZwVYuptjtf4NqM8HNzsYHOs4Q74o6xJDsy4fFpV111uZbaP0Uwr2hQ6KBkMumeTOSyOroDvc5P911sFgN_wx_Uy1LGVsKIBol4Gk6z7pqa/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Clearly+excited+to+see+Virile.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>This young lad is clearly happy to see the horse<br />Race 2 - Virile<br />Finished well back</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgADNByP7KzH95vBQ223kiNkkEz4FhmSrQbht4VO-rTR7dH7EmEovMWVGowjBHnMR1G0AHkXhKFkur1h4lJ2mCHPtP35QEQmQrb_EZpyjo1WTAfqa14rDmd6uXrXi9OvLOZQ1-/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Smart+Alec+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgADNByP7KzH95vBQ223kiNkkEz4FhmSrQbht4VO-rTR7dH7EmEovMWVGowjBHnMR1G0AHkXhKFkur1h4lJ2mCHPtP35QEQmQrb_EZpyjo1WTAfqa14rDmd6uXrXi9OvLOZQ1-/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+2+-+Smart+Alec+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race 3<br />Heading to the gates<br />Mistress Marinrio</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylXXoGM6iGaiVSDPQ0cY2k-KOKdXxnn7oJqcGIUXXZy_IVHTFQZBXIrEgY4RIteNAbXCE5_UIONS2decAdA_OP7lmUqoUArHI-A1Mto20MUDh6_8dELN3HzoK7lyzdDQ_i8ob/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Captain+Midnight+and+Prospectorous+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylXXoGM6iGaiVSDPQ0cY2k-KOKdXxnn7oJqcGIUXXZy_IVHTFQZBXIrEgY4RIteNAbXCE5_UIONS2decAdA_OP7lmUqoUArHI-A1Mto20MUDh6_8dELN3HzoK7lyzdDQ_i8ob/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Captain+Midnight+and+Prospectorous+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Race 3<br />Heading to the gates<br />#2 - Captain Midnight<br />#6 - Prospectorous</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8bcuQavoVFE9U35JePcSVE1R0JD3dR29eyIJPmh8MNYBEYWa7msNlUtt8J5zO-AEy_ke_bQCSQHPoKh4Yx__fTmiSC7Fu5wxL_5PHCT0dknQyI5_jWY4mC_kVr78uoQDLYNW/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Fast+On+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8bcuQavoVFE9U35JePcSVE1R0JD3dR29eyIJPmh8MNYBEYWa7msNlUtt8J5zO-AEy_ke_bQCSQHPoKh4Yx__fTmiSC7Fu5wxL_5PHCT0dknQyI5_jWY4mC_kVr78uoQDLYNW/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Fast+On+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Race 3<br />Heading to the gates<br />Herbalist</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJOl3cxP8AniEI9tOvlsm5LCt_ZZS6iGNbGJrVLKdyrqyp7wt3eWLj6c4Nuuhlsh6A8Xa-jXXIhgMsSOWkb7qeRWMyrVUgbT6ib80Efcq6_sO0H4CMaqlbmpteZ_RYdpKfrQL/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Rigid+Rock+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJOl3cxP8AniEI9tOvlsm5LCt_ZZS6iGNbGJrVLKdyrqyp7wt3eWLj6c4Nuuhlsh6A8Xa-jXXIhgMsSOWkb7qeRWMyrVUgbT6ib80Efcq6_sO0H4CMaqlbmpteZ_RYdpKfrQL/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Rigid+Rock+heading+to+the+gate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Race 3<br />Heading to the gates<br />Rigid Rock</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fl8_MUohJss6RmdMNBVc09nkZBgQu14KWnWpm16470d9xmxI1vfgDjcK0m_1ZYEE0p75cgrBppoQ_Wt2dusxohFG5j361WXU8kJW7Ojy0_uKS7lGwWNFMqaSp_pIxR-BZlMb/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Tithonus+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fl8_MUohJss6RmdMNBVc09nkZBgQu14KWnWpm16470d9xmxI1vfgDjcK0m_1ZYEE0p75cgrBppoQ_Wt2dusxohFG5j361WXU8kJW7Ojy0_uKS7lGwWNFMqaSp_pIxR-BZlMb/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Tithonus+heading+to+the+gates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Race 3<br />Heading to the gates<br />Tihhonus</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0zwlOw3rpUh0l2m1mSOuZXnj8ZC0HvA9G_-iNR666HKa9ijYHJPKasrBvxaBhJHHF5_v5LpkLLmvJeN_LGxEvUg_1UHSA0icY3TVKy3dl2Nc9ZDMipAT2QI0-tc7QXZIjw9l/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Nearing+the+finish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0zwlOw3rpUh0l2m1mSOuZXnj8ZC0HvA9G_-iNR666HKa9ijYHJPKasrBvxaBhJHHF5_v5LpkLLmvJeN_LGxEvUg_1UHSA0icY3TVKy3dl2Nc9ZDMipAT2QI0-tc7QXZIjw9l/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Nearing+the+finish1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Race three</b></i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">
<i><i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Nearing the finish</b></i></i></div>
<i>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXXCDVyWhIsFnGTORWiLojwBh92EHtJW-RsIdUBdsGBbSlAoZ1q6SMv6rphVT82-QslnbSX96AuYTsk7Cqfw9-8rYXD1xlSvVv7QhBoW7r9OMLZPcARWmSjLIrMZoEQMOtlhT/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Bussa%252C+Tithonus%252C+and+Mistress+Marinrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXXCDVyWhIsFnGTORWiLojwBh92EHtJW-RsIdUBdsGBbSlAoZ1q6SMv6rphVT82-QslnbSX96AuYTsk7Cqfw9-8rYXD1xlSvVv7QhBoW7r9OMLZPcARWmSjLIrMZoEQMOtlhT/s400/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+Race+3+-+Bussa%252C+Tithonus%252C+and+Mistress+Marinrio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Race 3<br />Finish!<br />1 - Bussa<br />2 - Tithonus<br />3 - Mistress Marinrio</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s640/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The calm before the next race</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YYvvkMkpk0fvumjZMM8gY-ugK0pVKALousEFDY1hdVbMpq2hLbUYvrqmY_1th1QumYB6W4O2X69MZS8c1cM2kJKEY57-6lI2KVeamrPuPxXcR2LblP67jPDz_aMBZDehNcH/s1600/Laytown+Races+10-9-15+-+sea+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-65327866781279867062015-08-18T16:38:00.000+01:002015-08-18T16:38:25.542+01:00In My GardenWe've had a pretty dry summer with a decent number of sunny days. All a boon for me because it means I can play more with my camera :-)<br />
<br />
I don't really have too much to say about the camera, other than it's a Canon Powershot SX60 HS and it can take <a href="http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/2015/02/mooning.html" target="_blank">pictures of the moon</a> :-) I've also got a few great <a href="http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/search/label/Photography" target="_blank">long range photos</a> on land. And I'm always playing with getting the most close up image I can.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few recent photos, some up close and some far far away!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGgLjNq-4-T85CF-9Lf2zLuKisYzhUA5T9s8mTcorvm9vfiim_ikpAYuL0ykyaopxXy2MIN0ekx-SDMWt6w9qaxyhcpyOag-3wkFqhyphenhyphen5-0k9g41cEqWYsFwk4LuCUfT3vhuJm/s1600/big-smile-icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;">(Fr Ted fans will get this reference!)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGgLjNq-4-T85CF-9Lf2zLuKisYzhUA5T9s8mTcorvm9vfiim_ikpAYuL0ykyaopxXy2MIN0ekx-SDMWt6w9qaxyhcpyOag-3wkFqhyphenhyphen5-0k9g41cEqWYsFwk4LuCUfT3vhuJm/s1600/big-smile-icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGgLjNq-4-T85CF-9Lf2zLuKisYzhUA5T9s8mTcorvm9vfiim_ikpAYuL0ykyaopxXy2MIN0ekx-SDMWt6w9qaxyhcpyOag-3wkFqhyphenhyphen5-0k9g41cEqWYsFwk4LuCUfT3vhuJm/s1600/big-smile-icon.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">Don't forget you can click onto any of these images for a closer look!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>UP CLOSE</u></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19YLNB_DmvcxG_NrzOz3bdO1bHMXjhiQWx9CwSpzVvLzY3Ii_f1WqXi8sfoGZ87rUMCBXWS-0kNgr3lRxcEtmJ_YvP7lY51zn9JyRdKK7Qrh6go2Eoo5v7cGe018XB1P6VhB4/s1600/hypericum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19YLNB_DmvcxG_NrzOz3bdO1bHMXjhiQWx9CwSpzVvLzY3Ii_f1WqXi8sfoGZ87rUMCBXWS-0kNgr3lRxcEtmJ_YvP7lY51zn9JyRdKK7Qrh6go2Eoo5v7cGe018XB1P6VhB4/s320/hypericum1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypericum<br />aka St John's Wort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz3vos1BI1oFucTEpUEG1EzYkOeMY2KefBa5PX_l01R-tcLpPxzP_oj3c1QBZcSirQVX7QS0dF33Ho1ktp25o9CpmQIuMDCp1YId5AItbJTjUBL-l0k2edzzaWJ61lCWuJhYv/s1600/drinkermoth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz3vos1BI1oFucTEpUEG1EzYkOeMY2KefBa5PX_l01R-tcLpPxzP_oj3c1QBZcSirQVX7QS0dF33Ho1ktp25o9CpmQIuMDCp1YId5AItbJTjUBL-l0k2edzzaWJ61lCWuJhYv/s320/drinkermoth1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinker Moth<br />named because the caterpillars love drinking dew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAMTTH5iBRq5eVIZp2r2YJriTSQUASyv83vjjJ3h5yisEWf5WsSDz4AQ-j4VuteVw-OBD9vD1877Q_1e4mGhcMq56ogSX6k_HQ3LYsZO3UJLTtG0P__GAStfTlWQFc5G7iqUZ/s1600/cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAMTTH5iBRq5eVIZp2r2YJriTSQUASyv83vjjJ3h5yisEWf5WsSDz4AQ-j4VuteVw-OBD9vD1877Q_1e4mGhcMq56ogSX6k_HQ3LYsZO3UJLTtG0P__GAStfTlWQFc5G7iqUZ/s320/cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnabar Moth<br />variety: Tyria Jacobaeae<br />Cinnabar Moths feed on and lay their eggs on ragwort<br />Cinnabar Caterpillars are easily identified by their yellow and black<br />banded bodies and feeding on the ragwort where they hatched</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxovIyfhfAQe9w8omQjls6bIvxwqJ9a_rDnOEPDROvc-w_OuYcUujCMFulsKaUmnvgvUjy8sQxOvLohR0326fCHc0ZD3umxQRX5G4AFssXlQQ3y7p3JtPkVo_mc48SXt5B7_Y/s1600/irish+honey+bee+and+cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxovIyfhfAQe9w8omQjls6bIvxwqJ9a_rDnOEPDROvc-w_OuYcUujCMFulsKaUmnvgvUjy8sQxOvLohR0326fCHc0ZD3umxQRX5G4AFssXlQQ3y7p3JtPkVo_mc48SXt5B7_Y/s320/irish+honey+bee+and+cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Honey Bee and Cinnabar Moth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJ8N78931yOlpL7IEFcdH_5zkS5xp73Mxp9_-mcixAB2lqjJQvFVwErOiOnYERtoMuFlISFk4LfRl9hm484yus4YousN7ax59WWCfDkghAOoYWpKnVa_ecm7PZg9qseCFDsl/s1600/irish+honey+bee+and+cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFJ8N78931yOlpL7IEFcdH_5zkS5xp73Mxp9_-mcixAB2lqjJQvFVwErOiOnYERtoMuFlISFk4LfRl9hm484yus4YousN7ax59WWCfDkghAOoYWpKnVa_ecm7PZg9qseCFDsl/s320/irish+honey+bee+and+cinnabar+moth+on+ragwort2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Irish Honey Bee and Cinnabar Moth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQcYwEBBHPCGcqJ-z4ITBx4uBEA9_9JHfuv0lpjg9iqK5iukXV_H85UY6MEZ9c_-GI86YeM5KQ9P_VCRcfoaWvcDP-r6j7FsHjCVBEZPwpoWRFCBVit5umNoM44hfv79E-K4d/s1600/irish+honey+bee+on+ragwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQcYwEBBHPCGcqJ-z4ITBx4uBEA9_9JHfuv0lpjg9iqK5iukXV_H85UY6MEZ9c_-GI86YeM5KQ9P_VCRcfoaWvcDP-r6j7FsHjCVBEZPwpoWRFCBVit5umNoM44hfv79E-K4d/s320/irish+honey+bee+on+ragwort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Irish Honey Bee on Ragwort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj1XwcwektQF4uhuHzak-TwrvKII941ljqfHsQpwhhyphenhypheninQvMlYuHjQ1dhnLSQLExJfgqEy04y6azhzp-fs5PP5GzxD_U_zlwEEcM6ujybD1wV9gysqzKxesPfUucp-Hlqe4Js/s1600/scarlett+tailed+bumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj1XwcwektQF4uhuHzak-TwrvKII941ljqfHsQpwhhyphenhypheninQvMlYuHjQ1dhnLSQLExJfgqEy04y6azhzp-fs5PP5GzxD_U_zlwEEcM6ujybD1wV9gysqzKxesPfUucp-Hlqe4Js/s320/scarlett+tailed+bumble.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet-Tailed Bumble Bee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>FAR FAR AWAY</u></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyrpikrzL6K9m1QoZYcD7CTs_8DmVh83loS1Ih0pdikiOODGuxJA5s8SMOru31wh4QcDSTKMep0i3b4VylIwTO0ZG2M6yAbgbVOV-aXmUb4aVzD4CwqV6HE-gCIbni1ioj2Ab/s1600/pied+wagtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyrpikrzL6K9m1QoZYcD7CTs_8DmVh83loS1Ih0pdikiOODGuxJA5s8SMOru31wh4QcDSTKMep0i3b4VylIwTO0ZG2M6yAbgbVOV-aXmUb4aVzD4CwqV6HE-gCIbni1ioj2Ab/s320/pied+wagtail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Wagtail (m)<br />named for their wagging tail while ground feeding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzULkqOhwyUlC0D6yegvfldSQBF1wzMdh4sH5AQ8uTD6cdKf5t9n3mfRMjqk7ZfJC2jLqP2MHFq8RY2B7vKPT5aBzu7C1kmnGnAhPQY6PA-YYp_1ucHM_RlC02x7K3kFBrNLn7/s1600/wagtail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzULkqOhwyUlC0D6yegvfldSQBF1wzMdh4sH5AQ8uTD6cdKf5t9n3mfRMjqk7ZfJC2jLqP2MHFq8RY2B7vKPT5aBzu7C1kmnGnAhPQY6PA-YYp_1ucHM_RlC02x7K3kFBrNLn7/s320/wagtail3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Wagtail (baby)<br />having a rest after learning to fly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wdpSAnRpiRISXVYYpulmJAw5GIl55bSPGZyJrXT4U3H4ilUEqOJ2m0FXdW53aIfrk0wIIaZby3vXxeerQcMJNZfl-jZkw4PJSh9cUf8-Pc0v_qKicfFeS-mO3YnMvrLg8Qwh/s1600/dove1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wdpSAnRpiRISXVYYpulmJAw5GIl55bSPGZyJrXT4U3H4ilUEqOJ2m0FXdW53aIfrk0wIIaZby3vXxeerQcMJNZfl-jZkw4PJSh9cUf8-Pc0v_qKicfFeS-mO3YnMvrLg8Qwh/s320/dove1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringneck Dove<br />a feed, a bath, and a nap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYPsG-10tBab7HVLR0YmKAESZ4pK3X7R2e_OGaW4x54WESjx5zEPRDcvY-U_Pfr_6Zg4auVCS0MreT3a5ou0umlTK2ODkApnVwX_NGI6_OzvwvPaK1j_UZm9fPfMlvykQ3gf5/s1600/goldfinch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYPsG-10tBab7HVLR0YmKAESZ4pK3X7R2e_OGaW4x54WESjx5zEPRDcvY-U_Pfr_6Zg4auVCS0MreT3a5ou0umlTK2ODkApnVwX_NGI6_OzvwvPaK1j_UZm9fPfMlvykQ3gf5/s320/goldfinch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldfinch (f)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAlgiqQ1sqIywG12pC8QNaGF9031J_6YJj3M9b3tc1Ekt36CvtF4I96Mr3Z8qyia6tvF3Zgwz51oLJsIZgNIiVa_ktkkT78bAoqUm4UttW944wb5WK1DfFr_NI6vgMKtnL-WT/s1600/goldfinch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAlgiqQ1sqIywG12pC8QNaGF9031J_6YJj3M9b3tc1Ekt36CvtF4I96Mr3Z8qyia6tvF3Zgwz51oLJsIZgNIiVa_ktkkT78bAoqUm4UttW944wb5WK1DfFr_NI6vgMKtnL-WT/s320/goldfinch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldfinch (m)<br />Feeding on thistle seeds by using a hard surface<br />to rub off the thistle fluff to get at the seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QGrKPMhDU_5L_NkC-MF9hlVaND0sVWopg-WmOVKLpaIX9HoWSM1BQE9bc_Xrw19L-45I7WQVe5wP9HnG9rrEfcQQYCbII0H8p1WeMS-lek7dCwx1W2Fk4r-cWCulDcg7lHFD/s1600/housesparrow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QGrKPMhDU_5L_NkC-MF9hlVaND0sVWopg-WmOVKLpaIX9HoWSM1BQE9bc_Xrw19L-45I7WQVe5wP9HnG9rrEfcQQYCbII0H8p1WeMS-lek7dCwx1W2Fk4r-cWCulDcg7lHFD/s320/housesparrow2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Housesparrows<br />sunbathing after a big feed and a roll in the dirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAxpD4c5pgKigXHKjVKeg3RItwTsj-Y-bGUXR7ql0unvGoRvZU06QsdMbelGdAeQV7Lwv1RzNygAn2N28V6Jf4iOWU-ynZjBF2RbIMGp6UvfE2wlG_L8hBpBG4nBYKIyTvf3R/s1600/starling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAxpD4c5pgKigXHKjVKeg3RItwTsj-Y-bGUXR7ql0unvGoRvZU06QsdMbelGdAeQV7Lwv1RzNygAn2N28V6Jf4iOWU-ynZjBF2RbIMGp6UvfE2wlG_L8hBpBG4nBYKIyTvf3R/s320/starling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starling (m)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you've enjoyed these photos. <a href="http://heartshapedstones.blogspot.com/search/label/Photography" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see other photos in my collection.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30121023.post-36459735623546965752015-08-01T10:48:00.002+01:002015-08-01T10:51:12.689+01:00Once in a Blue Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's a blue moon?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Most months only have one full moon. But in the Nineteen Years Cycle, or 228 calendar months, seven or eight calendar months within that time will always have two full moons.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In other words, there’s a month with two full moons every two or three years. When it happens, the second one is popularly called a Blue Moon.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The last blue moon occurred 31 August 2012 and the next is not until 31 January 2018!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The term 'once in a blue moon' stems from our own lunar cycles . . . something that happens once in a blue moon means it happens rarely.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a couple images of the July moons.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>all images taken with a Canon Powershot SX60 HS - hand held on superzoom</i>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3_J66RyFVkUcJfDDRcyPeeV7cR2rJj0mj2bR7DnoXOcqeHfSgFQwlsqTLPp5oL7lYGo60YaqhOJ4fh-V05W8XgTtLnueVNdVQGdTkwl7dE7U3HIIj89MUDIaCAY3nJm-8mYm/s1600/moon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3_J66RyFVkUcJfDDRcyPeeV7cR2rJj0mj2bR7DnoXOcqeHfSgFQwlsqTLPp5oL7lYGo60YaqhOJ4fh-V05W8XgTtLnueVNdVQGdTkwl7dE7U3HIIj89MUDIaCAY3nJm-8mYm/s400/moon1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyZSmt9bUyqO8bEkqBWxrAvbi9eGObDJxm903VwjIVrEST9OSVX_AxHxGI7sJcQ0EcIjhyfldP2o89U42IWYdkQv5MpiseBCHGxUxxZKfFVwRHF7YgRaTlTCWELQvAa_zy1RR/s1600/blue+moon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyZSmt9bUyqO8bEkqBWxrAvbi9eGObDJxm903VwjIVrEST9OSVX_AxHxGI7sJcQ0EcIjhyfldP2o89U42IWYdkQv5MpiseBCHGxUxxZKfFVwRHF7YgRaTlTCWELQvAa_zy1RR/s400/blue+moon+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eKEObTY6mPhGGmUEtwjKWUjX2hoyrlLMWTTXDznBE2azUE8B3ygWr2yvvqR4ujiM-1JnxQoExzNJgKTT9BLWODNUZITmpYXFZLylTwGrBecCjYyDZPVnEysc-53bgEyWS3Fx/s1600/blue+moon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eKEObTY6mPhGGmUEtwjKWUjX2hoyrlLMWTTXDznBE2azUE8B3ygWr2yvvqR4ujiM-1JnxQoExzNJgKTT9BLWODNUZITmpYXFZLylTwGrBecCjYyDZPVnEysc-53bgEyWS3Fx/s400/blue+moon+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here are a few Blue Moon songs to celebrate the occasion:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Billie Holliday - </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9LOB_I7sgoI&h=qAQETQKqAAQFZjNHmYKwiLad6RBtvZDPqnGUPit9UXgXsZw&enc=AZPL1JH4PtKISP-85psB0TIH-KKaisTs7N226QV0RK613-i4L8U-BhLLc0yprKZMmBuFE70lXXGGLmLBD6XG7znwSGeCvA6twRBOlf6IXJ8SrAhrV_FgT_yWzdhOLmTI5vuWhcbaKp4z_pnIRwCg_DU-CgqavR6jUDzCke553rFeVWj2YBBO9TW5z9Cslmy8KTBCdWJflY9Y1FsJI5e0Dl8d&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOB_I7sgoI</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Elvis - </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6AAOM-BRxcg&h=vAQHnOyQNAQFj_SntfdhkJdQyKpGjg87OKtRzLY2JmYB9IQ&enc=AZNd9ra0T6gTD-ZNH4kAWFYqMHy7X_B4DjvYtt64F1km6iPO9g05agjl_P5cTpClzs-5Qs-GzETJbIkRNVAifckXLJTKcer27E7SaTeTpkFusE_DF5dL64hdeBWKwE4w4B3yq0YnsXh1b8_-24A7au3OAz_XwaJJTZCljxtGNqTBQ51JrAt5clIFi-uY5-CSqJkMC1P_ZYMz8E2iJs3Ld9BG&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AAOM-BRxcg</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The Marcels - </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dv0fy1HeJv80&h=WAQFnbT_QAQHlUj-2q9g9GoleunTuhjPN2Kr6kLwUSTAdfg&enc=AZMKoMVSE3W1HMaLHeG5fes43oviQyhRQdiqfxnx6dkQiEFigebC8b8iWMzMNHRZSrziFNVU7Czmhg9wyDJM8nyEV7HoifBMMsbFysYbX5zNuiwYaxSBYlQrrxxvzCttVRWnjPUwQ2QpEAWJOl08jEU2QArZsvnFXxlbO41TlpPYvNHFJ0Qb3p7F7mFMgkoyVubLyCWhrrAjhCGmcRMW27OC&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fy1HeJv80</a><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br />Beck - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIWbgR4vYiw" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIWbgR4vYiw</a><br />Chris Isaak - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCZDanw3aE" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCZDanw3aE</a><br />Rod Stewart - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnfP_wlAq5k" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnfP_wlAq5k</a><br />Ohia - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz2nyOLVwg8" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz2nyOLVwg8</a><br />The Rolling Stones - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gy3PH4Sf6g" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gy3PH4Sf6g</a><br />Ella Fitzgerald - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqwSde_eEv4" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqwSde_eEv4</a><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo3JznMhpWc" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo3JznMhpWc</a><br />MIke Oldfield - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e80qhyovOnA" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e80qhyovOnA</a><br />Nat King Cole - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21scyhRP_IU" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21scyhRP_IU</a><br />Erik Henderson - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsz4zNtHQ9k" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsz4zNtHQ9k</a><br />Glen Miller - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVfmfaNupQ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVfmfaNupQ</a><br />Audrey Hepburn - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOByH_iOn88" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOByH_iOn88</a><br />Apollo - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRMINSD7MmT4&h=WAQFnbT_QAQE4Jhm4Mi1a5F9BqYjZwETGagc2-7fx2AOSkQ&enc=AZNA8jodTKEg_kkO5ll7hA4Ayz0ZVh5M6rJNRSDpPPVB1lZrkjv8DdGX2HdRXXaGAdaia1kyZ4Q_DK5NcAlIEnKtswSlPGFUGqWiexCTgTaLWXO1fOMBP9LRDMarwyIHDPc9nLMqgp8VJIQkSeGINgCmYdh3WpzJaty5oLetbXdp9f-7nSo6UOEe6ZN-t_RNKi3GUrXvMHrvcNPTbddv4KDF&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMINSD7MmT4</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com