2012 a Year of Loss

I can honestly say I am happy that this year is finally coming to an end. It has been a year filled with great loss for my Florida Family.  We lost so many great family members this year, and it was difficult to be so far away during their time of need. I know they understand we were there in spirit and our prayers were with them throughout.

Being here in Tennessee has it draw backs as far as we are no longer next door and able to participate in their everyday life.  Our Florida family will always be an important part of our lives. They are the family we chose and not our blood family but there is no difference in our hearts.

So I wanted to pay tribute to those of our Florida family that have left us this year.

Louis Lozito, Uncle Louie to my dogs.  Louis was the kindest, sweetest man that I have ever met.  He was big softie when it came to animals. He would watch over my two or three whenever I had to be gone during the day. It was also common to see the wild ducks following him around because they knew he would sneak them treats as well. Connie Lozito, the Grand Mother of our group, always ensuring everyone was okay and doing what they needed to do to stay safe and healthy.  Connie would show up with home-made soup if she saw your car in the drive way for two days. Connie and Louis lived across the street and I never had to worry about my house when I was away for Connie was always on watch in our little corner of the neighborhood.  The best times where on Friday afternoon when all would gather on Connie’s Corner; catch up on everyone’s week, plans for weekend, and simply enjoy each other.

 

John Persico, a man’s man, good friend and who had a heart bigger than the East Coast. If you ever needed something John was there to assist. John was always full of life and could always make you laugh; yeah I will admit it even for a Yankee he was okay.  I mean we supposedly share Connie’s front yard one night or so our Florida Family would claim.  …

 

I know Paul and I will always have a special place in our hearts and in our home for these three wonderful dear Florida family members. They may no longer be participating in our gathering, or our cruises but we know they are always going to be part of our lives.

So as we had a wonderful Christmas here in Tennessee. Our family was together and remembering those that are not with us.  We had the Evelyn tree, the Elizabeth angel lit and the memories from the Christmas past.  Each holiday is more special as we get to spend it with Dad and Sister but our Florida family will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Keep Dancin’

LB

Line Dance Class Established

I have been in Clarksville, TN for little over a year and marketing myself as a Line Dance Instructor. I have put myself in front of everyone I could to establish a line dance class.  I thought moving to an area 45 minutes from Nashville; I would find lots of classes to take for myself and instructors in the area that would be able to give me advice on how to establish oneself in the area.

This was not the case; I could not find one class being taught in the Clarksville area. Now if you want to take a Zumba class they are everywhere but no dance classes.  I was fortunate to connect with some ladies through my sister’s softball team that assisted in introducing me to the folks at the Clarksville Athletic club. I was able to provide class there for four months with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society.  As they say when one door closes another opens.

I had been to the Parks and Recreational Department numerous times with my flyer, business card and copy of my liability insurance. I was either there at the wrong time of year, wrong time due to a city function or vacation issues.  Finally, I received a call from Melissa at the P & R department. After our first meeting, I was in the door and picking out the room to hold my class.

If not for the encouragement of my mentor, Stella Cabeca, I might have just given up on pursuing my goal of establishing my own class. Stella was instrumental in providing me with how to set up a class, how to approach the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department and how to get a beginner’s class off the ground.

Now I have a new flyer with a location and start date for my new International Line Dance class in Clarksville, TN.  I am moving ahead with developing the first few weeks of classes.  I am busy printing the step sheets and downloading the music.  For the next couple of weeks, I will be hitting the road again to local store owners to request posting my new flyer. I have one store owner that has not only agreed to post in her window but requested flyers to use as stuffers in her customers purchase bags.  That particular shop owner has even got her whole staff interested in taking my class. Now that is what I call local support.

Here is to a great 2013 and a big bear hug/thank you to all those who has supported me.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Homeward Bound

Well it has been a hectic week in South Florida, it was great to see old friends and to be in the office. I always enjoy being in the office and seeing all my fellow co-workers even though I have to admit I get more work done in my own little office in Tennessee. I mean after 20+ years of working alone in my home, the concept of dressing and driving to an office is just so foreign to my mindset.

I got the chance this week to teach some line dancing, and dance with a large number of the field staff. Now that was a fun day and I have the video to use for blackmail if the need ever arises.. Just kidding.. or am I .

I also got to surprise my International Line Dance Instructor, Stella Cabeca. I was able to announce in her Thursday night class that because of her encouragement, support and mentoring; I will be signing a contract with the City of Clarksville, Tennessee to provide an International Line Dance class at the Crow Community Center starting in February, 2013.

Yet as I sit here at the Ft. Lauderdale airport; a calmness has come over me for I know I am heading home. What a difference a year makes in one's life, for over 20 years South Florida was home. Now it is a place where the office is located and long time friends live.  I know I am always welcome down in South Florida but I also know it will never feel the same, it will never be home.

It is simply too busy, too crowded and just too hot for me now. I am a Tennessean now and could not be happier.  The pace of life is slower, people are friendly and a whole lot less of them to deal with than here in South Florida.

So yes it was a good week in South Florida but can they load this plane any faster. My body and soul needs to be back in the hills of Tennessee.  

Keep Dancin'  LB

Technology, What a Wonderful Invention

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Christmas is just around the corner. Are you ready for the thrill of the hunt for those special and unique gifts?  Many of you will utilize the internet as part of that hunt, just as I am.

 In that quest, I ran into a computer issue this week.  A firewall upgrade was downloaded into my system and required a reboot.  Once back up I discovered that I was not able to obtain access to my network. I was cut off from everything, no email, no internet; nothing would run at least on the computer. Thankfully I do have a tablet but like the laptop for searching internet.  Of course, after I recovered from the shock, I ran every diagnostic I have on the computer and deleted files/programs I determined were not necessary any longer.  I still could not resolve my problem and I am pretty good with this techie stuff.  Once that failed and I completed some relaxation exercises to maintain my control. I called Support.

 After hours on the phone with support and going through every possible solution, I was told I would have to speak to another technician that would probably be able to resolve my issue.  Needless to say, I was, by this time, not a happy camper.   The new techie called and within 10 minutes had my issue resolved and I was back up and running. 

I appreciated so much all the patience and knowledge that these support guys provided to help me.  Even when they, themselves could not figure out why the program was doing this strange action.  I got to thinking how difficult it must be for them every day dealing with irate customers and strange computer issues.

We all have that support person in our company or even in our own home that is always catching the heat when our technology goes awry.  So why not let them know we do appreciate and acknowledge their skill. The next time you speak to a support person, express your gratitude and apologize for your attitude.  For that person in your home, make them a special dinner and thank them for putting up with your impatience.

Happy Hannakah which begins Saturday December 8^th at sundown.

Keep Dancin’  LB

World’s Aids Awareness Day

Saturday December 1^st is World’s Aids Awareness Day. This day is noted around the world, by fundraisers, educational programs, and events.  World Aids Awareness Day was created in 1988 by the United Nations World Health Organization.

HIV/AIDS is one of the world’s biggest medical crises. It is estimated that approximately 40 million people in the world currently have aids. One million of them,  are in the United States. Each year, over 40,000 new cases are reported in the U.S.

I was a hospital nurse back in the early 1980’s and on the front line in a medical mystery. At that time, we did not know a lot about HIV/AIDS and it was a crap shoot with the medical professionals trying to find treatments that would really help the individuals we were being presented.  I was working in a hospital in Kentucky and the majority of the patients were hemophiliacs that had acquired the disease through blood products.

I recall friends and family simply freaked out that I was volunteering to be on a team that focused on taking care of these patients. I kept hearing things like aren’t you afraid of catching this strange disease and my simple answer was NO.  It was a challenge to find the right treatment for each individual and that was the reason I had become a nurse to provide help to those in need.

The fight has been long and we lost a lot of friends, family and nearly a whole generation until the cocktails provided a chance to make this disease a chronic condition and not an immediate death sentence.

Unfortunately, what I have seen is that today’s generation did not live through those early years and have no idea of the struggle and issues that have caused so many losses.  Like any generation they feel they are invisible, they see ads of buff bodies for the drugs used to fight the disease so they don’t see the fear and struggle of actually having the disease.

Education/research are still very important aspects to fighting and moving toward a cure.  We need to continue to keep this in the forefront of each generation so they do not have to suffer what my generation did in the beginning of the crusade.

To all those that have suffered a loss to this disease, don’t stop telling the stories of those we have lost, keep their memories out there so others can continue to hear their voices.

Keep Dancin’  LB

 

 

Thanksgiving 2012

What a difference a year makes, one year ago today, I was sitting in our Little House on the Bluff typing a similar blog entry.  Today I am sitting in our new home which I have dubbed Orchard Hills Big House. We have been in the house for 90 days and it seems like a lot longer time has passed. Luckily, I was able to take much needed time off from work so we could get everything settled before the cold weather hit.

 

This year we decided to break tradition of cooking and spending most of the day in the kitchen instead we took Dad and Sister to Lake Barkley for a Thanksgiving feast. It was  a beautiful day in Middle Tennessee with 70 degree temperatures and beautiful sunshine.  The only thing missing is our loved ones that have passed and our Florida Family.  

Growing up it in Southeast Missouri, Thanksgiving was always a family event, I am fortunate enough to remember everyone meeting at our Great Grandparents house for the day. The Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins all gathering for a day of home cooking, games and just being together as a family.

Those were special times; the extended family unit was together as one clan. As our society moved forward, it seems to have lost this one important aspect of the family.  The family unit is more nuclear in nature today than in the past.  We move further from the family to pursue careers and then everyone becomes so involved with their own lives that taking the time to be with extended family does not seem as important.

This happen to our family clan, as the great and grandparents passed on, my generation was the one that moved further away from the homestead. We were the ones that pursued those careers and just never seem to have any time to make it home for the holidays. I, for one, realized this but only after the passing of my Mother.

Thanksgiving was always a special holiday for her. She called it her mid holiday.  Halloween was the first because of my birth, then Thanksgiving and ending with Christmas. She always wanted the family together for the holiday and for so many years it was just never possible for all of us to be in on location for this weekend. 

 We made the decision a year ago to move so we could be closer to family and it has been the best decision. This past year has proven that point, being able to spend more time with Dad and my sister is priceless and it means so much to me. Every day and every month that passes I know I am only a few hours from Dad and only a few minutes from my Sister, it just feels right.

 Dad is splitting his nights between our house and sister's this year. It is the family joke now that we have to share custody on the holidays. It is just wonderful to have that opportunity each holiday. Tonight, he is back at her house and it is our turn for the last night of his visit this trip.

My Mother would be so proud to see her family finally together for the holidays.  I can hear her now, saying “I would love another cup of coffee but I have babies (dogs) on my lap” and of course, I or Paul would be the ones getting that cup of coffee.    I am thankful to be backing home with the family.   Now it is time for a cup of coffee in honor of Mom...  Happy Post Thanksgiving 2012.

Keep Dancin'

 LB

 

Home Made Bread Day.. November 17th 2012.

Bakers of the world rise up and bake some bread, for Saturday is Homemade Bread Day.

Bread has been made for thousands of years. Estimates date it's origin back to 5000-10,000 B.C. Modern day lifestyles has relegated homemade bread to the world of specialty baking and holiday baking. People just don't have time to bake home-made bread. We turn to a quick "run" to bakeries and grocery stores, for our bread needs. The arrival of automatic breadmakers has created a small resurgence of home-made breads, especially specialty breads.

The purpose of this day is easy to understand.--- to make home-made bread, and to encourage you and me to make tasty and nutritious bread. So, take a little time out of your busy day, and make some bread. Your nose, your taste buds, and your whole family will be glad you did.

My recommendation for this day is Pumpkin Nut Bread. Here is the recipe—makes two loaves.

Ingredients:

1 cup	Fresh or Canned Pumpkin
2 cups	Sifted Flour
1 cup	Sugar
2	Eggs
1/2 cup	Milk
1/4 cup	Soft Butter or margarine
1 cup	Chopped Walnuts
2 teaspoons	Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon	Baking Soda
1 teaspoon	Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon	Nutmeg
1 teaspoon	Salt

How to Make Pumpkin Nut Bread:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, milk and eggs.
4. Add dry ingredients, and butter to pumpkin mixture until well blended.
5. Mix in chopped nuts.
6. Pour into greased loaf pans (9x5x3).
7. Bake in oven for 45 to 55 minutes.
8. Check with a toothpick. It is done when it comes out clean.

Serving Tips and Suggestions:

• Slice to desired thickness after completely cool.
• Spread with soften cream cheese or pumpkin butter.

Tall glass of ice cold milk and you have a perfect night time snack.

Keep Dancin’

LB

Dancing into 2013

It has been a great two months here in Clarksville, TN. We have moved into our new home and have everything completed as far as the house itself is concern.  We have also had our first visitors from Florida and we hope they had an enjoyable time at the Orchard Hills B & B.

I have been busy not only with work and setting up the house but have had a great gig at the Clarksville Athletic Club teaching Line Dancing. The last group that attended my classes has requested private classes which I will start holding on Tuesday evening at the house. We are going to utilize Paul’s half of the Man Cave for these private classes.  This should be a great experience and gives me the chance to learn new dances along with this group.

The newest group of students at the Athletic Club promise to be a lot of fun as well. I have a group of young ladies that are really into dancing.  My favorite is going to be a young lady about 10 years old that wears red high top tennis shoes with hot pink laces.  She was so much fun this week and of course, after class demonstrated her tumbling abilities as well doing back flips across the floor. Now I wonder if I can get that choreographed into a dance...

I am currently working with the Oak Grove, KY Community Center regarding establishing a class or classes with their program director. She wants to introduce more variety of classes to the local community there in Oak Grove.  I have also been in communication with the manager of the Electric Cowboy, the local night club.  I will continue to market the local clubs to establish a permanent location for my classes. 

It has been difficult to get established in a permanent location to conduct my dance class but I know that 2013 is going to be a promising year. I have students now that will spread the word and along with my continue persistence in promoting myself, LB’s Line Dance Class will become a reality.

Here is to a great 2013.

Keep Dancin’ LB

Ms. Honey's Great Adventure continues part 3

Hope everyone had a great Halloween.  After a hectic 2 weeks, it was time to slow down with Monday, October 29^th relaxing in.  Okay its getting colder so I enjoyed the toasty fireplace which I’m not able to do at home. Breakfast, lunch and a wonderful  dinner finished off a nice slow paced day.

On Tuesday, Paul took me shopping but I forgot my roller skates to keep up with him. Home in time for have a great steak dinner prepared by Chef Larry on the grill. I must say this was one of my best vacations ever.

We celebrated Larry’s Birthday on Wednesday with a dinner and cake, which is not on their diet.  It is still on my diet. I have dropped another 2 pounds and can’t believe it. No wonder all the celebrities can lose weight when they have great chefs cooking for them all the time.  I will surely miss that when I get back to reality.

We had Larry’s Birthday Dinner at the BlackHorse Pub in the downtown historical district of Clarksville.  Larry’s Sister, Cindy joined us in celebrating Larry’s Birthday. I was so pleased to see Larry order a martini, he sure needs it after working so hard. To heck with the diet on your Birthday, we all came back to the house for a piece of Sweet Potato Cake. Paul even relented and had a piece of cake.

Thursday, the deck awning was installed and another great feature to this already beautiful home. We did have some very sad news this morning from Florida, a very dear friend and neighbor passed after a long battle with cancer.  John Persico was a community Icon in Greenhaven 12^th.  Larry was the first person John met when he and his wonderful wife Irene moved to the community.   He will be dearly missed by the three of us here. I personally shared many wonderful times with John and Irene on several cruise and many parties. Rest well our dear friend.

Tomorrow is my last full day here in Tennessee and I already know I am going to miss being treated like the Queen and waited on by Paul and Larry .

Thank you for allowing me to share my wonderful vacation experience in Tennessee.

A lighter Ms. Honey.

Ms. Honey's Great Tennessee Adventure continues

Well week two started off nice and warm, Monday, October 22^nd, Larry cooked on the big new grill on their deck, Cindy, Larry’s sister joined us for a great steak dinner. Did I mention I am following Larry and Paul’s diet program?  It is really good and lots of food, I cheat a little; it is hard teaching an old dog new tricks.

Tuesday, I went shopping with Larry, who took the day off from his hectic work. It was nice to be able to take my time and wander up/down every aisle in the stores. Paul is good to shop with if you have roller skates. But I love him anyway.

Wednesday, Paul and I went to Kirkland’s where I did a little Christmas shopping. He even consented and took me to the Dollar store which he hates to do but endures it for my pleasure. Thursday, it was off to buy a lovely electric fire place, an early birthday gift from Larry to Paul. Great news, I have lost three pounds since arriving and following the boys diet program.  I think I will keep this up.

Friday was icy rain and cold. Larry’s Dad surprised him by showing up that afternoon with his sister for the weekend.  Larry took us all to the Catfish House again and I had the best Fried Oysters I have ever had. No weight watchers night for me.

Saturday, October 27^th, Larry took us to the Nashville Flea Market at the Tennessee Fair Grounds. This is one of the largest flea markets in the country and held the fourth weekend of every month.  It was cold and windy but we did make it through two of the buildings, I could have spent all three days there.  Larry took us to a great Sushi/Japanese restaurant on the way home. Everyone has seen the lovely photo of Paul and I passed out in the back of the van on the trip back to Clarksville. I still have to get Larry for that one.

Sunday, Paul made a wonderful breakfast for everyone. We visited with Larry’s Dad before he left to go back to Missouri. Larry prepped a casserole for dinner and then the three of us then did the Sunday Schmoozing to Sam’s and the boys bought another electric fireplace for the master bedroom. Then it was home to relax at home while Larry created a new flower bed on the west side of the house for the mums to take residence and mowed his lawn.  Chef Larry then finished up the casserole for dinner, a wonderful Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie. They are sure making it hard for me to go home. One more week to go and I have lost another 2 pounds.

Till next time

A Thinner “Old Southern Belle” Ms. Honey

Ms. Honey's Tennessee Adventure

I am turning the blog over to Ms. Honey for a few entries. She stated part of my Birthday present she would do a few articles on her great adventure to Tennessee.

Hi, it’s me, Ms. Honey, on the morning of Sunday, October 14; I was picked up at home for a great adventure, a trip with Tony, Keith, Rosie and Molly to visit my extended family in Clarksville, Tennessee. We had been invited to be house guest in their beautiful new home, none other than Larry and Paul.

They had asked me to visit for three weeks and I thought that might be too long for them to put up with me. They insisted it was not an issue. So Tony and Keith asked me to drive up with them to visit my adopted boys. I graciously accepted as I had never seen that part of the country, especially in the fall. Unfortunately, Keith and Tony could only stay for 4 nights since Keith had to be back to work the following Monday.

The road trip was very nice with the changing of seasons from all green to the most spectacular colors of fall. Rosie and Molly were great company for me during the long drive. We stayed overnight in GA and were up the next morning for a great breakfast then back on the road again. We arrived about 2:30 pm Monday at Orchard Hills Drive in Clarksville to Paul and Larry’s beautiful home. Larry had the outside decorated for fall and Halloween.

We were greeted by my two dear friends of whom I’ve missed dearly. Right then I thought 3 weeks would not be long enough! We were served by Paul our Chef for the day a wonderful meal. Our accommodations were”Five Star” . I had my own lovely room especially decorated for Ms. Honey, private bath complete with a crown over the commode. I knew then I would be treated like a Queen.  How true that was and this was just the beginning.

Tuesday morning, we were off to Nashville to sight see and enjoy the beautiful fall day. We had dinner at the Catfish House which was great. Wednesday was warm enough to sit on the beautiful deck overlooking the colorful woods in my bikini. Okay, so I forgot the bikini... Later in the day we toured Clarksville which is a lovely city and out to the property that Larry and Paul own out in Palmyra TN.

Thursday, it was off to Lambert’s Restaurant in Sikeston, Missouri. It was a great 3 hour ride and well worth the trip to this renowned Roll Tossing Epicurean delight. So much to see and eat. This place has been featured on the Travel channel and other TV shows as the countries pig-out place. It was an experience I won’t forget. We stopped at a place called Boom land on the way home and did a little tourist shopping.

Friday was cold, so much for the “bikini” weather. Dinner was at O’Charley’s and then off to an outdoor concert in historical downtown Clarksville. Lots going on here.  I started wearing layered clothing.

On Saturday, it was off for a beautiful ride to Lake Barkley in Kentucky. We went Antique Shopping in lovely little town of Cadiz, Kentucky the Ham town.  Then a great country buffet at the Lake Barkley Lodge with a window table overlooking the lake.

We made it back home for a respite then it was off to Tiny Town Bingo for a night of gaming. Larry was a winner brining home $250.    Sunday we stayed around Clarksville and the boys did their weekend shopping and took me to another great antique place called Aunt Lucille’s. Sunday reminded me of my weekends with the boys when they were in Florida. I called it schmoozing with my boys.

This was just the first week and I have two more to go.  More to come from your “Old Southern Belle” Ms. Honey.

 

 

Halloween, October 31, 2012

Halloween is absolutely the best holiday of the year. It is the favorite for many of us, as there is no stress, no overload, and no "Holiday Depression". It's just absolutely fun.

Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

I have celebrated over half a century of Halloweens with great joy since it is also my Birthday.  The best part of having a birthday on Halloween, as a kid, everyone had parties and it was like everyone celebrated my birthday.  Growing up in small town USA it was when we, kids got to enjoy all the home made candies and treats. Everyone’s family knew everyone else in small communities.

Ms. Hooks made the best Caramel Popcorn balls and you had to get to her house early to ensure you got one before she ran out.  Then it was off to hit all the other great cook’s in the small town for their homemade treats.   Today it is more commercial candy and we have gotten away from the fun of Halloween.  There are those that have made Halloween dangerous for kids and parents are not able to allow them to have the wholesome homemade products any longer due to these strange people.

Halloween should really be considered the kickoff holiday to the holiday season. We should embrace the holiday as the true end of summer and mid-autumn celebration.  It should be a time to rejoice for another productive year of harvest.  It should be a time to reflect on family, friends and life.

Halloween this year will be special for me not just because it is my birthday but I will get to spend it with family, adopted family, friends and a new home.  2013 is looking very promising.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Evaluate Your Life Day

This is a bit scary. It sounds just a little bit too serious for my liking. Well that is what Evaluate Your Life Day is all about and October 19^th is that day. And, what if I evaluate my life, and find out that I don't like it????

Well, for starters, you can then make positive changes.

Evaluate Your Life Day gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon our life, where it's been, and where it’s going. Come on be honest with yourself. Are things going well? What is bothering you? What do you need, or want, to change? How's your appearance? Are you gaining too much weight?

With a self-evaluation you can then make big changes to improve the quality of your life, as necessary. Or if things are going well, just tinker with small adjustments.

After doing my own self-evaluation, I am on the right path for myself physically. A few months ago, we started a weight watchers program to change our eating habits to a more healthy way of eating. We started an exercise program not to bulk up but simply get ourselves in better shape. After all we are not getting any younger and plan to be together for a very long time.

Okay, so the body is getting under control, what about the mind? I love reading and read approximately 2-4 books a month. Everything I have read states those that read books for enjoyment have fewer issues with dementia with aging. So okay brain seems to be okay.

I have a great professional life at this time. I have been fortunate to have had an interesting career with a great group of people. Although at times the job is stressful and the pressure from those higher up can seem so unappreciative and oppressive, I am blessed with a great boss that is very supportive. So check off Professional life as status quo, no major changes at this time.

I started an Internet business several years ago and the economy knocked us out of making any major achievement with our Gift Basket/Unique Gift venture. We reorganized and continue to struggle to make the right moves to make something of our company.  So there is always changes and education going on with this aspect of my life.

Moving on to my personal life self-evaluation, I have a loving caring family that support and believe in my abilities. I have a great relationship with my best friend. I have a new custom built home. I am living in the area of the country that is feels home to me. I am happy, content and could not ask for anything more.

Oh sure, winning the lottery, becoming financially secure would always be nice benefit for myself and family.  Until then, I will continue to make Evaluate Your Life Day to take a moment to see if there are any changes that I can do to ensure I am on the right path for myself, partner and family.

I believe that Evaluate Your Life Day is the beginning of a happier and healthier you! So why not take a moment and do your own self-evaluation.

Keep Dancing  LB

 

Cooking Tips That Can Work For Everyone

Paul and I started a diet and exercise program approximately 60 days ago. We have been doing a great job at changing our diet and eating healthier.  We cut back on the number of times we eat out and are doing more cooking at home with fresh produce.  It has been great getting back into researching new recipes and creating our own along the way. 

To date, we have lost 25 pounds each.  Along with the recipes, we have come across some helpful  tips along the way. So I thought I would put together a few articles focusing on cooking  that I think are good reminders if not new insight for others.

Whether you are teaching your children to cook or just looking for ways to maximize your own time in the kitchen, use these tips to help with meal preparation. Creating delicious and nutritious meals for yourself and your family can be easy and fun for everyone who is included in the cooking process.

When you are making homemade soups that contain meat, they tend to have a lot of fat that needs to be skimmed from the top. One quick solution to that problem is dropping in a couple of ice cubes. As the ice melts, the fat will stiffen around it and you will be able to remove it with ease.

You need to always season fish and meats as evenly as possible. Sprinkle seasoning like salt and pepper gingerly through the tips of your fingers as if they are snowflakes. This way, the grains don't get clumped together and the meats don't wind up without any seasoning in a few areas and too much in others.

To keep your burgers flat, indent the middle of the burger with your thumb, nearly leaving a hole, before frying or grilling the patties. As the meat draws up and shrinks while cooking, the indentation will close itself, leaving you with flat burgers instead of small patties with extra thick middles.

Slice garlic when you sauté it. Many people mince garlic. If you plan to sauté it in a pan, this might not be the best idea. When you sauté minced garlic it is likely to burn. If you cut the garlic into slices it cooks more thoroughly and without burning.

When sauteing ingredients in a fry pan ensure that you don't overcrowd the pan with too much food. Trying to cook too much at once will only lower the temperature of the pan and lead to steaming instead of browning. It is wiser to saute the ingredients in two separate batches, if necessary, and this will maintain the quality of cooking.

Leverage some or all of the tips in this article to help you prepare great meals for your family. Whether you are cooking a quick meal after a long day or a large meal for guests, use the tips provided in this article to best leverage your time and ingredients, in the kitchen. 

Keep Dancing  LB

Fall Activites in Clarksville, TN

As I stated in last week’s blog entry, this is one of my favorite times of the year. There is so much offered around town and the county that you can spend every chance you get out doors enjoying the cooler weather.

Paul and I spent a great evening Thursday of this week walking along the historical downtown Clarksville at the First Thursday Artwalk. This is where the local galleries stay open and show case local artist the first Thursday of the month. It was a beautiful fall evening here and the art was really fantastic. The picture is of  hand made wood roses we found last night.

This weekend we have our choice of either attending the Oktoberfest Saturday afternoon and evening or joining “Jazz on the Lawn” at the local Beachaven Winery.

We are constantly trying new adventures so when friends and family visit we can recommend different activities to make their visit memorable.

Later this month, we plan to attend Jammin’ in the Alley. We have a great little area called Strawberry Alley with Cafes, galleries and artsy shops. Every third Friday, they hold a great evening with local bands, dancing and the cafes open their doors and place tables outside for dining.

The drought and hot temperatures of the past summer are a fading memory but with the cooler evenings we are expected to see a great increase in fall colors earlier than normal. So we will be planning a drive out to ‘Land between the Lakes’ in the next few weeks to capture the great colors.  Land between the Lakes is exactly that the land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. These are two the world’s largest man-made lakes created by the TVA building dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.

Next on the agenda is to check out the local Theater productions, they are offering a great variety this year and the old Roxy Theater is just a historical landmark here in Clarksville it will be great spending time in such a grand old theater.

Well it is off to the ball park this evening, got to cheer our favorite “Dirt in the skirt” player-Christy and harass our favorite Umpire Richards.  It is church league night, we have to see how many leave their Jesus at home, and they tend to get very competitive on Friday nights.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Change of Seasons

It is that time of year the evenings are getting cool and the days are getting shorter. Football has started and homecomings are occurring. Summer softball has ended and the fall league has started. The deer stands are up and the archers have strung their bows.

This is the beginning of a wonderful time here in the Midwest. Pumpkins of all sizes and colors are piling up and everyone is rejuvenated after a long extremely hot summer.  The start of the decorating season coincides with hunting season. It is the time of fall festivals, craft shows and evening concerts. The crops are being harvested; the smoke houses are smokin and the kids are back in school.

I am already seeing homeowners preparing for the winter. It is the time for fertilizing yards, closing up pools, water sealing decks and pressure cleaning everything that does not move.  We have become part of that movement as well here at Orchard Hills.  We have planted bulbs for the spring thaw; water sealing the deck is next.  We have already fertilized the yard and put in more grass seed in the back yard.

Fall is the re-colorization of the earth, red, browns, yellows, oranges are popping up everywhere among the green.   It looks like this is going to be a beautiful season.  It won’t be long before the leaves start dropping and the winter gray will settle in its place.

The only drawback this year is all the political debris in the form of signs, billboards, and flyers that are making a mess of the otherwise beautiful landscape. If the politicians only would set aside a nice portion of their so called war chest for after election clean up.  Yeah I know like that would ever happen.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. It is great to be home.

Entertaining -Community service

During this week of Jewish Holidays, I was reminded of many years gone by when I entertained for the Jewish War Veterans Group led by the late Murray Broder. Murray was the owner of Broder's Wholesale Tobacco and Candy Store in Worcester Maine. We were a group of entertainers that went out once a week to nursing homes, veteran's homes, hospitals, military bases and orphanages. No one could ever say no to Murray. He was one of the most generous people, I ever knew.

For 15 years, I worked beside other great entertainers such as Nils Hagberg, Walter Fields, Carol Zannotti, The Gaslows, The Nadeau Sisters, Marion Rittaco, Steve Colombo, Andre, the Magician, Lilian Sedaris and Jerry Felicetti(my Dad), just to name a few of the many great talents that gave up their time to bring joy to others.

The audience's faces would light up at each show. Murray brought joy to all ethnic groups, including the Nazareth home for boys, St. Ann's Orphanage and others.  I even remember the nuns at these facilities having a great time at these shows as well. 

Many a Christmas day were devoted to doing 3 or 4 shows at several locations. Of course, Murray supplied the goodies to all and he showed his appreciation to the entertainers by treating us all at the Broadway Deli on Water Street.

It was so much fun and so many fond memories of those times, working with so many great talents and being able to bring joy and happiness to so many. Many that had served our country and it was our turn to give back to them. 

Till next time. Ms. Honey

I thank Ms. Honey for her contributions to my weekly blog. Her experiences and stories are always an inspiration to me.  I learn something new about my dear friend with each article.

Keep Dancing  LB

Home Ownership

Okay, Condo living only lasted a mere eleven months, before we found ourselves back in a house. The past week has been a whirlwind of unpacking, organizing, hanging, arranging, deliveries, purchases, planning, purchases, contractors, installers and did I mention purchases.

It was only eleven months but home ownership was totally wiped from my memory. Condo living we only had to worry about the inside of the condo and the small patio out back.  Now we are back looking at taking care of a house again.  Yes, I know we are in a new construction with an exterior that is basically maintenance free but I do have to plan on winterizing exterior plumbing and water sealing the deck.

Plus for the first time in over twenty years, we had to purchase a lawn mower and weed eater.  Yikes, I have to do more in the yard than take care of a flower bed and fish pond.  Presently, I have to purchase more grass seed to assist the back yard, ensure the sod in front and side yards are fertilized and purchase border brick for the front flower bed. Notice that word Purchase keeps popping up, well that is part of being home owners.

We are also having 2 man caves completed over the next few days then we can reclaim the garage for its true purpose of storing automobiles.  What a concept the last garage I had was a work room /store room and this one is even large enough for two vehicles, a motorcycle and still has room to spare.

The D Suite (Dad Suite) looks more like a fine Hotel Suite than a guest room. Coffee pot, 40 inch flat panel TV, pub style table and chairs, rocking chair with reading lamp, and once the wall hangings, plus dorm size frig are added it will be complete.

We have created what we are calling the E suite which is the main guest room, Antique furniture, King Size bed, Antique wall decorations and just waiting for the plantation shutters.  Guest will have a nice short stroll down the Cruise Memorial gallery to their large yet cozy bath.

Yes, moving from 1000 square feet condo to what will eventually be 2200 under environmental control has been a great adventure. It actually is great to be back in a house where we have room to spread out and even room to grow. 

It is great to be home owners again and look forward to many years of happiness here. I am hopefully that the purchases will subside once we have obtained all the necessary tools and items we need to complete the house.

Till later LB

Yahoo!

New Beginnings

Yahoo!

Nearly 11 months ago, Paul and I made the decision that it was best for us and family to relocate to Clarksville, TN. After much discussion and mental anguish, I approached my boss to request a transfer and was rewarded with the knowledge that she was not about to lose me to another State or office. So with the security of being employed remotely, we put the house on the market, thinking we might have to leave and deal with a long distance sale. Fortunately, that was not the case and the Florida house sold in two days.

So with a month to pack, deciding what went with us in our two vehicles and what would be placed in storage, our path was clear to make the final move to Tennessee. We had purchased the Little Condo on the Bluff a couple of years prior as our getaway location and now it would be our new home.

The Condo is a great little house, quiet and peaceful but the goal of moving to Tennessee was to eventually convince Dad it was time to retire and that we wanted him to live with us. Dad is the only surviving parent that my sister, Paul and I have and it is our goal to ensure he takes care of himself. So even though we loved living in the condo, it was not going to be our ultimate location.

After spending months roaming Montgomery County, we looked at multiple re-sells but no matter what we liked it was going to take thousands to make it suitable for ourselves. Our wonderful realtor passed on a link regarding a new subdivision approximately 3 miles from the condo. After touring the spec. homes in the community we found the perfect model. It had a Dad Suite and a bonus room that we could convert into 2 man caves. Plus starting from the ground up we could make all the modifications that we wanted from the start.

So after 5 months, we are now in the Orchard Hills house. We have spent the week moving, unpacking and purchasing to our bodies and credit card are totally exhausted. We are now awaiting the delivery of the Florida Storage and few items that we had to order to arrive. The Dad Suite is nearly complete and now the real work of convincing the Old Missouri Mule to think about retiring will begin in earnest.

Clarksville has become our new home town and we could not be happier. A new home, new neighborhood and starting Monday September 10^th; Larry B resurfaces with an International Line Dance class at the Clarksville Athletic Club. It is always stressful starting out on a new beginning but having family and support from friends it has been a great adventure. Granted it is one we do not plan to do again, Clarksville is the final stomping ground.

Till next time, LB.

Labor Day 2012

Depending on whether you count from the first Labor Day or from when it became a Federal Holiday. ThisLabor Day is the 130th or 118^th. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival would be held to amuse local workers and their families.

In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

It is largely a day of rest in modern times. Many people mark Labor Day as the end of the summer season and a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. This year I will be celebrating Labor Day by moving into our new home and helping my sister prepare to move into our condo. 

Seems like it was just a year ago that I was packing up our house in Florida and getting ready to move to Tennessee. Oh wait, it was a year ago.  It has been a great year and we have definitely established Clarksville as our home. So yes in one year we have sold a house in Florida, moved to our condo on the bluff and had a new house built.   

The funny thing is I wrote 2 years ago here in my blog about how the Condo on the Bluff was my place to get away to a slower pace of life.  I talked about how tired I was of the metropolitan area of South Florida and how when I was here I slowed down, became more productive and creative.

It is a slower pace of life here but this year has not been that slow paced for us. Perhaps once this move is complete we will be able to slow down and enjoy our new home and the surrounding area.

It feels like we are starting over just as it did a year ago.  This time I know it is the last time I am going to pack up totes.  Luckily instead of 18 hours of driving, it is only 5 minutes from door to door.

Till next time LB