Dackel Princess

Happy Birthday, Melodie

Today is my sister, Melodie’s Birthday. She’s always been a very important person in my life, as well as my dearest sister!

Melodie’s greatest joy is watching her twin grandsons, Nolan and Gabriel grow, as well as her much loved Grandchildren, Abby, Taft and Luke. And now she is awaiting the birth of her daughter, Jinny’s first baby, a girl, in September!

Many people will never realize just how loved they are by Melodie. When she is in your life, you have a devoted family member or friend, who will do anything, and expect nothing more than a smile in return. My sister is a real gem!

Happy Birthday, Melodie!!! from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

I wish for you a Happy Birthday, today, Mel and a wonderful year

TBT: The Fox Theater and Stan Kann

Stan Kann (December 9, 1924 – September 29, 2008) received national recognition in the 1960s when he was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show and daytime television talk shows, showcasing his collection of vacuum cleaners. Kann also was known among theatre organ aficionados for his 22-year tenure as resident organist at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missour

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Kann, a native of St. Louis, began playing the organ at age 4. He majored in classical organ at Washington University in St. Louis. In the late 40’s, he convinced the management of the Fox Theatre in St Louis to allow him to refurbish the 4-36 Fox Special Wurlitzer which had lain idle for twenty years and became official house organist in 1952. Kann served as the theater’s resident organist until 1974, four years before the Fox closed.

The theater was rebuilt and refurbished in 1981. And immediately upon reopening, Stan Kann returned.

When we attended an Army Reunion in September of 2008, it was arranged for us to tour the theater and to have Stan Kann play for us! He was amazing, and we all enjoyed the concert, his comical anecdotes and cheery smile.

Later that month, Stan Kann died from complications of open heart surgery. We were so blessed to have met him and heard his concert. He was amazing and looking back, what a priveledge!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Is your home air conditioned? If it’s not air conditioned, is that by choice? Did you grow up with air conditioning? If not how did you cope with the heat? Share about a time or place you remember as being too hot-the temperature kind of hot, lest anyone be confused.

Yes, my home is air conditioned. We really need it, as our house is out in the open, with very little shade. Since joining the menopausal set, I simply hate to be hot!

My one memory of being too hot occurred a few years ago. I was on my way home from Germany, when I had to transit Charles De Gaulle Airport. It was in early June, and the hottest day of the year there, with no air conditioning, and no ventilation!

As I walked from one gate to the next, the area seemed to sizzle and I felt so light headed, I thought I would faint! Then the thought hit me…I was alone, in a country where I did not speak the language, and so I had better just get over it and get to the gate. Resolutely, I walked, and as I passed a small stand, I purchased a large water, and proceeded to both drink it, and splash my face with it! And yes, I did survive! LOL

2. What’s something in your life right now that falls under the heading ‘up in the air’?

I go on Friday to see a hand surgeon. I have a tricky, trigger finger, that has reached the discomfort level, so I am considering surgery. We shall see.

3. Your favorite light and airy dessert?

Angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries!

4. When did you last feel like you were ‘floating on air’?

Been a while, but perhaps at Savannah’s Birthday party. Almost every time I spend time with Savannah I feel I am on Cloud 9 and thank my lucky stars that I am her Oma!

5. Airport, airmail, airtight, airhead…which have you most recently encountered? Explain.

Oh gosh, right this very second, Hubby was trying to speak to a Phamacist at the VA to ask a question about his medications and as Hubby had him on the speaker phone I was listening. Right in the middle of Hubby’s questions, the phone went dead! Airhead indeed!

6. Have you ever been to the Alps? If so where did you go? If not, is this a destination on your must-see list? If you were headed that direction this summer, which of the following would be your preferred activity…a gentle walk, a serious walk, a bike ride, a boat ride around one of the lakes, or summer snow skiing?

I have flown over the Alps, and also visited them. I have done all of the above. As well as shopped! My most favorite activity!!! We once took a trolly up to the top of the Üetliberg and then made the mistake of hiking down in heels! Yeah, the toes were all torn up as well as my pantyhose! I never made that mistake again!

7. What is one saying or phrase that was considered ‘cool’ when you were growing up?

Oh I don’t know. Using the word, “man” or “cool” or something along those lines.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Off to babysit this weekend! I can hardly wait!!!

Best Ever Baby Backs

As you all know, I love baby back ribs. In fact, we’re having them tonight. In the summer they are even more delightful, because they can be finished off with a nice charcoal grilling. So, I decided to reprint this recipe and clips so anyone who missed this before can have the recipe to use. It really is, the best recipe ever.

The night before (or at least 4 hours before you cook):

1. Thoroughly wash, rinse, and pat dry the ribs

2. Remove the membrane off the back of the ribs, if still on.
This is an important step as it allows the flavors to penetrate the ribs. Take a small knife, pierce it on the back (bone) side of the ribs and slowly lift up to pop a hole in the membrane and remove the entire membrane.

3. Rub the ribs thoroughly with the Dry Rub.
(I use my hands and thoroughly rub in the rub with my hands until completely coated)

4. Seal the ribs for marinating.
Following is the way that I prepare the ribs (if you feel uncomfortable using the plastic wrap, completely seal using heavy-duty aluminum foil).
– Wrap in the ribs in a high-quality plastic wrap (this may take two coats). This method produces the best ribs that will fall off the bones.
– Wrap again using heavy-duty aluminum foil, completely sealing in the ribs

5. Place the ribs in the refrigerator and allow to marinate overnight (at least 4 hours minimum)

6. Preheat oven to 300 degrees

7. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and place on a cookie sheet (preferably on top a wire rack) and place in the oven

8. Cook for 2 ½ hours (depending on the size of your ribs. This recipe is based on a full rack of ribs. The ribs should be very tender and ready to fall of the bones).

9. Remove and leave rest 15 minutes. Unwrap the ribs (watch the steam!) and allow to rest 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and cool

10. Prepare your grill for cooking

11. Place the ribs on the grill over high heat, let cook for 5 minutes, then turn the ribs over and cook for 5 minutes more.

12. Thoroughly brush the ribs with the Traditional Barbecue Sauce and flip the ribs. Coat the other side with sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Repeat this process twice.

13. Coat the top side one more time with sauce, remove, and Enjoy!

I did a video a couple of years ago on how I do them. So I will stick it in here so you can see.

Making the Ribs from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

Good Ribs from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

The Party

The weekend was a sort of crazy one. Although Saturday was easy and laid back, Sunday was crazy busy, and it was hot, hot, hot, while I attempted to get things done.

There was a wonderful party for my former mother in-law’s 90th birthday, which I attended, down in the big city (at least for New Hampshire) of Manchester. I saw so many of my former husbands family and that was so nice. These are people I spent a lot of my youth with, and after 30 years, it was wonderful to see them again! Here is one of dear Alice, the birthday girl!

Alice Bday

The cake not only looked good, but was delicious!

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Alice and her sister Georgette.

Savi, watching the events.

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Miss Savannah, enjoying the delicious cake.

The party was wonderful, and everything went as planned. I can hardly wait to see more pictures from the event!

As I said, it was brutally hot, and after the party, I still had to get dog food, and groceries for us. All of that meant I had to drive up a very busy rte. 93 home. Between Manchester and Meredith I saw 3 accidents. I have decided that there are far too many impatient drivers, who end up causing these accidents. I just stayed in line, carefully driving, and so far I have made it around New Hampshire this summer. But I have seen so many crazy drivers and I am not surprised at the number of accidents this year.

By the time I arrived home at Casa Dackel Princess, the heat had drained me of any energy I had. I was glad to have picked up a rotisserie checkn, and that is what Hubby and I had in the evening, for our meal. I also fell asleep instantly, after going to bed (in a nice air conditioned room), early!

Have a great week Everyone!!!

Saturday This & That

Saturday was one of those quiet days. We woke to dark, damp, rainy skies, that really never cleared all day. I took this to mean I should sit back a little and perhaps have a slow day.

Friday I did a ton of housework, which included floor and carpet washing, dusting, laundry and 3 meals! So today I just felt like doing nothing too important. And that is exactly what I did.

I did watch three movies I have seen before. We watched, “Under The Tuscan Sun”, “The Fault In Our Stars” and “About Time”. It’s good that way, because I was able to write, wrap a gift for tomorrows birthday party, and play Words With Friends. My newest passion, and yet still follow the movie.

But really, all of Saturday was sort of a loss, and that was just fine.

Tomorrow is the ninetieth birthday for my former mother in-law. This is a woman I have known and loved since I was 15 years old. I am so happy to be included in the party.

Seafood Lasagna

This is one of my family’s favorite recipes. My cousin makes a really good one. Probably better than mine, despite the fact we use the same recipe. We also will use lobster if they are cheap and easy to get.

628-Seafood-Lasagna

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 lb shrimp
1/2 lb crab
1/2 lb scallops
2 garlic clove, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 T butter
2 cups béchamel *
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dry white wine
1cup Swiss and Mozzarella cheese mix , shredded
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 lasagna sheets, cooked ‘al dente’
salt and white pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a saucepan, melt 1 T of the butter, sauté the garlic until transparent – do not brown or burn.
Add the shrimp, scallops and crab.
Toss over high heat for 1-2 minutes.
Add onions, stir and continue cooking till shrimp lose their transparency.

Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the béchamel.*

When béchamel is ready, stir in the cream, wine, and salt and pepper to taste, blend thoroughly and remove the sauce from the heat.
Spread about a third of the sauce over the bottom of an 8 x 10 or round pie pan.
Sprinkle 1/2 the cheese mixture over the sauce.
Scatter about half the shellfish evenly over the cheese.
Cover with half the lasagna sheets.
Repeat the layers finishing with the last sheets of lasagna.
Cover with the remaining sauce and Parmesan.

The layers, from the bottom:

Sauce
Cheese
Seafood
Lasagna
Sauce
Cheese
Seafood
Lasagna
Sauce
Parmesan

BAKE for 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown (keep and eye on it, you don’t want the top to burn).Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

*Bechamel Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk, heated**
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

** Use 1 cup milk for the sauce in the seafood lasagna because heavy cream and wine will thin the sauce. This will result in the sauce being thicker than usual, but that’s ok!

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don’t let it brown – about 2 minutes.
Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens.
Bring it to a boil.
Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Remove from the heat.
To cool this sauce for later use, cover it with wax paper or pour a film of milk over it to prevent a skin from forming.

Makes about 1 cup.

PS. I ALWAYS use more cheese than a recipe calls for. It’s always your call to use more or less…

Friday Five

Hubby and I have been working hard out in the garden. I am afraid that we will not be as prosperous this year. It makes me feel rather sad.
You see, I did not start my own plants this year. I bought all my plants, save the Butternut Squash. However, everything in the big garden, except the summer squash, are just not doing well.
I sat down with my notebook and began to plan next years garden. I will buy my own seeds early on, get good soil, and start my plants in March in the greenhouse in larger pots.
It is kind of funny, I have potted plants on the patio, and they are doing just great! Loads of tomotoes, eggplant, green peppers and my basil overflowith!

This year we will simply make daily runs to the local farm stand for fresh vegetables. It will be good for the local economy.

TBT: Baby Maribeth

Me, at about 10 months old. In the front yard of our house on Clipper Lane.

Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. What can you give away? Will you?

I have a bag of clothes and shoes to go to ST. Vincent DePaul. I donate things regularly there. They not only have a Thrift Store, but also clothe the homeless.

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so.

“Sometimes Chickens, Sometimes Feathers”. It’s sort of my outlook on life. Neither negative or overly optimistic. Just sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn’t (through no ones fault).

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle?

We do a big shopping about every two weeks. That requires us to drive 30 miles to a nicely priced store. To fill in, we go to the local super market a couple of times a week.

4. Is there a TV show you’re embarrassed to say you watch? You’re going to tell us what it is, right?

Not at all. The only show I am passionate about right now are the NYPD Blue reruns on the satelitte. Every night at 7:00 we sit down and watch the commercial free episodes. We are on Season 10 and by summers end, it will be over and we will have watched it from Episode 1, Season 1. What a great show that was.

I also love Blue Bloods. That is sort of my new favorite. Amazon Prime has it, so my plan is to start with Season 1 Episode 1 and watch up to the last episode of this year. Then I will be all caught up.

I guess I like these two shows because they are about good people, trying to make a diference.

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter-

that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused?

Irregardless, literally, and really, are the ones that kind of bug me. Mostly because they are not used correctly.

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It’s called ‘The Granny Hair’ trend. Your thoughts?

I am fighting tooth and nail to keep my sweet, young, pretty, youthful hair! Kind of crazy to actually dye your hair gray. All in good time!

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they’ve read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let’s try. What’s one of the most beautiful sentences you’ve ever read in a piece of literature?

It is from “A Fault in Our Stars“. Augustus Waters says to Hazel Grace Lancaster: “I am in love with you. And I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we’re all doomed. And that one day all our labor will be returned to dust. And I know that the sun will swallow the only earth we will ever have. And I am in love with you.”

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday, at lunchtime, I walked into my room while speaking with a friend on my cell phone. I looked in the mirror to check out my eye and there it was. A perfectly shaped STYE!

So, I read everything I could find on how to heal it. So I am showering twice a day, using a mild soap to wash the eye lash area (obviously with my eyes closed) and using drops. It is still incredibly uncomfortable, (like sand rubbing under my eyelid), but just knowing what it is, makes me feel a lot better!