Despite living on my own, I spend a fair amount of time cooking. I like the creativity, the choppng, the mixing. I like taking raw ingredients and making something hot and delicious I can savor. Something simple, like pasta and sauteed veggies and a salad. Yum. Most of the time, my culinary creativity is a success. I'm not a foodie, but I enjoy good food prepared simply and well. Sometimes, however, my efforts hit rock bottom and I am left with a total mess or something inedible. On Saturday, February 25, my efforts were in the inedible category.
I had purchased two chickens, BOGO, at Giant Eagle, my local grocer, and roasted both of them. Easy enough. I took the meat off the bones, froze most of it, and then made gravy. My dinner menu called for biscuits, gravy, and some of that good chicken. Mmmm. Problem is, I can't find a good biscuit recipe, so on this particular Saturday I gave up my search and used a mix. Big mistake. HUGE. The biscuits were tasteless rounds of awfulness. No more biscuit mix!
On Sunday after church, I took those failed biscuits to the dock to feed the gulls. I know I should not feed the birds people food, but it is fun to do once in a while. I parked near Smuggler's restaurant. I could see a flock of 50 or so gulls resting at the water's edge, so I grabbed my bag of biscuits and headed for the pier.
The birds saw me (and the bag) approach, and en masse walked over to greet me. It was the strangest thing; they actually walked over to me. Evidently I am not the only one to feed the birds! The gulls and I walked to the water's edge, to be out of the way of traffic, and the birds began to put up a fuss. Feed me! they seemed to say, so for the next several minutes I tossed crumbs to them as they crowded about me. The gulls were so close I could have reached down to pick them up.
When I was done, I folded the bag, said to the flock "That's it. There isn't any more," and began to walk away. The gulls must have thought I was lying or perhaps needed an escort, because the flock walked me to my car. One even perched on my car hood and waited for me. "Shoo," I told him before I had reason to wash the car, "shoo!" The rest of the flock stared at me in silent reproach. But I drove away without a backwards glance. I will not be made to feel guilty by a flock of gulls.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Dog Show
What: Erie Kennel Club Dog Show
When: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Where: Bayfront Convention Center
Cost: $5
What fun! Dogs everywhere!
Last Sunday I went to the Erie Kennel Club Dog Show on my way to church. What a great way to start the week--the convention center was filled with dogs of almost every kind imaginable. Small, big, tall, fluffy, hairless, wire haired, short haired, energetic, yappy, basso profundo barking dogs. The show had a great canine ensemble strutting their stuff, and all groomed to perfection.
I am by no means an expert on dog breeds, but below is the list of breeds I think I saw. It would be hard to write down all the breeds; there were so many, and at times I had to watch where I stepped as the dogs and their handlers were crowded as they waited to go in the ring. This is my list:
German shepherd
Standard poodle
Beagle
Dalmatian
Doberman
Miniature dachshund
Standard dachshund
Long haired dachshund
Golden retriever
Airedale
Mastiff
Irish wolfhound
Sheltie
Weimaraner
Several terriers I could not identify
Whippet
Greyhound
Chinese crested
German short haired pointer
Schipperke
Welsh corgi
Whew! That's a lot of dogs!
It was interesting to watch dog behavior. I found a Dalmatian in a crate who watched everything with a keen alertness. Not far from the Dalmatian was a Doberman who frantically scratched at his crate pad and barked and growled if another dog got too close. Another Doberman was also crated, and he guarded his handler's handbag.
It was also interesting to observe the dogs as they were being groomed. Some were clearly bored, but the poodles loved to be groomed. One poodle was nearly asleep as his handler combed through his coat.
The saddest was a dog who stood next to his owner, with his tail between his legs and his eyes filled with remorse. The expression on that dog's face was haunting. A dog's expression should reflect his energy, happiness and intelligence. This dog's expression did not.
The dog show was fun, and I will definitely go again. This would be a good family outing.
When: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Where: Bayfront Convention Center
Cost: $5
What fun! Dogs everywhere!
Last Sunday I went to the Erie Kennel Club Dog Show on my way to church. What a great way to start the week--the convention center was filled with dogs of almost every kind imaginable. Small, big, tall, fluffy, hairless, wire haired, short haired, energetic, yappy, basso profundo barking dogs. The show had a great canine ensemble strutting their stuff, and all groomed to perfection.
I am by no means an expert on dog breeds, but below is the list of breeds I think I saw. It would be hard to write down all the breeds; there were so many, and at times I had to watch where I stepped as the dogs and their handlers were crowded as they waited to go in the ring. This is my list:
German shepherd
Standard poodle
Beagle
Dalmatian
Doberman
Miniature dachshund
Standard dachshund
Long haired dachshund
Golden retriever
Airedale
Mastiff
Irish wolfhound
Sheltie
Weimaraner
Several terriers I could not identify
Whippet
Greyhound
Chinese crested
German short haired pointer
Schipperke
Welsh corgi
Whew! That's a lot of dogs!
It was interesting to watch dog behavior. I found a Dalmatian in a crate who watched everything with a keen alertness. Not far from the Dalmatian was a Doberman who frantically scratched at his crate pad and barked and growled if another dog got too close. Another Doberman was also crated, and he guarded his handler's handbag.
It was also interesting to observe the dogs as they were being groomed. Some were clearly bored, but the poodles loved to be groomed. One poodle was nearly asleep as his handler combed through his coat.
The saddest was a dog who stood next to his owner, with his tail between his legs and his eyes filled with remorse. The expression on that dog's face was haunting. A dog's expression should reflect his energy, happiness and intelligence. This dog's expression did not.
The dog show was fun, and I will definitely go again. This would be a good family outing.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Lake Effect Lace, Erie Art Museum
Lake Effect Lace Gallery Talk with Carol Posch Comstock
January 20, 2012
Erie Art Museum
411 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
Many years ago when I was an undergraduate student at Villa Maria College, I took a photography class taught by Carol Posch Comstock. I was pleased to see she was giving a presentation on her latest photographic interest at the Erie Art Museum. Carol is developing expertise in photographing snowflakes and because I knew she would bring passion and devotion to her work, I was interested in hearing her speak.
Carol became interested in photographing snowflakes through her interests in nature and geometric patterns. Before hearing her speak, I had never thought of snowflakes as geometrically shaped, but she is right. How could I have missed that?
Carol explained the process used in working with these tiny creations. It involves connecting a camera to a microscope lens and carefully placing a snowflake on a slide. This is a painstaking process that involves the proper lighting and temperature conditions--snowflakes melt quickly. I was surprised to learn atmospheric conditions affect the detail on the flakes. Carol said an outside temperature in the single digits will produce a more sharply defined flake than temperatures in the 20's.
Carol's photographs were breathtaking. The snowflakes are so intricate, so delicate, and so temporary. There is a world of beauty to be found under Carol's microscope, a world that well melt before us. I was entranced by Carol's work.
If you would like to see examples of her work, she has a show at the Erie Art Museum through February 25, 2012. You can also check her website at www.goodsofthespirit.com.
January 20, 2012
Erie Art Museum
411 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
Many years ago when I was an undergraduate student at Villa Maria College, I took a photography class taught by Carol Posch Comstock. I was pleased to see she was giving a presentation on her latest photographic interest at the Erie Art Museum. Carol is developing expertise in photographing snowflakes and because I knew she would bring passion and devotion to her work, I was interested in hearing her speak.
Carol became interested in photographing snowflakes through her interests in nature and geometric patterns. Before hearing her speak, I had never thought of snowflakes as geometrically shaped, but she is right. How could I have missed that?
Carol explained the process used in working with these tiny creations. It involves connecting a camera to a microscope lens and carefully placing a snowflake on a slide. This is a painstaking process that involves the proper lighting and temperature conditions--snowflakes melt quickly. I was surprised to learn atmospheric conditions affect the detail on the flakes. Carol said an outside temperature in the single digits will produce a more sharply defined flake than temperatures in the 20's.
Carol's photographs were breathtaking. The snowflakes are so intricate, so delicate, and so temporary. There is a world of beauty to be found under Carol's microscope, a world that well melt before us. I was entranced by Carol's work.
If you would like to see examples of her work, she has a show at the Erie Art Museum through February 25, 2012. You can also check her website at www.goodsofthespirit.com.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Help
Welcome back to my blog! During the past several months, I have had health issues which have kept me close to home. I am afraid the blog has been left to rest as I recuperated. As the new year starts, it seems appropriate to begin again.
About a week ago, my friend Kim and I went to the dollar theater to see the film, The Help. The story takes place in Jackson, MS, in 1963, and shows life from the perspective of "the help," the African-American women who worked as maids.
I'm not sure how to feel about the film. I've seen it twice, something I do not ordinarily do. The first time I saw the film, I enjoyed it and found it thought provoking and entertaining. When my friend Kim suggested we see it together, I thought I would have much the same reaction as I did the first time. I didn't.
The second time around, the shallowness and hypocrisy of the society women were much more apparent. Behavior and values were appalling. I suppose it could be argued many of the characters were stereotypes, but they were more a turn-off than entertaining.
My reaction to the maids was opposite to how I felt about the society women. I wanted to see the maids as my friends. They were the most interesting characters in the film, and the story would have been more dynamic if more attention had been given them.
Kim's reaction to the The Help was different than mine. Kim thought it a very well done story with a good message about discrimination. I thought Kim made a very good point when she said the characters were developed to play off each other well. She said she would want her children to see the film, and I agree with that. It is interesting that two people can see the same film in so many different ways!
About a week ago, my friend Kim and I went to the dollar theater to see the film, The Help. The story takes place in Jackson, MS, in 1963, and shows life from the perspective of "the help," the African-American women who worked as maids.
I'm not sure how to feel about the film. I've seen it twice, something I do not ordinarily do. The first time I saw the film, I enjoyed it and found it thought provoking and entertaining. When my friend Kim suggested we see it together, I thought I would have much the same reaction as I did the first time. I didn't.
The second time around, the shallowness and hypocrisy of the society women were much more apparent. Behavior and values were appalling. I suppose it could be argued many of the characters were stereotypes, but they were more a turn-off than entertaining.
My reaction to the maids was opposite to how I felt about the society women. I wanted to see the maids as my friends. They were the most interesting characters in the film, and the story would have been more dynamic if more attention had been given them.
Kim's reaction to the The Help was different than mine. Kim thought it a very well done story with a good message about discrimination. I thought Kim made a very good point when she said the characters were developed to play off each other well. She said she would want her children to see the film, and I agree with that. It is interesting that two people can see the same film in so many different ways!
Monday, April 25, 2011
What: Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation Lecture
When: Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Where: Regency at South Shore
Cost: Free
Cancer. It is a disease that touches every one's life. It respects no one, from the lowliest to the leaders of the world. Medical science has found ways to treat the disease, but it seems the treatment is often as bad as the disease. What if we could develop a way to treat cancer that had no side effects? A treatment that didn't make you sick or destroy your body as it destroys the cancer?
Well, maybe we can.
On Wednesday, April 20, I went to a lecture at the Regency at South Shore highlighting the work of the John Kanzius Foundation. John Kanzius was the mastermind behind the idea that radio waves can be used to destroy cancer cells. As crazy as that sounds, researchers at M.D. Anderson in Houston and at the University of Pittsburgh have been able to kill human pancreatic cancer cells in mice using radio waves. And the mice seem to experience no ill effects from the treatment. How cool is this?
I spoke with Mark Neidig, executive director of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation after the lecture. We spoke of the progress being made in Houston and Pittsburgh, and Neidig's face lit up as he spoke with passion of the articles published, and the need for more funding. I asked him what other applications the radio waves could have besides curing cancer. He told me research is presently focused on cancer, but it would be possible for other illnesses to be treated this way, too.
Then why isn't more being done? I asked. Why don't more people get behind this? Neidig explained many people don't know about radio wave treatment, and because of the time involved in research, it is hard to keep the public interested. I am happy to share this information through my blog, and to refer you to www.KanziusCancerResearch.org. You will find information there on the latest research and articles published showing the results of this treatment, and information on how you can donate. You can also try www.repeatthewave.com. The potential for this is huge. Let's all get behind this and make it a reality.
On Thursday, April 28, 2011, there will be a rally in Perry Square at 4:00. Dr. Steven Curly, of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, will be there to give us current information on the research efforts. I plan to be there, rain or shine, with my portable chair. Please join me in learning more and supporting this worth while cause.
When: Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Where: Regency at South Shore
Cost: Free
Cancer. It is a disease that touches every one's life. It respects no one, from the lowliest to the leaders of the world. Medical science has found ways to treat the disease, but it seems the treatment is often as bad as the disease. What if we could develop a way to treat cancer that had no side effects? A treatment that didn't make you sick or destroy your body as it destroys the cancer?
Well, maybe we can.
On Wednesday, April 20, I went to a lecture at the Regency at South Shore highlighting the work of the John Kanzius Foundation. John Kanzius was the mastermind behind the idea that radio waves can be used to destroy cancer cells. As crazy as that sounds, researchers at M.D. Anderson in Houston and at the University of Pittsburgh have been able to kill human pancreatic cancer cells in mice using radio waves. And the mice seem to experience no ill effects from the treatment. How cool is this?
I spoke with Mark Neidig, executive director of the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation after the lecture. We spoke of the progress being made in Houston and Pittsburgh, and Neidig's face lit up as he spoke with passion of the articles published, and the need for more funding. I asked him what other applications the radio waves could have besides curing cancer. He told me research is presently focused on cancer, but it would be possible for other illnesses to be treated this way, too.
Then why isn't more being done? I asked. Why don't more people get behind this? Neidig explained many people don't know about radio wave treatment, and because of the time involved in research, it is hard to keep the public interested. I am happy to share this information through my blog, and to refer you to www.KanziusCancerResearch.org. You will find information there on the latest research and articles published showing the results of this treatment, and information on how you can donate. You can also try www.repeatthewave.com. The potential for this is huge. Let's all get behind this and make it a reality.
On Thursday, April 28, 2011, there will be a rally in Perry Square at 4:00. Dr. Steven Curly, of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, will be there to give us current information on the research efforts. I plan to be there, rain or shine, with my portable chair. Please join me in learning more and supporting this worth while cause.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Oh,what a night! The Navy comes to Edinboro
What: The United States Navy Band Sea Chanters
When: April 4, 2011
Where: Edinboro University Cole Auditorium
Cost: Free
What a fun concert this was! On Monday, April 4, the Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus performed at Edinboro University. Their performance and professionalism was impressive and made for a great evening.
The Sea Chanters Chorus is the official chorus of the Navy. This was a surprise to me; I had no idea the Navy had a chorus. This mixed chorus of 22 voices was started in 1956 and performs many different kinds of music. The 2011 national tour includes 19 performances in 9 states; after Edinboro, the tour concludes in York.
The evening's performance included traditional numbers the Drunken Sailor and Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, and a beautiful arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The second half of the program included more modern numbers, such as Java Jive and Coffee in a Cardboard Cup, a personal favorite. A young co-ed sitting in front of me was bouncing in her seat to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and I sang along to the Frankie Valli medley. In fact, I sang along to the rest of the program which included songs of the 60's, 70's, and 80's.
I am sure one reason for the group's existence is to be a recruiting tool. I cannot imagine how a young adult, thinking of the direction life should take, would not be impressed by this group. They were poised and confident, articulate and professional. If the Navy brought them to this level, it did an outstanding job.
There was a recruiting table in the lobby, and I took several of the brochures. I know almost nothing about the armed services, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I saw wowed me. I learned about EOD (explosive ordinance disposal), Aviation Rescue Swimmers, SEAL, and the Reserves. What I read in the brochures was re-enforced by what I saw in the performance: pride, professionalism, and a job well done.
Incidentally, I found the navy's physical requirements for the programs listed above, all to be completed within the time listed: swim 500 yards in under 14 minutes with a 10 minute break; do 42 push-ups in 2 minutes with a 2 minute break; perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes with a 2 minute break, perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups, no time limit, with a ten minute rest; and run 1.5 miles in under 12 minutes and 45 seconds. Whew! Go, Navy!
When: April 4, 2011
Where: Edinboro University Cole Auditorium
Cost: Free
What a fun concert this was! On Monday, April 4, the Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus performed at Edinboro University. Their performance and professionalism was impressive and made for a great evening.
The Sea Chanters Chorus is the official chorus of the Navy. This was a surprise to me; I had no idea the Navy had a chorus. This mixed chorus of 22 voices was started in 1956 and performs many different kinds of music. The 2011 national tour includes 19 performances in 9 states; after Edinboro, the tour concludes in York.
The evening's performance included traditional numbers the Drunken Sailor and Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, and a beautiful arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The second half of the program included more modern numbers, such as Java Jive and Coffee in a Cardboard Cup, a personal favorite. A young co-ed sitting in front of me was bouncing in her seat to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and I sang along to the Frankie Valli medley. In fact, I sang along to the rest of the program which included songs of the 60's, 70's, and 80's.
I am sure one reason for the group's existence is to be a recruiting tool. I cannot imagine how a young adult, thinking of the direction life should take, would not be impressed by this group. They were poised and confident, articulate and professional. If the Navy brought them to this level, it did an outstanding job.
There was a recruiting table in the lobby, and I took several of the brochures. I know almost nothing about the armed services, so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I saw wowed me. I learned about EOD (explosive ordinance disposal), Aviation Rescue Swimmers, SEAL, and the Reserves. What I read in the brochures was re-enforced by what I saw in the performance: pride, professionalism, and a job well done.
Incidentally, I found the navy's physical requirements for the programs listed above, all to be completed within the time listed: swim 500 yards in under 14 minutes with a 10 minute break; do 42 push-ups in 2 minutes with a 2 minute break; perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes with a 2 minute break, perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups, no time limit, with a ten minute rest; and run 1.5 miles in under 12 minutes and 45 seconds. Whew! Go, Navy!
Friday, April 1, 2011
What: Rango
Where: Tinseltown
Cost: $6.00 admission plus $3.25 for a small Coke
Snow greeted me this morning as I walked out to my car: heavy, wet flakes that covered my windshield but couldn't muster the strength to stay on the pavement. The skies were overcast, but there was a promise of brightness as if the sun was patiently waiting...waiting...waiting for spring.
I, too, am waiting for spring but perhaps not so patiently. Since mid-February I have had this year's version of the cold that won't go away, a lingering and feverish feeling with hacking cough. I heard this morning it is lasting for most people two months, so I am right on time as my cough is disappearing. About time. I am able to be out but do nothing strenuous, so on Monday I went to Tinseltown for a matinee performance of Rango. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Rango is perhaps the most amusing and creative animation I have seen in a while. I laughed myself silly at the visual and verbal jokes--you have to pay attention in this film or you can miss the humor. It is the story of a lizard in search of himself who stumbles upon the town called Dirt in the Mohave desert. Dirt has a severe water shortage, and I don't think I am giving away the plot to say Rango the lizard finds both water and himself by film's end. The art is...well, the style of art is different. It took me a few minutes to get used to seeing stylized lizards, snakes and other wildlife, but once I did I it did not distract me from the story.
I throughly enjoyed the film, but I don't think children would. The humor can be subtle so I think it would appeal more to an older audience, but I am sure there are children who have seen it and enjoyed it.
And now a message about Pulakos. Those of you in southwest Erie with a chocolate addiction will be disappointed to learn Pulakos at 26th and Elmwood is closing. I was saddened to learn of this. Stopping at Pulakos while on the west side has become a habit. I especially enjoyed stopping for ice cream or sherbet on a hot summer's afternoon at the east window. It is hard to find an establishment which serves orange sherbet as Pulakos does, and now it looks as if I will have to find some place else. I know of only one other place to get orange sherbet, and I don't enjoy it as much as what I found at Pulakos. I will keep looking!
Where: Tinseltown
Cost: $6.00 admission plus $3.25 for a small Coke
Snow greeted me this morning as I walked out to my car: heavy, wet flakes that covered my windshield but couldn't muster the strength to stay on the pavement. The skies were overcast, but there was a promise of brightness as if the sun was patiently waiting...waiting...waiting for spring.
I, too, am waiting for spring but perhaps not so patiently. Since mid-February I have had this year's version of the cold that won't go away, a lingering and feverish feeling with hacking cough. I heard this morning it is lasting for most people two months, so I am right on time as my cough is disappearing. About time. I am able to be out but do nothing strenuous, so on Monday I went to Tinseltown for a matinee performance of Rango. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Rango is perhaps the most amusing and creative animation I have seen in a while. I laughed myself silly at the visual and verbal jokes--you have to pay attention in this film or you can miss the humor. It is the story of a lizard in search of himself who stumbles upon the town called Dirt in the Mohave desert. Dirt has a severe water shortage, and I don't think I am giving away the plot to say Rango the lizard finds both water and himself by film's end. The art is...well, the style of art is different. It took me a few minutes to get used to seeing stylized lizards, snakes and other wildlife, but once I did I it did not distract me from the story.
I throughly enjoyed the film, but I don't think children would. The humor can be subtle so I think it would appeal more to an older audience, but I am sure there are children who have seen it and enjoyed it.
And now a message about Pulakos. Those of you in southwest Erie with a chocolate addiction will be disappointed to learn Pulakos at 26th and Elmwood is closing. I was saddened to learn of this. Stopping at Pulakos while on the west side has become a habit. I especially enjoyed stopping for ice cream or sherbet on a hot summer's afternoon at the east window. It is hard to find an establishment which serves orange sherbet as Pulakos does, and now it looks as if I will have to find some place else. I know of only one other place to get orange sherbet, and I don't enjoy it as much as what I found at Pulakos. I will keep looking!
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