Happy Birthday, Mom!

Hope you have a wonderful last day of school! Can't wait to see you this weekend!

Cookie Monster

During my break on Wednesday, I was eating lunch with a few other pharmacists, and we started talking about food. Now, for those of you that know me, you know I'm not much of a foodie. So when Linda asked me if I liked to cook, I said, "Well, yes, but I'm not that good... *But,* I loooove to bake!"

I have wonderful memories of spending time with my mom (and sometimes with my grandmothers) baking treats. Cookies, cakes, breads- you name it, I love to make (and eat) it. After talking about baking on Wednesday, I realized that I hadn't made anything in quite some time, and I decided I was due to make a batch of cookies. Flipping through my mental cookbook, the perfect recipe hit me- my mom's zuccini raisin cookies. Now I know these sound a little weird, but they are absolutely fabulous!

When I got home after work and running some errands, I looked into my refrigerator to make sure I had all of the ingredients. Unfortunatley, my zuccini that I had bought earlier this week didn't look so hot. I needed to go to the store to pick up some more, but I also wanted to make sure I had time to work out. So, what do you think I did? Just what anyone else would do-- I ran to the grocery store (and walked back) to buy a vegetable to make cookies. Seems a little counterintuitive, but it made sense at the time.

Here's the recipe....

Zuccini Raisin Cookies

-3/4 cup shortening
-1 1/2 cups white sugar
-1 egg
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 1/2 cups grated zuccini
-2 1/2 cups flour
-2 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 cup raisins
-small amount powdered sugar

Cream the shortening and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in the zuccini. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add to zuccini mixture. Stir in raisins. Bake at 350 degrees on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I recommend that you use a finer grater for the zuccini- it helps to give the cookies a better texture.

Speaking of baking, here are some pictures of my first days in the kitchen....

Cutting out sugar cookies. Would you believe that I still own (and still wear) the shirt I have on in this picture?

I just adored my play kitchen and my fake foods. I never had an Easy-Bake oven, but I didn't need one.

I think that hat is bigger than my head. My second favorite part of this picture is the bowl- my parents recieved it as a wedding present and still have it today.

Another one of my favorite baked good as a kid was lemon cake with lemon frosting. My Mom used to make it for Ryan's birthday every year. At some point, I decided that I liked the cake, too, so now I've had it for my last several birthdays. No secret recipe here--you'll have to call Duncan Hines for that one.

Megan and Ben's Wedding Weekend

Sorry to have been such a stranger lately- I've been a busy bee! I have been picking up extra shifts in the stores during the week nights and on the weekends, plus volunteering at the free clinic in Providence. I can't believe that I only have a little more than 4 weeks left!

Last weekend I flew back to Indy for Megan and Ben's wedding. Well, I guess I also flew back to see Nick, considering I hadn't seen him since mid-March. He just returned from his rotation in China. He had an amazing time with lots of cultural adventures, but I think he was ready to come back to the States.

Friday night, Nick picked me up from the airport, and we went straight to the Rathskeller. There was an unofficial get-together after the official rehersal dinner for the wedding. The weather was perfect for a night at the outdoor biergarten.

Aakash and Lana

If you couldn't guess, David is not camera shy.

I hate my hair in this one (ugh- I need a haircut! Plus, after being awake for more 16 hours, my hair tends to lose its style), but I thought it was a good one of Nick.

Plus, I owe Nick a fashion apology. When he got back from his trip, he was describing some of the things he bought to me over the phone. After describing what was this shirt, I said that I wouldn't like it (I know, I hadn't even seen it yet). I was imagining a ringer tee, which aren't flattering on most people. However, he proved me wrong- I think he looks handsome.

On Saturday morning, we woke up at 6:30 AM for a big breakfast and golf. Nick and 3 of his friends had a 7:50 AM tee time, so they wanted to make sure I was up, moving, and ready to go by 7:25 (who, me, not a morning person? Never! I'm actually getting a lot better, if you can believe that!) The golf course let me tag along with them for free and even gave me a six iron to borrow for the course. (I would have used Nick's clubs, but they are for lefties.) I think I surprised Nick's friends when they found out I could actually hit the ball. I mean, it was nothing to write home about (even though that's kind of what I'm doing now), but it looked pretty good for someone who hadn't picked up a club in more than a year.

Make way for ducklings! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard lead their ducklings (is this what I am supposed to call them?) to water.

Assessing the green situation. I grew up watching golf tournaments on t.v. with my Dad, and looking at the slope has always seemed to me like it takes *forever* for golfers to do.

Doesn't this water station remind you of Snoopy's dog house?

Pretty close if you ask me!

After walking nine holes, I decided that I needed a little R and R for myself. Not really knowing where I was going, I took off to find a place to get a manicure and pedicure. I was in luck- there was one that was less than a mile down the street in a Kroger plaza (when in doubt, strip malls, especially those with grocery stores, are great places to look).

Later than afternoon, we went to Ben and Megan's ceremony at the Methodist church at 38th and Meridian (NW corner). I had never been in there before, but the sanctuary was "fancier" than I thought it would be- stained glasses windows went around 3/4 of the room near the top. I meant to take some pictures before and/or during the ceremony, but someone with a giant head (a bird ran into my giant, freak head!!!) ended up sitting in front of me. Not only that, i was sitting in the very middle of the pew, in the middle of the section, which didn't help my situation.

But don't fear! I took lots of pictures at the reception, which took place at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. This was the first wedding I had been to there (I've been to a concert and a dance there), and I was impressed with their level of service. The room is very unique- lots of architectural detail (Click here for my post on IRB from earlier this year.) The food was pretty basic and didn't stand out too much, but I'm not much of a foodie and definitely should not be the judge of food.

Nick and Lee after the ceremony in their new suits. Someone said that Nick looked like a Secret Service agent when he was wearing his sunglasses (but that's not necesssarily a bad thing!).

Allie and I during the cocktail hour- she graduated this year but will still be in Indy next year when I move back- yah!

The boys are back in town! (from left to right)- Mike, Nick, David, Aakash. Mike is moving to Wisconsin (Madison) to start his residency, and David moved back to NYC on Monday for his residency. Both Nick and Aakash will still be at IU this next year.

I don't care what Nick says, I will miss you, David!

Roommates for 2 years, friends for life (cheesey, I know)

Lana and Mike on the dance floor. I love the way her dress looks in this picture- I think they look like models for Express.

I couldn't decide which picture of Nick and I was my favorite, so I'll let you be the judge. Nick and I have differences in opinion on the best photo (I don't like when my smile gets too "gummy," he doesn't like it when his chin is tucked in). Which one is your pick?

Photo #1 (My hair is in the way a little)

Photo #2 (This one is great because this is Nick's real smile- his smile is like a rare type of jungle cat. It might be there, but you can't always catch it on film. I'm not a fan of the left half because I think my smile is too "gummy.")

Photo #3 (I made a total rookie mistake- never put your arms against your body. As you can see, it only makes them look bigger.)

Photo #4 (Nick's head is tilted back)

Which picture is your favorite???

Kisses and Castles

While searching for my new craft objects of desire (dresden trim and paper cut-outs), I somehow discovered a store called "Castle in the Air." It is a small, family-owned business in California that carries specialty craft items, not your run-of-the-mill Michael's or Jo-Ann's. (Not that I don't love those stores, but sometimes you have to step out of the box to find new ideas.) They carry dresden trim, German glass glitter, sheet paper (gorgeous Italian marble and other fine prints), calligraphy supplies (my next big adventure), and some miscellaneous items.

I've never considered myself a romantic. In fact, one day I was hanging out with Chelsea, and I don't remember how the subject came up, but for one reason or another I denied being a romantic. I can't recite her words verbatim, but it was something like, "You have got to be kidding me!" I think I mainly denied being a romantic because of fashion magazines.... you know, they have four different types of styles, such as classic, modern, romantic, and bohemian. If I have to place myself in one of those categories fashion-wise, it definitely isn't romantic (although I do love to get dressed up). But outside of clothing styles and perfumes (not a huge floral person), I'd guess I fall into the romantic category because I love love.

Anyways, while looking through their holiday section, I fell in love with a few Valentine's Day pieces. The two books shown below are reprints of short paperback books published in the early 1900's. I'm not sure what I will do with them yet, but a time will come when they are just what I need. I have turned old books into scrapbooks before, which can be just lovely. These books are substantial enough for a scrapbook, but they could definitely be part of one.

I love the subtitle, "How to Win a Lover." The book is filled with relationship rules, but it also has a section that details the meanings of flowers.

I can't wait to read this section, which includes "lovers' quarrels," "love-letter writing," and "women men dislike."

"The Book of the Kiss" is filled with quotes and short stories.

I also bought this screen printed card. I think alphabet cards and posters (especially in children's bedrooms or playrooms) are charming... Growing up, my brother had one that was hand-embroidered. I have a full set of alphabet cards from Martha Stewart crafts hopefully I'll put to use someday.

Below are pictures of the new tablecloth I bought last weekend....

A bouquet in a corner of the piece

A close-up of the cake and present

The middle of the tablecloth has several repeating phrases, including "good luck," "happiness," "congratulations," and "best wishes."

This is 1/4 of the tablecloth. I haven't measured it yet, but it should fit on a medium size square table.

I think I'll be helping my Mom make some wedding invitations when I go home for Memorial Day, and I will be sure to take pictures to share with you- she is so talented! Hope everyone is having a great week. Cheers!

Someone's Trash Is My Treasure

Another busy weekend in Rhode Island.... I picked up extra shifts in stores on Friday and Sunday to make some extra money (moving trucks are expensive!!). I am definitely going to have to get used to standing on my feet for long periods of time again... my legs were aching when I woke up this morning.

After breakfast on Saturday, I packed a backpack with a reusable bag, a poncho, a water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and cash. No, I wasn't going hiking, but you're not that far off. I drove to Massachusetts for the Brimfield Antique Show. The Brimfield Antique Show is the largest antique show in the United States. Along with some of my other adventures, it is also in my "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" and "10 Best of Everything" books. Instead of re-creating the wheel, here' s a short synopsis of what the show is all about:

The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950's and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country. Running along Rt. 20 for a distance of perhaps a half-mile and perhaps 500' or more, back on each side of the highway, the Brimfield Show is a huge, vast undertaking, filled with thousands of dealers dealers over the course of the week, selling everything from the finest antiques to 'yard junk', requiring a day or two to see everything there is to see. Food courts and rest facilities abound, and the Shows are filled with hidden treasures and the 'right kind of people', creating a safe and fun environment for everyone, children included. Shows are patrolled by uniformed and undercover police, and rarely is there any trouble of any kind.

Brimfield is a quaint, picturesque rural New England town, home to 3,000 residents. Founded in 1731, (the year before George Washington was born), the town's 35 square miles are surrounded by apple orchards, horse farms, and wooded hills in an area known as the Pioneer Valley, and Foothills of the Berkshires.
During show-times, the town's population balloons to over 250,000 visitors and over 5,000 dealers for the 6 days the Show operates. The Show has a carnival-like atmosphere, appropriate for all ages, where good vibes prevail, (and few, if any problems ever present themselves).

Dealers come from all over the world as do visitors. From millionaire world-famous rock stars and movie stars to the local resident from down the street, the Show is a Mecca for serious and casual collectors of all kinds of antiques. A few of the Fields require an entrance fee on the initial opening, usually $5.00-10.00, which tends to be waived later in the day. Most fields do not have any entrance fee, and generally, you can move freely from field to field.

Well, I didn't see any rockstars, but I saw plenty of other people. It's hard to really understand how many people are packed into such a small space until you are there. All things considered, everything runs very smoothly. ... I didn't see any fights, hear any cars honk, or any other type of chaos (not that most people interested in antiques would start a riot or anything). It was very easy to find parking (I had a harder time finding my car later in the day), and I didn't have to pay to get into any of the "fields. The traffic turned out not to be that bad on my way in (especially since I came later in the day), but I had a slight delay on my way home (only a half an hour, so not *that* bad). The whole "Fields" and "Promoters" thing can be a bit confusing ,so I'll break it down for you:

1. The Show does not have any formal organization with the exception of the dates, which are chosen by some county auxiallary group. It occurs for five-six days three times a year. The days and times are dependent upon the Promoters...

2. The Promoters are the people that host the "Fields." They are generally local townspeople who rent out their yard/field/space during the show. They are responsible for providing bathrooms, security, etc. Depending on the location and the Field, the promoter charges the antique dealers $XXX to have a booth at their field.

3. The Fields are where the show is held. Each field is run by a different promoter and given a different name. For example, two sisters (the promoters) run "J & J Productions" (the Field) that is known for its high quality and rare items (from the dealers).

Here are a few of my pictures from Saturday...

The show is set along the highway, but the highway becomes more of a sidewalk three weeks a year

There are food vendors with everything from a pickle on a stick to fried dough, lemonade to root beet floats. Yum.

Cowboy boots made of metal, anyone? You laugh, but I saw a guy carrying one later that day.

There was a beautiful display selling salvaged fountains and statues... I would have bought this metal archway/gazebo (not sure what to call it), but it wouldn't fit in my car.

Lots of old furniture...

And buddha statues? This place has everything! (Think: Ghostbusters quote)

I didn't go to the show looking for any specific items, so I did a lot of wandering and people-watching. However, I did find a few things I couldn't live without (of course!). I bought about a dozen old Indianapolis postcards that featured downtown highlights and the city. Not only do I love to write letters, the postcards themselves are adorable. On top of that, the artwork isn't copyrighted, so you can reprint the images. I'm thinking of using them for a craft project I've been wating to try. I also got a few cigar boxes ($3 each!), which are great for getting organized. I like to keep cards or jewelry in them.

My favorite find of the day came within the first 20 minutes I was browsing. Both my Mom and I really like vintage linens, i.e. tablecloths, runners, aprons. These items were so carefully hand-crafted back in the 1940's and 1950's- you can't find anything like them in stores today. Aprons are often hand-stitched and featured special appliques, and tablecloths were hand-printed. There was a mega-booth (probably the size of a medium-sized garage) that only had vintage linens. Even though I was by myself, I felt like I had come with a dozen other ladies. We were all oooh-ing and aaah-ing over finds one another had pulled out of the pile.

I hadn't really found anything that I loved, so I headed to the back table to look at 'Novelty" tablecloths. As I sorted through the pile, I came across the most wonderful vintage tablecloth I have ever seen. It was pink and light green with flowers on it. When I started to look closer, I noticed that there was a present on it... and then a cake... and then an umbrella. Yes, it was a tablecloth for a bridal shower! I talked to the owner of the booth, who told me that she had only seen two of these in 15 years of collecting vintage linens. I had the feeling that if I walked away, I would never see it again. It wasn't cheap, but I don't regret getting it at all. I haven't taken any pictures of it, but I'll be sure to post some soon. Someone hurry up and get engaged- I'm ready to throw a bridal shower!

BEST. CONCERT. EVER.

Every Thursday, I get "The Weekly Round-Up," an e-mail from Rhode Island Monthly with various to-do's around the state. They have anything from concerts to art shows, petting zoos (I'm not kidding, there was one this past weekend!) to local festivals (i.e. Newport International Boat Show). I hadn't made any weekend plans, so I thought I'd take an extra close look to see what was going on over the weekend. I was a little disappointed by my options (ex: the petting zoo) until I saw option #5: RODRIGO Y GABRIELA!!!

I love all types of music, but it is usually my brother that ends up introducing me to new genres and/or groups. Ryan introduced me to Spanish bacchata several years ago (when we were still at Purdue), followed by Rodrigo y Gabriela some time after that. There are no vocals to any of their music (with the exception of a few yells here and there during live music)- just two acoustic guitars.

So, needless to say, I bought my tickets in less than five flat after I say they were going to be in Providence. The concert was at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, which is sort of a combination bar/concert venue. It has some seats right in front of the stage, as well as some in the mezzanine level. There weren't any seats left by the time I bought my tickets, but general admission was fine with me. (I mean, let's be serious... no way I'd be able to sit down and not dance during the concert!)

Some information on the duo, courtesy of iTunes:

Guitar heroes from Mexico via Ireland, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero have been dazzling fans internationally since the release of their Rodrigo y Gabriela album in 2006. Armed with only a pair of acoustic guitars, the duo creates a full, energetic sound. Rodrigo covers leads and melodies, while Gabriela’s specialty is harmony, rhythm, and guitar-based percussion.

Before they became the most visible flamenco duo of the early 2000s, guitarists Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero bonded over heavy metal while growing up in Mexico City. They combined their talents for a time in the metal group Tierra Acida, playing around D.F. in the roughest clubs the city had to offer. Though they recorded some material, Tierra Acida never hit it big, and an album was never released. Instead, Sanchez and Guintero concentrated on learning more guitar styles, teaching lessons during the day and playing bossa novas in hotel bars at night. Bored and frustrated with their chances in the Americas, the two decided to try their luck in Europe instead.

Rodrigo y Gabriela traveled to Dublin, where a friend had offered them a place to stay. The musicians spoke no English, carried little money, and upon their arrival found that their offer of European hospitality had vanished. The pair soon turned toward busking on the streets on Dublin, a move that enhanced their reputation and helped land several contacts. Among their new found friends was fellow busker Damien Rice, who soon asked them to accompany him on tour. The Mexican duo had, by this time, developed a large repertoire of original material in a variety of styles, and they released their debut record with 2003’s Re-Foc. A concert album, Live: Manchester and Dublin, followed one year later.

Rodrigo y Gabriela became the newest fixture of the world music circuit, known for their nimble-fingered guitar work and diverse background (few flamenco guitarists could boast a background in metal music.) Their third album, Rodrigo y Gabriela, was released in 2006 and debuted atop the Irish charts, beating out Arctic Moneys for the number one spot. They continued to tour, making their way through Japan and America, and 11:11 expanded their discography upon its 2009 release.


Below are some of the pictures I took at the show, followed by a few short videos. (Don't worry, I wasn't one of those people that holds their phone/camera/whatever up to film the entire thing, how annoying.) Just like anything else, it's difficult to capture the whole experience in a picture or video clip, so take them for what they are worth. The last video is my favorite song, Tamacun.

After a few songs, Gabriela talked to the crowd for a bit. There's nothing better than watching people who are extremely talented and loving what they get to do, but even better yet, still thankful for every opportunity they have to play.

Every time I had a good shot, someone with an enormous head got in the way.

They played a short set (between all of their songs) with the intro act- one of the songs was by Pantera. How crazy is that?!

During a couple of slower songs...

My favorite picture from Friday's concert

If you ever have the chance, you *have* to see them in concert! For those of you in Indy, they are going to be at The Vogue on May 13!!!

Enjoy the videos!

America's Storm Warriors

While I was in the Cape Cod area, I was sure to check out the beach before heading back to Rhode Island. The Cape Cod National Seashore is featured in two of my books: "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" and "10 Best of Everything: an Ultimate Guide for Travelers." (Some of the entries in the books aren't my cup of tea, but this area has earned the right to be on any traveler's life list.) Henry David Thoreau described the area in the 1800's by saying "A man can stand there and put all America behind him."

Along Cape Cod and other parts of the East Coast, there are old houses that used to serve as Life Saving Stations. The Life-Saving Service was the predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard (the Life-Saving Service merged with Revenue Cutter Service in 1915 to create the U.S. Coast Guard) and was formed to rescue sailors and passengers from nearby shipwrecks. Stations were classified as life-saving, lifeboats, or houses of refuge. Each manned station was run by a Keeper (manager) that ran a tight ship (no pun intended). On the East Cod, the stations were generally manned from November to April, when shipwrecks were most likely to occur. Below is a short description from the US Life-Saving Service Heritage Association:

"The Keeper and surfmen had a daily rigid schedule that was standard throughout the service. The primary responsibility was to be on constant watch for ships in distress and to keep a record of passing vessels. On clear days, from sunrise to sunset, a surfman on day watch always manned the lookout tower. At night and on foggy days, the men walked beach patrol. They would light coston signal flares to warn off ships straying too close to the shore. While men with small-boat-handling experience were wanted in the service, it took extensive training and continual practice to be able to successfully launch a lifeboat or surfboat in heavy seas and shoot the Lyle Gun to a ship offshore to set up the breeches buoy. Just about every day required some sort of practice to be performed. Along with these practices were cooking, cleaning and maintenance and keeping things in good order. The men took turns serving as the cook."

This Life-Saving Station at Raceway Point was one of the initial nine station in the Cape Cod area. It was built in 1872 but was to Raceway Point in the late 1970's to accommodate more staff. The original building (shown) serves as an education center, but there is a working station less than 1/2 mile from this location.

A boat used to rescue sailors and passengers... It's named Nauset, which is the marsh I kayaked in the same weekend

The Lyle Gun was shot out to the ship like a cannon ball. The metal "bullet" was meant to serve as an anchor to assist in bringing men ashore.

The "Breeches Buoy" was passed back and forth between the boat and land using a rope and pulley system. The man being rescued put his legs through holes in the lining (you can't see these) and wore the life-preserver like a pair of pants.

The entrance to the beach

You have to be careful where you walk. There are lots of protected nesting areas for the piping plover, an endangered series of birds found both in the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic Coast. Their eggs are camouflaged so well you wouldn't know you saw one until you stepped on it. Click here to see piping plover pictures (say that five times fast!).

It was a little breezy and cool... perfect weather for enjoying a quiet day at the beach

Definitely not your typical "beach scene".... there are lots of marsh grasses and reeds

We only saw a handful of people on this part of the beach (most of them were walking with their dog- Izzie would have a blast here). Along with not being the warmest weather, we were at the very last beach at the tip of Cape Cod.

Just in case you're suspicious.... Yes, I was actually here and took these pictures

The water was much colder than what it looks like here

Last but not least, my new favorite picture (and currently my computer background)

It's taken me almost a year to get comfortable with Rhode Island and New England (but mainly RI), but now that I'm ready for some real exploring, it's time for me to pack up and leave (only 7 weeks left of my residency!). My adventurous solo trips have been part of what has made this year so special, and Cape Cod was no exception.