One casualty of the recent cinderblock snowstorm was a beautiful ceramic bowl that served as our bird bath for the front yard. Apparently, our small bird bath water heater was not on guard duty when the temps hit the teens, and the ensuing ice caused the bowl to crack. When the ice melted, all the water ran out. But my industrious wife and a product called J-B Weld brought the lovely bowl back to … [Read more...]

As a teenager, one of my go-to lunches was a Fried Spam sandwich slathered in mustard. Usually, I had two. For Christmas this year, one of my kids gave me a can of Spam as a gag gift, but we ate it the next morning for breakfast and I still enjoy it. When we cruised in Hawaii, I was amused by all the Spam offerings aboard both the cruise ships and even at fancy restaurants. Spam is the … [Read more...]

I first saw them at a VRBO cottage in Cape Charles. They were extra-large ice cubes in a rubber-like tray. It only took one to chill my cocktail. It was perfect and I vowed to get some of my own, then forgot about them. But my daughter and son-in-law who were with us on the trip remembered and gave me a set for Christmas. I use them every night. With extra-large cubes, the ice doesn’t melt as … [Read more...]

One of the great things about cold weather is having a fire to snuggle up to, whether it’s a family room fireplace or a blazing firepit on the patio. I really enjoy firepits because – unlike an inside fireplace - I can light up a great cigar, sip a little Buffalo Trace, listen to some cello music and celebrate the close of another day while enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire. Last year, my … [Read more...]

A couple years ago, we were staying at an Air B & B and they had Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap on the sink. I used it and it was terrific. Nancy said she liked it, too, and that we should get some. I did, and I am sold. I keep their Dish Soap, their Hand Soap and their Foaming Hand Soap stocked in my pantry and order refill bottles, so I never run out. There are two things I like about Mrs. Meyers … [Read more...]

Nancy spent hours and hours in the kitchen in advance of Thanksgiving, baking pies and cakes, roasting turkeys, making dressing, snacks and so forth, but one thing she didn’t have to worry with this year was Mashed Potatoes. Our friend, Bob Evans, handled that and did an excellent job. Bob Evans, of course, is a restaurant chain based in Ohio with over 430 locations nationwide. They compete … [Read more...]

Whatever happened to Jell-O? It was once a staple on the kitchen table of most American families, and now it’s spotted about as often as an Elvis sighting. Kids today don’t like Jell-O. But how can you not like Jell-O? One of my favorite – if not my very favorite – desserts was a bowl of Strawberry Jello with homemade boiled custard. My Mama Ida made that for me every time I can to visit or … [Read more...]

It’s the holiday season and I’m at my usual job – hustling my latest publications. Two years ago, I wrote a small booklet called While Shepherds Watched. It’s a short story about a young shepherd boy who was watching over his sheep when the Angel of the Lord appeared, announcing the birth of the Christ Child. I printed enough to get the price down to $5 each, including a festive red envelope. They … [Read more...]

I finally have complete copies of my first attempt at writing a children’s book. I had to go to a local printer, Bailey Printing, to complete the job since the first publisher I tried totally blew it. My advice to anyone considering self-publishing is to write your book, hire an illustrator, an editor, a graphic designer, a local book printer and market the book yourself. But I now have a … [Read more...]

I occasionally get a Gift Box from Omaha Steaks as a present from one of my kids. The boxes usually have more chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs than steaks, but it’s all high quality and delicious. What I most enjoy about these gift boxes is that they usually include a bottle of their Omaha Steak Seasoning and it’s the absolute best on the market. It adds to and brings out the flavor of a steak … [Read more...]