a photo day: March 8, 2011

I'm trying to get out and shoot when I feel so inspired. I think it's important to step outside your comfort zone once -in-a-while. and just DO. How will I get better at photography if I don't practice?

This is me practicing. :) I have thought about doing the "photo every day" -thing only to find that when I put the pressure on myself for something I enjoy doing, it takes the fun out of it because my head isn't in it. So...I'm doing it my way.

Tomato...

Still counting...

A friend wrote to me saying he was tired of so much prose and so little verse. Here's a bit of verse for you, William. [an attempt anyway]

Still counting

When the match strikes, I hear the burn
It's bright, it's fast
For a relationship similar, I do not yearn

To consume and to be so brief
without passion, without affection
A relationship without love and laughter, will soon end in grief

Inhale deep through the nose
feel the air, feel it's volume
Your relationship does the same as it grows

Countless heavy sighs to calm, to clear
brings calm, brings strength
My relationship too, can comfort a fear.

Moonlit Hike and Charity Items

This Sunday is the last collection day for charitable items for Coats For Kids and the Geauga County Dog Shelter that Brad and I are organizing.

We will be in the parking lot before the Moonlight Hike on Sunday evening gathering gently worn or new coats and jackets for the kids (all sizes) as well as items for the dog shelter (see list below).

We would LOVE to have you join in on the hike as well, if you like. There will be a campfire afterwards that Brad was kind enough to set up for us to have and nibblies will be on hand too. Thank you, Brad!
(someone said something about Whiskey and Bourbon Balls...I'm in!)

For details on the hike click here.

ITEMS FOR DOG SHELTER
-- gently used blankets (or new!), sheets, towels
-- canned/dry dog food, treats
-- laundry detergent, bleach
-- paper towels
-- leashes, collars
-- medical supplies

If you are unable to come to the parking lot before the hike to drop off items let me know and we can make arrangements or you're welcome to drop them off at my house. Let me know.

Thank you...on behalf of the Kids and the Pups!

Happy Holidays!

It's a gorgeous day in Cleveland

Good morning, Cleveland!

Hm...well, what to say about last nights game. Great start, ok middle and quiet ending. 

The fans acted like adults, thank God...no one stormed the court during the game and nothing major happened. 

Today, is a fresh light coat of snow, sunny day in Cleveland. The start of another CLE chapter. Last night was the closing of a chapter and a much needed one. I personally haven't but I think some are wasting too much time dwelling on LeBron's "decision." Yeah...I'm over it. Why waste energy on that. I've got better things to do. Like root for the guys that ARE here so we can have some fun and amazing games. 

GO CAVS!

drama, drama, drama

Tonight. 8 pm, The Cleveland Cavaliers play the Miami Heat.

All of CLE is a-buzz about the game. I wish I could go! But I've had this date on my calendar since "The Decision" wanting to see how it all unfolds. 

Still very disappointed in LeBron and his "Decision" but actually...more so about the way he went about it (I get it...it's business but here in CLE, we care a lot about our players).

Whatever, LeBron. We've moved on (most of us). But I want to see if it's going to be just a game or perhaps a really good game. After all, they aren't robots out on that court, they're people...with emotion. Which could bring an intense game. Hopefully it's a good clean fun game.

No soap-opera's on court, please. 

Go Cavs!

Giving back this holiday season....

Hi everyone!

My cohort-in-crime (Brad!) and I are organizing a way to give to the people AND the pets of Northeastern Ohio this year. Announcements will go out to friends, family, and to the two Meetup.com groups we belong to (Northeastern Ohio Adventurers and Northeastern Ohio Hiking Group). Anyone can donate items. We'll be more than happy to take them to the designated areas for you. Brad and I are trying to make this simple so more people can give.

The two groups we have decided to focus on this year are Coats For Kids and The Geauga County Dog Shelter. They are always in need of help and what better time to give!

On Sunday, Dec 19th we will be at the South Chagrin Reservation parking lot from 3–5 pm. The moonlight hike starts at 5:30 pm for those in the Adventure group. The Shelterhouse Picnic Area is located off Hawthorn Parkway in South Chagrin Reservation, east of SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Bentleyville.

After collecting goods from anyone and everyone that can donate to these two worthy organizations we will deliver them to the shelter and Coats For Kids drop off centers for you.

Here are some details to donating...

COATS FOR KIDS

"The challenging economy, combined with the fast-approaching Northeast Ohio winter weather,makes the need for warm coats for children in our community higher than it has ever been before,”says Debbie Martinko, executive director, Coats for Kids.

Drop off a new or gently used coat and it will be given to a girl or boy from a disadvantaged family here in the area.

You can also make a monetary donation on their site. Click here to find out how.

GEAUGA COUNTY DOG SHELTER

Maybe you love dogs and want to help those in need but cannot adopt a furry, four-legged companion right now. This is a great way to show you care. Here is a list of items the shelter needs....

• gently used blankets (or new!), sheets, towels
• canned/dry dog food, treats
• laundry detergent, bleach
• paper towels
• leashes, collars
• medical supplies
• office supplies, printer cartridges (HP 22 tri-color, HP 21 black), printer paper, fine-tip dry erase markers

Contact the shelter directly to inquire about becoming a volunteer, foster family or monetary donations.

Thank you on behalf of Coats For Kids and The Geauga County Dog Shelter!

Popovers to die for!

This recipe is SO easy and so yummy. I highly recommend using the suggested substitutions to lower fat and cholesterol.

Time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 12 popovers

1.5 cups flour (Suggested, 3/4 c all-purpose flour, 3/4 c whole wheat flour)
3/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs (suggested, 2 yolks, 4 egg whites)
1.5 cups milk (suggested, fat-free...trust me...it's still amazing)

In large bowl, mix flour and salt; make a well in center. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk, then pour into well. Gradually stir egg mixture into flour/salt until batter is the consistency of heavy cream yet slightly lumpy; do not overbeat. Allow batter to rest for about 30 mins to an hour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place 1 tsp butter in each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup popover tin (suggested use very little or none to reduce fat/chol). Heat in oven until butter melts...about a min. Divide batter among cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 mins.

Turn out popovers,serve immediately. And take a picture because they are so gorgeously yummy and huge when they come out of the oven...but the height doesn't last long (this is normal).

Grab some butter, honey and/or jam and enjoy!

(pict...mini popovers!!!)

We'll see him again...

I've caught a couple episodes of America's Got Talent recently. If you haven't seen it, don't worry, you're not missing a lot. Except the rare talent that finds it's way on-stage.

I'd like to shed light on one such talent. Michael Grimm

He has an amazing voice. He's humble. He's grateful. He's giving.
I'm sure we'll see more of him.



Go, Michael!