The Dresden Files

Review by: Do


So I've been reading.

Recently I started The Dresden Files series. Book one, Storm Front, is a very good introduction into the life of "Harry Dresden. Wizard." Harry is a freelance wizard who advertizes his abilities with vague listings, which leads him to very sporatic work adventures. But he is a very interesting character. He isn't particularly nice, doesn't play well with others, but is always willing to help someone in need, which makes him very likeable. He has slim pickens when it comes to family, friends, and people he can count on. Most of the creatures he comes in contact with aren't even human.

This first book has Harry tracking down someone or something that is murdering people with black magic, which, in the wizarding world (really in any world), is a no no. He teams up with the local police department to solve these killings; the director of Special Investigations believes in what Harry can do, or rather, when she is out of ideas as to what could have happened, she consults him. While learning who/what is doing the killings, we get a glimpse of his life, who he is, what he's capable of, and possibly even a little love interest. I thought this book was pretty good. A little confusing at times with all the author tried to throw at you, but in the end, a good story.

Book two, Fool Moon, was a much better read.

I've always been a big fan of werewolves & vamps, etc., so when I started reading and finally realized this book was about werewolves I was excited. I didn't notice it right off the bat but if you look closely at the cover, the full moon and bloody paw prints are a pretty good indication that this book is about werewolves. Duh. I need to start paying closer attention to detail. So keep that in mind with all the Dresden Files titles. STORM Front, Fool MOON, you get the idea.

This story also involves the Chicago Police Department, which I am assuming is going to be an important reoccuring event. More supernatural, unsolved murders have the PD calling upon Harry again. To figure this set of grisly murders out, Harry dives deep into a hidden world of werewolves. Who knew there were so many different types!! All different and all deadly...not a nice set in the bunch. And won't you be surprised where the deadliest are hiding! We also get more tidbits of Harry's past, his parents, and other details of the wizarding world. Definitely an interesting and enjoyable book!

But not as good as number three...

Book three, Grave Peril, has been my favorite so far.

This story involves...(title hint, GRAVE)...you guessed it...ghosts! And boy do I like a nice ghost story. Ghosts that are being tormented and causing major trouble for the living makes for a good read. Again Harry is working with the PD, but on a smaller scale as they are still recovering from their last encounter. This book also introduces someone new that Harry works and usually gets in trouble with. This character, we'll call him Michael (cuz that's his name) is a champion of God, a Knight of the Cross. He's honest, trustworthy, strong, religious, and the total opposite of Harry. Once you take away all the fighting, some of their interactions are seriously funny. And it's just nice to see that Harry can have an actual friend.

The book starts off very different than the first two. Immediately thrown into a situation, you work backwards to get yourself forwards in the story. Very interesting! I was confused at first, thinking maybe I had skipped an entire book because I had no clue who Michael was, but just keep reading and it's all explained.

I liked this book best because it had many storylines going on at once, but they were all tied together. Whoever was doing this, was doing that, and may be involved in something else too...maybe. More supernatural creatures are introduced, including Harry's Godmother who is not a very nice person. A story I couldn't put down, just ask my husband. ;-)

For those of you who are looking for a nice sci-fi, supernatural thriller I do recommend The Dresden Files. No matter what abnormal, dark, and/or unnatural being is your favorite, this series is sure to have a little something for everyone. (sidenote: Although I have chosen to read this series in order, you don't necessarily have to. Each book recaps enough info from the previous books so you are not lost; but not too much that it becomes annoying.)

So I've been reading...times three. I am not a big believer in buying new books, as the local library, my mother, and used book stores are all excellent alternatives to purchasing a new shiny book. But after checking all those resources first, the next book is not available for me. I have put The Dresden Files books 4-6 on my Christmas wish list, with the hopes that Santa will find me NICE this year, and fill my stocking with a new (or gently used) book. I wait patiently, bookless, for the next two weeks. But on the bright side, I should now have plenty of time to finish my Christmas cards.


Happy Holidays!!

Apples apples apples!!

Review by: Do

My favorite season in CNY is Fall. The air is crisp, the foliage is beautiful, and there are so many fall festivities to take advantage of! One of our (or just my) favorites is apple picking.

This year we went to Beak & Skiff in Lafayette, NY. My favorite kind of apple is Empire & they started picking them Oct 3rd, so that's the day we went. It was a really nice day too - sunny and not too cold. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the orchard from our house, and since apple picking came a bit early this year (because of unusual spring & summer weather) the leaves were just starting to change.

We got there just before noon and the crowd was a pretty good size...I guess a lot of people like Empire apples. First we walked around a bit to see what was going on that day. We traveled through the local store where they sell things from apple cider to apple socks. Among 'everything apple under the sun', they also offer items made from honey, pumpkins, corn, etc.

Just about this time I pulled out my camera so I could take some nice pics. I was snapping shots of everything. I was taking pics of signs, scenery, gigantic pumpkins, buildings...just everything. I didn't think anything was wrong, but I guess I must have gotten a bit carried away cuz my hubby started calling me 'Hirohito'. Yes, I'm your local japanese apple orchard tourist.

With camera in hand we checked out the cider mill, which wasn't running, but was cool to look at. From there we headed over to the snack shack. They were offering coffee, hot cocoa, cider (h/c), and apple fritters. We all got some cider and fritters....let me just say, Hirohito likey! The fritters were awesome. For those of you who have never had an apple fritter, it's like a hot mini apple pie all your own! Mmmm...wish I had some right now. I even took a pic of one, if you can imagine that.

After our snack we went to hop on a wagon ride out to the apple orchard. The trees were jam packed with huge red beautiful empire apples!! You wouldn't believe how over flowing they were. We grabbed three empty bags (1 each for the kids, 1 for hubby & I to share), and started our apple search. This place was great because they set up ladders near the trees so you can climb to the top for the best selection of apples. Awesome! Took a pic. :-)

Apple picking is easily addicting. There are so many beautiful apples that you can't stop picking! I'm not kidding. Eat an apple, pick a couple, snap some pics, eat another apple, pick a couple more, repeat. Good thing they didn't weigh us before and after our visit. We ended up buying 23+ lbs. of apples! Now that's a lot of apples.

After we were done picking, the kids got their faces painted, I took some pics, and then we did an apple taste test to find our favorite variety. I found out that I like Jona Gold, Honey crisp, and of course, Empire. My poor husband is still searching for his fave.

The day started to warm up nicely, and it was obvious that the orchard was getting way too crowded. So I snapped a couple more pics, sent my hubby to buy some Beak & Skiff apple cider and we were done for the day. I think apple picking is a wonderful way to get the family outside for a day trip. Beak & Skiff offers great apples, yummy snacks, and a variety of activities for all ages. And if their other store items are as good as their cider, then you just can't go wrong.

So until next apple season, this is Hirohito wishing you all Good Pickin'!! Domo Arigato.

Books, books

I've been reading a bit over the last few months. These are the books I've finished. Now I'm reading the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Have y'all read it yet?

This book was recommended to me and, all-in-all, I liked it. Nothing too earth shattering, but it was an interesting take on the "grass is greener" concept. Tessa King, an attorney in London, starts the book by returning from a five week vacation in India. Due to a mental breakdown of her boss, being stalked and harassed, she needed to get away. She's back and ready to be a part of her rather large group of friends and godchildren.

Tessa's godchildren -- Caspar, Cora and twins, Bobby and Tommy -- are different ages of different parents (all of whom are her friends). Each set of friends is married; Tessa is the only single person. She's not sure what she wants to do or how to live but she wants to have children and a life. There is a LOT of angst, self-doubt, anger, bad feelings and drama in this book -- some self-generated, some thrust upon Tessa.

One would think that once you get to a certain age, you would stop behaving badly. Not so in real life, not so in this book. At times I think Tessa is a good person who means well and tries very hard to be a good friend and godmother, but there are times when she is so self-consumed that she cannot see past what she wants.

It's chick lit, if you are wanting to read chick lit book. The big bow at the end kind of bugged me, as it does with most chick lit, but that's the genre. (3 stars)


This book is an invented journal written by Marie Antoinette, the queen of France who was sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793. The book starts out with her childhood as Austrian Archduchess Maria Antonia -- her royal family, the death of her sister and her ultimate betrothal to Louis XVI. Once Marie Antoinette arrives in France and is crowned queen, you see through her eyes the daily bombardment of rules, luxury and excess. Louis is simple, unwilling to make decisions, and weak. She becomes fond of Louis, becoming his friend and confidant throughout their marriage. Marie Antoinette also an affair and falls in love with Swedish nobleman Axel Fersen.

Various events and happenings, fictional and real, are woven together to give a glimpse at what Marie Antoinette's life could have been like. She had four children, only two survived. She was unilaterally hated by the French people for her excess and lavish lifestyle. She was made a scapegoat for a way of life, and was ultimately executed for being who she was.

The book was interesting, well paced and generally on track. Too many outlandish tales could have lead this book astray, but Carolly Erickson managed to keep the tall tales to a minimum. The book is definitely sympathetic to Marie Antoinette. She was not the villain she was made out to be by the peasantry of France. She was a victim of circumstance – she was condemned because she was born to royalty. She was neither a saint nor evil.

I enjoyed this book. It made me want to learn more about her as a person, though the fictionalized areas of the book were frustrating at times. (3 stars)


Katniss Everdeen is a citizen of District 12 in the land of Panem. Panem is what is left of the US after the multiple revolutions. The Capitol runs the country with 12 districts to control and supply it. In order to keep the districts in line, they have an annual event called the Hunger Games.

Each district must choose a 2 children, ages 12-18 -- one boy, one girl -- to participate in this battle to the death. Normally the children are selected at random but Katniss volunteers when her 12 year old sister is chosen. This story is about Katniss and what she endures to try and survive the Games.

This books if fascinating. Suzanne Collins can write characters and plot extremely well. The story is fast paced, well coordinated and quite engrossing. It's hard to put down. (4 stars)


Jane Green needs to find a new genre. While I enjoy a good chick lit book every now and then, this one is just like all her other books. I know they sell well but it is getting old. Green is a good writer with great character development but when she writes the same vapid, perfectionist character each time...done.

I've read three of her other books. Jemima J was the first -- I read it at least ten years ago when I less cynical. It was good, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Then I read Mr. Maybe and Babyville. Same books, different names. Bleh. 2 stars each.

This book is about cancer and families and figuring it all out. Sorry but I wasn't impressed. (2 stars)

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I've always wanted to try making whoopie pies, and since I keep hoping fall will finally show it's lovely face, I decided to try the pumpkin variety first.








Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cloves (I used allspice -- I had no cloves)
2 cups firmly packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups pumpkin puree, chilled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves; set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined. Sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Using a small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cookie comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely on pan.

I found this recipe at Serious Eats -- it's by Matt Lewis from Baked bakery in Brooklyn, NY.

This is an easy recipe. Just make sure you chill your pumpkin before you start pulling everything together for the recipe. I used a basic cream cheese frosting recipe for the filling (very similar to the recipe listed). The allspice was fine instead of cloves but next time I'd use a bit less, maybe 1/2 tsp because it was a bit heavy on spice. Otherwise, they were wonderful. Good pumpkin flavor, cream cheese frosting was perfect with the spices, and they weren't too big to handle and eat. They were a big hit in pottery class.

We had five or six left over so I put them in the refrigerator. I would NOT recommend making them for anything other than a gathering of people or party to be eaten same day. Keeping them in the fridge (because of the cream cheese frosting) makes the cookie part of the pie rather moist and sticky; not pleasant. The flavor is still good but I'd rather not deal with that kind of ickiness.

First time campers

Review by Do:

Every year we plan a little family getaway, usually trying to work in a little something for everyone. The past couple years we have traveled north to the Adirondacks. Old Forge is a great town with lots of shops, great eateries, and a water park. We decided that's still the best place for us, but for a little change, we decide to try camping!

Now this camping idea is a big thing for us because we all really enjoy the comforts of a hotel...you know...comfy beds, hot showers, tv, free breakfast, etc. Once we started looking for camping accommodations the one that really jumped out at us was Old Forge Camping Resort. More specifically, their cottage rentals. Their cottages are a small cabin-type housing with electricity, indoor plumbing, and even a small kitchen. For our first camping excursion, we thought it sounded perfect!!

We had to borrow most of our camping necessities since, as I mentioned, we don't camp...ever. Luckily we know people, so we were able to borrow fishing poles, lanterns, sleeping bags, etc. We did have to buy our worms because it was a no brainer that none of us were going worm digging any time soon.



We always opt for a long weekend in August (Sun-Tues) to ensure warmer weather and low volume water park attendance. We packed as much as possible the night before, loaded up Sunday morning, and we were off by 10:30am. OFCR is very easy to locate and check-in was a snap. After we found our cottage and checked our place out, we unloaded. Who knew 4 people could need so much crap!



The cottage has 2 rooms, so the kids had their side and we had our side. Not the greatest amount of privacy, but some is better than none. The kids loved the bunk beds and we liked the fact our bed was a double...although Steve still didn't exactly fit. :-)

One of the first things we did was go fishing. OFCR has a private lake so all we had to do was walk to the water and find a nice spot. The kids were really eager to try, but not willing to put their own worm on the hook. My husband got that honor - but he wasn't too keen on it either so he picked up the worms with a bag on his hand. OMG...funny!! We would never survive in the real wilderness.

After about a half hour, no fish, some casting issues, and two fishing lines stuck in the trees overhead, the kids had enough. Me too for that matter...and how are you supposed to catch fish with paddle boats in the lake any how!! But you'll be happy to know the remaining worms were kindly let go in the woods to live out their last days in the dirt.


We went to dinner in town (which was our plan, you don't need to cook over an open fire every night!) at the cool new pizzeria Tony Harper's Pizza and Clam Shack. Indoor/outdoor seating, cold beers, great pizza (even Paige liked it) and their Whiskey Wings are awesome! Definitely a place you should eat at if you're ever in Old Forge.

Back at camp my husband made a campfire and got it going pretty good...would you be surprised if I told you that he used his torch from work? Anyway, we all sat around the fire until it barely got dark and then we could hold the kids off no more - we had to make smores!! My husband just ate the chocolate, my daughter only ate the marshmallows, and my son just wanted to play in the fire. What ever. :-)

Our next day was really busy. We got up early and headed out to Enchanted Forest Water Safari (...where the fun never stops!). We enjoyed hours of water rides, food, wave pool, more water rides, more food, train ride, over the park ride, and even more water rides!! We got back to the camp by 4pm, and then went to try the paddle boats. We all soon realized that paddle boats are not as easy as they look. My husband and daughter got to the middle of the lake and my daughter gave up...my husband had to paddle back mostly by himself. We then cooked burgers and dogs on the open grill at the camp, made another camp fire, and had more smores. The kids ventured on some small walks but didn't go to far. We all retired early that night.

The next morning we slept in, packed up, and headed out! We like to walk around town on our last day there, which is mostly for my husband and I. We hit most of the shops on main street but were a little disappointed with the famous Hardware Store this year. Not much to offer this time around.

I think our first attempt at camping went very well. We really enjoyed Old Forge Camping Resort. We even tried to scout out what cottage we want to reserve for next year. We didn't see any bears, but then we weren't bothered by mosquitoes either. The lake is beautiful, the cottages are really nice and clean, and I just think the whole location is just great. I think Old Forge and the Camping Resort together make a great little vacation getaway for the family. There's just a little something for everyone!!

Hello my friend, We meet again...

Review by Do:

Event: Creed Concert (w/Theft and Red)
Venue: Darien Lake PAC
Date: July 31, 2010
Concert goers: Me, My husband, and another couple
Ticket cost: $35

I've been a fan of the band Creed since 1997 when they released their first album, My Own Prison. I was quick to snatch up their most recent album, Full Circle, last October; and so it's of no real surprise that when my husband asked if I wanted to see them in concert, I jumped at the chance. Our friend secured us tickets in an advance sale posting in March and we were set!

Our friends, Kelly and Matt..............................My husband Steve & Kelly

The concert was at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center and so we planned to drive out that day and stay overnight with our friends at their campsite. Perfect idea because who really wants to drive 2 hours to get home after a concert?

[a bit of history: For those of you who don't know, Creed release 3 very popular albums in 1997, 1999, and 2001 and then broke up in 2004. Lead singer Scott Stapp tried a solo career and the remaining members of the band formed Alter Bridge. Neither were able to duplicate the popularity and sound of the original band. So true Creed fans were uber-excited to hear that they had reunited and were releasing a new album.]

We arrived in Darien Lake around 4:00pm, and by 5:00pm we were parked and in tailgating mode! Much better planning for this concert than the last (see previous Down in Sugarland blog for details). This was our view from the parking lot...not what you would expect to see at a concert venue, but then again, we are in Upstate New York.

Around 6:30pm the gates opened and we ventured on in. As usual the beer selection was limited and pricey. They were selling Budweiser and Michelob; a 24 ounce can was $11. I don't mind an ice cold Michelob Ultra but good lord - 24 oz.?? That's a double beer! I could barely hold the thing, it was so big. Not to mention you can not possibly drink the whole thing before half gets warm (I did give it my best shot though). I would have rather seen normal sized beer, and a beer man walking around with cans on ice...but that was not the case. They also had food and wine selections but I wasn't buying. The bathrooms were clean enough - crowded but tolerable.

The stage is set up in front of a covered seating area; then set behind was open lawn seating. Our seats were great. We were in the covered seating area, set fairly close, but to the left of the stage. We were in short walking distance from all the amenities too.

The two opening acts I have never heard of before. The first, named Theft, was a bit more appealing than the second, named Red. They weren't as head bashing as Red seemed to be. I actually can't accurately review either of those bands because I was so excited to see Creed that I would have wished anyone off the stage.

Creed was awesome! From their opening song to the end of their 3-song encore. Scott Stapp is a phenomenal singer - his vocals are as strong as ever. Their mix of songs was well played. What's This Life For (my personal fave), One, My Sacrifice, Suddenly, Overcome, Faceless Man, One last Breath, and of course Arms Wide Open and Higher, just to name a few. I love them all.

Scott made full use of the stage and the concert light show was amazing. Very colorful, very energetic, and even some pyrotechnics. You could tell that the band is back, bigger and better than before. I think the crowd could tell too because everyone was so into the whole show and singing right along as loud as possible. I am so happy I finally got to see them in concert and I will never forget how powerful it was.

The Darien Lake venue gets a 4 (out of 6) on my concert meter. The bathrooms and overall cleanliness of the place were tolerable (1/2 points each), parking was good (1 point), stage setting and sound/graphics were great (1 each), but the amenities get a zippo in my book.

I would definitely see Creed again and I would also return to the Darien Lake venue for another concert. All in all, we had a really fun and memorable weekend. Hopefully the members of Creed will remain friends this time, and we will be hearing/seeing more of them in the future.

My Sacrifice...
Hello my friend, We meet again
It's been a while, Where should we begin
Feels like forever
Within my heart, Of memories
A perfect love, That you gave to me
Oh I remember

Saucy!

So I'm walking through Publix, my favorite local grocery store, doing a bit of shopping. I was in the pasta aisle contemplating making something with red sauce and cheese. And what catches my eye but price tag, not a sauce. A price tag. $5.99 for freaking jar of sauce? You've GOT to be kidding me.

Oh, Mario Batali. That explains it.

But what makes a jar of tomato sauce worth of that kind of price? I'm not a big jarred tomato sauce person, preferring to make my own. But I'm willing to try this stuff to see if it's any good.

The jar claims the following -- no preservatives, no sugar, fresh ingredients, "imported San Marzano tomatoes and slivers of fresh garlic", and "produced in a green facility." Does it taste good?

When I opened the jar it smelled like SpaghettiOs. Um...ew. I hate SpaghettiOs. They really quite gross. Not a good sign.

I boiled some Barilla mini-farfalle pasta in one pan and dump some MB marinara into another pan. Taste. Blah. Yes, blah...as in bland. Add some kosher salt, a little basil and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Better. Acceptable. Poured on the pasta.


I added some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Helped. I started eating. As far as store bought tomato sauce goes, it's okay. It's not a thick sauce, it's kind of watery. And then, what I feel, the cardinal sin of red sauce has happened -- there are tomato seeds in the sauce! Gross. I hate, hate, hate that! Who wants to bite into a bitter, nasty tomato seed? Fate sealed.

MB, I don't care HOW many television shows you have...your sauce sucks and it's seriously unworthy of any money, let alone $6! You can put all the buzz words on the label but if your product is bland, watery and annoying, no one will buy it.

Paul Newman's sauce is MUCH better. Hell, even my red sauce is better than that.

The Bone Garden

Review by Do:

I read my first book by the well known author, Tess Gerritsen, and I must say that I really enjoyed it.

The Bone Garden is a great mystery (possibly romantic mystery) that weaves a tale from 1830 in with the present day life of Julia Hamill. Having just gone through a divorce, Julia embarks on a new life for herself in an old rundown house. While digging up the flower garden, Julia finds a skeleton buried on her property, and soon learns that the person was most likely murdered. She feels drawn to finding out who the person was, and why they were buried there in such a manner.

The storyline from the 1830's follows (4) Boston Medical students and the conditions they faced in learning how to become a doctor. One student is accused of crimes he did not commit and must prove himself innocent.

How these two very different sets of circumstances become entwined is very cleverly done. One minute you think you know who the killer is, but really, you have no idea. Although this may be a tale of murder, it is also an unexpected love story that, in the end, inspires Julia to think that she could actually love again.

Tess Gerritsen has written numerous books dating back to 1985. I am very happy that I chose this to be my first book by her. I love mysteries so I cruised through this book in just a couple weeks. The medical circumstances were very interesting and very well researched, and yet not too disturbing. I borrowed this from my mom not knowing that, coincidentally, this is the same author of the new Rizzoli and Isles TV series that debuted on TNT this summer. Since I am also enjoying that show, it is a definite possibility that I may embark on a new Tess Gerritsen novel in the near future.

YummO

Ever heard of Salt Potatoes? If you are from central New York, you not only know about these tasty little morsels, you love them. They are a staple at any cook-out, carnival or summer get-together. Me? I ♥ salt potatoes. Big ♥. You can't get them in the south. You have to make due.

The Syracuse, New York area has a long history of salt production. Salt springs located around Onondaga lake were used to create consumable salt that was distributed throughout the northeast via the Erie Canal. Salinated water was laid out to dry on large trays. The salt residue was then scraped up, ground, and packaged. Salt potatoes were created in the nineteenth century by Irish immigrants working the springs who cooked their potatoes in the salty brine. [See Wikipedia]

When I got my monthly Food Network Magazine this month I paged through the recipes. And what do I see? SYRACUSE scrawled across the top of the page. Food Network had discovered salt potatoes! Hmmmm. Little potatoes slowly cooked in a LOT of salt (which raises the boiling point so it takes much longer to cook) and drenched in butter. They are so creamy and delicious. Yeah, they won't clean our your arteries but they will make you smile.

Want to try them? Here is the recipe from the magazine. Let me know what you think!

Movies!

I had an afternoon alone yesterday and two Netflix movies to watch.

This was the first movie I put in the player. Precious is a film about a 16 year old girl in Harlem, NY. She is horribly abused by her mother, raped and pregnant by her father, and illerate. She's pregnant for the second time, removed from public school and then sent to an alternative school. She has some rather vivid fantasies about who she wants to be or who she could be. Precious leads a very sad life, an oppressive life.

I couldn't watch this film; I turned it off after about 20 minutes. I know it won Oscars; many movies that I have not enjoyed have also. I took the disc out after this girl stole a bucket of chicken. There was nothing enjoyable about that 20 minutes, I don't care how well the parts were acted. (2 stars)


After removing the first disc, I put Crazy Heart in. This story follows Bad Blake, an alcoholic, washed up country music singer. Bad Blake is not a great guy. He's self-absorbed and mostly bitter -- the man he mentored and taught has an amazingly prosperous career, leaving Bad in the dust. Bad is playing bars and bowling alleys in small towns. While in Santa Fe he meets Jane, a newspaper music writer. Jane has a four year-old son and a past she doesn't want to repeat. She falls in love with Bad knowning she shouldn't.

Cue the music. This movie wasn't bad, just predictable. You knew what was going to happen before the characters did. Jeff Bridges was very good as an alcoholic has-been, and Robert Duvall was wonderful, as always. (3.5 stars)

Have you seen either film? What did you think?

Chittenango Falls

Review by Do

Earlier this month my husband and I went on a day trip to Chittenango Falls, in Chittenango NY. I have always wanted to go and we ended up alone on July 4th weekend, so my husband planned a nice drive out for us. This is a pic from the top of the Falls. We had a gorgeous day too...we really lucked out.

We cautiously walked down rock stairs as they were pretty steep. I wouldn't recommend this excursion for someone who isn't prepared for a good hike. These are pics from the bottom of the falls on a wooden bridge that crosses over the ravine. There was a family playing in the water at the bottom, but I'm not real sure if that's actually allowed or not.

We continued across the bridge and up the other side of the falls. The trail is tricky in parts, but mostly comprised of steps carved into the rock. There isn't much of a rail to speak of, but it is not too difficult to make it all the way around the falls.

This was our tour guide (my husband). He picked up a trail map as we entered the park, and he planned our hike for the day. The trails names are pretty self explanatory. Trail A, the Gorge Trail, travels down, around, and back up the other side of the falls. This is the trail you would take if you just wanted to see the Falls. Trail B, Creekside, takes you up the creek and back.

After Trail A and Trail B, we pitstopped for a drink and then our tour guide decided we would continue on to Trail C, Chips Trail, which heads on into the woods. I still am not too sure why it's called Chips Trail, it should be called Desolate Forest trail. This trail didn't seem to be too widely used, but what the heck, we gave it a try. Our quick hike on Trail C led us to Trail D, Meadows Trail, at which point I thought the locals were going to step out of their house and shoot at us for trespassing. This was a very extended trail through...of all things...a meadow, who knew?? We did not venture on Trail E, Meadow Extended Trail, because I wanted to make it home that night. Trail C-E are through the woods and meadow with no sight of the Falls, and no wildlife that I could see. At one point we seem to have been following the power lines with the hope it would lead us back to civilization. We joked we should be leaving bread crumb trails 'cuz it all started to look familiar...again. Look kids Big Ben! (see National Lampoon's European Vacation for inside joke). After about an HOUR, my experienced tour guide, who kept insisting he was a human compass, did manage to find our way back. (note to self: do not let tour guide lead the way on Trail C, D, and esp not E, ever again).

We had a great time at the Chittenango Falls. The day was beautiful, the park was not packed, the falls were gorgeous, and I love hikes. The park also includes picnic areas, charcoal grills, a small playground, volleyball nets, and would make a wonderful place to have a family outing. To view the falls, I would positively recommend Trail A and Trail B.

I think I just talked myself into a family trip back so the kids can enjoy the falls too. If I can get everyone on board, maybe we'll plan a picnic lunch after we explore the falls. I know they'll love it as much as I did.

Do you Ichiban?

While up in the New York last week, my sister and her family, my parents and Dominic and I had a wonderful hibachi dinner at Ichiban Japanese Steak House in Liverpool.

Do had reserved us a hibachi table so we could see the live-action of Japanese cooking. We had a great hibachi cook -- he was friendly, professional and quite personable. And he made a mean fried rice! Seriously. The fried rice was the best I've ever had. It even beats the fried rice from the Egg Roll House in Columbia, SC (and that is saying something).

I ordered the steak and scallops. I upgraded to filet mignon for an extra dollar; well worth it. SO good. We got so much food. Soup (not miso but noodle which is weird for Japanese but it was tasty), salad, shrimp, hibachi vegetables, your entree, and tea. We also ordered a tuna roll for an appetizer -- hello Yum! So good. Did I already say that?

Additionally, Dominic is allergic to shellfish which I let them know upfront. Not only did they write it and highlight it on the order sheet, but the waitress asked about it. They cooked his chicken and rice in a separate part of the kitchen to eliminate cross-contamination. That is something that I seriously worry about in Asian restaurants because of the predominance of seafood. No issues whatsoever. I was thrilled.

Our chef took to Dominic and tried to get him involved in the cooking. The fire scared Dominic a bit so the chef kept trying tricks. This one involved hitting a lemon on the spatula and catching it in his hat. Too funny. He was lots of fun.

Dominic even tried the chopsticks. The waitress gave him a chopstick helper so he could actually use them. He did great with the chicken and the rice.

All in all, it was a very good meal. Good company, good food, good experience. If you ever get to Syracuse, New York try Ichiban. It's worth the trip.

Relentless

Review by: Do

Title: Relentless
Author: Dean Koontz
Copyright: 2009


Any Dean Koontz fans out there? I started reading his fantastic thrillers when I was still in my teens, and have been a fan ever since. As always, some better than others, but always entertaining.

I borrowed 2 books from my mom recently. 'The Gargoyle', by Andrew Davidson, and 'Relentless', by Dean Koontz. I started 'The Gargoyle', which is advertised as a "New York Times Bestseller", and in which my mom insisted "gets better" - but after numerous chapters I just lost interest. That book was a bit too graphic for me, and I started to get tired of reading about how the pool fella was going to kill himself...get on with it already then! I decided to take a little break from that book and just give a little peek to 'Relentless'.

Let me tell you, I was hooked right in the first chapter. He always knows how to grab your attention right at the beginning and he doesn't let go. He makes you want to finish because you have to know what happens! This particular book centers around a family of 3 who have their every day lives turned upside down by sadistic & cruel idealists who wish to shape their own society. Cubby & Penny have a 6 year old son Milo who is, by all accounts, a genius, but still a child at heart. Also a part of their family is their adopted dog Lassie who plays a very important roll in their lives and in this book. (SPOILER ALERT: For those of you, like me, who hate to see an animal harmed in any way, shape, or form in books, movies, and/or in real life, it is my duty to let you know that no Lassie was harmed in the making of this book). Moving on....

At first , I tried to read this book at night after my family had gone to bed, which is sometimes my only real free time. But this book was so convincing in its malicious nature that I found myself deciding that is was much too scary to read at that point in time. I never noticed how dark and scary my house could be so late at night!

This book was very well written, as usual. A great thriller, fairly gory, somewhat sad, and even a bit funny. I enjoyed this book immensely, and it's one of the better D.K. books I have read in a long time. I am actually hoping he brings the remaining characters out of hiding and writes another exciting story about them...or would that be impossible with how the story ended?? I guess you'll just have to read it and find out.

A Kitchen Reborn

Review by: Do

Earlier this month we started to remodel our kitchen and dining area. I am thrilled to announce it is finally complete!! What a long and stressful project that was, but the results are awesome!

I think it turned out beautiful! I never really noticed before how terrible it looked before...I guess I had just gotten used to it.

This project was no easy task, and it certainly didn't happen over night (although during the process I prayed many times that it would).

Our transformation started over a year ago. We purchased our new flooring from Lowe's in January 2009 because it was an excellent price. Come to find out, it was mis-marked, but they sold it to us for that price any way. This was our first step in making our new kitchen a reality.

Then last summer we added in our new color scheme for the dining area. Previously it was a two-tone green/creme color that had really started getting on my nerves. I wanted to brighten the room so it would look nice and cheery. After many discussions, arguments, and color swatches taped to the walls, we ended up with a nice peach tone. I like the two/tone, arm rail look, so we continued with that. The top color is called New Peach and the bottom is called Island Shores (both: brand name Valspar, purchased at Lowe's). We opted for the decorative white chair rail.

In April 2010 we purchased our new dining area table and chair set, and my new bakers rack. We got them because, long story short, we ended up with a credit at the local Raymour & Flanigan furniture store, which coincidentally enough, is my husbands employer. So on top of our credit, he also gets a good discount. We stored those two items in our garage (mostly covered) for about two months.

In May 2010 we ordered our new cabinets. We did a lot of pre-planning for this purchase. My husband got quotes from everywhere. Home Depot, Lowe's, local cabinetry places, and wow were they expensive! We ended up ordering them from a local Bargain Outlet. I was really unsure about that route, but they aren't second hand or anything (which is what I immediately thought). They are all new, name brand, and in stock! The one downfall....my husband had to put them all together. He said they were pretty easy, and any defects/damages we ran into were quickly replaced by the store. While we waited for demolition day, my husband started putting them together and storing them in the garage.

June 3rd was demolition day, so the week prior we were removing EVERYTHING from the kitchen and finding a temporary home for it. My downstairs was completely filled and my sons room also was used. Take from the up, move to the down...over and over and over again. It's hard to find space for stuff in a house with no extra space.

My husband took that Thurs/Fri off from work and planned to baracade himself in the house to get it as much done as possible. My brother also spent the better part of that weekend helping.

The kids and I were asked to leave and stay at my Mom's house for the weekend. I wish I could have been more help, but I understand that more can get done without us there. These are just a couple snap shots from that weekend.

The new plan is a relocation of the fridge, and to add an island. We really needed more counterspace and cabinet storage area. We added 3 cabinets above, 3 cabinets below, and 2 drawers in the island section. The sink, stove, and diswasher remained in their same spots. We purchased a new gas stove (as the other was over 12 years old) and we decided to install an over-the-range microwave to save on counter space too. We extended the bottom color in the dining area to the top in the kitchen area, just to shake things up a bit.

And the final product......drum roll please.....

Kitchen before..........and..........Beautiful Kitchen after!!

Dining area before.......and.......Dining area after!!










I am still in awe as to how much of a difference there is. I love love love my new kitchen and dining area. I just walk in there...stop...and smile. :-)

As you have read, my husband was the main contributor to this fabulous transformation. Without him and his determination to get the job done, it would probably still not have been started to this day. I wish I could make him understand how grateful I am for all his hard work and sacrifices, which made this all possible. I hope if he reads this, he realizes how much we love him and how much we appreciate everything he does.

Up next...my new sunroom!! (just kidding honey) ;-)