Classics

There seems little doubt the antique auto display on the boardwalk  in front of the Taj Mahal Casino was an eye pleaser to those passing by.  When an individual saw the uniform exhibit of these classic modes of by gone transportation, it became tempting and rewarding to talk to the owners of their prize winning vehicles.  Some owners displayed the vehicle's engine and many men had to "check it out".  It was difficult to focus on a particular favorite, since each had it's own style but they were all considered classic.

These vehicles captured that old time feeling.

 

 

The trucks were in a category all their own.  I feel this particular one had some real deal alterations.

Engines encouraged general conversation.  The engines were pristine, and they had a powerful look.

 

The fire bird seemed to take center stage.

 

 

 

 

Ford, Lincoln, Chevy, the Edsel all have a place in remember when.

 

There was little disappointment, but the biggest glamorous vehicle was one of many with their owners hoping to win a trophy prize for 2012.  Okay, did you pick your favorite, or is it too difficult to "voice your choice". Personally I would like to go cruising in the black fire bird!!

The line-up of trucks and cars gives an idea how the exhibit was displayed.  This photo extends to just a partial view of the many vehicles.  Everyone appeared to have their own wishful thinking of owning one or two of these collector vehicles.  As I told one young man, "Save your pennies".  We both had a good laugh.   

 

The Boardwalk

Atlantic City, New Jersey has a new logo, "Do  AC," which stands for Do Atlantic City.  Apparently the logo is catching on since the boardwalk, beach, casinos and shops are quite active with locals and visitors.  Actually, I enjoy periodic visits to the shore because I appreciate the sea breeze, squawking seagulls, ocean waves and sounds.  People in general are enjoying the ever changing activities the walk has to offer.  It certainly isn't the best place to be during a tropical storm or hurricane, but it's comforting to know the sun will once again shine and the shore will recover.

Ripley's Believe It or Not has been at the resort for a number of years, and it's fun to watch children as they marvel at the exterior with the collapsing appearance.

This handsome character was rather stiff but captured the interest of people in front of Ripley's.

 

The sun can be very penetrating, so vendors have umbrellas for rent.  It's amazing how individuals can find their home base when it appeared yellow and blue umbrellas were everywhere.

People watching can be very entertaining, but it's especially nice to meet someone like this lady from Brick, N.J.  She was so excited after winning the pink pig, her game was throwing darts at balloons. 

 

 

A new stock of stuffed toys and animals were bagged and ready for the  games of chance.  Not everyone was lucky, but there were a number of people walking on the boardwalk carrying  colorful objects of all sizes shapes and forms.  It was a great afternoon! 



 

Produce Perfection

Often time is of the essence when preparing a meal for family or guests.  In today's world finding tasty recipes that compliment any dinner can readily be obtained by sharing, or from books that provide unique guides to culinary delights.  Often cooking success is obtained by an individuals own experimentation with various food items.  The first step is a trip to the local food market.  Here we can see produce of all sizes, shapes and colors and of course we try to pick the very best. Although many fruits and vegetables are imported to this country, New Jersey farmers can be very proud of their continuing effort to provide the nation with "New Jersey Fresh" especially since New Jersey is known as the Garden State.

                                                   Seven Layer Salad

In a 9x13 pan, layer as follows:                              

             cut up lettuce (I prefer iceberg)                             diced bell  pepper
             frozen peas                                                             diced red onion
             chopped celery                                                       chopped crisp bacon



Spread dressing made of 2 cups mayo plus 2 tbsp. sugar.  Top with grated cheese.

      

                               Peach Marshmallow Dessert

3 tablespoons butter                                                   2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup sugar                                                              1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup corn syrup                                                      1/2 cup milk
1 egg                                                                            8 peach halves
2  cups cake flour                                                        1 1/3 cups brown sugar
                                                                                     1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
                                                                                     8 marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 8x12-inch pan.  Cream 2 tablespoons butter, sugar, and corn syrup together.  Add egg-beat well.  Sift flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.  Pour into prepared pan; arrange peach halves on top.  Cream 1 tablespoon butter with brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over peaches.  Bake 40 minutes.  Place marshmallows on top of each peach half; return to oven to brown.  Yield 8 servings.

                                                    Pineapple Salad

2 slices of pineapple                                      (  Low-cal salad dressing)
2 oranges                                                       1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 apples                                                         1 tbsp. imitation mayo or low-calorie mayo
1/4 medium melon (honeydew)                      2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 pound seedless grapes                             1/4 teaspoon salt
                                                                       1/8 teaspoon white pepper
                                                                       1 teaspoon honey

Cut pineapple slices into 1/2-inch pieces.  Peel and section oranges; remove membranes; cut               
sections into pieces.  Peel apples and melon; remove seeds; cut into bite-size pieces.  Cut grapes in half.  Gently mix fruit .  Pour dressing over fruit; mix gently.  Cover bowl; refrigerate 10 minutes to blend flavors.  Yield 4 to 6 servings.

                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                        

                                            Cheesy Potatoes 'n' Peppers

2 cups chopped onion                                                          4 cups milk
6 tablespoons butter                                                             2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour                                            4 pounds thinly sliced potatoes
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper                                                 
2 jars of roasted red peppers (7 ounces each) drained and chopped

                                                                                         
In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender.  Whisk in flour, salt and pepper until blended.  Gradually add milk.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cheese until smooth.  Place half of the potatoes in two greased 11x7x2 inch. baking dish.  Pour half of sauce over potatoes.  Top with half to two-thirds of pepper and remaining potatoes.  Pour remaining sauce over potatoes.  Sprinkle with remaining peppers.  Cover; bake at 350 for 1-1/4 hours.  Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened.  Yield: 12-16 servings.

                                           Watermelons

Slice it, ------put it in salads------enjoy it in smoothies------seedless or with seeds------watermelon is always a favorite.

                                                 Berry Smoothie

1/1/2 cups vanilla or plain yogurt                                  1 cup halved fresh strawberries
2/3 cup orange juice                                                       2 teaspoons honey
2 medium ripe bananas, cut into chunks

In blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth.  Pour into chilled glasses; best if served immediately.   Enjoy!

Garden Retreat

Today the sun is shining, grass is green and the world looks cleaner and brighter.  Last night some summer thunder storms gracefully deposited several inches of desperately needed rain, and my garden welcomed the gentle drops of  the life saving liquid.  Late summer is often the peak for backyard beauty, but my garden shows a burst of flowers in the spring.  Now it is August and it's special to walk the garden and see the buds on azaleas and other perennials for next year's bloom.  My garden is my temporary vacation spot,  it's the perfect place to escape the busyness of the day.  Watching the cumulus clouds go by,  and smelling the freshly cut grass helps to describe my garden---RELAXING.

It's always an enjoyable experience to enjoy the soothing effect of the garden ponds. A number of years ago one pond was sufficient, but as the koi  grew larger it became necessary to add an additional pond. The new pond holds 1,200 gallons of water and there are times I wish it was a swimming pool.

The morning glory is an early riser and it certainly is a welcome sight in the morning.

Vibrant is the word to describe the red hibiscus.  The plant was a gift, and I appreciate it blooming until the fall.  Sometimes there are eight to ten blooms at one time and it is very special because it has a tree-like appearance.

This lilac plant has had many years of graceful blooms.  In the spring the yard becomes fragrant with the scent of the delicate flowers. 

 

Rhododendron blooms were plentiful this year. The new buds indicate next years beauty will be equal.

The double daylily added a bright orange to the landscape.

A spiderweb is a special addition to the garden.  It's silky threads becomes a resting place for the spider and a trap for small prey.  With a little mist a rainbow appeared adding to the wonder of the creation of such a masterpiece.

The colorful iris added a special touch and received a stop and look moment.

 

 

 

The garden tour is almost complete but before we leave the elegant rose captures our attention.  Gardens take considerable work, adding a touch of happiness to our lives.

 

           

Roadside Flower Show

Wind, water, humans and animals all contribute to the roadside flower show.  Remember when the temptation was too great when you came upon a dandelion ready to send its parachute seeds into the wind.  You had to take a deep breath and have a hearty blow, sending the seeds to new places.  Although roadside flowers are not precisely placed as you would in a garden, they become a random pattern flowering in fields, roadsides, vacant lots and even cracks in the sidewalk. Where ever they grow they have a beauty all their own.

Yellow milkwort suggests an orange clover head.  It grows in the Pine barren's wet sandy soil, and is quite colorful.

American Indians made a poultice from the roots for wounds, sores, and burns.  They used the fuzz from the female flowerhead to stop chafing in babies.  We often see the cattail in floral displays.

Queen Anne's lace has a dainty flat topped cluster of tiny white flowers.  They grow to be 12-18 inches and roadsides are plentiful with this delicate flowers.

The day-lily with its bright orange flower can easily be transplanted in your garden.  I wish they lasted all summer season for they add foliage and flower to the land- scape.

Prickly-Pear Cactus is the only widespread eastern cactus, having a flower often with a reddish center.  The tuffs of bristles will never let you forget the prickly-pear if touched by fingers or toes.

A little touch of blue from the sky must have given these flowers their color.  I was tempted to pick some, but I refrained because to disturb them would not have been the best thing to do.

This was a sight to behold.  The field was an array of golden yellow.  It was certainly a picture perfect sight.  The Black-eyed Susan is a native American wild flower, although sometimes it is called yellow daisy and it happens to be the state flower of Maryland.

The American Indians made a medicinal tea from the roots of the daisy to treat worms and colds, and as a wash for sores and snakebites.  Juice from the root was used to treat earache.  Let's forget about the snakebites, but perhaps there is something to be said for these early American remedies. 

These Indian Pipes made a short visit to my garden.  They like shady areas, and the flower is white or pink but turns blackish later.  They don't grow very tall and the few in my garden were about 6-7 inches tall.  I have been searching for more, but have yet to find any.

These star like flowers were clustered together like little stars.  Most of the flowers had five petals except the lonely little one in the foreground.  Wonderful, we have seen some orange, yellow, white, blue and brown roadside flowers.  My next venture will be to find the pinks, reds and purples.

Skeeter

Skeeter is a toy rat terrier who has become a dominate part of my world.  Presently she has been experiencing visual problems and her opthtalmologist, Dr. James Clinton from Medford, New Jersey has diagnosed her eye problem as corneal erosion.  She is also far sighted and I have become her seeing eye person.

I like having Skeet by my side because she is a true companion and friend.  I know she doesn't like me to leave her, but upon my return I know a little tail will wag , ears will go back and a happy doggie dance will occur with a repeated welcome bark. 

My little girl always looks forward to a treat any size shape or form.

She can be very entertaining, understanding basic commands is easy for Skeeter.

Skeeter came to us four years ago, although she is approximately nine to ten years of age.  She always loved her toys especially ones with squeakers inside.  Now because of her eyes she is unable to focus for fetching or catching .

Well it's bedtime for us and yes, she does sleep with me and I wouldn't have it any other way, because we are a team.  

              This past summer we lost  an outside pet named Rufus.  He, too, always welcomed a gentle touch, and kind words.  We had seventeen years of faithful friendship and he will always be missed.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once mor  ae into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

  

Bird's- eye View

Recently I visited the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The Taj is a mega casino and hotel and it provides a great entrance to the boardwalk.  After having an enjoyable lunch it was inevitable the penny machines were calling; displaying novelty games that any gambling patron would have difficulty resisting.  Needless to say, the "luck of the Irish" was not with me that day, so I ventured high above the boardwalk where a secret area lets you observe the sights of the boardwalk, ocean, birds and vacationers.  As I took the following photographs I felt content with my "bird's-eye view," equal to the pigeons and seagulls flying above.

Walking, strolling, call it what you like, this was a beautiful late afternoon to enjoy.

For some individuals the famous rolling chairs provided the easy going transportation.

Mr. Sandman leaning against the railing was desperately trying to remove the sand between his toes, not an easy task because the sand is like Velcro to the body.  One thing for sure I hope he didn't put his shoes on until every granular was left behind.

Love was in the air.  It was pleasant seeing couples holding hands as they enjoyed the early evening.

At the end of Steel Pier there is a landing--take off pad for the helicopter.  The ride takes you for a view of the island, beach, ocean, casino facades, shops and activity on and off the beach.

 I assume this lady sees something of interest.  Is it a bird, plane, or something faster than a speeding bullet, or more powerful than a locomotive, or could it just be SUPERMAN?