Mamma's Breakfast

My best friend Pat and I decided driving on a different route  could offer new scenes, sounds and perhaps an interesting place to have breakfast or lunch.  And so we ventured on to Route 541 going through the historic city of Mt. Holly, N.J.  Not far out of the city limits we came upon a complex of eateries.  We soon agreed Cracker Barrel could be a good choice.  The choice was an excellent one and we left our adventure with a happy smile and no desire for more food.

The sign towers above the restaurant and country store.

Rocking chairs and checkers welcome anyone willing to partake in a little competition before or after a dining experience.

The adjourning country store  has unique items hanging from the ceiling and displayed on the walls.  These items are not for sale, but the items displayed for sale are varied and plentiful.  Valentine's Day was several days away and the array of appropriate and colorful items certainly caught one's attention.

We were very fortunate to have seating near a "real" fireplace.  Newly placed logs had recently been added and the aroma was so inviting.  It was a chilly day and the warmth of the fire added a special charm to the dining experience.

The menu offered an array of  food choices, but Mamma's Breakfast suddenly arroused the taste buds.  We had an exceptionaly nice waiter named Nathan.  He was courteous, attentive, informative and his manners were certainly appreciated.  Pancakes, cherry topping, whip cream, eggs and bacon.  Did we eat everything?  OH, YES !!!

Red Heel Monkeys

Welcome back! The Red Heel Sock Monkeys are making a comeback after a hiatus for a number of years. It was the early part of the twentieth century sock monkeys became a popular, lovable, must have companion. Today's Red Heel Sock Monkeys are achieving notoriety as hats, slippers , puzzles and other clever creations of this classic American icon. Consider yourself fortunate if you can relate to these delightful characters of the past and present.  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I had taking them.

This is my senior monkey.  His body isn't soft and cuddly because he is stuffed tightly with what appears to be a plastic substance.  He dates to the 1960's  and his suit is made from polyester. 

Sometimes size really counts and if this Red Heel was unwrapped he would be over four feet tall.  I think of him in charge of security since his place is by the door.  He really doesn't do much except make an impression and entertain visitors.

This little treasure was found at a flea market.  He plays the same tune as any jack-in-the-box, but who could resist his adorable expression and lively tune when he does his pop-up.

Visualize these little guys doing a circus act---without a contract.  In 2011 their troupe contained two members, now there are five.

Now that you have met some Red Heel Monkeys perhaps you will  take a second to visit with them when shopping.  Remember they come in all sizes, colors and adorable facial expressions. I like the thought of making your own. Directions are easily found on the Internet.  A pair of socks, stuffing and a little patience will give you a rewarding creation.  HAVE FUN !                   

Let's Talk Cranberries

It is relatively easy to research the history of cranberries on the Internet, but it's the ultimate visual experience to witness the beauty of a cranberry harvest in the fall.  The pinelands offer this opportunity because October and November are the months the bogs are flooded and the harvest begins.  The grower of course hopes his winter, spring and summer efforts will now produce a well earned crop.  The cranberry has well earned its place on the best of food menu and it certainly has come a long way since the Native Americans first used the little bouncy berry as a salve to draw from an infection.

Cranberries are considered therapeutic and generally are known for their health benefits.  Consider the following:  they are good for heart health, urinary tract infections, defense against infections, dental health and the list goes on.  And we must not forget they taste good.

These cranberry boxes depict a time from many years ago when farmers hired laborers to hand pick their crop.  The vines were long and tangled and the berries were not always visible.  Basically an individual had to be on hands and knees to do the job.

Along came the cranberry scoop.  This particular scoop weighs nine pounds and has wooden teeth.  Later scoops were made several inches smaller with metal teeth.  Like the name implies the berries were scooped from the vines and it definitely proved to be a back breaking job.

Before wet harvesting began a dry harvesting machine similar to the wet harvesting machine seen in this photo was used.  The above photo depicts one method of wet harvesting still used today.

This machine has a larger reel for knocking the berries off the vines.  Once again it is considered wet harvesting and the machine has proven to have advantages and disadvantages.  The gentlemen walking in the bog guides the driver to where the berries are visible.

What's next?  This might be the newest concept in harvesting cranberries.  The grower is experimenting with  an elaborate aluminum harvester.  It appeared to do quite well on the 2011 harvest.

The grower constantly monitors the crop for insects, dryness, wetness, color and possible rotting.  Like any farm crop sometimes it's a 24-7 dedication  that one can only hope proves to be profitable.

REMEMBER:  Everytime you open your mouth and put food in it , you can thank a farmer.

Oh so good!                                          Cranberry Nut Pie                        Oh so easy!

2 cups cranberries                              1cup sugar

1/2 cup walnuts chopped                    1 1/2 sticks of melted butter

1/2 cup sugar                                      2 eggs

1 cup flour                                           2 tsp almond extract

Mix together cranberries, walnuts and 1/2 cup of sugar, spread in bottom of well-greased 10 inch pie plate.  Mix together flour, 1 cup of sugar, melted butter, eggs and almond extract.  Pour this over the cranberry mixture, bake 55 to 60 minutes in a preheated oven.  Can be served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or simply powdered sugar.

New Year's Day 2012

It was a lovely day in the neighborhood -- boardwalk neighborhood that is.  People were strolling and talking as they enjoyed an absolutely magnificant day.  I actually thought we had seen the last of such days in October 2011, but then came along January 1, 2012 and weather conditions were repeated.  The beach was clean and a recently constructed walkway to the beach deserves a compliment to those responsible for the structure.  The gorgeous views appeared to be appreciated by all, since many cameras were focused on numerous scenes to remember New Year's Day 2012.

This delightful lady engaged in a pleasant conversation with my friend and myself.  Feeding the pigeons is a ritual she enjoys when visiting the shore.  P.S.  The casino never knew the rolls were missing !!!!!!!!!

Love, kindness and friendship can be found in this photo.  The gentleman is a volunteer who travels from Philadelphia to feed the cats on the beach.  He talks to them and calls them by name, as they gather around for their gourmet dinner.

What wisdom lies below these silver crowns?  Perhaps this was day to reminisce or a day to solve the world's problems.  The stories of their lives would certainly be fascinating.

As I watched an elderly gentleman and child walk to the water's edge it brought back pleasant memories.  It is a true gift to see the world through a child's eyes.
             
           I like to walk with Grandma and Grandpa,
           Their steps are short like mine.
           They don't say, "Now hurry up,"
           They always take their time.
           I like to walk with Grandma and Grandpa,
           Their eyes see things mine do,
           Wee pebbles bright, a funny cloud,
           Half-hidden drops of dew.
           Most people have to hurry,
           They do not stop and see.
           I'm glad God made Grandma and Grandpa,
           Unrushed and young like me!

 

                                                   Author unknown

Route 563

When traveling along the highway we often fail to take the time to smell the roses.  We fly in a plane only to catch a glimpse of the terrain below.  We sail the oceans only to think about the mysterious and wonderous creatures below.  Our life's journey occassionaly takes us to big cities where the hustle and bustle of daily life often takes away friendly responses such as a greeting or a smile.  I personally am impressed with rural life and I sincerely enjoy looking for some unique things to photograph.  The following photos were taken on an eleven mile Pineland County Road.

Let your imagination run wild.  This fasinating river sclupture is visible from the highway.  What do you see?

The Pinelands had to endure mother nature's wrath of horrible weather in 2011.  Extreme heat, excessive inches of rain, hail and a tornado all played a part in playing havoc on the local farm industry.  This fallen pine tree disclosed an inner beauty which now compliments my garden

Wind chimes come in all sizes shapes and sounds, but this chime proved to be a classic

This sign has been in this position sice 1946.  As you can see passing time indicates the oak tree continues to claim the invader. REMEMBER to stop and smell the roses and have your pocket camera ready!!

Cruises

I love to go on a cruise! Winter, spring, summer, fall, any season is good for a cruise.  The trip I recently took was on the Norwegian Epic in January 2011 to the Caribbean.  The Epic is a fantastic ship.  It was somewhat overwhelming when we got to the port in Florida and saw the various cruise line ships docked..  The Epic was enormous compared to the other ships, she looked like a floating hotel.  I have been to the Caribbean several times but a January get away was just perfect.

This photo was taken in Cozumel.  The Disney ship looked like a miniature compared to the Epic.

One of the entertainers in port portrayed a look alike from the Pirates of the Caribbean.  He was excellent in his attire, and children were mesmerized  when he moved.  He was very grateful for any coin contributions.

A sight to behold.  The turquoise water is so inviting.  There seemed to be shades of blue everywhere.

Perhaps you have heard the expression, "If you snooze you might lose."  Well I will never snooze when it  involves a cruise.  Of course there's always boats like the Dream Boat pictured above.  Not much entertainment, lavish buffets or elegant cabins.  Oh well, after careful consideration I think for comforts sake I'll continue to sail the ocean blue on ships like the Epic.

Columbus Farmers' Market

It appears everyone loves a bargain.  Columbus Farmer's Market on a beautiful Sunday morning is the place you might find that something special for yourself or that someone special.  Whether it be old or new, Columbus Market is the place to look.  There are a few secrets though, get there early and if you see something you like buy it, because it might not be there when you get back.

Many venders are regular dealers, and then there are the one day yard sales.  There are rows and rows of venders hoping they might have that something special you are looking for.

This adventureous lady appears to be thrilled she found a truely treasured item.  Perhaps she has had one just like it in the past or needs to have one now.

Today I wasn't interested in doorknobs or crystals.  The items were neatly displayed and the sun added brightness to their charm.  VERY TEMPTING!

 

The cookie jars were absolutely beautiful.  Since, I don't have any counter spece left in my kitchen I had to pass on to other fabulous deals. My purchases for the day included the following:  bedspread $8.00, old four piece ceramic train, $0.50,  peanut butter $2.00 and a hotdog, $1.00.  All in all it was all worth the trip.