More Shore

Someone recently asked me, "What do you want to be when you grow-up?"  After several moments without hesitation my response was "I want to be a travel agent."  My reply was motivated by the extraordinary things to see and do in this wondrous world,  thus I feel photos help create the appreciation of places far and near.  Perhaps that is why Atlantic City, New Jersey attracts my get away attention; it is near, colorful, and always changing.  Fortunately I have grown-up and I have had the opportunity to travel, but there are always  new places waiting on the horizon.

A boardwalk view of the Taj Mahal Hotel Casino.  The Showboat Hotel and Casino, and Resorts Hotel and Casinos are within walking distance from the Taj.

A beautiful new paint job is taking place on the exterior of the Taj.  The pastel colors blend beautifully.  It reminded me of peach sherbet.

 

 These gorgeous chandeliers welcome you as you ride the escalators to the lower floor, leading  to the casino and boardwalk.  I think I contributed to purchasing several crystals.

 The summer Olympics really missed out, this is  certainly a true go getter. Olympics or not these two people help to make my days better.

 

All the boardwalk walking, and the beach running is certainly shown in the physique of this runner.  Another  Olympic loss.  Now it is time to venture  north on the boardwalk to the newest addition in Atlantic City, the Revel Hotel and Casino.

 

 

The Revel has a breath-taking design.  It towers above the rest.  The exterior has a mirror like reflecting glass and it captures images near and far each minute of the day.

The sweeping design of the magnificent structure captures reflections.  The shaded areas are such reflections. 

 

 

 

 

 

A moment in time; reflections of the curious and relaxed.  Where, oh where are they now?

 

The lights are a new addition to the boardwalk providing a safer environment in the evening.  Also, the gulls are on beach patrol! 

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.