Taking a leap forward and expanding my music play list, an adventure in discovering something outside of my normal genre and tastes! Worth sharing and one never knows who else might enjoy something that they didn’t know about before, like me!
With the New year now upon us, we can go the distance to enjoy great things!
Creating the family’s recipe of homemade, chunky cranberry sauce is a favorite activity of mine; my mother was also willing to offer up her kitchen while I was on vacation in Colorado to make it happen. Of course, we had to add a healthy dose of orange Triple Sec to each jar we made, otherwise, it wouldn’t have that extra zing we all love! While I think the recipe is pretty common, it’s the special one we use at home becuase it turns out the best.
Naturally, Mom took the lead and I assisted, being the elf to Mrs. Claus, of course.
The homemade cranberry sauce is great on any poultry, with prime rib, and of, course, with leg of lamb.
As you can hear and see in the short video I snapped/shot, the wind is really howling! It’s so cold, too and the icy winds bite at the skin. Yes, it’s blizzarding! Welcome to the cold and snowy Colorado plains! I also got my wish for Christmas, I witnessed a good snow fall and all was merry and white!
Thankfully, the blizzard did stop and I own plenty of warm wear to go out and play in the snow, a favorite past time of mine, while also getting to enjoy the warmt of the indoors, with hot cholate and games with family and friends.
We are playing Scattergories, Clobber, and card games, always a delight, no matter the weather!
It’s that time of year when homemade goodies are an essential. For me, I like to keep things easy and simple; I also like to share!
Here is the link to the recipe I used (and of course, I had to sample the goodies) I also substituted 1/2 the vanilla for almond infusion as it makes it so cheery! And a little music to help set the mood as you bake/cook/ enjoy the Season!
Christmas and the holidays are just around the corner and we know what kind of crazyness that can add to people’s lives.
You can win two ways this year, support a local artist whom had hand-made fashion accessories (scarves and necklaces and more) and beautifully hand painted art, give a gift to yourself or to a loved one, items include free shipping and free gift wrapping (upon request).
Ordering/purchasing now will guarantee arrival of your purchase to gift your loved one and friends!
Here is the link to my personal eBay! Make me an offer!
Here are some photos of just a few of the items available!
It’s cold out! While we all have to work, some of is outdoors, some of us go out to get our morning joe, or other awesome things outdoors, a warm hat is a must!
Free shipping on items in the USA, nominal fee for shipping outside the USA!
Stay Warm! Shop handmade warm hats here on my eBay!
A selection of warm, handmade scarves are available on my eBay! Order one for yourself, give one as a gift! Free shipping! Handmade necklaces and other beautiful items are for sale!
Gift wrapping is available (for free) upon request! Support a local artist/craftsman!
7 Scarves are available at present with more to come! Check it out! eBay
I am not sure where the term “Starving Artist’ originated but I do have original, oil paintings for sale via my eBay, free shipping to the USA, minimal shipping costs world wide!
All paintings are signed by the artist (me) and will ship within 1 business day from date of purchase! All sales also profit a local Charity (10% of sales go to the charity directly!)
Also available is the “make an offer” button on each listing, go ahead and make me an offer! I would really like to get these paintings sold! Click Here to See the Paintings for sale!
Happy Shopping!
Fa-la-la-la-la-de-dah! Christmas bells are ringing!
An original Christmas painting, oil on canvas, framed and matted (no glass) is available for purchase, ready to hang, just in time for bringing in the holidays and Christmas cheer! Listed at $65 (offers are welcome!) and will ship in time to be gifted or hung by the chimney with care.
Available here on my eBay!
Each and every purchase on my eBay helps to support me the “starving” artist, not only to create more art but to travel and learn and glean from all the wonderful things the world has to offer.
Winter is upon us and keeping warm while going out is always nice, especially when fun and fashionable at the same time while supporting a local artist/small shop!
Free shipping to the USA, small shipping price to everywhere else! Click Here kelly grinch green winter hat cap beanie hand knitted, fuzzy texture, adult size, teddy bear not included
https://www.ebay.com/itm/225264242638
Scarves are an excellent way to stay warm and fashionable, especially when hand knitted! Check out my ebay for a nice selection of scarves to be worn or gifted! Happy Shopping (and yes, I can gift wrap upon request!)
Yes, I am a fan of one dish wonders; so easy!
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of oil
2 large carrots and 2 stocks of celery, cut into spears
1/2 onion, course chopped
Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper, lemon juice
Put all the items in a glass bakeware dish, bake at 350 degree Farenheit for 90 minutes. Serves 3-4 people.
American Latino Bail Bonds is an open choice for everyone in the emergency of getting loved ones out of jail. Hablamos Espanol.We are always open and ready to assist.
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Nature’s hues put pantone to shame. Rich, saturated colors of oranges, burgundy, crimson, spices, golds, and so many more shades that words can not describe or depict!
The Sunday drive on a Tuesday proved fruitful and the cool, crisp air and carolina blue skies made for a perfect day of wandering and sipping coffee.
Got caught in a jam? Call David Jones, Bail Bondsman
Adventures, Travel, hiking, going and doing–walk, run, crawl–go! Dr. Seuss wrote a great book “Oh the places you will go” and much of it is true, even now.
People are mobile, ambulant. If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d be rooted to the earth like trees, whom even move and sway with stimulation and groan in growth, spreading limbs and leaves as far and wide as they are able–and we, as humans, could follow by example and stretch our limbs, and “leaf” out, try new things.
While every venue would be impossible to see and do in a lifetime, certain areasand places are perhaps unatainable and don’t pique your interest, there are a great multitude of places to be explored. Mountains, beaches, bookstore corners on a forgotten street, GropeCunt alley, the Fraunalb Ruins Near Ettlingen Germany, the bakery down the street.
May I suggest you write down a wish list of places you have read about and would like to see or places referenced in a movie? I have always wanted to go Lime in England, Carnival in Brazil, and places that Jane Austen wrote about, Castle Bran in Translyvania as Stoker wrote such vivid details of the mystical auras, and more.
Where would you like to go?
Meeting new people can be tricky, especially in this technology based world but when a neighbor introduces themselves and ask where they can easily get internet service, a connection is made! My new neighbor is from Alexandria, Egypt and she invited me over for a wonderful, homemade Egyptian meal, which was a new, spiced delight for me!
While I can’t even begin to spell the names of the dishes, they were fabulous!
Yes, burning barrels still exist and I love to use them! Of course, I used it responsably but oh, the joy of the crackle and flame!
No, it’s not my property but that of a dear friend whom allowed me to play with fire! woohoo!
What did I burn? Some yard waste (sticks, leaves, etc) and some card board boxes and such, very exciting!
Not quite a one pot wonder but still every easy to make.
1 Jar of Tiki Masala Sauce
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or chunked
1 cup of rice (cooked with 2 cups of water and 1 tblspoon of curry powerder)
1 small bag of shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper sliced into smaller strips
Cook the rice with the curry added
Cook the chicken breast and when about 90% done, add in the bell peppper and carrots, sauted until al dente, add the jar of tiki sauce, simmer until all hot, put mixture over rice, Serves 4 to 6
Traveling by plane, in my opinion, is fun but sometimes it can be a bit odd and ackward, whether you have layovers or direct flights. Having flown domestic and international flights, I learned a few things with the travel.
Here are some tricks and tips that I have learned/gleaned from flying:
I hope these tips are helpful and useful as you travel.
Spending an evening with my parents is always fun as we live very far apart. While on vacation and staying at my parent’s home, I took the liberty of cooking a meal for them–after running errands with my mom and having gone to the fields to check water with my brother (he’s a farmer with irrigated fielda) a hot, easy meal was in order.
One of the errands was going to the grocery store (in the next town over) so picking up ingredients was a breeze. Of course, I also chose items that were on sale or had the “club price” with a member’s card (the free one’s you get when you sign up at many “big” stores.).
Ingredients:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I used a combo of both)
1 Jar of Madras Korma Curry Indian simmering sauce
1 can of coconut milk
1/2 -3/4 pound of chopped up raw veggies, I used red bell pepper, some cauliflower florets and stems, shredded carrots and a half chopped red onion and sliced mushrooms.
Line a glass baking dish with the chicken (after spraying it with some oil), dump the jar of sauce, can of coconut milk, and veggies all in it give it a light stire and bake for 90 minutes on 350 degrees, covered with aluminium foil.
It’s easy, Indian/Nepal inspired dish and there was more than plenty for 4 people to have 2 whole meals off it.
It can be eaten as it or served over white rice or with Naan.
Our road trip back to Colorado included going through the beautiful, quiet state of Nebraska.
The rolling praries and grasslands, scattered amongst the grain fields and ranches, was quite stunning and we stumbled upon Chimney Rock, quite a stunning view as it just “pops” out of seemingling no where!
We stopped in Scottsbluff for a meal, Subway, and enjoyed the scenery of the quaint town (and found more postcards, which was a pleasant surprise in the small town).
In full truth, Chimney Rock is very pretty but the praries are something unique to behold, a hidden treasure of America’s bread basket country (which I have heard many people call a “fly over” area, which I believe is a true mistake, as it’s breath taking). If given the chance, drive and stay in Nebraska, it has lots of charm and the people are very warm and welcoming.
An adventure of a lifetime with my bestest friend in the whole world! Kevin planned it out for us, which was a huge treat for me. I flew into Colorado to join forces with Kevin and then off we went!
Mt. Rushmore, featuring 4 U.S. carved into the Black hills, is absolutely stunning! The entrance to the national monument is free but it does cost a minimal price to park (and we got rock star parking near the entrance!)
While it was hot, hence the floppy hat donned by me, it was a picture perfect day in South Dakota! Kevin’s fit bit marked that we walked almost 2 miles around the site and it was well worth the tired feet. The park does offer plenty of photo opprotunities and places to relax and take in the views, which is awesome when you are with your bestest friend and want to soak it all in!
Along the walk way, each state is represented with a flag and a stone marker of when it was inducted into the USA, as a state officially, which is rather interesting. I learned that my home base state was inducted after Nebraska, which is suprising but both states were part of the Louisianna purchase, so all is good.
Kevin and I enjoyed the day thoroughly and even purchased a few postcards (will come in another post.)
While walking this morning, post work, I saw the most beautiful Hawk. He, I guess it’s a boy, is absolutely stunning.
While observing, I suspect the Hawk was hunting/searching for prey, mice and such. While he definitelty saw me, he was very polite and easy going. He moved over to the edge of a storage shed, squatting for a better view and he appeared to be a great hunter and well fed. South Carolina wildlife is most certaintly stunning and the unexpected view on my walking adventure was a big treat!
Yes, it’s true. I am a pluviophile for sure! Living in the Southeast United States means I receive plenty of opprotunities to enjoy!
A friend gardens and shared her extra produce with me (which is awesome as I live in an apartment, sans garden).
This is a rendition of eggplant parmesan, made with stewed, simmered chunked and seasoned roma tomatoes, layed a piece of steamed tilapia filets, and egg washed and battered sliced eggplant, topped with parmesan cheese and steamed with a side of steamed fresh green beans (and a limed glaze)
1 frozen Tuna Fillet
2 carrots, pealed and sliced thin (or peeled thin)
1 large tomatoe, diced
3 TBLSP olive oil, split in half
2 TBLSP curry powder
1 TBLSP Dried Parsley
1 TBLSP diced freshed ginger
Slowly simmer the tuna fillet (from frozen) in half the oil, add salt and pepper
Mixe all the other ingredients in a sauce pan, simmer lightly and then add 2 cups of cold water and stew for 45 minutes on low head
Remove Tuna from skilltet, add the flour to make “roux” until browned and thick. Add the vegetable mix and simmer together, making it all thick. Put the tuna on a bed of mixed spring mix and top with tuna and a scoop of the curry vegetables. Serves 2-4, depending on how cut the tuna steak
(I easily found Curry powder in the International food and spice aisle at the local Ingles Market)
A huge storm in upstate South Carolina proves to be quite the show from the porch. The video would have been a bit longer if the thunder hadn’t shaken the phone from my hands.
A new friend showed me a walking trail along the lake in Clemson, South Carolina, tucked away and out of sight unless you know where it is! The friends, being local, showed me the way and the easy access entry point, tucked away on a side street, one wouldn’t know it was there unless shown!
There it is, I am an admitted Jurassic Park Franchise Junkie, and it adds happy to my heart. As an early birthday gift, my Sweetness treated us out on a date night to see the newest addition the series, Jurassic World Dominion.
Yes, I am even wearing a dinosaur dress with velicoraptor earrings on our date night. I just can’t help myself!!!
A new sponsor! This is a first for this American Adventurer and blogger, we now have an official local sponsor!!!! Thank you, Bondsman Jones for your support!!
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3 medium/large chicken breasts (bone in or out, your choice)
1 pound of baby carrots
2 toes of garlic, finely chunked
4 red potatoes, washed and chunked
4 oz of choke cherry preserves
2 tsp Tony S. seasoning blend
1 tablespoon olive oil
Rub olive oil over the bottom of a glass baking dish, dump everything else in, bake for for an hour or so at 350 degrees or until chicken is cooked and potatoes are done. Serves 6
Living near a watershed and Lake Hartwell and Seneca River provides ample opprotunity for critters and the like to wonder into my neighborhood, which is an absolute delight. The flora and fauna is also quite stunning!
Some of these items were seen as I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood and some things ended up on my porch, willingly to hang out with me! Life is always interesting.
The ingredients were all already in my house (I grocery shop only twice a month) and are all affordably priced from my local Aldi’s grocery store (except the spice jars, which I got at the local Dollar Tree or at Aldi’s)
1 pound ground turkey, frozen
1 small can of tomato sauce
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
1 can each of chili beans, great nothern beans, black beans (don’t drain)
1 tablespoon each of cumin, chili powder, parsley
Salt and Pepper
2 small purple onions, chopped up
2 jalepenos, chopped up
1 medium green bell pepper, small chunked chopped
Brown the turkey in the pot, add all the fresh vegetables to simmer while the meat finishes to cook.
Add all the spices and canned goods, simmer for 45 minutes to let it all “melt” together.
Can be topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar or my favorite, served with homemade cinnamon rolls
Again, I chose to shop at Aldi’s and found a great price on Tuna Steaks.
I didn’t include the cost of the spices/seasoning as I already had a can of Tony’s in the cupboard.
1 Tuna Steak
1 Can of green beans (Aldi Brand)
1 can of new potatoes (whole, Aldi Brand)
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into short sticks
1 table spoon of olive oil
Sprinkles of Tony’s.
Simmer Tuna Steak and carrot sticks (same skillet) on low/medium heat, slowly until cooked through.
Warm up green beans and new potatoes in same skillet, season with salt and paper.
Put New potatoes and green beans on the bottom of two bowls, cut tuna steak in half and put half in each bowl, top with sautéed carrot sticks, serve hot.
Feeds Two and is a artisan meal.
Yes, another one pot wonder meal to the rescue (and at an affordable price, too!)
I enjoy one pot meals because they are easy to make, affordable, and can simmer without being slaved over. I use easy to find, inexpensive ingredients too so we can all save our pennies for travel, adventures and other hobbies.
2 chicken breasts (2 cans of chunked chicken breast also work, whichever is found on sale)
2 bell peppers (or raw poblanos)
2 cans of red kidney beans (75 cents each at my local Aldi’s)
2 cans of tomatoes (I used the pre seasoned ones with oregano and basil)
2 toes of garlic, salt and pepper
Cook the chicken in a deep pan/skillet, until done, cut into chunks
Chop up garlic and peppers
Open cans of beans and tomatoes, don’t drain, add everything to the chicken pan
Simmer for 30 minutes
Can be served over rice, too, if prefered
Yes, I am a giant fan of “one pot wonders”, not because I am lazy, I simply like to be efficient with my time and efforts (and honestly, who wants to slave over a hot stove/oven all the time?)
Ingredients:
1 pound of Beef tips/stew meat (the butcher’s discount stuff works great!)
1 medium onion chopped
2 large carrots, chopped chunky
Mixed bell peppers, poblanos, etc. (whatever you have for raw veggies that need to be used up)
1 Cup of white rice, 2 Cups of water
Seasonings/spices of your choice (I had a packet of taco seasoning, so I used that)
Simmer/cook the beef tips/stew meat until cooked thru, add in the chopped veggies, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the rise and water and simmer on medium heat until mixture starts to bubble, turn down to low heat and let finish cooking until rice is soft and all items are al dente.
Serves 4-6.
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The state of South Carolina has so many wonderful venues that are easily accessible on a whim!
My Sweetness and I drove down to Charleston to pick up a motorcycle part from a dealership (while he is adventurous and rides a motorbike, I am not that brave. We drove down in a regular vehicle.) Since we were “in the area” hahaha, we drove to the Isle of Palms and enjoyed a good chunk of the day on the beach–thankfully, a regular grocery store wasn’t far off, so we popped in, purchased some bottled water and sunscreen, and off we went!
The Isle of Palms boasts a lovely, clean long beach, an intact pier and a great environment for hanging out, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the splendor of the strand. While I didn’t partake in the other amenities of the area directly, there are plenty available. I simply was enjoying building “ruin” styled sandcastles (I am no castle architect) but we did see dolphins as well!!
A small town, a small cemetery but a treasure to find while out exploring. The old trees are beautiful and the property is kept in very nice condition!! I didn’t find any local historical signs or markers so the history is unknown to me! Still a treasure!
Click here to learn a bit more history!
A lovely walk up a boardwalk to view the damn and river provided spectacular views! Want to know a bit more history? Click on the link below the video!
The river separates both South Carolina and Georgia as a natural border/state line. It’s a free venue and a wonderful place to enjoy the evening, the scents of nature are pleasant and overly abundant!
My youngest brother came for a 2 week visit and, of course, a walk with coffee breaks had to be included! It’s always a joyous time to spend with loved ones with a bean buzz and fresh air. The sites and venues are always an added perk as well.
While here in the Upstate, I wanted to share some of the local awesome adventures with him…and he smiled the whole time. His smile lightens up the whole world and he is a fun, handsome guy (but I might be just a bit biased, being his sister and all!)
The photos are captioned of the places we attended. The conversations were endless!
A lovely day, sitting out on the veranda with a friend/brother and enjoying two of life’s greatest pleasures–coffee and ice cream.
I enjoyed trying something new–a Mayan Mocha…bursting with steaming flavors of mildly spicy chilis and robust brewed beans, it was a huge treat for me–mixing spices and flavors together that I had previously never had blended together. My brother enjoyed a regular latte and enjoyed the frothiness and flavor as well as he is Classic Cookie and Cream Ice Cream cone.
While the coffee and ice cream are superb, the conversation with my brother was amazing. We caught up on items, discussed hopes and dreams, laughed, told cheesy jokes (the only kind I know, of course) and spent several hours just having fun together in the comfortable outdoor seating. The Cafe boasted faux lawn under the table, which added a nice touch and color.
Adventures are always more fun with a friend and brother.
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A Sunday Drive to a major vacation (anything over 7 days in my book) all require a bit of planning and forethought, even whilst winging it. Why? Well, no one particularly cares for being caught “with their pants down”.
Thus, here are a few tips that I think are helpful and I use them myself.
A tunnel to…. nowhere! The train tunnel remains as an incomplete project but it’s very fascinating, rich in history! Located just outside of the city of Walhalla, Stumphouse Tunnel was initially meant to be a train tunnel, but it was never completed.
At one point, Clemson University even used the tunnel as a forum for aging their famous bleu cheese (Clemson University Bleu Cheese and Bleu Cheese products are still available for purchase at local venues, groceries stores and such).
The more indepth history can be seen in the photos and via the videos attached. I hope you enjoy!
Chili’s roasted, cilantro, diced onions, freshly grilled chorizo and Alpastor, my mouth was already watering even before I could order at the window from the cherry red food truck.
The proprietor doesn’t speak any English but with my improving Spanish language skills, I ordered 8 tacos, 2 chorizo, 4 Alpastor, and 2 Asada–with 4 ramekins of salsa, 2 mild, 2 picoso (hotter) and guess what, my language efforts earned a gold star! I received exactly what I ordered and desired (it’s a true struggle when developing language skills to convey a genuine message when ordering food.)
I delivered said order to my Sweetheart’s house, and much to my delight, his Guatemalan Grandmother even approved and ate 2 of the tacos!
https://www.ebay.com/sch/apotthoff/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=Don’t Forget! Handcrafted Items and paintings are available on my eBay!
History comes to live in a graveyard and the history is richly embedded here at St. John’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) here in Walhalla, South Carolina. Founded by a German emigrant in 1853 (which makes it older than my home state; Colorado was indoctrinated as a State in 1876).
The German Emigrant who founded the church wanted to create a place of worship for new and incoming fellow Germans, I am speculating as a way of integration and for creating a foundation for their lives in the new world (just as my opinion); what creates a better sense of belonging than a community of faith?
According to the historical marker (signs that are posted frequently around the Southeast, which is boundless in its history), the German Emigrant was General John A. Wagener. The history of his efforts and settlements can be read in the photos below.
The one particular headstone that really caught my attention was the one bearing the name Martin Luther Waldt. Why? Well, Martin Luther is the great German Reformation leader, creating what is now known as the protestant Church. While his intention was to reform the Catholic Church, noting such things that we are saved by faith alone (versus penance) and nailing his 96 Thesis to the doors of the castle church door at Wittenburg. His intent was to reform, not to split, but severance of the two did happen, creating the two factions we now know.
A Little Video allows one to hear at least the toll of one bell (I wasn’t quite quick enough to get the full set of bells tolling for 5 p.m.) When I was younger, my parents had taken me and my siblings on a family vacation to Germany (my first time being abroad); I often heard the bells chiming. I asked my mother why they rang so often, and her answer has stuck with me ever since, as I often sang along with the hymns or music that the bells performed. My mother said, Anna, those bells are chiming for you. Every time the bells ring, I can’t help but think they are especially for me, as if magically they knew I was there to hear them. Finding this graveyard created a full circle, so to speak, for me, having German heritage and being Lutheran, this happy happenstance couldn’t have been more perfect.
A day out with my grandfather, with local history, a great variety of plants, and even a stuffed mountain lion, it literally rocked as toured the Botanical Gardens and Geology museum–an extra nice perk? The venues don’t charge admission but do take donations (which are well worth giving!)
There is so much more to do and enjoy in Clemson, beyond going to a football game, and there is ample parking! The parking lot abuts to the gardens and is easily accessible, and most paths are handicap/scooter friendly for those who desire to go with some assistance.
Located across the street from a little pub in Fotrose, this historical charm is well worth visiting and a great place to stop and enjoy your lunch,
Adventures are under tow! I chose Inverness, in the Highlands of Scotland, as my hub. So far, the adventures are epic! More will come!
My Travels 