If you are planning on watching the Oscars tomorrow night, and maybe having friends over, or even if it's just you and your hubby kicked back on the couch with your feet up, I found two really cool ideas for some Oscar night fun...
Download free Oscar Bingo cards courtesy of Jessica Jones @ How About Orange. This looks like lots of fun! (Photo courtesy of JJ @ How About Orange)
Also, you can make some yummy looking Slumdog Snacks inspired by this year's Academy pick, Slumdog Millionare, @ Shelterrific. This includes a recipe by Lisa Cericola of adinnerparty.blogspot.com of roasted chickpeas & a mango lassi.
CASA's 5th Annual Barbeque & Bluegrass Bash Feb. 21st 6 pm @ Elks Lodge in Oak Ridge www.casatnh.org or call (865) 425-0888
Girls INC to host 31st Annual Basketball Classic Feb 28th @ 4pm www.girlsinc-oakridge.org or call (865) 482-4475
Get Ready for Spring Rowing Season 2009! orra.org or call (865) 482-6538
If there are any Oak Ridge events I've missed, please let me know, or if there are upcoming local events you would like to see announced for March/April, please let me know and I will be sure to check it out!
Well, it appears that it is becoming an annual tradition around my house - the big Superbowl Sunday Meal! I think the only reason people keep coming over to my house for this event is really for the Buffalo Chicken Salad, a really great & EASY recipe that I learned from Rachael Ray, here's the actual recipe. It's really been a big hit for the past two years running now. You can really do what you like with this recipe, it's just so versatile. If you want to use spinach instead of romaine, go for it! It's just such a great quickie recipe... and even the guys love it!
We really are watching our budget this year, but still like to have fun with the family! So here is this year's Superbowl Sunday Menu at my house:
I gotta tell you, my cousin who is a big-time cook, actually turned me on to allrecipes.com and now I find myself using it on a regular basis when I am doing my brainstorming for meal planning ideas. There are really some great recipes, a 5 star rating system, and I like that there are critiques so that you can see how people who tried a recipe actually felt about it. I also love the fact that you can print out recipe cards, it's so cute.
That's it- my simple little menu for Superbowl Sunday... really for me it's all about the food & family. For me to do this, it's gotta be quick and easy and VERY yummy, stick-to-your-ribs kinda food...
What Superbowl food favorites do you guys enjoy every year? bowl of chili image fromFree-Stock-Photos.com
I know I have been delinquent in my posts as of late. There has been a whirlwind of activity on this end, and I have been negligent, so for that I am deeply sorry.
As of late, with leaves turning color and winter setting snugly in, I have been in a bit of a romantic, yet somber mood. So, instead of reading any thoughtless banter I might come up with for this Thanksgiving, I thought you might consider reflecting on the last words of love of Major Sullivan Ballou (March 28, 1829 – July 28, 1861) of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, written to his adoring wife Sarah just before he lost his life in the Battle of Bull Run. I can remember the first time I heard this beautiful letter, some years ago, I was driving in the car listening to a radio program about the Civil War.
His letter, his words, still stand so relevant to this country today. I guess being the wife of a former Marine, these words really struck a chord. I am dedicating this post to all of you, my friends and family - any of you who are missing a loved one's dearest presence this Thanksgiving. Let us all reflect on the many forms of love in our lives. Especially that love of your beloved spouse, and family, of country, and of our own duties in this life as Americans...
July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Oct. 23rd – 26th Annual Children's Halloween Party at the Civic Center @ 5:30 p.m. - www.orrecparks.org
Oct. 25 - Pumpkin Fest from 11am to 5pm, Grove Center
Senior Moments at American Museum of Science & Energy Events - http://www.amse.org
Catch the Secret City Excursion Train for first glimpse of the beautiful East Tennessee countryside during the most scenic time of year. Sit back and relax while viewing some of the most spectacular Fall colors in the region. Every Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm and 3pm in October. http://www.techscribes.com/sarm/srm_scs.htm Call 865-241-2140 for tickets.
Well, after about 4 years living in this area, I finally got to try out Big Ed's Pizza. Located near historic Jackson Square right across from the Farmer's Market, Big Ed's has been a neighborhood pizza joint for generations of Oak Ridgers. I really was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I mean, we had driven by the place countless times always seeing that giant caricature of 'Big Ed' stenciled proudly on the front window... Finally, on a hot summer afternoon out with my sis-in-law, curiosity, heat, and hunger pangs pushed us to take the plunge. With two toddlers and a baby in tow, my sis-in-law and I braved the hot August mid-afternoon to do pizza at Big Ed's. We pulled up right in front and were able to find a parking spot really close to the front door. This is always great for a mother of three small kiddies!
Everything was going swimmingly, I unpacked the kids, myself, grabbed the stroller, and then I noticed a sign on the front door that brought our little foray to a screeching halt... Big Ed's does not accept CREDIT-CASH or CHECK ONLY! How stone age! Who carries cash anymore, really? I certainly can't bother with it nowadays with the three kids. Everything is swipe-swipe. Well, although this was a bit daunting, we are a determined folk... I called my hubby and had him join us for lunch... An extra set of hands to help with the kids, and ahem- a side trip for him to the ATM for cash. Lovely!
WOW-I was surprised to find the cozy facade of the building to be deceptive, the actual dining room is HUGE... dark, but really large, and actually buzzing with people! It happened to be a weekday afternoon, and there were really a lot of folks there chowing down. We sat at a table near the window, and even though there were other people eating nearby, it still felt like an intimate setting. I was immediately transported back to reminisce about a neighborhood pizza joint where I used to go to hang out as a kid back in Baltimore. The pizza is greasy, but somehow mixed with the atmosphere it is all so comforting and friendly. The kids loved it, even the little one seemed to be soaking it all in... Admittedly, you could probably get a better deal ordering from your favorite franchise pizza place, but there is something about sitting there with family and friends joking and laughing over a pitcher of cherry coke [sorry no free refills, ordering a pitcher is your best bet.] It feels like you are making a memory... We ordered a large 'polka dot' pizza [that's translated into pepperoni for you folks without kids] with extra cheese to feed three adults and two and a half kids... the adults had 2 slices each and the kids had 1 a piece, while the baby happily gnawed on crust [she's teething.] We actually got a big kick checking out some of the memorabilia around the room. My hubby is an ex-Marine, and there was a cool bottle of what I initially thought to be a beer called Jarhead Red... It actually turns out, as was pointed out to me by my esteemed and knowledgeable friend, that Jarhead Red is a wine made "by Marines, for Marines, on California's Central Coast..." You can purchase this wine on the Jarhead Red website, and the sale of this wine benefits the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund. Very Interesting... On my way to the bathroom, I spied what appeared to be marble countertops at the bar! Yes, there is a bar where you can order alcohalic beverages...
Overall, if you are looking for a cool place to hang out, Big Ed's Pizza seems like a good place. The food was okay, the service was great [our server was so pregnant she was about to POP,] and the atmosphere was really fun. A good time had by all... and a few tummy aches had later from all that grease.
Big Ed's Pizza 101 Broadway Ave Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 482-4885
Well, it appears that it is becoming an annual tradition around my house - the big Superbowl Sunday Meal! I think the only reason people keep coming over to my house for this event is really for the Buffalo Chicken Salad, a really great & EASY recipe that I learned from Rachael Ray, here's the actual recipe. It's really been a big hit for the past two years running now. You can really do what you like with this recipe, it's just so versatile. If you want to use spinach instead of romaine, go for it! It's just such a great quickie recipe... and even the guys love it!
Overall, if you are looking for a cool place to hang out, Big Ed's Pizza seems like a good place. The food was okay, the service was great [our server was so pregnant she was about to POP,] and the atmosphere was really fun. A good time had by all... and a few tummy aches had later from all that grease.