Today is my sister Patty's Birthday. I hope that she and her husband Dan enjoyed this day. Perhaps Amy and Dave (Daughter and Son-in-Law) will join them in celebration this weekend. I mailed our present (This includes Bob, too.) on Tuesday at the Tower City Post Office in Downtown Cleveland. I am sure that she'll enjoy it.
My next post will be another birthday post. My niece Marnie was just one birthday off in her comment. In her defense, I do not know all of my aunts' and uncles' birthdays, either.
Until next time, enjoy life.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter
Easter started off with Mass at St. Leo Church on Broadview Road in Cleveland. Kathleen drove Bob and me there. Father John Ocilka, who was at St. Leo Church from 1994 to 2000, was the guest priest. He offered some amusing insights. Unfortunately, they have escaped me at this time. Audience participation was involved when he asked for traditional foods for Easter. The funniest reply was "takeout".
After Mass, we went to CVS at Broadview and Brookpark Roads (near St. Leo Church) because Bob and I needed milk for our scalloped potatoes and for our breakfasts. Kathleen picked up some cereal because we ran out of the cereal that she likes. It also happened to be BOGO. We then went home and relaxed before Bob and I made our scalloped potatoes. The preparation went relatively smoothly.
After the potatoes were made, we packed our supplies for our Easter meal which was held at Maggie and Mike's house. In addition to our potatoes, Kathleen made baked beans with Italian sausage and provided chocolate candy, cashews, a trail mix like concoction with cashews, almonds, and raisins, strawberry tomatoes, cucumbers, baby carrots, and milk chocolate covered pretzels. Maggie provided ham, corn, green bean almondine, sweet potato casserole, biscuits, Easter Paska bread, Colby Jack and American Cheeses, pineapple, cheesy pretzel sticks, and a potato dish that I'll let you know about after I talk to her (I did not have this item because I was saving room for dessert.). In addition to all the food that she served, she made a salad that she forgot about until she saw it in the refrigerator as we were putting food away. The food was very appetizing.
After we let our appetizers and our main course settle, and the leftovers were distributed, we had dessert. Mandy (She is my niece who is also Kendal and Hayden's sole aunt.) made cheesecake and provided strawberries. Bob brought a nut roll that was made by a friend of a co-worker's mother. Maggie provided a yellow cake with homemade chocolate mock whip frosting, pina colada flavored Jell-o (tm), and Irish Soda bread (I did not have this because I confused it with the Paska bread from dinner.). Once again, the food was appetizing. The participation was smaller than in most years, but we had a fun celebration.
After more food distribution and relaxation, we all left the party with gratitude for Maggie and Mike's hospitality. When we arrived at our house, Bob, Kathleen, and I relaxed by watching television and reading. We did not have a late dinner (The meal was scheduled for 2:00 p.m., but we spread out our eating throughout the afternoon.) like I did on Christmas. However, I enjoyed a concoction made with maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, (white) marshmallows, and coconut that we call Heavenly hash (By the way, I ate cookies a few hours after my "Christmas dinner".) which Maggie made it for the dinner portion, but I didn't eat it at dinner because it also would have interfered with my appetite for dessert. (Until a few years ago, I did not eat this dish, but now I love it. I guess that my delayed eating of this dish makes me remember the old days.) Easter 2010 will be remembered as a "quiet" celebration.
I hope that my readers enjoyed their Easter celebrations or whatever celebration that you observed.
Next time, hopefully my stories will be 'simple". The next post will be in a few days. I know the topic, but my non-family readers are free to guess the topic. (Hint: It involves a yearly celebration.) Have fun guessing.
After Mass, we went to CVS at Broadview and Brookpark Roads (near St. Leo Church) because Bob and I needed milk for our scalloped potatoes and for our breakfasts. Kathleen picked up some cereal because we ran out of the cereal that she likes. It also happened to be BOGO. We then went home and relaxed before Bob and I made our scalloped potatoes. The preparation went relatively smoothly.
After the potatoes were made, we packed our supplies for our Easter meal which was held at Maggie and Mike's house. In addition to our potatoes, Kathleen made baked beans with Italian sausage and provided chocolate candy, cashews, a trail mix like concoction with cashews, almonds, and raisins, strawberry tomatoes, cucumbers, baby carrots, and milk chocolate covered pretzels. Maggie provided ham, corn, green bean almondine, sweet potato casserole, biscuits, Easter Paska bread, Colby Jack and American Cheeses, pineapple, cheesy pretzel sticks, and a potato dish that I'll let you know about after I talk to her (I did not have this item because I was saving room for dessert.). In addition to all the food that she served, she made a salad that she forgot about until she saw it in the refrigerator as we were putting food away. The food was very appetizing.
After we let our appetizers and our main course settle, and the leftovers were distributed, we had dessert. Mandy (She is my niece who is also Kendal and Hayden's sole aunt.) made cheesecake and provided strawberries. Bob brought a nut roll that was made by a friend of a co-worker's mother. Maggie provided a yellow cake with homemade chocolate mock whip frosting, pina colada flavored Jell-o (tm), and Irish Soda bread (I did not have this because I confused it with the Paska bread from dinner.). Once again, the food was appetizing. The participation was smaller than in most years, but we had a fun celebration.
After more food distribution and relaxation, we all left the party with gratitude for Maggie and Mike's hospitality. When we arrived at our house, Bob, Kathleen, and I relaxed by watching television and reading. We did not have a late dinner (The meal was scheduled for 2:00 p.m., but we spread out our eating throughout the afternoon.) like I did on Christmas. However, I enjoyed a concoction made with maraschino cherries, mandarin oranges, (white) marshmallows, and coconut that we call Heavenly hash (By the way, I ate cookies a few hours after my "Christmas dinner".) which Maggie made it for the dinner portion, but I didn't eat it at dinner because it also would have interfered with my appetite for dessert. (Until a few years ago, I did not eat this dish, but now I love it. I guess that my delayed eating of this dish makes me remember the old days.) Easter 2010 will be remembered as a "quiet" celebration.
I hope that my readers enjoyed their Easter celebrations or whatever celebration that you observed.
Next time, hopefully my stories will be 'simple". The next post will be in a few days. I know the topic, but my non-family readers are free to guess the topic. (Hint: It involves a yearly celebration.) Have fun guessing.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
No Jury Duty (and Other News)
I was supposed to have jury duty in Cleveland on Thursday and Friday of last week. However, when I called to get further instructions as stated on the form, the message said that there were no jury seating scheduled for Thursday. I was told to call back on Thursday. Once again, there were no jury seating scheduled. My "commitment" was satisfied. However, you never know if or when I will be summoned again. I was called for jury duty twice in the past (Once as a College Freshman and once at a time that I can't recall, but it's been a number of years.). If it happens again, I'll let you know.
In other news, I will be working for the Census Bureau. My training starts on April 26 at the "Old Brooklyn" building at Broadview and Pearl Roads. It's not too far from my house, but while I was doing research for an "unannounced" fish fry at the Brooklyn Heights United Church of Christ on Schaaf Road (near Broadview) in Cleveland, I discovered that Census training would take place there as well. It's a short walk from my house. The other place is convenient, but the church is closer. Oh well, at least I will be doing something beneficial for our country.
Before I sign off, I would like to wish my readers a Happy Easter (Both "traditional" and Orthodox) and a belated Happy Passover, as well as any other religious holiday that may be coming up in the future.
In other news, I will be working for the Census Bureau. My training starts on April 26 at the "Old Brooklyn" building at Broadview and Pearl Roads. It's not too far from my house, but while I was doing research for an "unannounced" fish fry at the Brooklyn Heights United Church of Christ on Schaaf Road (near Broadview) in Cleveland, I discovered that Census training would take place there as well. It's a short walk from my house. The other place is convenient, but the church is closer. Oh well, at least I will be doing something beneficial for our country.
Before I sign off, I would like to wish my readers a Happy Easter (Both "traditional" and Orthodox) and a belated Happy Passover, as well as any other religious holiday that may be coming up in the future.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
St. Patrick's Day
Bob and I started off March 17 at Parmatown Mall. We started off with lunch at Wendy's on Ridge Road. I had a Double Stack, a Sour Cream and Chive Baked Potato, and a Value Size Coke, which was free because I had purchased a coupon book whose proceeds benefit Northeast Ohio children who are waiting to be adopted. Bob had two small chilis (Cheaper than a Large), free Value Size Fries (Same Coupon Book), and a Value Size Coke. The restaurant did not have extremely long lines, although it was lunchtime (around Noon). The food was tasty, although Bob regrets the Chili Sauce that he put into one of his chilis, but the effect did not last long.
We did not spend much money on this trip. I bought $4.00 worth of Ohio's Classic Lotto and Mega Millions tickets. While I was buying the tickets, Bob saw a self-serve Lottery Machine (I have filled out my Classic Lotto form with my regular numbers, but not my Megamillions form yet. In addition, if I played Auto Lotto, I could have used the machine.) and decided to splurge on an Irish themed ticket for a dollar. We broke even. Since the machine did not have a redemption function, I went back to the Customer Service area where I had bought my tickets earlier to get my buck. In addition, I got a free refill on our eyeglass lens cleaner (My sister had bought a Lens Cleaner Kit years ago from Wal Mart. (Guess which sister: Kathleen, Patty, or Maggie?)). Although we did not spend a lot of money, we had fun.
On the way home, Bob and I stopped off at Honey Hut Ice Cream to celebrate its opening day. I had Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in a cup. Bob had a scoop each of Coconut and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Creams in a cup. Our ice creams were tasty. After a fifteen minute walk, we were home.
Before continuing with the rest of our day, I should educate my readers about Honey Hut. It is a Cleveland institution. It was started by my Godfather Frank Page over thirty years ago. It has been named one of the best Ice Creams in various publications over the years. We are privileged to have a number of locations all over the West Side of Greater Cleveland. In fact, we pass by two branches when we take the #20A bus to and from Parmatown. When you're in Cleveland between now and November, please patronize this establishment.
After resting for a few hours, Bob and I took the #35 bus to Broadview and Pleasant Valley Roads. I then called Maggie to pick us up, so we could eat corned beef and cabbage (and a whole lot of other things). The food was quite tasty. It was a quiet gathering. Maggie's husband Mike was the only other participant for this dinner. Eventually, Mike and Maggie took us home. It was a long day, but it was fulfilling.
Until next time, Go Cavs!
We did not spend much money on this trip. I bought $4.00 worth of Ohio's Classic Lotto and Mega Millions tickets. While I was buying the tickets, Bob saw a self-serve Lottery Machine (I have filled out my Classic Lotto form with my regular numbers, but not my Megamillions form yet. In addition, if I played Auto Lotto, I could have used the machine.) and decided to splurge on an Irish themed ticket for a dollar. We broke even. Since the machine did not have a redemption function, I went back to the Customer Service area where I had bought my tickets earlier to get my buck. In addition, I got a free refill on our eyeglass lens cleaner (My sister had bought a Lens Cleaner Kit years ago from Wal Mart. (Guess which sister: Kathleen, Patty, or Maggie?)). Although we did not spend a lot of money, we had fun.
On the way home, Bob and I stopped off at Honey Hut Ice Cream to celebrate its opening day. I had Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream in a cup. Bob had a scoop each of Coconut and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Creams in a cup. Our ice creams were tasty. After a fifteen minute walk, we were home.
Before continuing with the rest of our day, I should educate my readers about Honey Hut. It is a Cleveland institution. It was started by my Godfather Frank Page over thirty years ago. It has been named one of the best Ice Creams in various publications over the years. We are privileged to have a number of locations all over the West Side of Greater Cleveland. In fact, we pass by two branches when we take the #20A bus to and from Parmatown. When you're in Cleveland between now and November, please patronize this establishment.
After resting for a few hours, Bob and I took the #35 bus to Broadview and Pleasant Valley Roads. I then called Maggie to pick us up, so we could eat corned beef and cabbage (and a whole lot of other things). The food was quite tasty. It was a quiet gathering. Maggie's husband Mike was the only other participant for this dinner. Eventually, Mike and Maggie took us home. It was a long day, but it was fulfilling.
Until next time, Go Cavs!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy Birthday, Patrick
My nephew Patrick turned 33 years old today. I hope that he is enjoying himself in Vancouver, BC where he is doing work for the Paralympics. It follows up his DJ work for Short Track Skating and Figure Skating for the recent Winter Olympics. This works out perfectly since I mailed his present this afternoon.
It was an adventure buying his present. I was at Discount Drug Mart on Fulton Road in Cleveland on Tuesday buying candy for Bob's meals for work. Near the candy, I saw a display of Gift Cards for other stores and services. When looking at the candy on sale, I noticed that only some of the candy had sales price signs. I went to find an ad to confirm what was on sale. The ad for the upcoming sale was already up, but the old ad was in a nearby trash can. In addition, as I was looking for other areas where the candy might have been, I found peanuts that were three cans for $5. It would have been better if I still had a dollar off coupon, but I still thought it was a good deal.
I went to pay for my items. I used my credit card because it was a "big" purchase. It was going smoothly until I tried to write my signature on the machine. As I was writing, the machine was unhinged from the screws holding it on the platform. Thankfully, the transaction was processed. (It was feared that everything would have to be rescanned.) The clerk told me to sign in the machine's box, but the box was not there, so I signed with a pen. In my rush, I almost forgot to take my gift card, but the clerk caught my mistake. (Before I forgot the Gift Card, I had to wait for the next customer to be done before I could claim my library bags. The clerk forgot about my bags, but I was also still a little frazzled from my experience.)
Fortunately, the greeting card purchase at Gabriel Brothers in Middleburg Hts. the day before was a lot smoother. There was no line, but I had to wait until some other work not related to a customer who was present at the time was completed before I was served. At least I wasn't trying to catch a bus towards home right after my purchase. The lines are usually a little longer at those times. There is usually some complication that bogs down the line. This has happened either to me or someone ahead of me in line. Even with some of the complications, I have found some bargains there over the years. It's not too far from my house, but it's not one of my regular shops. I usually go there if I'm either at the nearby Bakers Square or if I need Christmas Cards for the great-nieces. It's a short hike from the nearest bus stop, but exercise is good unless it is really cold on the day when I am shopping at Gabriel Brothers. I also shop at the nearby Priced Less Foods, but that's a story for another day.
Until next time, Happy Shopping!
It was an adventure buying his present. I was at Discount Drug Mart on Fulton Road in Cleveland on Tuesday buying candy for Bob's meals for work. Near the candy, I saw a display of Gift Cards for other stores and services. When looking at the candy on sale, I noticed that only some of the candy had sales price signs. I went to find an ad to confirm what was on sale. The ad for the upcoming sale was already up, but the old ad was in a nearby trash can. In addition, as I was looking for other areas where the candy might have been, I found peanuts that were three cans for $5. It would have been better if I still had a dollar off coupon, but I still thought it was a good deal.
I went to pay for my items. I used my credit card because it was a "big" purchase. It was going smoothly until I tried to write my signature on the machine. As I was writing, the machine was unhinged from the screws holding it on the platform. Thankfully, the transaction was processed. (It was feared that everything would have to be rescanned.) The clerk told me to sign in the machine's box, but the box was not there, so I signed with a pen. In my rush, I almost forgot to take my gift card, but the clerk caught my mistake. (Before I forgot the Gift Card, I had to wait for the next customer to be done before I could claim my library bags. The clerk forgot about my bags, but I was also still a little frazzled from my experience.)
Fortunately, the greeting card purchase at Gabriel Brothers in Middleburg Hts. the day before was a lot smoother. There was no line, but I had to wait until some other work not related to a customer who was present at the time was completed before I was served. At least I wasn't trying to catch a bus towards home right after my purchase. The lines are usually a little longer at those times. There is usually some complication that bogs down the line. This has happened either to me or someone ahead of me in line. Even with some of the complications, I have found some bargains there over the years. It's not too far from my house, but it's not one of my regular shops. I usually go there if I'm either at the nearby Bakers Square or if I need Christmas Cards for the great-nieces. It's a short hike from the nearest bus stop, but exercise is good unless it is really cold on the day when I am shopping at Gabriel Brothers. I also shop at the nearby Priced Less Foods, but that's a story for another day.
Until next time, Happy Shopping!
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