Well tonight was our first trick or treat night in our new house. Greg and I always have a lot of fun sitting outside to see all the kids in their costumes. The little ones are always so cute, made me miss seeing the grand-kids dressed up. The parents walking around kept telling us we were the talk of the neighborhood. I guess the kids were telling each other that the house in the cal-de-sac was giving out full size Hershey bars. It's the one time of the year I spend a little more on candy. I love to see the look on their faces and hear their comments when they get a full size candy bar.
I got a great deal on candy bars this year. When I was visiting Erica we went to the chocolate factory. Since this year 2010 was the Anniversary of the Hershey school they had the boxes of 36 bars on sale, 2 boxes of 36 for $20.10. They normally charge 19.95 for one box. Love when I get a great deal!
It was a really nice evening, did get a little chilly after the sun went down. Time to turn out the light and go to bed, starting my third class at the college where Greg works tomorrow.
Till next time...
Love,
Jennifer
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Must see Video
As most of you know I have a grandson with Down Syndrome. This is a video that my daughter posted on her blog. It is so precious, please watch. What a nice thing for a brother to do for his sister.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b7y9UYt_fM
Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b7y9UYt_fM
Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
Monday, October 25, 2010
Onslow Oktoberfest
On Saturday we went to the Onslow Oktoberfest http://onslowco.org/Home_Page.php in downtown Jacksonville. This was their 3rd year and it benefits the Onslow Community Outreach programs. They really have a lot of good programs that help the needy. I was very surprised as to how nice this was for family's with children. There were many things set up for the kids to do from face painting to crafts, bull riding and several bouncy play sets. There was a really nice petting zoo set up, they even had a camel. Home Depot had kids workshop kits that they could build. The fire company was teaching fire safety to the children.
Of course there was your usual stands with food and crafts. It's always nice to check the crafts out this time of the year (Christmas is just around the corner). We had great weather so it was very nice walking around. One of the tents was the animal shelter with some very cute puppies. It sure was hard not to take one home with me.
They had a tent set up where you could buy hot dogs, bratwurst and lots of beer. Greg was very excited when they carded him. They actually carded everyone didn't matter how old you were (but we won't tell him that). You then got a wrist band to be able to buy the beer. While we were eating there was a guy singing and playing polka music. I kinda felt bad for him because it didn't seem like anyone was listening to him. Everyone at our table thought it was a tape playing till we realized there really was someone singing live.
There was a stage set up in the kids area with many different types of entertainment. They also had a main stage for the adult entertainment. When I seen there was going to be an Elvis entertainer you all know I had to go check him out. His name was Jay Barnes, he wasn't to bad, had a nice voice. My family knows how picky I am when it come to Elvis impersonators. Greg did good, he sat for a song or two then walked around and came back towards the end of the show. I do have to say my friend Michael http://michaelhoover.com/ has such a beautiful singing voice (singing Elvis and Gospel) that I'm a little spoiled.
We had a really nice day, close to home so we didn't need to drive very far. A festival we would come back to next year. Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
They had a tent set up where you could buy hot dogs, bratwurst and lots of beer. Greg was very excited when they carded him. They actually carded everyone didn't matter how old you were (but we won't tell him that). You then got a wrist band to be able to buy the beer. While we were eating there was a guy singing and playing polka music. I kinda felt bad for him because it didn't seem like anyone was listening to him. Everyone at our table thought it was a tape playing till we realized there really was someone singing live.
There was a stage set up in the kids area with many different types of entertainment. They also had a main stage for the adult entertainment. When I seen there was going to be an Elvis entertainer you all know I had to go check him out. His name was Jay Barnes, he wasn't to bad, had a nice voice. My family knows how picky I am when it come to Elvis impersonators. Greg did good, he sat for a song or two then walked around and came back towards the end of the show. I do have to say my friend Michael http://michaelhoover.com/ has such a beautiful singing voice (singing Elvis and Gospel) that I'm a little spoiled.
We had a really nice day, close to home so we didn't need to drive very far. A festival we would come back to next year. Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Trip to West Virginia
This past weekend we went to WV to visit Alexander. It was his 5th birthday. His party was at Brookdale Farms. It was a very nice place for small children with a very nice play area. Even though it was a very windy day we had a nice time.
They had a corn maze for the kids which was nice.
The kids really liked the barn with the small animals that they could pet.
All the kids had a really nice time.
We headed home early Sunday morning. On the way home we stopped at Wilber's Barbecue http://www.wilbersbarbecue.com/. As soon as you pulled up in front of the restaurant you could smell the barbecue out back in the large smokers they were cooking it in. This is a famous barbecue place in Goldsboro NC where they let you know that George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton have eaten there. We had a combo of pork barbecue and chicken. I get nervous when it's a vinegar based barbecue and not the ketchup base that I'm use to at home. I was pleasantly surprised with the vinegar not being to overpowering. It also had a good smoke flavor.
I was looking forward to seeing the fall leaves on the trees but they had only started changing. I guess with the warmer weather they are changing later this year. It was a great weekend with Greg getting to see all the grand-kids. He does not get to see them as much as I do and has not seen them for several months. They were very happy to see him. We did miss the Chili festival, maybe we'll get there next year. Till next time...
Love,
Jennifer
They had a corn maze for the kids which was nice.
The kids really liked the barn with the small animals that they could pet.
All the kids had a really nice time.
We headed home early Sunday morning. On the way home we stopped at Wilber's Barbecue http://www.wilbersbarbecue.com/. As soon as you pulled up in front of the restaurant you could smell the barbecue out back in the large smokers they were cooking it in. This is a famous barbecue place in Goldsboro NC where they let you know that George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton have eaten there. We had a combo of pork barbecue and chicken. I get nervous when it's a vinegar based barbecue and not the ketchup base that I'm use to at home. I was pleasantly surprised with the vinegar not being to overpowering. It also had a good smoke flavor.
I was looking forward to seeing the fall leaves on the trees but they had only started changing. I guess with the warmer weather they are changing later this year. It was a great weekend with Greg getting to see all the grand-kids. He does not get to see them as much as I do and has not seen them for several months. They were very happy to see him. We did miss the Chili festival, maybe we'll get there next year. Till next time...
Love,
Jennifer
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Twilight Chicken with Rice and Mushrooms
This recipe came from the Duplin winery and uses their Twilight sweet white wine. But I'm sure any sweet white wine will do. I typed the recipe as they have it but made some changes. The changes I made I put in bold. We really like this recipe, hope you will too.
2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2" chunks
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups leeks, thinly sliced ( I did not use the leeks, instead I cut up 3 green onions)
1 medium tomato, chopped ( I did not use the tomato)
1/2 cup Duplin's Twilight wine
6oz instant long grain & wild rice mix (I used Rice-a-roni long grain & wild rice without the seasonings)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 6-7 minutes; transfer to a plate.
Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the same skillet. Add the mushrooms, celery, carrots, and leek. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender and golden, about 12 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Twilight wine and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
Add the rice mix, stirring to coat the grains. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve sprinkled with the parsley.
*At first I didn't think the box of Rice-a-roni was going to be enough, but it is once the dish is done.
Till next time...
Love,
Jennifer
2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2" chunks
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups leeks, thinly sliced ( I did not use the leeks, instead I cut up 3 green onions)
1 medium tomato, chopped ( I did not use the tomato)
1/2 cup Duplin's Twilight wine
6oz instant long grain & wild rice mix (I used Rice-a-roni long grain & wild rice without the seasonings)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 6-7 minutes; transfer to a plate.
Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the same skillet. Add the mushrooms, celery, carrots, and leek. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender and golden, about 12 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Twilight wine and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
Add the rice mix, stirring to coat the grains. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve sprinkled with the parsley.
*At first I didn't think the box of Rice-a-roni was going to be enough, but it is once the dish is done.
Till next time...
Love,
Jennifer
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Mum Festival
We headed to New Bern, NC to the mum festival http://mumfest.com/ last Saturday. We parked at J.C. Penny and took the trolley into the town.
This took over much of their downtown area. There were rides, and lots of arts and craft stands everywhere. One street we walked down was a new car show, so we checked out all the new cars. One of the stands we stopped at was the "Spice Bouquet" http://spicebouquet.com/. They were cooking samples with their spices. The chicken and vegetables were very good. We bought the spice they used on their chicken and used it on shrimp. Their store is in Kinston NC and they offer cooking classes. If you want some very good spices check out their website.
We went over to the boat show and then to the park where they had some very good entertainment. We watched some young men that perform extreme trampoline shows. http://flippenout.com/ . They were very good. This was also by the water so it was neat watching the bridge when they had to raise if for the tall boats.
We went to the Chelsea restaurant http://www.thechelsea.com/menus.html for lunch. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are visiting New Bern. The food was excellent. Greg had "Cream of Crab Soup" that was so good.
We both ordered the Crab and Shrimp Melt sandwich. "Excellent sandwich"
We walked around so much that I finally gave in to use the port-a-potties. Can you believe Greg took a picture of me coming out of it. Although he looked pretty funny holding a camera facing the port-a-potties and holding my purse. To bad I wasn't able to get a picture of him.
This was a very large festival and had a lot of things to see and do. I will be sure to go back next year. Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
This took over much of their downtown area. There were rides, and lots of arts and craft stands everywhere. One street we walked down was a new car show, so we checked out all the new cars. One of the stands we stopped at was the "Spice Bouquet" http://spicebouquet.com/. They were cooking samples with their spices. The chicken and vegetables were very good. We bought the spice they used on their chicken and used it on shrimp. Their store is in Kinston NC and they offer cooking classes. If you want some very good spices check out their website.
We went over to the boat show and then to the park where they had some very good entertainment. We watched some young men that perform extreme trampoline shows. http://flippenout.com/ . They were very good. This was also by the water so it was neat watching the bridge when they had to raise if for the tall boats.
.
We went to the Chelsea restaurant http://www.thechelsea.com/menus.html for lunch. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are visiting New Bern. The food was excellent. Greg had "Cream of Crab Soup" that was so good.
 |
| Cream of Crab Soup |
We both ordered the Crab and Shrimp Melt sandwich. "Excellent sandwich"
 |
| Crab and Shrimp Melt |
 |
| 1933 Fire Truck |
We walked around so much that I finally gave in to use the port-a-potties. Can you believe Greg took a picture of me coming out of it. Although he looked pretty funny holding a camera facing the port-a-potties and holding my purse. To bad I wasn't able to get a picture of him.
This was a very large festival and had a lot of things to see and do. I will be sure to go back next year. Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
The Mullet Festival
After the Mum festival we headed over to the Mullet festival http://www.swansborofestivals.com/Events.html in Swansboro. This was a small festival but nice. We walked around for some time and then decided to try the Mullet. Since we arrived late and didn't decided to buy a dinner till late they had sold out for the day. So we didn't get to taste the Mullet, but from what I understand it's a stronger and oily tasting fish. So not sure if I would like it, guess I'll try it next year. We found a stand that was selling Apple Jacks. The lady selling them told me that they cook the apples with sugar, cinnamon till soft. They mash it and bake it in the pastry. They were so good.
We were hungry and decide to try a a restaurant call Ducks. We have been to Swansboro many times but never ate there. We decided to just order two appetizers so we ordered calamari and grouper bites. It was just ok, no seasoning at all in their breading. I think their chef needs to go to Carrabba's http://www.carrabbas.com/ and try their calamari, they have the best. We checked out all the arts and craft stands then decided to get another apple jack and watch the band that was playing. It started to get dark so we decided to leave. Between the two festivals I felt like I'd been walking for days. Didn't take to long to fall asleep that night. Till next time......
Love,
Jennifer
 |
| Apple Jacks |
We were hungry and decide to try a a restaurant call Ducks. We have been to Swansboro many times but never ate there. We decided to just order two appetizers so we ordered calamari and grouper bites. It was just ok, no seasoning at all in their breading. I think their chef needs to go to Carrabba's http://www.carrabbas.com/ and try their calamari, they have the best. We checked out all the arts and craft stands then decided to get another apple jack and watch the band that was playing. It started to get dark so we decided to leave. Between the two festivals I felt like I'd been walking for days. Didn't take to long to fall asleep that night. Till next time......
Love,
Jennifer
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Starting my blog
I have just moved to NC with my husband. He is really enjoying his new career in teaching. I have not yet found a job but still looking. I have decided to take a few classes at the college my husband is teaching at just to freshen up on my computer skills. The hardest decision I had to make was to move away from my family. I also left a job that I loved and sure do miss everyone. I know that everything happens for a reason and someday I'll understand why I was brought to NC. Until then I've been trying to keep myself busy and learning my way around checking out everything. That is why I have decided to start a blog about the different festivals and activities that I have found and about just living in NC. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures. So bookmark my site and follow my journey. Maybe you'll find some new places to visit on your next vacation. Till next time....
Love,
Jennifer
Love,
Jennifer
Friday, October 8, 2010
Seafood Festival
Last Saturday we went to the Seafood Festival http://ncseafoodfestival.org/ We had so much fun eating our way through the festival. Just keep in mind that we only bought one of each and shared. This way we could try more food. We started out with some bacon wrapped scallops. The next stand we went to had Philly shrimp wrap with onions and peppers which were very good. Then we had a warm crab and spinach dip that was so good. We stopped at the Chef's tent to watch some demonstrations on cooking seafood. We also got a chart on the NC seafood and when it is in season. A stand was set up for the kids to touch and learn about the different fish in the ocean. Isabella would have loved this stand.
After that we headed out to the street where all the winery's were. We had fun sampling some wine. Our favorite wine was from the Duplin Winery http://duplinwinery.com/ the wines they sell are sweet wines which is what we like. We decided to have some dessert as we were watching some dancing demonstrations. Greg had chocolate covered cheesecake and I had a chocolate covered banana. We walked around checking out all the craft vendors. Next it was onto having a skewer with shrimp,peppers and pineapple with a roasted ear of corn. We walked around for 5 hours and decided it was time to go. But wait, we had to go back for one more skewer of bacon wrapped scallops and a skewer of seasoned shrimp. On the way to the car we stopped at the boat show.
 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)