food | Peaches Prattlings

{February 25, 2024} Another park, breakfast, ice sculptures, two breweries, another park, kitchen stuff, and a movie.

Is that enough? Who wants to sit still on a Sunday, not us apparently! I slept until 730a, which was lovely, except for the fact that I fell asleep about 4a, so… normal then!

Got up and motivated, tried on my new shirt from the Whirling Dervish, love how it fits! Let the dogs out, boots on, harnesses…on the dogs, of course, loaded into the truck and off to a new park. Union Canal Tunnel Park, so pretty! More so when we went down the path and saw the water and tunnel, I can just imagine how it is in the spring and summer! I bet it was pretty covered in snow as well!

If you click on the link you’ll find it is: the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States. From 1827 to 1885 the Union Canal linked the commercial centers of Harrisburg, Reading, and by extension, the port of Philadelphia. The park serves the tunnel and the only remaining 5/8 mile section of the original canal through Lebanon with an open 110 acre recreational area. Isn’t that amazing!

The dogs loved it, of course! New sights and more importantly, new smells! It is a dog friendly park, but no poop bags or trash cans, but you have to clean up after your dog…I’m not saying parks have to provide poop bags, but…if you’re dog friendly and you want people to clean up after their dogs, it’s a nice to have. But…not to worry friends, we are always equipped with Mutt Mitts. Let me tell you…these things are amazing! They are amazing! They are double walled, so you are not going to feel anything and it really keeps the smell in, I almost said out, well, out of my nose, ha ha. And to the point that sometimes I have to put the bag in my pocket until I can find a trash can and my pockets never smell. I digress…

After the park, we took the dogs home, it was time for breakfast for them! While they were eating, we moved some stuff from one room into the kitchen, working on getting everything put away so we can have a functioning kitchen. Then it was time for us to get some breakfast! We went to Rising Sun Bar & Kitchen, you may remember me telling you about it last month, I met PSM there after I went skiing. I really want to go skiing again, today was not the day, I busted my ankle last weekend, I’m not quite ready to get on skis, may not happen again this season, here’s to next season!

We went to Rising Sun and sat at the bar, I kind of wish we had taken seats on the other side of the bar, we were at the door and even though they have an outer covered door with heat lamps, didn’t stop it from being cold on my back, so hat, scarf, and jacket for breakfast! We shared a Brizza, a breakfast pizza, y-u-m! It was the The Chicago: Sausage, tomato, hash browns, Monterey & cheddar jack, we opted for the sausage on the side…and one pancake. The brizza was great, I would definitely go back and try another one. The pancake…we should have poured the syrup on sooner, it was a little dense, tasty, but not great. PSM did enjoy his tequila sunrise, it really is a pretty drink!

After a while, we decided to was time to move on and by chance we drove to Lititz, we’ve been there a few times for some festivals and food. We wanted to buy a house in Lititz, but couldn’t find anything that fit our needs. It really is a pretty city. The cool thing today, we were at the last day, but it was the Fire & Ice Festival. PSM told me about it a while back and we both forgot about it, oh well, we still got to enjoy the festivities!

There were ice sculptures in Lititz Spring Park and along the streets, in front of different businesses. The ones that had been sitting in the sun were not faring as well, after 10 days, as the ones in the shade. There were a few really fun ones, all were beautiful, even if you couldn’t quite make out what they were. My two favorites were Santa diving down a chimney and a toilet, too cute!

We walked through the park, we found the food trucks, had some funnel cake, of course!, went into different shops, got some hot drinks, strolled, talked, and just enjoyed the afternoon. When we left, it was barely 2pm! How much we accomplish in such a short amount of time!

We debated going grocery shopping, I’m going to go tomorrow… we were actually on our way and stopped at two new places that people had recommended. One was Issacs Craft Kitchen & Brewery. We’re becoming quite proficient at craft kitchen and breweries, we like to try new places and this was one someone recommended. It was in the same parking lot as Ancester Coffehouse & Creperie that we went to last week. It was pretty empty, I’m sure there’s a different vibe when the place is packed, but honestly, the bar itself wasn’t very robust, they had a limited selection of beers, mostly IPAs, wines, and hard liquor, saving grace, the staff, very nice people. We weren’t hungry, so PSM had a beer and we watched The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, those dogs were amazing! You just watch with your mouth open at what they can do!

Next, we weren’t going very far…Mick’s All American Pub, this was another place people recommended. The bar was nice, they had a good selection of beers and some of PSM’s favorite whiskeys. Their food selection was less for me than the last place. We ended up sharing what they said was like a stromboli, but it was more like a solid calzone or a giant mozzarella stick. We tried something new and both of us paid for it! On the plus side, the staff was great, we talked to the bartender about tattoos, the bar itself was plentiful, and the other patrons were nice. Would we go back to Issac’s or Mick’s? Not likely, there are too many other places to try! But we do appreciate the welcome!

Next, instead of heading straight home, we stopped at South Hills Park. We stopped there to have a walk and because they don’t allow dogs, so we never think about going there. It was a very nice park, but it seemed to get colder, brrrr…so we walked less than a mile, just to see what it looked like and headed back to the car. It’s funny, this morning, when we were at the park with the dogs, we both said “remember when we used to go to the park, just the two of us, to walk and enjoy the surroundings” and of course, while we were walking in the park before we got them…”wouldn’t it be great to have some dogs to take to the park?”

We got back to the house, love bombed by the dogs, fed them, and proceeded to move everything from the other rooms to the kitchen. The kitchen now looks like the cabinets exploded! But…we made the plan where things are going to go yesterday, so I will take care of getting the kitchen to where it needs to be. We agreed on the basics, like flatware, pots, pans, glasses, etc, and we got most of that away. Now comes the task of the pantry, food, spices, etc. I have options, just not sure where they should go, I’ll keep you posted.

Then it was time to take a break! We watched Dave, the 1993 movie staring Kevin Kline, who looks just like the president and gets called in as a stand-in for him, and Sigourney Weaver, the first lady, who hates her husband, with a great supporting cast, Frank Langella as his cheif of staff and Kevin Dunn as his press secretary. Ving Rhames is his secret service agent, Ben Kingsley is vice president, Charles Grodin is his friend, the accountant, Laura Linney is the naughty intern, Faith Prince works for Dave in his real job, and Bonnie Hunt is a white house tour guide. It’s clever and funny, a wining combo! This is one of my favorite movies, I did my best not to quote it out loud!

I ended up putting on Draft Day next, which I love, funilly enough, I don’t really care that much about sports, but I love movies about sports…go figure. The reason I mention this movie is that I had forgotten that Frank Langella and Kevin Dunn are both in the movie with Kevin Costner! Another great movie, I’ll tell you about it another time.

I got the dogs up to go night-night and guess what that beagle Bee did… curled up into a ball and I had to grab her by the collar after the third time of tell them it was time for bed! The little…

Well, if you’re not tired just from reading this, I’m tired from all the activity and fun! So… I will bid you a fair good night!

{February 18, 2024} We did it!

The Lebanon Valley Java Journey is officially over…for us!

We went to all 12 locations and tried what they had to offer, well, sort of. PSM tried some of the specialty drinks, I had a chai latte at each place, and we both tried the food offerings, well, PSM didn’t at the last one, but for the most part, we did the Java Journey proud!

We were at the last place and PSM said, we could do this again! But…we would have to buy the mugs again and do we need 2 more of the same mug? Um…if we invite friends over, maybe, but no, we have more than enough mugs! I’ll show you sometime! Yea, I can definitely show you, we just finished a kitchen renovation, I’ll share pics and that might include or mugs. Or…I can take you on mug travel journey with us! So many possibilities! I recently sold my Starbucks mug collection, I can share that too. Ok, wow do I digress! Back to the journey!

Let’s talk about each coffee house, the specialty drink, what we had, what we thought, and would we go again! I know I told you most of this, but this is my opportunity to go back, relive and put it all in one place! I have to give credit where credit is due, for some of the locations, PSM helped me craft the wording for the atmosphere, suweet! Ready…set…drink!

We started at Swatara Coffee Company on 1.13.24. We were on our way to Lowe’s in Palmyra and we were both thirsty. We had had a very busy morning and just needed a refreshment, I saw the sign and it said coffee, sold! We walked in and there were the mugs! I had seen them somewhere a few months ago and then I got an text about it, and I thought, yes! Let’s do this! We asked what it was all about and they told us, why not! When I first told PSM about it, his response was ‘I only drink decaf’ well…maybe they’ll have decaf and maybe they’ll make the special drink with decaf…only one way to find out! Hello… can I get the specialty drink with decaf? Why, yes, yes you can! Sold!

We bought the mugs, PSM tried their specialty drink, Cinnamon Bun Latte w/Caramel Cold Foam, um… that actually sounded pretty good, but I knew there was coffee involved so…no thanks for me! I ordered a chai latte with mac milk, that’s macadamia nut milk for those not in the know…It was rich, creamy, and tasty! We shared a french toast muffin. It was all loverly, let’s just say a lot of sweetness happening here!

The atmosphere was nice. PSM walked in and immediately decompressed, we found it quaint and relaxing, his words, which i loved and couldn’t agree more! It was not a large or small place, it was open, had artwork on the walls, a few tables, and the staff was friendly, what more could you ask for?! Would we go back, you bet! If you’re up for it, and want a bit more to read, check out the post for that day!

The next day, 1.14.24, we started at Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie in Campbelltown, definitely want to check out the town. The specialty drink was an Italian Cookie Latte, way too sweet for PSM, but he was a good sport. I had a..wait for it…wait for it…a chai latte with oat milk, it was yummy! PSM had a bagel sandwich, me…savory crepe all the way and boy was it good! I couldn’t wait to try their other location to try their crepes, maybe a sweet one this time!

We thought it was interesting that it was attached to Snitz Creek Brewery [I accidentally spelled it wrong the last time, sorry Snitz Creek!] It was a great atmosphere, very farmhouse chic, wooden tables and chairs, barn doors, yeah, there was a vibe, please come in and hang out.

Next stop…Sydney Roasting Company in Lebanon. We walked in, not knowing what to expect, as always, but we liked it. It had an industrial feel, but it made you want to hang out and chill, so we did. Their signature drink [S/D] was Cinnamon Honey Freddo w/Cinnamon Cold Foam, what do you think PSM said? Decaf, please! I had a…I won’t keep you in suspense! A chai latte with almond milk. It was good, and we only got drinks, we were still full from breakfast. When we left, PSM teased…do you want something else to drink, maybe Starbucks, not..on…your…life! No more chai today, please! Would we go again? You bet! And PSM went for lunch one day, that should tell you something! Want to read more about it, and see the puppies? Check out the post for the day!

Monday morning came and we did something we don’t normally do, the demo was about to begin on our kitchen and we were in the mood, so we went to get coffee/breakfast, definitely not the norm on a Monday! And I just realized… it’s 1.15.24, MLK Day! That makes more sense than we were completely playing hookey! PSM had the day off and I decided to start a little later and enjoy this treat with my husband! We started at Baked Sweet Coffehouse and Bakery, this was not just a Monday, it was day 3 of our Java Journey! The address says Frystown Road in Myerstown, but it was actually in Frystown, odd.

This was the first place we went without the mugs and we definitely liked that! Didn’t have to remember or worry about anything happening to them! The street, well, you can tell they’re working on making it better. We walked in and the place was absolutely charming! Little touches everywhere, places to sit, relax, work, meet friends, which it seemed like it was the neighborhood place to go, we definitely liked that.

Their signature drink was Caramel Apple Crunch Latte…guess what PSM had…decaf coffee. I had a chai, of course. Neither of us enjoyed our drinks, PSM’s wasn’t great and mine was mostly water, the pastries were pretty good, blueberry and coffee cake muffins. Oh! I got one of their specialty frosted sugar cookies, and oh my, I understand why it’s called Baked Sweet!!! Let’s just say, we’re glad we tried it, but for us we wouldn’t recommend it, not saying someone else wouldn’t love it, but it wasn’t a place we’d go back. We are definitely glad we tried it, for the warmth, but when the atmosphere is better than the food and drink, not a ringing endoresement for us.

Next, I really wanted something to drink, and maybe eat, PSM was feeling the same, we headed to City Watch Coffee, we had been there before, it wasn’t our first go-to for coffee, tea, and food, but it’s nice that it’s close to home. I got a Hot City Vik Chai with coconut milk, love a chai with coconut milk. Their signature drink was rum cake cappuccino, PSM decided to go for a hot chocolate, that guy always keeping me on my toes. We had egg sandwiches which were pretty good.

The staff is nice, the atmosphere has an industrial/warehouse feel, different than the Sydney Roasting Co industrial feel. Even though we sat to eat and drink, I wouldn’t say it’s a charming place that I would make a destination of, but I can definitely see going to get food and drink to go, it’s definitely good in a pinch. We’ve been there three times, that has to tell you something. And now…enjoy an insight into our full day!

It’s Saturday again, that seems to happen every week, doesn’t it?! 1.20.24 and we are at Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffefe Shop. Did I mention, go, just go! I know, I absolutely loved this place! Their signature drink was a Cozy Cinnamon Mocha, decaf it is! Chai latte for me. The pastries were good, better than the drinks, when we go back, and we will go back, I will get a straight up cup of tea, no milks! I say we will go back because it was such a charming and eclectic place! It was tiny, no place to sit, there was so much to look at and gnomes for days! I want to go back and get one of their shirts, it was just such a great place to be, as I said in my original post…be a lookie-loo! Just remember…their hours are not conducive to a leisurely visit…what I mean is Thursday and Friday 7a-11a and Saturday 8a-12p. Go, go now! ha ha

After the Whirling dervish, we took the dogs to a new park, just a few minutes from the coffee shop, so much fun! Can’t wait to go back! Then, after a few things happening, we went to Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe. Another winner! Their signature drink…Loaded Hot Chocolate! I SO wanted PSM to order it, but he may have gone into sugar shock! I wish I had taken a picture! It was hot chocloate with whipped creme, of course! Chocolate fudge on the rim of the glass and a few mini donuts on a stick. Oh my word! I was happy with a chai latte and we had egg sandwiches on waffles, very clever! We both agreed, the waffles could have been crisper and if there was syrup in them, even better! That’s not to say we did not enjoy them, oh we did. And the orange slice with it, very nice!

It was a pretty good sized space, enough to have a two tables of merchandise for sale in the front and shelves on the side with more items for sale, including proprietary items, just like almost all the coffee shops, more power to ’em! If any of the places had stickers or a magnet, you know I got one! Oh, I have to share my magnet collection! I can’t wait for that one!

It was welcoming and kitchy, they had places you could relax, take photos, photos to post online, a fire place, a place where you know people like to congregate and you can see yourself hanging out. Will we come back? Oh yeah! There are actually a few locations, I’m looking forward to seeing how they compare!

The weekend went to fast, but…luckily, we’re back at Saturday and time for two more coffee shops! It’s 1.27.24 and we are on our way to the Tattoo Expo, but first…Timber Creek Coffee! They are located in Myerstown, not far from the house and on the way to Philly, sort of! Their signature drink is a Winter Gingerbread Wonder. It was very sweet and had a gingerbread cookie on it. Oh my word! Did you know there was a kids song called The Gingerbread Cookie Dance? Well…now you do! You’re welcome! I have the ear worm and now I’m sharing it with you! muwahaha

I learned that my husband loves gingerbread cookies! I had no idea! I had a chai latte, of course! and we ordered a few pastries, cinnamon roll, a blueberry muffin, a coffee cake muffin, and a gingerbread cookie for later. Everything was delicious!

It is a charming, welcoming, and kind, and that is just the space, the people who work there are just as chaming, welcoming, and nice. Will we go back? You bet we will! I’m looking forward to trying some of their other baked goods. Just be aware they are not open on Sunday or Monday. Check out our adventure for the day!

Ok, it’s Sunday, 1.28.24, where to?! Let’s start at Timeless Cafe in downtown Lebanon. The signature drink is a Chocolate Almond Dalgona, let’s just say…two sips and it was let me get you a coffee from their coffee station! I had a chai latte with oat milk, it was good. I had a breakfast wrap and PSM had a bagel with cream cheese, he was going to have an egg sandwich/wrap, but went for the bagel, then I think he was a little jealous of my sandwich, not to worry, where are we going next?!

Timeless Cafe really is timeless, and not just because there are clocks everywhere, ha ha. It’s charming, the atmosphere is welcoming, that’s also where the timeless comes in, and a very nice staff, what more could you want for a carefree brunch with friends or a coffee date with your husband!

After Timeless Cafe we headed out to the other Swatara Coffee Company in Jonestown. This location was smaller than the one in Annville, but equally as nice. It was definitely more cozy, it was fun, in the back there was a crochet circle going, you know that just screams neighborhood and welcoming! The signature drink was a Chocolate Chip Cookie Latte, PSM had decaf, ha ha, and I had a chai latte with mac milk, yum!

The staff was nice, the other patrons were nice, and even though we had eaten at Timeless Cafe, there was a chocolate chip cookie block that I could not resist! And for someone who doesn’t like chocolate, this was sooo worth it! Another neighborhood place, people hanging out, doing work, sharing some time together, what more could you want? Would we come back? You bet your bippie! And for pics, check out the full post. Wait, we only have two stops left!

Another week done, and now we are down two coffee shops! How is that possible?! We are so close! What will we do with our weekends now?! We started on Saturday, 2.17.24, at The Caffeination Station in Palmyra, their signature drink is a Mocha Valencia, PSM was game, and I got…I know, shocker! A chai latte with oat milk, it was pretty good. We each got an egg sandwich, food and drink were good.

You got a train feel right from the start, there was a train on the lawn, imagine that! Inside, you definitely got a train station feel, trains on the walls, trains running the edge of the shop, trains, trains, and more trains! You definitely knew you were in a local place, very family atmosphere and run by a family. There was an open feel, not just in the layout, but open and welcoming, and good bad dad jokes, what more could you want?! Another visit, I’m sure!

Last stop, what?! Ancester Coffeehouse & Creperie in Lebanon. It was a bigger space, their signature drink is a Red Velvet Latte w/Vanilla Cold Foam, you can guess what PSM had. One sweet drink per day is good for him! I had a macron, I wanted something sweet, but we were not hungry in the least! The macron was better than my chai latte with mac milk. I liked it so much at the other location, I was excited to try it here, but it was not to be. They made me a new one and it just wasn’t right, it happens, could have been me that day. I’m glad we were at the other one first, if this was the first one, I don’t know if we’d venture again.

This location was bigger than the other, but equally as welcoming, different types of walls and coffee sacs under the glass on each table. Despite being in a strip mall, I could see going there for brunch or lunch, meeting friends, working, or just hanging out. One thing it did was open us up to some of the other businesses in the plaza, especially two pubs and breweries we’re going to have to check out. Will we go back to this Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, I would say yes, I want another crepe and it’s close to the house. Which one would I prefer, the other one was a little more charming/kitch, but this is a definite yes! Check out our day.

Wow, we did it! We completed our Lebanon Valley Java Journey! What will we do with our weekends, and occasional weekdays now? PSM said we could do it all over again, I already told you that, I had to double check that! We could still do it, we just won’t get stamps in the passport. Speaking of which, aren’t the stamps cute!? The organizers gave each location their own stamps, so cool! We got our last stamp, wrote our contact info on the back and turned them in. Fingers crossed for us, maybe we’ll win!

Even if we don’t, this was a win-win! Being new to the area, it opened us up to a new experience and trying new things together. We met people along the way, talked about the journey, got other people to try it, and we went to new places we might not have gone otherwise, and now, we have some new hangouts.

I can’t wait to see what the next java-journey type experience we have! We actually had a small one on the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail. That would be breweries, just in case you weren’t sure! I’m on the lookout for our next journey/trail, if you know of one, don’t keep it a secret, might have to make one of our own!

Thanks for going on this journey with us, it was like you were right there with us! Love that!

And now…g’night! Tomorrow’s a work day!

{February 10, 2024} Happy New Year!

Today is Chinese New Year! The Year of the Dragon!

What is the Lunar New Year, you may be asking yourself, as I might ask of you, if you were writing this, but I will ask it of myself, since I’m the one writing and pondering this very question!

Originating in multiple countries in east Asia, the holiday is filled with rich culture and tradition that centers around the hope for good fortune and prosperity [I took that directly from the website, I couldn’t have said it better myself!]. I think that sounds loverly!

Depending on where you are, there are celebrations, festivals, parties, good food, good drink, good friends, good family, all in hopes of celebration some good prosperity, not only financially, but spiritually, emotionally, and with your health. Sign me up!

Each Chinese astrological sign corresponds with a year, and an animal. This year, 2024, it’s the year of the dragon and according to the site, people born during the year of the Dragon are said to be naturally charismatic and gifted, often inspiring those around them. I would say so, I’m spending the day with JCT and she is the year of the dragon and yeah, that about says it all!

I am 1971, the year of the pig, we are known to be generous, diligent and compassionate. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and love to have fun. They have a great sense of responsibility and handle conflict calmly. Is that me? Who can we ask?

Check out this page to see what animal you are based on your birth year. I think some of them are a little off, and some are spot on, which makes me smile!

Today, instead of just sending a text, I got to wish one of my closest friends, JCT, who happens to be Chinese, a very happy new year! And to her daugther as well! Her mom, I wished happy new year last night when it was New Year’s Eve. Her mom cooked a feast! There was salmon and tofu, chicken, dumplings, Chinese sausage, and tofu wrapped egg. Everything was great! I know, you’re saying to yourself, but JJ, you’re vegan! I know friends, but mom cooked the food, the very least thing I could do was try it and she is a great cook and did not disappoint! I enjoyed tasting everything, with a few extra pieces of the egg wrapped tofu on my plate, y u m!

Today was low key, JCT took me to Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe, which she introduced me to years ago when we first started hanging out when I still lived in GA, and every time I visit, there are a few places she takes me and Sweet Hut is oen of them! One time when PSM was here with me, I got to introduce him to it, with JCT, of course! They have wonderful treats, I forgot to take a picture, sorry! and the best time to go is in the morning, things are out fresh, they were still putting up the signs for what things were.

I picked up one of almost everything, well, everything that I could eat! They had savory and sweet, I stayed away from the savory because most of the time, that meant meat. The sweet, I bought a bunch, and I am taking it all home to share with PSM! I bought one of everything, except for the red bean moon cake, because I la la la love red bean and I got one for me and one for him! I ain’t sharing!

We also went to Great Wall Supermarket, well, we did that the other day, a wonderful Asian market/grocery store. I picked up some treats, spices, staples, that I am out of at home, and since we don’t have any Asian markets near us, I go when I can! Today, it was Assi, another great market, sometimes I have an idea of what I want and sometimes JCT recommends things to/for me. One of the things we were looking for were Korean sweet potatoes, mom had made some and they were delicious!

We spent the morning going up and down the aisles, talking, browsing, purchasing, it’s one of the things I love about visiting with JCT, we go to new and interesting places where I can find some wonderful items, I think that’s a wonderful way to star the new year!

In different parts of the world there are different celebrations happening to ring in the Chinese New Year. There are festivals, lion dances, it is a dance usually invited by traditional Chinese families to perform as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Spring Festival and to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, here’s one underwater in Malaysia! Here’s one from our former home state of Hawai’i. I’ve been lucky enough to see them in many different cities and I’m always fascinated and charmed by the splendor.

I have wonderful memories from childhood celebrating with a family that lived down the street from us. They would invite us to their Chinese New Year celebration, the food, the sights, the sounds, the red envelopes, all bringing a smile to my face.

I was looking for was looking for some Chinese New Year greetings or wishes to leave you with and I found this great site that had 8. I couldn’t decide which one I felt I wanted to share the most with you, so I’ll start with this one, after the photo, the rest.

I say to you, my dear friends, who are my family, I wish you prosperity, health, and happiness, in this, 2024, the Year of the Dragon.

新年快乐 – HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
MANDARIN: XĪN NIÁN KUÀI LÈ

恭喜发财 – WISH YOU PROSPERITY AND GOOD FORTUNE
MANDARIN: GŌNGXǏ FĀCÁI

大吉大利 – GOOD LUCK AND BIG PROFIT
MANDARIN: DÀ JÍ DÀ LÌ

身体健康 – GOOD HEALTH
MANDARIN: SHĒN TǏ JIÀN KĀNG

吉祥如意 – GOOD LUCK AND FORTUNE BE ACCORDING TO YOUR WISHES
MANDARIN: JÍ XIÁNG RÚ YÌ.

万事如意 — MAY ALL GO WELL WITH YOU
MANDARIN: WÀN SHÌ RÚ YÌ

学业有成 – ACADEMIC SUCCESS OR ACADEMIC PROGRESS
MANDARIN: XUÉYÈ YǑUCHÉNG

{January 26, 2024} It’s Friday Night…What to do? A new place and a Motorcycle Club? Sure, let’s do it!

Friday work day is done, now what? PSM called from work and said he’s going to pick me up and we’ll go out to a new place and maybe check out the local motorcycle club, sounds great!

He picked me up from work about about 6/630p and we went to the Gin Mill Restaurant & Tavern, finally! I say finally because we have tried to go on several occasions, but their hours aren’t great. They are open Monday-Saturday until 9p and on Sunday until 8p, not great if you’re out late or riding around and hungry later, and the kitchen closes about 30-45 minutes before the doors, no shade, just hard in the summer when you might want to go out later. But tonight, we got in there in plenty of time!

Did anyone have the fog we did here? It was cr-azy! You could barely see in front of your face! This is what it was like when I was walking the dogs, it was worse for PSM on his way to pick me up! It took him an extra 15 minutes to get home because he couldn’t see!

It’s a lot larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Great atmosphere, huge bar, two sitting areas off of each side of the bar, not a lot of room to walk behind each side of the bar, but enough to get buy, one of those places where servers kind of have to raise the plates to get buy and not hit you. The place was pretty packed, PSM had been there one other time and it wasn’t this full, it definitely has a different feel when it’s full. There were people of all ages and families sharing a meal together, definitely a local type of place. The decor was fun, a lot of brewery and beer logo signs, things made out of beer/brewery labels, sitckers, and bottle caps, just what you want to see in a pub/local brewery.

I will say, if you’re not a meat eater, it won’t be easy for you, but if you’re going for drinks and a few apps or sides, you’ll be fine. PSM ordered a few mixed drinks, I had hot tea, always happy when a bar/pub has hot tea! It came out in a glass mug, my favorite! I had a Caeasar salad and a side of broccoli, and PSM had their Chinese Takeout Burger. Think…Chinese takeout on a bun with a side of fries, I know right?

We sat at the bar, as we do almost everywhere, which, as you know, we love. Chatted with the bartenders, one of the chefs, which was who convinced PSM to get the burger, from his description, and had a great time on our date night! What more could you want?!

Now…motorcycle club time! We were about 15 minutes from there, but it took a little longer to get there because of the fog! Ugh, should I be drinking London Fog tea? Should I be wearing a London Fog coat? Wow! We got there about 730p, the doors open at 7p, meeting is at 8p. The Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club has their own clubhouse, very cool! We went to one door, no go, we went down around back where we saw other people heading and score! Just outside the door we met the president and treasurer of the group, the president opened the door, led us in and announced we were there, to a great big welcome, it was grand!

We walked towards the bar and met a lot of people, they have drinks, water, beer, soda, they have coffee cans for the money because they can’t exchange money by handing it to each other, so they put the money in the cans, love it! They have a pool table, currently out of commission, waiting on repairs, they have tables and chairs, places for people to sit and chat before the meeting begins.

There were people of all ages and with different types of bikes, this is a motorcycle club, all bikes welcome. It’s similar to the other groups we ride with, but the primary bike in those groups are Indians, because they are the Indian Motorcyle Riders Groups [IMRG], all riders are welcome, but to join you have to have an Indian Motorcycle, same with Harley Davidson groups, that’s fair. This one is ‘come one come all’, you just have to have a bike! At least I think so!

Several people asked who told us about it, I wish I could remember! I was at White’s Harley Davidson, the dealership near our house and someone told me about it, they knew who I was talking about. Apparently you have to be recommended to join, among other rules, they are serious. With our IMRG groups, you only need to pay your dues, for this club, you have to be recommended by a current member, you pay an application fee, then you’re on a 6-week probationary period where you have to attend at least 1/3 of the scheduled meetings/events, then after the 6-week period, the board either votes you in or not. I kind of like it, you need to attend events or meetings to show you’re interested, not just join and don’t do anything, every group has their rules, I’m ok with that!

We socialized with the group downstairs in the bar/pool room, turns out one couple lives on the street right behind us, how cool! then at 830p, we all went upstairs for the meeting. They are very official! We stood for the pledge of allegiance, then they asked if there were any visitors, we were, we stood up and introduced ourselves, then it was on to reading the last meeting’s minutes, then on to new business, including announcements and updates on how some members who were ill, a very caring group!

The couple we sat with, who are the ones who live near us, gave us the lowdown as everything was happening, as they made announcements, talked events, and happenings. There is a banquet next weekend, unfortunately we won’t be able to attend, but it was nice to be included right off the bat.

After the meeting we spoke with a few people, got more information about the group and joining,turned in our applications and money, got a calendar of events, it’s actually a pocket calendar with the events stamped in, love that! Their first ride is in April, so ready!

We headed home, it was a long day and we were done! Tomorrow…new adventure, I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow!
Night! Dreaming of being on the bike, when is the fog, rain, and snow going to stop! Vroom vroom!

{January 20, 2024} How do we pack it all in…in a day? A snuggle, new coffee shop, new park, motorcycle group meeting, another new coffee shop, framers, drywallers, shoveling, new fireplace, a little football, a new desk [sort of]…

Whew! We don’t know how to rest on our laurels around here!

And on a Saturday! First…woke up after the sun, what?! It was just about 730a when we woke up, that was loverly! After a few minutes, PSM said, let’s get the dogs, sounds good to me! I said prepare yourself! I went down, grabbed the pups and raced them back upstairs! When I say ‘who wants to snuggle?’ they automatically head to the living room because they think they’re going to snuggle with me on one of their beds. So cute!

Up to the bedroom where Ruby jumped right up and Bee, you know, the Beagle, short legs and all, needed a wee bit of help! They were both up there, I got in bed, and it was like I wasn’t even there! ha ha. They la la la love being with PSM! I had to pull Ruby away to snuggle, then she went back and I grabbed Bee. A little whining and finally some singing! That dog la la la loves to sing! You can see it on her face!

After about 30 minutes, we realized we had a few things to do this morning! Get up and dressed, get the dogs ready, and we were off! We have to get another stamp in our Java Journey passports! We went to the Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffee Shop in Annville, a charming little college town, we were there last week at Swatara Coffee Company, they are across the street from each other. If you ever get the chance to go, please do! But…beware the hours are not great! Thursday and Friday 7am-11am, and Saturday 8am-12 noon and that is it! We found out that the owner owns a real estate business, that’s on the main drag and the bakery/coffee shop is at the side door, which is also the back of the real estate office.

It’s sweet and charming, and delightlfully gnomish! It is covered with gnomes, gnomes, and more gnomes, and reindeer. They have a collection of gnomes that might put gnomes or a yard to shame! They are from all over the world and most are not for sale, just for looking, but some are for sale. Then there’s the baked goods! And the drinks. PSM had coffee and I had a chai tea, it wasn’t my favorite, I got it with almond milk. If we go back, and I want to, I’m going to get a cup of tea just made with water, and some sugar, I’m ok with that!

We got a few pastries to go and they were yummy! It was just so charming and heart warming walking around looking at everything. When I say walking around, I really mean standing in one spot and turning around and around, that’s really all the space they have. Totally recommend this place, even if you’re just a lookie-loo!

We left with our baked goods and drinks and headed to a nearby park the folks working there recommended. And oh my was it soooo worth it! Quittie Park Nature Park is stunning and charming and covered with a whole lotta snow today! The dogs absolutely la la la loved it! We dropped their leashes for a few minutes, there was no one else in the park, we wouldn’t do that if there were any other people or dogs. They so enjoyed that, watching both of them run like the wind! And now…I have Ride Like the Wind by Christopher Cross in my head! You’re welcome for the ear worm!

We don’t know how large the park is or how long the paths go, but you can rest assured, we will be going back! It’s only about 15 minutes from us, so I forsee a lot more trips there! Definitely on the weekends, maybe some evenings when the sun stays in the sky longer. Add this to the list!

Then it was time to go to the monthly Indian Motorcycle Riders Group meeting at Hernley’s Polaris-Indian Motorcycle. We joined the group when we moved to Pennsylvania. We join wherever we are, so we are now honorary members of our chapters in Hawai’i and St Louis! It’s a great feeling to know that you have people to connect with when you’re there! They were going over new business and somehow I volunteered to take over the calendar duties for the group, and I dubbed myself CQ…Calendar Queen! I’ll take it! I’m now responsible for putting together the calendar of rides for our group! I’m ready!

After the meeting, there was the monthly picture and we were off! We have a drywall finisher coming to the house at noon and we had just enough time to get there! We had just enough time to stop for gas, maybe get another cup of coffee/tea/passport stamp before we headed home. We stopped at Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe, so called because: Our name, Mill 72, is made up of two components. The “Mill” comes directly from our last name, Miller, and our family’s history of owning and working in a family-owned corn meal mill. The “72” references our Bake Shop & Cafe being located along Manheim’s Route 72. How cool is that?! I’ve oftne wondered why it was called that!

Well, it was lunch time, we got coffee and a chai latte, and two egg sandwiches made on waffles. Everything was pretty good! We both felt like the sandwiches, because they were made with waffles needed some syrup, but other than that, enjoyable. The atmosphere was charming, quite a few tables and some sofas and seats towards the back. It was open and inviting. I can definitely see going back!

After lunch we headed into downtown Lebanon to the Lebanon Fine ArtFine Art Gallery – Lebanon Picture Frame to finalize the frames we wanted for the artwok that was damaged in the move. The artwork saga is a whole ‘nother post! But Melody and Eric, the owners, have been great to work. They helped us with the estimates to get the pieces fixed and pick out new frames and mats, very excited to see them when they’re ready!

We grabbed the broken frames, I have plans for them, of course! and headed back to the house. The drywall finisher was there to do his thing and boy did he do his thing! He is really good! He taped up the seams, covered any nails and screws, and just made things seamless. He’ll be back on Monday to do whatever else he needs to.

While he was working, we went outside to do a little shoveling, it had snowed a little more yesterday and it’s windy so the snow is blowing onto the driveway. When I found the big patch of ice and went down on my knee and my wrist, I said…I’m good and I’m going inside! PSM soon followed.

We took a break, watched something on tv, then I went into the art studio to start to build my new fireplace! I’ll tell you all about that in another post, but it’s awesome! PSM ended up helping me and I’m so glad he did! There were parts that said it’s a 2-person step and they were right! bless him! We got the cabinet together and then put the fireplace in it and it’s AWE-SOME!!! You can turn the flames on with or without heat! I cannot wait to have everything in place for the studio! Right now it’s housing stuff from the kitchen, things that didn’t fit on the shelves in the other room, all good, working around it!

Then it was time to chill and eventually grub! We had leftover Chinese food from North China, our new favorite go-to for Chinese food. I seem to only get their garlic broccoli and I la la la love it! I’ll share more on this place some other time! We ate, watched some stuff, then PSM put on football and I headed into the art studio to put on my new fireplace and a movie to…start to put together a desk I got at Harbor Freight. I really love this thing and I got it half built, some of it is a 2-person job, so far so good, but I kind of ran out of steam, the thing is hea-vy! and I wanted to talk to you guys, so…I’ll go back to it tomorrow!

I think that’s about it for a Saturday, was that enough? Did I mention that most of what we did before we got home was all before 1pm?! I think that was quite the way to start the day! Are you tired? I am! What does tomorrow hold? I am contemplating going skiing! If I do, you know I’ll tell you all about it!

Night!

{January 15, 2024} A day off, sort of, and two more coffee shops!

Today is MLK day and for many, that means a day off, wahoo!

MLK Day, or Martin Luther King Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year. Dr King was born on January 15th, and was chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society. The movement lead to several groundbreaking legislative reforms in the United States.

Since it’s a federal holiday, many companies are closed, it was interesting, in Hawai’i, it was not observed as a holiday by all companies, but King Kamehameha I Day was an observed holiday and many companies were closed. A regional thing I guess. And, as companies were closed, some use it as an opportunity for volunteerism, giving back to communities, I’d say that’s a positive thing, wouldn’t you?

I think it’s great people have the day off to do as they choose, be it a long, 3-day weekend, a lazy day, a day to get things done, for contractors, it’s a day without pay and those aren’t as much fun, ha ha. Sometimes I am happy to take the day, but this week, we were given the opportunity to work and I took it! I am prepping for a new class, so it was the perfect time to get work done without the normal work day interruptions or meetings to take away focus. Now, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t get up at 6am like I normally do, I took my time waking up, we took the dogs to the park, and then we took the opportunity to go to another coffee shop on the Lebanon Valley Java Journey! Bonus!

We went to Baked Sweet Coffeehouse & Bakery, armed with only the passports, didn’t have to take the mugs! One less thing to remember! Weehoo! The street…you can tell they are trying to renovate and bring it up, there were several new houses and you could tell several others had been or were in the process of being renovated. The bakery itself was charming, from the outside to when you steppined inside. Open, airy, light feeling, edison bulb string lights, [do you know how hard it is to find a description and not an advertisement for edison bulb string lights?!], tables and chairs, small sofas, just the perfect atmosphere for a no-pressure, laid back coffee shop.

There was a Maker’s Market to one side with items from different vendors, all small businesses, they had their own line of merchandise down the hall, and in the back, rooms for events or overflow from the front of house. When we got there, no line, when we left, almost out the door! We’re not sure if it was the fact that businesses and schools were closed or it was the local coffee shop, could have been a combination.

They had a large coffee and tea selection, and a lovely pastry selection. We ordered a chai with almond milk for me and a decaf coffee for PSM, a blueberry muffin, a coffee cake muffin, and a beautiful snowflake sugar cookie for later. I wandered around while PSM found us a seat in front of a great antique stove, not on, but definitely a conversation piece! Our order was up, they don’t take personal cups, unfortunately, we had to pour our drinks into our cups, and the drink and muffin were served on a metal tray with a napkin that looked like a linen kitchen towel. All-in-all, a great experience so far!

The baked good were great, PSM’s coffee was pretty good, I can’t say I enjoyed my chai at all, but the cookie, I had later in the day…y u m, fancy sugar cookie goodness. We agreed, we really liked the atmosphere, but it wasn’t worth us making a special trip there on another occassion, that’s not to say, if we were in the area, we wouldn’t stop by for a baked good.

I ended up not drinking my chai and since we were headed back home, we thought, why not…let’s check another coffee shop off the list, or passport, as it were! We went to City Watch Coffee. We had both been there before, the hours weren’t always conducive to when we were out and about. The atmosphere is cool, kind of futuristic, whereas Baked Sweet had a more charming atmosphere. Both places have very nice and accomodating staff.

Speaking of staff, one of the things PSM noticed and mentioned, which admittedly, I hadn’t, was that the staff at all of the coffee shops we had been to so far were completely staffed by women. Once he pointed it out, I thought, go girl power! I liked it!

I ordered their chai, which was called, I believe the Vic Chai, because it was named after a cousin of the owner’s husband, who’s name was Vic Chai, how cool is that and what are the odds?! PSM had a hot chocolate and we ordered egg sandwiches. The sandwiches were good, PSM’s hot chocolate was good, I didn’t enjoy the chai, not sure why, it had a strange aftertaste to me. It was the third time I had it there, so it turns out the chai is not for me, but that’s not to say I wouldn’t go back to try a different drink. I am drawn to chai lattes and I try them wherever I go and some are a hit, and some not. The nice thing about this place, it’s not that far from home, so if I do find a drink I like better, win-win!

After our 2nd Java Journey stamp for the day and fifth for the weekend, we went back to the house. When we got there, one of the guys from the construction company were there to talk to us about how the day was going to go, I went upstairs to start working, and PSM stayed down to hammer out any last minute details. There were a few things I had to come downstairs to take care of, but for the most part, I was able to get a lot of work done.

PSM went out to do some stuff while I stayed behind to work, hang with the dogs and answer questions. About 230p he picked me up, we went out to get some lunch, I was very much in the mood for soup, good ramen to be exact, but no ramen in the area, so we went to Kugo Japanese restaurant for udon, because they assured me they had vegetable udon, I was ready! We had been there for sushi a while ago and liked it, this time, the udon was just what I needed. Hot, flavorful, and full of veggies and noodles, what more could you want!

Back to the house, check out the demo progress, get some more work done, take the dogs for a walk, work, PSM went to the gym, then I was done by the time he got home, we had some grub, and it was time to chill!

Not a bad way to spend a day off…sort of!

{January 14, 2024} A snuggle, a freezing walk, two coffee shops, groceries, a movie, and football. Oh my!

Just another Sunday. I was going to say ‘Just another day for you and me in paradise‘. PSM asked me to play Phil Collins when we were driving on St Thomas and now I’m on a Phil Collins radio kick on Pandora, not a bad thing in my opinion.

Got up liesurely, it was about 7am, or a little before. I wasn’t quite prepared to get up and officially greet the day, so I decided it was time for a momm-puppy cuddle session, another good thing. I went downstairs and got the dogs out of the crate, tried to sneak past PSM, trying not to wake him!, and got them upstairs and on the bed.

We settled in and Bee did her thing of circling the bed and settling in and falling asleep almost before her head hit the bed, Ruby did the same, stretched out and proceeded to try to lick my arm clean, no thanks. We were snuggled in for about 2 hours, we cuddled, watch some tv, not even sure what we watched. I say we, but we know the truth, it was really the dogs in control!

Got up eventually, took them to Stover Dam Park for a walk, they absolutely love it there! I chose the wrong footware, go figure, I wore my Chucks, which was fine for most of the park, a few areas were a bit wet, mushy, muddy, and slightly puddley [I made that last one up!] It was a teensy bit chilly while we were there, about 31 out and it was supposed to snow at some point and as we were leaving, here come some flakes, not much though.

Back to the house, feed the dogs, grab our Java Journey mugs and off to Ancester Coffeehouse & Creperie, which happens to be attached to Schnitz Creek Brewery, different. We ordered the drink of the day for PSM, something waayyy too sweet for PSM, but he’s a trooper, did you see…it came with one of those hearts in the foam! and chai latte with oat milk for me. Yummy, not a lot of variation on the chai lattes, in terms of crazy taste, each one is a little different, but ultimately, I usually enjoy it.

I ordered a savory crepe, the Secret Garden, and PSM had a egg and sausage bagel. While we waited, we were chatting, I said hello to the little boy at the table behind us, and I liked his glasses. We started talking with the parents and all of a sudden, the dad says “PSM?” Go figure, they work together! That was fun! We chatted with them for a while, about work, the town they live in, the town we live in, and the Java Journey, how much fun things like this are.

Our food came, y u m! We will definitely go back! Well, actually…to get another stamp we have to go to their other location, not a bad thing! We chatted some more and as we were sitting there, the brewery was taking over the tables around us, they opened at 1130am, and guess what time it was. PSM said we could finish our food and drink and move straight to the brewery!

After the brewery, we realized we needed salad fixings for the week, motorcycle cleaner, and we were contemplating going to a movie, so we headed in that direction, stopped at the Grocery Outlet, one of our favorite grocery stores. They have a good selection, some interesting items, a decent vegan selection, and not very expensive, a win-win! After the grocery store, we decided to check another coffee shop off our list…Sydney Roasting Co.

Turns out, we don’t actually have to bring the mugs with us, as long as we have the passports, we are good to go. Good to know! We orderd a chai latte for me with almond milk for me and whatever frozen, overly sweet drink for PSM. I tried it and agreed for the first few sips, it tasted like coffee ice cream, which I used to love, but 4 sips in…coffee, no thank you! We hung out, enjoyed the atmosphere, added this place to the list of places we might come back to! Loving this whole Java Journey thing!

After finishing, well almost finishing, our drinks headed to Auto Zone, unfortunately, they didn’t have what we needed, oh well, but..the movies await! We went to the local Regal Movie Theater to watch Wonka. LOVED IT! I’ll write another post about it, it was charming! We laughed, we cried, we just really enjoyed it!

After the movies we went to 7th Street Bar & Grill, one of our new favorite hang outs. It looks unassuming on the outside, inside, it’s not big, but it’s nice. They have two pool tables, a bunch of booths and tables, and a nice bar, we’ve only sat at the bar. My only issue with this place…the bathrooms are ffffrrreeezzzinnnnggg! I would say, if you can skip it in the winter, do it! Go in the summer, it will be great! I had a veggie burger and PSM had a reuben. One of the footbal playoff games was on, the Greenbay Packers were trouncing the Dallas Cowboys, on their own field, ouch. PSM started talking to a few people at the bar who could talk football, I was ok with that!

At some point, I headed home to take care of the dogs and left PSM in his football element. Dogs fed, toooo cold and windy for a walk! Took care of a few things around the house, started to talk to you and PSM called and said he was ready to come home. Off I went to pick him up, back home, change into sweats, hang out and talk to you while PSM watches some more football downstairs. Sounds like a win-win! Oh, I also ordered something for my art studio, can’t wait for it to get here!!! It’s all coming together, I can’t wait to share pics and updates!

Tomorrow the demo starts on the kitchen! If you have the day off tomorrow…enjoy! If you have to work…I hope it’s an easy day for you. Whatever you do…Happy Monday!

{January 13, 2024} A jam packed day!

Breakfast, hardware store, hardware store, haircut, hardware store, coffee shop, hardware store, paint store, brewery, home, move stuff, dog walk, rest. Oh my!

What a day! PSM let me sleep in and took the dogs for a long walk, it was great, I slept in until about 8am. Much needed after not falling asleep until about 330am, go figure. Even though I got about the same amount of sleep I normally do, there’s something about waking up on your own, no alarm, and after the sun comes up.

After bagels, we went to Harbor Freight to pick up a power screwdriver and craft desk/workbench for me and some drill bits for PSM. We were there the other day and I saw this Yukon, Three Drawer Hardwood Bench and I thought it would be perfect for my art studio. Something I’ll tell you about another time! I love it! The studio and the workbench! Not exactly looking forward to putting it together, but now that I have a new power screwdriver, I’m ready to go! I am now the proud owner of the bench and a Warrior Cordless Screwdriver Kit! Who’s with me getting excited about power tools?!

Next was Lowe’s to purchase the tile we were looking at for the kitchen renovation that starts on Monday, oh my! They had three boxes left, we needed five, go figure…but we found an associate to take the boxes down and found out that they had two more boxes at another location, score! The nice thing…we had appointments for hair cuts across the way, we’ll be back soon.

Across to Great Clips, we’re not fancy-schmancy folks when it comes to getting our hair cut. PSM does miss Sports Clips in St Louis, it was mostly the neck massage he misses. I used to go there too, since I like an almost high and tight, clippers work for me. But…we used to go to Great Clips as well and they do a good job. Let’s just say, having hair this short is great in the summer, but brrrr in the winter!

After hair cuts, we went back to Lowe’s to pick up the tiles, back to the house to drop off our purchases, then on to the Lowe’s in Palmyra, but along the way, we were thirsty, never got anything to drink with breakfast and we stopped into Swatara Coffee Company in Annville. According to the website, Swatara Coffee is a nationally recognized cafe using locally sourced ingredients and elevating Pennsylvania Dutch flavors. Bonus!

What a charming town, we haven’t spent a lot of time there, but we’re going to go back for sure. When the realtor was showing us around over the summer, we went through Annville, and we’ve driven through it a few times, but hadn’t stopped yet, but there are a few places on my list.

When we walked in, I immediately saw the mugs for the Lebanon Valley Java Journey! I got a text about this on Thursday, this is one of the things that happens in this area to get folks out, going to local places, and trying new things. It’s in its fifth year and it’s a trail of coffee shops across Lebanon County. There are 12 participating businesses, you purchase your Java Journey mug, we really liked them! And then at each location, they have a secret drink, which you can only get if you have one of the mugs. Once you make a purchase, you get a stamp in the ‘passport’. At the end, you turn in the passport and you’re entered into a drawing for prizes. You know me…I’m all about the swag!

While we were there, another couple had their mugs, we talked to them about it, then another two couples came in and we talked to them about it. They had done it in the past, and they made a day of it to go to all 12 places in one day! The hard part…the hours for the coffee shops is not condusive to weekday ventures, unless you can go before 2 or 3pm! So… it looks like we have our weekends set up until it’s over March 9th!

We love doing stuff like this, it gets us out and trying new places and cities, helps us explore, and…some of the places on the passport are already on my list of want to try! We are also doing a brewery passport tour, and someone told us about the Scooped ice cream tour in the summer! Cannot wait for that one!

PSM got the secret drink, I forgot what it was, sorry! and I was able to get a chait latte with mac milk, that’s macadamia nut for those not in the know, and we shared a french toast muffin. What a nice treat! I can’t wait to explore more coffee shops! Hmmm…maybe tomorrow morning we’ll try another. The hard part…remembering to bring the mugs!

Back in the car, off to Palmyra Lowe’s, got our tile, asked if there was a Harbor Freight nearby and they said yes, the one we were at earlier! ha ha. Next stop…Sherwin Williams for paint color books so we can figure out what color to paint the kitchen. We need to picks something that will compliment the grey cabinets, white marble countertops, and white-ish stone backsplash. Working on it, but we’re getting there!

Next, we needed lunch! We did a lot and it was time for food! We went to The Rotunda Restaurant and Brewery. This was an interesting place…in the front, or door we walked into, it was a bar/restaurant/brewery with a nice big bar to sit at, great big fireplace, cool decor, and in the back, there is a tiki bar! Yes, I said tiki bar! I did not take pictures of the tiki bar, I will save those for the next time we go!

We saddled up to the bar, placed a drink order, PSM got a flight of beers, I got hot tea, go figure…some of the beers were good, one, not so much, well, in his opinion, I tasted them all and, well, don’t ask me! We ordered food, I got the vegan refried bean tacos, and PSM got a burger. The food was good, the bartender was great, the other patrons at the bar were fun to chat with.

All told, we had a really good time and we look forward to going back!

After the Rotunda, back to Harbor Freight, I forgot something, PSM said he’s done with hardware stores for the day! I agree. Then home to finish clearing out the cabinets in the kitchen, pics of the whole process another time, you’re probably done with this post! After we cleared the cabinets, take the dogs for a walk and it was freezing! Temps in the 30s, winds 30-60 mph! I do love my winter parka and thank goodness for my new hat with the headlamp and the fuzzy lining, I would not have made it, my head was cold!

After that friends, isn’t that enough? Back home to put on comfy clothes, sweatpants were the order of the day! Then off to write to you to tell you about my day! I’m sitting here in my cozy sweatpants, a flannel top and my oversized sweatshirt. And I have a dog sitting under my desk, happily snoring away, what could be better?

Good night my friends. Cannot wait to find out what tomorrow brings! But whatever it is, you know I’ll share it!

{January 11, 2024} Nostalgia

I was going to tell you more about our trip to USVI, but I ate something that sent me down another path. I know, you’re surprised…ha ha

What did I eat? A piece of celery with peanut butter, and it was so good…I had to go make another one to munch on while I talk to you! I can’t remember if that was something my mom or dad would make us, but it makes me feel good. Another one was apples with peanut butter, either slicing the apples or using one of those apple wedgers and serving the apple slices with peanut butter. How about this…celery with cream cheese and paprika, so good!

Some things may sound odd to you, but they were comforting to me. Noodles and cream cheese, if we weren’t feeling well, that was something she would make for us, I still do that to this day, but it has to be wide egg noodles, you can do it with almost any noodle, but it really has to be something that can pick up the cream cheese as it’s soft and melted, maybe add a little salt. I remember my sister telling someone that she knew ACS was the one when, early on in their relationship, she wasn’t feeling well and he made her noodles and cream cheese, it’s the little things.

I was just telling someone about my mom making her meatloaf with a hard boiled egg in the middle, most people have never heard of this, but it was a special treat that she did for us, and if there wasn’t a hard boiled egg…it wasn’t the same. Warm milk with honey if we were sick made us feel better and even if it was just in our minds…I’m ok with that. I know, milk with meat, ha ha. Not to worry, the meatloaf was a treat and the milk with honey was a remedy.

And the gems my dad taught me…I could never eat New England claim chowder without a pat of butter melting on the top; rice pudding, right out of the pot is really much better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, specifically Bryer’s vanilla, and the strange one that just works…those cheese crackers with peanut butter in them? Smear some strawberry jam on top, oh man, you will not be disappointed!

I’m sure there are others, but at the moment, those are the ones that are on my mind and making me smile. I wonder what some of yours are.

{January 8, 2024} Tap & Still: Burgers, Booze, and Beer

Best burgers in the USVI! And the cheapest meal to boot!

If you’re in St Thomas, St John, or Sint Maarten, we can’t recommend Tap & Still highly enough! Honestly, the atmosphere is great, the food is good, and as I said cheapest meal going!

The one we went to was in Red Hook, on the east side of St Thomas. We almost went to the one on St John but ended up passing. I do have to tell you, the first time we went, it was better, I don’t mean the food, that was spot on both times! the atmosphere, staff, and clientele have a lot to do with a dining experience.

This is definitely a local’s hangout, not to say that tourists don’t go there, once someone tells you about it, you understand why it’s so popular. First of all, the food in the USVI ain’t cheap, I’m sure you already knew that, but to give you an idea…at the airport, it’s not inexpensive, but not unreasonable, on the mainland, that is. When we were at the airport to leave, 2 burgers, fries, plantains, and 2 drinks…$52! That might tell you something. Back to why we’re here….Tap & Still.

It’s open, from front to back, which is on the water, looking at the boats docked, this is where several boat tours leave from, two of ours in fact. There is an open window that you can order food and drink, no worries about walking around with open container, it’s all good. When you walk in, there is a bar in the middle, everyone is just hanging out at the bar or the few tables against the wall. We love to sit at the bar, it’s usually an easy way to get a seat and you meet all sorts of people that way. We sat next to a guy who, when he sat down, a beer magically appeared, that kind of place.

The ceiling had dollar bills taped to it with people’s signatures, the cabinets were covered with stickers people had added, not sure if there was extra space to put another sticker! Posts were the same. It was also decked out for christmas with tinsel and lights, same with the bar tenders!

Ordering was simple, take an order slip and a pencil, mark off what you want: burger, hot dog, veggie burger, grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, wings, or a BLT, simple. Next, toppings, a bunch were no charge, a few cost a little extra. Do you want fries? Check the box. Do you want funnel cake? Check the box. Best part? Burgers: $9, Fries: $4, seriously? Hand in your slip, don’t forget to put your name on it!

Have a drink while you wait, talk to the bartenders, talk to the other patrons having some food, talk to each other, listen to the music, stare out at the water, whatever makes you happy. I even asked for them to cook mine on tinfoil, they said they did, I’m hopeful! When the food comes out, doesn’t matter if you’re eating in or taking out, it comes out in a paper bag, burger is wrapped in foil, fries are hanging out in their own bag. Grab some paper towels for napkins and you’re good to go!

When the food came out, we opened the bags and dug in. What good burgers, oh my! And the fries, fresh cut, the only problem for me is I found the pound of salt at the bottom of the bag! Oh my! but up until that point, y u m!! We ate, talked to the bartenders, talked to each other, talked to people hanging out at the bar.

Talk to anyone on the island, best place for burgers..Tap & Still. I love the concept and the food, would love to see something like that here on the mainland. oh, I know there are places like it, but not quite this and it just has that island vibe. So…if you’re in St Thomas, St John, or St Marteen, if you’re in the mood for a good burger, maybe even some fries at a great price…you know my recommendation! Man, I wish we had had the room to try their funnel cake! Next time!

Email Subscription

What was I thinking?