Sugar Highs

There’s nothing better than pancakes with REAL maple syrup.  Now that I think of it, maple syrup would probably make Cod Liver Oil palatable.  Sugar Maples are a true gift - shade in the summer, vibrant red leaves in the fall and sweet sap in the spring.

If you’ve never experienced this treat, or seen how it’s produced, I’d recommend a trip to one of the maple farms we have in Genesee County.  This is Maple Sunday Weekend and our farms will have maple products, demonstrations and tours.  You can visit:

Indian Acres Maple Farm, 2005 Broadway Road, Darien, NY, 585-547-3557 (they generally make maple cotton candy)

or

Randall’s Maple Products, 10307 Smithley Rd., Alexander, NY, 585-547-3596

For a full listing of maple farms in the area visit: www.mapleweekend.com

Or, if you want to make your own syrup, click here.

Just don’t do what some urban, maple syrup hobbyists did in central Massachusetts.  They thought they found the perfect solution to a lack of sugar maples in their neighborhood.  They started tapping trees in a nearby cemetery, which the authorities frowned on, calling the practice “tacky.” Which, of course it was, in so many ways.

Maple syrup is not everyone’s “sugar of choice,” but I suspect most of you ladies out there would agree that chocolate, in all its forms, is comfort food. (Here’s a tidbit for you, did you know that in the 1700s, hot chocolate was a thick mixture of water and cocoa – WITH NO SUGAR ADDED? Yuck.)

One of the best places I can think of to get my chocolate fix is Oliver’s Candies.  Right now, everyone at Oliver’s is in full-blown, chocolate-bunny, mode.  Easter Basket’s just wouldn’t be the same without the bunny - whether it’s solid or hollow, sitting up right, or on all fours.  My parents used to hide the baskets on Sunday morning, help us find them, then make us get all dressed up and go to church. Now, what child do you know of that wants to leave behind a full basket of candy?  That should have been my first inkling that life just isn’t fair.

Oliver’s not only provides basket bunnies and a huge assortment of jelly beans, cream eggs, etc. They always have a 4 foot hollow bunny for you to drool over. (for $475, you can carry it home)  I wonder how long it would take for me to eat a bunny that size? Any guesses?

HINT: For those of you who would like a real baby bunny, visit Herbly Wonderful in Batavia - and the neat thing - they'll board your adorable pet during the winter. The boarded rabbits help to heat their greenhouses. Talk about going green! They also have colored eggs that the chicken lay in blue, green, tan brown, ect. Instant Easter Eggs.

By the way, the answer to the frog question from my last blogg is five. Deciding is NOT doing.

- Dawn

Sure and Begorrah!

Meaning: “would you look at that” or “give attention to that”

I love St. Patrick’s Day! Those of you who know me understand why. Let’s see, I’m fair complexioned, have red hair, my maiden name is “Ireland” and I’m learning to play the harp. I guess you’d call me “stereotypical.”

I’m happy with my Irish roots. Though the country of Ireland is beautiful, there are many beautiful landscapes in the world. What sets Ireland apart is its people. Their history is one tragedy after another, but they’ve always survived with a story to tell, or a song to sing. (Okay, a pint of Guinness might also ease the pain) But, I think their real strength is their ability to channel those emotions into creative outlets, and in doing so they make the world a better place.

Each year I search out the Irish activities in our area. This year I have a couple of recommendations:

• March 19th the Genesee Chorale will bring our area a special treat, “An Irish Celebration.” Aside from the wonderful Chorale (they really are an undiscovered “gem” in our area); you’ll be entertained by the Sampler Trio, Jim Kimball & The Geneseo String Band, and the McMahon School of Dance. The show goes up at the Batavia Middle School on Ross Street at 7pm. I’m looking forward to this Irish extravaganza! It should be one of the few times my red hair won’t stand out in a crowd.

• You can join the high spirited celebration at O’Lacy’s Pub, or Delevan’s on the 17th. Of course, everyone is Irish at that point.

However, if you want to experience that “sense” of Ireland, you’ll visit O’Lacy’s on March 21st, from 3-5pm. Acoustic minstrels will be roving from table to table, entertaining with stories, songs and foolery. Order a Guinness, and make sure to ask for the shamrock on top. They recently came in third in a contest sponsored by Ireland-based Diageo Co., the makers of Guinness. In fact, the contest brought to light that O’Lacy’s “pours” the best Guinness in the Eastern United States!

Speaking of Guinness, believe it or not, it can be used for more than drinking. Yes, you can make Guinness cheese spread, brownies, cup cakes, chili and more. Here’s a link to some intriguing recipes:

http://bit.ly/bGw56n

An Irish Riddle: Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off. How many are left? (see my next blogg for the answer)

Slaỉnte,

Dawn

Past Elegance? I Hope Not!

I love the craftsmanship and beauty of vintage items.  I’m a graduate of Nazareth College, and I remember going through the costume area at the Arts Center, wistfully studying the clothing that had been donated by wealthy patrons at the turn of the century.  We don’t see that kind of attention to detail today: covered buttons, tucks, smocking, velvets, handmade lace, exquisite hats (sigh).  Now mind you, most of the items were a size 2. (And people wondered why corseted women needed “fainting” couches.)

I’ve decided that I’m going to get my fix for that “bygone era” this year by attending the Holland Land Office Museum’s Antique Show.  They have so many “one-of-a-kind” items, from 46 different vendors.  There will be furniture, collectables, jewelry, books and more.  As long as people cherish the beauty of things created for another era, I’m hoping we’ll retain some of the “graciousness” of that time.

The Antique Show is going to be held at Batavia Downs on March 12^th from 5-9pm & March 13^th from 10am – 4pm.  The cost is $4, but watch the Penny Savers for the dollar off coupon. And as an added incentive, Batavia Downs Casino will have food and gaming specials for attendees. I hope to see you there!

Curtains & Dogs

“Brilliant sunlight bounced off the warm, brick storefronts. The alley loomed ahead, its shadowy entrance an obscene slash between the buildings. If only she had another choice…”

Just trying to set the mood. If you haven’t heard of the “Who-dun-it” musical, Curtains, it may be because it hasn’t been done much in Western New York. But, if you love mysteries and musicals, you won’t want to miss this. I’m especially excited to see the performance because a young man from our church has the lead, and I know him to be a fabulous actor. The curtain will be going up (pun intended) at the Le Roy High School, March 5th & 6th, at 9300 South Street Road. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. (www.showtix4u.com) I’ll be there “Opening Night,” and I hope you’ll join me.

If you like mysteries, go to:

http://www.mysterynet.com/solveit/

and test your skill.

Mysteries are just one type of story, and stories are a great way to understand the human experience – even if it’s written from a dog’s point of view. See the world the way “Enzo” does, when you read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. If you’re a dog lover, this is the book for you.

Each year, Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans County libraries partner on an area-wide book discussion. On March 11th, the program will culminate with Garth Stein visiting our area, discussing his book, and doing a book signing. This is such a great program. Aren’t libraries wonderful! Where else can you participate in things like this for free? If you’d like to get involved with a discussion about the book, visit www.taleforthreecounties.org for particulars on a time and place.