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.

Music Makes the Movie?

With the 82nd Oscars just around the corner, (March 7, 2010) I started thinking about how much music adds to a film. When LeRoy dedicated their new High School several years ago, the RPO was invited. They opened with the theme music for Harry Potter, and I was instantly transported to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Can you imagine an action film without energetic music, or a thriller without eerie chords warning you that whatever is just around the corner can’t be good? We depend on music for atmosphere and if done well, it can become the movie. Star Wars fans, can you really see Darth Vader without thinking – Dum, Dum, ta Dum, Dum – okay, you get the idea?

Our Genesee Symphony Orchestra understands how much people love the music associated with movies, so they are doing “The Oscars at the Symphony” this weekend at Genesee Community College. (Sunday, February 28th from 4-6pm) The ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), $5 for students (18 & under, or GCC Students) and $30 for a family. 585-343-0055 ext 6814 or www.geneseesymphony.com

The concert should be a great way to get you “revved up” for March 7th. And just in case you aren’t aware of the nominees for the main categories, see below:

Best Picture: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Bustards, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner

Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep

Directing: Avatar, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Nine, Sherlock Holmes, The Young Victoria

www.oscar.com

By the way, Avatar was GREAT. Can you tell who I’m rooting for?

Dawn

Winter Projects

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I find myself looking around the house saying “You know, I really should finish the wainscoting in the kitchen.” We all start projects, and you might even finish them right away – but for those of you who are like me, I have some suggestions.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are holding their 57th Home, Garden & Trade Show on Feb. 27 & 28th at Batavia Downs. You’ll find great ideas for new projects, as well as building enthusiasm for your current labor of love. They’ll have workshops, seminars, sales and give-a-ways from 10am – 7pm on Sat and 11am – 5pm on Sun. The cost is only $4. ($3 if you save the coupon that will be coming out in the Daily.)

Of course, you may not need to decorate, but organizing would make your life a lot less stressful. I went to a GO Art! Salon recently, (The salons are fantastic, if you’ve never been to one.) anyway, mine was on organizing and Jennifer Ford Berry spoke. She’s from our area, and has published a book entitled “Organize Now!” She had some great tips, such as making sure everything that comes into your home has a “place.” It sounds simple, but I went home and discovered how much of my clutter couldn’t be “put away.” If you’d like to purchase her book, or would like to find out when she’ll be holding her next workshop, contact GO Art! at 585-343-9313.

Just think, if you get organized and finish your projects inside, you won’t need to worry about outside until aaaaah March? Okay, in spite of what that darn groundhog says, I’m hoping for an early Spring.

Have fun with your projects!

Dawn

Creating Christmas Memories

I find it hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, and I haven’t done much to create any new Christmas Memories. (Sigh) With that in mind, I’ve decided to take some “me” time, and attend the theatrical gems that Batavia Players and Go Art! have been kind enough to sponsor this season.

I can’t wait for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” What is it about Charlie that brings a smile to my face? Maybe it’s that we can each find a little of ourselves in his woes. He and his buddies are going to be lighting up the stage at John Kennedy Elementary at 7:30pm on Dec. 18th & 19th. Directed by Pat Burk, this is Batavia Player’s 11th Winter Holiday Production. Tickets are on sale ($5) at the door or online at www.bataviaplayers.org.

Of course, one of my all-time favorite stories is “A Christmas Carol” (I’m partial to the George C. Scott movie version), and I’m enthralled by the notion that Charles Dickens used to entertain audiences by reading his stories out loud. Mike Randall will portray Charles Dickens in a one-man show on Dec. 20th at Go Art! He’ll be bringing the characters to life as he reads this charming tale of transformation. I hope you get the chance to join me at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call Go Art! at 585-343-9313 for ticket information or purchase them online at www.GoArt.org. For those of you who can’t decide, you will be able to get tickets at the door.

Now, I realize some people want to take just a bit of a “time-out” from the shopping routine, so why not start a “fun” tradition of visiting the Holland Land Office Museum’s Wonderland of Trees? Adults are $4, seniors are $3 and children under 12 are FREE. They have three rooms packed full of trees that have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. This year’s theme is “Toys,” and the museum has jumped into the spirit by bringing out of storage some toys from their collection that haven’t seen the light of day in many a year. (Make sure to ask about the whistle made out of a pig’s tale. Yep – just what I’d want to put in my mouth.) Actually, I like going just to get tree decorating ideas. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

Please take time to experience the wonder this season has to offer. If I don’t see you, I hope you, and your families, have a memorable holiday!

By: Dawn Ireland-Monsees

O Christmas Tree

In days gone by, my husband and I used to traipse around the Christmas tree farm, find the perfect tree and cut it down ourselves. These days we visit the farm in October, mark our tree and have it cut down for us. Yep, we’re done with wet knees and freezing temperatures.

However, we still make a fuss over decorating. I love the holiday season, and this year it’s going to be extra special for me because I’m the MC for “Christmas in the City” in Batavia, NY. On December 4^th, the festivities will open with a tree lighting ceremony at 5pm. Santa will be there, I’ll lead some carols and we’ll illuminate the tree.

Then join me inside the City Centre to be entertained by Batavia’s Concert Band, BHS Jazz Ensemble, Disney’s High School Musical by ENCORE! Theatre Arts and OHM’s Band. If there’s any down time on the main stage, I’ll be singing and reading Christmas stories.

Of course, you’re going to want to shop. All the stores downtown will be filled with Christmas cheer, and many will offer their own entertainment until 9pm. There’ll be wagon rides, food samples, strolling carolers, great deals, coupons and much more. I can’t wait. I hope to see you there!

Oh, and here’s a tip for those of you who don’t have room for a real tree, or want a creative centerpiece for the table. Why not make – a boxwood tree.

You’ll need:

• Floral foam (the soft foam that takes on water)

• Floral tape

• A decorative base that’s at least 2-3 inches deep and holds water

• A large bundle of boxwood branches – cut pieces 3-4 in. from the tip (you can get them from a florist, or find someone with a shrub that needs trimming – like mine)

Shave your foam to a conical shape, then soak it in water. Once it’s saturated, stick the foam into the base, and secure it with the floral tape. Start at the bottom, and insert your boxwood stems into the foam, angled down so only your decorative base shows. Work your way up the tree, making sure you can’t see the foam. Decorate with all of the wonderful miniature ornaments that are available these days. You can even add battery lights. (You’ll need to find a way to hide them in the base.) ENJOY! If you keep your boxwood tree watered, it will last a lot longer than a regular tree.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is, what else…. the food. However, I still want to have time to do the other family activities, like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show. My solution – shop for items my family will love, but I don’t have to make.

Country Cottage, in Darien Center, NY makes some of the yummiest pies you’ll ever taste. If you haven’t been there before, it’s at 10448 Harper Road, off of Route 20 (near 77). It’s one of the “hidden gems” in Genesee County! The charming cottages are filled with unique gifts, and then there are Bruce’s baked goods. The only thing that MIGHT beat his caramel/apple pie would be his Portabella Mushroom Soup. But, if you want a pie, you have to order early.
(585-547-9591)

Of course, I could really treat myself, and order my whole meal from the D & R Depot Restaurant, on Rt. 19, in LeRoy, NY. Sean tells me they have the ovens going, non-stop, for 72 hours, and cook from 55 to 70 turkeys. You can get your turkey whole, with all the trimmings, or buffet style. (585-768-6270) But if you choose to eat there, you needn’t lament the lack of leftovers, D & R has come up with a solution. You can get a bag of “leftovers” to take with you for around $2, so you can have that turkey sandwich in the middle of the night.

Let’s be thankful for friends, family, and the abundance we have in this country. We’re so blessed. My celebration is going to include something new this year, a Pumpkin Pie - without the work of a finicky crust. It’s by Kathy Hartwig of Batavia, and was published in the “Genesee County Bicentennial Recipe Collection:
Easy Pumpkin Pie Without Crust
Combine:
1 box yellow cake mix (remove 1C. from mix)
1 stick melted margarine
1 beaten egg
Beat with fork until blended; pour into 9 X 13-inch greased pan.
Combine in a separate bowl:
1 large can pumpkin
½ C. light brown sugar
3 eggs
2/3 C. milk
1 & ½ tsp. cinnamon
Pour over cake mixture.
TOPPING:
1 C. reserved cake mix
½ C. sugar
½ stick cold margarine
Mix and spread over mixture in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 min.; serve warm with Cool Whip.

You Know the Holidays are Coming When…

The appearance of ribbon candy is a sure sign for me that the holidays are about to pounce. I had the opportunity to watch Oliver’s Candies in Batavia, NY make their super thin ribbon candy a few years ago. They can only make it when the temperature and humidity are just right. It’s amazing to watch them manipulate the gooey mass until it has stripes, then run it through a fingered disc to create the “wave.” It has to sit for a time before they can pick it up and box it. The rows of boxes hold 10 flavors, and are beautiful to behold.

If you’ve never had their ribbon candy, try it. The super thin candy dissolves right away, coating your mouth with bright, fruity flavor. It’s not like anything you’ll find in the grocery store. It’s very fragile; Oliver’s Candies can’t even ship it, making it a truly “local” specialty. Jeremy tells me they’re going to start selling it November 16th. He won’t give me the recipe for the candy, but he did share his quiche recipe, so I’m passing it on to you.

Swiss Cheese and Ham Quiche

• 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

• 6 ounces diced smoked ham

• 1 pie shell, unbaked, 9-inch

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• dash cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Sprinkle cheese and ham over bottom of pie shell. In a mixing bowl, beat remaining ingredients together. Pour over cheese and ham in pie shell. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut in wedges to serve. Serves 6.

By: Dawn Ireland-Monsees