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.

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