Lobster Rolls

For a time before my adoption, I lived with or spent weekends at my grandparents house in North Reading, Massachusetts. A far north suburb of Boston. Each summer, I remember having the chance to have two lobster rolls. When the Eastern Star lodge, and when their church, had fund raisers.

When I got older, and could drive myself up for visits to my grandparents house. We would sometimes get lobster rolls from a local fish market, called the Lobster Claw. This special treat was amazing, and something I always look forward too. The buttery toasted top split hot dog bun, the rich, sweet, and creamy lobster meat. It was magic in your mouth.

After my adoption, we would visit my dad's parent summer homes on Cape Cod (Chatham) or in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Lobster, and other local seafood was a major part of each visit. I love that as well, but it a different set of memories, and for another entry.

In Norwich, Connecticut, Their was this super fish market called Seafood, Ect. It was a  super shop that served the community.. Sadly, it burned down shortly before my parents moved away. They had plans to rebuild, but I never found out if it happened or not. I can't recall, but would guess that my parents would get lobster rolls sometimes. They visited this shop a lot. In the summer it could be 2 or 3 times in a week. 

My children have tried lobster before, but not in a lobster roll. They didn't dislike, but it was a big hit as well. This just left more for me, so I have never pushed them to like it or even try it again.

The following are two lobster roll recipes from the July / August 2012 issue of Food Network Magazine:

Maine - Style

Fill a large steamer or pot with about 2 inches of water. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Put 2 lobsters (about 1 1/2 pounds each) in the steamer basket or directly in the pot; cover and steam until shells turn bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the lobsters and rinse under cold water until slightly cool. Remove the meat from the shells and roughly chop; chill the meat. Mix 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of diced celery, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon in a bowl. Stir in the chilled lobster meat and season with salt. Divide among 4 split-top hog dog buns and top with celery leaves.

Connecticut - Style
Fill a large steamer or pot with about 2 inches of water. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Put 2 lobsters (about 1 1/2 pounds each) in the steamer basket or directly in the pot; cover and steam until shells turn bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the lobsters and rinse under cold water until slightly cool. Remove the meat from the shells and roughly chop. Melt 1 stick unsalted butter in a saucepan with the juice of 1 lemon, and 1/8 teaspoon of paprika. Remove from heat; stir in the lobster meat and season with salt. Divide among 4 split- top hot dog buns. Serve Warm.


This next recipe is the most complicated I have seen, but looks wonderful and tasty, so I had to make it part of my entry. You can find it, and its sub-parts in Jasper White's, The Summer Shack Cookbook. 

Classic Maine Lobster Roll
4 New England -style hot dog buns
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves, washed and dried
Lobster Salad*
4 dill pickle spears
Potato chips

1) Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Spread the sides of the hot dog buns with the butter, using 1/2 tablespoon on each side. Place the buttered buns in the hot pan and toast, without moving, until golden brown on one side, about a minute, Turn and cook the other side, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat.

2) Open the buns and place in paper bun holders or on a small plates. Place a lettuce leave to the side of each bun. Divide the lobster salad evenly among them. Serve with the pickles and potato chips on the side.

*Lobster Salad
1 pound cooked lobster meat or 5 pounds live lobster
1 small to medium cucumber (4 to 5 ounces), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice
1/2 cup Jasper's Lobster Mayonnaise** or Mayonnaise
2 or 3 small scallions, trimmed, and thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
Kosher or Sea Salt if needed

1) if you are using live lobsters , steam them until fully cooked and allow to cool to room temperature. Crack and remove the meat from the claws, knuckles, and tails. Remove any cartilage from the claws and intestine from the tails

2) Cut the lobster meat into 1/2 to 3/4-inch dice. If using whole lobsters, you can pick all the meat from the carcasses and add it to the meat.

3) Place the diced cucumber in a colander and let stand for at least 5 minutes to drain the excess liquid.

4) Combine the lobster, cucumber, mayonnaise, and scallions in a bowl. Season with a bit of pepper if needed, Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

**Jasper's Lobster Mayonnaise
3/4 cup Homemade Mayonnaise*** or just Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon ice water
1 teaspoon of fresh tarragon and/or
2 teaspoons of fresh chervil

1) Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, Tabasco, and ice water in a small bowl and whisk well to combine. Fold in the tarragon or chervil. Transfer to a bowl or other container, cover   tightly, and refrigerate until ready to use. The mayonnaise will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

***Homemade Mayonnaise
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 cups grapeseed or canola oil
1 tablespoon ice water
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
small pinch of cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper to taste

1) Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk very well. Or, if you have the technology, mix the vinaigrette with a handheld mixer; or place the mixture (in two batches) in a blender jar and combine on low speed for 10 seconds, or blend (in two batches) in a food processor.

2) Transfer to a quart jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use. The vinaigrette keeps refrigerated for up to 3 weeks; shake or stir before using.

Makes: 4 Buns

America's 236th Birthday

Happy Birthday, United States of America!!

On July 2, 1776, the brave and wise men of the second Continental Congress voted for Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

On July, 4th, 1776, the Congress, risking their very lives, signed the Declaration Of Independence. This was the moment of birth for our great and noble nation. This document, along with our Constitution, may be the greatest in the history of our nation, if not the world.

We have come a long way since that day, 236 years ago, but we still have much to work on as a nation and people. We must be vigilant, for we do have enemies both foreign and domestic, but also always work for that more perfect union that the founding fathers wanted for this nation.

We, as a nation, should never take the freedoms and rights we enjoy for granted. Many, even today, around the world don't have them. Freedom comes with a price. Over the years, countless numbers have given their own lives to maintain what the men who wrote and signed the Declaration Of Independence and Constitution started. Many in my family, both birth and adopted, have served in our military, no matter if they enlisted or were drafted. Many others have served in their own way to help this nation. I believe that my work as a political activist is a form of service to my country. During your own celebrations, please take a moment to remember those who have served and continue to serve our nation in any way.

No matter if you are a Socialist, Green, Democrat, Justice, Independent, Republican, or Tea Party, today is not for partisanship, but to pause and remember that, despite our different views and cultures, we are all Americans.

Being born in Boston, and growing up around New England, I have visited many of the major points of history on the way to becoming our own, free nation. A field in Lexington - Concord, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, Paul Revere's House, Old South Church, the site of the original Boston Tea Party, and many more.

My children and I will spend some time talking about the history and why the 4th of July is special, but we'll be celebrating as well. Although I'm not 100% sure what we'll do, most likely we will have a cook-out of some kind, watch some baseball, take a swim, and maybe even a quick visit to This Is The Place Heritage Park. In the evening, we are going with some friends to Sugar House Park, here in Salt Lake, for Utah's largest fireworks show.

I don't think we'll be setting off any personal fireworks ourselves. It's legal here, in fact this is the first time the new law that allows airrels is in effect. Many government officials are asking people to refrain from setting off fireworks, because it's so hot and dry, and many wild fires are still burning within the state. On top of that, I am sure many people will be setting them off all over the valley and state despite the warning.

"Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. " - Wikipedia

Enjoy your celebration, have fun, and be safe.....

Voting: A Legacy And Our Civic Duty

On Tuesday, June 26th, 2012, I had a chance to cast my first vote in Utah.  As always, my children stood beside me and watched as I completed the process...

You must have reached the age of 18 years here in America before you vote.  In some states, they let you register a bit early as long as you'll be 18 by the time the next election is held.

Long before I had reached the proper age, my parents would take me with them when they would cast their votes.  I would see the process, and stand in the voting booth with them.  In the car, sometimes we talked about why they voted the way they did. Most of the time I agreed, at times I didn't.

By my parents example, I came to understand just how important it was to vote as a citizen of the United States of America. This left a major impression on me.  My parents, when I was living with them, never missed an opportunity to vote.

Voting is something special.  At first, it was only white, male, land owners who could vote, but then it was all males.  Later on women, and African - Americans got the right to vote.  This wasn't easy thing to accomplish.  In fact, it was a hard, and long struggle for both groups.

Even today, if you're convicted of a serious felony, you can (may) lose the right to vote.  Sometime you can get the right to vote restored, but often that is not the case.

When I cast my very first vote for Clinton - Gore in 1996, I was doing something a lot of people my age were not doing.  Not many people under 25 vote, if they register at all.  This is why most politicians don't listen to the concerns of this age group.

Just like my parents, I'm doing my own little part to change this. This is why I take my children with me when I cast my votes.  I'm teaching them about the process, and how to vote on the modern machines.  I try to explain to them why I voted or didn't vote for a certain person, or ballot question.

I would love for them to be loyal Democrats, that is my hope for them.  That said, It doesn't matter what party they associate with as long as they register, and vote in each primary and general election.  Moreover, I wish them to be informed voters and, if nothing else, know the basics of the issues.

I hope that I'm raising a couple of....

Uinta Brewing

Growing up, my father had a love of beer. His tastes were not for the national brands, or even American brands. My Uncle Bill once gave him a subscription to the Beer Of The Month club - it was one of the best gift my father ever got. I even think my dad got a kit or two, and brewed his own beer. This was on top of making his own wine every year. 

When I got to be of age, or to be honest a little before, I started trying different styles and brands of beer. I quickly found that I enjoyed craft beers. Craft beers are locally brewed in smaller batches, in most cases. It's not mass produced, so the brew master has time to create and perfect amazing recipes. This leads to a line of year round brews that has limited edition /seasonal brews mixed in.

It might surprise and shock you, with all the strange liquor laws within the State of Utah, that many breweries are thriving in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. The best of them, in my view, is Uinta Brewing Company. Many people seem to agree with me as Uinta recently announced plans to expand. This expansion will more then double the brew house and office space. It will also allow the space for putting beer in cans in addition to the bottling that happens now.

I tend to like Ale and mostly stick to them. That said, to the best of my knowledge, I have tried every Uinta beer. The following are my favorites:

Hop Notch IPA (India Pale Ale)
Detour (Double IPA)
Hyve (Honey Ale, Seasonal)
Anglers (Pale Ale)
Golden Spike (Hefeweizen)
19th Birthday Suit (Sour Cherry Ale, Limited Edition)
Rype (Wheat Beer With Orange, and Coriander - Not Made Anymore)

"Uinta beers have received awards and medals from regional, national, and international competitions, including the North American Beer Awards, World Beer Cup, and Great American Beer Festival." - Uinta's website 

One of the coolest things about Uinta Brewing Company is its commitment to the environment. Since 2001, the brew house and offices have been run on 100% wind and solar power. They also provide their customers with a way to recycle the brown glass bottles and the cardboard packaging on the grounds of the brew house.

The brew house is home to a Pub as well. The BrewHouse Pub is open Monday - Friday, 11a to 7p. They serve fresh made half or whole sandwiches, the soup of the day, and chili from 11a to 3p. They have your favorite Uinta brews on tap or in bottles. They also have select Coke and Pepsi sodas, as well as bottled ice teas. Within the pub is a wonderful semi-circular bar, plenty of tables and, in the warmer months, a lovely patio.

I love having lunch and talking sports, politics, and relationships with the friendly bartenders. The staff is first rate and very attentive, which I really enjoy. Like the Cheer's theme song goes, "you want to go where everyone knows your name."

Also at the pub you can purchase 6 packs, growlers, or a cases of lower alcohol beers. If you want the higher alcohol beers, you need to pay separately in a glassed-in section of the pub known as The Little Big Beer Store. This has to do with the fore mentioned strange liquor laws in Utah.

For more information on Uinta Brewing Company and/or The BrewHouse Pub -

Stop by: 1722 S Fremont Drive (2375 W), Salt Lake City, Utah, 84104

Call: 801- 467 -0909

Website: www.UintaBrewing.com

Facebook: Uinta Brewing

Twitter: @UintaBrewing

The Newsroom

Last Sunday night, Aaron Sorkin's newest series premiered on the HBO network.

I'm a big fan of Sorkin.. From The West Wing, and Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip.

The professional reviews didn't really seem to like the show. It got very mixed reviews, which is strange for a Sorkin production. Having seen the pilot episode, I feel that some of the criticism is about having the focus of The Newsroom being on the quality of the modern, right-wing, corporate controlled, for profit, United States media, and not the value or entertainment of the show itself.

The Newsroom is very addictive from the opening scene to the ending credits. It's a fast paced look behind the scenes of a news program and the lives of the people who run it. Each character is flawed in some way, but despite their own personal issues they come together for an hour to create the best news show possible.

From the buzz on Facebook, Twitter, and HBO.com, it's fairly safe to say HBO has its next major blockbuster hit in The Newsroom. This show joins other classic and hit shows on HBO, like The Sopranos, Big Love, Little Briton - Little America, Real Time with Bill Maher, and True Blood.

Jeff Daniels gives an amazing and believable performance. He has come a long way since Dumb & Dumber movies. Jeff plays the anchor of a cable news program that is popular, but doesn't rock the boat too much. While doing a panel discussion at a university in which he opens up and has what many feel is a major gaffe. It turns out not to be so much a gaffe, as an awaking. After a 3 week "vacation", Jeff's character comes back to a whole new show!

Sam Waterston returns to TV as the director of the news department. He is the boss, but also a guiding mentor like figure for Jeff's character.

This show has it all.... A provocative topic, a superb cast, and the genus writing of Aaron Sorkin. I see, The Newsroom, having a long run.

If I didn't already have HBO, I would order it just to see this show. It would be worth it. Plus, with HBO, you get HBO on demand, and HBOGo as part of the package.

Baked Brie

Growing up, my parents would often entertain friends or have business associates over for a meal

More often then not my parents who set out some brie and fancy crackers.

In time, my parents learned to wait til the guests arrived to set the brie out. This way it was less likely to be raided by our pet or myself

When my children and I used to have a monthly dinner at my former sister-in-laws place. I would bring brie as one dishes to share.

As long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed cheese. My children seem to as well or just a wiliness to try.

The following recipe is not what you might think of as a traditional baked brie, but its very delicious never the less...

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
8 ounces brie cheese, rind trimmed, cut into large pieces
1 (8 ounce) brick cream cheese, cut into pieces
3/4 cup of sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
paprika, to taste
1 french baguette, cut into pieces and toasted
olives

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

2) Melt butter in a heavy saucepan on medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic and saute until onions are golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

3) While onions are sauteing, place brie and cream cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium, just until melted, about 2 minutes.

4) Whisk in the sauteed onions and garlic, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle with a dash of paprika.

5) Put in oven safe dish. Bake 20 minutes

6) Serve with toasted french baguette bread rounds, and olives.

My Vote: President Obama Vs Rocky Anderson

Here in the State of Utah, they  have the longest current streak of voting Republican in presidential elections of any state in the country.

This year the powerful, relentless, Mormon (LDS, FLDS) Political Machine will be in over drive. Ward lists will be used to put extreme pressure on members to get out and vote for one of their own, Mitt Romney.  It's very clear to me, that no matter how I vote, Romney will win Utah, and its Electoral College votes.

Inside myself, I'm having a debate. Do I vote for Barack Obama or do I vote for Rocky Anderson. Although the election isn't 'til November, it's a question that troubles me.

I like President Obama well enough. Even with a do nothing, Republican controlled, Congress, he has had an amazing number of successes.  On top of that, he has to deal with the blatantly raciest, Tea Party.

I don't like that in the attempt to be bi-partisan, the president is to quick to "compromise" and caves in so fast.  An example of this is what happen to the public option with his historic, health care reform law. By giving up on this important part of the original bill, the president has hurt, my family, and lots of Americans.

After 3 plus years in office, it's clear to me that Obama was packaged as a progressive, but is in all reality a hard core centralist.  To the point one could refer to him as "republican light".

I want a true progressive, someone to inspire me, and our nation.

Could former, Salt Lake City Mayor, and Justice Party founder, Rocky Anderson II, be that person?

Rocky's politics are much closer to what I personally believe in my heart of hearts. He is a solid, unapologetic, progressive. He has dedicated his life to Social Justice, Human Rights, and Civil Rights.

He is largely responsible for many of the after-school, and summer programs that my children now benefit from, and enjoy.

Rocky, as mayor, was vital to the over whelming success of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic game.

 A hands on leader, Rocky Anderson was one of the first people to call for the impeachment of Bush over the War in Iraq. He has called Bush along with high ranking members of his administration, war criminals. He believes, as many do, that they should be prosecuted for ordering that torture be used on terrorists, prisoners of war, and civilians

There have been a few miss steps along the way. The one that stands out to me most is the "highway to no where". Legacy Highway on paper may have seemed like a perfect idea, but once built it was, and continues to be a disaster.

I know who I'm not voting for, that is Mitt Romney, but which of the above men do I vote for? I honestly don't know, but I do have a little bit of time to work it out, and decide.

If I end up voting for Obama, it will be mainly because, I want to run up the popular vote as the president heads to a second term. I also really like his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden. His senate office in 2006 -07 sent me lots of speeches, and other information before his run for the White House. I also spent a great deal of time in Biden's Las Vegas campaign office leading up to the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

If I end up voting for Rocky Anderson, It will be mostly be symbolic. It would also send a protest message to the power that be in the Democratic Party politics not to wander too far right -center.  That will cause them to lose the true progressive, and their own base.

What should I do?!? I would love to hear some feedback.. Please leave a comment, advice, or both.

Wheel Of The Year: Midsummer

Midsummer marks the time of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, the height of the sun's power. And though the hottest days of summer still lie ahead, from this point onward we enter the waning year, and each day the sun will recede from the skies a little earlier." - Edain McCoy (pg 149, Sabbats: A Witch's Approach To Living The Old Ways)

Also known as Litha, this Sabbat is the 6th of eight turns on the Wheel of the Year.

Midsummer is the high point for the Green Man or The Oak King. For soon, he will give himself as a symbolic sacrifice to show us that death is part of the natural order of life. For after death, comes rebirth or the summer lands.

Fire plays a key role at Midsummer, from giant bonfires to lighting a few bright yellow candles, and anything in between that is safe for where you live and/or practice.

With Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Summer Solstice is now forever connected with fairies in the mind of pagans and non-pagans alike.

Rituals and Magick are important in the life of a pagan, but can be very different as well. It greatly depends on your path, traditions, coven, circle, family, or if you practice solitary.

The following is a Family Ritual that is found in The Pagan Family by Ceisiwr Serith:

"For this ritual, the barbecue will substitute for the bonfire. Pour the charcoal into the barbecue and soak it with lighter fluid. Put the grate on and on top of it a pot of water (you can use the same pot you used for May Day, but be careful of plastic handles. They can melt). Nearby put the lighter fluid, the matches, and an aspergill.

When everything is ready and everybody is around the barbecue, establish sacred time. Then the father (or the oldest male present) says:

" 'Today the wheel has come to a special point.

Since Yule the light has been growing.

At Ostara the light became greater than the dark

and it kept on growing.

It has grown until today: Midsummers,

The middle of the light time.

Tomorrow the light will start to fade

as the wheel turns to darkness 

until it is Yule again.

But today it is bright 

Today the sun is high

Today the world is warm and bright 

and we celebrate this with fire.

The Lord Sun blazes above

Our fire blazes below.' "

He lights the fire (with one more squirt of lighter fluid first.) When the flames have died down a bit, everyone can take an aspergill, dip it in the water, and sprinkle everyone else with it. Then take the pot off and, after it cools, water your garden or a tree with it. While waiting for the coals to be ready, a water fight would be a good idea. Then barbecue."

Blessed Be
Goddess Bless America, and all Nations )O(

Happy Father's Day

My family and I would like to wish all Dads a Happy  Father's Day, and also to the single mothers who have to fill both roles..

I was adopted at age 10, so I have a birth father as well as the amazing, honorable man I consider and call my dad.

Less then a month ago, I almost lost my father. He was in the hospital and, at one point, he needed to be resuscitated 3 times with CPR and paddles.

I'm very happy to tell you he is on his way to a full recovery after a few surgeries.  As I write this, he is at a rehab center, and looking forward to returning to his retirement complex soon.

For this reason, Father's Day has become more important to me than in past years.  It has also caused me to reflect on our relationship, and just how much my father means to me.

My Dad and I are two very different people. We often see things differently as well.  My mom was often the peacemaker. Since she passed away 3 years ago, we have had to work hard on our relationship.  It's not always easy or fun, but always worth it.  We have come a long way together.

I'm so thankful for all that he has done for me.  I will never forget that he, along with my mom, chose me to adopt. I wasn't the easiest child to raise growing up, and that is a large understatement.  I still have my moments.  He does a lot for my children as well.

One of my dad and mine's favorite family stories is from when I was newly adopted.  My grandfather had run my dad down over something new he was trying.  I took offense, and got in his face about it.  This was just something you didn't do to my grandfather; no one dared to confront him.  Anyway, when things calmed down, my dad got his first apology from his own father... we often laugh about it now.  In fact it was one of the first things he talked about with me after coming out of surgery.

When I was growing up, most Saturday's were time with dad.  We went to local high school football games, to attractions in the area, to state parks, out for ice cream or McD's, and much more...  we had some crazy adventures together.  Some of my favorite memories are going to the beach in Stonington, seeing where he lived as a teen, and taking a ferry ride across the Connecticut River.

I try to have many adventures with my own children.  I really hope I'm helping to create great memories that will last a lifetime. Maybe they will be inspired to have great adventures with their own children in time.

My father is an amazing man.  I love him so much!  I'm now hitting that stage in life where I've stopped fighting being like my parents, and instead realize it's not a bad thing that, in some ways,  I'm just like him.

Again, have a most joyous Father's Day,
Goddess Blessing )O(

Splenda Citrus Salsa

Ingredients
4 Roma tomatoes

2 large oranges, peeled and diced

1 large Vidalia onion, peeled and chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, minced (seeded for milder salsa)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

3 packets Splenda

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon salt

Directions
1) Bring small saucepan of water to a boil. Blanch tomatoes 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water. Peel and chop tomatoes.

2) Place all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until mixed thoroughly. Allow to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Mix and serve. Refrigerate any unused salsa.

Makes: 1 cup salsa (5 servings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Salt Lake 2002 Visitor Center and Olympic Cauldron Park

Located up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, on the campus of the University of Utah, is my most favorite place in the Salt Lake Valley. It's on the grounds of Rice - Eccles Stadium. The Salt Lake 2002 Visitor's Center, and Olympic Cauldron Park.

My love of sports tends to draw me to this place. There are very few things that are a bigger stage then the Olympic Games. Salt Lake and Utah are very proud to have hosted the XIX Winter Olympiad.

One of the most iconic, memorable symbols of any Olympic games is the cauldron. While many cities choose to tear them down after the games, Salt Lake, along with a few other, have turned them into must see destinations for tourists and locals alike.


Salt Lake 2002 have been called the best ever for a winter or summer Olympic games. I'm not sure about that, but 10 years later there is still a buzz and continuing excitement about these games.


Inside the visitors center is a big mural of downtown Salt Lake during the games. It's also home to a gallery showing key moments, fans, the landscape, venues, and the athletes themselves. A theater within the center plays a very moving and inspirational 15 minute movie highlighting a little of the time leading up to, and the games themselves. Much more than just a simple movie on a screen. An attraction in its own right, and shouldn't be missed!

The center piece of the park is the cauldron itself. I took the picture on the left on a recent visit. 

While I strongly feel that Mitt Romney has highly over stated his role as the president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLCO), that he picked a great design and found a way to get the extra funding for this cauldron can't be denied. 

On February 8th, 2002, the cauldron was lit for 2,399 athletes (886 women, 1,513 men) from 78 nations. It burned till the 24th of the month as a viable symbol of the official theme, "Light the Fire Within"

At the cauldron's base (where the medal fencing is in the photo) each medalists from the Salt Lake 2002 games has their name and sport engraved in stone.

Also at the park is the home to the Hoberman Arch. This was used at the medals plaza in downtown, but after the games was moved to the park. 

This year is the 10th Anniversary of the games. Many special events happened all over the valley in February. One of them was a re-lighting of the cauldron. Although it didn't go as planned it still was amazing 

Major news came out of that event that my children and I attended. The Governor of Utah, and Mayor of Salt Lake made a joint announcement that Salt Lake City would look into bidding to host the 2022 and/or 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It would be simply grand to watch the youth of the world gather here again for the pure love of sport and competition.

Below are pictures of the cauldron being lit during the Olympics by the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team (left), and the 10th Anniversary re-lighting (right)

Spinach Provencal

The following recipe has a great family story attached to it....

One Thanksgiving, my grandparents along with my favorite aunt headed to another family member's house who was hosting this holiday feast.

As the story goes, the hostess, was upset that this dish was not what she would call a "traditional" dish for this meal. My personal reaction to this was to only eat this dish for my meal that afternoon.

Anyone who knows me, knows my great love of meat. So, this was making a major statement even at a young age.

Later in life, I have made this for my children, and my former in-laws. Everyone, who has eaten this Spinach Provencal it has become an instant classic, and they requested it often. If you love garlic and cheese, this is for you!!

Ingredients 
2 lb. fresh spinach

1 large onion

1 to 3 cloves of garlic

olive oil

2 eggs, beaten

1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh grated parmesan

salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions
1) Wash and drain well the spinach leaves carefully, breaking off the thick stems, and the hard work is over.  Chop the onion and mince the garlic (or put thru garlic press). Heat the olive oil in a very large kettle and saute the onion and garlic in it for a few minutes. When the onion is transparent, add the spinach and cover tightly. In about 2-4 minutes the spinach leaves will be reduced to a fraction of their former bulk, and you can stir them in with oil and onions. Cook a few minutes longer and remove from heat.

2) Butter a medium size baking dish (I use a glass, 2qt). When the spinach has cooled slightly, stir in 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 of the grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and pour mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

3) Bake in 375 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, and serve steaming hot

Serves: 4 (as a main dish)


Note -- The picture in this entry was taken from the internet after an image search on Goggle

This Is The Place Heritage Park

While looking for coupon packets in last Sunday's newspapers, we found a full page ad for Huntsman Day at This Is The Place Heritage Park. For us, it meant free admission, and a free ice cream cone on Friday, June 8th, 2012.

As a single parent, I'm always looking for a deal.  low or no cost events for the children and I to attend. So, we decided to check it out.

It's well known that Utah, and Salt Lake City itself, was founded by Mormon Pioneers. You just can't escape that fact. To that end, this park is built around the monument (pictured above) where Brigham Young looked into the valley and said, this is the place. The place that Joseph Smith, had told him in a dream to go, so the Mormons may have peace.

Now, I'll be honest, I was a bit worried about being hit over the head with only Mormon history, and having to deal with a small army of missionaries. It turns out I was wrong, I'm very happy to admit.

The park has many original and replica historical buildings from around Utah. As a visitor you get to witness many pioneer trades. From Blacksmiths, to Printer, to Cabinet Maker, and many more. There is also a Native American village representing the Shoshone, Piute, Ute, Goshute, and Navajo tribes.

My children loved the mini train ride around the pond, all the animals at the petting corral, panning for gold, candy at The General Store, ice cream at The Huntsman Hotel, and Brigham's Donuts at the Social Hall.

The children and I had so much fun that we got a single parent membership ($60 USD) for the next year. This gives us free parking, admission, unlimited pony & mini train rides, 10% discount at retail shops, $5 off Haunted Village, and discounts to Candlelight Christmas.

Other monuments or statuary on the property are the National Pony Express, Mormon Battalion, Journey's End, Miracle of the Seagulls, Angels Are Near Us, Eagle Gate, Eyes Westward, and Bodell Mortensen.

This Is The Place Heritage Park is located at 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, Ut, 84108. For more information, call 801-582-1847 or visit www.thisistheplace.org

My Introduction

Merry Meet and Welcome,

This is a start of a new adventure for me, and I hope you'll join me on it.

I have lived with my children in Utah for almost 3 years now, but I have never felt like a local. I don't really fit in very well, which is a mixed blessing at best.

I have developed over the years a strong moral center within myself. Also, a highly tuned sense of right and wrong, fair or unfair. I'm also a strong believer in social justice, civil rights, and human rights.

I'm a member of the Democratic Party. It's the best fit for me out of the two national political parties. I have to admit at times though I feel at odds with my own party. I feel the Democrats are moving in a more center - right direction, and there is no one to really represent me as a true liberal and progressive. I'm looking for the Robert Kennedy of my generation. I want to vote for someone who inspires me, not just vote for the best option because the other party has nominated someone who is very much out of touch with core American values, the needs of the average citizen, the proper role of the federal government, the US Constitution, and international law.

I also practice a non-mainstream faith. I'm a Pagan, and an Eclectic Witch. I believe in both Goddesses and Gods. There is an alter set up in the living room of my apartment, you can't miss it if you stop by or come for a visit. My Children and I attend a local temple (or church) that welcomes all the traditions and paths that are under the Pagan banner. I love sharing my faith with other, but in no means will I push it on someone else. There is no missionary program, the individual person has to search for themselves if interested. As a Pagan, I believe everyone follows their own path in this life, so what is right and works for me may very well not work for you. In this way I respect all faith and religions while still being able to disagree with some of the stands or views they promote.

As You can see, I'm out spoken, and at times can be to blunt for my own good. For better or worse, I stand up boldly for my views, and what I believe in.

These are all great qualities to have, so you might find yourself asking what's the problem?

I live behind the "Zion Curtain" and in the very heart of Mormon America. The world headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints (Mormon, LDS, FLDS) is just a few miles away. I don't think I could be anymore different from the overwhelming majority of residents of Utah.

I grew up and came of age in the New England section of the country. I spent ten years living in Las Vegas, and now I'm in Salt Lake City. Each place has help me learn about myself and helped define who I am today.

My goal for this blog is to share my family's life, our values, our struggles, the places we visit or attend regularly, politics, my personal views on many different subjects, parenting, current events (local, national, international), faith or religion (our and others), sports, recipes (own, family, or found), reviews, and much more from a very unique perspective, and voice that hasn't been heard from.

I love comments, and as a strong believe in our 1st amendment right to freedom of speech, I encourage polite debate on my blog. I want to know, and I'm interested in your reactions, thoughts, and views...

In this way, I see my children and I as New American Pioneers, blazing our own personal trail through Utah, the West, and America itself.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again,
Goddess Bless America,
Blessed Be )O(