Sailing beyond the Sunset

Snow in October

2012-01-13T14:39:00.003-05:00

snow in October, 50degrees in January, whats next Mother Nature?

this morning's sunrise

2011-10-04T08:38:00.006-04:00

sunset over the sound

2011-04-25T00:44:00.002-04:00

sunset over the sound a few years ago

Chania Crete

2011-04-12T01:18:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Jake Cobb for the pics of my favorite place in the world.

just a warm summer day

2010-02-07T01:28:00.000-05:00

just a reminder of what we have to look forward to!

my world tuesday: Southford Falls

2009-10-07T00:51:00.005-04:00

my world tuesday

wordless Wednesday: Unplayable lie?

2009-09-23T22:04:00.002-04:00

wordless wednesday

My World Tuesday: Camp Columbia

2009-09-15T12:20:00.005-04:00

In the sleepy backwoods of Morris Ct, there lies part of Columbia University.

:

My World Tuesday

my world tuesday: Pawling NY

2009-09-07T20:54:00.005-04:00

My World Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday:Labor Day

2009-09-01T21:14:00.005-04:00

wordless wednesday

2009-08-27T20:54:00.005-04:00

skywatch friday

wordless wednesday:how did this happen?

2009-08-25T20:57:00.002-04:00

wordless wednesday

My world Tuesday: The Civil War comes to town

2009-08-24T21:40:00.005-04:00

Sandys pics

my world tuesday

My World Tuesday:One of my favorite things to do...Sailing

2009-08-17T20:39:00.005-04:00

My world Tuesday

I got to see these lovely sights while bumming around Eastern Ct . It was a great day and the wind was nice and strong! What a great day it must have been to be out sailing... those lucky ones who were out!

skywatch Friday: August Sky

2009-08-06T21:56:00.002-04:00

the August sky over the hills of Woodbury Ct. at dusk...

skywatch friday

wordless wednesday: strange sights next to the trainyard

2009-08-04T21:09:00.003-04:00

wordless wednesday

todays flowers:In the city of New Haven

2009-07-26T16:13:00.003-04:00

You never know where you will find beauty. these lovely things were growing within eyesight of the trainyards in New Haven.

todaysflowers

Skywatch Friday: A swamp can be beautiful

2009-07-24T22:21:00.005-04:00

proof that a swamp holds beauty!

skywatch friday

My World Tuesday: Grafitti Wall

2009-07-20T21:35:00.007-04:00

my world tuesday
Here are some fine examples of todays artists at work. I got to take them one lovely day.

My World Tuesday: Tunnel or path or Hay Bale?

2009-07-13T21:09:00.005-04:00

Myworldtuesday

i saw this lovely field of hay growing and i took the first pic, well i went back the other day, and there was this naked field and a trailer stacked high with hay bales...

skywatch friday: Stormy Weather!

2009-07-02T18:27:00.003-04:00

Last Friday Night, this is what the sky presented to me! It looked like the end of time was coming!

skywatchfriday

Wordless Wednesday: The perfect place to catch a sunset

2009-06-30T21:53:00.003-04:00

wordless wednesday

24 Years Later... the memory lingers

2009-06-28T20:46:00.005-04:00

So 24 years ago today, I was getting off the bus to stand on the little yellow footprints at a lovely little garden spot known as Parris Island South Carolina. For those who don't know it is the home of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. On day similiar to yesterday I was in a van heading to the airport to get on a plane for the first time in my life and about to embark on an adeventure that would take me around the world and put me in company of some really great people. As luck would have it, the plane was overbooked and a few of lucky Marine recruits would moved up to first class. Since i was 19 at the time and the drinking age was what it was I had a few free drinks on my first plane ride , and thought hell this is pretty nice. Later in the middle of the night after killing a few hours at the airport in Savanah Ga. we were taken by bus to Bootcamp. So the bus gets there and it stops and you can feel the nerveousness and the tension, then this Marine Sgt gets on the bus and says: " Without running you have 7 seconds to get off my bus and standing on the yellow footprints and you just wasted 5 of them listening to me NOW MOVE!"

Some thing that i will never forget, i feel the heat and humidity of that hot sultry night in South Carolina like it was yesterday... the smell of the tidal creeks nearby...

So here i sit 24 years later, thinking about that time in my life and remember all the great and not so great things that have happened to me and realize that I have been truly blessed by the things in my life.

Skywatch Friday: Santa heading out on vacation?

2009-06-25T20:56:00.003-04:00

I was out last week taking some photos of the sky with my dear friend and I happened to see Santa flying by...

Skywatch Friday

Wordless Wednesday: Sign of the times?

2009-06-23T22:28:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

My World Tuesday: The struggle to see the Sun

2009-06-22T21:52:00.003-04:00

The other day while exploring a forest area that I had never been to with my dear friend, I came across this lovely little vignette of this one tree's desperate fight to see the sun.

my world tuesday

skywatch Friday: The sun in the clouds

2009-06-18T16:23:00.003-04:00

A few days ago, when the sun was actually out around here, this lovely shot presented itself to me, now i am presenting it to you. Enjoy

skywatchfriday

Pat Mangan

2009-06-17T22:18:00.002-04:00

In honor of Memorial day, I wrote a post about Pat Mangan, today is the anniversary of Pat's passing. Today, I had the honor and privilege of sharing some stories and laughter with one of Pat's sisters. She just happened to stumble across my original post while "googling" Pat's name last night. So i thought i would share a pic of Pat that she sent me and to tell you that she and her family, miss Pat and his Marine friends and she remembers you all very fondly. Semper Fidelis Pat!

Wordless Wednesday: Yellow!

2009-06-16T22:33:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

My World Tuesday: Tunnel or path...

2009-06-15T16:35:00.006-04:00

This tunnel or path (depending on you height) was in a lovely field by a great park.

My world Tuesday

Skywatch Friday: Bobby Bobolink

2009-06-11T21:13:00.005-04:00

Here is a picture of a new friend, Bobby Bobolink taken at Topsmead State park in Litchfield Ct.

skywatchfriday

Wordless Wednesday: Red Barn x 2

2009-06-09T19:18:00.004-04:00

wordless wednesday

My World Tuesday: Topsmead and Lunch

2009-06-08T22:38:00.007-04:00

On recent lovely day I got to spend some time in a lovely setting and i enjoyed a lovely repast (lunch)in the meadows of Topsmead state park in Litchfield CT.

my lunch that day was sandwiches that icreated: Portuguese rolls, fresh Mozzarella cheese, baby spinach greens and some roasted red peppers and some garlic powder, and some balsamic vinaigrette dressing. These things were so good. So if you are tired of regular cheese on rolls, try this Delicious combination. You wont regret it!

MyWorldTuesday

Todays Flowers: Tulips

2009-06-07T20:28:00.004-04:00

Just a couple of shots from my front yard, while i was recovering from back surgery.

Todays flowers

Blog your Blessing: "This Day of Days"

2009-06-06T20:11:00.006-04:00

Today is the anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, where thousands of Men and Women fought to free Europe from the Nazis. Today, I remember those brave souls who fought and died there to do the right thing. To storm ashore with nothing but their GI shirts as their armor, shows the depth of character that this great generation had. I believe that we are all blessed by their willingness to lay it all on the line and yes they answered the call wether they volunteered or were drafted they did not shirk their duty. They were men and women of honor. Our world owes them a debt of gratitude that hopefully we will not have to see another war like that one ever. So if you know a veteran, thank them for what they have done. Remember this "Day of Days"!

blog your blessing

Skywatch Friday: Wisdom House Pine tree and Sky above

2009-06-04T20:51:00.004-04:00

This lovely pine tree graces the grounds of Wisdom house in Litchfield Ct. The sky above it was the brilliant shade of blue as you see and clouds had that white cotton look to them.

Skywatch Friday

wordless wednesday: My Son Chris, 20 yrs old today

2009-06-02T21:21:00.003-04:00

wordless wednesday

Happy Birthday Son!

My World: Aerial refueling

2009-06-01T14:30:00.000-04:00

As some of you are aware, I am a retired Marine, I was a KC-130 Loadmaster for 20 years and I loved it! This job was a great job as it taught me how to work as part of a crew and it instilled a responsibility in me because everyday i was responsible for the safe operation of a multi-million dollar aircraft and peoples lives depended on me and the other crew members doing their job.

One of my jobs was to act as an observer during aerial refueling, which is an interesting thing to watch, of course it does involve a pucker factor when dealing with helicopters. Of course there are inherent dangers of all kinds, the helo blades could hit the basket or the hose which is bad. the jets might ingest raw fuel into their intakes and auto accelerate which is bad. You might be doing this at night on Night Vision Goggles which takes away your depth perception. The hose may fail to retract properly and then you may have to guillotine it or land with it extended, not fun ! You might have to do this Emcon, which is military speak for Emission Controlled (radio silence!) or Emcon at night on Goggles! Not a lot of fun and not to mention downright hazardous when somebody is shooting at you. There are a ton of other things that can go wrong for sure, a fire in the refueling pod, hydraulic failures of one sort or another, leaking fuselage tank ( big silver tank inside some of the planes), engine failures, and about a million other things that can and do go wrong from time to time.

But when this is done properly it is something to see. I have seen 10 KC-130's refueling a whole gaggle of fighters and it is like watching a well performed ballet or a well executed play in football, the flow of jets in and out of the hoses to all the refueling aircraft seem to be this

well choreographed and well practiced display of men/women and machine.

there are several cool videos on You Tube if you want to see what it looks like for yourself in real time. Watch some of the normal ones then watch the accidents. That will give you a real feel for what can and will go wrong at times.

My World Tuesday

Skywatch Friday: Sunset over Southbury CT USA

2009-05-28T20:07:00.004-04:00

you have to love the simple majesty of the sun setting with these wonderful clouds providing the canvas.

skywatchfriday

Wordless Wednesday: Stairs to No Where

2009-05-26T23:50:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

My World Tuesday: Southford Falls, Southbury CT

2009-05-26T11:40:00.002-04:00

MyWorldTuesday

Remembering

2009-05-25T19:54:00.001-04:00

Today I remember 3 friends of among the too many of mine that I lost before their time. As some of you know I was a Marine for 20 years and along the way I met some great people, who one way or another touched my life.

Pat Mangan

Pat, from NYC, of Irish extraction, great athlete, Pat was a mentor of mine in the Loadmaster field, as well in life. He was funny, gregarious, He could charm anyone. Pat should have been the Mayor of a town, everyone who met him liked him. We spent time around the world together, in times of war and in peace, we had fun and we were friends. Pat was one of a kind, bold and forthright, smart and funny. Pat was the kind of guy who could find friends in anyplace in the world, between he and I we became friends with owner of a hotel in Crete during our time there in the late 90's and he gave us free reign with the kitchen, and one morning we were making omelets and made to order eggs for the guests staying in the hotel, people from all over, French, German, English, and one guy with his family who was attached to the US embassy in Athens. Needless to say we were a hit with the people staying there. I miss Pat for his love of Life and his friendship.

Pat rests now in Arlington Cemetery. Fair winds and following seas. " The longest road out is the shortest road home" Semper Fidelis

Steven Bryson "Peabo"
Peabo, a great guy, a courtly gentlemen who enriched every life he touched. Funny, smart, kind man, who knew the intricate systems of the KC-130 Hercules like no others. The last time I saw Peabo was 1999 and it was a difficult time for me, I was on detachment to Crete, and I got a Red Cross message notifying me that my Grandfather has passed away, so I was hopping military planes back to the states to go to the furneral, when I got stranded in Rota Spain, I had to wait for 24 hours for the next plane to the states, and of course there were no rooms at billeting so i was faced with 24 hours at the terminal sleeping on the concrete floor, when I decided to go to the PX and get a few things to help pass the time, there I ran into Peabo and his crew who were there on a training mission and would be there for a few days. They asked me what I was doing there and I explained to them, (we were in different squadrons at the time, the Marine KC-130 community is so small, that we all know each other) and Peabo offered me the use of the spare bed in his room and spent the night talking with me to keep my mind off of my recent tragedy. A few years later, Peabo and several other Marines, some I knew and some i did not died in a crash in Afghanistan. Peabo and the others rest in Arlington Cemetery, not to far away from Pat. Semper Fidelis! Fair Winds and following seas!

Mike Hoffman, "Hoffdaddy"

Mike reminds me so much of myself when i was younger, but he was smarter, and not a pain in the A$$ like I was. Mike was a strong self-starter and a dynamic person. He was the guy you wanted on your side in any situation. He loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! For awhile it seemed like Mike was following me around, If I was at a duty station, before long Mike was there too. First the C-9's, then 252, then 152, finally after I retired , Mike was at 452, my last duty station, and unfortunatley his. Mike was talented artist, I carry a piece of his art with me everyday, Mike drew the shark that I have tattooed on my right calf. It is a constant reminder of my friend. Mike was a devoted husband and father to his two lovely little girls. Mike is missed by many people, for his laughter, his friendship and that smile, the one with the chaw of tobacco usually lurking somewhere. Mike rests in a military cemetary now too. Fair winds and following seas! Semper Fidelis

A view of the lake and more

2009-05-21T21:17:00.004-04:00

skywatch friday

Here is a view Of Lake Candlewood, and the surrounding countryside, and somebodys TV antenna...

What was my mode of transportation until recently

2009-05-19T20:52:00.002-04:00

wordless wednesday

Touch

2009-05-03T21:42:00.003-04:00

Touch:

Warmth... Softness…
My eyes relax and my temperature rises as she takes my hand …
My heart sighs a happy sigh… My cares fade…
My face smiles and then my heart stars to sing that happy song of love
My muscles relax and my eyes gleam knowing I am loved by her and her touch
Like a wildfire the warmth spreads thru out me and goes all soft in side.
All because of her touch!

onesingleimpression

the night sky and the daytime doldrums

2009-05-03T18:07:00.005-04:00

Who would have thought that the night sky in top picture would have produced the the grey rainy day depicted in the lower one. Sometimes it makes me wonder if this is nothing but a cruel joke being played on us...

wordless wednesday: locked gates in a cemetary,why?

2009-04-29T20:12:00.005-04:00

wordless wenesday

Fiddlesticks

2009-04-27T23:31:00.005-04:00

Walking thru the woods near the Pomperaugh river in Roxbury Ct and I came upon these new fiddlehead ferns emerging from the dead leaves. Remember in this crazy life of ours to look around as you might just see something like this cool sight.

My World Tuesday

Water

2009-03-31T21:33:00.003-04:00

The stillness of a warm Spring Day.

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/

Smoke

2009-03-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

It reminds me the way snow starts falling slowly at first, then more and more.

The first tendrils of smoke were like small clouds drifting by but as the day grew longer it was more and more.

The night seemed oppressively dark and just wrong… like there was evil upon the wing...

The morning brought darkness and despair... What could it be that the desert was dark at midday?

Was the apocalypse upon us? Yes it was we found out soon enough, some mad man decided to play God and he smote the earth with wrack and ruin…

While flying up north later that day I witnessed the Apocalypse first hand…burning pools of oil soiling Mother Nature’s fine landscape…

Soaring immense clouds of smoke filling the air blotting out the sun…

As if the world were closing its eyes to hide from the shame of what a man had done…

Days passed and no relief… the rains came and the world was covered in black oil coated drops… Mother Nature wept.

Note: This poem is for the men and women of many nations that dared to stand up for the little guy. It is about the smoke created by the oil well fires set deliberately in 1991 by a sick and demented madman. The picture was taken during midday flying into Kuwait international airport the second day of the Ground war. So as you can see it is dark as night and a sad sight to see. That is an oil well burning on the ground, one of the many that were destroyed by a madman.

One Single Impression

The Sky over Lajes Airfield Lajes Azores Portugal

2009-03-19T21:02:00.006-04:00

This is a shot of how quickly the weather can change in Lajes. it went from a beautiful clear blue sky to this tremendous downpour in a matter of minutes.

Skywatch Friday

For St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T20:38:00.003-04:00

Here is a celtic cross found in a cemetery in Waterbury:

This cemetery is full of unusual headstones.

Regenesis

2009-03-15T21:00:00.007-04:00

Today while walking thru the woods of White's nature preserve in Litchfield CT , i came across this tree stump with all these new pine trees growing out of the old stump and it caused me to think about life springing forth from death. Last year about this time my life came crashing down around me, and now a year later, I am happier, saner, more relaxed than I have ever been. I don't miss my old life but I sure do enjoy my new life. Thank you my friends who have helped me see the light along the way, So here is to you Shake and Kathy, Rich n Laurie

weekend snapshot

To me what Love is about and what it is like

2009-03-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

Love seems to sneak up on you. It is this warm feeling that surprises you. The person you are in love with, seems to be in your thoughts all of the time, when you close your eyes, she is there, when you are sitting in the darkness staring into the distance, she’s there. When you watch the sunset and the stars begin to appear in the night sky, and that high lonesome moon rise, you wonder if she is thinking about you. In the lonely cool before the dawn you think of her. When you hear certain songs or a watch a scene from a movie that both of you loved or read a book that touched both of your hearts, you think about her. You think about her laugh, her smile, her voice, the way you felt when she touched you. You think about the way you felt when she touched you. You think about the look in her eyes when you tell her that You love her. One day like a sudden storm, you realize that this person is a part of you, the best part; this is the best feeling in the world.

Todays Wine review

2009-03-03T21:54:00.003-05:00

Today's wine is Crane Lake Pinot Noir: A California red, so as we all know if I am posting about a California wine, then it has got to be good.

My thoughts are a great nose, smooth long lasting finish, just the right amount of tannins without being harsh and a great value at less than the price of a Combo meal at a fast food place!

Try this one and you will not be disappointed!

19 Feb 2009 and 1945

2009-02-19T20:04:00.012-05:00

64 years ago today, My Marine ancestors landed on a tiny island of black volcanic sand less than 600 miles from the mainland of Japan. it's name Iwo Jima:

Here is how it looks today:

Here is how looked 64 years ago today:

Here is My day of Glory atop Mt Suribachi: My re-enlistment 2001. The importance of the battle to Marines today is demonstrated in pilgrimages made to the island, and specifically the summit of Suribachi. Marines will often leave dog tags, rank insignia, or other tokens at the monuments as an homage. One of mine does

Here are 2 great photos of Mt Surabachi with my favorite airplane in the world in the foreground:

Here is perhaps the most recognized photo of the battle:

Thank you Joe Rosenthal, and the Marines and Sailors who made this possible by the sacrifices they made during this battle and all the other ones.

To the six in this picture: Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, and Michael Strank did not survive the battle; the three survivors John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes. thank You and Semper Fidelis!

Wine review/JSM Pinot Noir

2009-02-10T20:18:00.003-05:00

Howdy campers, this weeks wine review is brought to you by our good friends at PJM Wine Review inc LLC. That's me.

Here is another great example of a great flavorful wine that you can enjoy every night without breaking the bank. I got this one at Stew's for $4.99. That's right less than 5 bucks.

This one is a keeper, it has just enough tannins to make it tart enough to drink and has the perfect amount of fruit hints that makes it a sweet pleasure to drink. So if you can find it and like Pinot, here is good buy that you will enjoy.

My Muse says this wine reminds her of me. the right amount of sweet and tart. Thank you for your review Lil!

Wine review: 3 Blind Moose

2009-02-02T20:09:00.003-05:00

Hello Again everyone, here is this weeks review on wine under $15.00 USD.

This weeks wine is; 3 Blind Moose, a Merlot from California. This one is a serious contender for a great everyday wine! The sharp crisp tannins in it corresponds nicely with the berry and other fruit hints in it. It is a smooth drinker with a bite and a nice medium finish. We paid less the $9.00 USD for this one. Want to impress your friends try a blind taste with this one, they will be surprised. Many thanks go out to my Wine tasting partner and all around Best Friend, Lil for all that she does to help me with these tastings and everything else!

Usually seen at an Airshow

2009-01-29T20:55:00.002-05:00

While waiting for my dear friend the other day in Waterbury Ct, I was trying to find something interesting to take a picture of and I did not see anything until I looked straight up and I saw this pair of contrails forming this likeness of the Flag of Scotland. Two contrails like this reminds me of airshows where planes do this on purpose. So what are the odds of it just occuring?

Fried Ice Cream

2009-01-25T20:41:00.006-05:00

Ok here goes, for a really decadent desert if you don't mind doing some work try some fried ice cream. You can make it at home, it is easy but there is alot of prep work, you need to start this one the night before you plan on having this.

FRIED ICE CREAM
ice cream- what ever flavor you like- Most recently used Chocolate chip cookie dough and vanilla

2-3 Cups of Corn flakes

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 egg

Oil for deep frying

Chocolate topping

Flour tortillas

Honey

Whipped Cream

Sugar and cinnamon the amount will vary, use your best judgement. This is used for the bowl you make with the tortilla. Place in a shallow pan mix it together.

Put corn flakes in a good size bowl and use a muddler to crush them into small flakes, but not too fine. Mix your cinnamon into flakes. Beat egg.Scoop ice cream into balls, you can use you hands like you are making a snowball;. Quickly put ice cream ball into egg. Quickly roll coated ice cream balls into crumbs and place into freezer. Freeze overnight. Heat oil to 400 degrees in a deep fat fryer. Using a slotted spoon, place flour tortilla into oil and as it start to fry try to create a bowl with it, take out and drain oil and while still warm coat with cinnamon sugar, set aside repeat for number of guests. Then lower one ice cream ball at a time into the hot oil. Fry until coating begins to brown, 10-12 seconds. Place into tortilla shell, serve immediately, with chocolate topping and or honey and whipped cream.
Makes as many servings as you make ice cream balls.

Should look like the pic below when ready:

thanks YummyDiego for the picture:

Wine reviews

2009-01-20T21:04:00.006-05:00

Here is the first one, Devils Marbles Shiraz, I paid 7.99 for this one Full-bodied, strong, just enough bite to make your mouth water, flavorful. A late autumn walk in the woods in a glass.

The next one is:

Yellow Tail Shiraz Reserve: It is so worth the 2 extra dollars! I think this one was $11.99 USD.

Here is the third one:

This one was an interesting pick, They were running a special buy 3 get them for $7.00 dollars each. So I did just that and was surprised with here reaction to it. Sometimes you luck out and get a decent bottle of wine at a good price and this was the case here. "It's lovely. Doesn't have the edge but it does have the bite. It's nice. I can taste the grapes. Tastes like Indian summer."

So as you can see it is possible to have great tasting wine for not that much money. Life is too short to drink crappy wine! Live a little! As my Grandfather and Winemaker would say" Elogios" which is Portuguese for Cheers!

remember the words of Pliny the Elder" In Vino Veritas"

a wonderful thought

2009-01-10T22:51:00.001-05:00

My dearest friend sent me this quote today and i really loved it:

"The purest expression of love is to cook for someone." Jacques Pepin.

It is so true!

tonights menu/sort of take two

2009-01-06T19:31:00.003-05:00

here is my take on Paula Deen's Quick Chicken Mole recipe. My changes will be in blue again.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chipolte chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 bell pepper,green chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

1 yellow bell pepper chopped
2 chipotle peppers, roughly chopped

1 anaheim pepper chopped
6 ounces of a dry white wine I used chardonay

6 ounces of water
2 tablespoons peanut butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 boneless chicken breasts sliced
mexican style rice, for serving

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and spices and continue to saute to toast and develop flavor. Add diced tomatoes, peppers, chipotles, wine and water, peanut butter, and chocolate. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Sear the chicken in a heavy bottomed hot saute pan over medium-high heat until cooked just lightly browned on both sides. Cover pan and then cover with sauce and simmer for 20-30 mintutes until done. Make sure chicken is cooked all the way. Serve with Mexican rice.

This was another thing that was devoured. This will satisfy the chocolate lovers as well as the Spicy food lovers in your house. The next time I make it I will have tortillas on hand for people to mop up the sauce with and I will make Fried Ice Cream. Which is not as hard as it seems to make. I will give you the recipe some time soon.

tonights menu/sort of

2009-01-05T19:11:00.004-05:00

Here is a first one of a couple of recipes I have made in the last few months: The first one is a variation of Kevin Lacassin (NOLAFOODIE.COM) Recipe for Chicken pasta with White wine sauce.
My changes are made in Blue:
Ingredients
1 1 lbs. Boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 lb. Angel Hair Pasta( your favorite type of pasta can be substituted) 1 Yellow Peppers 1 Red Pepper 1 Green pepper 1 Package Mushrooms, Sun dried tomatoes ½ Large White Onion 5 Cloves Garlic (used one of those great garlic mashers) 1 carrott 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2-3/4 Cup White Wine (I prefer Chardonay)Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)Coarse Kosher Salt Fresh Ground Black Pepper Oregano Small amount of Fresh Basil

3 qt. (or larger) Sauté pan8 qt. Stock Pot or Pasta Pot
Prep (15 minutes)
Dice onion and remove stems from mushrooms and chop coarsely peppers and carrots. Mince garlic. Season chicken with salt, pepper and oregano, and slice into small cubes.In stockpot, bring water to a boil then add a pinch of salt and a little bit of olive oil.

Cook (15 minutes)
1. Add angel hair pasta to boiling water. Cook for about five minutes while doing the sauce. Remove from heat and let it sit in the salty water until sauce is finished.
2. For your chicken and sauce – coat the bottom of a sauté pan with olive oil and add white onion, peppers, mushrooms and allow them to sweat. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for several minutes.
4. Toss in chicken and sauté until it is cooked. Continue to fold in ingredients while chicken is cooking.
5. Pour in 1/2- 3/4 cup (or so) of white wine, Add basil
6. Reduce heat to a simmer for about 5-10 minutes until sauce is reduced.
7. Remove pasta from water and toss into the sauté pan. Toss well until pasta is coated with sauce and serve.
8. Top with grated parmesan cheese.

This was such a big hit with my friends. The kids loved it too, it was so easy to make and there were no left overs!

Tuesdays post will be about Mole' Poblano Pollo

The ultimate White wine: Pouilly Fuisse

2008-09-22T23:05:00.007-04:00

In my opinion when it comes to a dry white wine this one has no equal at all. Dry and crisp but not acidic. It is refreshing and light! If I had to choose 1 white wine to drink the rest of my life it would be this one! The price point for this one is between 15-50 dollars US. But you know what ? It is so worth it. Life is too short to drink crappy wine! In Vino Veritas!

Pouilly-Fuissé is an appellation (AOC) of Burgundy wine in central France. It is the best-known part of the Mâconnais region, and produces white wine from the Chardonnay grape.
This white Burgundy should not be confused with the Sauvignon Blancs from Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley.
Contents
Style
Pouilly-Fuissé is a dry white wine made from Chardonnay. It is pale and refreshing, often quite delicate. It is not as expensive as the big wines of the Côte de Beaune to the north.
Geography
West of Mâcon the land rises up to form Mont de Pouilly and other limestone hills, covered in the alkaline clay that best suits Chardonnay. The villages of Vergisson, Solutré-Pouilly, Fuissé and Chaintré shelter at their feet.

skywatch, Loadmaster's view

2008-09-18T21:41:00.003-04:00

here is what the view looks like of a heavy equipment load leaving the back of a Marine KC-130

KC-130 Iwo Jima Fly-By/Skywatch Friday

2008-09-11T09:14:00.005-04:00

Airdrop KC-130 Style/Skywatch Friday

2008-09-04T23:26:00.001-04:00

wines that I love: St Emilion

2008-08-19T22:16:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned in my profile, I am a wine guru, although others may say differently. This is the first post in an ongoing series:

I want to talk about my favorite red wine: St Emilion,which is produced in the Bordeaux region of France. It is mostly wines dominated by Merlot with very little Cabernet Sauvignon, the two most famous being Saint Emilion and Pomerol. These wines often have great fruit concentraction, softer tannins and are long-lived. Saint-Emilion has an official classification.

To me it is the perfect blend of both of the strengths of these these two great wine varietals, with none of the weaknesses.

The color and depth of this wine is like no other, it is deep and rich and consistent and it holds true bottle after bottle. It is the perfect blend of red and purple, to me it is the ideal color of wine. This would be the color the crayon people would use for a crayon called"wine"

The taste: how do you describe perfection in a glass? It is like drinking liquid velvet, it is so smooth and delightful. This is the perfect wine to sip slowly and just let it hit all of the taste buds in your mouth!

The smell or nose: wonderful, it will of course vary from bottle to bottle, so you are on your own on this one.

Conclusion: Try this wine tonight and really experience what drinking wine is all about.

skywatch friday

2008-08-15T21:58:00.001-04:00

Now, bring me that Horizon!

2008-08-13T00:13:00.006-04:00

Here is one of the reasons, that I love sailing....
I know it does not appeal to everyone... but to the ones it does... who
wants to take the sunset watch ? I will be in my hammock...

Skywatch Friday: Taconic Parkway

2008-08-08T14:40:00.003-04:00

More Skywatchers here.

2008-08-07T02:32:00.006-04:00

tonights dinner menu/wine list

2008-08-02T10:48:00.007-04:00

as i have in my profile, I like to think of myself as a chef, of course i only cook for my family and my friends, since i am lucky enough to have some wonderful caring friends who let me torture them from time to time with my strange experimental cooking. I thought this would make a nice regular addition to my ramblings. So please let me know what you think.

dinner tonight will be: chilled shrimp cocktails with a avalcado salsa cocktail sauce

grilled shrimp- basted with a chili-lime marinande I am making today
grilled lobster tails marinated in lemon butter garlic and paprika
Grilled steak-simple and easy
rice- 3 kinds of rice- brocoli cheese, dirty rice and caribean rice

tonights wine list: 1st course- Fat Bastard- French Chardonay- perfect opener
2nd course- Eximius- Portuguese White from the Estremadura region
3rd course-Corte Pitora- Italian Cabernet Sauvignon- Perfect for the steak
4rd course- Yalumba- Australian Chardonay- easy drinking and cool

Dessert- Something simple- Vanilla ice cream or Mango and Coconut sorbet
with port drizzled over it. Or a chocloate sauce

Digestive will be: Fonseca Bin 27 Porto

Drink menu: For Adult crowd- Gin and Tonics or Fresh Mojitos
For the younger crowd- Limonade Jaune Mousseuse

How does this sound to everyone?

Pirates Of The Caribbean

2008-07-31T14:58:00.009-04:00

Arrgh me mateys,

Sometime there is a movie that comes along that makes us slip the bonds of reality and just be kids again. this is one of them:

Jack Sparrow: Last time... I was here a grand total of three days, all right? Last time, the rum runners used this island as a cache, they came past and I was able to barter passage off. By the look of things, they've long been out of business. Probably have your bloody friend Norrington to thank for that.

Elizabeth: So that's it, then? That's the secret, grand adventure of the infamous Jack Sparrow. You spent three days lying on a beach drinking rum.

Jack Sparrow: Welcome to the Caribbean, love.

Elizabeth: Commodore, I really must protest. Pirate or not this man saved my life.

Norrington: One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness.

Jack Sparrow: Though it seems enough to condemn him.

Norrington: Indeed.

Norrington: I, uh, apologize if I seem forward, but I must speak my mind... Ah, this promotion throws into sharp relief that which I have... not yet achieved: a marriage to a fine woman. You have become a fine woman, Elizabeth.

lizabeth: [her corset is choking her] I can't breathe!

Norrington: Yes, I'm... I'm a bit nervous myself. [Elizabeth faints and topples over the wall]

Jack Sparrow: [upon seeing Elizabeth plunge into the ocean] Will you be saving her then? Mullroy: I can't swim. [Jack looks at Murtogg... no he won't do either]

Jack Sparrow: Pride of the King's navy you are. Do not lose these.
Mullroy: Not breathing.

Jack Sparrow: Move. [Jack slits the ties on Elizabeth's corset and rips it off, causing Elizabeth to regain consciousness, and spit out a lot of water]

Mullroy: Never would have though of that.

Jack Sparrow: Clearly you've never been to Singapore.

Mr. Gibbs: The kid's a bit of a stick, isn't he?

Jack Sparrow: You have no idea.

Jack Sparrow: A wedding? I love weddings. Drinks all around!

My two favorites are these:

Jack Sparrow: Not just the Spanish Main, luv. The entire ocean. The entire wo'ld. Wherever we want to go, we'll go. That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs but what a ship is... what the Black Pearl really is... is freedom.

Jack Sparrow: Now... bring me that horizon.

lifes events

2008-07-30T15:13:00.006-04:00

So one day you are sitting there fat, dumb, and happy, when your world comes crashing down around you in 1 fell swoop.

In march i was working a great job and had a great house and married to a good woman. Then it all changed over the course of a few months. I lost my job due to budget constraints. Lost my house because of that one. Lost my wife because of my childish immaturities.

So now here I am almost 4 months later and I am still alive. For awhile I was so stressed out, which is pretty amazing since I have been described as being so laid back that I am horizontal. I was suffering from imsomnia so bad it was not even funny.

But thanks to the love and support of a few great friends, I have come to realize that there was nothing that I lost that cannot be replaced. So here I am picking up the pieces of a broken life and I am becoming happier than I was before my roof caved in and i took that big rock to the head.

I guess that what I am trying to say is that no matter what life throws at you, you can survive and thrive with some love and luck and great friends and the strength of the human spirit.

On that note, it is always friday and it is always 5 o'clock somewhere! So relax and enjoy the ride. my thanks to Jimmy Buffett!

Mongo out

New Haven Graffiti

2008-07-26T00:36:00.004-04:00

here a pic of me in a verycool place,

The Schooner Armistad

2008-07-25T23:38:00.004-04:00

today while exploring the world went to the place where the replica schooner of the Armistad is normally moored right now it is halifax nova scotia.

I am a schooner man at heart and have visted it in New Haven. So for those who don't know the story, check it out:http://www.amistadamerica.org/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/

The Princess Bride favorite quotes!

2008-07-25T00:02:00.002-04:00

Grandpa: [voiceover] Nothing gave Buttercup as much pleasure as ordering Westley around. Buttercup: Farm boy, polish my horse's saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning. Westley: As you wish. Grandpa: [voiceover] "As you wish" was all he ever said to her. Buttercup: Farm boy, fill these with water - please. Westley: As you wish. Grandpa: [voiceover] That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying "As you wish", what he meant was, "I love you." And even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back. Buttercup: Farm boy... fetch me that pitcher. [It's right over her head, so he has to stand next to her] Westley: As you wish. [Cut to them kissing] The Grandson: [interrupting] Hold it, hold it. What is this? Are you trying to trick me? Where's the sports? [suspiciously] The Grandson: Is this a kissing book? Grandpa: Wait, just wait. The Grandson: Well, when does it get good? Grandpa: Keep your shirt on, and let me read.
Buttercup: You can die too for all I care. [pushes him down a high hill] Westley: AS... YOU... WISH. Buttercup: Oh my sweet Westley what have I done?

Inigo Montoya: Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

Buttercup: You mock my pain. Westley: Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

Buttercup: You can't hurt me. Westley and I are joined by the bonds of love. And you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds, and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords.

Miracle Max: Have fun stormin' da castle. Valerie: Think it'll work? Miracle Max: It would take a miracle.

Westley: Hear this now: I will always come for you. Buttercup: But how can you be sure? Westley: This is true love - you think this happens every day?
Westley: I told you I would always come for you. Why didn't you wait for me? Buttercup: Well... you were dead. Westley: Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while. Buttercup: I will never doubt again. Westley: There will never be a need.

Westley: We are men of action, lies do not become us.

[fencing] Inigo Montoya: You are wonderful. Man in Black: Thank you; I've worked hard to become so. Inigo Montoya: I admit it, you are better than I am. Man in Black: Then why are you smiling? Inigo Montoya: Because I know something you don't know. Man in Black: And what is that? Inigo Montoya: I... am not left-handed. [Moves his sword to his right hand and gains an advantage] Man in Black: You are amazing. Inigo Montoya: I ought to be, after 20 years. Man in Black: Oh, there's something I ought to tell you. Inigo Montoya: Tell me. Man in Black: I'm not left-handed either. [Moves his sword to his right hand and regains his advantage]

Westley: Who are you? Are we enemies? Why am I on this wall? Where is Buttercup? Inigo Montoya: Let me 'splain. [pause] Inigo Montoya: No, there is too much. Let me sum up. Buttercup is marry' Humperdinck in a little less than half an hour. So all we have to do is get in, break up the wedding, steal the princess, make our escape... after I kill Count Rugen. Westley: That doesn't leave much time for dilly-dallying. Fezzik: You just wiggled your finger. That's wonderful. Westley: I've always been a quick healer. What are our liabilities? Inigo Montoya: There is but one working castle gate, and... and it is guarded by 60 men. Westley: And our assets? Inigo Montoya: Your brains, Fezzik's strength, my steel.
Westley: I mean, if we only had a wheelbarrow, that would be something. Inigo Montoya: Where we did we put that wheelbarrow the albino had? Fezzik: Over the albino, I think. Westley: Well, why didn't you list that among our assets in the first place?

another one of my favorite movies

your choice: the rain today or this?

2008-07-24T06:19:00.001-04:00

famous movie lines

2008-07-23T08:59:00.004-04:00

As i was sitting here today i was thinking about some truly great and not so great movies lines:

Casablanca- Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.

Here's looking at you kid

I wasn't sure you were the same. Let's see, the last time we met... Rick: Was La Belle Aurore. Ilsa: How nice, you remembered. But of course, that was the day the Germans marched into Paris. Rick: Not an easy day to forget. Ilsa: No. Rick: I remember every detail. The Germans wore gray, you wore blue.

Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris? Rick: It's not particularly my beloved Paris. Heinz: Can you imagine us in London? Rick: When you get there, ask me! Captain Renault: Hmmh! Diplomatist! Major Strasser: How about New York? Rick: Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade.

Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca? Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters. Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed

We have a complete dossier on you: Richard Blaine, American, age 37. Cannot return to his country. The reason is a little vague. We also know what you did in Paris, Mr. Blaine, and also we know why you left Paris. [hands the dossier to Rick] Major Strasser: Don't worry, we are not going to broadcast it. Rick: [reading] Are my eyes really brown?

Rick: Last night we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. Well, I've done a lot of it since then, and it all adds up to one thing: you're getting on that plane with Victor where you belong. Ilsa: But, Richard, no, I... I... Rick: Now, you've got to listen to me! You have any idea what you'd have to look forward to if you stayed here? Nine chances out of ten, we'd both wind up in a concentration camp. Isn't that true, Louie? Captain Renault: I'm afraid Major Strasser would insist. Ilsa: You're saying this only to make me go. Rick: I'm saying it because it's true. Inside of us, we both know you belong with Victor. You're part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If that plane leaves the ground and you're not with him, you'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life. Ilsa: But what about us? Rick: We'll always have Paris. We didn't have, we, we lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night. Ilsa: When I said I would never leave you. Rick: And you never will. But I've got a job to do, too. Where I'm going, you can't follow. What I've got to do, you can't be any part of. Ilsa, I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that. Now, now... Here's looking at you kid.

I've often speculated why you don't return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Run off with a senator's wife? I like to think you killed a man. It's the Romantic in me. Rick: It was a combination of all three.

There is more and I will add them as they come to my feeble mind. Please feel free to post your own.

just a random thought

2008-07-22T22:47:00.001-04:00

For a long time I was living a life that was not my own, but now I am living my life my way. It feels so good. Life is not about aquiring things, Life is about living the great adventure and Loving the right person!

welcome to my world

2008-07-22T22:36:00.001-04:00

At the request of several really good friends, I have decided to write a blog. So I hope you all will stop by and join me from time to time and see the world thru my eyes. So if you are ready, the smoking lamp is lit, the bar is open and hang on for the ride. Thank you to my catalyst friend. Renaissance man out