Check out the Blues Underground…
… an entertaining and highly talented band based in Rutherfordton, NC.
We caught them last weekend on the deck at Green River Eddy’s Tavern at the Saluda Outfitters.
Ahhhh… music in the North Carolina mountains.
Sweeeeet!
Get more info and follow them on their https://www.facebook.com/bluesundergroundband site.
I was blessed with parents who loved cooking. Times and ingredients change, as do preparation techniques. But family classics remain true. We published a trio of paperback cookbooks (also in digital formats) called Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites. From more than 200 recipes included, here’s one of Mom’s gems.
Mom’s Hawaiian Meatballs
From: Glenna Burnham 1965
(Featured in Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites, Volume 2.)
2/3 c evaporated milk
1 ½ lbs ground beef
½ c dry, minced onions
2/3 c cracker meal
1 tsp salt
1 can (14-oz) pineapple chunks, in juice
2 T cornstarch
¼ c vinegar
¼ c brown sugar
2 T soy sauce
1 large green pepper, coarsely chopped or diced
Combine milk, beef, onion, cracker meal & salt. From into tiny balls and brown well until almost done.
Drain off fat. Drain pineapple juice into large measuring cup & add water to make 1 cup liquid. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, & soy. Add to pineapple juice and pour over meatballs. Simmer for 15 minutes; then add the pineapple chunks and diced sweet pepper. Heat thoroughly and serve over white or brown rice. Makes 6-8 servings.
KISS Notes & Variations: This is awesome served over fried rice, like the one in Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites, Volume 3. Also, with some people sensitive to green pepper, use a sweet red bell pepper instead. I have also substituted whole milk or half-and-half for evaporated milk… and finely chopped sweet onion, microwaved 1 minute, for the dry, minced onion. I also like to add a little finely chopped flat-leaf parsley to the meatballs.
Try a nice garnish of thinly sliced snow peas or thinly sliced green onion and/or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
For Super Simple Hawaiian Meatball Tapas, thread meatballs, fresh pineapple chunks, and your choice of bell pepper chunks on mini bamboo skewers… brush with sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
For Hawaiian Meatball Dinner Kabobs, add some slices of red or sweet onion to long skewers before grilling.
“Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha
(6th or 5th century BC)
Founder of Buddhism
Try to be patient with “haters” who can only express negativity, divisiveness, and angry rhetoric. When we humans get stuck in angry mode, the struggle back to awareness, compassion, and open-mindedness can be a difficult journey.
“A bird in the hand is a certainty, but a bird in the bush may sing.”
— Bret Harte (1836-1902)
American short-story writer & poet
Though we only stopped once in a casino for this photo, we can’t step away from our Las Vegas visit without mentioning the food.
Literally, we could go to Vegas only for the wide array of fabulous food offerings….
A far cry from the Vegas of decades ago, when casinos offered 99-cent and $1.99 buffets. Prices are the craziest we’ve seen anywhere else, including NYC. Like a $29 Miami vice or piña colada poolside… Okay… when the temps hit 106°F outside, it’s worth it.
Just one appetizer at dinner can easily run $30-40. So, deals like the daily 2-4pm Happy Hour at the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Caesar’s Palace is worthy… 50% off apps like thick-cut maple-glazed bacon…
…and a smoked cheddar spinach dip with crispy pita triangles.
Or even a Caesar salad topped with grilled shrimp.
And higher prices do not mean higher quality or even celebrity chef creations. But you can get good breakfast, brunch, or dinner food at 24-hour spots like Café Americano at Caesars Palace.
I loved their Avocado Burrata Toast, for example… sun-dried tomatoes & balsamic glaze on a massive slice of nutty multi-grain toast.
At Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues, Sir Ronald chose the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad… romaine, tomatoes, avocado, corn salsa, red beans, chives, & a ranch dressing.
I opted for the BBQ Nachos with pulled pork and a yummy 4-cheese sauce, avocado, roasted corn salsa, tomato, Memphis BBQ sauce, cilantro crema & cotija cheese. Yummy!
As was the key lime pie with toasted coconut topping that we shared.
Best of the best happened at Bellagio… we had a sweet table for two in the window over their lake that features the regular Dancing Waters shows.
Best possible seats… and the food was fab, too. We started with tremendous truffle fries, perfect with our icy cold Pinot Grigio wine.
Then hubby had bucatini & clams in a white wine sauce with some toasted ciabatta.
I experienced crispy pizza cups atop a pepperoni pizza with pecorino and mozzarella cheese and Calabria tomatoes.
I could go on… but, God willing, we will return to see more shows like the Dancing Waters…
…and sample more incredible edibles. Just saying…. I hear there is a crock of cheesy French onion soup with my name on it at the Bar Boheme in the downtown arts district.
We go to Las Vegas for the shows, not the casinos.
And Cirque du Soleil repeatedly outdoes itself.
We’ve seen “O” previously, but the newest rendition is even more mind-boggling.
The “O” stage at Bellagio rises and falls constantly in various shapes with water surfaces sometimes shallow and other times deep enough for multiple, very high dives.
As always, audience involvement is riotous, and we share lots of laughter…
…as when one of the comic characters snagged my camera.
He literally made it part of the show… snapping dozens of photos.
The stage is enormous, and the proscenium is dramatically higher than most.
But it’s the aerials, the diving, the acrobatics, the musical talent, and the tremendously well-timed technology that combine for unforgettably legendary performances. As audience members, we found ourselves gasping “O” rather frequently!
Cirque du Soleil creates the most amazing productions.
“Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is no exception.
This truly immersive tribute to the King of Pop rocks with non-stop choreography, creative acrobatics, and state-of-the-art surround sound.
At various times, we in the audience got treated to snow falling on us. At another, drones flew overhead.
And, in true 4-D fashion, the cast even danced with Michael Jackson.
“ONE” is a super sensory spectacle not to be missed.
My hubby, Sir Ronald, scored fantabulous front seats to catch Sir Rod Stewart in concert at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
A bad sinus infection forced the cancellation of his two May dates, but we were blessed to see his Vegas residency opening night on June 2nd.
He wore a full array of his usual wacky garb and, as always, was surrounded by an extraordinary cast.
While most are fellow Brits, Becca Kotte from North Dakota remains a steadfast part of his female singing-dancing trio… She’s on the far left in the clip with their leopard look.
One of the longest-running favorites is Jimmy “Saxman” Roberts… an amazing talent.
Stewart’s “The Encore Shows” tour has more dates at The Colosseum in Vegas in the second half of August. Worthy! Now in his 80s, Sir Rod Stewart remains… “Forever Young.”
On Saturday night, we caught a super foursome at Sully’s Place in Columbus, NC.
“Rewind” plays classic, Southern, and British rock music… mostly from the 1969 – 1979 era.
https://www.facebook.com/TheRewindBandNC/ Hailing from the Forest City, NC area, Below are some upcoming June dates when you could catch them.
Friday, June 12 6:30 at the Main Street Market (Rutherfordton)
Saturday, June 13 2pm Baker Farm & Winery (Lawndale)
Friday, June 19 6:30 – 8:30 Three on Main (Spindale)
Saturday, June 20 12-3pm Lured Market & Grill (Lake Lure)
“A thought is often original, though you have uttered it a hundred times.”
— Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841 – 1935)
American jurist & associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
For Pet Appreciation Week, I express deep gratitude for the critters who bring special meaning into our lives. They are special adopted family members who forever leave footprints in our hearts.
Update: Our dear little Bailey is growing fast! 4 pounds 4 oz when he came home and now 7 pounds 6 oz.
Humongous love bug!
Photo by Brice Cooper
“Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for.”
— David Starr Jordan (1851 – 1931)
American ichthyologist (study of fish)
Founding president of Stanford University
“If you choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor.”
— Jennifer Jones (1919 – 2009)
American actress & mental health advocate
My 2025 book, “Humor… and Other Life Seasonings” is available in paperback and digital formats.
Photo by Klemen Vrankar
“It has to be dark for the stars to appear.”
— Warren Wiersbe (1929 – 2019)
American Christian clergyman & writer
For National Rotisserie Chicken Day, enjoy your favorite seasoned poultry as it is. Leftovers are great to add to white chili, pizza, sandwiches, omelets, soup, lasagna, bolognese sauce, tossed or pasta salads, enchiladas, tacos, or nachos. A favorite for me is Super Simple Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Super Simple Buffalo Chicken Dip
Other melty cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Queso can be used in place of the mozzarella, but try it this way first! Ooh, la la!
2 c rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
8-oz cream cheese, cubed and softened to room temp
¾ c Frank’s Red Hot sauce (regular vs Buffalo sauce)
½ c creamy ranch dressing
Optional garnishes, such as sliced green onion or chopped sweet red pepper
Dippers, such as tortilla chips, toasted pita bread triangles, crackers, celery, carrot sticks, sliced baguette, etc
Combine chicken, 1 c mozzarella, cream cheese, sauce, and ranch dressing in large bowl. Spoon into cooking spray coated individual crocks or 1 larger serving crock. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 15-20 min at 350°F. Garnish and serve hot with dippers.
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”
— Christopher Reeve (1952 – 2004)
American actor & activist
Photo by Josh Mills
“A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes.”
— Mark Twain (1835-1910)
(Pen name for Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
American author and humorist
“The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.”
Deepak Chopra (1946 – )
Indian – American author & new age guru
This and other bits of sage advice appear in my 2025 paperback & digital book, “Happiness… and Other Life Seasonings.”
“One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.”
— Archibald Rutledge (1883 – 1973)
American poet & educator
“Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.”
— Plautus (c254 BC – 184 BC)
Roman playwright
For National Italian Beef Day, enjoy the smashingly tantalizing sandwich in a large, lunch, or appetizer-sized portion.
Italian Beef
Savor this Super Simple slow cooker sandwich in lunch or appetizer-sized servings.
3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
Kosher salt
14.5-oz can beef broth, divided
3 T (1-oz pkg) dry Italian salad dressing mix
½ tsp ground dried thyme
½ tsp ground black pepper
16-oz jar sliced pepperoncini peppers, divided (plus ¼ c of the juice)
Provolone cheese slices (for serving)
6 hoagie rolls or 8-10 burger buns, split
Season beef on all sides with kosher salt and place in hot skillet, letting sit till bottom is crusted, about 1 minute. Turn to crust all sides the same way. Place beef in slow cooker on high heat setting. Add 1 c of beef broth to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan; then spoon contents over the roast. Sprinkle with dressing mix and seasonings. Cover and cook 5-6 hours on high or 8-9 hours on low; use two forks to shred. Add half the peppers and the ¼ c of pepperoncini juice; cover and cook 1 hour. Before serving, toast the split buns 5-6 minutes at 350°F, if desired. Top half of each with beef, a sprinkle of pepperoncini slices, and cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 6-10 servings.
KISS Note: Before serving, you can also drizzle the meat with creamy Italian dressing, but these are flavorful and moist enough without it. If preferred, for smaller portions, you can also serve these open-faced… or on toasted savory Hawaiian dinner rolls as appetizers. Also tasty is adding a sprinkle of mild or spicy giardiniera (jarred pickled chopped Italian veggie mix) along with the extra pepperoncini slices for serving. For some extra pizzazz, you can also top with a few spring lettuce or baby spinach leaves and either sliced onion or crispy canned onions.
“Share your smile with the world. It’s a symbol of friendship and peace.”
— Christie Brinkley (1954)
American model & activist
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
– Unknown
Eternal gratitude to those who have died so that we can continue to enjoy living in freedom.
“My hope for my children must be that they respond to the still, small voice of God in their own hearts.”
— Andrew Young (1932 – )
American pastor, politician, diplomat & activist
Photo by Hosein Charbaghi
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
— Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
American statesman
16th US President: 1861-65; assassinated following the Civil War
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
— Audre Lorde (1934 – 1992)
American writer, philosopher, & civil rights activist
“The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man’s foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.”
— Thomas Henry Huxley (1825 – 1895)
English biologist & anthropologist
Celebrate National Quiche Lorraine Day with this classic dish, perfect for lunch, brunch, or breakfast. We like serving it with a soup, salad, or some fresh fruit… or just as it is. Catch more yumminess in my cookbook: Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites: Brunch, Lunch, and Entrees.
Classic Quiche Lorraine
While this is my 1980 recipe, I updated it in 1990 to use store-bought pastry, keeping it Super Simple!
9” deep-dish pie crust, not cooked (in deep dish pie or quiche dish)
10-12 slices crisp bacon, crumbled (¾ c)
½ c finely chopped sweet onion
1½ c (6 oz) shredded Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese
5 large or extra-large eggs
2 c heavy or whipping cream
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
Dash cayenne pepper, optional
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Sprinkle bacon, onion, and cheese in the bottom of the pie pastry. In medium bowl, beat eggs and beat in remaining ingredients. Pour into pie crust. Bake, uncovered at 400°F for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 325°F and bake 40 minutes longer. (Knife inserted in center should come out clean.) Remove from oven and let stand at room temp for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 6-8 servings.
KISS Tip: This is also great with shredded ham or a combination. It’s also perfect prepared in mini tart pans for lovely individual servings. Reduce baking time… just 5 minutes at 400°F and 25 minutes at 325°F.
Thanks to one and all who helped make this year’s bonfire extra special!
(We ended up 60+ strong!)
Thanks to everyone who brought goodies to share, too!
From the fire pit to the red-hot bonfire, a good time was had by all.
Image by Brett Jordan
“There’s no real joy in emptiness, in doing nothing, in risk-free living: True success is always the last of a string of failed attempts to get it right.”
— Walter Anderson (1903 – 1965)
American painter & writer
(in book: The Confidence Course: Seven Steps to Self-Fulfillment)
“No one can be wrong with man and right with God.”
— Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878 – 1969)
American Protestant pastor
“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”
— Unknown
(but often attributed to Helen Keller)
Photo by Yulia Gadalina
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
— Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014)
American poet, memoirist & activist
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
— Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
American author, political activist, and disability rights advocate
Photo by Julie Molliver
“When the only tool you have is a hammer, all problems begin to resemble nails.”
— Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970)
American humanistic psychologist
For National Nutty Fudge Day, I share my Aunt June’s Nutty Fudge, which she made every holiday from at least 1960… and we devoured it gleefully!
4 c sugar
6 T cocoa
2 T butter
13-oz can evaporated milk
7-oz jar marshmallow fluff
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 c (or more) chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Cook sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk, stirring constantly until a medium-soft ball (234°F) is formed when tried in cold water. Cool slightly for 5-10 minutes. Add marshmallow, vanilla, and nuts. Beat till cool and creamy. Pour into buttered 8×8” pan. Do not cut until totally cooled.
This and other recipes are featured in Volume 3 of my cookbook series: Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites: Starters, Sippers, and Sweets.
Photo by Andrej Lisakov
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
— Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
American statesman; 16th U.S. President (1861-65)
Assassinated following the Civil War
“I intend to live forever.
So far, so good.”
— Steven Wright (1955 – )
American stand-up comedian
In reality, we never know how many days we have, so I intend to truly live every day of my life. Deep thanks to all my dear friends, both near and far, who make each day especially rewarding!
Photo by Austin Kehmeier
National Home Front Heroes Day is celebrated annually on May 9th to honor the millions of civilians, past and present, who support military service members and their families from the home front. Initiated in 2019 by WWII veteran John “Lucky” Luckadoo, it recognizes those who provide care, volunteer, and strengthen communities while service members are deployed. Thank you, and God bless you!
“A poem is never finished, only abandoned.”
— Paul Valery (1871 – 1945)
French poet & philosopher
We live happier lives when we stay in a creative mode or return there if we get off track.