Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Mona just found this picture we had taken of ourselves while visiting Hampton Beach in New Hamsphire a couple of years ago.

The machine (booth) that took the photo is simular to the old one you used to sit in when you went to the "Dime Store" when you were a kid. (How many of you really remember the "Dime Store"? How about Ben Franklins? Green Stamps?)

Once the photo was taken, you could have it do different finishes on it before it printed. This is the finish we chose.

Aside from visiting New Hampshire on business, we also drove along the coast of Maine checking out the Portland Head Lighthouse and Old Orchard Beach to name a couple points of interest.

Go Fly a Kite

This guy was out on Cecil Bay on Shawano Lake on Saturday January 16th. At one time he had 8 kites in the air (that we saw). I had a few videos (actually one or two better than this one) but I lost them somewhere in my gigabytes.

The first kite with the long tail is huge and I think very impressive. The last one at the end resembles an Eagle.

Don't remember if it was last year or the year before when Mona and I were out on the Lake we saw these same kites being pulled by a couple in a boat. (Trolling slowly of course.) Yesterday (as per Mona with the binoculars) said it looked like he had them tied to buckets. Sure wish I could find the other videos. If I do, I'll post one. (This particular video was shot with a Sony DSC-HX1 Digital Still Camera)

Fire On Ice on Shawano Lake is Back in 2010

The Fire On Ice Races are back on Shawano Lake again. I guess they started last Sunday. A couple of the photos below are from last week and a couple from today. I saw I was getting a few hits on searches for the event so I figured I take the time to throw a few more pics up here.

With the nice weather today the attendance was decent. I ran down to the Cecil end of the Lake with the 4-wheeler and parked for about 1/2 hour or so. Got parked in and had to ride the length of the track just to get out.

There was one spectator there all set up for tailgating with the card table and chairs out as well as the old Smokey Joe BBQ.

Hope to get a post or two in the future if everything turns out OK.

Our Christmas with John's Relatives - 2010

It started out with Christmas Cookies at our house. Mona, Tracy, and Miranda put the finishing touches on dozens of sugar cookies while John watched. Then it went from Christmas Eve to "Tree Hopping" and more.

Mona took the Aluminum Tree from my Grandmother down earlier this week and is in the process of taking the real tree in the activity room down as I post these photos. There are probably a couple hundred more in the camera so I guess I'll get started downloading them.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday Season.

Our Christmas with Mona's Relatives - 2010

The Holiday Season for 2009-2010 has come and gone so quickly. Below are a few of the photos taken while visiting with Mona's side of the family.

Hope you enjoy it.

Spicy Chicken Wings for the Day After New Year's 2010

1 pkt (1.25 Oz.) Ortega Hot and Spicy Taco Seasoning

3 Tblsp Canola Oil

2 Tblsp Red Wine Vinegar

4 Tsp Tabasco Sauce (originally 2 tsp. if you want to start out slow - divided)

4 Pounds Chicken Wings w/ tips snipped off

1 Cup Ranch Dressing

Celery Sticks

In a one gallon zip lock bag combine Wings, Taco Seasoning, Canola Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, and 3 Teaspoons Tabasco Sauce. Seal bag and then work bag until all wings are evenly covered with mixture. We like to place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to marinade but the original recipe didn't call for that.

In small bowl combine Ranch Dressing and 1 remaining teaspoon Tabasco sauce and set aside.

Preheat grill and grill Wings for about 10-15 minutes total on medium heat, turning occasionally to avoid burning.

Serve with your pre-made Ranch Dressing and Celery Sticks.

One time we added an additional ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper and ¼ tsp of hot chili pepper which gave it a little more zip. The more we make them, the more we like to experiment.

The guests we had over for this batch thought they were hot but I guess it's what you're accustomed to. The recipe started out with a total of two teaspoons Tabasco Sauce divided and we've doubled it so far. Mona and I will probably crank er up another notch when we make it next time.

This recipe originally came from Sandra Lee on The Food Network but we started to modify it a little with the ingredients we wanted each time we make it.

By the way - this picture was taken outside when the wind chill factor was 10 to 15 below zero.

Click on photo to enlarge.

How About Some Brats in Beer?

It's New Year's Day and what better time for some Brats and Beer?

First we cooked the Brats on the grill and put them in a small Nesco. 2-3 cans of beer, some onion slices and about 2 tablespoons of butter. That way you can keep them hot and serve them when the guests arrive.

Shawano Lake and Surrounding Area Ice Conditions 2012

For anyone traveling to Shawano Lake for a little recreation here are the current Ice Conditions. Be Safe!

http://www.co.shawano.wi.us/departments/page_f300c0470471/?department=caa27d351746&subdepartment=aa9642ed0774