Happy Halloween!

Foto Friday: This Old House

Just in time for this Halloween season, here's a couple pictures of a creepy, abandoned (at least I hope no one lives there) farmhouse.

These photos were taking June 22 with my point-and-shoot. Uh. I can't recall where I was at, but I was between Union City and Cook Forest. (Sorry I can't be more specific. The four hours of driving to State College eat away at my brain until the trip is blur.)

Team Viktor

Tonight is the finale of Project Runway Season 9. This season has mostly been a disappointment. Although it was high in drama, it was low in cool designs and remarkable looks. But I haven't missed an episode. And tonight will be no exception (I'm drinking my caffeine as I write this).

Tonight wrapped up in my blanket, with only my sharp tongue, remote, and iPhone, I will be rooting on Viktor Luna for the win.

Photo Collage by tomandlorenzo.com

Hopefully, the judges will see from not only his final collection, but also from his looks throughout the season, that he is the clear winner. Hopefully, the producers won't push the win of the beauty queen or the major drama queen. 

Wild Wednesday: Green your Pet

Pets are such a source of joy, but America's more than 160 million owned dogs and cats do impact the environment. Sierra Club offers tips about how to reduce their environmental pawprint.

Tip #1: Head to the pound.
When you're looking for a furry pal, skip the pet stores and breeders and visit the pounds and shelters instead. The commercial pet trade creates an excess of animals when millions are already in need of adoption. Plus, the business of selling animals harms rainforests, from which 38 million creatures are removed every year for the retail-pet industry. Shelters stock an excellent selection of breeds (and charming mutts) that need "recycling" into a new home. Some shelters have even gone green!

Tip #2: Choose the greenest pet products.
The U.S. pet-product industry rakes in more than $40 billion per year, only $1 billion of which goes to eco-friendly items. Do your part to pump up that number by opting for organic pet food, as well as gear and toys made by eco-minded manufacturers like Scutte, Molly Mutt, and World’s Best Cat Litter; a Google search reveals many more. But buying greener doesn’t mean you have to buy more. The best way to reduce waste is to ask yourself whether your pet really needs the item you’re considering buying.

Tip #3: Spay and neuter.
Animal overpopulation is an issue not only because up to 4 million U.S. shelter animals are euthanized each year, but also because of the environmental impact of too many stray and abandoned animals: They can harm local wildlife and spread waste and trash. You can help curb the problem by having your pet spayed or neutered.

Tip #4: Deal with their waste.
One of the biggest hassles of having a pet is dealing with their poop. Not only is it inherently unpleasant, but it also poses environmental hazards such as water pollution, transmitting diseases to other species, and, if left unchecked in public spaces, causing human resentment toward animals. Do your duty by picking up any business your pet leaves behind using a biodegradable bag or a Skooperbox. Other green ways to dispose of the stuff include flushing it, composting it (Note: you shouldn't compost waste in the bin you will use on your garden), and burying it. There are also plenty of eco-friendly cat litters out there.

YouTube-sday: British Animals

Five in Five

Five things I'm loving right now while the leaves change and the temperatures drop...

1) Electric Blanket. I finally put on my bed's electric blanket last weekend. Ooo. It's so nice! Actually, it's a pretty cheap quality and it's for a twin bed. But I don't care, I love it dispite its flaws. The blanket makes it harder and harder to climb out of bed in the morning to be greeted by chilly air; cold, wood floors; and dark, rainy skies. Ick. What terrible weather we have been having.

2) New Boots. If I don't feed my shopping addiction, I can resist. But as soon as I buy something new, I crave more and more. I'm doing okay since my recent purchase. I bought these Chinese Laundry Bosco booties. They hit the fashion mark this season: Lace-up. Stacked heals. Androgyny. Shearling detail. Love 'em! I haven't worn them up - the weather has been delaying me.

3) Apples. Apple Cider. Caramel Apple Dip. Tis the season! I love the crisp, fresh apples our local farmers grow. And what better way to enjoy a healthy snack then covered in caramel dip? I love ice cold and piping hot apple cider - there's not wrong temperature for the delicious beverage. But with this chilly, icky weather, the best way to warm your soul is with a mug of some warm cider.

4) Pumpkin Desserts. You can always tell when fall approaches; Facebook is buzzing about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Well, I finally tried one this year - since we have Starbucks coffee at work/on campus now. It didn't live up to the hype. However, you can also always tell when it's autumn because all the bakeries have pumpkin muffins, pumpkin roll, pumpkin sugar cookies, pumpkin bread, etc. So good. P.S. Did I tell you I grew two pumpkins in my "garden" this year? The one was tiny and the other was a good size. Well, I picked the large one too late, I think. Because after I picked it, it started rotting on my porch - gross - and it juiced down the steps. Ha! So I dug a hole in my garden and buried it - maybe I'll get some more pumpkins next year.

5) Reading. During this beautiful summer, I kinda forgot to pick up a book. I don't know why. Last year, I would sit outside in my anti-gravity chair in the sunshine and read. Well - I am back at it. I just finished reading The Girl Who Played with Fire (the second book in the Millenium series) for the girls' book club. In the cold weather, I curl up under two blankets, next to the back windows, in my IKEA chair with Daisy on my lap. She's a great book rest and personal heater.

If you can't tell... one thing I'm not loving...

The Weather. Blah! It's been so crappy. It's one thing to be chilly in autumn. I get that. This is Erie. We are supposed to love the changing of the seasons and appreciate each one for its differences. But this rain. Wah! It makes it feel so much colder. It makes the leaves look less colorful. It confuses me on which coat to wear - the rain coat with the hood or the winter one without the hood? It doesn't allow Daisy to play outside (she doesn't like getting wet). It makes my sump pump run like crazy (which in turn wakes my up in my sleep, which in turn makes me crabby in the morning). It makes the leaves stick to the lawn - causing them NOT to blow away.

I'm over this rain - for realz.

Foto Friday: Who?

This Great Horned Owl is part of the traveling education birds of Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Saegertown, Pa. His (I'm not sure he is male, but I think he is) name is Ick-a-Bobette.

Tamarack specializes in the rescue, treatment, and release of injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife. Additionally, Tamarack provides public education programs and materials on the behavior, feeding habits, and natural habitats of many of Pennsylvania’s species of wildlife.

This photo was taken on August 20 at Campbell's Pottery Barn during it's "For the Birds" art exhibit, proceeds of the sale of all the exhibited pieces in the Stonewall Gallery and any bird-inspired art throughout Campbell's benefited Tamarack.

Camera Stuff:
Camera: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
F-stop: f/5.6
Exposure time: 1/160 sec.
ISO Speed: ISO-400
Exposure bias: +1 step
Focal length: 260 mm

Happy Cows Come from Erie!

Showman Farms is a small, family owned and operated dairy farm located along Little Conneautee Creek in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

It has been milking happy, healthy cows for six generations since 1892. Every cow, bull, or calf has a name, and they know it.

Its 18 dairy cows laze about outdoors from April through November munching on luscious, fresh grass. Even during the winter months they eat grass in the form of dried hay (no corn in these cows' diets). It's what nature intended cows to eat.

Showman Farms is the only Pennsylvania permitted raw milk supplier in Erie County. Raw Milk is a non-pasteurized, non-homogenized, unprocessed, natural, probiotic beverage. Compared to industrial milk, dairy foods from grass-fed cows contain more omega-3 fats, more vitamin A, and more beta-carotene and other antioxidants. This is the milk our parents drank. (It separates in the refrigerator.) How much? Bring your own gallon container and fill 'er up for $4/gallon. You can also purchase farm fresh eggs produced by chickens that are free range and cage free for $2.50/dozen.

Showman Farms also operates the Conneauttee Creamery, The Home of Artisan Cheeses. The cheese produced is fresh and high quality with no additives or perservatives. Conneauttee Creamery makes both raw and pasteurized cheeses. The prices range from $7-12/lb, however not all the cheeses are available at all times. Here's the list of the pasteurized cheeses: Goosey’s Gouda, Cheddar Curds, Bear Cheddar, Camembert de Bleu (seasonal), Lumpa Jack (hot, onion, garlic, and horseradish), Jenny’s Jarlsburg, Rings Havarti (plain or dill). And Raw Milk Cheeses: Goosey's Gouda and Jenny's Jarlsburg.

Showman Farms is located on 2551 Crane Road, Edinboro, PA 16412, and is open Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Change Your Perspective

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” ~ Mary Engelbreit

I happened upon a nice article on Tiny Buddha by Kevin Tyler Smith. He talked about feeling unhappy, discontent, and dispare. And I think many of us have felt this way about pieces of our life at one time. He says, "you can choose to change that feeling if you lift your veil of dismay and aim to create clarity about your life and what matters.

"Maybe you feel like the fire is gone and there’s just nothing exciting in your life. Maybe you’re just plain disheartened with who you have become and the life you are living. No matter how discontent you might feel, know it’s only temporary."

Smith suggests focusing on these 12 gifts and the world will seem like a much brighter place:

1. Your buddy network.
Friends are there to comfort and guide you every step of the way. They also deal with trials every now and then, like you. It is adventurously therapeutic for you to walk together, communicate authentically, and support each other through times of difficulty.

2. Your beautiful world.
Stop and take time to appreciate the trees, the birds, and the wind blowing in your face. Look around you. It’s a magnificent world that’s available to you 24 hours a day—for free. The simplest things that can make you happy are around you, right now.

3. Your ability to work.
Even if you’re currently out of work, there are opportunities, and you will seize one eventually. It’s always empowering to realize you have options to earn and take care of yourself.

4. Your opportunity to travel.
It’s a big world out there and you have the chance to explore new sights and different experiences. The cultures of other countries will leave you mesmerized with how congruent or vastly different we all are, even though we live under the same blue sky. And if you can’t travel far, you can still venture to unfamiliar places and experience something new.

5. Your opportunity for altruism.
Release worries about your own plight and focus on others in need. Join causes and relief programs, talk to a suffering friend, or assist people in hospitals. When you take the focus off of your life through meaningful advocacy and volunteering, you will make a difference and appreciate how fulfilled you really are.

6. Your family.
You most likely have a partner, a child, or a relative who heavily depends on you. These people enjoy life in part because you are alive. This is an important role, treat it with care.

7. Your role in the environment.
Your time here on earth will determine how the future generations will live theirs. Quite empowering, huh? People today have a responsibility to keep the environment safe for others to enjoy down the road. Life is meant to be shared, including the generations that follow.

8. Your uniqueness.
Grab a pen and paper and write down all your skills and talents, no matter how small. You may be surprised at how many you have that you do not utilize. Start sharing these gifts to bring joy to others around you, and give them the chance to appreciate your uniqueness.

9. Your blessings.
Pessimists have the habit of complaining about things they don’t have. Do the exact opposite and love your life for the things that you do have, no matter how little. Be thankful for your home, your food, and the people you care about in your life.

10. Your goals.
Goals make you feel alive and keep you motivated. Challenges make people stronger. If you keep working toward your dreams, you will feel more confident and empowered with every passing day.

11. Your modern technology.
Technology enables us to share and learn on websites. We are fortunate to have access to tools that enrich our lives. Technology also enables us to stay connected with friends, family, and mentors who in the past it was more challenging to remain close with. We are now able to reach out for support with ease and without much obtrusion.

12. Your potential.
Be part of the big solution in changing the world for the better. Every person has a moral responsibility to live their life mindfully and bring about positive change for others. The cause and advocacy may vary, but as a whole, our commitment to utilize our potential makes life and the world better for everyone.

We have options to combat a negative outlook on life. Of course, we still have to deal with the natural ebb and flow of happiness and sadness in life, but that gets easier with practice. Choose to see what’s right about the world. Then go out there and really live.

Iran So Far

YouTube-sday: Chili for One

Foto Friday: Grand Canyon Sunrise

April 6, 2011. Sunrise over the Grand Canyon.

Mother Nature's finest. No words needed.

Lil' Bit o' History

Erie-ites, what's the oldest building in the City of Erie?

Dickson Tavern is located at the corner of 2nd and French Streets in downtown Erie. The three-story, Federal and Greek Revival-style building was constructed in 1815 by William Himrod and owned by John Dickson. It was owned by Erie from 1924-2004 and it was used for a time as the Perry Memorial House museum.

Dickson, a shipbuilder and a prisoner-of-war, bought a plot of land on the corner of 2nd and French Streets after the War of 1812 where, in 1815, William Himrod built a tavern. The tavern itself was named by Dickson the "Exchange Coffee House" to appeal to the higher class. Dickson was known for hosting outdoor banquets during the summer months. One such banquet, on June 9, 1825, was attended by the Marquis de Lafayette, who visited Erie on his return to the United States. Dickson moved to Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1829 and opened another establishment. He moved to Pittsburgh two years later and sold the tavern in Erie for $1,800 ($37 thousand in 2011 dollars).

The tavern continued to be used as an eating establishment by various owners, until it was sold 1841. In 1841, an addition was made to the building and it was used as a residence until 1924. It was then acquired by the city and faced demolition. The building's interior was modified from 1928 to 1963 for use as a museum and became known as the Perry Memorial House. The museum was closed in 2004 and Dickson has since remained vacant. In November 2009, a local architectural firm, Kidder Wachtner, bought the tavern and is currently renovating the building for use as its office.

It was often alleged that the tunnels under the Dickson Tavern were part of the Underground Railroad, since the tavern is located about two blocks from the port. It is said former slaves were hidden in the fruit cellar below the bar. The house is of secret passages, false walls, and a tunnel leading to the water, where fugitives departed for Canada.

Another reason for the claim, William Himrod, a local partner in iron companies, who built the tavern, was a white abolitionist, active in the Underground Railroad, and a founding member of Erie's Antislavery Society. In 1824, Himrod established the French Street School for Colored Children in Erie, which became known as The Himrod Mission. It was a station on the Underground Railroad. Himrod purchase a large tract of land in 1927 that was separated from the City of Erie by a deep ravine. He sold the lots at an affordable price to African Americans and destitute white. The area, known as Jerusalem, was a haven for fugitive slaves.

However recent reports dispute the claim Dickson Tavern was part of the Underground Railroad for two main reasons. Erie was closely watched by slave catchers because of its proximity to Canada, so it was very difficult to move fugitives around the local docks. Some historians say the tunnel that was reportedly used by fugitives to get down to the bay was probably a cistern that held rainwater runoff.

Wild Wednesday: DIY Greener Cleaners

Household cleaning products can be dangerous for you and for nature. This week's tips are about how to get things sparkling using better options that you make yourself. Household cleaning products can be dangerous for you and for nature. Sierra Club shares how to get things sparkling using better options that you make yourself.
Tip #1: Make your own wiper fluid.
Next time you run out of windshield-wiper fluid, think twice before running to the store. Traditional wiper fluid, due to the main ingredient, methyl alcohol, is extremely toxic when ingested -- a danger for kids and pets. Instead, use vinegar and water to clean your windshield in the summer months or in warmer climes (the mixture can freeze if it's too cold). Another option is a mixture of water, isopropyl alcohol, and dishwashing soap. If you're in an experimenting mood, try mixing a green cleaner you already have at home with water to see how well it works.

Tip #2: Natural stain removers.
No one likes the smell (or health or environmental effects) of bleach. Use lemon juice to whiten fabrics instead, and a mixture of lemon juice and salt to remove individual stains. Adding half a cup of baking soda to your wash could also get rid of tough stains without the scrubbing. Spilled red wine? Try putting some white wine over it. Glycerin, dishwashing soap, and water can also work wonders. If it's oil you're trying to get out, use baby powder to soak it up: It's a beauty secret for hair that works on clothes and upholstery too.

Tip #3: Use DIY metal and furniture cleaners.
Ever thought about using ketchup to shine your metal? It might just work for polishing your brass, according to The Ecology Center. A mixture of baking soda, water, salt, and aluminum foil makes a cleansing bath for silver. The center has many more recipes for ingenious, eco-friendly solutions to make everything from your silverware to your wood furniture shine.

Tip #4: Deodorize and shine your shoes.
To make the surface of your shoes gleam, use a combination of olive oil and lemon juice. If your sneakers emit an offensive smell, Livestrong suggests using arrow root starch, potato starch, or corn starch and baking soda. Other sites suggest spraying your shoes with strong black tea so that tannin — a compound known for its leather-making and odor-busting properties — can suck up the odors. Just make sure you have dark shoes or don't mind staining the insides of them.

YouTube-sday: Who's the Boss

Happy Columbus Day!

Foto Friday: Airport Mesa

On our second day in Sedona, Arizona, we were only there in the morning before we needed to drive to the Grand Canyon. We woke up and decided to go for a quick walk to try to find the easiest vortex to get to. We didn't know where we were going or what we were looking for; we never found the vortex. But the views on Airport Mesa trail at Overlook Point and Courthouse Butte Vista more than made up for the fact we didn't feel a vortex.

April 5, 2011 - Courthouse Butte Vista.

Five in Five: C

Five things I love that start with the letter C.

1) Cheesecake. I don't really like cake or cupcakes, but damn I love cheesecake. I know. I know. How can I not like cake? It's too sweet and the sponginess doesn't thrill me. I guess it's not that I don't like it (well - maybe it is), but I just would much rather spend those calories on cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, chocolate (oh shoot, I'm going to have more than five items on this list, I fear). I love the creaminess of cheesecake; the texture is so smooth. I love how cheesecake isn't extremely sweet, even the really decadent flavors are never as teeth-hurting as cake's buttercream frosting.

2) Cheese. I'm a big fan of the artery-clogging dairy product. I always have some in my frig. It's my go-to snack, it's my go-to appetizer, it's my go-to meal topper, it's my go-to meal (depending on how empty my frig is). Currently, as autumn is upon us, let me recommend some fresh, extra-sharp, Vermont cheddar with a cold glass of apple cider. Delish! Your mouth will experience the leaves changing... or something like that.

3) Chocolate. Hopefully this entire list won't all be about food. But how could I post about the letter C without including chocolate? There's not much to say except: my life would be a very sad place if there was no chocolate. I've always wanted to host/plan a chocolate tasting event using the local Erie chocolatiers (mainly because I've always wanted to attend such an event). Erie Times-New's Chew On It blog did a tasting and review of the local delights: here and here. I think my favorite Erie chocolatier is Pulakos, but I have never really compared it to a blind taste test. I definitely think an alumni event will be happening in the future.

4) Coats. As the temperatures change, it is almost time to get out the winter coats. I have a lot. I never have an issue purchasing another new coat for the season. We in Erie get our wear out of them. We probably wear winter coats for about half the year, trench/rain coats for about a quarter of the year, and only three months a year are spent sans coat. I have more than a dozen winter coats and a handful of spring/fall trench coats. I wear them based on what matches best with my outfit. Spice them up for different gloves and scarves. And even though, not many people see my outer outfit daily. I see it. And I enjoy not only staying warm, but also staying on trend.

5) Creativity. I miss high school crafts class. I miss having an hour a day to sit and draw, paint, cut, fold, and try new things. We all need more creativity in our lives, it stimulates the brain. It helps focus the mind. It relieves stress. Whether you take photos, dance, sing, paint, write, make jewelry, act, garden, cook, blog, or something else, you express yourself. And that creativity supports happiness. It feeds the soul. How do you foster your creative juices? How will you continue to develop your imagination? Next time you are near a craft store go inside. Become inspired by the paints, beads, frames, paper, flowers, glass, wood. Taking something (a blank canvas, an empty frame, or word document) from white to covered in beauty or text is satisfying. And not just satisfying, but it norishes bliss. We often forget to continue creativity into adulthood

Wild Wednesday: Green Acts of Kindness

Making the world a better place isn't limited to protecting Earth's physical resources: We've got to improve the person-to-person environment too. Here are some tips from Sierra Club on how to treat your fellow humans a little bit better with actions that just so happen to help the planet too.

Tip #1: Hold the elevator door.
Isn't it the worst when you're walking toward an elevator full of people only to see its door shut just when you're close enough to get on? Decide to be the person who gallantly holds the door open for someone -- it'll improve morale and save electricity and hydraulic fluid: Why should the elevator have to use the energy to make two trips when it can make just one?

Tip #2: Give excess away.
Do you feel a tinge of guilt when the waiter whisks away half of that oversized portion you couldn’t stuff into your belly? Instead of sending that food to a landfill where it’ll emit methane as it decomposes, take the leftovers in a to-go box (no plastic bag, please) and politely offer it to the first homeless person you see. Chances are he or she is hungry and will be happy to get a free lunch or dinner. The same goes for excess clothes: If you haven’t worn something in a year, it belongs to someone who wants it more.

Tip #3: Let it grow.
Imagine a world without plants. Or even with half the amount of plants that exist now. Pretty grim, isn’t it? With that stark possibility that in mind, make efforts to beautify the spaces around you with bursts of life. Do you know of a bare piece of soil? Make it blossom! You, too, can be a guerrilla gardener or a seed bomber. Short on time? Greening your surroundings can be as simple as buying a pretty plant and leaving it anonymously on someone’s doorstep.

Tip #4: Be creative.
The most genuine act of kindness is one that arises spontaneously out of your own inspiration. Approach each day with a “How can I help?” attitude and you’re sure to see dozens of things you can do for others and the environment. Need motivation? Peruse the long list of ideas at the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

YouTube-sday: Y U No Throw?

I'm the Greatest Star

On Glee last week, Kurt sang "I'm the Greatest Star" from Funny Girl.

I wanted to share the original by the ultimate star, Barbara Streisand.

Happy October 1!

Try something new for 30 days. Small changes = sustainable.



I saw this over on atouchofcass, who stumbled upon it at Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days— on TED.

One of the goal ideas, write a novel in 30 days. All you have to do is write around 1,600 words a day. I started to write a book last August and only made it 425 words. So, I probably shouldn't make that my first 30-day challenge.

Maybe I will start with taking one picture everyday. It would certainly help me remember my month better. But it also might reveal how boring I am, especially when every picture ends up being of my dog.

What is something small you have always wanted to do? Do you think you could commit to it for 30 days? Why or why not?