2/14/13 SNOW, Valentines Day, Beer Tasting

2/14/13

Chester inspecting the snowfall we got during the night

Look how cute Chester is with the snow on his nose.

This picture was cute too!

Couldn’t decide which to post

so I put them both on Picture of the Day.

Driving to work – very picturesque!

Michael’s Valentine presents

on the envelope

Heart bike tire!

I thought this was GREAT!!!

Ta-Da!! Michael’s Valentine Present from ME.

It’s beer I’ve been saving to give him.

and some I had from Christmas & forgot about.

Michael gave me a few bottles of wine!

Pat picked up this HEART SHAPED Pizza for us 🙂

how cool!!

Does anyone need some

Belated Valentine Sparkling Wine??

We still have some available at my store.

We had a beer tasting tonight & started with this.

We liked it, not loved it.

we LOVED this label, not the beer so much…..

friends Tanya, Jim, ME & neighbor Deb.

Valentine Dates for tonight.

conclusion of the Valentines Day Tasting…..

a little taste for each of us.

weird kisser……

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.

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POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
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Too many people overvalue what they are not

and undervalue what they are.

— Malcolm Forbes
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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

February 14, 2013

Wednesday 2/13/13 Wine Concierge at your service

Wednesday 2/13/13

Weasel in her dog cave waiting patiently for breakfast.

she actually arranges the pillows so she can lean her

head on them.

the gym! Boot Camp Wednesday.

I was performing Wine Concierge services today.

friend Mary is hosting a wine/food pairing dinner.

today we met at the liquor store & we found wines

to pour for the dinner. Anyone else need help?

Mark (on the left) helped us & on the right

is friend Chas – he manages the store.

doggie waiting for his owner!

after wine shopping Mary & I went to Vic Sushi

for dinner – it’s an awesome sushi place –

one of the best in the area!

http://www.vicsushi.com/

spicy combo roll mmmmmm

follow Maddie the Coonhound on her tour of the states

Today is a new day! The trailer is wrapped and ready for all 50 states (and some of Canada too). Look for the Maddie book tour and Why We Rescue websites to launch later this week.

I’m pumped to meet all ya’ll out on the road! It’s going to be an amazing 10 months. Hats off to Purina One for enabling this documentary.

If you’re not waking up each morning doing something you love I want to encourage ya’ll to live a better story! Do what you love. Live your passion. We only get one go around.

~Theron

http://thiswildidea.com/about

dogs = floor sweepers

No mater what…………….

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Perseverance is a great element of success.
If you only knock long enough at the gate,
you are sure to wake up somebody.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

February 13, 2013

2/12/13 gym, dogs, Chef Helen featured in Hel’s Kitchen

2/12/13

Maddie says: let’s get this class started!!

In all fairness – the teacher has been better

about starting on time!

stopped off at Wegmans before heading home

got a Truffle fix – butter, cheese & spread. mmmm

to be used later in Quesadilla making.

the dogs all rambunctious before going on a walk

Weasel sporting her stylish lucky leopard coat

Checking in at Daniels Den – all is well with Mary!

Chester inspecting the remnants of snow dog 😦

I had LOTS of cooking to do today

first task at hand was making roasted peppers

I did my peppers on the stove top =

I didn’t feel like using the outdoor grill.

this batch of roasted peppers was REALLY good.

I don’t use a recipe so they come out different

each time I make them. The “secret” is a splash

of white balsamic vinegar.

oh yeah – Shitake mushroom “bacon” –

this stuff is addicting!!

http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/bacon-mushroom-recipe

I made a batch of Canine Casserole for the dogs.

It’s a lot of work bc it involves cooking

Rice, Chicken, Carrots, Green Beans,

and this time I used Sweet Potatoes –

the dogs LOVE this!

next was my famous guacamole –

particularly tasty this time —

I don’t use a “recipe” I just go by what’s in my head

(& refrigerator!)

whipped up a batch of Sangria with wine that was awful.

http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/tasty-sangria-everyone-will-ask-for-this-reci

Made 5 different kinds of Quesadillas:

Fresh Mozzarella with Prosciutto

Shredded Mozzarella with Roasted Peppers

Truffled Cheese with truffle spread

Truffled Cheese with shitake “bacon”

Plain shredded Mexican cheese blend

AND….. I got EVERYTHING done & crossed off

my list that I hoped to accomplish today.

YAY – I LOVE when this happens bc it is RARE!

for those who did not see the Westminster Dog show.

Here is the winner: Banana Joe!

Best in Show at Westminster 2013 :

the Affenpinscher, Banana Joe.

You get to see all your dogs in Heaven??

I can’t wait to die!

my friend Stephanie posted this picture the other day.

A “five dog” car alarm…..

They were all calling for their daddy!

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“The true essence of humankind is kindness. There are other qualities which come from education or knowledge, but it is essential, if one wishes to be a genuine human being and impart satisfying meaning to one’s existence, to have a good heart.”

Tenzin Gyatso

kindness

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

February 12, 2013

2/11/13 Another Center City Adventure, Lunch with Maureen, dinner for us & fish

2/11/13

I needed to go into the city today for another exam.

maybe I can just get a job taking tests??

This is a photo of Billy Penn in the fog.

Back to the Civil Service Commission to take an exam

for the job of Alcohol Education Expert.

I don’t think it’s teaching people how to drink.

My appointment wasn’t until next month so I went

today on Standby & was able to sit for the exam.

Sculpture outside the Gallery Mall

Met up with Maureen, an old friend from High School.

I remembered she was on staycation this week so we

were able to meet for lunch. It was GREAT catching up 🙂

the guy we commissioned to take our photo.

I had him convinced he took his own photo

instead of him taking ours.

Strangers are usually always willing to help!

our friend Michael has Seafood Saturday every week.

Today we had Seafood Monday. Steamed clams were tasty!

Vets of America are picking up “Stuff” from our porch

on Wednesday. You can toss your giveaways on my

porch if you want OR call that number & have them

drive by your house! 800-775-8387.

fortunately, I think the groundhog got our

forecast right but not in other parts….

snow dog melting away…..

see his eyes on the ground??

(blue racquetballs)

stopped over the neighbors to feed the fish

& take them for a swim

see the Kissin
g Fish?

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“Associate yourself with people of good quality,

for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

Booker T. Washington

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

February 11, 2013

2/10/13 Erica & Adam’s Wedding in New City, New York

2/10/13

Erica & her family have been GREAT friends of

Michael’s family pretty much forever.

They always called his parents Mom-mom & Pop-pop

and consider them to be family.

Today, we were invited to Erica’s wedding

held in New City, New York.

The wedding was held at the New City Jewish Center

where Adam celebrated his Bar Mitzvah many years ago.

Erica with Michael’s mom

Adam signing the ketubah.

A ketubah (Hebrew: ???????????????????? ; “document”; pl. ketubot) is a special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride.

my favorite picture to take is always that of

the groom as the bride to be approaches.

Adam is HAPPY 🙂

Later…….

I was able to get a picture with Erica’s husband Adam!

Erica’s family….

It was great sharing this day with

Erica & Adam 🙂

Glad we could be a part of it!!

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You can see ALL the pictures from today’s Wedding Here:

http://helenspicturesoftheday.shutterfly.com/pictures/1552

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Some Words Of Wisdom

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
Answers by children

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
>Alan,age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
>Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
>Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
On the first date, they just tell
each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
>Martin, age 10

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
>Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

And the Favorite is……..
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
1. Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
>Ricky, age 10

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Shar
e 🙂

February 10, 2013

Saturday 2/9/13 SNOW, errands, snowdog, Happy Birthday!

Saturday 2/9/13

Seamus snow covered!

“Nemo” hit us but not like the New England states.

They got like 3 feet of snow & we got about 3 inches!

On the snow blower — a bunny & a turtle.

Michael was trying to teach me how to use the snow blower.

It was a disaster – me learning the snow blower.

I still have NO IDEA what bunny and/or Turtle mean!

I’m just going to shovel from here on out…..

it’s easier…. in some ways…..

We went over to our neighbors & shoveled/snow blowed

as they were out of town.

Denise – did you know about this bird nest???

kind of cool!

Meeting of the snow blowers in the Alley!

Ted’s snow blower has HAND WARMERS!!!

Michael trying to tell our Chinese neighbor,

using hand signals only, that his snow blower spark plugs

were bad – this was interesting….. just talk loud –

or not all. It was like a game of Charades.

Doing some “research” for our friend Jackie…..

real Moose Head $300

fake Rhino $400

We stopped at the Beer Store to get some Chicory Stout.

I didn’t realize it was just a seasonal beer.

Got to snatch up what we can find before it is sold out.

We have none left at my store & only one 4 pack here.

snow man & snow dog

the snow dog that inspired me to build my own

Chester “helping” build a snow dog

our snow dog!

Here are our Snow Dogs!!!

snow dog & Chester Rose Butt Sniffer.

At one point, Chester stole one of the dog eyes –

they were racquetballs!

here is the cape – Super Snow Dog!

only use local & organic carrots for your snowmen nose

Birds using the bird house to hunker down in.

That’s why I leave up the houses.

For the Birds!

friend Amy’s birthday today (#40!!!!!)

Happy Birthday Amyson 🙂

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All you need to be happy is within you.

Many people seek happiness in

food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, partying, sex …

because they’re seeking external happiness.

They don’t realize the tools for happiness

aren’t outside them. They’re right inside you:

mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, thoughtfulness,

the ability to create and do something meaningful,

even in a small way.

~Leo Babauta

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

February 9, 2013

Friday 2/8/13 Nemo (the storm), Key West, Pour House, snow, Mad Elf

Friday 2/8/13

Today all the talk on the East Coast is

Storm Nemo!!!

First off – WHO gets to name storms?

I want THAT job.

secondly) WHY are people in such a panic HERE?

Yes – New England is getting 3 feet of snow

& we are getting a few inches.

This means the liquor store will be super BUSY!

meanwhile – neighbor Denise is relaxing

by the pool in KEY WEST!

neighbor Roman in Key West after a round of golf!

CHEERS!

Since Michael is not home much he gets to pick where we go.

Plus it doesn’t hurt to go places you have gift cards/coupons!

Pour House was tonight’s choice. Decent beer line up on draft.

We made friends with SCOTT (left) & a friend

from Volleyball (Mark) was sitting behind us

& he KNEW Scott. Photo opp!

You never know who you are going to run into.

Not sure I can make this event as I am

working that night doing my own tasting (wine)

but maybe afterwards?? Anyone else?

We had dinner with friends Jim & Colleen.

LOOK CLOSE — what is this?? can you guess??

Michael cleaning off the car –

NEMO arrived while we were in the Pour House

driving home

Somehow Michael found a case of Mad Elf.

This is a highly sought after beer that I can’t

say I particularly like…. do you??

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POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
——————————————————–

There is only one way to happiness

and that is to cease worrying

about things which are beyond

the power of our will.

— Epictetus

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remember you can ALWAYS see Picture of the Day here:
http://helentdiehl.posterous.com/

feel free to Share 🙂

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What would helen do?

2/14/13 SNOW, Valentines Day, Beer Tasting

Wednesday 2/13/13 Wine Concierge at your service

2/12/13 gym, dogs, Chef Helen featured in Hel’s Kitchen

2/11/13 Another Center City Adventure, Lunch with Maureen, dinner for us & fish

“Associate yourself with people of good quality,

for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

2/10/13 Erica & Adam’s Wedding in New City, New York

Saturday 2/9/13 SNOW, errands, snowdog, Happy Birthday!

Friday 2/8/13 Nemo (the storm), Key West, Pour House, snow, Mad Elf

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