Category: Life

Closing out the year in pictures, song, and dance.

Post author By admin
Post date December 29, 2021

Another year has come and gone. So I would like to think that someone like me who is very political was able to show the softer side of 2021. We were able to keep politics off this website. So I would like to share some of the photos here. Some old, some new.

As we look forward to 2022 please share any pictures, or music. Or if you have a gif you think worth’s sharing, please do. May your new year be filled with joy.

This Christmas we had two tablecloths.

And can you ever forget our table cloth closet?

And years ago a bunch of recording artists got together for this tune.

And someone who left us knew how to change things around when it came to song and dance.

How about my favorite. FOOD.

How about a few giffs?

Who can forget our famous Apple Works?

Or Lemon Works.

In the spring we had our world famous Ghetto garden.

We also had Easter decorations.

And we had Valentine’s.

And we celebrated the Irish.

In the summer we were Patriotic.

In the fall we had our Pumpkins.

In the winter, Icicles

And of course after 34 years, we went back to Hale Farm.

And we went thrifting.

And in the comments we will show the new.

Tags Dance, Pictures, Song

Gifs Holidays Life Pictures

Early American Christmas at the M C House.

Post author By admin
Post date December 24, 2021

As you must know by now, my wife loves to decorate. She adds something new to the old. I help her as we go around Ohio and Western Pennsylvania looking for items for our different themes.

In a time When Christmas was not widely celebrated in the US, a “Christmas Family” arrives as immigrants. As the holiday approaches, they joyously prepare—dipping bayberry candles, making decorations for the tree, and baking Christmas cookies. When all is complete, the final tradition is observed—lighted candles are placed in each window to welcome the coming of the Christ Child, and the family gathers to sing carols and hear the Bible story of the birth of Jesus. DePaola shows us each traditional preparation in gleeful detail, from gold-painted walnuts and papercut decorations for the tree to Christmas cookies in the shapes of tulips, lovebirds, and “hearts in hand.” His brightly colored, folk-art style nicely complements his story of one family’s way of celebrating Christmas. Avoiding holiday sentimentality without sacrificing joy in the season, this is a nice addition to holiday book collections.

This may be our last decorating article. It has been a labor of love. I hope you enjoyed the different decorations.

Tags Early American, MC House

Gifs Holidays Life Music Pictures

Let’s hear it for a Christmas song or movie.

Post author By admin
Post date December 9, 2021

I’m in the spirit early. So play a Christmas Song or name a Christmas movie. Or post the video.

Whether you’re in the mood for a tried-and-true family holiday classic or a romantic Hallmark Christmas movie that’s as saccharine as a plate of freshly-baked sugar cookies, there are so many must-watch holiday films to choose from on our list, including Christmas movies for kids, so-bad-they’re good holiday rom-coms, funny Christmas comedies and even Christmas horror movies. Our definitive list of the best Christmas movies of all time features flicks old and new, classic and modern, so there’s truly something for everyone in the family to bond over. So whip up some Christmas cocktails and home-theater snacks (a.k.a. gingerbread cookies), hunker down and start your holiday movie marathon right now!

https://youtu.be/cAa4EH7KA7s

Life Uncategorized

Is retirement what you thought it would be? If not retired, what are your plans when you do retire?

Post author By admin
Post date November 15, 2021

I retired from my regular employment a year and a half ago. Sure I get paid for being a writer, but this isn’t a job for me. Going into retirement I really had no expectations. Now that there’s one thing that has changed and my wife noticed it also. The days go by quickly.

It’s unbelievable that the days and months really pass you by. It seems as if there’s never enough time in the day. I thought that more things would get done as far as house work. Now we have done a lot of day trips. Now how about other retiree’s out there? Share with us.

Now the folks looking at retirement. What are your plans? Any idea of what you will be doing for the rest of your life?

Tags Old age, Retirement

Life Music

Let’s hear it for the Animals

Post author By admin
Post date November 13, 2021

People love their pets. So it makes sense musicians with pets would put their love of their animals into their songs about pets or inspired by pets. Whether it’s a ballad to fuzzy felines or golden harmonies for goldfish, it seems there’s been a song written about every creature humans have domesticated. So the next time you and Mr. Cuddles want to spend some quality music listening time together, throw on one of these pet-inclined tracks. Both your pets and your ears will purr.

Some refer to animals right in their titles, but not all of these pet songs are obvious. “Martha My Dear,” by the Beatles, for example, seems to be about a woman but was actually written for Paul McCartney’s pet dog. Norah Jones, meanwhile, wrote “Man of the Hour” for her poodle. The song comes from her album The Fall, on the cover of which she is depicted with a Saint Bernard (not her actual dog).

Tags Animals, Music, Pets

Gifs Life Uncategorized

So if you wear jeans, what’s your style?

Post author By admin
Post date November 10, 2021

I usually don’t start wearing jeans until November. I’m a casual shorts type of guy. But from November to March, it’s jeans. I don’t like the faded look. Also cause I have no behind I wear skinny jeans.

Now I prefer straight leg cut. Years ago boot cut was my fave. But enough about me, how about you?

Tags Boot, Flair, Jeans, Straight, Styles

Gifs Life Music

Let’s hear it for your favorite artists or bands.

Post author By admin
Post date November 6, 2021

How about playing your favorite songs by your favorite artists or bands. Play what ever tunes that you wish.

Tags Favorites, Gifs, Mysic

Gifs Life Pictures Uncategorized

The MC Fall roll out and yes we have Pumpkins.

Post author By admin
Post date October 29, 2021

From apples to pumpkins. OH MY.-Primo Gif.

Well apple time as well as the summer is gone for another year. and if interested, we have 74 apples in the decorations. But with the fall we have a pumpkin theme. And no I don’t know how many pumpkins were used. But as always we have pictures.

Putting the apples away and bringing out the pumpkins.

A few add ons before we start the show. We got a shaker chair to go with the farm implement, Russy the Rooster, and the jug. It cost $1.00.

This original shaker chair goes for about $1,200.

Here’s a few projects completed.

Items we collected and bought this week.

So sit back and enjoy the pictures my friends. Pumpkin mania is here.

Tags Apples, Fall, Pumpkins

Food Life Uncategorized

Bodybuilding Chicken Parmesan

Post author By admin
Post date October 24, 2021

Like chicken parmesan? Want a healthier option? This Bodybuilding Chicken Parmesan recipe is quick, healthy, great for meal prep, delicious, and packed with protein. The best part? You only need a couple ingredients to make it.

Eat your Bodybuilding Chicken Parmesan in a sandwich, over some pasta, rice, high protein quinoa, or even just vegetables if you’re watching your carbs!

Ingredients

1 ½ Pounds Chicken Breast – 24 Ounces
2 Extra Large Egg Whites
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
⅔ Cup Bread Crumbs – 60g Whole Wheat
8 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese – 40g Grated
½ Cup Pasta Sauce – 123g
¾ Cup Mozzarella Cheese – 84g Reduced Fat

Instructions

Take out your Chicken Breast, trim the fat off of them, and cut them in half (so that they are thin)
In one smaller bowl add in your Egg Whites and Olive Oil
Mix those together
In another large bowl add in your Bread Crumbs and Parmesan Cheese
Mix those together
Take out a baking sheet, coat it with some non-stick cooking spray, and put your Chicken Breast onto your baking sheet
Lightly brush your wet mix onto both sides of your Chicken Breast slices
Dunk them into your dry mix
Coat the top of your Chicken Breast with some non-stick cooking spray
Put them into the oven on 450F/232C for 20 minutes
Take them out, flip them over, and evenly distribute your Pasta Sauce + Mozzarella Cheese over the top of them
Put them back into the oven on 450F/232C for another 5-10 minutes (or until your cheese is melted)

Notes

Calories in each serving (if you make 6):

Calories: 252
Fat: 7.1g
Saturated Fat: 2.3g
Sodium: 335mg
Carbs: 9.1g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1.6g
Protein: 37.8g

Nutrition

Tags Chicken, Dinner, Keto, Low Carb, Meal Prep, Oven

Life Music Uncategorized

Let’s hear it for the horses.

Post author By admin
Post date October 14, 2021

For the horse obsessed, you can never get enough equine influence. So, while you’re riding in your car, wishing you were riding a horse instead, you can turn on any of the following tunes to get your equestrian fix for the moment. Granted, not all of these songs are actually about horses, but they all have something to do with horses and the cowboy life, making them the perfect tracks to listen to when you can’t be mounted on horseback. While they can’t replace the time you spend with a horse, these songs might just get you through until your next ride.

Tags Horses, Music

Life Pictures Travel

Who says you can’t go back? We did 34 years later. Hale Farm.

Post author By admin
Post date October 11, 2021

The Hale Farm is now a living history museum. © Denny Reiser

In a continuation of our 33rd Wedding Anniversary we went back to a place we visited 34 years ago. Yes a year before we married. So I hope you enjoy the pictures and if ever in Ohio, please visit. Hale Farm.

An autumn day at Hale Farm.

At the Cuyahoga Valley’s southwestern edge sits an impressive three-story red brick house surrounded by 140 acres of fields, gardens, and woods. Familiar to many school children, it is now a popular regional attraction that overlooks a recreated historical village.

Despite the building’s grandeur, Hale Farm began like any other farm: with hard work. In 1810, farmer Jonathan Hale arrived in Bath to begin a new life on he Western Reserve.

For over one hundred years, generations of the Hale family worked and managed their land. In the early 1900s, the farm passed to Jonathan’s grandson, C.O. Hale, a kind and ambitious man who hired local families as farm laborers. Part of a newer trend in “gentleman farming,” C.O. Hale oversaw the work on his property and earned additional income by entertaining friends and tourists.

Jonathan Hale and his family settled in the Cuyahoga Valley in 1810 and began a tradition of farming, family and entrepreneurship. In 1956 Clara Belle Richie, the great granddaughter of Jonathan, bequeathed the family farm to the Western Reserve Historical Society, “to be established as a museum so that the greatest number of persons might learn about the history and culture of the Western Reserve.”

The museum first opened its doors in 1958, and over the course of the next 60+ years the Hale’s family farm was transformed into a experiential learning laboratory. It is this space that has been the platform for delivering programming which provides a lifetime of social value.

Tags 33 years, 34 years later, Hale Farm

Gifs Life Music Uncategorized

Let’s get the weekend going with a free for all.

Post author By admin
Post date October 9, 2021

Let's hear what's on your free for all playlist.playlist.

Let’s get the weekend going with a free for all.With the weekend, I’LL let you pick your favorites.

Tags Free for all, giffs, Music

Life Uncategorized

Do you go thrifting?

Post author By admin
Post date October 7, 2021

There’s nothing like a good thrift store find to make you feel like the world’s best shopper.

So My wife and I went thrifting yesterday. Not the first time, won’t be the last. Some may ask, what’s thrifting? Simply put, thrifting means to go shopping at a thrift store, garage sale, or flea market where you’ll find gently used items at discounted prices. Thrifted items have been loved by a previous owner, but are usually in good shape with enough life left to be useful to a new owner.

Thrift shopping is not only a fun way to find unique finds, but it’s also a way to give back to the community. By shopping at or donating to Thrift stores you’re helping them provide no-cost career services to the community. Essentially, a clothing or household donation to Thrifts helps fight unemployment in our community. It’s nice to know that when you’re shopping, you’re also providing jobs.

We mostly go for items that are used in seasonal decorations. Some make it on our front or back porch. What can be found at a thrift store?

Appliances
Bedding
Books & Media
Clothing & Accessories
Cooking Accessories
Drapery
Electronics
Furniture
Games
Household Goods
Kitchenware
Knick-knacks
Linens
Mobility Items
Musical Instruments
Outdoor Items
Shoes
Sports Equipment
Tools
Toys
We also donate to some of the different thrift stores.

Tags Bargains galore, Thrift shopping, Thrifting

Gifs Life Music

Let’s hear it for the fall.

Post author By admin
Post date October 6, 2021

It’s that time of year again. With the kids back in school once again and the days growing shorter and the shadows growing longer. The long hot days are over as the temps are getting milder and evenings getting cooler.

Autumn — when the slanting rays of fading summer sun turn the leaves from bright green to harvest gold, barn red, and every color in between… eventually giving way to barren treetops.

Little things like a good song and good company. It’s a great time to put together your own mp3 playlist or burn your next seasonal CD with the music of the changing seasons. A lot of these are tranquil and mood reflecting to unwind with while a few others are more hip and invite you to unleash your inner-self. There’s a variety of genres here to choose from to reflect your taste and mood. Enjoy!

Tags Autumn, Fall, Music

Food Gifs Life Uncategorized

Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Post author By admin
Post date September 28, 2021

Recipe can be found here.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These buffalo chicken sliders are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd quickly and easily. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, everyone will love the spicy rotisserie chicken sandwiched between soft dinner rolls with ranch dressing, melted cheese, and crunchy coleslaw.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Author Kristen Stevens

Servings: sliders

Ingredients

▢ 1 12 pack dinner rolls
▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella
▢ 3 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
▢ ½ cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
▢ ½ cup ranch dressing
▢ 1 tablespoon habanero hot sauce (optional, if you want it really spicy)
▢ 2 cups premixed bagged coleslaw
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the dinner rolls in half so you have a top and bottom piece. Place the bottom half in a large baking dish (a lasagna pan works well) and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the top.

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and if using, the habanero hot sauce. Spread this evenly over the buns in the baking dish.
Mix the bagged coleslaw them spread it on top of the buffalo chicken. Top with the remaining mozzarella then put the tops of the buns on top.
Melt the butter, mix in the Italian seasoning, then brush the butter over the buns.
Cover the baking dish with foil then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the sliders are hot, the cheese is melted, and the tops of the buns are golden. Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serves: 12

Calories122kcal (6%

Carbohydrates1g

Protein4g (8%)

Fat11g (17%)

Saturated Fat4g (20%)

Polyunsaturated Fat3g

Monounsaturated Fat3gTrans Fat1g

Cholesterol23mg (8%)

Sodium244mg (10%)

Potassium23mg (1%)

Fiber1g (4%)

Sugar1g (1%)

Vitamin A191IU (4%)

Vitamin C1mg (1%)

Calcium101mg (10%)

Iron1mg (6%)

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

Tags Buffalo chicken sliders, good eting

Life Uncategorized

Thought I saw it all. Take your sick dog to the store.

Post author By admin
Post date September 21, 2021

I was out and about yesterday. What happened topped it all. This lady was taking her dog to the store so it wouldn’t have an accident at home. Let me explain. This lady was literally dragging her dog across the parking lot. I told her that the store had a policy against animals except for seeing eye dogs. She told me they know her there.

I said that the dog didn’t look as if it wanted to go in. She said that the dog was sick and she was afraid of it having an accident at home. I repeat, afraid of it having an accident at home. I COULD HEAR IT NOW. CLEAN UP ON AISLE 3.

Tags Sick dog, Sick Lady

Food Life Uncategorized

Vegetable Garden days are done for another year.

Post author By admin
Post date September 17, 2021

Vegetable Garden days are done for another year. Time to pack it in till next April. Gardens are winterized and time to plan for next year. Crazy weather. June started out very rainy. July hot. August hot and rainy. And September hot again. These folks have I guess what you could call gardens still. Sorry but I’m not helping with these.

Now the gardens here are ready for next year.

Now I have a watermelon patch that has three watermelons left. I had two different varieties of seedless.Look closely or enlarge the picture.

Tags Another season done, Gardens

Gifs Life Pictures Uncategorized

It’s Apple Time at the MC House.

Post author By admin
Post date September 16, 2021

It’s Apple Time at the MC House. Well it’s time to put away the Lemons.

After 5 or was it six changes, it’s time to post those apples. And we do have a few apples. Never got around to counting them all, but if you find nothing to do be our guest. Enjoy this labor of love.

Tags Apples, Decorations

Gifs Life Music

Let’s hear it for the Country Songs

Post author By admin
Post date September 14, 2021

So, if you’re not really a country fan, no worries, I am here to convince you why you should be a country fan. Or at least give it a try! The great thing about genres is that in the end, they have the ability to change every day and expand the way they are perceived. Think of it as a blend of sounds that come together to create the perfect song. And yes believe it or not, not every country song is about beer and tractors driving around the dirt road.

Tags Country, Music

Food Life

Local tradition. The cookie table.

Post author By admin
Post date September 12, 2021

Local tradition. The cookie table. The past two weekends, my wife and I attended two weddings. And no matter where you live, there’s tradition. And here in the Youngstown, Ohio area it’s the cookie table.

From wedding soup to pizza shops, the Youngstown area is home to many widely-loved recipes and traditions. But, one of our most cherished traditions undoubtedly is the Youngstown Wedding Cookie Table.

If you’re not from the Youngstown area, then the concept of a “cookie table” might be kind of foreign to you. In short: It’s our local tradition to serve hundreds (usually more like thousands!) of cookies in an elaborate display at a wedding reception. Many times the wedding cake takes a back seat to the cookie table, with some couples foregoing a traditional wedding cake altogether. In Youngstown, the first thing people ask about a wedding is, “How were the cookies?”

The immigrants that came to the Youngstown area in the early 20^th century brought with them many wonderful ethnic traditions centered around food and baking. Money was tight–especially during the Great Depression–and the cost of a wedding cake was often prohibitive. Family and friends would step in and provide an amazing display of homemade cookies to serve at the reception. This time-honored tradition continues today, and it is seen as a way to show love for the newlywed couple.

Humble Beginnings

The “Ingredients” For a Great Cookie Table

Cookie tables may look a little different from wedding to wedding, but there are definitely some cookie varieties that you’ll find on every great cookie table. Let’s break it down:

The Classics: At the base of all memorable cookie tables lie varieties like Clothespin Cookies, Kiffles, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Pecan Tarts, Snowballs, Chocolate Crinkles and Thumbprints
Straight from Nonna’s Kitchen: Homemade Pizzelles, Biscotti, Ricotta Cookies, Italian Wedding Cookies and Wands (which look like a large bow tie)
The Natives: It’s not a true OH-IO cookie table without a hefty helping of Buckeyes. And don’t forget the Kolachi!

Tags Cookie Table, Tradition, Youngstown