THIS WILL MAKE YA HUNGRY

Did you happen to catch that show on the Food Network that showcased the "Best of" as nominated by Bon Apetit Magazine? As you know, I love food. Here is an overview of the top picks.

PIZZA:
Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, AZ
www.pizzeriabianco.com
• wood burning oven.
• lots of choices of toppings

TACOS:
Taco Taco Cafe in San Antonio, TX
tacotacosa.com
• home made tortillas
• Only open til 2pm


BURGERS:
Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe, NM
• Famous for green Chili Burger
• 50yr old griddle
• Top sirloin, boneless chuck

FRIED CHICKEN
Willie May's Scotch House in New Orleans, LA
No website but review
www.bestofneworleans.com
• ravaged by Katrina but up and running now


RIBS
17th Sreet Bar & Grill in Murphysborough, IL
www.17thstreetbarbecue.com
• Numerous awards for sauce & ribs


STEAK
Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, NY
www.peterluger.com/brooklyn.cfm
• Signature cut is the Porterhouse
which serves 2, 3 or 4.

FROG SALAD

PALM BAY, Fla. -- A Palm Bay woman claims her fast-food lunch included the head and front half of a frog and she snapped a cell phone photo to prove it.

Michelle Arndt, 32, told Local 6 News partner Florida Today that she ordered a salad with fried chicken strips and found the frog after eating about half of the salad.

Local 6 and Florida Today have not named the restaurant where the salad was purchased.
"I think it's totally disgusting," Arndt said. "Where is the other half of the frog?"

Arndt said a manager took the salad and her receipt and gave her a refund. Arndt used her cell phone to take a picture of the frog, which she described as being the size of two quarters and having small beady eyes.

A manager at the Palm Bay restaurant referred Florida Today to the company's corporate headquarters before hanging up.
Arndt said she did not put the frog in her salad and said security camera footage would show her as she ate the salad.
She has spoken with an attorney.


The restaurant was Burger King on Malabar Rd. & I-95 in Palm Bay. My Aunt Corrie works with Michelle. Burger King does not sell pre-packaged salads except for the side salad.

EEEWWWWW. Study what you eat before you eat it!!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Jerome, Charles and I made an early outing to the Grant Seafood Festival. Pretty popular round here. It was our 2nd attempt as the 1st one several years ago ended in us getting discouraged over the long line just to park and we went to red lobster instead.
We left home around 10:15am. It was sopposed to open at 11am but by the time we got there, it was pretty busy so I guess they actually open at 10. The line to park wasnt that long at all. I swear there are "Grant Seafood Tailgaters". They come in and set up tents then set up chairs, tables and what not and basically just hang out there all day listening to the music and eating.
It was a breezy but sunny hot day even though it was raining in Orlando. We parked and walked through. We bought 25 tickets for $20. I had some totally yummy lobster bisque in a styrofoam cup for 3 tickets. The only thing it was missing was more lobster.
Charles was next with a small basket of clam strips for 3 tickets and then Jerome with shrimp skewers. About 8 for 3 tickets. Next, I opted for the fish dinner for 6 tickets which included 2 strips of fish, slaw, beans and puppies. I gave Jerome my puppies and he went and got some fried shrimp (3 tickets).

It was hot but we strolled around anyway checking out booths. We looked at poor, hot caged tigers for a "cat show" then let Charles play on the playground. We found a shady spot for our chairs, got more tickets and indulged on some fries (3 tickets) and fried scallops which were really good but for 4 tickets, were a little skimpy. Lastly, Charles had some ice cream. The best deal at only 1 ticket.
They had lots of crafts but we werent interested and took off around 1pm. When we left we saw that LOOOONNNNGGG line of people in cars waiting to park. We waved and laughed.

All in all Im not so sure it's such a great deal. It's hot, theres not enough variety, too many people, no rides, and expensive (for what you really get). So we went home, got the truck and went off to the thrift store for the "not purple" chair that I have had my eye on for several weeks. It started at $75 but fell to $50 and now it's mine. Whatcha think? Great shape, no stains, comfortable and stylish!

WHAT A FREAKIN CAR!!

I can say is WOW. . .

THIS is the car I manuvered today! It is a BMW z4 Coupe 3.0si. no back seat.


What a great cause, Susan G. Komen. Very near and dear. BMW matches miles test driven $1.


Yes, that's my foot. . . I like my shoes off when I drive something fast. I can sense the car better (even though I never really went THAT fast.) - damn bony feet. . .

MORE FAMILY

My side of the family basically consists of this;
Grandma and Granpa Bowers (Lady Lake, FL)
CARROLL BOWERS
William (Bill) Hemmle (my dear brother)
CORRIE BOWERS
Chris Franckewitz, Gainesville. (married with 1 child)
BEN BOWERS (Sanford, FL),
Pat Bowers 19 (working w/ Dad and living it up)
Jeff Bowers 21 (married and in the Marines in Iraq)
Tom Bowers 22 (discharged from Marines. Studying to be EMT)

Also
• Jerome, Charles, Simon & Lars
• My Step-Dad David (has one brother w/ a family in CA)
• The entire McDougall family (Mac, Annette and Bobby in particular)
• Extended family on Grandmother's side in CA
• Real Dad in NC who is a "whole nutha story"
• Of course those who have passed to the next level and meant so much to me like Nanny & Gran (Grandpa Bowers' parents) , Grandma and Grandpa Hemmle (Ed's parents), Grandpa Breland & Granny (Annette's Parents). See you all on the other side!!!

On Saturday, Feb 2nd we hosted an impromptu meeting of the cuzzes. (A "Cuz" means cousin).

Chris (Aunt Corries' son) had mentioned to Corrie around the beginning of the week that he was off and able to come for a visit. I had the idea of a cookout and thought to invite my other cousins, Tom and Pat. Jeff is in Iraq. My brother is in NC.

Everyone came over and we all had a real nice time. We cooked out hamburgers and I made baked beans, coleslaw and deviled eggs. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the pictures.

This is the newest member on my side of the family, Joshua. Ain't he a cutie?

These are his parents, Chris and Teresa.

The family

These are my Cousins! What a tall bunch! I must be the only "beach" person!

Chris, Pat & Tom


This is Pat's tattoo. I didn't get a picture of Chris' although it represents his friends who have died.

A FLORIDA HISTORY FESTIVAL IN CHRISTMAS, FL.

Last Wednesday I accompanied Charles and his class as a chaperone to a great little event in Christmas, Florida. The last field trip that was sopposed to be out of town was the time of the bus crash. I think some of the kids needed to be on a bus and pass the intersection of the accident in order to "overcome it" because one of the Mother's mentioned how her son had made the comment, "We made it" after passing it. Ironically Charles did much the same.

Anyway, I had heard of the town and even driven by a couple of times but really had no idea what was there. The bus ride was nice. Those charter buses are decked out. It feels just like the inside of an airplane but there is more ROOM! There is even a bathroom. I was sitting caddy corner from a guy who I swear was the spitting image of a young Billy Bob Thorton. Great style too.

Charles and I sat next to each other. He enjoyed looking out the window and talking to his fellow classmates while I chatted with a real nice Mom. In no time, we were there.

We were pretty much in the middle of nowhere, you know backwoods. There were stations set up and they led you on a little tour - a step back in time - to learn about the history of Florida and it's settlers. There were other groups of children taking the tour too. I swear I think I learned more in that trip than I did in school about Florida history. (Maybe it was just more interesting now)

The speakers dressed up in period clothing and acted the part - as if they were back in time. First were the Indians of course. The indian woman (she had a cool Indian name that we can't remember) proceeded to tell the group that the women were in charge then. They were the keepers of the house and pretty much told the men what to do. If an Indian chief had a son with a woman, the child would not be taking his place as chief, his brother's kid would because the wife owned the child.


Next were the Spaniards who tried to trick the Indians into thinking that their trades were fair. Like, they would offer the indians 1 or 2 beads for a whole animal hide. This guy was a trip and the previos Indian woman had told the children to call him a "stinky Spaniard". He was grumpy and bossy - like you figure a Spaniard would be. He taught some of the kids the way to defend your self using large "fake" spears.

Then of course the Pirates came in and stole from everyone. He loaded a gun with gunpowder and gave the kids (and parents) a good heart jumpstart. "It's a pirate's life for me" was his signature line.


Next were the Brits who layed claim to starting our government and money system. He also loaded a gun and shot blanks. Seems guns played a big part in our history for defense and survival. He then of course reminded the children the dangers of a gun.

Charles had a visit from a "rather sarcastic - but humorous" Seminole Indian. He referred to Charles' potato sticks as mulch. He also told the children that if their mouths were open, they weren't learning - in his Indian voice of course!

Here is his class. Same color tie dye shirts is a must for taking a group of kids out where there will be lots of other kids. The girl in the back row 3rd from the left is the assistant teacher, Ms. Scott. Charles seriously LOVED her. I say loved because she is no longer doing her intern with his class. The teacher Mrs. Niemi has a son with a heart condition and they had to do a last minute procedure so she asked Ms. Scott to join and supervise.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice lunch on the lawn. We had sandwiches and fruit. Then we each bought a hematite piece of jewelry. I got a bracelet and Charles got a necklace with an eagle on it. Hematite is that magnet that is sopposed to be healing. Some people like to charge alot for it. We got both for $11.
The ride home was nice and I was pooped but I still had to go deliver Magazines with Mac.

Needless to say, I slept like a baby that night!!

ANOTHER CHARLES STORY

Fishing, Fishing, Fishing! I live sleep and dream fishing. Once a week my Dad and I always go to the beach. One day I was out fishing with my Dad and all we were catching was whiting. Suddenly there was a gigantic fish in the water. I threw out my line and the fish caught it! I struggled to get the fish out of the water. I got the fish out of the water and my Dad told me it was a trout. "Yippe"! I shouted. That was one of my best catches.
My neighber came by and he had a bag of trout. "You must be as strong as a gorilla to catch those" I said. My neighbor left. For some reason my Dad didn't catch any.
- Charles McDougall, 4th grade.

IF I WERE A. . .

If I were a color, I'd be marigold
If I were a song, I'd be the Chicken Dance
If I were a food, I'd be french fries
If I were a car, I'd be a dump truck
If I were an animal, I'd be a water snake
If I were a place, I'd be Scotland
If I were a feeling, I'd be lonely
If I were a plant, I'd be a Mexican Sunflower
If I were a climate, I'd be a tornado
If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a tuba
If I were a shape, I'd be a hexagon
- Charles Mcdougall in class.

TANNING BED

It's been a while since I layed in a tanning bed. I am all about FREE - like as in sun. But during the winter my body goes through this metamorphisis turning me from a tanned beach blonde to a nordic white brunette. I personally, prefer the tanned beach blonde although, I have often thought about dying my hair a darker color of brown in winter.

This year, however, we received tanning bed gift certificates from work so I decided to try to maintain somewhat of a tan throughout the winter with the help of several very, hot sunny days. Yesterday was nice but when the sun went behind the clouds it got downright chilly.

I am not very tan right now due to several busy weeks, so I thought it would be a perfect day to use part of my $60 certificate. - and because it was my bday and it could not have been a better day to pamper myself.

It has been years since I did a tanning salon and a lot has changed. After seeing the scene in the horror film Final Destination 2 where the girls burned alive when their tanning beds got "stuck" I've been leary. Of course the tanning bed manager went outside and got locked out so he couldnt save them or hear them screaming.

Anyway, I decided to give it a shot and overcome fear. I went in and for around $5 you can use the high pressure lay down bed that lasts only 12 mintues. There are also stand up beds and spray tanning. I enjoy laying down so I can relax.

The bed is in its own room with a chair and radio along with some toiletries like baby wipes, body spray and deoderant for afterwards. Needless to say, the bed looks like a casket with lights. I applied some tanning intensifier lotion and as instructed, I layed down and closed the lid over me after pusing the start button on the wall.

So as you are laying on hard plastic with bright lights all around you, you have these protective eye pieces that make you look like an alien. They have very small dark holes in which to see but I dont' like to open my eyes unless absolutely necessary. You can control the volume of the radio and the intensity of the light on your face. There is also this spritzer that will give you a fine mist of h2o if need be but the idea of water and electricity together kinda scares me. The tanning beds now also have air conditioning so you don't feel youself frying. You can control that as well.

Every tanning bed junkie I have ever seen has a playboy bunny somewhere that is still white because of the sticker you put over it each time you tan. I opted for the heart sticker.

After a mere 12 minutes and startled by the lights in the bed going off I got up and got dressed. I had my bathing suit on because I like tan lines and so does Jerome - plus it would feel weird laying in there in my bday suit. I didnt feel like I looked any darker so I went home and waited for the boys to get home from flag football practice. I know that if you take a shower after tanning you will stop the tanning process so I didnt.

Today, my tush is pink.

IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO

(click on comic to see larger view).

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY
New York Post
January 24, 2008 -- A Venus-Pluto aspect on your birthday will bring out your passionate side - yes, you do have one! Whether you get passionate about a person, an idea or about a cause of some kind you will put everything into it and you won't tolerate anything but total and utter success. Failure is not an option.

FLORIDA TODAY
You cut through restrictions and make your own rules this year. The next 10 weeks represents a slow transformation, and the positive changes are lasting. Check out a self-employment opportunity in April. Traveling and socializing are featured in July. Summer education brings greater financial freedom. Libra and Scorpio adore you.

Ahhh, those sound positive. So far today I woke up (thank goodness), took Charles to school then came home and lazily watched some of my programs. One of them was that show about the lie detector test. It was ok, but they try to build up the suspense too much. You know, the drama music, the waiting, the panning to family members. .. .

The magazine was uploaded yesterday so I have a few days of rest from that. Then I went to treat myself to a pedicure (the $20 from Annette helped that out) but not before stopping at Wal-mart in search of some deals. I bought myself some long pants ( I currently only own 3 pairs that I like), some CUTE black bermuda shorts, a large black leather purse for $2 and 2 bras - one black and one white. The white was was only $2 too. Don't ya love a bargain? Then I went and got myself a roast beef sub with lite mayo, pickles, tomatos, lettuce and banana peppers from subway. I'll eat 1/2 for lunch today and 1/2 for lunch tomorrow.

When I got home, I put my bathing suit on and layed out for about an hour whilst munching on my sub. Then I used one of my gift certificates to a tanning salon across the street for a little more "artificial" sunshine since the sun isnt so strong now.

Tonight the 3 of us are planning on going to Red Lobster (with a gift card) and I already know what I am going to have; The pick 3 with Coconut Shrimp (my favorite), crab alfredo and crab legs so I can add more crab to the alfredo. I will also have a salad with bleu cheese and brocolli as a side. I really love the mashed potatoes but not with the pasta. Carb overload. However, knowing my luck Jerome won't eat his and he will offer them to me and I won't be able to turn them down.

Charles will more than likely have crab legs and fries. His usual. I am going to have to tell Charles to tell the waitress that it is my bday in hopes of a free dessert. . .

CHARLES 4th GRADE SEMESTER 2 REPORT CARD

My boy is such a smartie!!

Reading - A
Communication - B
Social Studies - A
Science - A
Math - A

Attendance - 1 Day missed.

Note from teacher - Charles has been progressing nicely. He has wonderful ideas for stories, but sometimes has difficulties getting all the details down. Once he is finished with an assignment, he will not go back and check his work uless I specifically tell him to do so. Needless to say, I make a point to remind him to proofread.

RANDOM-NESS

Hello 2008. A couple of quick birthdays - Aunt Corrie, Mac and Annette. Tough to have a bday after Xmas. I hope you all enjoyed them.

Tuesday 22nd Charles has one of two orthodontist consultations. The second is on Feb. 5. I wanted 2 opinions. The 29th I get a cavity filled and get my teeth cleaned for my bday. (Thats what you buy yourself when you get old). Also, I am pursuing a free mammogram from the American Breast Cancer Society.

Charles starts flag football at school on Thursday the 24th and is looking forward to it.

We have been enjoying our Xmas presents. We just figured out how to get on the internet on the PSP. We also uploaded a few pictures and Charles' songs. He has greatly enjoyed using it. He really loves all his Playmobil stuff and the Dinosaur book in particular. We also enjoy looking for the artwork in the "find it" books.

I need to get MiniDV tapes for the video recorder. Very cool gift, I can't wait to use it. Jerome is looking forward to getting some surf shots. I intend to take that thing over seas somewhere. . .

I have used my new white sweater, Agner purse, Victoria's Secret sleepwear and umbrella. I plan on trying out the belly dancing lessons soon. Again, I want to thank everyone for such great gifts. I hope this year I can get better things for all of you.

I havent purchased many thing since Xmas except groceries. I recently went to Goodwill to look for long pants for Charles and found a pair of reversable Starters and another tan pair that zips off at the knee to make shorts. Both for under $10. I also found myself a couple of skirts and shirts. Some particularly cute ones in fact. It's easy to find great summer clothes when it is 50 degrees out. Just like it's easy to find coats and what not when it is hot out. Floridians . . . .

We are going on another field trip on the 30th and I tried to get out of it but Jerome, Charles and apparently the teacher really want me to go. It's nice to know I'm needed. It is a highway/charter bus trip to Xmas, FL to see some sort of Florida history festival. It will replace the St. Augustine trip which apparently became too expensive.

Both Charles and I really want to see Cloverfield, so we might go for my birthday. Dinner and a movie with my son and hopefully my 'husband'.

My DVR is empty these days. Mainly, Wife Swap, Reno 911, Girls Next Door (Hugh Hefners girlfriends), Desperate Housewives (when it is on), Criminal Minds, Mad TV and Celebrity Apprentice - which I am now hooked on. I tell ya, Gene Simmons is a hoot! If you watch it, I am convinced that he hung himself for the girls sake. The Baldwin guy is full of energy and "crap" as Alek put it. Carol Alt is still georgous and believe it or not but I think Amorosa is actually likeable!

Jerome and Charles are getting in to the Sarah Conner Cronicles. Speaking of Jerome, his resolution - AGAIN - was to quit smoking. Ask him if he did. I don't ask much around here anymore. . .

Work is ok, steady. My boss is a German woman going through menopause- so that should explain a lot. I work on the computer mostly so sometimes when I come home, it is the last thing I want to do. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are extremely busy since I get up at 6:30, work 2 jobs and get home around 8pm.

I have to kick myself in the butt soon and do a painting or two. I don't know why I am so inhibited. Is it because I don't have an area set up and ready to go? I have to drag everything out of the closet and set it up and clean it up - kind of a drag. Is it because I can't come up with any specific idea to paint about? Maybe I should quit thinking so hard about a subject and just paint. I am dying to use my new colorful Sharpie Markers Annette got me. I just gotta go for it.

I never considered myself an abstract artist. I am much more literal. I am into completing things and not starting something that could take a while. Literalism takes much more time and precision than abstraction. But sometimes abstraction is more fun because you don't have to think about it as much, you just go with the flow.

Subjects I have thought about painting; Beach scene-yawn, palm trees, exotic flowers, frogs, dragonflys, geckos, mixed drinks (could be fun), mermaids and sexy retro women. What do you think would be good subject matter?

Here is an awesome piece I found on the internet. It is a literal picture with a fun and sexy twist. I really like this quirky yet retro style and artistic view - It's something I would love to paint. Of course, it would have to be my idea but the same principle. What do you think?

XMAS 07 FAMILY PICS

KAYAKING IN SOLITUDE

through the marina. . .

a curious manatee

inching ever so close

to catch a glimpse of me!

A REAL WINNER!

Charles won an honorable mention (or 5th place) in the entire 4th grade for his "Environmental" Science Fair project. The question was, "Will frozen "ocean" salt water melt faster than frozen "fresh" tap water?" He is very proud!

ANOTHER CARTOON

This cartoon reminded me of Jerome.

I found this picture in the paper the day after my last post. I love these comics.

IRRITATIONS

Who said living on the beach is all that?
For the past few days there has been a algae bloom known as "Red Tide". It has really been bothering us. It moved from Daytona south to our area and we are feeling the full blown effects from it. Dead fish and respitory problems. I went down to the beach this morning to "fetch a pail of water" for Charles' science fair project and my nose immediatlly started running, my eyes got irritated and it felt as if I were breathing in pepper spray. A friend of Jeromes went out surfing and actually got a bloody nose. Everyone in my neigborhood is feeling the effects some way or another. The kids were out playing yesterday and they all came in coughing. This is bad stuff. . .
Here is what it is if you are interested.
Karenia brevis (formerly known as Gymnodinium breve and Ptychodiscus brevis) is a marine dinoflagellate common in Gulf of Mexico waters, and is the organism responsible for Florida red tide. K. brevis is a microscopic, single-celled, photosynthetic organism that can "bloom" (see algal bloom) frequently along Florida coastal waters. Each cell has two flagella that allow it to move through the water in a spinning motion. K. brevis naturally produces a suite of potent neurotoxins collectively called brevetoxins, which are responsible for large die-offs of marine organisms and seabirds.