Search This Blog

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

POTATO SALAD FOR A CROWD

I made this for a lunch out at the Bobby's job site, and I do like it.  Normally I would use sandwich spread--the stuff that has pimientos, pickles and is sort of pink colored, but alas there is no sandwich spread in Tunkhannock, PA so I had to wing it!  I forgot to take a picture.

9 C cooked potatoes cubed
1 C finely chopped onion
1 1/4 C finely chopped dill pickles
1 C sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles
4 oz. chopped, drained pimientos
1 C Miracle Whip
1 T yellow mustard
1 T salt
lots of black pepper
8 chopped hard cooked eggs

Mix and enjoy!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

PATSEL'S, a Dining Experience!

"We are living in 'The Experience Age,'" declared one of our speakers in Dr. Sullivan's class at Sul Ross State University.  He ran a rafting/guide business on the Rio Grande at Terlingua, Texas and said that people paid big money to float the river, have a feast in the bottom of a canyon, with tablecloths, candlelight, and gourmet food under a full moon out in the desert.  I have come to believe this, and I guess I have fallen into that mind set, too, even though I swore I wouldn't.
My friend, Lindsey, and I decided we had better hurry up and eat at Patsel's before they close in August, and am I ever glad we did.  This place is so wonderful!  The food was good (you can tell they have a chef on the staff), but the sights were even better than the food, a feast for the eyes.  I love wild paint and decoration, so I was in fantasy land.  It was like I had fallen down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.
The restaurant is out in the country, all by itself, on Highway 6 and 11 between Factoryville and Clark's Summit.  It would be easy to miss because there are no flashing lights, or billboards to alert people to slow down, and turn in for some delicious food.  The name on the side of the building is the only advertisement seen, so word of mouth is what draws the clientele.  They do have a website.
We knew the place was going to be special when we saw the painted pony beside the parking lot.
The entry way is covered and the building is surrounded by lush gardens, with fanciful gates.

There is a surprise around each corner.  Just look at that frame, and to think a shirt is under the glass!
There are many pieces of furniture from MacKenzie-Child's studio.  This interesting piece is in the entryway.
I love these polka dotted walls and marvel at the painting skills.  Dots are very hard to keep from running, and I would like to know the secret so I can go home and add some to our  walls.
A nice little waiting area in front of the cashier counter sits right outside the dining room.
The dining area has a large skylight in the middle with columns on either side.  The room is light and airy, spacious and beautiful.  I felt like I was outside in a garden.
It seems there is painting everywhere, but it makes the place interesting, leading your eye from one point of interest to another.  Lindsey says they put the Sunday buffet behind these painted folding doors.
A painted buffet with a painted mirror.  Nice!
The window frames  are so interesting, and each one had a crowned frog at the top.
Chairs are upholstered and the black carpet with flowers is throughout the restaurant.
The crowned frog, geometric design accented with gilded balls is just one of the window treatments.
A small portion of a quilted fabric mural which extends across the wall.

Several parasols are in the dining rooms.  It is amazing how they make the room feel more like an outdoor area, and give each area a feeling of private space.
The window frames are painted different but didn't seem to compete with each other.
Looking out into the patio garden area, where one can dine "alfresco."
All of the tables were set with water, cloth napkins, silverware, and beautiful dishes.  The dining room pretty well filled up by the time we left, so make reservations.
The crowned frog.
More pretty paint on a window frame.
Lindsey ordered dessert.
Top of a column in the dining room
The light fixture is graceful, and visually takes up very little space.
The girls' bathroom door.  I could hardly wait to get in and see, and I was not disappointed!

The bathroom was roomy, and beautiful with carpet in the lounge area and two kinds of beautiful wall paper.  Another McKenzie-Child's chair sits in the corner.
The motif in the back of the chair.
A dressing table just in case one would like to sit down and straighten up their make-up.
The washbasin is right out of MacKenzie-Child's.
The checks are hand painted, but I think the flowers are decals.  Very beautiful.  I want one.  Now, when you walk in a powder room like this, you can't help but feel very special.
These wall sconces are M-C, I think.
This is another room where you can have a private party.  More interesting decor.
Patsel's is owned by Pat and John Atkins.  We met Mr. Atkins; he wanted to make sure that we were properly seated.  He says the place really belongs to his wife and he is just the husband.  They opened their doors on August 31, 1999, and will close the doors on August 31, 2014.  Rumor has it that the Keystone Culinary Arts Department will buy it.  Pat and John are going to be a very difficult act to follow.  They obviously have impeccable taste, and an eye for minute detail, because everything, and I do mean everything was perfect.  The staff was well trained, pleasant, and efficient.  The food was delicious and of course, the surroundings were out of this world.  I hope that Pat and John can find something else to do with their talents, during their "retirement."  Now, hurry up y'all,  and make reservations while there is still time!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

KINKY BOOTS

Bobby and I had just barely arrived in Tunkhannock, PA when I had the opportunity to join a crowd from the Dietrich Theater downtown and head for New York City to see a musical called "Kinky Boots."  I had never been to New York and this was a perfect opportunity to get there in a bus, just kick back and let the driver worry about traffic!

We had just enough time for lunch at Victor's Cafe--Cuban fare.  Lots of banana chips!  We sprinted to and from the eatery.  Wear your tennis shoes!
Buses are colorful, all covered with advertisements.  Ricksha ride?  This might be pretty tempting after pounding the pavement.

 There are so many places to eat and nearly every cuisine you can imagine.  Lots of cafes are side by side.  I would never have thought of Ethiopian  food, but here it is.
 Old, beautiful architecture amid the plain ordinary style of the modern world.

The line wrapped around the block.  I groaned thinking how long it would take to get in and get seated.  We had tickets, and you can't imagine how fast that line moved.  Kinky Boots is being performed at the Al Hirschfeld Theater.  This theater was originally the Martin Beck Theater, and opened in 1924. It is Byzantine architectural style--the only theater in the USA with this style.  In 2003 the theater was  renamed Al Hirschfeld  to commemorate the artist's 100th birthday.  Hirscheld  illustrated show business for years.


Cyndi Lauper wrote the music, and the play is based on the book written by Harvey Fierstein.
We sat in the balcony, and I can't imagine how many folks were packed in the theater.  I prayed that there would not be a fire!

This is during intermission.  I loved the architecture!

Just a peek at the people in attendance.

Being as I am from the country, I was  surprised to see a real live orchestra down in the pit.  The music, dancing, acting and set changing was flawless.  I was amazed and want to see more.

I am just like a second grader!  I want to know where the bathrooms are, and I loved this one!  It had stained glass windows.
We piled in the bus after the play and went Carmine's for Italian food served family style.  Believe me there was way too much food, but I certainly tried to help eat it.  The place is big, with lots of people who were all talking, eating and drinking.  Check out the choices.
This was my first trip to New York City, and I loved it.  The play was so good, and the food and sights were special too.  Now, I can hardly wait to go back.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

MEMORIAL DAY IN DOWNTOWN TUNKHANNOCK, PA

I nearly missed it--the parade downtown.  My next door neighbor, Lindsey, and I piled in the car and headed for the main drag in Tunkhannock.  Luckily we found a nice parking spot the first try, and walked to Tioga Street.  We had good view, even had a place to sit, but I stood out in the street taking pictures until my arm got tired.  Here goes, just photos, because I don't know much about this place yet.  I am learning, though.
Here they come down Tioga Street!
Veterans were first in the parade.
I think this vet (front, far right) was trying to boss me around at the gym a day or two before the parade.  I ignored him.
Here is a better picture of him.  Oops, maybe he recognized me?
More vets.
Politicians running for office are always in parades.  I think I might vote for this one if I was a resident. Bobeck is for cutting taxes, and NRA.
This is a WWII vet riding in style, and that's the way they should ride.

More old time vets.
Now, here is a classic that I like!
Are these  model As?


This looks like a nice safe motorcycle.
The proud Tiger marching band out of school for a little while.
I love marching bands; this is a good one.  Hats off to the band teachers and kids.
The drum line was good, love it, love it, love it.
Drums are good just by themselves.  We used the drum line for the intro at freshman orientation at Andrews High School.  The cadence puts chills down my spine.
The Tiger Band.  Thanks for a great job (and orange and black are the colors of GCHS).
Don't forget the prom, folks.
Hunts for Healing was founded in 2009 right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The idea is to give returning vets a chance to be outdoors, hunt and heal from within.  The folks in this area are big hunters.  In fact, schools in the Montrose area shut down the first day of deer season.  They know that attendance will be pitiful and they will lose money.  So, shut the doors and let the kids hunt.  Gosh, and PA is soooo close to NY where they ban guns!


The little ones are so sweet, and just think--it won't be long until they may be in the military themselves.


Here come the firemen!

The firehouse dog loved the parade.  It was a pretty warm day, and this doggie needs a drink.




There is a lot of water in this area and I am sure this part of the rescue service gets called out pretty often.


OOOO!  I would like to have this car.
Scouting on parade.  Which type of Girl Scouts wear turquoise?   I thought they wore brown uniforms.



Girl Scouts.
More scouts.
The lodges turned out today.
At one time I heard that Blacks were not allowed to be Masons, and in order to become a Shriner you have to be a Mason, so here is proof (in living color) that Blacks are allowed to be Masons!
I think my friend Jackie Hahn belonged to Rebeka Lodge
This pup was riding in a bicycle basket and still panting, probably from excitement.
Elementary twirlers learning the drill.

Cheerleaders in the making.

Here come the Methodists!
Methodists.
Methodists.

There are lots of ticks in this country and lyme disease is a danger.  

Relay for Life
Relay for Life
Daughters of the American Revolution
DAR

Junior Fair Queen candidates
There are always old tractors in the parades, and I just can't resist taking pictures.
The Middle School has a great band.
More proof that blacks are Masons.
I am not sure where these Shriners are from.  There is a Shriners Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.

Bikers trying to control their Harley's.



Beads and Baubles is one of the gift stores downtown Tunkhannock.
Remembering the fallen.
Tunkhannock has lost two brave soldiers.

Little League boys.
More Little Leaguers.

There are lots of Little League teams around here.
That's all folks.
The parade seemed endless.  It is so good to see all the work and support for veterans  in these little towns here in the US.   I don't care what anyone says, the people in the United States are the most caring and giving people in the world.  Happy birthday US.