Vacation Ravioli's

It's time for another Menu Monday.  No I'm not telling you about a restaurant we liked during our travels, rather a good meal you can prepare..........perfect for when you have a kitchen in your travels.  We don't eat every meal out when we travel, we like to eat in; but we don't like to prepare things that take a lot of time, use a lot of ingredients.  We like to travel light.  The bulk of the time we travel we stay in villa/condo that has a kitchen.  Not only is it comfortable, but you save money in the end.  Eating out all the time is expensive!

Store bought ravioli's (these were 3 cheese), and a few fresh veggies, and you've got a yummy meal with minimal prep and cost.  Prepare the ravioli's per instructions on the package (except I've learned that it's best not to bring to a hard boil, a soft rolling boil is best, and I turn them off just before done and let them sit 30-45 seconds in the hot water before carefully removing.

Saute onions in a skillet with olive oil, add several hand fulls of spinach leaves, and once the spinach leaves reduce (about the same amount time your pasta is setting in the water), add sliced tomatoes (Roma's worked best, but any type will do)...stir lightly and add  ravioli's to mix...again softly.  Plate it, add pepper (fresh ground best), shaved walnuts or almonds or pine nuts, and serve with your favorite wine.  Pretty, tasty, and easy.

Enjoy, this is a favorite traveling meal.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

I Long to Visit Italy

The Italian countryside.  I'd love to be riding along on the back roads, stopping at various villages along the way to sample wine.  Today's blog prompt- blog about somewhere you'ld like to visit and or move too.  We'd like to visit Italy, and have begun a wee bit of travel planning with that in mind.

Join us at Paula's for the June Blog Challenge.  Click the badge to join in.

We hope to see plenty of the things other tourists see, but....we also hope to see a side of Italy those who tour quickly don't get to see.  Our hope is to be there for 3 weeks or more and really explore.

Certainly seeing the historic sites is a must, as long as plenty of time if left for food and wine!  We want to do some on our own and some with a tour group.  We may plan this trip for after retirement, we may not wait.

We've been saving our Marriott Rewards Points for years to make this all happen.

In the meantime, we'll enjoy traveling about the U.S., please use the search this blog area to find locations your interested in.  In addition to enjoying the U.S., we've have made multiple trips to Aruba, a real favorite so check that out too.

Currently we're planning trips to Park City, Utah (were we've been a number of times, Aruba again in the fall, Hilton Head in January (awesome time to go to get out of the snow in Ohio), and Spain in the Spring.

Come back often, I'm sure there's something here for everyone.  Menu Monday was postponed this week in favor of this fun blog challenge.  Do come back next week, if not before.

INVITING YOU ALL TO MEMORY MONDAYS, JOIN IN ON THE FUN AND GET SOME LINKY LOVE.  MAKE MONDAYS MORE FUN.  CLICK HERE.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(BL21, JC4)

Whetstone Park of Roses

The well known and loved poem appears on this boulder in The Whetstone Park of Roses in Columbus, Ohio.  The Park of Roses is a beautiful spot to spend time, enjoy the walk, the scents of the many flowers...not just roses; as well as a place to host a wedding.  It's located in the center of The Whetstone Park at 3923 North High Street Columbus, Ohio  43214.

The Poem: In A Garden
The Kiss of the sun
For Pardon
The song of the birds
For mirth
One is nearer God's Heart
Then anywhere else
On Earth

A lovely poem.

 There are roses a plenty, in fact 11,000 rose bushes, though my last walk wasn't during their peak season, it was still very enjoyable and pretty.  There are rose specific areas, perineals, and herb gardens. 

 Some bushes were about to burst open

 others were on their way out.  The old fashions roses tend to be the earlier bloomers and smell heavenly as you walk.  The hybrids tend to bloom later.

 The Rose Park is free and open to the public.  It covers 13 acres.

In summer months on Sunday evenings you can enjoy various community music programs.  The park is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States.  It began as a dream back in 1951 with members of both The Columbus Rose Club and The Central Ohio Rose Society with a committee included then mayor, James A Rhodes.  A name you probably know for a very sad event later when he was Governor and sent armed Reserves against the students on that fatal day at Kent State University.

In April of 1952 City Council passed an ordinance and issued bonds, obtained an architect, formed an advisory team and with the help of The Columbus Park and Rec Department the project took flight in June of 1952.  In January of 1954 The American Rose Society joined forces and moved it's National Headquarters from Pennsylvania to Columbus on the edge of the park.  The American Rose Society remained there until moving it's offices in 1974 to Shreveport, Louisiana.

Picnic with the family in the park, ride bikes and be sure to leave time to tour the gardens.  Many weddings are held in the park.  You can reserve spaces for 2 hour intervals at a cost of $500.00.

This is only 1 of the 4 special areas with a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photo's.  When hubby and I got married here 41 years ago come June 17th, there was only 1 special spot without any real rental or reservation program.  It is more organized now, certainly more specialist and upscale; but I'm glad we were able to be married there without that price tag.  We selected a spot, chairs were assembled and we walked among the trees for shade and got married!  It was a beautiful day.  Take a tour on my wedding day back in 1972, In The Rose Garden 

**Still having issues with google+ blocking EVERYONE who is not a google+ member.  Many bloggers still don't realize Blogger, Disgus, Wordpress etc.and all other blogs are unable to comment.  Carol Kilgore, (No filter between brain and mouth) I'd love to visit and comment again, but can't due to your google+ settings.  If you get them fixed, please let us know and we'll add you back to the blog log.**


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations. (BL7)

Palace Theater Columbus Ohio

 The Place Theater in Columbus Ohio is a beautiful beautiful old theater.  Any time you have the chance to see a performance here it's a special night.  Do treat yourself and go, you'll not be sorry.  Theaters used to be far more then a building to watch a movie, or hear a concert, they  themselves were beautiful works of art.  You're limited in what you can take pictures of, though I saw some people ignoring the signs that asked that you not photograph in certain areas and certainly NOT during a performance, there are always those rude people who feel they mean everyone but them.  This is the main entrance and where will call is.  Look at the marble, the intricate carvings and details.  Do click to enlarge.

 One of the many elaborate chandeliers. 

 We were seated on the main floor, to the left is the stage, across and up the special boxes, and to the right you can see the edge of the balcony.  The balcony is actually my favorite place to sit, but when we got our tickets as part of a fundraiser, we didn't know where they would be; as we didn't get to select them.

 A terrible attempt, once again (we really ought to give up, lol), at self portraits hubby and me.  We keep wondering how the kids always pull it off.  I was leaning back in an attempt to get in the picture, not a good look.

Here you can some better detail of the special boxes that were above and to our left as well as those across.  Gorgeous.  Someday perhaps we'll pay the big buck and get tickets there...maybe.

We enjoyed The Tenors, previously known as The Canadian Tenors.  They were fabulous!

The theater opened back in 1926, and was primarily used for Vaudeville Acts of the day.  Because Vaudeville performers needed to be heard, the acoustics were truly focused on in the theaters design.  Many great performers have taken the stage here like: Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Jackie Gleason, Gypsy Rose Lee, Glenn Miller, Mae West, and Jack Benny to name a few.

The Palace Theater holds some interesting history.  Back in the 30's, 40's and 50's, many traveling acts stayed for several days or a week at a time.  The back stage area of the theater, was in fact like a hotel for the performances.  They had their rooms, a front desk to pick up their keys, a play area for the performers children, and even a pet bath below the stage with a ramp.  The rooms were titled for the various cities along the vaudeville tour.

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Vom Fass in St. Louis

 Vom Fass, a most unusual shopping venture located at 7314 Manchester Road, in Historic Maplewood (St. Louis, Missouri).  A wonderful selection of imported oils and vinegar.

 Wine and Liqueurs a plenty.

 Scotch, Special Single Malts and Irish Whiskey.

You're able to taste before you purchase, select the size you want and obtain ideas of how to mix and match from a very well informed and friendly staff.  In addition to the shopping and tasting before you shop; they have cooking classes, wine and Scotch Tastings and menu's.  The selection of Balsamic and Fruit Vinegars is astounding. 

Vom Fass was opened on Dec 9, 2009 and has become quite popular with the locals.  But, fear not you can order on line if you're not in the area.  But, if you're going to be in the area, do check out their cocktail class and coffee crawl.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Robert Smalls Memorial in Beaufort, South Carolina

The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina has a small a historic graveyard to the right of the church as you face it, in a picturesque courtyard.  The church was formed by Black Members when the area was evacuated in 1861 due to Federal Occupation.

A Memorial to Robert Smalls is present as you enter the courtyard and graveyard.  A quote by Robert Smalls reads, "My Race needs no special defense.  For the past history of them in this country proves them to be the equal of any people any where.  All they need is an equal chance in the battle of Life.  Dated Nov 1, 1895.

Hannah Jones was a maid at a hotel in Charleston when Robert met her.  He was born into slavery on April 5th 1839 in a slave cabin behind the main house (located at 511 Prince St) of Henry McKee.  Henry McKee owned his mother Lydia Polite.  It is presumed Henry fathered Robert, some records list him as a mulatto, though pictures show him to be quite black.  Robert owned by Henry  and was leased out to businesses in Charleston when only 12.  It is during that occasion that he met Hannah.  As a slave he spent a good deal of time in Charleston harbor and had many jobs.  He worked on the docs and learned to make sails among other jobs.  Ultimately, he became a pilot; though being Black wasn't given that title..that is the work he did.  He became quite good at it and used those skills to free himself and Hannah and their children and others.  He was on The CSS Planter, a Confederate ship when the 3 White Captains and Pilots decided to spend their evening on shore.  On May 13th, 1862, he commandeered the ship and sailed it safely past 5 Confederate Forts.  On board were 4 large artillery pieces and along with an important coding book.  He was able to use the correct codes in order to appear to be a Confederate and thus wasn't questioned as he sailed to freedom and turned the ship, it's code book, and artillery over to Union Forces.

Though I didn't read any accounts of a 2nd marriage, it seems his 2nd wife, Annie is also buried in the quaint historic church graveyard there in Beautfort.

After the Civil War, Robert Smalls returned to Beaufort and purchased the house at 511 Prince Street from his previous Master, Henry McKee.  His Mother, Lydia lived her remaining days with him there as well.  Robert was a successful business man, and was elected to The South Carolina State Legislature, and United States House of Representatives.    It is because of him, that Blacks were admitted to fight on the side of the Union forces.  He was also instrumental in the formation of the first free and compulsory public school system in the country.

After the compromise of 1877 when Federal forces were withdrawn from the area, he was convicted of accepting a $5,000 bribe by Southern Whites in one of the many efforts to reduce power and respect of Blacks in the South, but was pardoned in a deal which also permitted charges of voter fraud by Democrats to be dropped.

What a remarkable man.  I encourage you to take the time to visit this historic church and graveyard.

**Carol Kilgore, I've been unable to visit and leave comments on your blog because of google+.  You may not be aware of your settings, but it seems things have changed and now ONLY people who join google+ can blog with you.  I know there's a fix, as others have done it.  An hopeful you'll see this post and leave a comment.  Happy to put you back on my blog log, since we enjoyed visiting back and forth during the a-z challenge.  AND perhaps someone who is google+ will see this and let you know how to fix it**

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(C6, RT6)

Barefoot in Aruba

Take off your shoes and feel the beautiful sand under your feet as you dine at the waters edge.

Sorry for grainy picture, our waiter from The Netherlands was having a hard time getting a good photo.  This was very dark, I lighten as much as I could to try and show you the setting.  The name of the restaurant is actually "Barefoot".  It's located on Palm Beech near the airport in Aruba.  There are tables in the sand at the waters edge.  Behind us you see a bit of deck area for those who don't wish to be right in the sand, and beyond is an inside area with floors to walk around; but where the tables are you can still take off your shoes and enjoy the sand.  Perhaps on a really hot night people like one of the indoor areas with fans better.

Truly an elegant night out.  Yes the couple you see, just got married and she is wearing her wedding dress with her toes in the sand.  Though they were "next" to us, you can see no one is crowded in, there's lots of room between the tables.  It's very private really, you don't hear others conversations.  A definite go to back to location. 

 Our waiter tried several times to get a better picture.  He was very sweet.  See the cute foil left over basket?  Everything about the meal, the service, the ambiance is truly perfect. 

If you can afford one really nice evening out, this is The One! 
This is the only night we didn't walk to and from dinner.  We were staying a The Marriott's Surf Club and could have taken a bus there and taxi back, but it was the one day we had rented a car.  Public transportation is reliable and affordable, but doesn't run late enough for a return trip, thus the taxi back was an option. 
***This is most definitely NOT a family restaurant so please leave the kids home.  It's a place for love to bloom. 

I had some fabulous tenderloin, hubby had some delicious seafood meal.  Sorry, was too long ago to remember what we actually had, plus the menu is every changing.  Just rest assured it was good, and we will be going back.

 *Heads up all who use google+, many of you may not be aware and wonder why folks aren't returning your visits and comments.  Google+ has a setting now that does not allow others to comment, in some cases your blog isn't even visible unless people register with google+.  You are losing people without knowing why, as many of you don't have means of contact.  I've been able to alert several, who did not of the problem and change in settings; some have been able to fix the problem.  If you're one who's fixed the problem, please leave the instructions on the fix so that we can pass along the information to help others.  Please leave it here the comments and or email me directly at sandycrochet at gmail.com*


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.