family

Paul Zerdin is No Dummy in Las Vegas

Ventriloquism has never been my thing. I remember my older cousins laughing about the antics of Howdy Doody, but maybe I was too young to get it. He looked a little too scary to me. Fast forward to the British recent winner of “America’s Got Talent” and I found myself taking a second look. You will, too. This guy is so good, prepare to be entertained in Las Vegas. The live show was nonstop comedy as Paul Zerdin interacted with the audience through his believable “family” of infant Baby, pre-adolescent Sam, and Albert the outspoken old geezer. The surprises never end as this entire cast of characters come to life. Or do they? Decide for yourself. 

A Seat at the Table

Pull up a chair. Nothing goes better with food than a little conversation. Enjoy the company you’re in no matter what the circumstance may be. If there’s one thing I learned while traveling, it’s that people are yearning for an open mind and listening ear. A few minutes in your day, can make all the difference in someone else’s world. Join me now for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: A Seat at the Table.” This remarkable journey of the palate is special because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as reciting your A-B-Cs. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Now more than ever, since I am retired, I relish the thought of creating something delicious from scratch. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten again later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you will find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: A SEAT AT THE TABLE!”

The Mystical Island of Kauai 

“You have a spiritual connection to the island”, I was told by a native. “I can feel it. I see it in your eyes. It’s what keeps you coming back.” Those words pierced my soul. Perhaps it was the grand untouchable beauty in every direction that captivated me. Or the fact that Nature reappeared with an enduring vengeance for life from what was once nothing more than molten lava. The tropical vegetation is practically surreal in its perfection. Maybe it’s the harmony between the tangible benefits of sunshine and the intangible belief in allegorical legends. For all one knows, it may be the sudden and unexpected appearance of a vibrant rainbow. Or the freedom of spirit, the passion for life, the gratitude for blessings, and the nourishment of body. Kauai is tranquility; it is passion; it is exotic; it is hopeful. But most of all, Kauai is like taking a walk with Our Heavenly Father in the Garden of Eden. 

Blame it on the VOG

“Don’t worry, it’s the VOG,” chirped Gina, our island friend, as she hugged me tight when we met. I was hesitant to get too close since I had developed a very congested cough that required relief from the drug store shelf. “El Niño reversed the trade winds so we’re getting the volcanic ash from the big island,” she went on to explain. Gerald and I had noticed a white milky haze atop the mountain range a couple days ago. Thinking it was fog, similar to what we experienced on the mainland, we never gave it a second thought during our outdoor water activities. We continued to walk along the beach, relax around the pool, and explore the island. To our dismay, we learned no one is exempt from the clutches of the VOG. Islanders suffer from bouts of respiratory ailments, difficulty breathing, headaches,and sleepless nights whenever the trade winds reverse their course. Although Kauai is 305 miles away from the active volcano, it occasionally falls victim to VOG leaving tourists feeling lethargic wondering if they came into contact with a cold virus. In actuality, it’s the result of a chemical reaction between volcanic ash, smog, and weather conditions. Symptoms improve by drinking plenty of water to clear the body of toxins as well as remaining indoors where air-conditioning is available. So, in conclusion, we blamed it on the VOG. By the weekend relief came, as promised, in the moderate trade winds. 

“Dense vog as seen from Hilo Bay, Hawaiʻi. Vog is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight. The word is a portmanteau of the words “volcanic”, “smog”, and “fog”.*

* Hawaii News Today

Elvis Can’t Help Falling in Love

Bon voyage aboard the famous Smith Family Cruise Boat for an exclusive trek up the Wailua River, known as “the only navigable River” in all Hawaii. Our captain boldly proclaims the river’s pure mountain waters pour down from Mt. Wai’ale’ale, well-known as one of the wettest spots in the world. “Pay attention,” he continues, “to the lush lands along the river where the sacred capital of ancient Kauai became home of the island’s ali’i; the birthplace of royalty.” Four generations of Smiths stay committed to the daily tradition of endless love, chanting song, and native dance sharing Kauai’s rich heritage along the way. Hula dancers move to the strings of guitar and ukulele in rhythm-filled emotion. Hypnotic hip swaying and intricate arm movements transcend the trance-induced travelers serenading all into their world. Our two-mile journey upstream is filled with anticipation as the boat navigates around ambitious kayak enthusiasts and canoe outriggers en route to the Secret Falls near the next bend. For us, the destination is more astounding. Finally we dock in a private landing where we make our way on a winding footpath through a serene rainforest filled with exotic plants, towering trees, and tropical flowers native to the island. At the end of the trail the mystery unfolds. In plain sight Nature astounds all who gaze in wonder and awe. A geological act of God was born millions of years ago. And that wonder is Fern Grotto. A natural cave, formed from lava, is an amphitheater completely covered in ferns that are growing UPSIDE DOWN from the roof of the grotto. Truly! At one time, prior to Hurricane Iniki, wedding ceremonies were actually held within the grotto. This location was featured in the movie, “Blue Hawaii”, starring Elvis Presley, making it one of the most romantic and unique wedding sites in the world. Our host proclaims one final word with a smile, “The Hawaiian blessing is Hoi Hou Ke Aloha; Let us fall in love all over again.”

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria in Kapaa, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant Pizzeria in Kapaa, Kauai. Buongiòrno from the verdant green Italian countryside to the coconut palms of Kauai. The secret recipes may be worthy of the family fortune, but word travels fast when authentic Italian cuisine is served on a tropical island. From marinara pastas to cheesy pizzas to meaty calzones, the tour of Sicily never ends. Enjoy every savory burst of sweet basil, aromatic oregano, nutritious garlic, roasted fennel, and caramelized onion in the regional favorites and finest Italian foods. Dine alfresco in the outdoor garden or the front porch for the ultimate experience. 

Put the Chips Away, SPAM SNACKS are Here!

Move over Beef Jerky and Slim Jim, you’ve got competition. There’s a new sheriff in town and his name is SPAM SNACKS! You may recall a recent post of mine entitled: “The Mystery of Spam”.* While visiting the island of Kauai, I discovered the Hawaiian obsession with the popular canned meat, Spam. I was so intrigued by it that I had to learn more. Islanders shared it’s versatility in recipes, it’s multitude of flavors, it’s gluten-free health benefits, and it’s prevalence as a household staple. Needless to say, I indulged. Yesterday I received a small package in the mail, postmarked Hawaii, from my dear friend, Noreen. Inside was the biggest surprise of all, a packet SPAM SNACKS! She discovered this new on-the-go snack item at the local convenience store there and immediately thought of me. (I hope you popped open a bag for yourself, Noreen!). Without further delay, Gerald and I tore into the bag and reveled in the chewy taste of real bacon. The bite-sized portions are a delicious alternative to devouring a bag of potato chips. Trust me. Now if only Hormel Foods could just figure out how to incorporate the salty taste of Spam into a snack that would satisfy a sweet tooth as well. Hmmmm. What’s next, Chocolate-Covered Spam Snacks?!
*Follow the link for “The Mystery of Spam”.

http://Snapshotsincursive.com/2016/02/06