tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87244247968676907832024-03-18T22:52:05.968-04:00Doc AbbyAbbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-12193694957351295242011-05-27T21:56:00.003-04:002011-05-27T22:01:07.620-04:00Plum!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t1jdXYdrWGOqJ_3_mIinxhV_3lGDVjvlpwbUHm7Qcj3krYZTE51j6SifhsKlq_Rd8pj5vs8kAlR7pzc-7UK5LDuefvefhjcIRR4BSDLyZJiF8c-knSOdfw1iZBm4Ej86W574J6bAfPU/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t1jdXYdrWGOqJ_3_mIinxhV_3lGDVjvlpwbUHm7Qcj3krYZTE51j6SifhsKlq_Rd8pj5vs8kAlR7pzc-7UK5LDuefvefhjcIRR4BSDLyZJiF8c-knSOdfw1iZBm4Ej86W574J6bAfPU/s320/DSCN0517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611580587617578338" border="0" /></a>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-30529475627687173702010-03-09T20:23:00.004-05:002010-03-09T20:44:03.240-05:00Maine Restaurant Week Breakfast Cook-Off<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">We went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We ate – a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The stage was set for a great Friday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Walking through the door coffee and OJ was waiting for us and we arrived just in time for kick-off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My husband-to-be and I had a game plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We went straight to the back of the Sea Dog Brewing Co. restaurant where the early morning event was being held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That way we avoided the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It worked!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We were second in line at the Dysart’s table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They served a stuffed French toast topped with either a Maine blueberry or raspberry pure/syrup type thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was yummy, but we were hoping for something better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The Crab Benedict from Sea Glass @ The Inn By the Sea</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next stop was the Good Table.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They served a crème brulee French toast with a light fruit salad that was out-of-this-world amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the highlights for both of us, in fact Chris announced that this dish would be getting his vote right away, after only one other sample, it was THAT good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I agreed that it was perfect, but I was keeping my option open.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Maine Diner was next.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were trying to serve Maine blueberry pancakes, but none were ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We decided to move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the look of the half cooked cakes we decided that there were too many other awesome bites to try that we happy to pass this one up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hope they were good!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Corned beef hash was being dished out that the Miss Portland Diner table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was salty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So salty, in fact, that I can’t remember anything else about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chris however thought it was good enough to eat his and my portions, although he agreed that it was too salty.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stopped next at Moody’s Diner for some homemade cinnamon rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Light, fluffy and delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Moody’s and I<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>have a history that I wont get into here, but after a sample of the wonderful cinnamon roll things are much better between us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I, the lone seafood eater in our couple, went over to the Sea Dog Brewing Co. table for my next bite.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were serving a Maine lobster benedict on a mini crescent roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very rich though, so I was glad that it was a small bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The lobster was cooked perfectly and the crescent and egg were to a T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sauce was a bit think for my tastes, but over all very good.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8b1qnWawI10z6SjrckfAjbZqs-X05zzDVQ6cDLgp4gpkzkuWhxOeo8CENRnzWwf9IDIGz1cc6gK3sbBoF4mRhrYK-GnE3xQM_1C3PHYz2ZJM80rx3X-qyrnfBZSuY7k_kie0y5pLzSE/s1600-h/IMG_1927.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8b1qnWawI10z6SjrckfAjbZqs-X05zzDVQ6cDLgp4gpkzkuWhxOeo8CENRnzWwf9IDIGz1cc6gK3sbBoF4mRhrYK-GnE3xQM_1C3PHYz2ZJM80rx3X-qyrnfBZSuY7k_kie0y5pLzSE/s320/IMG_1927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446811894804882770" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p></p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Th</i><i>e Crab Benedict from Sea Glass @ The Inn by the Sea</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">For our next stops, Chris and I split again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chris went for the Porthole’s eggs Florentine with a smoky bacon cream sauce while I went next door to the Sea Glass Inn’s table for their offering of crab benedict with avocado puree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The eggs Florentine was a disaster, it was too big to eat with out a knife (which we did not have) and the Swiss cheese atop the English muffin was had melted, but then became hard as a rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chris said the egg was cooked well, as he managed to eat that part and I tried the spinach was cooked as it should have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Its too bad that overall we did not like it at all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This will not prevent us from heading to the Porthole in the future, as we generally enjoy eating there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The crab benny from Sea Glass was awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of my favorites – right up there with the Good Table’s French toast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The egg was as perfect as the avocado puree was cool and refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The crab cake stated like a yummy crab cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Overall I loved it and for a time it had my vote, but alas there was more to try.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">We then meandered over the front of the restaurant to sample what we had missed by heading to the back to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We started with the Bayou Kitchen table where they were serving huevos rancheros with either a black bean or beef chili toped with homemade salsa and sour cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This one knocked my socks off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even though I was full I could have easily eaten several more plates of this dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was very different from everything else served and it was done perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The flavors were really bright and homey. Just what I look for in a breakfast!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chris enjoyed it as well, but he was sticking to gun voting guns.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEQabwSE8If5O2kFCt4ktn3ed6wclnPri1hTU9HRqWMF2gVLoXA563WHhh_ilWreGiAJAri8inYYj-JT_f0iN9gkoWK2CDGBuqeEKEdkJaZE-yalowj5uQNQoiJP_wRjxmc4eIpBamb0/s1600-h/IMG_1929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEQabwSE8If5O2kFCt4ktn3ed6wclnPri1hTU9HRqWMF2gVLoXA563WHhh_ilWreGiAJAri8inYYj-JT_f0iN9gkoWK2CDGBuqeEKEdkJaZE-yalowj5uQNQoiJP_wRjxmc4eIpBamb0/s320/IMG_1929.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446811886566674274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Sausage Biscuits with Gravy from Becky's Diner</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Becky’s diner was serving biscuits with gravy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thought they were terrific, but Chris felt “eh” about them.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx4yqz1lIx93t5s0wnPcB-BXCgXChIHwYeaQpKo4ht7vs0H7973kwYT-4DkoMQd0-QovD4xwpUAHfFie_yDguHlvVr5n6X8PPhpw7bM4qIq91gVxUvnJc3SRMnpE0rU2xewUkHBMxNuk/s1600-h/IMG_1930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx4yqz1lIx93t5s0wnPcB-BXCgXChIHwYeaQpKo4ht7vs0H7973kwYT-4DkoMQd0-QovD4xwpUAHfFie_yDguHlvVr5n6X8PPhpw7bM4qIq91gVxUvnJc3SRMnpE0rU2xewUkHBMxNuk/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446811878859125986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Ham Strata from Congdon's Doughnuts Family Restaurant</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Finally, our last stop was the Congdon’s Doughnuts Family Restaurant table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They severed up a ham strata and doughnuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The strata was so good and super cheesy (just the way I like everything).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point, we were both full and I think we would have enjoyed it more and more of it had it not been our last stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doughnut was light and fluffy with great flavor!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So to recap: the only spot we found lacking was the Porthole and the highlights were the Good Table (the actual winner of the event), Sea Glass and the The Bayou Kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chris voted with the majority for the Good table, while I cast mine for the Bayou Kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have never eaten at the Bayou Kitchen before, although many have recommended it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now I am itching to get in there to try some other stuff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The Cook-Off was great fun and I really hope they do it again next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a great way to see what local restaurants have to offer and definitely gave Chris and me some ideas to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A great way to kick of a Friday, that’s for sure!</p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-45793483148560027612009-11-21T10:49:00.006-05:002009-11-21T11:02:56.623-05:00Islander<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pmsMJxzWrbpqNpfj89dyhWVtGUdRfAdNB0viFVQ7ZBLn1fy3GRLBnRWX09xCJgQIj4lMpvKYOUvZNdf_Xcs-6M47_y2GNTObBFTjCoqoDkU5TsOLQOZWiWExAxGHfLvq4dC6UimOV_s/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pmsMJxzWrbpqNpfj89dyhWVtGUdRfAdNB0viFVQ7ZBLn1fy3GRLBnRWX09xCJgQIj4lMpvKYOUvZNdf_Xcs-6M47_y2GNTObBFTjCoqoDkU5TsOLQOZWiWExAxGHfLvq4dC6UimOV_s/s320/IMG_1413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406587242044427394" /></a><div><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0819723/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Islander</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> Written and directed by Ian McCrudde (2006)</span></span></span></div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Somehow when this movie came out in 2006 I missed it. Oops. I was in grad school at URI at the time … can you really blame me? Nevertheless, I stumbled upon it recently and finally found time to watch it. Overall a lot of fun, there are some great aspects of it, some silly and some that I could have done without.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The story is great … a lobsterman caught up in a turf war gets carried away with anger and makes a big mistake. He pays for it dearly then tried to return to the community where he grew up. This isn’t easy, Mainers do not forgive and forget readily, so he is left to work hard to establish himself and get back on his feet on his own. There are a few that never accept him, but many learn to accept and move on.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Some from the area did not like this flick one bit and felt that it painted lobstermen in a negative way. I disagree, alcoholism and violence are present along with poor decision-making, but in what field of work is it not? I think that just as this movie shows the negative side of lobstering it equally shows the compassion, hard-working nature and forgiveness of many of the characters.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The accents are funny. I literally burst out laughing at some of the attempts. Generally the lead, Thomas Hildreth, butchers the Maine accent pretty badly, but there are moments when he nails it and he sounds exactly like one of my cousins. Loved that! Many of the other actors never really get it, but their efforts and exaggerations were humorous.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Some of the added drama could have been left out here. The story itself is compelling enough that the added side drama was not needed. I think the story would have been more effective if the audience was left to feel what the islanders must have been feeling, confusion to some degree. This man did something bad, dose that make him a bad man? Should be welcomed back because he was one of them, not “from away?” Is the decision to turn ones back on him right or wrong? All of the questions seem to be answered by the story, not left for the audience to ponder.</span></span></span></p></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeSYAGl5nQ_LpioKbXVix3xsk-q0s1gTNqJCJn2uCgFhWBv8Ig2zSB5zq2TIjGQE117-xVa7PRd6WpNfg951Ku7Xs1RZhbooRg_ha8Md7qfmOfvPFWamuxbXAcU93O95gl4wWjCVByyA/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeSYAGl5nQ_LpioKbXVix3xsk-q0s1gTNqJCJn2uCgFhWBv8Ig2zSB5zq2TIjGQE117-xVa7PRd6WpNfg951Ku7Xs1RZhbooRg_ha8Md7qfmOfvPFWamuxbXAcU93O95gl4wWjCVByyA/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406587097281516674" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Like I said it was fun to watch, even though it is certainly not a fun story. I hardly think that someone “from away” would think it was fun or funny at times like it did. It is still a great movie with beautiful scenes, good minimalist acting and a great story. It would recommend this one to other, Mainers and otherwise. Watch it. Laugh at the accents. Think about what it is that make people “good” and “bad”. Take in the beautiful Maine island and ocean.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;color:#000066;"><br /></span></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-68207984388946417582009-11-03T21:07:00.000-05:002009-11-03T21:08:38.261-05:00NO on 1<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Today was a big day for Maine – voting day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The big question on the ballot this time around is question one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This question states "Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This issue, it appears, has really drawn people out the polls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Today we saw huge numbers of people making it out to vote, much more than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am now waiting to watch the results roll in, hoping the “no” camp can pull it off.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The part about this issue is that it is an issue at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My view is that if the State is going to recognize marriage between a man and a woman than, of course, a same-sex marriage should also be recognized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my opinion marriage is a vastly a religious practice and it may not have a place in the government.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At this point, it makes more sense to me to separate church and state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For the purposes of the government and health care and other legal realms all couples should be required to join themselves in a civil union.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then beyond that, for religious or family reasons those couples can get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sure there are tons of problems hidden in this idea, but to me it seems like the fairest solution for the issue at hand.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There you have it, my opinion on civil unions and marriage and all that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here is to hoping that the “no” voters came out in force in Maine today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would be proud to reside in a state that recognizes gay marriage!<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-91882516818743197122009-10-20T20:15:00.018-04:002009-10-20T20:36:42.827-04:00Five Fifty-Five<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3_t8srp9kJi4-PpEME-tMgEQJA_pMzUNLefo9Wcn2Rox980utO49pGn_Mc0TYxYXeJxRJacD9kkLZ3cIJ7xWgM8sSdUfw9iUv1P001y825xsyCyh6hBwJf2_iV_lTIHUFkt6eQPGDPQ/s1600-h/IMG_1719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3_t8srp9kJi4-PpEME-tMgEQJA_pMzUNLefo9Wcn2Rox980utO49pGn_Mc0TYxYXeJxRJacD9kkLZ3cIJ7xWgM8sSdUfw9iUv1P001y825xsyCyh6hBwJf2_iV_lTIHUFkt6eQPGDPQ/s320/IMG_1719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394840887831417714" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I have long been a fan of <a href="http://http://fivefifty-five.com/">555</a> in Portland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a great place for terrific food with a cozy atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, my appreciation has grown considerably since Monday, 10/5/2009 when the doors were open for a sampling of the new bar menu.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fun drinks together with complementary snack samples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An absolutely great time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is what we noshed on:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span>-Mini Cheeseburgers – mouthwateringly awesome</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span>-Cauliflower Soup – Good, but too much smokiness for me</p><p class="MsoNormal">-Mini Pulled-Pork Sandwiches – Very good, but with slightly more pickle flavor than I care for</p><p class="MsoNormal">-French Fries with Basil Dipping Sauce – So yummy, salty and perfect</p><p class="MsoNormal">-Chili – Good flavor with just the right amount of heat</p><p class="MsoNormal">-Flatbreads – The bacon on top made them awesome, as bacon generally does</p><p class="MsoNormal">-Oysters – No thanks</p><p class="MsoNormal">-Mac & Cheese – The famous 555 Mac and Cheese!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By far the best sample of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had great flavor, perfect creaminess and the noodles had just the right texture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Honestly, I have thought of this Mac & Cheese since … a lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now I’m obsessed with the Mac & Cheese and can’t wait till I can get my butt over there again to have a whole bowl of it to myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you, yourself are looking for a fun, fancy time in Portland – check out 555, no doubt.</p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-73804872842049373092009-10-17T15:35:00.001-04:002009-10-17T15:37:48.107-04:00Garage Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACKQLKd3YJWFFVeaJU3unFGQ2WmIJKEZgaGk0vA8LUklp47nm2HyVl_9-tDY1lDz6v-iMvSLl7Fe9cVehm8khrii4wbnV1iFMscYMHaxhG4FfHoV86XZY2bIo6BGaQjBMxNz-TiztO-s/s1600-h/IMG_1715.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACKQLKd3YJWFFVeaJU3unFGQ2WmIJKEZgaGk0vA8LUklp47nm2HyVl_9-tDY1lDz6v-iMvSLl7Fe9cVehm8khrii4wbnV1iFMscYMHaxhG4FfHoV86XZY2bIo6BGaQjBMxNz-TiztO-s/s320/IMG_1715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393655253893198994" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Today was my first garage sale.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let me tell you, it was an experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was so interesting to see all the different types of people showing up and even more interesting to see what people did and did not choose to buy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We were selling many of the trinkets that my grandparents have collected over the past 50 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Items ranged from 600 National Geographics, different varieties of chairs and puzzles to seemingly endless collections of Christmas and Halloween decorations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was eye-opening to see what people were interested in and the things that people passed by.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the end I think it was a success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We sold a lot, but we also still have a lot left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I guess we will be having another one in the spring!</p> <!--EndFragment-->Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-34468958047595709202009-09-30T19:50:00.000-04:002009-09-30T19:59:17.089-04:00Lars and the Real Girl<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps, no definitely, one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s bizarre, quirky and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Def. a real “feel-good” movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805564/">Lars and the Real Girl</a></i><span style="font-style:normal"> is about a lonely man who decides, simply, not to be lonely any more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The cast is outstanding: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider … just to name a few.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At first when I read the plot (guy falls for sex doll) I thought this might be a laugh, but is prolly a little to over the top for my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I stand corrected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This movie was hilarious, terribly sad, heart-warming and heart breaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The range of emotion felt while watching this film was intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Literally LOLing throughout, this movie has some really funny aspect to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, it turns out, that isn’t why this movie captivated me as it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The underlying story line of compassion and community are really was struck me with this film.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is, in fact about a guy who falls for his <a href="http://www.realdoll.com/">sex doll</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The best part (according to me, at least) is that he doesn’t even sleep in the same room with her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lars’ bother and sister-in-law put her to bed each night, while he sleeps in his garage apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At first everyone is appalled that Lars is in love with a doll, but it doesn’t take long before the community embraces his doll as one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The reasons for Lars toting around this doll are explored throughout the movie as well as how much the community takes her in. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Absolutely, I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good film to make them laugh and cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is not a light comedy, but at the same time it does not at all get bogged down with some of the more serious aspects of the story.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-46549925142963122812009-09-23T20:53:00.000-04:002009-09-23T21:15:26.123-04:00Apples, Apples, Apples<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNz2brWzA4jfIvjhtT_jjBjJQYq-wBV1kTG9dfVCtWivbx90cbieLVh0q5uowrnLCjB6DKQLvqF5zPKrNb2bk63iJk19LsAPmVmgshuiWL8Pd2_EDAPH-Z5vA-hq8BH5XMIJTP5TefFY/s1600-h/IMG_1573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNz2brWzA4jfIvjhtT_jjBjJQYq-wBV1kTG9dfVCtWivbx90cbieLVh0q5uowrnLCjB6DKQLvqF5zPKrNb2bk63iJk19LsAPmVmgshuiWL8Pd2_EDAPH-Z5vA-hq8BH5XMIJTP5TefFY/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384833558696131442" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The fall is my favorite season.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">I love the change in weather, the changing of the leaves,breaking out the warm sweaters and eating yummy fall food.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">This Saturday (Chris’ 1</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">st</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> Saturday off, woo-hoo) we went apple picking at </span><a href="http://www.snellfamilyfarm.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Snell Family Farm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">It was a gorgeous day. </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">A bit brisk because the wind was a blowing…but a perfect fall day with bright sunshine!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">We picked Cortland (for pie) and McIntosh. We picked and we picked a lot.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">So much fun! </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">In the market they had some other really yummy stuff that we couldn’t resist including: cucumber, fingerling potatoes and CIDER!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Warm cider might be my favorite thing about fall, so I was all over that.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXymNol1LxQet51kLjyfNMuitW1uUcj8Tg9Xg4CNd0G0tq2RPoRnVN7WsE0g1wV8rAc5XO0VMpcQ5r1_FjLrA0xcyU5ZMMuUmhaIr7qLjk5FPgLg__Y9MOUQvgRhIe1AxRbD1dOSlb02U/s1600-h/IMG_1599.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXymNol1LxQet51kLjyfNMuitW1uUcj8Tg9Xg4CNd0G0tq2RPoRnVN7WsE0g1wV8rAc5XO0VMpcQ5r1_FjLrA0xcyU5ZMMuUmhaIr7qLjk5FPgLg__Y9MOUQvgRhIe1AxRbD1dOSlb02U/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384833548442030642" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">What could be better than watching some football and baking an apple pie?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Yes, I know, watching basketball and baking an apple pie, but alas this was not an option in mid-September. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span></span>So, football watching and apple pie baking it was!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">It was a great time, except that the Patriots were terrible.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Terrible.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">We bought frozen dough from the IGA because we are lazy, and used a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Cooking Light</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">recipe for the filling of our awesome apple pie.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Also, we had no lemon juice, so we went without, again because we are lazy.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The recipe called for eight apples, so that’s how many we peeled and sliced.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span></span>Eight was too many…way too many apples.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">When filling the pie crust we used about half. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span></span>Lucky for us, we had a bit of dough left over as well.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">I placed the leftover dough in a little ramekin (so much L.O.V.E.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">for ramekins) and filled it with some of the leftover apples.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Into the oven went the ramekin treat with the pie.</span></span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx_VhpNBcmtl7LdCq5EsQ7xEL_Q30AE4JzTp82CjTBSI__3BvHe_dAyAVkVJGI78T_rq3OZXDQa2Zis_0SwZyuxr2xRxITKG-ImwXmA4r-1tEZniBEZ8guurkvcqn-5oXarCL4yhzhF4/s1600-h/IMG_1595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx_VhpNBcmtl7LdCq5EsQ7xEL_Q30AE4JzTp82CjTBSI__3BvHe_dAyAVkVJGI78T_rq3OZXDQa2Zis_0SwZyuxr2xRxITKG-ImwXmA4r-1tEZniBEZ8guurkvcqn-5oXarCL4yhzhF4/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384833537340415842" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">The ramekin treat and the apple pie turned out perfectly!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">They were finished about 10 minutes early.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Everything came out of the oven browned and looking tasty. Our house smelled so good.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"><span></span>We had dinner.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">We ate some pie. We were tired.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqcFoeJ8-rkdxYdJiZnSDj1Kbl6f7SlmK2ySiRjARVzHDrw4vRU66xRNBcEwBKViwOwW3iUNR5mATOmR5K66KEjuOk2uPuJ50ZBrdpxrAckmUE8I5Z8mrQp5FYEh-QY_BkJjdq8vUSiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1600.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqcFoeJ8-rkdxYdJiZnSDj1Kbl6f7SlmK2ySiRjARVzHDrw4vRU66xRNBcEwBKViwOwW3iUNR5mATOmR5K66KEjuOk2uPuJ50ZBrdpxrAckmUE8I5Z8mrQp5FYEh-QY_BkJjdq8vUSiQ/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384833529240207410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000066;">Ta-da!</span></div></div></div>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-55259870682056775792009-09-20T20:17:00.000-04:002009-09-20T20:28:05.420-04:00The Grill Room & Bar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3cn3R1t1Hxl4_vB-a9rkyWItVNkEoy0bgbUzwqw81FIOdEvBBR75Mx6VlzxjfifLTkeaJa8ntu5IF3ULQ5IVUwUzGZ9vvYSNj1mYuwRf9a2BdnKgaZdPrdzrzn3LkmDCaxLQg15pmdY/s1600-h/IMG_1532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3cn3R1t1Hxl4_vB-a9rkyWItVNkEoy0bgbUzwqw81FIOdEvBBR75Mx6VlzxjfifLTkeaJa8ntu5IF3ULQ5IVUwUzGZ9vvYSNj1mYuwRf9a2BdnKgaZdPrdzrzn3LkmDCaxLQg15pmdY/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383709076745192546" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Ventured to <a href="http://www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=3">The Grill Room</a> this evening (9.14.2009) for a business meeting dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Walking through the door I knew it was going to be a good time, the smell…was…good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The space had a very relaxed laid-back feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From our table I was easily able to watch the Patriots season opener against the Bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is a good thing … when the conversation got to be to business like I could just look up and watch some football.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The draught list was pretty good, not that it really matters too much to me though … they had Allagash White … I was happy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I heard that the wine list was good too, although I wouldn’t really know, I never looked at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The waitress was very nice and seemed to be quite knowledgeable about the wine they offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She successfully made suggestions for two of my colleagues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Although I do not enjoy wine, I do enjoy listening to people go on about it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For starters I had the cajun shrimp salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The presentation was lovely and made me want to gobble it all up in one bite. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very Top Chef<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“elimination challenge” esque. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I restrained myself quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The shrimp was perfectly cooked and well seasoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The corn and pepper salad was also great because the peppers and red onions were chopped into tiny pieces, just the way I like ‘em.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For dinner I chose the hanger steak and chorizo with chimichurri sauce, spinach and white beans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is this thing I have right now for both hanger steak and chorizo, so to find them in the same dish was like a message sent straight from the heavens saying “eat this, not that … don’t even consider anything else”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The hanger steak was wonderful and perfectly cooked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The spinach and white beans were also delish and work well together and with hanger steak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The chorizo on the other hand left me wanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was not bad tasting by any stretch, but I so wanted it to be better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was more heat then flavor, which left me feeling disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Overall a good dish, but not one I would order again, message from the heavens or not.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dessert was a good thing. I had the warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was super yummy and the ice cream was the prefect creaminess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only thing that could have been improved with this would be my fullness from earlier dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not been so full.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overall – great meal. I would def recommend the Grill Room to anyone looking to a tasty and relaxing meal with style. I had a great time and will surely return for more.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724424796867690783.post-62628995913885078662009-09-12T15:32:00.000-04:002009-09-12T15:46:16.562-04:00Abby Blogs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(237, 109, 35); font-size: 30px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; ">So everyone else blogs and I want to join in the fun! </span></span></p><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#ED6D23"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#ED6D23">There are some many things going on in and around my life these days and I think "the blog" will be a great place to share all that. A writer I am not, so you will have to bare with me on that. However, I have options aplenty (you will have to bare with me on that too)!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#ED6D23"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#ED6D23">Here you will find posts about anything and everything relating to the life of Abby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The wedding planning (9 months to go now), being a doctor of audiology, living in my grandparent’s house will probably be in the forefront.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Also, there will be posts on the great adventures to be had in Portland and beyond! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> </span>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07482119031331104745noreply@blogger.com0