Two Airedales by Anna.
It’s a week of guest blogs. Why not? I’m not in my own home and the contributions to the blog have been most welcomed.
Captured this morning by granddaughter Anna (14)
Josie looking in and Henry asking to go out.
Month: January 2018
Ice Hotel/Hotel de Glace Guest Blog
I was going to post the results of a light snowfall in Ohio where I’m visiting… but then –
my friend Kristin from Florida (and steadfast blog follower) texted a dozen photos today that fascinated me.
Thought you’d enjoy seeing the Ice Hotel in Quebec City. Hotel de Glace.
I’ve never been to an Ice Hotel but I loved the virtual tour via her photos.
I asked if your lips stick to the glass made of ice. You lick it first. Brrrrrrr.
(Maura said it reminded her of Elsa’s Castle in Frozen)
the only bathroom they saw 
Fruit Variations
Three photos-variations on Fruit- pastries, a bowlful and a single red apple.
Mark brought a pastry box filled with “fruits” from Mozart’s Austrian Cafe down on High Street in Columbus. The peach had marzipan inside. I checked out their menu and plan to get a piece of apple strudel before I return to Pittsburgh. Their dessert descriptions are enticing. You can eat in their restaurant, too. Piano bar.
Gluten free Tortes available
Esterhazy Torte
A traditional Hungarian torte, the Esterhazy is made from individually baked layers of flourless almond meringue filled with a rum-infused almond buttercream, and decorated with a distinct chocolate striped pattern. 7″, $35, Decorated $40
And at Mark and Erika’s home, on the same kitchen counter as the pastries sat a large wooden bowl filled with fresh fruit.
I chose one to wash and cut up into slices.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/variations-on-a-theme/
Friends Shared Winter Carnaval Quebec- Guest Blog
Although I’m in Ohio, I got to experience a taste of the winter Carnaval Quebec in Quebec City today. What fun!
A group effort on the photography, thanks to Kristin and Rick.
Quebec City-today’s “temperature was a balmy 25 and yesterday a -2”
See their exhilarating toboggan ride video below.
Linda with Bonhomme -mascot of the Carnaval
“Bonhomme is the official representative of the Quebec Winter Carnival. Snow white, he proudly wears the red tuque and arrow sash of the heroes of our past. This living representation of the Québécois’ joie de vivre is represented by an Effigy modeled after him.”
Kristin (native Floridian ) framed by the intricate ice sculpture.
(Linda,I love your sockhead knit hat!)
Join my friends on a fast toboggan run!
You might remember the pie pin map at Grant Bar in Millvale when Kristin and Linda visited me.
Chopped Green Salad Brightens Winter Afternoon
#SixWordSaturday
My first post for Six Word Saturday. Thought I’d participate this week.
At least my title is just six words.
My DIL brought me this lovely salad to which she added pomegranate and feta cheese. A drizzle of Balsamic. So refreshing and how nice to be served unexpectedly. The kids were all at swim.
The book underneath is The Four Hour Work Week . Have to dip into it. Oops, I’m retired. 
Debbie at Travel With Intent Blog hosts this challenge
Chrysler Building Times Eight
Variations on a theme is the weekly Photo Challenge by Ben H.
I’m not in NYC today but at Thanksgiving, I shot a lot of views of the Chrysler Building. Here are eight of them.
Architect William Van Alen. Completed in 1930.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/variations-on-a-theme/
He is Still Here
On a different shelf.
I blogged Baby Jake. four years ago (see below)
Looks like he’s on the WWII shelf now.
—from Blog May 2014—
WHAT I SAW ON MY SON’S BOOKSHELF IN HIS OFFICE
First Communion Weekend in my son Mark’s home office I saw his old Baby Jake from 1976.
I believed little boys should have a doll to love and care for when they were growing up. Preparing for fatherhood.
Now he has his own family of four, but it touched me when I saw his old doll Jake on the bookshelf. Jake has a soft body that has been recovered and filled with fluff, his rubbery arms surgically reattached by me.
You might have seen Mark’s 38th birthday post from Monday.
There is something about a toy or a doll with a face.
One that’s been well loved.
If you want to see a doll well loved, his wife Erika’s childhood doll (now named Baby Doll) adopted by their daughter Anna- really illustrates LOVE!
old rubber doll from 1976 with home sewn clothes I made for him
Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat
If you have the urge to knit one, you’ll have to google search as WP not letting me add a link tonight. I knit it on two circulars-size ones/2.25mm
Ravelry: Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat pattern by Keri McKiernan
Regia sock yarn from a few years ago.
P.S. I left the white speck on the table in the foreground For my fellow blogger , Yvette from Priorhouse blog Xxoo
Mac ‘n Berries by Lexi V.
Mac ‘n Berries by Lexi V.
I saw it in on a shelf in the glass door built-in cupboards this morning. Finally putting away some special dishes the grandkids had used their last visit.
The Mac ‘n Berries tag on the bottom reminded me of the creator Lexi V.
I bought it from a former photography class student who took ceramics as well.
So I set a place for it on the dining room table, took a picture and cheered myself.
Flavor Preferences
Flavor Preferences. What do you like to taste? Is there a flavor you avoid or don’t like?
Is there a difference between a flavor and a taste?
Where do our preferences come from?
Who are the flavorists who add the flavors to what we consume? I’m not even getting into natural vs. artificial flavors.
People within the same family prefer different flavors. How they taste.
Some individuals detest licorice. Others love it. Cilantro? Spices? Peppermint?
If a family gets ice cream cones does everyone choose the same flavor?
Varieties of flavored waters, drinks and seltzers are big sellers.
Wikipedia -“Of the three chemical senses, smell is the main determinant of a food item’s flavor. Five basic tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami (savory) are universally recognized”
I regret not purchasing this particular drink flavor- I’d really like to taste it (seen at Thanksgiving where sold at the Gourmet Garage NYC). Seeing the photo in my phone reminded me I didn’t taste it. Thinking about rhubarb makes me salivate a bit(yep, I said that). My mouth water. I like rhubarb. The tartness. Next trip, I’m buying it!
I’m sure there are people who don’t like Vanilla. Chocolate. Strawberry. Garlic, Ginger. Cinnamon.
(see America’s favorite ice cream flavors)
http://www.foodandwine.com/news/americas-favorite-ice-cream-flavors
Favorite flavors of jelly beans by state available
https://www.candystore.com/blog/facts-trivia/jelly-beans-flavor-rankings/
