Kickball Game #4

We're still losers, but we had fun! We lost to the team, "My Couch Pulls Out But I Don't." Yes, you read that right. Last night we were quickly overcome and out kicked or out bunted by our competitors. The final score was 6-1. That makes us 0-4 for the season. You may recall that I was aiming for getting a run this week. Well, that flew out the window the one and only time I was up to kick. I bunted, quite nicely, and took off for first base. I almost made it and then some of the most excruciating pain (worse than my jaw surgery, worse than my numerous sprained ankles, worse than my broken foot, and worse than my bulging discs) coursed through the front of my thighs. I was down and out. According to sources (some reliable) I may have pulled or tore my quadriceps muscles. Let's hope it is just pulled muscles. Aside from the pain, the worse part was the possibility that I might not be able to do something I had been looking forward to doing this weekend. (Details on those fun weekend plans in a later post). I have been using the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method and it seems to be helping improve this predicament I am in right now. If all else fails and I cannot make it better, I'll make it numb with Icy Hot because I am planning on getting really dirty tomorrow. By the way that last sentence is a hint about my fun weekend plans.

Tried and true tip of the day: Always stretch appropriately before engaging in physical activity. I don't think I'll ever not do a quad stretch again before running around like a child at play.

Where not to eat!

I love to support local businesses, but those business have to make an effort to obtain ongoing support from the community. This week I thought for sure I would find a new local business to support in Orchid's Jamaican American Restaurant (the menu on the website lists far more items than the menu you receive at the restaurant) at 1113 State Street in Schenectady. Unfortunately, I was wrong, and my excitement for this restaurant was nearly diffused as soon as I walked into their new location on State Street. When my friend and I entered the restaurant our hostess did not immediately greet us, which I can get over if the rest of service is adequate. Our hostess turned out to be our waitress and once we were seated we soon realized we might not see her again unless we motioned for her to come back to our table. I do not know about you, but I think it is a safe assumption for a waitress to assume when she seats people and provides them with menus that they will probably be placing an order for food. Apparently, our waitress did not think that way since she was not too quick to return to our table to take our order. I still remained optimistic that the food would blow me away and our waitress would improve her service. I was wrong...again! The food was sub-par and was no comparison to the Jerk chicken, rice and peas, collard greens, and corn bread I came to love at Clayton's, which closed several years ago. Every bite of chicken I took required me to remove what felt like pieces of shrapnel from my mouth. There were unidentifiable pieces of "chicken". The cornbread was comparable to a dried up sponge. Did I mention that the waitress never came back to ask us how our food was (not good); see if we wanted refills on our drinks (we did) or if we needed anything else (hot sauce...please)? It was some of the worst service I have ever had at a restaurant. My friend and I were one of two groups of two dining in the restaurant so being busy waiting on other tables was not a reasonable excuse for our waitress. What was she doing all this time we were waiting for service? Leaning against the bar chatting it up with some of her girlfriends. The final straw was her refusal to take a valid entertainment book coupon because they do not take them anymore! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but now you know my opinion! I give this place a few months before they are out of business! I guess we will have to wait and see what the future hold for Orchid's.

Don't forget about the pups!

I am an animal lover to the core! Dogs, mine especially, have a special place in my heart. Anyone who knows me, knows that it is virtually impossible for me to pass by a dog without petting it and getting a friendly kiss. When it comes to my dogs, I know they get treated better than some human kids. They seem to get special treats almost as much as I do. It's only fair, right? Right! One of my favorite treats to cool off this time of year is ice cream.  Accordingly, my "kids" also get ice cream. Check out the recipe below to make a nice frosty treat for you favorite four legged family member. Remember to ensure your animals have adequate shelter and water during these hot days (or any day for that matter) and NEVER EVER leave your pet in a car in the heat.

Frosty Paws

2 cups of plain low-fat/fat-free yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
4 oz. banana baby food

Mix all of the ingredients together. Pour into Dixie cups. Stick a dog bone in the center. Freeze! When it comes time to serve, tear off the paper cup.

P.S. The batter did not taste half bad!

The finished product!

My kiddo's enjoying their ice cream cones!

Paddle for a Cure!

Today's dose of fun was the Paddle for a Cure kayaking event hosted by Dragons Alive on the Mohawk River! This was the third year my friends and I have donned our pink visors and participated in this FUNdraiser to benefit breast cancer awareness and research! Our tradition of participating in this event is always followed by lunch at Bombers. Almost everyone living in the Capital Region has enjoyed Bombers at least one time, but the best thing on their menu hands down are their Disco Fries. For my North Country friends, this is a twist on the infamous poutine we have all come to love. Disco fries are a delectable mixture of crispy french fries, lots of melted jack and cheddar cheese topped off with turkey gravy! Our tradition of participating in the Paddle for the Cure, however, would not be complete without a margarita! My favorite is the frozen Prickly Pear with a sugar rim.



From left to right: Original Margarita, Golden Margarita, Prickly
 Pear Margarita and Frozen Prickly Pear Margarita


Margaritas are great, but I want to leave you with something deeper than the mason jars Bombers' Margaritas come in. Remember, it is not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life. I will leave you with that deep thought and a picture of a few of the people I am glad and lucky to have in my life!


My girls! From left to right: Julie, Me, Karen, and Courtney



It seems we have a shot!

Consider this an extra extra to my earlier blog. I wasn't able to go to Union Inn (the bar sponsor of our kickball league) so I missed out on the fact that we apparently have an official shot! Our official shot is the "Sour Patch Kid!" Enjoy one tonight on a beautiful patio!

Sour Patch Kid

1.5 oz Smirnoff Vodka (or any vodka)
1.5 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
1 oz Grenadine
1 oz sweet and sour mix

Sounds good to me! Drop a few sour patch kids candies in it for a little extra fun and flavor!

Kickball Games #2 & #3

It was a double header! The UI Freaks came so so close to winning this week, but no cigar. In our first game of the double header, we played the Alcoballics and lost by a single run, with the final score being 10-9. In our second game against Cool Runnings, despite our energy beginning to run low and injuries beginning to run high, we held our own. At the end we were tied 6-6, which resulted in two extra innings. Ultimately, we lost again by a single run. Unfortunately, my lack of knowledge and understanding of the rules may have contributed to one of the earlier runs that cost us the game. Fortunately for me, however, I got a little more action this week by playing catcher for both games. Plus, I was also able to run around a little more by actually making it past first base, all the way to third base a couple times. (Of course, not in one shot!) Next week I'm shooting for scoring a run.

Some of the most appealing moments of the night came from the eye candy presented by our opponents! I can understand how a woman could turn into a Cougar. Those twenty-five year old men are definitely attractive. The fact that they are friendly just makes them that much better. Speaking of Cougars, my fellow Cougar friend, Stacey, and I, had to laugh when one of our teammates (again a man in his twenties) said "You must have hated that song, 'Stacy's Mom', when you were growing up." Now, keep in mind my friend Stacey, is 38, and Fountains of Wayne released "Stacy's Mom" in 2003, i.e. Stacey was 29 and I'm sure all grown up!

In Honor or Stacey (who did score a run), who "...has got it goin' on" enjoy the video.

Friday's Fun Factoid (unrelated to kickball): Today is Friday the 13th! Click here to find out more on the origin, history, and folklore behind the most widespread superstition that is Friday the 13th!

Tee Time!

If you are looking for a new place to improve your golf game, try Schenectady Municipal Golf Course. If I only had one word to describe it the word would be "hilly." Thankfully, I can use as many words as I want since I'm the owner of this blog. Schenectady Muni as it is referred to is an 18 hole regulation course tucked away off of Route 7. I started playing as a sub on a women's league there this year! I think next year, I'll try to get in on the league as a full fledged member since the ladies are so nice...and patient. The grounds are well maintained despite the best efforts of the geese that congregate on several of the holes. There are great big open fairways, which are always nice when you have a tendency to hit curve balls. It also has huge greens, which present obstacles, but opportunities for improvement, for impatient putters like myself. Every few holes you do get some reprieve with a par 3 hole. If you are like me and take as many strokes in a 9 hole round as some people do in an 18 hole round, you cannot wait for the break provided by a par 3 hole. I know the suspense maybe killing you, but I will answer the question you have all been dying to know.... Yes, there is a beer (soda, snack) cart that comes around to ensure you stay hydrated. I beg you, however, if you are going to partake in the beer aspect of the snack cart, do so responsibly. DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE!

Extra: I haven't given you any food ideas in a few days so it's about time I shared some with you. Many of you golf on leagues right after work so you need a snack to hold you over until dinner. I recently made my own trail mix for my backpacking trip and it was delish. It's the perfect hold you over snack out on the course. Check it out below:

Sinfully Sweet Trail Mix

*Raisins
*Butterscotch Chips
*Mini Marshmallows
*Milk Chocolate Chips

*Gatherers Granola Squirrel Bait Granola made of pecans, maple syrup, and coconut (I purchased this at the Schenectady Greenmarket.)

*Our Daily Eats Sweet Maple and Sea Salt Pecans (Also from the Schenectady Greenmarket.)

There are no amounts listed because you make it the way you like it. If you don't live in the area and are eager to try the delicious products listed above, click on the links above and order away! Otherwise, use your imagination and your pantry for inspiration to create your own sinfully sweet trail mix.