Who Is That Team? Oh My, It's The Baltimore Ravens

Last night I was at M&T Stadium to see our Baltimore Ravens. It was a cold wintry night and the moon was bright. Our team looked like the Ravens of yesteryear, everything just seemed to jell for a resounding win over Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. The Raven's in their Black uniforms did everything right. It was a feel good night for us ravens fans. Ravens 48 Packers 3.

Kyle Boller was the best I have ever seen him play. He was 19 for 27 for 253 yards with good execution, Boller didn't make the stupid mistakes like he has done in the past. Good for him. I had just about given up on him. Nobody told Boller that Green Bay had one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Todd Heap had a good game with 9 catches for 110 yards and 2 TD's. Jamal Lewis ran for 105 yards with 22 carries and scored 1 touchdown. Last night Heap broke the team record for yards gained at 2841 which surpassed Qadry Ismail.

Randy Hymes, made an incredible one handed catch in the end zone for a score. You just had to see it. Samari Rolle and Deion Sanders each had an interception. Rolle and Ed Reed were all over the ball through out the game. Derrick Mason was in his usual good form and was getting open and making good yardage. I am so glad to have Mason on our team. Thanks Tennessee Titans. LOL

Not only was the Ravens score against Green Bay 48 to 3 it was the most points the Ravens have ever scored in any one game, a team record. The game went down as a record for the most lopsided game ever on Monday Night Football.

I was glad to be able to see Brett Favre play even though it wasn't Favre at his best. It just felt good seeing the Ravens playing mistake free football and having such a great game. It would be nice if the momentum carried over into the next 2 games of this season. Right now, I am a happy camper.

I Do Like Aerosmith, BUT

I love Liv Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. I just watched her in the movie Jersey Girl with Ben Affleck. While Jersey Girl was enjoyable to watch, I liked her part in Lord Of The Rings. Tyler was is many more movies, some of which I have seen. She has a beauty that appeals to me for some reason. I don't go to movies just to see her, but when she is in the movie I see, I am glad she is in it. Ok, enough of this crap.

XM Satellite Radio

I just got back from the Best Buy store and was checking out the XM Satellite Radios. They have several different kinds for different uses. I liked the one that can be used for car or boat, portable using with batteries, or with an adapter to plug in your electrical socket. The cost of service is $12.95 per month with installation at $14.99 via telephone or $9.99 via website. It has over 150 channels of music, sports, talk and entertainment. Most are 100 per cent commercial free.

I go to Canada fishing every year for about 2 weeks in the Northern Providence of Quebec. It is very remote and the only people you see are the ones at camp. I do bring a radio to camp and only get a few stations and those are mostly in French. Having the satellite radio would be very pleasant to listen to after being on the water all day. The cabin does have electricity thanks to a very large Diesel generator, so I could plug into the electric receptacle and save on batteries.

Does anyone have a satellite radio that you are using now? How do you like it? Any drawbacks? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Nicole Kidman And Keith Urban Getting Married

This little bit of news hasn't hit the main stream news yet, but you can read it first here:

Left Of The Dial

Being a program director and DJ, Frank gets the news first. He is reasonably sure this is true according to his news source.

Here's A Tip That's Easy To Do

I don't know about you, but my house has been getting quite dry from the heat being on all the time. I have been getting a slight headache from breathing too much dry air. Here is how I deal with it and it works well.

I take a large pot and fill it about 2/3's of the way full of water and put it on the stove to boil. When the water boils it adds moisture in the air and takes a lot of the dryness out of your house. This will make your sinus open up and you will feel much better. I add some whole cloves to the water and the house smells wonderful.

Just a little thing, but it works for me.

It was Left Of The Dial that got me started

It was the blog Left Of The Dial that got me started looking at blogs. My son Frank has this blog and runs a radio station in Tennessee. He started sending me blogs about Antiques in or around the Baltimore area. He had a link to Epiphany In Baltimore on his Blog and that is how I found all the nice Baltimore people and their blogs. Who would have thought that after 3 Happy Hours and finally starting my own Blog that I would have the pleasure to meet so many Baltimore Bloggers.

Frank's Blog is mainly about country music and other news of the day. If you get a chance check it out. If it is anything you want to know about what is happening in Country Music he is the guy to ask.

Here is where to go: Left Of The Dial


Thanks Y'all

The Dogs Come Home And David's Bluehouse Coffee Shop

I went to the Krakus Deli today and had to wait a little while to get waited on. I don't mind that, because it gives me a chance to look around at all the other things they sell. There were at least 10 of us there and all speaking Polish except me of course. At one time or another they broke in to English, but I like to hear the Polish being spoken. When my turn came I got my order of Hot Dogs and a small smoked ham and left.

I wanted to stop at the newly opened Bluehouse in the 1400 block of Fleet St. just off of Caroline. I got to meet David and John and had a very good Latte'. While drinking the Latte' I got a chance to look around at all the other things there. Not only do they have a first class Coffee Shop with lot's of places to sit down and enjoy your drink and eats, David has furniture, decorative accessories, and a myriad of glass and other goodies to look at. Mostly new but some old glass jars and things. Some nice handmade craft items can be found also. I will be sure to stop back anytime I am in the area and have a good coffee and to say hello. Stop in and have something to eat or drink and you will be supporting a fellow Baltimore Blogger.

HOT DOGS Food For Thought

The following is a comment I made to a newer Blogtimore Blogger, Holding The Line. I just happened across the Blog and it was about how much Kevin likes Hot Dogs. The comment I made was a little long and I thought the information about Hot Dogs or about Ethnic Deli's in or around Baltimore would let others know that Baltimore has a few nice Ethnic food places tucked away that have great food and are fun to go to. Here is what I had to say:

Hey Kevin, I just happen to catch your blog about Hot Dogs. I love a good Hot Dog also. I have found a couple of ethnic Deli's that have some of the best Hot Dogs or Sausage I have every tasted. They are good meat markets, so you will have to buy them and cook them yourself. It is worth the trip. They sell all kinds of other meats and most of it is made on the premises. My favorite is the Krakus Deli an all Polish Deli at 1737 Fleet St. in Fells point. 410 732 7533. They have the best large natural casing Hot Dogs ever. They are without a doubt my favorite. This time of the year I put them in my oven broiler on a piece of aluminum Foil and let them crack open and get almost burnt. It only takes a few minutes to cook and they plump up very large. My favorite roll is Martin's Potato Rolls that you can get in any grocery store. They add to the taste and are not too big for the Hot Dog. Put on your favorite mustard with onions and you have a winner.One of my other favorite places is Binkert's Meats. They are all German and are located at 8805 Philadelphia Rd. Just north of Golden Ring Rd. I like to get their Weisswurst which is made of veal and has a very good taste. They have many other kinds of dogs and other meats. Phone 410 687 5959. If you are interested in going to these places I would call first for hours as both are closed on certain days of the weeks. If you are going to the Krakus Deli call to make sure they have the Hot Dogs. They come in on Friday or Saturday and they go fast. Krakus also makes fresh Sausage on Wednesday nights and are available on Thursday till they are all sold. Saturday is a busy day at Krakus and people come from other states to buy their meats there. If you decide to go and everybody is speaking Polish and you can't, don't worry they all speak English also. LOL This place is a true Baltimore find. I hope this wasn't too long of a comment, I just wanted you to know about these two places. There are others around Baltimore, but that is for another day. BTW: all of the above Hot Dogs can be frozen for later eating. End of comment.

I just added the following:

I just decided I am going to the Krakus Deli on Fleet St. and pick up some of those Hot Dogs now. While I am there I will buy one of the small smoked hams that Walter the owner smokes right there in the store. They are not very big, but have a good smoked taste that I love. That ham is just scrumptious tasting. I will slice it for sandwiches or better yet slice it thick and fry it up like Bacon to go with eggs or any breakfast. It is inexpensive and they average only a few pounds. You can have them slice it, but I like to slice my own. There are too many things to mention that they sell there besides meat

As stated before there are plenty more Ethnic food places through out the area that I have visited over the years and found them all to have that special something. That can be another blog later on.

Snow's Over

Well that snow was very short. I believe that the news people on TV need something to get you stirred up about. I just finished shoveling my driveway and apron. The sun is out and everything is melting. I'm off to get my haircut and something to eat. Not that I am going to eat hair on anything like that. I meant after getting my hair cut, then I will go somewhere and get something to eat.

Snow And Sleet

I was up and out this morning about 5:15 a.m. letting one of my Westie Dogs do her business. Yes, the snow was coming down pretty good. We have about 3 or 4 inches on the ground and possibly another inch or two before it ends. The storm is suppose to end about 9 a.m and rush hour will be a mad house. I just checked the outside again and the snow has turned to sleet or freezing rain. According to the news on TV the roads are slippery and the main roads are still covered. What a mess. I made up my mind, I am not going into work today and won't go out until the roads are much better. At least I have that luxury of whether I want to work or not. I need a haircut and will go for it later today when the roads clear up.

I don't mind driving in the snow, as long as the other crazy drivers are not out in it. That means rush hour time. I don't know what it is about snow and Baltimore or even here in Timonium. It's like nobody knows how to drive. This doesn't happen in other states like New England or upper state New York. I have been in big snow in these places and people just go on their normal way as usual. No major problems. I guess it's a frame of mind. Heavy snow there doesn't cause all the problems we have here. By this evening the roads should be good for the late rush hour. I like a good snow, but on my terms. In other words, over a weekend when others don't have to work or a hard long snow that keeps everyone home. After a day or two, I will have enough of it and will be itchy for it to become normal and all cleared up.

What would be nice, but probably not practical is to have a Baltimore Blogger snow party happy hour. After a few drinks and some good bar food, it won't matter if it is snowing or not.

For all of our blogger friends that don't have to work today, enjoy your day. For all of our blogger friends that have to be out in this stuff, be safe.

CANDY RECIPE included. I finished making the Sweet Potato Candy recipe yesterday. I must say they are delicious. I made 3 kinds, the original cinnamon, chocolate, and peanut butter pin wheels. The problem is we couldn't stop tasting them as they were being made. There is no cooking involved, easy to make, and fun. If you decide to make the candy and you have any questions let me know. It's pretty simple. Here is what you will need.

1/2 lb. Butter
1/2 lb. Margarine
1 medium can of cinnamon
6 lbs of 10X sugar
1 cup of Pet Milk
2 tsp. Vanilla extract

If you like cocoanut you can mix in 2 cups of flaky cocoanut. (optional)

cream butter and margarine by hand into a large pat. ( fondant) This means squish it together with your hands.
Add vanilla
Add sugar and milk gradually as you work it into the butter and margarine. Mix by hand till fondant becomes smooth enough to roll into small balls. (hint: after washing hands from mixing I use a little cooking oil on my hands so the fondant doesn't stick to my fingers)

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, pinch off a small part of the fondant and roll between hands till cigar shaped. Cover with cinnamon (in a bowl) and line up on cookie sheet. Let dry over night in a cool place.
Store in plastic bags or tins.

Peanut Butter Pin Wheels :
Use the same fondant base. Take a handful of fondant and roll out flat with a rolling pin between 2 pieces of waxed paper. ( like a pie crust ) Remove top piece of waxed paper. Spread 1/4" thick coating of smooth peanut butter. Roll up like a jelly roll. Cover with waxed paper and put in the refrigerator for several hours. When firm enough, cut 1/4 to 1/2" slices and place on a cookie sheet. Dry out over night. Then eat and enjoy.

You can use Hershey's cocoa chocolate powder to roll in instead of cinnamon. I usually use the chocolate after rolling fondant in to little balls instead of cigar shape. You can roll with nuts etc. Just about anything you would like to use.

The main thing is to have fun and enjoy. They make a nice little present for friends and family.

Ho Ho Ho Christmas in coming soon. For some reason I have the Christmas spirit early this year. My wife and I have the tree up and decorated. I feel like Christmas shopping now instead of 2 days before Xmas. What the hell is wrong with me, I like to procrastinate and do everything the last minute. Even at 5 a.m. this morning I got out the recipe for making Sweet potato Candies. I haven't made these candies in the last 4 or 5 years. Even then I would need to be asked to make them. The candies don't even have sweet potatoes in them. They are strictly sugar , butter and other great ingredients and do they ever taste good. Yummy. They are easy to make and I make more than the recipe calls for. We give them out as presents in little boxes or tins. Everyone loves them, but they are not for the diet minded. If you only eat one or two here and there it won't kill your diet.

I also make a peanut butter roll from the Fondant and I am going to try out something different, using Spearmint to give them a different flavor. They can be made so many different ways. The original way is to roll the Fondant like little cigars and dip them in cinnamon. You can use Chocolate as a coating or anything else you like. Sometimes I use shredded coconut in them. They are so easy to make, just takes a little time and is so rewarding.

I first made these when I was a teenager and still living at home. This recipe has been around for many years and I haven't found any other quite like mine. I am getting ready to go to the store to get the sugar, butter etc. These candies will be done this week, whether today or tomorrow when it snows.

This cold weather with the ice on everything makes me think about buying a condo in Florida. I have been thinking of doing this for a few years now. I don't want to live in Florida year round, just during the colder months. With all of the Hurricanes hitting Florida, I have not been actively looking. I also like Charleston S.C. and this may be another choice. Though Florida is becoming more popular and the prices are rising, there are still some nice Condos to be had for a good price. I like fishing and want to be near the East Coast. I don't have to be on the water just near it. I sold my boat this summer that I used on the Chesapeake for fishing and am not in any hurry to replace it till I decide what to do about Florida.

Maryland is a great place and has plenty of Salt and Freshwater fishing close by. I still have my freshwater reservoir boat and motors. I want to get out and do more Crabbing next year. This year I didn't get out crabbing at all and that's a shame, the crabs were running good this year for recreational crabbers. I have all of the equipment to go and am looking forward to crab next season.

This cold weather always make me think of warmer climes. What the hell can I say, I am leaving now to go to the Ravens game and sit in the stands in this damn weather and loving every minute of it.

The Ravens game is tomorrow and I will be there with others in a sea of Purple. Not only that, I will be at the Cross St. Market eating and drinking at Nick's Seafood and Bar. The Natty Boh's will flow and the Oysters will be cold and on the half shell. It doesn't take much to make me happy. I will be slurping and drinking at 10 a.m. with my brother and friend Mike and anyone else who wants to join us. The game starts at 1 o'clock and that is plenty of time to fill up on the good things in life. Any of y'all that know me and see me, stop by and say hello, the beer is on me. It does get crowded around ll o'clock, but we will be there somewhere. So get there earlier and get a seat.

Hey, I know what your are thinking, but screw the weather. I am there for the fun and I don't give a crap if the weather is bad or not. In fact a little wetness will add to the atmosphere, I'll dress for it. Besides, who wants to be a fair weather fan! Layers, that is what you use to keep warm and good insulated leather boots to keep your feet warm. Then you are all set. Oh yeah gloves to keep your hands warm and a parka so wind doesn't go down your neck. I usually only have one beer while at the game. All my drinking is done before game time and that is plenty enough for me.

The Houston Texans are in town and I expect to see a win for the Ravens. The Ravens have had their problems this year and there is always next year. I am a fan of the Ravens, I won't boo them when something happens to them on the field. That is just not right. They are having a losing year and that happens to all teams at one time or another. The Ravens, good or bad they are my team and I am just glad to have a NFL team back in Baltimore. See Ya!