tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86387567546102568122024-02-19T09:10:06.028-08:00Sounds GoodThe Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-78415946856651508472020-12-26T10:50:00.003-08:002020-12-26T10:50:28.653-08:00
Black-eyed peas, and chickpeas, too.
Please eat your black-eyed peas, but try some roasted chickpeas, too. We southerners need to eat extra black-eyed peas for some 2021 luck. That’s understood. But save room for something I finally tried: roasted chickpeas.
I suppose I tried to roast some from a can many years ago and they weren’t crunchy. This time I succeeded. Crispy and sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, they were a satisfying snack. I ate the whole can’s worth, which I do not recommend. I certainly do not suggest that you open another can, roast some more and eat that, too. That was a bit too filling.
So the process is simply to drain the liquid and pat them dry and roast them in olive oil for about 350 degrees for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with your spices after they are baked. You may shake the pan every 10 minutes and they will pop. I’ll be doing this again.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hju6qWuszmzSaa4ALHNmNDJrWWBVyyVEDr_eArPrBUEG5vp18Aq5GvQN5eq9aSJQc7mPHgy3e7CsCTkH8q9d81CPchaCA4KG8Q47Rsx50zc6xQomma3rMYfbPKfS256zF4bAQai-zxg/s2048/chickpeas+MG_3984.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hju6qWuszmzSaa4ALHNmNDJrWWBVyyVEDr_eArPrBUEG5vp18Aq5GvQN5eq9aSJQc7mPHgy3e7CsCTkH8q9d81CPchaCA4KG8Q47Rsx50zc6xQomma3rMYfbPKfS256zF4bAQai-zxg/s320/chickpeas+MG_3984.jpg"/></a></div>
Churros. Say it again…
If even saying the word “churros” gives you a comforting feeling, you’re not alone. In Southeast Texas we puff our dough and cover it in powdered sugar like the Cajuns do in New Orleans. We also love our Mexican flavors and they shape their dough into churros with sugar then add cinnamon for extra spice. San Diablo does churros of Utah and ships them everywhere. Scott Porter got his artisan flair in Mexico City while on mission work, so don’t be alarmed by the little devil logo and the red plastic pokey pitchfork that comes with an order. There’s an angel on there, too and she’s probably trying to tell you to not eat so many and save some for your husband. A batch arrived and it was easy as churros for me to heat them up 6 minutes and serve with included sauces. Their big news is they can ship you a churro maker, so you have the power to create in your own home. Are you and the angel ready for this power? I’m also considering La Muerte, a cinnamon sugar blend with ghoste pepper. Now that will spice up your day. Sandiablochurros.com
For ‘Starters’
Have you wondered how to get your sourdough more sour? Felt your batard was less than perfect? Craved homemade oat crackers?
Elaine Boddy is there for you with confidence your loaves will look as rustic, hearty and tempting as hers pictured in “Whole Grain Sourdough at Home: The Simple Way to Bake Artisan Bread with Whole Wheat, Einkorn, Spelt, Rye and Other Ancient Grains.”
It’s doable, Boddy, founder of “foodbod Sourdough” blog says. You can learn to score your ovals (batards) and sprinkle them with raw pumpkin seeds to make them photo worthy. Sure, snap photos to make folks jealous, but these ancient grain breads of for eating. The author is funny and talented and also makes this process easy to understand.
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who will join everyone else in resolving to eat more healthy in the new year. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-69456284298493296422016-03-12T05:37:00.002-08:002016-03-12T05:46:55.817-08:00Visit Heritage Village, after your Touch coffee<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSEczOmPFnDKuMHWRT5WCOYDiVn1cRyeRMuKGonY7sQmrd3yVnQ7hZ6LYk0wVwPS2e6Go_nxiIVnPh0q12cOTh95BDEJ9UV9FIGCI5N-mwetSUL4I34NbHV2fq3h37DcPAA6e7I-LQxY/s1600/Heritage+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSEczOmPFnDKuMHWRT5WCOYDiVn1cRyeRMuKGonY7sQmrd3yVnQ7hZ6LYk0wVwPS2e6Go_nxiIVnPh0q12cOTh95BDEJ9UV9FIGCI5N-mwetSUL4I34NbHV2fq3h37DcPAA6e7I-LQxY/s320/Heritage+Village.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yes, the
Pickett House in Woodville is still serving legendary fried chicken and heaping
bowls of chicken and dumplings. It’s still boarding –house style, so you may
make some new friends with similar tastes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Be
sure you and the family walk around the spread to visit Heritage Village,
stable, post office, blacksmith shop, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think the
very best trip to this area would include some older and wiser folks – who may
recall some of these vintage tools and such – and some younger children who
need to know about these things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Spend
the day and eat all your greens. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIHYE2DHXDcRY_QyiD_v7Q-EVVZ0q3lrTlJdtu6fUgF90BpMryyAAhma9jUZV1cVycCS5n4nI5gQBmvUgzP0VVAsi6l-BuM0v82HaDJw_OgD4Wm3t8meqv6wDs-d7oB1k2vogwLouOnw/s1600/Touch+Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIHYE2DHXDcRY_QyiD_v7Q-EVVZ0q3lrTlJdtu6fUgF90BpMryyAAhma9jUZV1cVycCS5n4nI5gQBmvUgzP0VVAsi6l-BuM0v82HaDJw_OgD4Wm3t8meqv6wDs-d7oB1k2vogwLouOnw/s320/Touch+Coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Touch
Coffee, taste coffee. Fast</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Makers are
calling the Touch® T526S coffee system “ground-breaking,” no pun intended. My
favorite part is that in addition to brewing up your favorite K-Cup, you can
use the mesh cup included to make a cup, or larger carafe, or travel mug, of
you own loose grind. That’s good for the environment and your smooth, tasty
morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You’ll be
making your own coffee memes for Facebook about how much you love it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s a
handsome machine, compatible with “any cup </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">at all—from existing Keurig K-Cups®
to generic cups, in </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">addition to Touch's ground-breaking XBold Cups™, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">XLarge Cups™ and reusable Refill Jumbo Cup.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Got
20 seconds? Here’s what the makers say: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“</span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">According to the </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ncausa.org/"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">National Coffee Association USA</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">, the </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">brewing water
temperature for a good cup of coffee is </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">"between 195-205 degrees
Fahrenheit for optimal </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">extraction." The Touch® T526S brewer reaches
this </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">ideal temperature by using its Flash Heating system and </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">starts brewing in
under 20 seconds after being off all </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">night. Plus, Touch heats just enough water
for the </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">selected cup size as opposed to the entire tank of water, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">and the
machine turns itself off after using, making it </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">more energy efficient than its
competitors.”</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m trying
this with Touch L.A. Coffee, in Sunset </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Strip roast. These cups allow up to 30
percent more </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">coffee from each capsule. All this coffee talk has its own </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">language. I’m just speaking the delicious-convenient-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">efficient dialect. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look it all
up at </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://www.touchbeverages.com/"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">www.TouchBeverages.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">. </span><br />
</div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
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</div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-40843132242653513582016-03-06T05:59:00.003-08:002016-03-06T06:06:01.904-08:00<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq14hp2QbzFYbPuIBXXHw95G9_sSA8auiXN8QrVuei7NZOafEzDBoQucVetRZzyvfQnYqzYoQyoRh8UFxtRIAvx5fb6ZwJfhexWJx5Ro4hT7EgN29gFApxILUxDyWBqOf6BLMvgC81Tk/s1600/5060-REBELLE%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq14hp2QbzFYbPuIBXXHw95G9_sSA8auiXN8QrVuei7NZOafEzDBoQucVetRZzyvfQnYqzYoQyoRh8UFxtRIAvx5fb6ZwJfhexWJx5Ro4hT7EgN29gFApxILUxDyWBqOf6BLMvgC81Tk/s320/5060-REBELLE%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Is your wedding tree still up?</b></span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dozens of “Christmas trees” are set up all year long at R.A. Smith Gifts in Dayton.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
you haven’t put yours away yet, after turning it into a Mardi Gras
tree, then consider a stop at this shop, 4984 FM 1960. She’s got your
ornaments.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Some
are covered with ‘50s diner baubles, others with Halloween colors.
Smith says is one of her biggest sellers is the wedding tree, popular at
showers. Themed ornaments include a celebratory Champaign bottle. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Once
you’ve gaped at this huge selection for a good while, roam around the
rest of this big space for other sorts of gift items you can wear. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Lipsticks do more</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In
2016, make your lipsticks work for you. Dermelect Cosmeceuticals has
launched Multi-Targeted 4-in-1 Lip Solution, which I’m enjoying in
Iconoic, a toned-down-for-me nude color that offers argan, jojoba,
sunflower seed and camellia oils in addition to green tea, grape seed
and pomegranate extracts. This demure look comes with anti-aging balm,
hydration and the “all-day staying power of a stain.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dermelect
is known for combining good looks and healthy concepts into nail polish
and much more. Smooth + Plump Lipstick is another hit with
peptide-infused, anti-aging formula and plumping technology. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
you want your “feathering” restricted to your Mardi Gras costume, try
this. I’m hitting the festival with Rebelle, a rich fuchsia sure to
blend into the Sweet Soiree candy theme. I can feel the luxury as it
glides on. Learn more about lip lusciousness at <a href="http://www.dermelect.com/">www.dermelect.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-16046388171116920472016-03-06T05:38:00.000-08:002016-03-06T06:05:23.794-08:00The "dish" on Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Sj55bjyjx60DhwyQjgiUQBkscYTjItUmWAGkS_3CzCrdZ9wzekhkwG4mB0LaUJKz0KN0LOa8aeJuoc8Q098TTJPpQI0SgRWRHB5QHzDrBOfG8UzyaA7s9twWodxy0FebSZIiL-FEVg/s1600/Texas+dish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Sj55bjyjx60DhwyQjgiUQBkscYTjItUmWAGkS_3CzCrdZ9wzekhkwG4mB0LaUJKz0KN0LOa8aeJuoc8Q098TTJPpQI0SgRWRHB5QHzDrBOfG8UzyaA7s9twWodxy0FebSZIiL-FEVg/s320/Texas+dish.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When I saw Port Arthur featured on the metal
Texas-shaped dish, I couldn’t resist. A family nestled under a beach umbrella
is etched near our city, near a big fish for Galveston and the San Jacinto
Monument for Houston. The Lone Star State’s story goes all the way to a cattle
drive in El Paso and a crown for King Ranch at the tip of Texas. Our flag,
capitol building and a bluebonnet rim the shape, which seems a little cheated
in the panhandle. It’s marked “Made in Japan” and the woman at Dovetail
Antiques figures it’s a ‘50s piece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I got this fabulous kitsch at one of the
stores in the Liberty town square and there’s more waiting for spring road
trippers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A cold day had me passing through Liberty I
ventured one block over from the main road to find a courthouse with a thriving
square around the plaza de mercado. I spent 20 minutes in Liberty and I’m
planning to head back when there’s more time, and sun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Fun in Southeast Texas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
one week I attended an educational Orphan Train presentation with live banjo
and guitar music; an emotional production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in
concert at Beaumont Community Players and an inspiring opening of Carlo Buceme’s
“Relentless” opening at The Art Studio Inc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hope
you’re not one of those people staying at home because there’s nothing to do.
Look for adult coloring at Texas Artists Museum, Big Thicket educational treks,
salsa dancing, you name it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now
that we’re getting more daylight, it’s time to explore. See you out there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a>
</span></div>
</div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-88666870939504924272016-02-21T14:03:00.000-08:002016-02-21T14:03:15.343-08:00Grapevine is "chill"<b></b><br /><blockquote type="cite">
<div>
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span></span></div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div>
<span></span><br /><span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div>
<img data-inline-image="true" height="728" id="34F5E9ED-F601-4083-B258-ADCF3CE25761" src="https://p03-mailws.icloud.com:443/wm/messagepart/IMG_1784.JPG?guid=messagepart%3ASounds+Good%2F85-2.2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=darraghcastillo&name=IMG_1784.JPG&size=1468564&dsid=1145376846" width="728" /></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
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<span></span><br /><span></span>Wine charm at Off the Vine. Photo by Darragh Castillo<br /><span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cilla
Hultin's card reads "Wine Lover!" She represents Off the Vine, one of
the fun shopping stops in historic Grapevine. I picked up a blue glass
and metal wine charm at there, a tourist-themed shopping bag at a co-op
and visited Cowgirl Swag, where Ricky creates crochet embellishments and
soda can pop-top collars on fancy T-shirts. </div>
<div>
Walk around
downtown Grapevine every day of your visit and you will notice something
new among the shops, farmers market, museums and of course, wine shops.</div>
<div>
Double entendre wine sayings are on towels, T-shirts, coasters, you name it.</div>
<div>
The
visitors building is in a beautiful building downtown, and
representative will refer you to the Settlement to City Museums next
door, and of course the glockenspiel that reenacts a would-be train
robbery. </div>
<div>
Walk around the Great Wolf Lodge and Gaylord Texan for fun off Main Street and make sure to get a view of the lake. </div>
<div>
Don't worry, there's plenty of modern shopping, too. Their botanical gardens are about to pop into bloom. </div>
<div>
Ready to go? Check out <a href="http://www.visitgrapevinetexasusa.com/">www.visitgrapevinetexasusa.com</a></div>
<div>
<a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-53688274013256167892016-02-21T13:41:00.000-08:002016-02-21T13:43:30.230-08:00Art Museum has family fun; wake up early
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4wOzRx3K6PwxVAPHp9_DegDPjOk5ikO9x2l0HzdfQv3y8eRPYVrTndTv09MzMJx-HNj2crzKVdU_wtkhQKlS_nIAERQEIx3cU9CT9jj_3DF0iVwjL7QvSr14J38W4sv6y-op_TZtl0A/s1600/Bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4wOzRx3K6PwxVAPHp9_DegDPjOk5ikO9x2l0HzdfQv3y8eRPYVrTndTv09MzMJx-HNj2crzKVdU_wtkhQKlS_nIAERQEIx3cU9CT9jj_3DF0iVwjL7QvSr14J38W4sv6y-op_TZtl0A/s320/Bowls.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Art Museum of Southeast Texas </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The most recent free family arts day at Art
Museum of Southeast Texas was bustling with activity and I’m so glad I rounded
the corner where I got a lump of clay to create my own little bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Everybody’s creative, but you can also
purchase someone else’s festively painted little bowls in the museum gift shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Check out the museum in downtown Beaumont
any time, and the next family day on Saturday, May 21, featuring a Birds in Art
theme. All the birders who “flock” to the Port Arthur and Beaumont area should
love this one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>No
more snooze button: The 5 a.m. Miracle</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking up early to run is what Jeff
Sanders calls a double kick in the pants. Yet it’s kind of the whole concept
he’s trying to pitch in his book “The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before
Breakfast.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
is bout being a rock star in your work and home life by maximizing your
productivity and perfecting your schedule. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
results sound good, but do we want to wake up early for it? Sanders gets a “no
way” response much of the time, but just read through. He can guide you through
some tips and he promises that you don’t exactly have to begin at 5 a.m. –
that’s a guide to committing to make the good stuff happen. It’s all up to you.
He’s got plenty of motivation, and here’s just a bit of it: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Bounce
out of bed bright and early.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hydrate like you life in the desert: He
says your body is thirsty after sleep and he drinks a liter before his morning
espresso.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quiet time is essential: develop a calm,
inspirational habit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruit for breakfast: his green smoothie
fits right in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Consume
inspirational and informative content: Successful people do this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Pump
your blood: Even 10 minutes of exercise can help. He’s a runner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Plan
your day like you mean it: It puts you in the driver’s seat. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-11280920140388734382016-02-21T04:57:00.000-08:002016-02-21T04:57:07.752-08:00Drop some love on people, pets and protect yourself <div>
<img alt="Shopper.jpg" class="_auto-scale" data-inline-image="true" height="200" src="https://p03-mailws.icloud.com:443/wm/messagepart/Shopper.jpg?guid=messagepart%3ASounds+Good%2F81-2.2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=darraghcastillo&name=Shopper.jpg&size=2042456&dsid=1145376846" style="margin: 10px;" title="Shopper.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div>
This Love Drop bag does good for the environment and helps Living Waters International. Photo by Darragh Doiron. <br />Begin forwarded message:<br /><br /><br /><div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div class="msg-quote">
<div>
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><strong>Love Drop</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Have you ever heard someone say they were addicted to bags? That sounded nuts, until I realized I had bags to hold my bags. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But here’s one suitable to recycle your others for: </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA45&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=1"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">Love Drop Jumbo Canvas Shopper Tote</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
($17) Loving your planet looks good with this canvas tote that can
stand up like a paper sack and slings over your shoulder. Keep it in the
car for shopping, so you don’t have to waste another plastic bag from
the rocer. The 100 percent natural cotton canvas features an original
design by Scott Erickson. Mine has skyscrapers, an old-fashioned school
house, a bike with a basket, produce, a yellow rose and other natural
images designed into a water droplet, to remind us of how to use our
resources responsibly. </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA46&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=1"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">Living Water International</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> makes sure prodeeds from sales give back to other projects. It can be purchased </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA46&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=2"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">online</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;">. Now, read up on their good works. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><strong>TigerLady </strong></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
simple device looped to your wrist is a retractable claw that means
business. When you’re headed to your car, keep it ready in your palm to
squeeze out claws that can capture valuable DNA when used. </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It’
s a little rectangle of plastic that works like this: Simply put the
strap around your wrist, place in the palm of your hand and squeeze the
device to extend 3 claws. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The company sent me one so I could share the information with you. Here’s how to get more in formation: </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.tigerlady.com/"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">http://www.tigerlady.com</span></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><strong>Link up your dog </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Chipped nail or lost pet?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">While
I don’t wear nail polish or own a pet, I hate the tedious task of
changing out keys on a ring. I just heard someone talking about the
urgent need/difficuluty of getting a new ID tag for a dog. The very next
week I was invited to discuss LINKS-IT. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">These
colorful bits were designed by a pet owner and team of veterinarians to
make attaching tags simple and painless. Just pull back the locking
crossbar, snap apart the LINKS-IT, slide tags onto the bottom half and
the collar ring onto the top half and then lock the LINKS-IT in place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I asked my contact if her dog would look best in purple or red and forwarded a LINKS-IT to try. Word is, it does what it says: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Easy to open and close without breaking your nails or needing tools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Strong and sturdy for active dogs: Tested to hold 58 lbs and open and close over 50,000 times</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Match
color to fit your pet's personality and style. Select from Black,
Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow colors.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Quiet and lightweight (lighter than a dime)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Made in the USA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Weatherproof and will not rust </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector">http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-88756564178523910682016-02-21T04:36:00.001-08:002016-02-21T04:53:16.359-08:00Big Thicket adventure in Southeast Texas<div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBPSjFxW4I9tu3weS9gPJy78SOcxFJlh_Zs2oEstXN2qECf_9F7P-h0AY2qfV1_9KYdPt11GRYFz75VzQZLG7yRvNlTG2tbWMut4uFHRlvnxAl3Zf4h-CZwiT8g_UehFUzLLCokkMr2A/s1600/Big+Thicket.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBPSjFxW4I9tu3weS9gPJy78SOcxFJlh_Zs2oEstXN2qECf_9F7P-h0AY2qfV1_9KYdPt11GRYFz75VzQZLG7yRvNlTG2tbWMut4uFHRlvnxAl3Zf4h-CZwiT8g_UehFUzLLCokkMr2A/s320/Big+Thicket.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Big Thicket adventure</b></span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We
were on our way to a bed and breakfast when we got the text. Our
contact wanted to make sure we knew how cold the weather was getting,
and how old houses are and if we wouldn’t like to reschedule. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Now
that’s customer service. We did reschedule, but had a plenty nice day
in right where we were when we got the text, the Kountze area.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We trekked the inner loop of the Kirby Nature trail in the Big Thicket National preserve and had big fun doing it.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The 1.5 miles boasted bridges, boardwalks, cypress knees in the water, a slope forest and woodpeckers. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">While walking, I did some tourist-style wondering how many people who live right by this beauty had ever done the hike. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
got a chance to test that theory when we stopped at a Dairy Queen for a
Blizzard. That’s a very Texan thing to do on a road trip. We had also
shopped the “mile-long flea market” on U.S. 69 in Kountze, which is run
out of a strip of mini storage sites. I recognized other DQ customers as
a couple who were vendors. I told them how much fun we had in the Big
Thicket and asked if they’d ever hiked it. They said they lived in the
area and had never done it. We should all get out more.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">As soon as it gets warmer, I’ll get out to that B&B. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBPSjFxW4I9tu3weS9gPJy78SOcxFJlh_Zs2oEstXN2qECf_9F7P-h0AY2qfV1_9KYdPt11GRYFz75VzQZLG7yRvNlTG2tbWMut4uFHRlvnxAl3Zf4h-CZwiT8g_UehFUzLLCokkMr2A/s1600/Big+Thicket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-421827288391451342016-01-24T05:30:00.000-08:002016-01-24T05:34:49.717-08:00I found a heart <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOlgO98e1j3CRhojVLlC_nnV_ordEr9g5CK5UB5RcU-O5y0Ee85BdqgqypiRTHv4p_O88NtkYxD68oUUPZyboSt-XcvTTgAl8ZL0-Xa7pk4g-N-r75S3Q3YYeVi-ZkpRA1rRb4bxvly4/s1600/Heartfound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOlgO98e1j3CRhojVLlC_nnV_ordEr9g5CK5UB5RcU-O5y0Ee85BdqgqypiRTHv4p_O88NtkYxD68oUUPZyboSt-XcvTTgAl8ZL0-Xa7pk4g-N-r75S3Q3YYeVi-ZkpRA1rRb4bxvly4/s320/Heartfound.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">So
I was taking my walk and looking for pennies when a pile of string on a bench
caught my eye. I turned around and walked back to it and found it was a crochet
heart, with a note inviting me to photograph it and tag it #PeytonHeartProject.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Just
finding it put me in a spiritual mind, so I took a photo of the heart in the
building I found it, which had a chapel with the bible open to the parable of
the silver pieces. Message enough for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
read up that the Peyton Heart Project raises awareness of suicide and bullying.
It’s named after a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide in 2014 after years of
bullying. Read more at: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>http://www.thepeytonheartproject.org/</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I was touched by this method of spreading
the word. After a while I’m going to release this heart back into the world.
Maybe you’ll find it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>No
more snooze button: The 5 a.m. Miracle</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking up early to run is what Jeff Sanders
calls a double kick in the pants. Yet it’s kind of the whole concept he’s
trying to pitch in his book “The 5 AM Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before
Breakfast.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
is bout being a rock star in your work and home life by maximizing your
productivity and perfecting your schedule. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
results sound good, but do we want to wake up early for it? Sanders gets a “no
way” response much of the time, but just read through. He can guide you through
some tips and he promises that you don’t exactly have to begin at 5 a.m. – that’s
a guide to committing to make the good stuff happen. It’s all up to you. He’s
got plenty of motivation, and here’s just a bit of it: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Bounce
out of bed bright and early.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hydrate like you life in the desert: He
says your body is thirsty after sleep and he drinks a liter before his morning
espresso.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quiet time is essential: develop a calm,
inspirational habit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fruit for breakfast: his green smoothie
fits right in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Consume
inspirational and informative content: Successful people do this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Pump
your blood: Even 10 minutes of exercise can help. He’s a runner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: list 37.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -19.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Plan
your day like you mean it: It puts you in the driver’s seat. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-64852917595076257682016-01-24T05:29:00.000-08:002016-01-24T05:33:35.605-08:00Love drops for better water, loving your dog and becoming a tiger lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG6keGZ05naYKLi8G3JzylBAs2n-lrjsmb4PZ21y6Cbny7j-ZP6W3ht8Qeq1UQ7yK5jjMsOxJ8svfgxCcYOkI2QCQH_SKaqu1rQ-sgWKZrF63wSwvKVNXPcnSQWB5JANWD0RaY7bck80/s1600/Shopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG6keGZ05naYKLi8G3JzylBAs2n-lrjsmb4PZ21y6Cbny7j-ZP6W3ht8Qeq1UQ7yK5jjMsOxJ8svfgxCcYOkI2QCQH_SKaqu1rQ-sgWKZrF63wSwvKVNXPcnSQWB5JANWD0RaY7bck80/s320/Shopper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Have
you ever heard someone say they were addicted to bags? That sounded nuts, until
I realized I had bags to hold my bags. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But
here’s one suitable to recycle your others for: </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA45&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=1"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">Love Drop Jumbo Canvas Shopper Tote</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> ($17) Loving
your planet looks good with this canvas tote that can stand up like a paper
sack and slings over your shoulder. Keep it in the car for shopping, so you
don’t have to waste another plastic bag from the rocer. The 100 percent natural
cotton canvas features an original design by Scott Erickson. Mine has
skyscrapers, an old-fashioned school house, a bike with a basket, produce, a
yellow rose and other natural images designed into a water droplet, to remind
us of how to use our resources responsibly. </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA46&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=1"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">Living Water International</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> makes sure
prodeeds from sales give back to other projects. It can be purchased </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=596EA46&e=81713E&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F184F09&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=2"><span style="font-family: "courier new";">online</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;">. Now, read up
on their good works. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>TigerLady
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
simple device looped to your wrist <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a retractable claw that means business. When you’re headed
to your car, keep it ready in your palm to squeeze out claws that can capture
valuable DNA when used. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It’
s a little rectangle of plastic that works like this: Simply put the strap
around your wrist, place in the palm of your hand and squeeze the device to
extend 3 claws. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
company sent me one so I could share the information with you. Here’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how to get more in formation: </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.tigerlady.com/"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">http://www.tigerlady.com</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Link
up your dog </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Chipped
nail or lost pet?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">While
I don’t wear nail polish or own a pet, I hate the tedious task of changing out
keys on a ring. I just heard someone talking about the urgent need/difficuluty
of getting a new ID tag for a dog. The very next week I was invited to discuss
LINKS-IT. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">These colorful bits were
designed by a pet owner and team of veterinarians to make attaching tags simple
and painless. Just pull back the locking crossbar, snap apart the LINKS-IT,
slide tags onto the bottom half and the collar ring onto the top half and then
lock the LINKS-IT in place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I asked my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>contact if her dog would look best in
purple or red and forwarded a LINKS-IT to try. Word is, it does what it says: </span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Easy to open and close without
breaking your nails or needing tools</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Strong and sturdy for active dogs:
Tested to hold 58 lbs and open and close over 50,000 times</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Match color to fit your pet's
personality and style. Select from Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink,
Purple, Red, White, and Yellow colors.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Quiet and lightweight (lighter than a
dime)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Made in the USA</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Weatherproof and will not rust </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector">http://links-it.com/products/links-it-pet-tag-connector</a></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-40898007128765122832016-01-12T16:50:00.002-08:002016-01-12T16:52:36.454-08:00Pennies from Heaven and Mardi Gras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishnHwKPFU_dbT6ux-9cX147s5oxoz8KDbzEGiJMN2wNQs-tiUAOeZpLqf4DOOurcynDKRqG8-E_crbqjS5D2g3LZ_SEtE41fVSudM7NIbeisDgqpucuSyfX0QodVIJxNdWV3hQMHwe04/s1600/Pennies2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishnHwKPFU_dbT6ux-9cX147s5oxoz8KDbzEGiJMN2wNQs-tiUAOeZpLqf4DOOurcynDKRqG8-E_crbqjS5D2g3LZ_SEtE41fVSudM7NIbeisDgqpucuSyfX0QodVIJxNdWV3hQMHwe04/s320/Pennies2015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Pennies
from heaven </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
years now, I’ve found a penny or more daily on my walks. It keeps me walking,
and praying.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
year I found more than $50 on the ground, apparently just waiting on me. And
this was pretty much a penny, dime and quarter at a time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Those
who have caught me at it over the years see me out, the often ask if I’ve found
one yet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">You
wouldn’t believe some of the other things I’ve found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually like the money the best. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mardi
Gras is Sweet Soiree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Are
you a Mardi Gras lover? Your time is coming early this year. Those of us who
have already posted photos of our homes and offices all decked out in purple,
gold and green have been making contact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We’re
all ready for Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, headed to downtown Port Arthur
from Feb. 4-7.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Have
you heard, Wayne Toups is back. He told me himself that he’s expecting a new
release, music wise, and another one, baby wise. A new Toups is in development.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
you make a good gumbo, please, please enter the Mardi Gras gumbo cookoff, so I
can taste it. If you know someone who makes good gumbo and needs a little push,
get someone to call the festival office, at </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
(409) 721-8717.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a>
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-90440956810728789982016-01-05T03:04:00.001-08:002016-01-05T03:04:39.399-08:00Rookery down the road for exploring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l_4Nlatf_KkLSFNTgkO0CJDzS3BtCZWnBAfQGi0Nmexnanih-pKJPwhWG0aNPQCuifjfJW47umrjoptwi93NLBjZdiFLIOIpX_FXlLuZSBGLsnWr4SqLNDrwqSykvPcKh0kuNcFAiR0/s1600/Rookery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l_4Nlatf_KkLSFNTgkO0CJDzS3BtCZWnBAfQGi0Nmexnanih-pKJPwhWG0aNPQCuifjfJW47umrjoptwi93NLBjZdiFLIOIpX_FXlLuZSBGLsnWr4SqLNDrwqSykvPcKh0kuNcFAiR0/s320/Rookery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Port
Arthur and Beaumont are known for birding sights that connect viewers with
nature.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sea
Rim State Park, Sabine Woods, Cattail Marsh and the Big Thicket are some
popular Southeast Texas draws. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Here’s
another spot I found, and I’ve driven right past it for years. Trinity River
Waterbird Rookery is just nearly under the Interstate 10 bridge near the
Wallisville Lake Project on the way to Houston. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Follow
the sign to parking and walk over a little bridge to an observation dock. Train
those binoculars to what’s out there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
caught soaring egrets and flocks of smaller birds circling trees on the far
side of the water. It was quiet and peaceful, considering the heavy traffic a
short distance away. The short time I was there, a couple of other families
made an appearance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If
this spot had been secreted from you, enjoy it and spread the word. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>NAG promises something new</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dot Chauvin is teaching Nederland
Art Guild classes in January, each Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. “Be prepared
to have a new experience of doing a different painting in this class,” reads
the press release.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt;">Are you ready for that? Hey, who
knows what adventures 2016 will bring? Classes are at the Texas Artists Museum,
3501 Cultural Center Drive, and these classes are just one of many reasons you
should visit the museum. Call 409-983-4881 to learn what all is going on at
TAM.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-70204650487465323462015-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:002015-12-28T11:11:41.453-08:00What's blooming this new year? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2HRltnlBtjGIfc_5VhX3y2LnBykrlvQnGq4mZgNvRw9puu8IYJLLrLdQqFeVmkbFnBmEBu2T3RkQKvZfQkupP05YYP3X_UNZKnZ62ScSVrsY1TYk8miK2wD4Y5v0tQHbtcHF4_UjL6w/s1600/Blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2HRltnlBtjGIfc_5VhX3y2LnBykrlvQnGq4mZgNvRw9puu8IYJLLrLdQqFeVmkbFnBmEBu2T3RkQKvZfQkupP05YYP3X_UNZKnZ62ScSVrsY1TYk8miK2wD4Y5v0tQHbtcHF4_UjL6w/s320/Blooms.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Blooms
for all seasons</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Two
bright pink azalea flowers on a shrub greeted me Christmas day as I pulled back
the curtains.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Grateful
for our mild winters, Southeast Texans can look to their landscapes for a
variety of blooms now. Some are even more unexpected than usual.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
visited a friend with a little bouquet featuring yellow copper canyon daisies,
purple “wandering jew” blooms, a fragrant rosemary, a stalk of succulent and a
tropical leaf. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She
later sent a photo, proving the bright colors popped against her purple wall.
That made me happy, so the gift kept on giving. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Head
to the far corners of your back 40 to see what’s blooming out there just for
you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>New
Orleans story</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m
nearly done with an advance copy of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The Feathered Bone,” which Julie Cantrell begins with a field trip at
Mardi Gras world in New Orleans, the ferry to Algiers and Jackson Square. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That’s
heaven to me, and I can picture, feel and smell all those spots. But this story
is about an abduction. Amanda is in charge of some children, including her
daughter and her best friend. The friend goes missing and this story covers the
years after and how that day affects so many in a community. As chilling is the
story of Sarah is, Amanda, a social worker, is learning how to deal with
tensions in her marriage and her daughter’s coping with Sarah’s loss. Amanda
hears others give her advice she has doled out all these years to others and it
sounds strange to hear it back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
title reference is to a feather that a palm reader in Jackson Square gives Sarah
minutes before her abduction. A feather bends, but it is difficult to break, is
the theme of a very memorable book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a>
</b></span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-34800356240863734732015-12-21T17:29:00.002-08:002015-12-28T11:11:51.636-08:00Beaumont Community Players has hit in "Both" <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Beaumont
Community Players has a hit in “Both”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Mark
Wilson played Father McKenzie in “Both,” a story he wrote that tells the story
of the Nativity through the music of The Beatles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">You
heard me right. It’s important to know that “All You Need is Love,” that
everybody needs “Help” and “Here Comes the Sun” can imply the baby Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Beaumont
Community Players presented “Both” and didn’t charge a thing for it. I teared
up through most of the show. My husband went back to see it again. I
communicated with some of the cast members and get the impression that they
were as transformed by the production as I was. “Imagine.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>“Change
Your Story, Change Your Life”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">So
maybe you’re not ready to take a shamanistic journey. But you may be ready to
change the way you think about negativity, so you can get past it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Carl
Greer’s book is subtitled “Using Shamanic and Jungian Tools to Achieve Personal
Transformation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In
one anecdote a woman shares is imagining a symbol of a silver spoon to
represent healing the relationship with her parents. A spoon is kind of small
and it can tarnish. That’s it, the spoon is saying. You have to work a little
to find the beauty in this nurturing tool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-42716808208036147562015-12-15T07:33:00.000-08:002015-12-15T07:33:58.158-08:00Stuff those stockings with joy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJZmqWcg7NfJvusGVFA8Q-YNTYjzGMLpnPoBRt4BxqBf8yhdxF3G-UnAdGtQvppFveMUbxFvagzLT80Irr009Krt8jwODs6kUcpUhasnFYWI4se0iC1MjQ5APwQRLnLY20JZI85DJrB4/s1600/Gloves+image001-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJZmqWcg7NfJvusGVFA8Q-YNTYjzGMLpnPoBRt4BxqBf8yhdxF3G-UnAdGtQvppFveMUbxFvagzLT80Irr009Krt8jwODs6kUcpUhasnFYWI4se0iC1MjQ5APwQRLnLY20JZI85DJrB4/s1600/Gloves+image001-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">For
years my good friends at Museum of the Gulf Coast have reminded me to mention
that the gift shop has Port Arthur-inspired ideas for the holidays. History
books on local legends, T-shirts and jewelry are some choices. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Go
to town at an array of area shops and get crafty at home. I’m looking to find
someone who can turn some silverware into jewelry and windchimes for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m
also thinking any brand of step counter you wear on your wrist is a great idea
for a good friend or spouse. Walk your way to fitness next year. How about a
membership to an area museum or club? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Here
are some other ideas: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Tweezerman</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Despite
all the ideas I share with readers, I don’t do much online business. I want to
say that Tweezerman has lived up to its name with the offer of free sharpening.
I sent off two very old pair and they came back good as new. The website
informed me that if the tweezers could not be sharpened, I’d get a discount on
a new pair. So either way, the company came through. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s
true that now I’m on their mailing list, so I can tell you they have quite the
array of holiday offerings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>For
the tech/chic savvy</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">In
the days of “A Christmas Story,” kids got all bundled up and sometimes frozen
to a pole. In the south, we worry less about freezing weather, but we want to
stay warm. Who would have imagined we’d risk getting colder for using our smart
phones and listing to our jam. Now <span style="color: black;">U|R Powered offers
Touchscreen Gloves and Audio Headwear for looking oh, so cool while keeping
warm and connected.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">U|R Powered’s holiday looks include gloves in knit, fleece, genuine
sheepskin leather and heated nylon, so “fingers are kept warm, and stay
dexterous.” Lined to keep body heat in and moisture out, the insulating
materials are eco-friendly and contain zero trace of metals. U|R Powered’s
stylish audio headwear allows wearers to enjoy music in comfort and warmth sans
pesky earbuds that never seem to stay in place, makers say. I’m going for basic
black gloves that should be in style forever and rocking the pullover hat that
lets you hear your tunes as you walk off those Christmas pounds on the track. I
rank these as high-quality options that will look good when we tend to get our
most chilly weather… perhaps around Mardi Gras parade time? </span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.urpowered.com/"><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">www.urpowered.com</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">. <i>Prices
range from $36 to $75 for audio headwear and touch screen gloves.</i></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <span style="color: black;"> <a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a>
</span></span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-46988698977332520202015-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:002015-12-08T07:20:08.277-08:00Can you name the 'boudin' capital? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibInhEmZfxAiNTy0un4hiF9WUnIZAWDuMIMyndzal3Bwt5VK8V6u2fVe13YGv8aQoE0utLMHN90VR6URenUQu4SzNcjavV2x_8LmN2mVn_3xT2LCDwGB478N4vpNqbf53KRGtwXp9bFMo/s1600/crackling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibInhEmZfxAiNTy0un4hiF9WUnIZAWDuMIMyndzal3Bwt5VK8V6u2fVe13YGv8aQoE0utLMHN90VR6URenUQu4SzNcjavV2x_8LmN2mVn_3xT2LCDwGB478N4vpNqbf53KRGtwXp9bFMo/s320/crackling.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Did
you know Scott, La., is the Boudin Capital of the World? Lots of signs proclaim
it, and I’m not gonna dispute it. In fact, I’d like to take a couple of days
and taste them all for myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
did check out Don’s Specialty Meats offering the “best homemade boudin &
cracklins.” See how they spelled that? “Boudin.” Now I’m not going to argue
with that, either, but I put another letter in “boudain.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Anyways,
this store has some good each, and I was tickled that they have neon signs
guiding the way. No matter how you spell it, I think it’s funny to see “boudin”
and “cracklins” up in lights. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Sparkly
holidays</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">What
you want to know about Dermelect Cosmeceuticals have keratin protein
peptide-hydrolyzed keratin extracted from New Zealand sheep’s wool that helps
strengthen nails.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That
news is almost as much fun as the winter color collection: of “ME.” Hold “ME”is
Sparkled Midnight Noir, and I have been seeing this color in the skies of late.
Thrill “ME” is frosted evergreen; Kiss “ME” is Velvet Crimson and Sleigh “ME”
is Arctic Shimmer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’m
shimmering now and it is an eye- and light-catching glow that seems a bit
silver and gold at the same time. Ready for oysters and Champaign? This one
will go through New Year’s Eve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This
cruelty-free product resists UV rays, chipping and splitting; restores nail
flexibility and fore sure has no formaldehyde. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@Icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-27329605361883831212015-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:002015-11-30T17:41:05.696-08:00A pirate's life for me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWviZgpMec7aXBMHFavw1LRKrClC2cfYz9t8bbRt33T1S8DrnkcAbksNbjVYMkkteMB8qWuxF1G_kfLhiG8bKOrldsAqhAerl9QFdWrS6JfTvleYsSUUEysNLhyphenhyphenmrFviETyo-Vsza7-q4/s1600/Pirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWviZgpMec7aXBMHFavw1LRKrClC2cfYz9t8bbRt33T1S8DrnkcAbksNbjVYMkkteMB8qWuxF1G_kfLhiG8bKOrldsAqhAerl9QFdWrS6JfTvleYsSUUEysNLhyphenhyphenmrFviETyo-Vsza7-q4/s320/Pirate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I have
always loved the Texas Renaissance Festival and enjoyed an adventurous, cold
day there the final weekend. Lords, Ladies, jousters, barbarians and turkey leg
proprietors will just have to wait another year to set up booths and camps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">My
daughter asked me to go and I gave her a big, fat “Yes!”</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">People
always ask if you went in costume. In my one-day’s notice, I did gather some “earthy”
robes and some jewelry I’d purchased over past festivals. But it was too cold
for costuming for us. I had a sweat shirt, rain jacket and other layers over my
festive garb. We went back to the car for a minute and Jasmine found her dad’s
overcoat was in the car, so we took turns with that. There were gloves in the
pocket. We had been sharing my fingerless gloves, one on each hand. So then we
traded off wearing one of each, so we’d have at least one warmer hand at a
time.</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jasmine’s
friend Meghan and her mother joined us and this girl showed up as a pirate in a
red dress under a black corseted overcoat and glittery eye makeup. It was
awfully fun to be with someone who would not break character because of a
little drop in temperature.</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Even
when it was downright misting on our heads, we still rate the Texas Renaissance
Festival as “aces.</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Traveling
with the folks</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Planes,
Canes, and Automobiles: Connecting With Your Aging Parents Through Travel” is a
checklist, with anecdotes plans for trips of a lifetime.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Say
you want to take the parents back to the old country and now there are concerns
about their medications, level of fatigue, etc. Valerie M. Grubb tells you how
to get there from here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
want her to plan my trip abroad. Let’s go to Europe. All of it, Valerie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
loved the story about a clever child who had arranged for wheelchair transport
at the airport, etc. Turns out Mom was very insulted at the notion. Wheelchairs
are for “old” people, she announced. There are ways to have these talks ahead
of time, and this book could save relationships. No need to “stew” for the
duration of your travels. It should be a time of incredible new memories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">From
simple things, like getting your parent a fanny pack and going over the
contents of keys and maps and medications daily, to arranging for additional
nights for layovers and medical travel insurance, this book will get you ready
to go. And get back home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-551324302691237442015-11-24T06:31:00.000-08:002015-12-16T04:14:59.390-08:00Vanilla: Put it in my stocking <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQPO0QFrO1EV2Kn4st2T0IHc1MvcHhRMCQeo5ATGYWFx61QOm4V8orsR0gHSin1teTv38-DpShRG5J_ITmovYHQh-FTjyePnNirAi2oBEy9FDqqnFX6ZsXcG_EY0yHQ3A_53sM4zPNQ/s1600/PREP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQPO0QFrO1EV2Kn4st2T0IHc1MvcHhRMCQeo5ATGYWFx61QOm4V8orsR0gHSin1teTv38-DpShRG5J_ITmovYHQh-FTjyePnNirAi2oBEy9FDqqnFX6ZsXcG_EY0yHQ3A_53sM4zPNQ/s320/PREP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn1m5qpMLMu8xao0ddcx3w8DmRrZ_PRxg3lDr5j-nYTueLyu9JJ4oEW_bzEvSQTDnr9I9c9tMiAys4O8bSTZVlAMq9RxskUv0P31nsVgOGnOAfxAIlwBqWeXRa6ugxXaiZWXoOYj1PZ8/s1600/Brio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn1m5qpMLMu8xao0ddcx3w8DmRrZ_PRxg3lDr5j-nYTueLyu9JJ4oEW_bzEvSQTDnr9I9c9tMiAys4O8bSTZVlAMq9RxskUv0P31nsVgOGnOAfxAIlwBqWeXRa6ugxXaiZWXoOYj1PZ8/s320/Brio.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Thinking holidays? Think giving. Here’s a
really wide array of ideas: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Rethink Vanilla</b></span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The cookbook "Vanilla a Table: The essence of
exquisite cooking from the world's best chefs" is Natasha MacAller's
opening of the universe of vanilla. I wish I would've thought of that comment,
but it is written right on the cover. It's true that she has made me think of
vanilla in a completely different way. Recipes for vanilla sugar, vanilla salt,
vanilla syrup and vanilla vinegar are the bases for many a recipe.</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But have you thought of Vanilla Candied a Bacon Bits?
Vanilla in civiche? With cocoa nib crusted foie gras? Are you hearing this? It
is revolutionary. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Try vanilla and orange juice to bring out the sweetness
of lobster.</span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I have never before constructed a fennel flan. When I do
I will be reaching for vanilla oil. There are pages of savory options before
even getting to desserts. We know what vanilla will do for bread pudding,
roasted pineapple and butterscotch pudding. This book has opened my eyes to the
pod and what it can do for meats. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br />
</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">This book tells vanilla's story. Give the book to
someone who loves to cook. Someone who loves to cook for you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Brio</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Okay, Brio healthy ice cream, now at Central Markets
across Texas, is not for leaving under the tree, but you can surely enjoy some
by your tree as you relax after shopping. It comes in the </span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">flavors you want and
<span style="color: black;">offers 6 grams of protein per serving, a rich
dose of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D as well as 24 other vitamins and
minerals, the inclusion of Omega 3-6-9 and prebiotic fiber, and a powerful
boost of antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E as well as selenium. The
individual servings range from 160 to 170 calories and have half the fat,
75 percent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>less cholesterol and 10
percent less sugar than similar flavors of super premium ice cream. I’m sweet
on the coffee flavor while my husband likes Spring Strawberry. They’re smooth
and do the trick without the guilt trip. Other flavors are Tropical mango,
vanilla caramel and mellow dark chocolate. You can currently order Brio online
at </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://t.signauxun.com/link?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.icecreamsource.com%2f&ukey=agxzfnNpZ25hbHNjcnhyGAsSC1VzZXJQcm9maWxlGICAwPaTg6UIDA&k=c110c2e022674a17b025d6e4d1349cb6"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">http://www.icecreamsource.com/ </span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> (MSRP
$1.99) 4 oz cup.</span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Skin care</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>For the girls: </b></span></span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Girls
just want to have clear skin. Moms know this. </span></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Texas-based
dermatologist Carole Aponte, M.D. and CEO Kelly Barker, developed <b>P.R.E.P.
Cosmetics</b></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">
(</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://www.prepyourskin.com/"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">www.prepyourskin.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">)<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span>the first dermatologist-founded, tested and
recommended skincare line created for girls. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m pretty sure that
if these women experience Texas weather, their products are good for these
girls. I’ve been playing with the Purifying Daily Cleanser myself and it’s
working for me. <br />
The founders are encouraging young girls to take ownership of their skin and
educate them on the dangers of sun exposure. See, nobody cared about that when
we were young. The line includes <b>SPF 30 Face + Body Lotion and SPF 15 Lip
Gloss</b></span><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>For the women: </b></span></span><span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Remember
that old Saturday Night Live commercial for the product that is both a dessert
topping and a floor wax? It came to mind when I heard about a serious, actual
development from Grohen Technologies Ltd. Their line includes a blue vial of
Intensive Facial Revitalizer Complex, made with seven natural oils including
Evening of Primrose, Cucumber and Tea Tree. It feels good going on and I can’t
get enough of it. </span></span></div>
<span class="body-text-content"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This line also includes a
Feminine Wash that foams to clean the face and feminine areas. There’s a loofah
and a microfiber sponge that comes from each use. The paperwork explains how
the line’s renewal complex works in detail. Look it up. This is a gifting idea
for someone who would not buy it for herself.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span id="OLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.olgassecret.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">www.olgassecret.com</span></a></span></span>
<br />
<a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@icloud.com"><span style="font-family: "american typewriter";">Darraghcastillo@icloud.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-36284127705533137932015-11-20T07:13:00.002-08:002015-11-20T07:14:36.121-08:00Garth House benefit is for the children <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPsBMf6qRAL9nGtkUZoUt1MV6F5C74X2obvo8qqGQjhPt98NvCvfcay7jm_brKQp_bgbImK3mxZUKiYOnyLWmq8iDoRULkJvZv2VJ9hgBrwHuuub8gnvn6QBojTpp63eieFT2JRdvhy4/s1600/garth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPsBMf6qRAL9nGtkUZoUt1MV6F5C74X2obvo8qqGQjhPt98NvCvfcay7jm_brKQp_bgbImK3mxZUKiYOnyLWmq8iDoRULkJvZv2VJ9hgBrwHuuub8gnvn6QBojTpp63eieFT2JRdvhy4/s320/garth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Garth
House benefit is for the children</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s
not every day the Garth House is decked with lights, filled with music and
couples in finery. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But
it is always filled with love. Garth House is where children can feel support
as they tell their story of abuse to professionals who can help. It’s a
important service that everyone whishes was not needed. Listen to the
statistics and know that dollars raised are being put to good use.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Pour
Les Enfants observed a 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of a well-run gala for good
on Thursday. A tent goes up in the street and the auction items come out.
Everything fro LSU and Aggie gift bags to huge Darth Vadar figures raised
silent auction interest, then another tent with chandeliers set a magical mood
as the live auction offered packages such as Up on the Rooftop, a Mildred
Building wine party with a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>presentation on antiques courtesy of Finders Fayre. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">That
would have been my pick, but the turkey hunt in Arkansas seemed popular, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
menu included a salad with dried cranberries, apples, walnuts and feta cheese;
mayhaw-glazed pork loin and green beans with roasted garlic and orange zest
Best meal I ever had in a tent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Marion
Tanner, executive director, said all these donations and bids are set in motion
to help the all-too-many children the Garth House helps each year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I
thank those who work with the children, and those who bid generously to support
this mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "american typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-74468133161068857002015-11-12T03:15:00.001-08:002015-11-12T03:15:52.901-08:00Goodwill toward a good book, good causes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z43rhPaOl_6qgnrGtlaEOrLdm8RNp6NGVkAZhfT0UAzWcP_szrA4qUHih_BmrI6cLwk2sjUOvLQb4ILByYCpzdl7gwSVVQdZORAeqElJNhKbyqP85qETN7Be8TFxECSRB28_bx9zW7Q/s1600/Goodwill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z43rhPaOl_6qgnrGtlaEOrLdm8RNp6NGVkAZhfT0UAzWcP_szrA4qUHih_BmrI6cLwk2sjUOvLQb4ILByYCpzdl7gwSVVQdZORAeqElJNhKbyqP85qETN7Be8TFxECSRB28_bx9zW7Q/s320/Goodwill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacaaqTDpjKmQAFeFzNilsGQVmZuYhXDWIQO3xX9IK176UzL0TjIPjl29OQD33MhzLOajMMpgHGtUmXMpmhmwbkLsnePWDz12NdRPnCsTO8t3f7nuDlEj3ZfElftMaj_QY0yojIogWxYI/s1600/Cuff+Bracelet+-+India.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacaaqTDpjKmQAFeFzNilsGQVmZuYhXDWIQO3xX9IK176UzL0TjIPjl29OQD33MhzLOajMMpgHGtUmXMpmhmwbkLsnePWDz12NdRPnCsTO8t3f7nuDlEj3ZfElftMaj_QY0yojIogWxYI/s320/Cuff+Bracelet+-+India.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
Christmas décor will come and go, but that wall of books at the back of the
shiny, new Goodwill Industries should remain full. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“They
seem to like every single thing we put out,” Gwendolyn Simon, the enthusiastic
store manager, said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Clothes
and wares were sorted in colorful ways and employees dashed about, eager to
serve, the day I dropped by. I attended the ground breaking as a Greater Port
Arthur Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and wanted to stop by to see the
completed store, at 4352 FM 365. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Simon
said clothes are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>popular, and that
back wall of books gets lots of attention. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“We
have a great selection of books,” she said, and credited CEO Randy Jones for
the big display, because of his love of reading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She
also mentioned Jones visits the stores and jumps in to help on the floor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Then
I called up Jones and chatted with him. Sounds like he does love a good book,
and helping people in need. Everybody knows Goodwill is all about training and
supporting people in our community. You can help by shopping as well as
cleaning out our closets and garages to donate what can become someone else’s
treasure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“Our
community supports us a great deal,” Simon said.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Give
a goat, or some nice jewelry</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">We’re
Americans. Of course we like stuff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">World
Vision offers 6-year-old Chania of Burundi as a “cover girl” of their
catalogue. She helps her family tend the fields and they could use a goat. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">You
can give that goat, or a well, for the holidays in a loved-one’s name. Or
maybe, as Americans, you can browse that World Vision </span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">catalogue/</span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://wilkspr.benchurl.com/c/l?u=5A073A6&e=82AD2F&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=EF0DC2B&email=8H%2BOyCO%2BvTPWbTzPRj3hKbv8iwJMeHrAeeWRGMtRs94%3D&seq=1"><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter";">website</span></a></span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> and
order up some Vietnamese totes embroidered by disabled women for your bohemian
niece and Capiz shell coasters made by Filipino artisans that would be just
right for those pool parties your sister hosts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Items, like the well-made and detailed bracelet I’m wearing as I
type this are billed as momentos for gifts made for specific needs. It’s that
word “specific” that brings additional joy to donations, because this
organization looks to be getting funds to the right places. The product is
weighty and classic and durable. Here’s the description: </span><span style="color: #383838; font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Help where it's needed
most — AND receive a gift for yourself or someone you care about! Your gift to
help where most needed will address specific, urgent needs that might otherwise
go unmet for a child, family, or community. As a memento of this gift, you'll
receive this gorgeous, adjustable silver cuff bracelet with an intricately
laced vine pattern, designed by artisans in Old Delhi, India. This stunning
piece is the result of once-mistreated jewelry makers banding together to
support their families through fair trade practices.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There’s a range of very
tempting goods that will make shoppers – I should say givers – very joyful this
holiday season. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-89973916226425915982015-11-01T04:08:00.000-08:002015-11-01T04:11:08.924-08:00McKinney is “magical” fun in North Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LkR8rT9Gnxgt4r8c9tILUCU9ebJALbKxtlns1ZuznS6K1LqoEcXiWAkOOTTTDXrI9t72YIJB68VBZC0Op5qLwaavJhbqjOXkMv72XQSgumXsH74P8CAbLqyNDRwTzKvpQiyRbYnArLA/s1600/McKinney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LkR8rT9Gnxgt4r8c9tILUCU9ebJALbKxtlns1ZuznS6K1LqoEcXiWAkOOTTTDXrI9t72YIJB68VBZC0Op5qLwaavJhbqjOXkMv72XQSgumXsH74P8CAbLqyNDRwTzKvpQiyRbYnArLA/s320/McKinney.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
someone mentioned I should see the Croatian Village model while in McKinney, I
was wondering if it was a tabletop LEGO model. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was
headed to this near-Dallas area with my husband and asked a pro to point me to
good times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Adriatica
is a life-sized spread filled with beautiful homes, eateries and a lake, all
designed with old-world charm. A tower and a chapel highlight the landscape. My
favorite part is brick homes that have spaces for spiritual quotes built right
into the outer walls. It’s beautiful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here’s a
funny bit. I did see a LEGO model of a church altar. Talk about detail. It was
in the office of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney. I
attended morning Mass and a talk there and met some very hospitable people who
loved sharing McKinney with me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We were
treated to Spoon’s, in the town square. It was kind of crowded, so we were
shown around back to the “Garage” section where coffee comes in compact and SUV
sizes to go with the theme. A plate of migas later and it was time for more
adventures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The town
square is bustling with antique, clothing and gift shops. At Mom&Popcorn we
tasted a Frito Pie blend. It’s hard to top the McKinney, with a sweet and spicy
snap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Main Street
Magic shop was another hot tip. We got a magic trick from David Grubbs, who
offered quite a production and history talk to our party of four. Grubbs has
great stories and happened to have a magic industry magazine with the store
featured on the front cover. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>McKinney is
a sprawling city with a long list of major employers and neighborhoods of
spanking new homes spread out over the hills. Even the fast food restaurants are
have designer, stony exteriors. The best part of this visit was meeting some of
the people who call it home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-53239318878123050342015-10-25T13:37:00.000-07:002015-10-25T13:38:09.482-07:00'My Fat Dad' offers tasty memories, life lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA9Ggkm3e4dyWAy0T_KMZE_X1bwxy8LamBgEKOONs1-l0f_Q_Rytfld0ZK-KW_7f2pysNMr_Tw4Wo9X3vlIht_Gl1gGj2M9VckKj537MHV8Oybpivgs3PXCNejj4ZahvsXJqIpEJEqNc/s1600/Fat+Dad+81dL9s6FCWL._SL1500_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA9Ggkm3e4dyWAy0T_KMZE_X1bwxy8LamBgEKOONs1-l0f_Q_Rytfld0ZK-KW_7f2pysNMr_Tw4Wo9X3vlIht_Gl1gGj2M9VckKj537MHV8Oybpivgs3PXCNejj4ZahvsXJqIpEJEqNc/s320/Fat+Dad+81dL9s6FCWL._SL1500_-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>‘My
Fat Dad’ offers tasty memories, life lessons</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dawn Lerman grew up
in my time frame, but in Chicago and New York, where her fat dad could visit
Dr. Atkins and have him phone in dad’s lunch order at his club. <br />
He was a successful ad exec making slogans we all know, such as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Fly the Friendly Skies,” “Coke is It,”
and “Leggo My Eggo.” He went up to 450 pounds and loved food. Her mother was
happy to eat a can of tuna over the sink. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lerman learned to
cook from her grandmother, Beauty, who put love in every recipe. The book “My
Fat Dad’ would have been great just hearing about Beauty, with recipes at the
end of each chapter. But then readers get to head to New York city, where her
new lunch buddies pull things like lobster salad out of their Partridge Family
lunch boxes. Our young hero is exposed to gourmet and health food, while still
hanging on to the Jewish recipes of her youth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So Mom still likes
frozen TV dinners while Lerman still likes shopping for the freshest
ingredients for her carob cookie business. She loves to experiment with flavors
and does not have the weight problem Dad has. He loses half his weight at a “ricer”
fat farm, then struggles upon his return home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This food journey
book yields a delight on every page as we grow up with Dawn, and try some of
her flavors, like the Italian Sunday Gravy story and recipe she got from a
homeless angel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I can’t stop talking
about “My Fat Dad.”</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>‘Leading
Ladies,’ The Farce is with them</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Who
doesn’t love a good door-slamming, mistaken identity, men-in-dresses kind of
theatrical production.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sean
McBride, your favorite Port Arthur News movie critic, is directing “Leading
Ladies” for Beaumont Community Players.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Saturday,
Oct. 31 is the final showing if this funny show where two English actors
pretend to be long-lost nieces to inherit a fortune. There’s a Shakespeare
play-within-a-play and romantic get-togethers and breakups as well. You’re in
for a good time. Roller skating Audrey, played by Kaasaundra Davis, just about
steals the show, but every one of the cast has his or her or his-and-her
moments. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a></b></span>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-31215359452502785912015-10-18T08:37:00.001-07:002015-10-18T08:37:42.508-07:00Tabasco peppers offer a kiss of spice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BcMqXcamJG1QzRGWLcF28I0-ZhT9-edrXf1JxRiqlFxiIh6fP4LLJLlpzWGR8tApVrvObUWdePQpqX_7Xotk1vJkJV7LbhVLqoaELlKS1n85IYB7JLOfzLyIMafBPsDqDQYV25Qyaw8/s1600/Tabasco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BcMqXcamJG1QzRGWLcF28I0-ZhT9-edrXf1JxRiqlFxiIh6fP4LLJLlpzWGR8tApVrvObUWdePQpqX_7Xotk1vJkJV7LbhVLqoaELlKS1n85IYB7JLOfzLyIMafBPsDqDQYV25Qyaw8/s320/Tabasco.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1270172433"></span><span id="goog_1270172434"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
such a Tabasco fan that I’ve been to Avery Island in Louisiana three times. It
looks different every time I go, and I love it. It’s where they bottle the
stuff that’s been to the moon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remember
when everybody was sporting Tabasco ties? Now there’s a fancy souvenir shop
with goodies to serve your sauce in style and adorn your kitchen. The product
line is over the top with sports editions and flavors including the latest,
raspberry chipotle. They had to pry me away from the tasting station.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
best part is the factory tour where you get mini bottles as souvenirs, get to
see a film that takes you through the process of checking peppers for ripeness
with the red stick, or baton rouge, method and a look at the bottling and
labeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
family drove through the island’s Jungle Gardens, making stops at bamboo,
Buddha aviary and botanical scenes. We spotted a baby gator in a mossy swamp
and spied birds from a walking trail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was sorely tempted to pick a pepper from one of the bushes lining the walkways
near the plant entrance. They were covered with chicken wire to protect them
from birds (and tourists), so I felt that would be wrong. Then someone pointed
out some tiny peppers had fallen to the ground, and it would be a shame if they
were wasted. So I ate one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
husband saw my put that fresh, red, potent pepper in my mouth and I immediately
asked if I could kiss him. For some reason he was surprised at how spicy that
kiss was and wasn’t pleased at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
best I could offer as a remedy was to guide him back to the tasting station where
and offer him some Tabasco-flavored ice cream to help him put the fire out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
think I have finally been forgiven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="mailto:Darraghcastillo@icloud.com">Darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-60089149270234721182015-10-11T07:43:00.001-07:002015-10-11T07:43:45.120-07:00Tiny forks could help Steven the Stomach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilPTjkMahZ8HlmPCSsdStrNjhQ17chE0h62vZpSJ4xvy12ycW8PlPZ8EVJ4K3TWivo8y_qEK4Unv8bWs6MXkpijmDE6k7809ydxWN274E9PLMAy1h7uKNx5bejQy_TVRI1EEEebxPEqw/s1600/Fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilPTjkMahZ8HlmPCSsdStrNjhQ17chE0h62vZpSJ4xvy12ycW8PlPZ8EVJ4K3TWivo8y_qEK4Unv8bWs6MXkpijmDE6k7809ydxWN274E9PLMAy1h7uKNx5bejQy_TVRI1EEEebxPEqw/s320/Fork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Just
a bite</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
a fan of tiny forks and spoons. Vintage pickle and cocktail forks, found tucked
away on antique shelves or bargain priced at estate sales are fun finds that
come with a bonus. These delicate utensils make my dining experience “bigger.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
tiny fork inspires tiny bites and the food tastes so much better when I savor
instead of “shovel.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Young
Life manages area estate sales that I’m loving. I picked up my first “set” of
four Nobility Plate forks. It’s fun to look online and try to discover a
history behind a found fork. Or maybe I’ll make up a story for all the parties
they must have served.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
just may keep one in my purse to remind me to slow down at restaurants, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b>Why
is Steven so upset?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
a new children’s book, Raymond Brain is sending cake, cola, candy and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ice cream down to Steven so quickly he
can’t break it all down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;">He’s
thinking of sending it back up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
reference is about it for “gross factor” in Justin Noble’s helpful book. Ann
Bonin illustrates Steven as a muscled little stomach in a yellow hard hat on a
line, just trying to keep up with the incoming junk food. The taste buds are
happy, but even Lyle Liver has to question the brain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Raymond
Brain later apologizes to our hero and promises to do better. I hope I can
remember this sage advice to young readers next time I’m tempted to go back for
thirds and raid the pantry. I don’t want my own “Steven” to have to work so
hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Noble
and his wife, Le-Ann, created My Body Village Series. In his asthmatic youth,
the author’s parents found a book that helped him understand what was happening
to his body. I think this is a great idea for families. Look up “Artie’s Party
Featuring the Vita-Men!” and more, at<b> <a href="http://www.mybodyvillage.com/">www.MyBodyVIllage.com</a>.
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a> </b></span></div>
The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638756754610256812.post-13603291786761410682015-10-11T04:16:00.000-07:002015-10-11T04:16:10.469-07:00Cattle Raisers talk branding and theft in Anahuac<span class="body-text-content"><br />Branding still the deal in the ranching business ANAHUAC - Branding is still<br />important. We're talking cattle, not just company logos. <br />Jimmy Belt, whose title is "special ranger," said cattle theft is up, and<br />old-fashioned branding can help place recovered animals back in home pens. <br />He spoke at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association ranch<br />gathering, Oct. 6, at White's Park in Anahuac. The day's topic included<br />market outlook and the economic impact of calf and reproductive management<br />practices. I heard of oral supplements and injections.<br />Belt told how a farmer recognized his stolen calf from a large pen of<br />recovered animals, but without that crucial brand, he was not allowed to<br />claim them.<br />Branding is old-school, but social media plays a modern role in recovery,<br />Belt said. A stolen hay baler made an appearance years after it was stolen<br />when someone sold it on Craig's List. <br />That's stuff many of us enjoy dining on beef "rarely" think about. The<br />blessing over dinner reminded us to think about those who produce our "food<br />and fiber." This fall is a season of harvest, so find a rancher and farmer<br />to thank for your bounty.<br />TSCRA is a 138-year-old trade association and is the largest and oldest<br />livestock organization based in Texas. For more information, visit<br /><a href="http://www.tscra.org/">http://www.tscra.org</a>.<br /><a href="mailto:darraghcastillo@icloud.com">darraghcastillo@icloud.com</a></span><img alt="" class="_auto-scale" data-inline-image="true" src="https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/FullSizeRender.jpg?guid=messagepart%3ASent+Messages%2F489-2.2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=darraghcastillo&name=FullSizeRender.jpg&size=2417896&proxyDest=p03-mailws&dsid=1145376846" />The Port Arthur Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578311535014295322noreply@blogger.com0