Sharon Jones has heart for her "babies"

 

I ran into Sharon Jones who was checking on her red-shirted “babies” in her cardiac exercise class at Rehab Center for Cardiac & Pulmonary Patients at Medical Center of Southeast Texas. She said the seniors often come in “mad and upset” about their condition and before she knows it, they love their exercise routine and their improved movement. Exercise bikes with cushy, couch-like seats are a favorite, Jones said.

More than one senior wearing a Mended Hearts shirt indicated Jones was, well, something like assertive in her means to get them moving.

“I get right in there with them,” Jones said. “ I say ‘Come on baby, let’s go. You’ve gotta move it.’”

One of her babies didn’t mind telling the time she came to class on her walker, and Jones told her not to bring it back again. The student got down to business and was able to leave the walker behind.

Bring the folks to folk art

How fitting my family should walk into a folk art exhibit on my belated Dad’s birthday. A “hot head” fashioned from found electrical items made Mom recall how my father had a flair for heart-felt yard art and making something from nothing.

Eyes Spy: Folk Art from the Permanent Collection is on view at Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont through Sept. 1. At the opening, we heard Andy Dean Emmons tell how “Woodpecker” came about. A crape myrtle knot he found by tree trimmers became the head and he came across bone that looked like wings. Several artists’ works are in this collection with mediums from aluminum foil and wood to glitter and clocks.

Texas love

They want boots. Travelers passing through Orange on Interstate 10 make The Horseman’s Store one of their first or last Texas stops, according to their destination. I stopped by, inhaled the aroma of leather, then visited with the staff as I browsed western shirts. Sales associates say those who weren’t born in Texas want to take some home for themselves and for grandchildren.

ddoiron@panews.com

Fiddling with success

 


‘Fiddler on the Roof’

If you didn’t mist up when Tevye and Golde sang “Sunrise, Sunset,” then I don’t know what to tell you. “Fiddler on the Roof” was such a hit when Lamar State College-Port Arthur and Port Arthur Little Theater presented it in 1996, they did it again with Tom and Linda Neal again in the lead roles. These groups had another summer hit on their hands.

Get Nude at the mall

I had to go there with the headline. Sensuous Nude is an Estee Lauder scent. Bealls at Central Mall has opened an Estee Lauder and Clinique counter. I have to sneak perfume, because my husband is allergic. The counter has a great array of aromas as well as very tempting nail and lip colors. Stop by.

Go thermal every morning

Have you been hearing about thermal coffee makers? Frigidaire Professional Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker is one of those beauties that look sexy on your counter even if you never use the thing. But you will use this one. It’s easy and reliable and the thermal stainless-steel carafe means your java will stay hot a long time. You don’t even have to worry about breaking the pot.

Of all the assets on this one impressive machine, my favorite is the mesh filter that rinses clean, so you don’t need to buy filters even to recycle. Look at how you make coffee now, and figure how improvements like this machine could make your morning even brighter and more efficient.

Frigidaire’s small appliance line is newly available at Target. Designed to balance style and durability with easy cooking features, the line includes a convection toaster oven, thermal coffee maker, five-speed blender and 5-in-1 grill and griddle. Frigidaire and Target are two names we trust.

Magnetic shirt

Of all the amazing new products I’ve enjoyed sampling and sharing with readers, my husband was most excited to try out a magnetic shirt. What this means is, it looks like a nice, dress, button-down shirt, but the closures are actually magnets, so the shirt is ridiculously easy to put on and take off. In fact, he kept undoing the closures to show people how very cool MagnaReady is. But what is a neat trick to some is a valuable tool to others. This shirt enables wearers from wounded vets to arthritis suffers to snap their shirt fronts and cuffs on easily. You won’t skip a buttonhole. If you like gadgets, you’ll want one. If you need one for ease of mobility, you’ll want the whole line.

Clean BBQ

Okay grill people, here’s something you’ll want to try. Clean BBQ is a disposable grill liner made from the kind of heavy duty foil used in disposable cooking pans. Why do you need this? Naturally cleanup is a breeze, and who doesn’t want a break after all that cooking. The benefits are you don’t have to worry about a wire bristle from your cleaning brush to get into your food and you can reduce the risk of cross contamination. These are two things that can keep you at the picnic and out of the hospital. Where would you be next weekend? I can’t decide if amateurs or pros will love them more. Check them out in 20-packs at Home Depot and online at www.cleanbbq.com

ddoiron@panews.com

Classic Travis and chocolate moon

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Classic Travis

Travis Woods of The Classics Recovered Band knows his way around a guitar, and a squeeze box. Even though I’d been typing up press releases about this band’s area appearances for years, I just met Woods, of Buna, in connection with Southern Summer Night. His band has played for charities such as the American Cancer Society and St. Catherine School in Port Arthur. Woods said that by the end of this year, his gang is hoping to claim they have helped raise $1 million for area good causes.

Here’s another cool fact: Woods has played steel guitar for Shoji Tabuchi, and will return to his Branson, Mo. Theater in August to play the squeeze box.

Tape trick

Remember when this column kind of started out as reader household hints? I welcome more. Send them to me at ddoiron@panews.com and let me know I can use your name and city.

I’m putting this shout out because I just witnessed Tammy Domingue do some Scotch Tape trick. She made a roll about an inch long with the sticky side out and quickly removed some Sharpie ink from plastic. She says it works on all kinds of surfaces. I’m a big fan of generic brands, but I’ve got to have a real Sharpie and real Scotch tape. Here the two collaborate for a  great tip.

Best for baby

Is your Southeast Texas fig tree loaded? Great. Give some to a pregnant woman. Figs, yogurt, almonds and whole grains are great for hair health while expecting. That’s a tip from “The Modern Princess: A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby’s First Year. Men, tell your women they are beautiful when they are pregnant. Women, if you have a few dollars to splurge, invest in nice gold earrings that will still fit after you gain and lose weight, and consider a nice bag that can double as a diaper bag. Take a ‘babymoon” vacation.

These are more unexpected tidbits from Princess Ivana Maria Pignatelli Aragona Cortes, who has compiled this useful book. How to design the nursery, a packing list for the hospital and a few recipes are tossed in for good measure. Advice is varied, and here’s a good one for everyone: Don’t waste time on worrying about things that aren’t likely to happen. Focus on positive results.

Sweet summer read

If space travel means a spa buffet where sauces come out of spigots in the wall, book my transport. The future is funny in “Chocolate Chocolate Moons,” about a “fat girl” of the future. Her husband runs a pizza place on Mars, where beings are tall and thin because of the gravity. But Molly Marbles already weighs less in moon pounds than earth pounds, so she’s ahead of the game before becoming a security guard at a culinary institute. Jackie Kingon’s novel is funny, and one of the most amusing things is how our future generations are portrayed as knowing abut our time in history in askew versions. After all, none of them were around then. Molly and a Martian must solve the crime of who poisoned Chocolate Moon candies, and Molly’s former heavy Earth Guy, who is now a hunky spokesperson for the low-cal Freedom Plan, may be involved. This book is funny, and wholesome.

ddoiron@panews

Been biking this summer?

 

How’s your summer?

My family’s bikes got some “work done” and my daughter and I whizzed through the neighborhood ringing our handlebar bells. Mine’s shaped like a red bell pepper because I like to cook. The rush of cool air felt like a beach breeze and I eventually started thinking about heading home because I’d have to find time to take a walk. Then it hit me, I was on the bike having fun and exercising at the same time.

This anecdote happens to loop into something new for bikes:

While I think the best bicycle accessory is a big wicker basket to fill with blessings, some safety advocates would say a bike light is a more important one. Twistlit is an L.E.D. bike light from Niteize.com that offers Geartie Technology. That means a simple “industrial” twist tie lets you position powerful read or clear lights that can be set to blink or not. Summer nights seem to last forever, but cyclists must remain visible as they head home from adventures. Good for all ages of peddlers. I love how easy these are to get on and go. It’s as easy to tie one on as it is to close a bread bag.

Want to smell like chocolate?

Palmer’s has been around for years, but something knew is the ‘no-mess pump dispenser’ on Skin Therapy Oil, a cocoa butter formula with rosehip oil, Vitaman E, sesame oil and the good recommended for scars, stretch marks and aging skin. If you’ve lost weight from your fitness regime, you’ll love it. Besides the amazing aroma, I love how this oil absorbs quickly. Makers suggest this oil can replace lots of other potions cluttering up your shelf space. I’m going to pump it on all summer. Glad the drug store will have more for fall weather.

Other Palmer finds include:

·         Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF 15, $1.65 at drugstores

·         Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack , $2 at drugstores

        ·      Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Heel Repair, $6.49 at drugstores

Wine selections

Holman Ranch Vineyards is in the “fruit zone,” with vines planted 15 degrees off due north which allows for all day sunlight and breeze protection in Carmel Valley. They stress the vines, which is good for us, giving an emphasis on reproduction. There’s fog in the morning, but not too much. All this detail makes me want to visit the grapes, by the Santa Lucia Mountains. But hey, Holman Ranch did all this work, so let it come to us here in Texas. Here’s some blends I enjoyed to the utmost and that make them proud:

Estate Grown Chardonnay: This 2010 release is labeled “A fine food wine,” so I tested it with guacamole mild enough to enjoy this wine’s honey and toast flavors. It’s “long on the palette,” and that should help you savor the experience.

Clones 146 and 152 vines make Pinos Gris a dry offering with honey and citrus tastes. Pairs with an evening on the patio.

Estate Grown Chardonnay: This 2010 release is labeled “A fine food wine,” so I tested it with guacamole mild enough to enjoy this wine’s honey and toast flavors. It’s “long on the palette,” and that should help you savor the experience.

Clones 146 and 152 vines make Pinos Gris a dry offering with honey and citrus tastes. Pairs with an evening on the patio.

Pinot Noir: They were going with “true varietal character.” Holman Ranch has been creating since 1928. They have achieved.

Sweet vanilla bean and strawberry  2010 Hunter’s cuvee Pinot Noir is aged in 50 percent new French oak and 50 percent neutral French oak for seven months. It took just one evening for me to appreciate  this wine with chicken.

2011 Sauvignon Blanc  with fruit made me appreciate a good white. Red is my first pick, but sometimes it’s true, that variety is the spice of life.

Pinot Noir was my favorite with sour cherry and tobacco to round it all out.

Ddoiron@panews.com

Mason Jars get crafty

 

Back in the day when everyone canned food in Mason jars, I wonder if anyone thought of making a ring-bearer pillow for the wedding rings in a jar. While I’m pretty sure gussied up treat presentations were common, I’ll bet no one thought of creating a Mason jar clock. Lauren Elise Donaldson challenges us to think of those durable icons as night lights, cake stand bases, candelabras, ribbon chandeliers… the list goes on in “Mason Jar Crafts.” This Ulysses Press book has photos and simple directions that will make you scour your cabinets and put a call out to friends: Send More Jars. My favorite could be a jute-wrapped jar filled with soil and succulents. Put a fork in a jar to hold a place card or mark your guests seat with a personalized flag in a jar full of sweet treats for the night.

You get the idea. Mason jars rule and this author wants everyone to know.Word is Mason jar decor will light up Southern Summer Night on July 20.

Here’s a little ditty

Eco Ditty will tell you all about how its Harmony Art Organic Cotton is grown so that you can “reduce, reuse, eat happy.” I’d be happy too if I knew the snack bag I colored myself was helping the environment. What’s even better than a recyclable sandwich and snack bag? One with fair-trade fabrics.  It’s summer and kids need snacks. Soon they’ll need to pack lunches for school. They’ll love this soft bag with a closure. Mine has a turtle in an under-the-sea scene and came with pens so I can color in the lines. Makers got to thinking about it after a family member discovered she was allergic to PVC plastic. Guess where this helpful product is made… Nederland, Colorado. Even their press material uses less paper than your average media kit.

Clear and polish

If you’re not sweating, you aren’t enjoying a proper Southeast Texas summer. Bioré Skincare has a routine set up for summer skin. I’ve tried the new acne clearing scrub, which smells so fresh and is extremely gentle. You’d hardly know it was a scrub. The not-so-secret power: salicylic acid to target deep-down dirt and oil. It’s a treatment you’ll look forward to. Follow it up with Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and finish with Bioré Blemish-Treating Astringent.

ddoiron@panew.com

Randy Travis playin' possum

 

Randy Travis playin’ possum

Here’s word on a tribute to Southeast Texas native George Jones:

“Randy Travis has delivered a hit with the surprise debut of the George Jones tribute song, “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum.”  The heartfelt single is now available on iTunes.  “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum” was recently recorded by the country icon and singer Joe Nichols. This is the first song from Randy's new album that’s set to be released this fall.

“It was an honor when I received a request to record this tribute to George Jones, and after I heard how well Keith Gattis had written “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum,” I was excited to record it.  Thanks to Joe Nichols for coming in and helping on this project,” says Randy Travis.

The Grammy winner provided fans with the first public hearing of “Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum” at the CMA Music Festival. Listen at RandyTravis.com. To download on iTunes, visit: www.smarturl.it/possum

A subtle grind of pepper

I’m in a hot pepper family. From breakfast on, I’m planning meals around red flakes, cayenne dust or whole jalapenos with the seeds in. Before I saw the Trudeau Adagio Chili Mill, which grinds red pepper flakes or any dry spice, I’d never thought about grinding the red, pizza-style pepper. This red mill looks good in the kitchen and on the table and gives a great “twist” of flavor to anything that wants spicing up. A red top and bottom grace a clear cylinder that shows you when it’s time to restock. It’s easy to refill and, hey, could fit in my purse for restaurant excursions. Pepper lovers will understand me.

Keep Calm

Ever take directions from your jewelry? Of course you do. Many of us wear pendants associated with our faith, so it makes sense that Alef Bet Jewelry by Paula offers symbols from the Star of David and hamsa necklaces to an “amen” pendant. Her tagline is “Faitih. Fashion. Forward.” The message I’m taking is from a new line of inspirational bracelets that practically require a magnifying glass. This string has a thin silver strip with the tiny message “Keep Calm.” Throughout the day, it’s a reminder to step back and breath. It’s a lovely, shiny, affordable reminder that comes in a wee little sparkly bag. Is it too early to think of stocking stuffers? Keep Calm.

ddoiron@panews.com

Quickles are Off the Eaten Path

“Off the Eaten Path”

You might want to take Morgan Murphy home and feed him, but he’s already eaten his way across the south for this very fun and informative book. The concept of traveling and eating and writing is not new, but this Southern Living book is fresh and adds Murphy’s suggested playlists, such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” for a nod to Johnny Cash’s Arkansas roots. I’d try a Feliz Navidog hot dog in West Virginia, Farmer’s Daughter bacon and okra skillet from Chuckey Tenn., and Indian Fry Bread Tacos from Oklahoma. There’s nothing in this book I wouldn’t try.

He starts in Texas with goodies like Hillside Farmacy Grapefruit Jalapeno Margarita (Austin) and Salsa Fuego’s Chile Con Queso in Fort Worth. Did I mention he Murphy has convinced these fine, offbeat establishments to share recipes? As someone told him, he could charm a dog off a meat truck. Quaint sayings, like “give me some sugar” meaning a kiss, are also part of the fun.

Here’s how I know he knows what he’s talking about. In a bit on Kartchner’s Grocery and Specialty Meats in Krotz Springs, La., he says that boudain is best eaten in the parking lot where you bought it. This place shares a crawfish etouffee and a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin recipe.

Here’s a recipe from Oxbow in Clarksdale, Miss.

Quickles

1 English cucumber

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup cider vinegar

¼ cup sugar

2 tablespoons salt

¼ teaspoon pickling spice

¼ teaspoon chopped fresh dill

1 bay leaf

Cut cucumber into 1/8 inch slices using a mandolin or V-slicer and place in a large glass bowl. Bring 2 cups water, vinegars and next 5 ingredients to a boil in a medium-sized nonreactive saucepan, stirring often, until sugar and salt dissolve.

Pour hot vinegar mixture over cucumber slices. Cool to room temperature (about 3 hours). Cover and chill at least 24 hours; store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks. Makes 2 ½ cups.

The Handy Camel

My husband called it a giant chip clip. Seal up a bag of charcoal, fertilizer or dog food into The Handy Camel clamp and grab the plastic handle and you can easily tote around a bag that used to be a bother. This device keeps your product fresh, neat and portable. If you keep it in your trunk, I’ll bet it could help you haul in a lot of groceries at once by clamping up your plastic bags. (Though I assume you use recyclable bags whenever possible!) I got a sample in the mail and I cant’ decide which of my big bags will get to wear it. I’m leaning toward charcoal. TheHandyCamel.com is your go-to guy.

This mug means business

Here’s how I taught myself to drink more water… I make sure I finish a travel cup full on my way to work. Being hydrated makes me feel better and makes me less hungry. Not many people drink as much as they should. Trudeau’s has BPA-Free travel mug with a leatherette sleeve that may put one in the mind of coffee, but hey, water or tea can go in this sleek number, too. When opened, the lid provides “the ultimate 360 degree drinking experience.” It’s not a stunt. It just means you don’t have to aim for that one little hole. I like the “boardroom” look of this model that’s comfortable in the hand.

Sheic Journals

I love, love, love bound books so when Sheik Journals promoted itself as Not  Your Average Journal, I took note. You’ve got your basic and more adventurous colors, but hey, you’ve got to fall in love with purple paisley lining the zippered pocket, and the quick-ease magnet cover. There, they have already proven their point. See more at sheicjournals.com