Honeybees on Christmas Day

Happiness is seeing winter honeybees darting outside this hive  for a cleansing flight on this Christmas day.  Since the day was warm, a little light housekeeping was also in order for the beekeeper and the bees.

Spencer the Siamese Cat, 2000-2016

Celebrating this wonderful creature named Spencer who has brought me so much joy for over the past sixteen years. It was hard to let him go. His meow and strong loving purr and playful antics will be dearly missed. Be at peace my precious dear little one.

Lewisville Christmas Parade 2016

Members of the Snappy Tappers participated in the annual Lewisville Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 11th, 2016 at 3:00 pm. It was cold outside but still had fun entertaining and participating in one of the largest Christmas parades in the Triad.

Gingerbread Loaf

Ingredients

• 1 1/ 2 cups flour

• 1/ 2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/ 2 teaspoon ground all spice

• 1/ 4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/ 2 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/ 2 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/ 2 cup dark molasses

• 2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat to 350° F. Prep pan with shortening and flour or with baking

spray. Combine flour, soda, salt and spices. Set aside. In a small bowl

combine buttermilk and vanilla. In mixer bowl, cream butter and brown

sugar. Beat in molasses and add eggs one at a time. Beat until well

mixed. Add 1/3 of dry flour mixture, then 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture.

Repeat this step, adding 1/3 of flour mixture and the second 1/2 of the

buttermilk. Finally add the last of the flour and mix until smooth. Pour into

prepared pan. Bake until done, about 45 minutes. Cool cake on rack for 10 minutes and then turn out onto rack to cool completely.

Spiced Pumpkin Loaf

Spiced Pumpkin Loaf made with my sugar pie pumpkins



Nordic Ware Botanical Pumpkin Loaf Pan

• Ingredients:
• 1 1/ 2 cups flour
  1 teaspoon baking soda
  1/ 2 teaspoon baking powder
  2 teaspoons cinnamon
  1 teaspoon ground ginger
  1/ 2 teaspoon ground cloves
  1/ 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  1/ 2 teaspoon salt
  3/ 4 cup sugar
  3/ 4 cup packed brown sugar
  1 teaspoon vanilla
  1 cup canned pumpkin
  1/ 2 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
  2 eggs
  1/ 4 cup milk
  powder sugar for dusting
• 
  

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Prep pan with shortening and flour or with baking spray. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, soda, spices and salt, set aside. In a large bowl combine sugars, vanilla, pumpkin, eggs and butter until smooth. en add flour mixture and milk and combine all ingredients. Pour the batter into prepared pan. Tap pan on counter gently to remove bubbles. Bake until done 40-50 minutes. Loaf is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake on rack for 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

Mad Tea Party at Disney World Then and Now!

Early 1970's Tea Cup Ride

Recently uncovered this snapshot on my computer while looking for other Disney World trip photos. I had to take a second look because I thought it was my niece but it's me. Amazed at the resemblance between us. This photo was taken when my Mother and I visited the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in the early 1970's. The Mad Tea Party is still a favorite.

2016 Mad Tea Party 2016

Fireworks at Magic Kingdon

Words cannot express the spectacular fireworks show celebrating the power of believing last night in the Magic Kingdom. Brilliant special effects washed over Cinderella’s Castle during this fireworks extravaganza with Tinker Bell flying over the park during the show! Back home now but had a fantastic time in Disney.

Dancing at Disney

Members of the Snappy Tappers performed “Charleston, “Carolina “Girls, and “Ain’t She Sweet” with Sharon’s School of Dance at the  Disney Waterside Stage at Disney Springs in Disney World. What a magical experience entertaining guests from around the world with this unique performance opportunity.

The "Snaps"

The Sharonas and Miss Sharon

Miss Sharon surrounded by her sparkling students

The Sharonas after Disney performance

Disney Bound!

"Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning". We're Disney bound tomorrow on the bus at 6 am tomorrow for Walt Disney World. What a dream to be participating with four other members of the Snappy Tappers and dance students from Sharon's School of Dance.

Root Cellar

With the harvest of our garden finished, here'a a photo of our stored food for the winter in our root cellar. A root cellar is one of the oldest and easiest ways to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables through the winter months in cold storage.  Our root cellar is an underground room used for preserving fruits and vegetables for several weeks or months. Shown hanging are cabbage and in the bags are potatoes, all root vegetables. Good eating this winter!

Got Milkweed for Honeybees?

The milkweed is the host plant  for the monarch butterfly but milkweed is also a favorite bee plant. I was amazed to see honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies all enjoying the nectar from the milkweed plants.

Harvesting Sugar Pie Pumpkins

Let’s make a pumpkin pie! This is my second year growing sugar pie pumpkins and I'm expecting a bountiful harvest. I gathered my ripened sugar pie pumpkins from my pumpkin patch but have 24 pumpkins and more still on the vine that haven’t ripened. I can't wait to make pies, cakes, breads, etc. with these beauties! 

Last Apple Picking

The summer has flown by and fall is in the air. Picked the last of the Wolf River apples from the top of the tree. Even the Black Swallowtail butterfly with tattered wings stops to enjoy the last fruits of the season. I think the poem After Apple-Picking by Robert Frost and Genesis 1:29 sums it up.

After Apple-Picking by Robert Frost

My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree 
Toward heaven still, 
And there's a barrel that I didn't fill 
Beside it, and there may be two or three 
Apples I didn't pick upon some bough. 
But I am done with apple-picking now...

Then God Said, "I now give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the entire earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
Genesis 1:29

Baked Summer Squash

With an abundance of summer squash and zucchini in my garden this year, I wanted to to use them differently other than a cassorole or frying. This recipe worked perfectly and was very tastey.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds summer squash (zucchini and yellow squash)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon flaked salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the stem ends and slice the squash cross-wise in 1/4-inch thick rounds. 
2. Toss with the olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. 
4. Arrange the squash rounds in a 9x12-inch rectangular baking dish, or 10-inch pie plate. 
5. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. 
7. Remove foil and bake another five minutes until the top is bubbling and crispy.

Pineapple Popsicle - Red Hot Pokers

The Pineapple Popsicle is a yellow and beige red hot poker that produces flowers all summer long and often again in September. It's pretty obvious where the plant got its common name, red hot poker. This tough-as-nails, sun-loving perennial produces tall colorful spikes. Red hot poker's flowers are also nectar-rich so they will draw butterflies and hummingbirds from miles around. Plus, even when not in bloom, the lance-shaped foliage of red hot poker adds interest and texture in the garden. I love seeing the yellow and beige color in my perennial garden and have enjoyed their return in the Spring.

Chocolate Mint

 I planted this Chocolate Mint around my bee hives to deter mice from my honeybee hives. But after black bears destroyed my hives this spring, I dug it up and potted it. The Chocolate Mint grew so fast during this summer that I have now planted in my herb garden. This mint is another great peppermint variety with a delightful minty chocolate flavor that reminds me of  the classic Girl Scout mint cookie. It smells heavenly!

The Hum of Bees in My Vegetable Garden

I love seeing the bees in my vegetable garden and the results from their pollination. Pictured top left are squash, peppers, and tomatoes gathered from the garden; bottom left are sugar pie pumpkins and the photo on the right are honeybees gathering pollen from the sugar pie pumpkin blooms.

 The hum of bees is the voice of the garden. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

New Honeybee Hive Thriving

Starting over after black bears attacked and destroyed my three honeybee hives this spring.  I changed my hive location and installed an electric fence to help keep the bears away. Happy to report that my new hive is thriving and increasing in size so that I have added a shallow to allow more room for the honeybees.

Blue, Blue Blueberries

It looks like the drape netting used to protect the blueberry bushes worked. In previous years, the deer and birds haven eaten the blueberries before we have had a chance to pick them. Will be picking blueberries soon for pies, cobblers, pancakes, or just to eat! YUM!

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre presents Mary Poppins June 26-July 3

Lees-McRae is kicking off the 31st Summer Theatre season with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, which runs from June 26-July 3. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, the show delighted Broadway audiences for more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The shows will take place in the Hayes Auditorium of Broyhill Theatre.

While the show is widely recognizable, it has not been done before like this. Directing Mary Poppins is Dr. Janet Barton Speer who is known throughout the high country for her superior quality productions. Speer states, “Mary Poppins is quite ambitious. Apart from the 100 plus performers, designers and technicians, the play adds an incredible element – flying!”

A show for adults and children alike, there are many moral stories in Mary Poppins. Patrons will see the importance of attention to the homeless and people who are different, attention to the value of money, to animals and to one another, and of course, attention to family. The singing, dancing, beautiful sets and costumes, magic tricks and well-known songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” will provide an enchanting experience.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is committed to producing quality theatre experiences. The company, including professionals and students training in their craft, serves the high country community as collaborators for the betterment of our area.

For more information about Summer Theatre or to purchase your tickets online, please visit lmc.edu/summertheatre or call 828.898.8709. The Summer Theatre Box Office on the Lees-McRae College campus is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for walk-in patrons. Ticket prices are $40–$35 for adults and $18–$20 for children.

Back in the Bee Business!

Package of bees have finally arrived

Getting Ready to install package of bees.

Package of bees installed,

Back in the bee business...

Hope the bears can read this!

Lees McRae Summer Theatre 2016 Mary Poppins Cast

Bert - Dominic Aquilino

George  Banks - Alan Tutterow

Winifred Banks - Clara Burrus

Jane Banks - Clara Oden

Michael Banks - John Christopher

Katie Nana/Miss Andrew - Geana Anderson

Miss Lark/Smythe - Sunny Binder

Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman - Bob Haas

Mrs Brill - Ruthie Tutterow

Robertson Ay/Von Hussler - William Martin

Mary Poppins - Jennifer Poarch

Park Keeper - Nicolas Baynum

Neleus - Ben Lamoureux

Northbrook - Zach Snyder

Bird Woman - Lowri McGowan

Mrs. Corry - Burlene Franklin

Fannie - Kariana Sanchez

Annie - Laura Tutterow

Valentine - Payton Franklin

Ensemble - Barbara Hosbein 

Ensemble - Bryce Palmyra

Ensemble - Claire Kimmel

Ensemble - Helen Phillips

Ensemble - Angela Hodges

Ensemble - Beth Allison

Ensemble - Cole Kennedy

Ensemble - Cassandra Brooks

Ensemble - Kelsey Martin 

Ensemble - Coleman Bailey

Ensemble - Grace Gibbons

Chimney Sweep - Daniel Binder

Chimney Sweep - Jacob Florio 

Chimney Sweep - Jacob Vergara

Chimney Sweep - John Henry Adams

Chimney Sweep - Sirena Roe

Chimney Sweep - Jennifer Owen

Ensemble/Dancer -Madison Sellars

LMC Summer Theatre Returns to Entertain The Masses - Avery Journal

     A favorite of High Country visitors as well as local year-long residents for decades has been the treasure that is Lees McRae College’s Summer Theatre series. The stellar presentations featuring some of the most acclaimed performers in the region and nation are a can’t miss for anyone who appreciates and enjoys performing arts.

Illustration courtesy LMC Summer Theatre

     Since its first production hit the stage in the summer of 1985, LMCST has exposed viewers to a vast array of the best actors, producers and entertainment the world has to offer.

     LMCST is committed to producing quality theatre experiences, serving audiences who view the productions, students who are training in their craft and the High Country community as collaborators for the betterment of the area.

Since its inception, summer in the North Carolina Mountains suggests wonderful opportunities to bring communities together, and perhaps there is no better fashion to accomplish this goal than through LMCST.

     “Our heritage, our commitment to the ideals of art and humanity, and our great attention to the heart have made our work special,” LMCST artistic director and professor emeritus Janet Speer said. “We may not have the bells and whistles, but we will always have the heart.”

     And at the heart of LMCST is Speer, who has been the steadying hand that has brought the series from a fledgling single-show production in its earliest years to a seven-production whirlwind for a period of time to its current three-production model.

     “We found that putting together so many performances in a single summer took something away from the quality of our productions,” Speer explained. “We decided that we would be better to do a limited number of productions really well, and that has been most beneficial for our staff, production and cast.”

     As well, Speer described the community component of LMCST as a common ground on which people can unite over a similar love of performing arts, as well as a means to attract visitors to the Banner Elk and High Country area.

     “Summer Theatre brings folks to Banner Elk and Avery County annually. A lot of individuals, couples and families build their summer vacations around visiting and watching our productions, “Speer said. “There is such a strong community component to our product. The town of Banner Elk has always been so supportive and sees how our program attracts tourism locally. We work hard to emphasize getting to know not just our product, but the community at large as a whole.”

     Speer estimates an average of 7,000 people attend LMCST’s summer shows annually, meaning that a rough estimate of more than 215,000 performing arts aficionados have viewed the wide gamut of productions that have graced the Hayes Auditorium stage.

     Performances coming to the stage this summer include a Disney classic, a country music legend and a time-tested musical classic.

     LMCST officially raises its curtain with the production of “Mary Poppins,” coming to Hayes Auditorium beginning on Sunday, June 26. The timeless Walt Disney classic production speaks to both parents and children, and covers myriad topics pertinent to today’s world.

     “’Mary Poppins’ deals with the poor, homeless and looking at the value of people,” Speer said.

Much like last year’s production “Oliver!”, “Mary Poppins” will feature a large number of local children from Avery and Watauga counties among the cast. In fact, the production features a cast of more than 40 children and adults, in addition to a special fly system that will allow characters to take to the sky and float above the audience and stage during the show.

     Skyline/Skybest Communications is sponsoring this summer’s production of “Mary Poppins.”

Beginning on July 14, LMCST brings to the stage the production of “Always ...Patsy Cline,” a show based on the true story of Patsy Clline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger. Cline pays a surprise visit to Seger and, as they talk, Cline floats in and out of Seger’s kitchen to reenact her great moments on the stage. Belting out with her trademark voice classics like “Anytime,” “Walking after Midnight,” “She’s Got You,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Crazy,” fans of the classic country and western star will undoubtedly be entertained.

     The show combines humor, sadness and reality, and offers fans who remember Cline while she was alive a chance to look back, while giving new fans an idea of what seeing her was like and what she meant to her original fans.

     “Always... Patsy Cline” features only a two-person cast, along with a talented orchestra that doubles as Cline’s band. LMCST favorite Kim Krege-Florio plays the role of Louise, while Erica McGee is sure to wow the crowd with her voice that would convince an audience that Cline herself was in the flesh, singing in the room to them.

     “You just don’t do a show like this unless you have a convincing Patsy Cline,” Speer said. “You don’t get someone who thinks they can sing like Patsy, and Erica is able to do it all, from the singing voice to the way she talked. Cline’s life is so fascinating and she has such a great catalog of music that appeals to a different group of people. It’s generated a lot of buzz so far going into the season.”

     LMCST concludes its season with performances of “The Pajama Game,” beginning Tuesday, Aug. 2. Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful, as sparks fly between new superintendent Sid Sorokin and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7.5-cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.

The award-winning musical comedy features lots of fun production numbers, as well as standout featured roles and a large ensemble cast, which tailors the production well for the talent-laden production staff, cast and crew of LMCST.

     “’The Pajama Game’” is a good, old-faithful production that can be set in any middle-sized town. It was made famous by Doris Day and is set in the 1950s,” Speer added.

The musical will feature a 30- to 35-member cast and serves as the fitting climax to what is sure to be another outstanding summer season of theatre and performing arts in Banner Elk.

     Sponsors of LMCST include BB and T, the Town of Banner Elk, Skyline/Skybest. Speer also thanks the individual donors who faithfully give to help maintain the quality of production that LMCST is known for.

     Speer is among the first to admit that LMCST doesn’t operate under the auspices of any single individual, but that a talented and passionate team of people make each year’s productions possible. Speer expressed appreciation to Roy and Marion Krege for publicity, playbill assistance and Advisory Board service, as well as production manager Erin Wallace, Pam Joslin, multiple stage managers, as well as Dr. Michael Hannah for his work and upcoming direction of “Always ... Patsy Cline.”

Tickets for LMCST productions range from $35 to $40 for adults and $18 to $20 for students.

Visit the Hayes Auditorium box office to purchase tickets (box office opens June 16), or tickets can be purchased online by clicking to www.lmc.edu/summertheatre (online ticket fees and taxes apply). For group or season-ticket sales, call (828) 898-8709.

Bear Attack on Bee Hives

Sometimes in life we take the bitter with the sweet.  My three beehives were attacked by bears this spring. I am in the process of relocating my bee yard and installing an electric fence. My new packages of bees are ordered and should arrived soon. Thus I begin my fourth year of adventure as a beekeeper.

Bear attack on three bee hives

The Bears knocked over the hives

Two bee hives destroyed with one left

Another view of hives

HPCT’s “Mary Poppins” Flies Into High Point Theatre Later This Month

Photo by Kevin Klaver Photography:
Katie Muhlenkamp stars as Mary in
HPCT’s upcoming production of
“Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical”.

      "Mary Poppins is set to fly over the rooftops of London and into High Point Theatre April 28-May 1! This family musical features the delightful songs from the cherished Disney film including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time.” Winner of 44 major theatre awards from around the globe, Mary Poppins has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers.
     Mary Poppins is the practically perfect nanny who helps us learn to take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar, find the silver lining in every situation, and realize that sometimes we should just use the winds of change to go fly a kite. Mary brings order to the Banks household, takes Jane and Michael out on magical adventures.
     High Point Community Theatre (HPCT) president, Allison Seals, says that this production of Mary Poppins is the perfect way to close out HPCT’s successful 2015-16 season. “Ticket sales this season have exceeded our expectations,” said Seals. “Our Board of Directors set out to make our 40th season the best yet, and I think we have achieved that goal”.
      Mary Poppins is full of fantasy and magic, and yes, Mary will fly! There will be huge dance numbers along with talking statues and dancing toys throughout this musical adventure.
The score features your favorite Poppins tunes including "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Jolly Holiday," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," "Step in Time," and "Chim Chiminey." As well as some wonderful new additions that were composed for specifically for the stage production like, “Practically Perfect” and “Anything Can Happen”
     The cast is made up of 50+ Triad area performers, with nearly a dozen creative and production team members.
     “The creative team is made up of very strong artists,” said director Justin Bulla. “Dr. Casey Crabtree on choreography, Dr. Garrett Saake music directing, and Justin Hall costuming. It's a very strong team and we are working together to make this production outstanding.”
      The eight children's books by P.L. Travers, published from 1934 to 1988, first introduced us to the magical nanny who floated into the lives of the Bank's family at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Mary Poppins' encounters with chimney sweeps and other characters were re-envisioned in the Walt Disney film in 1964 starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The stage version was first presented in London's West End in 2004, then on Broadway in 2006 where it ran until March 2013. 
     “This story can be told from so many viewpoints,” said Bulla. “Reading the books has helped shape a lot of the characterization, especially Mary.  There are a lot of things Mary does that are not really seen in the movie, but are in the book.  We are trying to incorporate those things from the book into the stage play.”
     Performances are April 28, 29 & 30 at 7:30 PM. There will be matinee performances April 30 & May 1 at 2:00. Join Mary and Bert for a special Tea Party April 30 at 12:30 PM. Performance tickets are $18-$22 and Tea tickets are $10. All tickets can be purchased at www.hpct.net or by calling the High Point Theatre Box Office at 336-887-3001.
      High Point Community Theatre is 501c3 non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. This is HPCT’s 40th year of bringing quality live theatre to High Point and the surrounding areas. Season tickets will go on sale later this month for HPCT’s 41st season – Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol: The Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast."

- A Press Release