Going Amish

Well, it's FINALLY the end of July- an exceptionally busy month. Hooray! My absence from the world of Blogspot.com is truly founded...and have yet another resolution to do it more often. Not just for readers, but for my own enjoyment. (not as selfish as it sounds.)


SO, I am thus blogging on vacation. Somewhere in Virginia. Near Staunton, I think.


Now, I know why you clicked on this link..."Going Amish:" it's kind of a strange, strong title, no? During our vacation these last seven days, we have visited beautiful and incredible places. Philadelphia, PA: first US capitol, signing of the Declaration of Independence/Constitution, home of many founding fathers, Liberty Bell, Chinese food, Philly Steak 'n' Cheese(s) a plenty, etc.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

China Town, Philadelphia. Home to David's Mai Lai Wah. 

Next stop: Lancaster, PA: home to enumerable Amish families, delicious Dutch food, Sight and Sound Theatre (went to see 'Jonah'), relaxing drives through the country, and more Dutch food. (You get the idea.) Here are a couple of photos from Lancaster to give you an idea...

Amish family working in the fields near their farm. Isn't it lovely?

Through the corn...

It's just so captivating and enchanting...

Amish workers finishing in the fields at sunset.

Now, do you see why it's so lovely? Thought you would. Anyways, 'Going Amish:' here's how it fits in. Nope, I'm not going to start wearing a long, dark colored dresses, aprons, black stockings in summer, and large mesh bonnets. And no, I'm not going to move into a house without electricity, running water, or car. And I'm certainly not going to trade my car for a horse and buggy. But honestly- I'm tired of life (in general) being so complicated, cluttered, and well, complicated! We Americans have so much material 'stuff' that sometimes it's easy to become centered on 'stuff' instead of the important things. That being said, I'm not going Amish. It was just a catchy title. :) But I am planning on stepping back and de-cluttering life when I return home from this vacation. Life is too short to be spending time, energy, and emotion on things that are unimportant or lacking in eternal value. May God help me. 

Ah well, soap-box #1 for today- check. :) 

One last thought from C.S. Lewis: "It remains true that all things are possible with God...but nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it over with God." Perplexing, no?

The secret...to Fried Rice

In my opinion, one of the most commonly 'mis-cooked' Chinese foods is Fried Rice.          I l.o.v.e. good fried rice! When I spent a summer in Taiwan, a 'wish' came true: I learned to cook authentic Chinese/Asian food! (I don't think I've been back to a US Chinese buffet since...ick!) And, that's right: today I'm going to let you in on the secret of making authentic Chinese Fried Rice! (hooray, everyone)                                                                            The very aroma gives the essence of sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a low table, wearing sandals (because you left yours at the door), attempting to juggle chopsticks, and surrounded by Asians happily chattering in their native tongue. Sigh.           


 Here we go...










1. Cook white rice according to directions. (I use basmati rice, and always use a rice cooker...Ahh!) 

2. At this point, you must either decide to: a) make fried rice immediately, or b) put cooked rice in fridge as soon as it is finished, and let it sit in fridge overnight.

3. Finely chop onion, green/red peppers, and thaw frozen peas (or used canned). Set aside large egg. 

4. Cover bottom of large skillet with olive oil and heat. Saute' onions, peppers, and peas until thoroughly cooked. Put on one side of skillet. On other side, scramble egg; then mix egg in with vegetables. Put egg/veggies on one side of skillet. Add cooked rice (warm or cold) to other side of skillet.

5. Thoroughly stir rice in with eggs/vegetables until rice starts to brown. Add extra oil as needed. Add seasoning packet (adjust amount to amount of rice cooked. I use about half the packet for 6-8 servings.) You can buy this at any grocery store. (Wal-mart sells it.) 

6. Thoroughly stir rice with seasoning. Rice should have a brown hue, especially compared to cooked white rice. Serve hot and enjoy! Delicious with terriaki/bourbon chicken. Re-heats very well. 

And, there you have it: the secret to perfect Fried Rice! It's a definite crowd pleaser! 

Enjoy and pass it on.                                                                                                                *Disclaimer: This blogger will not be held responsible for any business lost at local Chinese buffet's due to the amazingness of this recipe.* :)

Boston Recap.

Rarely do I post a multiplicity of pictures on my blog. No excuse, I just haven't made it a practice. :) If you thrive on photos, my friend, this truly is for you! Here are a few of my favorite photos from our summer venture to the New England States. Hope you enjoy my attempts at photography, as well as an envious glimpse at the gorgeous landscapes of the East Coast. 

Marine Museum- Washington, DC

Sunset at Plymouth Harbor, MA

Bear Skin Neck, MA, exploring
fishing villages of the Coast

Quaint scenery

Flowers of New England are fantastic!

Adorable places, begging to be captured.

Trinity Church, Boston, architectural 'giant'
in the US.

Hyanis Bay, Massachusetts 

One of the most fascinating harbors I have

seen in quite some time...

rather captivating.

Not to be forgotten is the stunning beauty of Cape Cod!

Absolutely magnificent. 

Ice houses on the bay in Glouchester.

Boston Public Library: the US's
first public library.

Beauties of Cape Cod.

Privileged to visit the grave of one of my
favorite authors:
Louisa M. Alcott

Seaside fishing at Glouchester.

Seaside scenery of rugged Bear Skin Neck, MA.
Looks very Irish. :)

It was so neat to see a Cranberry Bog!
The tiny, miniscule red berries will be harvested
September/October. 

Quaint beauty of Hyanis Bay, Yarmouth. Such unique scenery.

Stunning, dark and alluring scenery of Cape Cod.

Beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and delicious food. :)

I'm quite convinced that New England (second only to

overseas) is home to the US's 

absolute best seafood!

Hands down. 

Thus concludes my very brief photo synopsis of my Boston/New England trip. If your appetite has been whetted for more scrumptious views of the East Coast, a few (hundred...) more pictures may be found at my Facebook page. (Elizabeth Davis.) :)


until next time. . .

To Sleep, perchance to Dream...

This post may, in the eyes of some, be considered an assault to the beloved Shakespeare from which the title of this post is derived. However, do allow me to expound. [Now that you have agreed, you are my most captive of audiences and have no other choice but to read intently all my ramblings. :]

Some concepts are introduced at an early age but may never be understood until a much later time. Try this one:

I hope You Dance.

A simply enough phrase comprised of simple words and likewise simple ideology.

[To better understand, watch this.] <---

When I was young, probably about 8, my grandpa gave me a present during one of our visits together. It was a small book: square, not many pages, and had a picture of a girl playing the violin on the front, which immediately caught my attention since I was a violinist. I tentatively opened the cover to see a hand-written note on the front page. It simply said: "Elizabeth: I hope you Dance. Dream Big, and reach for the Sky. Love, Grandpa." I've never forgotten the feel of the pages beneath my fingers nor the impact of the words from grandpa's heartfelt note. Now, as a college graduate embarking on Life and all the possibilities ahead, I begin to understand. I do not merely want to go through life begrudging what should or might have been...I want to Dance! Live life to the fullest potential with the gifts I've been given. When this philosophy is embraced, the world truly is a different place! Now, instead of rather stressfully attempting to decide what to do with my life, I allow myself to dream the impossible, hope for the fantastic, and put my faith in the unseen. Life is what you make of it, my dear captive readers. No more, and certainly no less.

Lesson 101 on "How to Dream."

1) Think of something rather impossible, but that you've always wanted to do.

2) No longer think of it as impossible, but rather a thing quite distant that you'd very much like to reach.

3) Begin to think...'What can I do to make this distant idea a reality?'

4) Repeat as necessary.

A few examples of dreaming are below:

-Which degree should I pursue next? So many exciting choices! and I'm only a 21- year old College grad.

-Which foreign lands shall I visit next? Perhaps a year teaching in Africa would be nice. Or maybe a term in the Universities of Asia. Or, perhaps, even a Convent or Music School in Mainland Europe. Or I could just learn to yodel and buy a chalet in Switzerland. with a herd of goats. Or not.

-Whom should I marry, or should I? <---- this question has been the source of death and misery for many a [once] sane yet discontented individual. The 'playlist' of Life is not on pause during singleness, my friend. Rather, It is playing loudly, the rhythm is constant, and people are dancing! and enjo ying it. Join the crowd of happy, excited, contented-until-further-notice single people! But always living with a dream.

This blog has been rather lengthy and very much full of random thoughts translated into random typed thoughts.

Moral: Dream Big. We serve a big God who delights in making our dreams come true!

As one man said so adequately, "He makes Dreams out of Nothing...He can

make your Dreams come true."

Until next time...

So long. Adeiu. Adios. Bye. TTYL. :)