Photo Scavenger Hunt Update #2

Dear readers, we came upon a number of additional items to add to our photo scavenger hunt, and wanted to share them with you. Enjoy!

Item #25 (H/T to Jeff for telling us where to find these. When I asked the guy at the counter if I could take a picture, he said, "Sure, knock yourself out." I responded, "Thanks, I'll try not to."):





Item #36:



Item #26:



Item #11 (OK, so we don't really know who this guy is, or even if he's a celebrity, but we figured hey, if someone's willing to go to that much trouble to videotape him, he's got to be more important than, say, us):



Item #23:



Item #34:



Item #18:



Item #17:



Item #28:



Item #14 (H/T to Abby for cluing us in on the Valewood Farms activities! They were so much fun!):





Unfortunately, we forgot to bring our camera out with us today, but since we didn't see a Lucky Strike-branded limousine in doggie clothing, it's OK.

Consulting the Tea Leaves

Check out the great interview that Joe Doyle was kind enough to give us. I apologize about all the background noise; I didn't realize it was so prominent until I viewed the video just now, and my meager video editing skills don't allow me to temper it. That notwithstanding, I hope you get a sense for what a wealth of information Mr. Doyle has about tea, but also about the history surrounding it.

We had the roibos/red bush cocoa and caramel that Joe mentions in the video, and it was wonderful. The cocoa flavor was subtle, and not at all overpowering. Probably owing to our never having had roibos before, the tea didn't agree with us, but we will definitely be buying more tea from Joe.

Gastronomic Globe-Trotting

While taking our mystery trip through central PA on Thursday, we stopped into Wegman's in State College for the bounteous feast you see in the picture. We really like Wegman's international section, and often try some of the more unusual foods they have. Since I (Jason) am of Mediterranean descent and grew up in a very culturally diverse area, there's always something interesting to try.

There were some things we knew we would like, a couple that looked good and at least one that gave us real cause for concern. So step in the balloon, and join us for Around the World in 800 calories:

1. Alu Mutter: If you've ever been to an Indian buffet, you've probably had this. The label describes it as "Baby potatoes and green peas in a delectable curry." We were impressed with this brand of Alu Mutter before, and it did not disappoint.
2. Palak Paneer: Another popular Indian dish, the box proudly proclaims, "A delectable combination of tender chunks of cottage cheese and fresh, green spinach." What it doesn't mention is the significant kick the curry has which, depending on your inclination, is either wonderful or torturous. Since we both like spicy food, this got two thumbs up.
3. Honey Soy Ginger: The box announces itself as "Hokkien noodles with honey soy ginger sauce and baby corn." The combination of honey and ginger was a fun surprise to me. We served it right from the box, but it would make a great meal supplemented by some chicken.
4. Roghani Nan Bread: It was a tough decision, at first, choosing whether to get Nan bread or pita bread. Ultimately, we decided that the nan would work best with Indian cuisine. This bread had the added bonus that the bread company, Kontos, is based in Paterson, NJ, maybe 3-4 miles from my (first) childhood home.
5. Turkish Delight: Inspired to get this dessert by the "Chronicles of Narnia" books and movies, we had high hopes for this one. I've seen lots of different things called a Turkish delight, but this one was basically a fruit-flavored jelly candy covered in chocolate, and with a hint of rose fragrance; it was good, but not to my liking. The main problem was the rose fragrance, (which was clearly labeled on the outside). I guess I just haven't jumped on the flower eating bandwagon (yet).
6. Rambutan in Syrup: This was the weirdest thing we've eaten in a long time. I'll admit that I was on the lookout for something unusual, and when I saw what looked like a cross between a sea anemone and a hedgehog, I was intrigued. The fruits themselves resemble something between a hard-boiled egg and a fresh mozzarella ball, and they have a subtle, sweet flavor that makes us wonder if they're flavorless without the syrup in which they're stored. It's not the flavor, though, that poses the problem: it's the texture, which is rather rubbery and indicative of the "firming agent" that is mentioned in the ingredient list. According to WiseGeek.com, "The rambutan is a sweet fruit that most palates find appealing," which gives us hope that someone in the online community will help us figure out what to do with them (in fact, if you have any family rambutan recipes, please feel free to pass them on). Who knows, maybe we can auction it off on ILoveAltoona to the highest bidder.
7. Pocky: "Biscuit sticks covered with strawberry cream," this item was kid-tested, parent-approved. We appreciated the lack of artificial food coloring, and Elise liked its pink color.

So, those are the results of our culinary carnival. Leave us a comment and let us know if you've tried anything above, and what you thought of it. And if there's something you think we should try on our next endeavor, we'll be willing to consider it (but if you're even thinking ostrich eggs, don't bother).

Guest Co-Blogger

We just received word at Staycationer Central that we will have available to us the services of a guest staycationer and a great family friend! Please click here to solve the puzzle that will reveal our mysterious stranger's identity.

The Splurge Tradition

Ever since our first staycation in October of 2006, one of the traditions we've maintained is giving ourselves a little of a "Mad Money" account come vacation time. This usually has a couple different effects, namely: (1) we tend to eat out about once per day during our staycations, and (2) we tend to buy things that have a certain amount of sentimental value during those times. We do the second because it makes those times enormously special in retrospect. Our dear friend Karen Campbell once told us, about the birth of our daughter, "Get each other something really special for when you go into the hospital; if you don't make this day special, no one else is going to make it special for you." We soon realized that this nugget of wisdom could (and should) be applied much more broadly than to the birth of our children.

Since then, we have been making a point to find things that will remind us of staycations from days gone by. In 2006, we got: (1) a couple of pieces of blue glass that are still sitting in our kitchen, and still in use (some of it is depression-era), (2) a copy of Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief" which we watched last several months ago, and (3) the missing volume of Winston Churchill's A History of the English-Speaking Peoples which, I confess, I have not yet read. (Mark Twain once said that "a classic is something everyone wants to have read and no one wants to read.")

The staycation of 2007 brought us: (1) the entire DVD collection of "All Creatures Great and Small", an adaptation of books by English veterinarian James Herriot, and (2) a great reproduction of a painting of the Juniata railyards, which currently hangs on our wall, and whose genuine article is seven blocks from our house.

Two thousand eight's staycation is no different, except that my wife has applied her superhuman powers of gift-giving and –arranging to the task, placing the beauteous display which you see above on the table when I entered our house and officially launched staycation '08; the gift also served to congratulate me on completing a seminar presentation at work. It is with great joy that I present each item:

1. The Newest Issue of Wondertime: Wondertime is a parenting magazine put out by the Walt Disney Company and, for all their other faults, Disney seems to let them do exactly what they do best. The articles are very thought-provoking (if ideologically predictable) and some of the graphic design work and photography are pure genius.
2. VeggieTunes 3: A King, a Queen and a Very Bluberry: Say what you will, the stuff produced by Big Idea, Inc., is some of the smartest, funniest and most inspirational work in the children's market today, relative underground status notwithstanding. This features some of their best songs.
3. Bella: This movie was also one of the indie hits of the year, and we've heard it presents a strong pro-life message. We haven't watched it yet, so hopefully we'll be able to give a more thorough review when we do.
4. Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares: No further explanation is required.
5. Archer Farms Blood Orange Italian Soda: In a work that is already being called "The Rocky of our Generation", this drink is distinguishing itself not only as the next Pepsi, but also the next Sly Stallone. I have it on good authority that this tall drink of water does all his own stunts.
6. Blue Moo and Rhinoceros Tap: Some time ago, Sandra Boynton changed from "author and artist" to "force of nature". Through her greeting cards, board books, plush toys, etc. etc. and so on, and such like, Boynton manages to be simultaneously funny, poignant, witty, charming, and very very smart. These picture books also feature CDs of artists (like B.B. King) singing old favorites like "Blue Moo ‘62" and "Barnyard Dance". For us, listening to these inspires two immediate thoughts: (1) "This is great. I love this!", and (2) "Am I allowed to get this excited over kids' music?"

Well, there you have it: this year's staycation splurges. Go out and get them while supplies last, as a mention from this blog has been known to throw several online retailers into prolonged backorder mode. Or maybe I just made that up.

Update: Photo Scavenger Hunt

Dear Readers: Here are a couple snapshots we took whilst wandering about Central Pennsylvania. Feel free to write comments with links to your photos, either to hit items on the list we haven't gotten to yet, or things you felt better capture the moment than what we've posted so far.

Thanks!

Item #6:


Item #1:


Item #30:


Item #8:


Item #37:


Item #24:


Item #27:


Item #9:


Item #3:


Item #35:

Cha-Ching!

Thrift Store Price Tag: $25.00


Price We Paid: $3.50


And here's the silver serving fork that was thrown in:


We think this silver electric warming dish will be perfect for an upcoming family wedding.