BUONA SERA, TOURIST AND INTERLOPERS OF VENEZIA

Salud, Kids!

It is the Autumn of the year (even though we are still swimming and wearing sandals in South Florida) and I would so enjoy being back in one of my favorite cities in the world, Venice.

Our last visit was in November and it was perfection. It rained a bit, but it only added to the sheer joy of that perfect city.

Well,if we can not be there in person, British Brian and Mo to the rescue. Come on, let us peek in on their recent sashay all 'round that little slice of heaven-on-earth.

Now, Brian sent along some of his photos and they were excellent, but I chose to drop in a few of Gaz and I, just to soothe the soul (ours) and make us feel closer to all things Italian. I am certain those zany Brits don't mind, in the least, us horning our way into their trip (we're American, so what else would anyone expect?).

Oh, and just for good measure, let me also drop in this little promo clip of a movie that was NOT a hit, but I watch it on loop just to see Venice.

Read on...

Contributed by: Brian Wilson
United Kingdom
All rights reserved and copyrighted.


Before I start on these remmisances, let’s go back a bit.

Mo and I wanted a late summer break – we have had a very hectic summer – we wanted to revisit Venice and Istanbul – we wanted lots of things to do, rather than time at sea.

Remember that marvellous voyage around the Caribbean (where we met some very nice American couples from Florida)? – well, we wanted to go with Cunard again.

So, trawling through the Internet I found a 12 day trip, with The Queen Victoria covering Venice, Split (Croatia) Corfu, Athens, Istanbul, Rhodes, Santorini and back to Rome – and flights out and back home were included!

Venice – La Serenissima – the Grand Canal winds it’s way between these group of islands.

I tracked the prices and found some very “interesting” offers. So, we thought we would jump at this chance to find out what the Princess Grill “experience” was really like.

We knew that the “Grills Experience” meant that our stateroom would be larger and situated amidships – that we could dine at any time in the evening (well up to 9.30 start anyhow) – that we would have priority check in – that we had a welcome meeting with the Captain – and that we could have afternoon tea – and lots more.
Where we about to be disappointed? – let’s find out!!

The Queen Victoria – our Princess Grill Stateroom was amidships on the 7th Deck.

Day 1 of our voyage was to fly Heathrow to Venice – well someone has to do it!!
We took off at 12.50 (British Airways (chartered by Cunard) – what a civilised time –and we landed at Marco Polo, Venice at 16.00hrs (don’t forget Italy is 1 hour ahead of the UK).

The highlight of the flight was flying over the Alps – the sky was blue, there were no clouds and the sun was shining, so the mountains were as clear as a bell (many still with snow on their tops).

You felt you could reach out and touch them.

We left an autumnal day in London and arrived at a balmy 24 degrees Centigrade in Venice – oh the delights of warmth!!

Once we had cleared Customs we were on our way to The Queen Victoria – the “booking in” procedures were very slick.

Soon, we were resting in our stateroom, it was everything that the brochure said it would be, we had plenty of room – and a larger bathroom with bath and a shower!
There was a bottle of sparkling wine waiting for us – this is the life!!


Our Princess Grill Stateroom

We were soon at our table for 6 guests at 7.30 pm.
Greeting us there was a couple from Florida – yes, yet another couple from Florida! –and a couple who live just 80 miles from us in the UK! – the other 2 people could not make the trip (I hope that all was well with them).

So let’s start with the food.

We remembered from our March cruise, (where we had a Balcony stateroom) – that the food in the Britannia Restaurant was excellent – as was the company.
But, this time – in The Princess Grill – we could choose what time we ate – we were not tied to 6.30/8.30.
The Service was attentive and, as for the food, well what can we say.
The choices facing us were worthy of the best of restaurants – and the cooking and presentation could not be faulted.

The Princess Grill Restaurant – our table was by the window – oh what views.

I had one of the best steaks I have ever had and Mo, who chose the Dover Sole, was lost for words (well almost!!).
So far so good – we settled down for our night’s sleep.

Day 2 was a full day in Venice
Now, we have visited Venice a number of times, so, after paying ”homage” to San Marco, we struck out. away from the crowds.

Looking from the Grand Cabal to San Marco – with the Campanile on the left and the Doge’s Palace on the right.

Now here’s a tip – if you want to see the less crowded parts of Venice, do not follow the crowds.

When we came to a junction in the pathways, or a side street comes into view, look at which direction are the crowds going, then strike out in the opposite direction!!
As long as you have a map, you cannot get lost in Venice but, if you follow our “rule of thumb”, you’ll find less people – and cheaper shops, café’s etc – the Venice of the Venetians.

There are some beautiful sights in Venice (my darling Mo alongside the Doge’s Palace).

We took a “waterbus” or Vaporatti along the Grand Canal – it is the only way to see the beauty of this unreal world.
There are so many Palaces – so much to see - the Venice of a bygone age
But a warning – if you want to stay in a flat or rent a room in one of the big Hotels on The Grand Canal, be prepared to pay a high price.

A market in Venice – you go shopping on foot, or by boat.

If you are a typical tourist and do not mind the cost – try a gondola – we gave it a miss.
These boats are made to an age-old design that isn’t symmetrical, as the Gondoliers stand at one side of the boat to “paddle” and steer.
Lots of tourists, especially people from Japan, were being ferried by Gondola – and some had Venetians singing “O Solo Mio” as the barcarolle (the correct term for a song by Gondoliers.
Those with a “musical bent” will know that “O Solo Mio’ is a Neapolitan song – ah well you cannot have everything

Gondoliers have to take care when navigating around Venice.

We then went onto the other islands in the lagoon – Murano – you know the one that produces all that lovely glass
Ok we had to have yet another coffee and just enjoyed our favourite pastime – watching the world go by.

Back to The Queen Victoria for one of the highlights of our trip – the leaving of Venice..



Now,I know it may seem a bit silly to highlight the leaving of Venice - but wait – we left our berth at Marittima and sailed majestically along the Canale della Guidecca until we came upon the heart of Venice: - St Marks Square (Piazza and Duomo San Marco, the Doges Palace and the Main Waterfront
Our Stateroom was on the 7th floor on the port side, so we could see all this while drinking a “G and T” - we thought of you both and raised a glass.

Goodbye to Venice – the evening light was so soft, creating a mystical image.

We then steamed out across the Venetian Lagoon and onwards to Croatia
If our trip had stopped there we would have been “very happy bunnies” – but we knew that more was to come.

© B. Wilson 13/10/11


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DID BALZAC KNOW JACK OR CATS?

Salud, Kids!

"Nothing so fortifies a friendship as a belief on the part of one friend that he is superior to the other."-Balzac

Do you know Balzac?

Rather, do you enjoy his work or words?

I mean it isn't like he has been around lately to spout observations on humanity. Too bad about that as I am sure it would be spot-on.

Now, if you aren't a fan, that's cool.

Me?

I am a fan.

Why?

Because I simply like his style. Not everything, but some of it is pure gold.

Take the above quote.

Is that accurate?

In a relationship does one person HAVE to feel superior?

Ponder THAT one for a few minutes.

I do and I envision particular friends and I am CERTAIN they not only feel superior to me-they ARE, in fact, superior.

Knowing and accepting this factoid gives me great comfort as I feel superior to, oh, certain cats I know. Just certain ones, not all, you understand.

Actually, I also believe if Balzac were hanging 'round my little circle of zaniness, he would rewrite that quote and it would be something along the lines of..."Animals are better at being best friends than many people, and that's a fact, Jack."

Cats and dogs really can be BFF's without an Alpha or superior one having the upper hand and I have photographic proof.

Now, I ask you, do YOU have any BFF's, any friends at all, willing to hang out beside you while you dry yourself in a towel like these kids?

Uh-huh, see what I mean. You aren't as superior as you suspected. Deal with it and move on.

Cheers and all due respect to Honore B. on having rewritten his quote.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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MAKE, SHAKE, BAKE AND SHARE IT

Salud, Kids!

British Brian and Mo are always up to wondrous things across the pond. Seems you can't swing a scone without hitting some project they are embroiled in.

Recently, Brian posed a query (imagine me with a British accent saying that word) about sharing recipes across the sea.

What do you kids say?

I say I like it, so let us spill it right here on, Indiscreetly Us.

As Brian and Mo have already given us their glorious wine and jam making tips,(remember the Quince?), let me toss something into the mix.

So, from the zany kitchen here in the Palm Beaches I will confess that although I adore cooking (we do it a lot 'round here) and I enjoy creating new creations from scratch, I am not above taking a few shortcuts along the way.

One of my favorites?

BROWNIES FROM A PACKAGE THAT TASTE LIKE THEY WERE MADE FROM SCRATCH...

Prepare a packaged mix as directed
Add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels (extra chocolate richness)
Dash of cinnamon (eliminates any hint of it being a mix)
Bake
Cool

I top with a homemade minute-fudge frosting that my mother always used and my family greatly enjoys.

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Hope you will share something from your kitchen.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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VASTLY VEERING A VESPA

Salud, Kids!

Stellar day here in the Palm Beaches because I can officially control the controls of a TOW TRUCK!

You heard me.

Early this morning a massive transport truck pulled to the curb to take our red Vespa for a ride and you'll never guess what happened.

Wait, you probably have already guessed, but I am going to yap about it anyway.

Driver lowers the bed of the truck, pushes the scooter forward and then, casually, says I should go to the side/front of the truck and depress a lever (of which there were thousands...okay, four) until the bed is level once again.

What?

You talkin' to me?

It can't level itself, automatically?

What kind of idiotic towing process is THIS?

By-the-way, who sends a vehicle this size for a VESPA? It's a scooter.

Well, as I couldn't let my Italian two-wheeler languish at a slant, I zoned in and worked that control until the scooter was as level as the water in the Atlantic Ocena. Oh, yeah.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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JAMMING WITH QUINCE JELLY AND WINE

Salud, Kids!

We wore sweaters this weekend. For about an hour and then we were back in shorts.

Now, here we are at Monday and I'm clicking the keys to welcome the week.

Yes, I know I promised more Queen Victoria from British Brian, and it is in the queue, so never fear.

But, as I have been seriously hunkered down with writing (now up to Chapter Twenty) my fictional creation, Privately Palmer, I am a bit behind. For those who connect with me on my personal Facebook also know that Britt and I have been doing kooky Halloween stuff (complete with the video of our ghost who moos instead of boos). It IS Autumn, even as we continue to wear shorts and sandals in South Florida.

Guess what?

It's also Autumn (in case you didn't know) over in the United Kingdom and British Brian and Mo don't just take sassy trips on the QV.

Read on to find out more about the wine and jelly making shenanigans from across the pond. And, when he says he has wine for two good folks...he ain't speaking of YOU kids!!

Oh, what in HOLY HELL is a Quince???

Brian never ceases to bring me something fabulous and I'm thinking a Quince is just that. For one thing, I love the fact that it gets ready when it feels like it...sort of like me!

Contributed by Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
All rights reserved and copyrighted

Over here Autumn is well advanced - but you would not think so, as the sun has been shining (at least in our area) - plants and animals seem to be a bit confused.
Our Boysenberry (a cross between a European Raspberry, a Common Blackberry, and a Loganberry) - unfortunately it is not named after my lovely Mo (Boys that is) - is still flourishing and bringing on more and more berries.

Boysenberries ripe for picking.
It has large fruits, deep maroon/black colour and is ideal for pies, jams, or just eating as fruit. Seems to think it is still late summers as it continues to fruit (well we're not grumbling as the taste is "yummy").


The same is true for our Raspberries - you really cannot beat just fresh from the garden. So we have been picking them and adding into fruit pies or even making more jam.

Everyone's garden seems to have gone mad.

A friend of ours found that his grape vines (that form the pergola covering the patio) were ready for picking - so I traipsed off and spent an afternoon picking grapes. They were very sweet - mmmm.

Then back home to remove the grapes from the larger stalks - they weighed 90lbs!!
Then came the pressing.
We have a small fruit press that can press up to 24lb of apples.

Inside the wooden frame I put a net bag, then piled in the grapes.
Winding the handle down lowered a wooden plate on top of the grapes - the juice began to flow.

After one press, I mixed the pressed grapes up again - then back into the press to extract the last of the lovely juice.

After 3 hours I had 5 gallons of grape juice - all held in one of my larger fermenting vessels (I must sound as if I have a "production unit - but it is only for home consumption - we have some of 2010 waiting for you two good folks in 2012).

Then add in a bit more sugar (as grapes grown in the UK have not have enough sun to increase the sugar content of the grapes), then some yeast (A champagne yeast) - give it all a good stir and then put it to one side and let fermentation begin.
We hope to have the wine ready for autumn 2012 - or even earlier.

We were also given 14lbs of quince.

The Quince is a member of the apple family, it needs some care and attention before you can eat it - but it is worth all the trouble.

It's a devil to peel and can be rock hard. Yet baked or pickled and eaten with ham or cheese, the quince becomes a rare treat.

You cannot hurry a cooking quince. They are ready when they feel like it. It can take half an hour or more to poach to tenderness in a sugar syrup.
But, the scent of them cooking fills the house with a rich, mellow sweetness.
The quince can be made into a lovely pickle, jam or wine - added to an apple pie gives a beautiful fragrance and a subtle perfume.
But, we made them into jam, jelly and wine.

Now a question to all you out there in US land - does anyone still make home made wine, jam or jelly?

If so Pam, let's start a part of your blogs "Recipes across the ether" - come on folks, give up your secrets!!

If you are wondering about my bees - more of that later

Love to one and all - Brian and Mo!

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Brian Wilson
brian@europaassociates.co.uk

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A PALM TREE

Salud, Kids!

Before you get your weekend groove into high-gear, hop on over to my blog, The Wishing Palm Tree and drop in a wish under the Comments section.

Be silly, be absurd, be anonymous; we don't care or need to know who you are.

Be a kid again, and just wish something...you dont' need a special well to toss out a wish and you KNOW you want to.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.

http://wishingpalmtree.blogspot.com/

SALMA HAYEK, KITTY SOFT PAWS

Salud, Kids!

Listen, I have some fun stuff coming up this week from, British Brian and his sidekick, Mo. Yep, that zany duo lived the high life on yet another Queen Victoria cruise and you do NOT want to miss what they share.

However, as it is a rainy (I would say fallish, but when it's 90 degrees and I'm in shorts and flip-flops that simply is not accurate) Monday, let me share what Gaz and I did on a rainy, Sunday (yesterday).

We zipped down I95 to Ft. Lauderdale to hang out on the Allure of the Seas for the world premier of, Puss in Boots.
It was a day with Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and their on-screen characters, Puss in Boots and Kitty Soft Paws (apply the proper character to the proper celeb, I can't do everything).

Even in the rain, it was a groovy way to spend a day and the movie isn't bad either.

Salma and Antonio were gracious as they greeted the press peeps. She is PERFECT and tiny, tiny, tiny (well, not ALL tiny) and so glam even dressed down in a super casual ensemble. He was engaging and seemed like a genuine sort of guy (is that possible in the world of celebs?).

Now, come on back later this week for more British Brian and his Marvelous Mo!!

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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BRITISH BRIAN TAKES ON A TRAM

Salud, Kids!

So, my last whiny-ass post now pales.

MOMENTS after I hit the publish button, BAM...in floats this from Brian of Bath, UK.

First, I'm just now getting over that he and the fabulous, Mo, were wining, dining and dancing all OV-AH the gorgeous, Queen Victoria.

Second, I feel bad for being jealous (not really) and am wondering if he had on his famous (or infamous) RED socks.

Third, he MAY have uttered some expletives? Hell and damn, I have uttered no less than 50 of 'em in the last two hours alone!

Fourth and the most important one, please notice that after being HIT BY A TRAM, Brian (oh, that Brit) hauls it inside for a nice cup of tea. A CUP OF TEA, kids!!! You (and by YOU, I mean ME) can't touch that sort of depth of character.

Read on...

Contributed by: Brian Wilson
Bath UK
All rights reserved and copyrighted

We got back from our trip on the 4th October and we have had so much catching up to do.

Also I am nursing lots of big bruises - no, its not Mo it was a tram - yes a tram!!

We were in Istanbul for 2 days and on day 2 we took a tram from the harbour up to the Blue Mosque - it really was something to marvel at (more of the later).




The Blue Mosque


We then walked down to the Suleymaniye Mosque, had a welcome cup of turkish tea and coffee and then girded up our loins for the fray.

There was quite a queue for the Suleymaniye Mosque - people were waiting alongside a wall on the pavement.

There were so many people going up and down, so we went to find the end of the queue,
Mo was in front and I was walking on the pavement (trying not to barge into people), when BASH.

A tram came by - the tracks are within an inch of the pavement - and it caught me on my shoulder, elbow, hip and leg - sending me flying past Mo and ending on my back, on the pavement!

The tram is still going by - but then rescue came from 2 Turkish guides (there are so many "guides" offering to help you) who immediately moved me away from the pavement as my feet were over the edge of the pavement and the tram is still going by!!

If it had not been for them I may now be a foot shorter!!
The trams not only run very close to the pavement, they consist of a number of carriages - and these "bend" on corners.



Is this the offending tram? - notice how close it is to the pavements edge

As you can imagine I was in shock - so was Mo.

Bu,t our guides pulled me up and took me into the Suleymaniye Mosque, by passing all the queues, to get us into a cafe so we could have a cup of tea. I cannot tell you how grateful we were to these guides - who, once they had ensured we were ok (no broken bones) left to carry on with their work.

So, in true Brit style, after 40 minutes of tea and rest we went into the Suleymaniye Mosque - again a sight for sore eyes.



The interior of the Suleymaniye Mosque

I was hobbling around, my knee hut and as for my hip - well I may have let out one or two anglo saxon expletives!

But, I was determined to carry on - after all we had come this far - us Brits are made of strong stuff you know.

After that, I stumbled to the Topkapi Palace - another must to see when in Istanbul -it needs a day on it's own.

Then back to the Queen Vic and the Doctor - who checked me over and (I really did not believe it) but I had not broken anything (apart from a slight graze on my knee) - but the bruises were already arriving!!

When Mo and I reviewed the day, a cold shudder came over us when we thought what could so easily have happened, if the 2 Turkish guides were not on hand or if they had not acted so quickly.

I am now the proud owner of a bruised elbow (but that's going down now) and a rather impressive multi coloured bruise over my hip, left buttock, up to the base of my spine and down my left leg!

I will spare you the photo of my "rear end" - I do not want to be accused of sending porn over the net!!

I have been writing my blog of the trip - so wait a few days for the next instalment.

Love to you all over there - Brian and Mo

Brian Wilson
brian@europaassociates.co.uk

PRICKLY PRIVATELY PALMER

Salud, Kids!

You know how some days are just one of THOSE days?

Yeah, today is one of THOSE.

Quite frequently I refer to this as me feeling like a prickly-pear. A day that is annoying and cranky-inducing as I have utterly lost control of the situation. The situation being concentrating on writing.

Attempting to move my fictional creation, Privately Palmer, along has been, um, IMPOSSIBLE.

It is not that I need absolute silence or things such as that. A modicum of peace would be EXTREMELY helpful.

Here is a sampling of my silly frustrations (some remain private...like Palmer):

#Lawn service guys arrived at 7:45 am and began trimming shrubs. Loud and then some.

#Lawn service guys trimmed shrubs until 3:00 pm.

#Animal types DEMANDED unusual amounts of attention and would NOT be put off until later.

#The shrubs were trimmed a ridiculous amount (yes I am grateful to have folks do this service, but they went way too far) and now look beyond skimpy. I liked 'em beter shaggy.

#Animal type lounged and frolicked in a basket of clean and folded clothing which now must be returned to the laundry (yes, my fault as I should have promptly put them away...now, where IS that sword?).

#Foam core with precisely organized notes kept falling and notes dropping off.

See what I mean? Nothing major, just minor annoyances I am ALLOWING to distract me.

Perhaps the universe is simply slapping me in the face and shouting that the world does NOT need another potentially fabulousecharacter thrown into the fictional arena.

Probably, but I refuse to accept that scenario, so I will see if I am able to corral my concentration and compose dialogue at a later time. Doubtful, but I once heard that Danielle Steele wrote her first novel late at night/early morning in the bathroom, on a yellow-pad after her nine or ninety kiddies had drifted into dreamland.

True? I have no idea, but if I have to resort to writing in the bathroom, I'm hauling in a recliner with wooden arms and a loaded mini-fridge. I'm more than willing to pay a bunch of dues (haven't I already done that?) and all, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna write while sitting on the side of the bathtub or worse! Then again, it worked out splendidly for Di. Hm.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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BEACHES BISTRO BUZZ

Salud, Kids!

Wednesday is not simply hump-day 'round the beaches, it is also time for dining-in-the-daylight 'round the beaches.

In other words, Britt and I amble around the Palm Beaches until we land at a restaurant and sample their cuisine.

Yesterday, we rolled into a place on PGA in Palm Beach Gardens called, Carmine's.
A restaurant and market combo, we found it to be one fascinating place-clean and inviting.

To be honest we had a rocky beginning before we even tasted the tiniest morsel. Our adventure began in the buzzing parking lot. It was overflowing with zipping around by less than patient (understatement) drivers, while some random gentleman in white shorts stationed himself in a position to sort of, well, direct the traffic. It was crazy.

This being our first time, we didn't know the spaghetti ropes so once inside, we sauntered to an area with signage proclaiming it to be their Pizzeria. Which turned out to be a modest sized restaurant.

First impression?

Good.

Why?

Because I'm a sucker for white table clothes and linen napkins. Call me shallow. Many have.

Second impression?

Confused.

Why?

Because there was no signage regarding seating (seat yourself or wait to be seated).

Some random, yet official looking, guy pushed past us without any eye-contact and barked for us to take a seat. He also mumbled something about inside, the other side (whatever that meant) or outside.

With a shrug of our shoulders, inside it was.

Atmosphere is very nice.

Service was adequate (lower end of the scale).

Food was both excellent (soup and salad), and marginal (chicken parmigiana). The chicken was a little overcooked, but had the potential to be really tasty.

After lunch we roamed through the market portion of the place and departed with the most beautiful fresh fish (Sole) and two boxes of desserts (we later deemed them fabulous).

The fish market guy was service oriented, and friendly. Unfortunately, the same can not be said of the lady boxing up the sugary confections. The guy ahead of me got the friendly one, so next time I will shuffle around until she's free. It would be worth the wait, believe me.

In conclusion, Carmine's is a place I will visit again. The outside seating area is lovely as it is waterfront with scads of expensive looking boats bobbing around for your viewing pleasure.

Anxious to visit the market section in the near future and see what food treasures are to be found.

Oh, next time I will opt for the complimentary Valet Parking.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
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SPORTS BARS, DINING, DANCING AND SWITCHING

Salud, Kids!

Last evening found us at Duffy's. You know, the place where you dine with zany types (that's why we fit in) and football helmets. Duffy's is a SPORTS BAR!!

Hundreds (could be an exaggeration) of screens line the joint with, well, sports shows.

One quick glance told me these guys just don't get it. Not one screen was flashing the flashiest of sports shows. Dancing with the Stars (they have taken major liberty with that term). Seriously, if THAT isn't a true sport, I am at a loss. Apparently, DAWN-CING is NOT an approved sport in the world of Duffy's (this according to our server-who obviously has NEVER taken a dance class). Fred and Ginger must be spinning at this nonsense.

I often ask myself and anyone around me who will listen (not that many), why restaurant bars keep their televisions tuned to sports channels, exclusively.


Think about that for a second.

How many establishments offer up anything for our viewing pleasure except sports?

See what I mean.

Oh, I am not REALLY talking about a bar that is absolutely designed to cater to sports fans. I'm giving the squint-eye to ALL sorts of restaurants from A-to-Z. No matter the price range, no matter the particular cuisine, no matter anything. Almost without fail, restaurants will have their bar screens blasting out some sport. Even if it's amateur ping-pong,marbles or horseshoe tossing...it is sports.

Would it kill 'em to switch over to Turner Classic Movies, the Food Network or a little Bravo once in a blue moon? It isn't very sporting of them to neglect an entire segment of diners, is it?

Just for grins I would like to sit in the bar at Morton's, sip a lovely Malbec, nibble on sliders and focus my blood-shot eyes on Paula Deen slapping butter and mayo on everything in her kitchen. Now THAT is a sport!

Naturally, I assume they have done scads of market research and totally understand that sports is THE one and only way to keep idiots, I mean diners, spending cold cash on food and beverage.

Evidently the majority of diners spin with rapture while swilling beer, gulping potato skins while allowing their eyes to glaze over enjoying the very finest of fine...wrestling.

This sports bar phenomenon is holding on for dear life, and I fear turning that tide would resemble getting the Kardashians out of the media arena. An impossible, but quite appealing dream. Oh, if only, but that's another blog.

Moving on, I have concluded I shall begin an online (where else?) campaign to lobby for some restaurant (and when I say restaurant, I am casting an eye at places like Arby's) to step up, slap a flat-screen on a greasy wall and anchor that channel on something more girlie (and when I say girlie, you can apply that to anyone).

Actually, I don't care WHAT channel Arby's (insert YOUR favorite greasy-spoon here) dials in, just NOT sports 24/7.

Kids, I am a good sport (don't listen to my nearest and dearest) and willing to share the screen time with sports fanatics...50/50.

Come ON, didn't restaurant bars learn the Golden Rule of sharing? I think I know the answer to that question.

See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Facebook Friend, Vivienne Rae, The Unreal Housewife of Palm Beach Gardens!
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