September, 2011
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for the glory of old state
The Penn State Alma Mater
by Fred Lewis Pattee
For the glory of old State,
For her founders strong and great,
For the future that we wait,
Raise the song, raise the song.
Sing our love and loyalty,
Sing our hopes that, bright and free,
Rest, O Mother dear, with thee,
All with thee, all with thee.
(Softly)
When we stood at childhood’s gate,
Shapeless in the hands of fate,
Thou didst mold us, dear old State,
Dear old State, dear old State.
(Louder)
May no act of ours bring shame
To one heart that loves thy name,
May our lives but swell thy fame,
Dear old State, dear old State.
The first semester of my first year of college, University President Graham Spanier launched a multi-million dollar fund-raising campaign, and during the launching ceremony, the Musical Theatre students performed. I’ve known the words to our alma mater ever since.
Fight on State!
(Official Fight Song of Penn State) Fight on State, Fight on State Strike your gait and win. Victory we predict for thee, We’re ever true to you, dear old White and Blue. Onward State, Onward State, Roar, Lions, Roar! We’ll hit that line, roll up the score Fight on the victory evermore, Fight on, on, on, on, on, Fight on, Penn State!
The fight song was my favorite as a kid. I wasn’t all that interested in football in my youth ~ my dad and brother were much more involved in what was going on on the field during the game … I was all about the Blue Band performing pre-game and during half time (such a little musical theatre geek was I!).
I grew up with the tradition of journeying to State College on Saturdays in the fall ~ we did it every year, regardless of where we lived. Sometimes it was hot. Sometimes it was cold. Sometimes it rained. It was always fun ~ it remains so to this day. It’s changed … obviously I care a lot more about the football than I used to (in 1994 a quarterback wearing #12 piqued my interest in the game ~ he led PSU to an undefeated season and a national title ~ and I’ve totally loved him ever since, whether he wore #12 on the Panthers, or #5 on the Giants, Raiders, Titans and Colts … he’s the only non-Steeler I completely adore). As we got older, my brother and I learned the fine art of tailgating from the best (check it out ~ Sports Illustrated ran a competition about the best tailgaters in the country …. the Buffalo Bills won for the NFL, and PSU won for college … in a head to head, we took it hands down). And now, it’s about seeing all those people who lived through the glory days, and revisiting it (albeit with better food, beer, and sleeping accommodations!).
Here’s to the first big game of the year ~ burgers, beer, friends, football and fall.
WE ARE!!!!
PENN STATE.
ten years ago
As I sit in bumper to bumper traffic, slowly edging our way across the Susquehanna on 81 S on our way to what could be one of the biggest games ever, I am reminded again of the heaviness of this weekend. Please know that the significance hasn’t escaped me.
Ten years ago I had just begun my study abroad semester in Italy. Then, just as now- and probably even more-so – I was bursting with excitement for all the adventures that lay ahead.
It was four o’clock in the afternoon when I emerged from the basement of our school to refill my water before my next class began. It was a beautiful sunny day, with blue skies and little dots of puffy white clouds. At the end of the driveway ramp stood my roommate, her face red from crying, tears still streaming down her face.
“We’re being bombed!” She sobbed. And I, in complete naivete, looked to the skies.
Shaking her head, she said “No! America’s being bombed!”
I was even more confused. That didn’t make any sense … And then my heart started thumping and my throat closed up and I asked her where. She said she didn’t know – she’d only just heard. Together we walked into the computer lab. A classmate was standing in the middle of the room reading a news report. Something about planes and buildings collapsing.
Something about New York City.
I think all Americans lives changed that day. Our bubble of safely was shattered in an utterly devastating way. In Rome, on September 11, 2001, shop owners and deli workers stood outside their businesses as panicked American students navigated their way back to the residence halls. In broken English they offered us the use of their phones, or anything they could do to help. I sat on the floor of my apartment, dialing every number I knew over and over again, to no answer.
Where my parents flying for business today? Were they on those planes? Did I know anyone in the towers? Luckily for me, my nearest and dearest were safe ~ but others on my program were not as lucky. We were unable to get news quickly ~ CNN was the only TV station in English, which was good ~ but it felt like we just watched the second tower fall over and over again. No news of survivors, no way to get through to the USA.
It was a terrifying and frustrating day.
In the subsequent weeks, some students went home. Our travel freedom was curtailed ~ we were asked not to journey to North Africa, and to strongly consider where we went in Eastern Europe. We were advised not to wear anything that immediately identified us as Americans (sweatpants, tee-shirts with English slogans, sneakers, etc).
And then it faded into the background. Rome, and the students who remained, moved forward, and while we talked about it, it felt as though the more time passed, the further away the tragedy was.
So it was jarring upon returning home in December to find that in America, 9/11 felt as though it happened yesterday. It brought into sharp perspective the reality that my experience of the event, and the experience of the event for people who were on American soil when it happened, were very different.
I am humbled on a daily basis the selflessness of our troops, and the job they do when they board a plane and head overseas to ensure that our freedom and the safely of our country is maintained to the best of their abilities. I am in awe of our country, so resilient in the face of such unimaginable tragedy. I cry every time I hear a story of someone who lost a loved one in a tower, or on flight 93.
I am proud to be an American. I am proud of my country. I know that we will never forget 9/11, and I know that we will continue to honor all the heroes (both sung and unsung) from that day in 2001, through the present.
when it rains …
It pours.
And it also floods, as it has all day in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And my street. I still completely stand behind my statement (made when I was relatively unaffected by the weather and safely in South Carolina during the onset of Irene) ~ don’t mess with Mother Nature, because she’s a singular force.
HOWEVER ~
This Saturday is one of the biggest home games in my history of attending Penn State Football games, and if for some reason -because Mother Nature is cranky and the Susquehanna is copiously flooding her banks- I can’t get to State College to tailgate and scream myself hoarse at the game, I am going to be supremely disappointed.
Washed out Road ~ most people turned around
Actually, there’s no way anything is stopping us from getting to PSU. We may tailgate in rain, and swampy mud. But if you’ve ever tailgated at Penn State, you know that’s what makes it half the fun.
Dear Mother Nature,
I know 2012 is approaching, and all this weather drama is really allowing some people to go off the deep end. I completely understand that sometimes you just need to flex your muscles and take no prisoners.
But … if for some reason you are feeling less hostile in the next 24 – 48 hours, please consider receding these crazy flood waters and allowing us, the measly little peons of Earth, the ability to at least get across the Susquehanna and into Happy Valley.
I would be deeply grateful.
Peace & Love.
gwyn
ole’ faithful
When I was 17 years old, I spent the summer in the UK, splitting my time between my mother’s youngest sister and her twin sister. It was a crazy summer that year, but my fondest memory is of a dish my mama’s twin sister made for dinner one night, just for us two. My aunt and I have an unusual bond (most people think I’m more like her than I am like my mother) and I deeply appreciate the additional “motherly” figure I’ve had in my life.
Tonight, for WeHangsDay, I did a twist on the dish I remembered with such fondness from my “yute” (if you don’t get the reference, netflix “My Cousin Vinny” with Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei ~ you won’t regret it).
So for tonight …
Tomato & Sausage Casserole
What you need:
1 bag egg noodles
3-4 tbsp Olive Oil
Freshly ground Salt & Pepper
1 can Stewed Tomatoes
1 can Diced Stewed Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
1 small zucchini (cubed)
1 small yellow squash (cubed)
Savory Sausage (your choice ~ anything will work!) (quartered)
2 balls of Fresh Mozzarella (cubed)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/8 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp hickory smoked salt
What to do:
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Make pasta according to the package directions. Combine last three ingredients in bowl (breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, hickory smoke salt). Set breadcrumb mixture aside.
2. While water is boiling/pasta is cooking, in a large saucepan, heat up olive oil (use medium heat throughout). Add both cans of tomatoes (juice & all!). Season witih salt & pepper.
3. Cut up fresh basil and fold into tomato mixture. (I used dried, because it’s what I had at the time ~ but fresh basil adds a sweetness that just can’t be duplicated).
4. Add cubed zucchini and yellow squash.
5. Add quartered sausage.
6. Lower heat, add cubed mozzarella.
7. Combine cooked pasta with mixture, fill casserole dish.
8. Sprinkle bread crumb topping over casserole. Cook in oven for 30 minutes, or until the juices start to bubble. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes.
My aunt’s version is much more simple (mozzarella, basil & tomato with pasta; John and I like to mix it up and try different combinations. This one was a doozy (in a very good way!).
Voila. Bon appetite!
Hills Creek Camping Expedition
All Set Up!
When we finally got home yesterday (ugh, traffic) after our long weekend camping (I survived!), we had the great pleasure of having to pitch the tent and canopy again in our yard, so that it could dry out. When Mother Nature is feeling tempestuous, that can be a very tricky task.
Luckily, we hosed out the truck, the coolers and cleaned out the car and storage bins while the canvas dried ~ sort of ~ and we got the tent down, folded and rolled up with only a hint of dampness before the next huge raindrops began to drop.
Trunk's Full!
Fire pit!
All in all, it was a pretty successful weekend. I managed to sleep in a tent not near a house for two nights, I showered in a public restroom (complete with other users and a lovely little tree frog in my shower stall) and cook a full meal. Plus, I fried some eggs for breakfast (despite John encouraging me to make scrambled eggs, because they’re a ‘fail safe’ when camping).
Capt. Grill Master!
I’d like to add that while the whole showering thing wasn’t my fav, I did swim on multiple competitive teams, which almost always meant group showers, and I did theatre for a long time, which pretty much necessitated group changing rooms. So it’s not that I’m particularly shy about those kinds of things. It’s more about the cleanliness, and the other people who used the shower without any kind of cleaning in between. My tendency toward OCD and germaphobia is rearing it’s ugly head. That kind of stuff can really skeeve me out if I think about it too much ….
But campground showers aside, it was a pretty relaxing retreat ~ plus, we got to spend some QT with John’s side of the family, including his aunt & uncle and their respective spouses (some of my favs). Plus (**bonus!***) we made some new friends with the folks camping next door ~ which John explained is part of the culture of camping (we all learn new things every day … I thought camping was for quiet relaxation surrounded by the “comforts” *ahem* of nature. Apparently, I was mistaken).
Our Agenda ~
Saturday
Mid-Afternoon … We journeyed to WalMart (which seems to be the only store of significance in John’s hometown) to get groceries, ice, and other camping “necessities” ~ which for us included a set of Coleman tin camping plates (great deal for 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 coffee mugs, and 4 sets of silverware) and a new 120 qt. cooler. Funny story ~ we got to the car with all our loot, and realized we had to go buy a new cooler because all our swag was never gonna fit in our original cooler. So now, we have a normal sized cooler, with wheels and pull handle, and a gargantuan cooler that John will take out West for his hunting trip in October. That’s a lot of cooler space!
The sexy new cooler
Late Afternoon … We arrived at our campsite, #77, and we started to set up. Not knowing what to do, I wandered around aimlessly while John set about getting the tent up, and organizing the firewood. He finally gave me the task of organizing the contents of our coolers (I believe to keep me out of his way, since I was most likely slowing him down).
John setting up the tent
Evening … I undertook the task of cooking my very ambitious first camping meal. My menu included marinated steaks, portobello mushrooms, asparagus, and boiled baby new potatoes. I did accomplish the meal. There were aspects that weren’t very pretty. Sidenote: Did you know that when the sun goes down, and you’re outside, the amount of visibility that you have rapidly decreases? If not, it’s a true story. All of a sudden, I was trying to cook the mushrooms and asparagus in near darkness. Needless to say, some of them got a little crispy …. lucky for me, it added flavor that was good, rather than turning 50% of the meal into charcoaled yuckiness.
Steak Marinade
Soy sauce
Ground Ginger
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
** I’d love to tell you quantities, but I don’t know. I cover the steak with soy sauce, and then I sprinkled the ground ginger on both sides, rubbing it into the steak and the soy sauce. I do the same thing with the pepper. (You don’t need to add more salt because the soy sauce is salty enough). Then I put some saran wrap over the dish I’ve poured the marinade into, and let them sit for about 30-45 minutes, flip the steaks, and let them marinate for another 30-45 minutes on the other side.
What I used for the rest of the meal ~
Asparagus
Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder; trimmed stringy ends; cooked in saucepan over medium high heat until sizzling
Mushrooms
Garlic Powder, Drizzle of Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper, drizzle of water; cook in saucepan over medium heat until they reduce down ~ taste and season as necessary
Portobellos are my favorite!
All Prepped
Potatoes
Boiled in Water, Drained, Sprinkled with Salt, Pepper & Dried Parsley
My set up
My weapons!
Late Night … Spent round the campfire, learning all about Snapper Turtles (**more on this later!) from our new camping friends/neighbors.
Sunday
Morning … We cooked a nice breakfast, and bid adieu to our new camping friends/neighbors. We discussed the plan for the day. Top of our priority list = cooking during daylight hours in the evening.
Mid-Day … We decided to take a nice long hike around the campgrounds, and the adjacent lake. John regaled me with stories from his youth, of his daredevil bicycling skills and his adventures climbing out onto a huge tree limb that dangled above the water and beaver dam (“Probably not the best idea, in retrospect,” he added, somewhat under his breath, with a sneaky smile and a twinkling eye).
Afternoon … We sent out text invitations (are there any other kind?!) to his family to come over and enjoy the afternoon weather (more mild than Saturday’s uncharacteristic 95 degrees in the shade). Slowly, everyone began to trickle in. We spent the majority of the afternoon sipping “Iced Tea” (State Park code for beer) and shooting the breeze. For dinner, John did up burgers and kielbasa, I made some guacamole, and we enjoy deviled eggs and potato salad courtesy of John’s mama.
Evening … A heated cornhole competition blazed! Everyone won, because we kept rotating teams, and it eventually got called due to darkness. We retired to the firepit.
Late Night …. This is where it gets a little iffy on whether or not I’m sold on camping. The rain had threatened to arrive all day, but held off … there were a few showers throughout the early evening, but we did okay until everyone packed up and headed out, and it was just the man and I. We crossed hill & dale to visit the shower house before bed (I’m neurotic, okay? I have to wash my face, brush my teeth and take my contacts out every night. It’s just who I am!) and when we exited, the heavens had opened, and down the water poured. And poured. And poured. We gave up waiting it out, and sloshed back to our canopy. We wrapped everything up and then made a mad dash to the tent. Which, thank you God (I really appreciated this!) was dry. And remained so throughout the night.
Misty Rain (Prior to downpour)
In John's Rain Coat
Unfortunately for us, the rain didn’t stop all morning, so in 58 degree rainy and windy weather, we tore down our campsite, packed it all up in the truck, and after a brief stop at John’s parents, we hit the road. And traffic, for the next five and half hours. Urgh.
I was so tired last night, I don’t even remember falling asleep. Hence the neglect of getting this post up.
Things I learned while camping ~
1. Footwear is key.
2. Wrap your food properly, or you’ll be throwing away a lot of groceries.
3. Sleeping in a tent can be relaxing, but it also makes you appreciate your bed so much more.
4. Camping is fun. Camping in the rain is not. Breaking down camp in the rain is downright yucky. So ~ check the weather constantly. It’ll be to your benefit.
5. There’s something to be said for taking away all the distractions of modern life, and just getting people together with some good food and beverage.
6. Pack with forethought. Throwing everything together in a hodgepodge fashion will only make camping feel frustrating (especially for OCD tendancy people like me).
7. Bring bug spray. Drink tonic water. Do whatever voodoo you believe in to keep the bugs from biting. Because man, oh man, they will.
8. Camp with people you like. It’s an up close & personal experience.
9. Don’t wear make -up (which I didn’t) … but remember that if you’re not wearing it, there’s no need to pack it.
10. Bring shower flip flops (this could be a sub-category of #1).
On a fun note, Philadelphia was under a deluge of rain all day, so for dinner tonight I did I twist of grilled cheese and tomato soup. I also made Birds’ Nest (a Trader Joe’s snack that may qualify as my #1 favorite). They haven’t been available for about a year, so when Minda called to say she’d found some, I immediately asked (very politely) for two. And we enjoyed a really nice bottle of vino.
I won’t lie. I used canned Tomato Soup (made with milk rather than water). I also used Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. I shaved some slices of sharp white cheddar and Havarti cheese, and put it across the end of the crescent dough before rolling. If you love cheese (like this lady does!) pack it in there. I thought I put enough, but it turns out, I didn’t. However, the cheesy crescent rolls were still excellent for dunking!
His and Hers
Sometimes the only think that hits the spot is soup … and doughy bread. The man and I had spent the day getting doused with rain from all angles (me moreso, because my j.o.b. requires walking around the downtown area … by 11 am I was soaked through and never really dried out).
Mmmmmm....
Progessing through the construction of cheese-filled crescent rolls ….
As a little hint. I followed the crescent roll baking instructions, but because I was simultaneously making Bird’s Nests, I put them on the bottom rack. This was a big no-no. The bottoms got a wee bit (umm… perhaps more than a wee bit?) charred. So I would suggest putting them on the top rack ~ that will allow them to cook fully without burning. I flipped mine over when I realized the error of my way, and we enjoyed them nonetheless. But as a heads up to anyone who (like me) doesn’t think of these things … it does actually matter where you put something in the oven!
Bird's Nests
If you’ve never had these little bundles of goodness, I suggest you run —not walk — run to your nearest Trader Joe’s, and pick some up immediately (before they disappear again for years!). Made with kale, carrot and onion dunked in tempura batter, you’d never know while eating them that vegetables were even involved! Delicious.
They take about 20 minutes to crispen up in the oven (10 on each side at 350 degrees … after heating the oven to 400 and then dropping it down). I have to pace myself, or I inhale them in no time!
Comfort Food!
Trust me, we were STUFFED when we were done. We didn’t even have any of the cheesecake that was in the fridge. Absolutely no room!
third time
I made Brownies again today.
I was soooo craving chocolate, and I’d been thinking about the fudgey luscious-ness of the last batch …. And all of a sudden I was pulling ingredients out of cupboards with no regard to the fact that I had packing to do for my upcoming camping expedition.
Just to backtrack a little, the reason I got a bee in my bonnet about brownies in the first place was because I’d started working in a new office, and one of my new … for lack of a better word, co-w0rkers … had made brownies, brought them to the office, and very generously shared them.
Those brownies were just … sublime. They melted in my mouth.
So I was on a mission. And I’ve tried two other brownie recipes so far ~ but now it’s time for the recipe that started it all.
And it is ridiculously easy. Seriously.
Check it Out ~
Brownies ~ Part III
What you need:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Smells so yummy!
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnut halves (optional)
What you do (check this!):
1. Melt butter and mix all ingredients in the order given.
2. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes in a 9 x 13 greased pan.
** I added a bag of semi-sweet morsels. I just can’t get enough chocolate it seems!
Told you. So simple! Enjoy. I know I will! Happy Labor Day!
The verdict is in on the Brownies: Homemade Brownies II were hands down the winner. I believe this is mostly to do with Angie’s magic baking abilities. We shall see if I am as successful with round no. 2 of Brownies no. 2.
he finally convinced me …
To go camping.
We’re getting our gear together now (who knew you needed SO. MUCH. STUFF!), and then there’s a fantasy draft so I’m not sure when I’ll get back on the computer ….
Just wanted to let everyone out there know that this weekend is probably going to be full of … well, erm … learning experiences for me.
And I have complete confidence that they will all be good ones!
D5 Creation