Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Scream For Your Own Ice Cream

I got this recipe from a library class for making fast and fun vanilla ice cream with the kids. You will amaze them!

1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla
6 tablespoons of salt
1 pint size zip plastic bag
1 gallon size zip plastic bag
ice

Fill the large bag half full of ice. Add the salt and seal the bag. In the small bag put milk, vanilla and sugar. Seal this bag and put inside large bag and seal it too. Shake bags until mixture is ice cream - about 5 minutes. Wipe off top of small bag really good and then open. You will have enough ice cream for a small bowl.

Just make sure you really clean off the small bag - if you don't your ice cream may be a bit salty, but still good. Make some now - you know you have all the ingredients! =)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Volcano In The Backyard

Something to do with the kids! We got a book about volcanoes out from the library and in the back there was instructions on making your own volcano. You may remember this from when you were little, but it is so fun to do again and so simple.

Do it outside. It really does not make a big mess and does not stain clothing. We used plastic water bottles cut in half and the kids put clay on the sides to make their volcano. You do not have to get that fancy - any container will do.

Fill the container with some water. I forgot the measurements, but it really does not matter because the kids will just kept pouring it in. Add some baking soda then pour in white vinegar. When the vinegar goes in, your volcano will bubble and foam and overflow. The kids love it!

When it dies down and just kept adding more white vinegar and baking soda to make more bubbles. This combination is also a great cleaning solution and so cheap to buy. I now have the cleanest outside table in the Bayport Bubble! Any white residue just cleans up with water. It was a nice project that kept them busy for a few hours. Try it!
=)

A Lumpy Crab On The Bay

JT's on The Bay on Corey Creek Canal in Blue Point is yummy! We went on a Friday night at 7pm and were seated right away - there was only two of us. Guess we hit it right. The atmosphere is excellent! There is a huge outside deck with tons of seating. You can look at The Bay or the canal and the boats going by. This is what Long Island in the summer is all about. The food is pretty good. We had the crispy fried calamari with cherry pepper rings for an appetizer. It was a total rip off of Harbor Crab's fried calamari, but it was good. For dinner I ate broiled stuffed shrimp with lump crab stuffing and sherry lobster sauce $23. This was really good and it was real crab meat - no imitation stuff here. Delicious! And I would recommend JT's watermelon margarita on the rocks to everyone - excellent! Good meal, great drinks, terrific atmosphere! And I believe they have transient docking. http://www.jtsonthebay.com/dinner.html
=)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Library Card And A Stamp On The Ocean

Did you ever notice the Post Office at Davis Park? I know you have walked by it. It is a little building across the boardwalk from the firehouse. In all the years I have been going to Davis Park, Fire Island - I never went there either.

The kids and I brought some post cards at The Davis Park Store and went off to the Post Office to mail them. It is a very small building, but there is a regular mini Post Office in it. And half of the Post Office is shared with The Davis Park Library.

There is the Post Office clerk in her uniform standing next to the librarian. It is sort of funny and it gives you an old time feeling. We purchased post card stamps for our cards and mailed them off. Then we signed two kids books out of the library. When you are done with the books you can return them in mailbox in front of the Post Office.

The next time you are at Davis Park stop in The Post Office - Library, it's fun!
=)

Schooling In The Home

The lady who lived in our house before us home schooled four children, so we get lots of home schooling catalogs. I actually looked at one the other day and place an order today. It is called Trend for Kids - PreK to Grade 9.

They have all sort of fun and interesting things to help your kids learn. I ordered a bunch of sight word flash cards, addition cards and some charts on the world and rain. My kids are very interested in maps and ask me all the time where rain comes from. My total for seven items with shipping was $25 - a bargain. I have gone to the "teacher store" and purchased similar items and paid much more. The flash cards were $2.99 for over 100 cards at Trends for Kids.

Here's the site - http://www.trendenterprises.com/home.cfm

=)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Getting Sleepy In The Library

The Bayport-Blue Point Library has bedtime storytimes. I have done this for the past few summers with my kids and they love it. It really does not make them sleepy, but it is something to do that is fun and they get to see their friends.

There are only two bedtime storytimes left. Friday August 14th and 21st at 7pm. It is recommended for children between 2-6 years old. Bring your favorite stuffed animal - pajamas are optional. =)
suffolk.lib.ny.us/libraries/bprt

Reading The Summer Away

Did you sign your kids up for The Bayport-Blue Point Library Summer Reading Club yet? There is still time. My children have been a part of the reading club since they were a year old. Yes - one years old! They did not read then, but you read books to them. There are different levels for age groups. Once you have read six books, you bring your list back to the library and you get a prize. At the end of the reading club in mid-August, there is a big party. My kids have tons of fun at this party. There is all the usual kid stuff that they love - games, music, bouncers, etc. The best part - it's all free. I don't know why more people don't take advantage of the library. =)
suffolk.lib.ny.us/libraries/bprt

Fresh Air And Movies

This info was in Newsday last month and I cut it out, but have not gone yet. The Brookhaven Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville shows movies outside on their lawn on Wednesday nights. It costs $5 per carload. The movies are popular kid's movies that were all out in the past year - like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Hotel For Dogs". I would imagine that you bring a blanket, snacks and bug spray. The movies start at 8:15pm - once it gets dark. In the next few weeks, I am going to try to take the kids there. Here is the web address to check out the schedule. =)
http://brookhavenamphitheater.com/movie_sched_.html

Spelling Errors With Craig

Have you ever looked for a job on Craig's List? There are some interesting one, like you could be a beer pong referee! I have been looking for work on Craig's List - not as a referee. Just be careful because I am finding out that there are a lot of "scam" job out there. Most you can tell right away - like "we are looking for 20 qualified people" - to do what - who knows? But others look real and when I email them, they respond and you can tell it is something that I don't want to do.

Yesterday I got an email back from an ad. It was for a freelance writer, to write articles for blogs (which I have been doing for the past two years - if anyone wants to hire me?). In this email telling me about the job there were so many misspellings, that I just had to laugh. I did not reply back to it.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Lions, Tigers And Bears - And Eagles And Goats!

I always forget about The Brookhaven Ecology Site in Holtsville. It is a great place to bring the kids - all year long and it is free!!! There is a big playground, an exercise track where kids can ride their bikes and roller blades.

The best part
is the animal preserve. It is the place to go - the kids will be amazed! They have the usual - goats, horses and pigs. Then there are animals that have been rescued and are now living there - bears, eagles and a lion.

The Ecology Site also has picnic tables and greenhouses. There is no charge for any of this. They have a pool, but I am not sure if there is a charge for it because I have never used it. If you kids are driving you crazy in the summer or winter - take them to The Brookhaven Ecology Site for a fun day!

http://www.brookhaven.org/HighwayDepartment/WildlifeEcologyCenter/tabid/113/Default.aspx

249 Buckley Road, Holtsville 631-758-9664

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

It's Snowing Religious Education

It's time to register for religion education classes at Our Lady Of The Snow Church in Blue Point. Your children can be as young at 3 years old to start Sunday School. My kids did Sunday School last year and loved it. It is held during the 9am Sunday Mass in The Little Church's basement. There is a great teacher and she has tons of help from teens making their Confirmation. They play games, sing songs, do crafts and have lots of fun. After Kindergarten, the formal education begins. The cost is $75 for one child, $100 for two and $110 for three or more. Call to register today 631-363-6394
http://www.ourladyofthesnowbluepoint.e-paluch.com/

Free Common Ground

I have never been, but just picked up a brochure for The Common Ground - a park between Gillette and Candee Avenues in Sayville. They hold all sorts of free events in the summer. I am going to check out the ones for kids - so come back and find out how it went.

This Friday is Darlene Graham Song and Dance at 6:30pm. I am not going to that because my daughter hates music and hates dancing. But going to check it out on August 7th for a puppet show. Just something to do. Here's the site http://thecommonground.com/familyfridays2009.html

Bayport Safety Group

Below is some interesting information from The Bayport Safety Group ~

The Bayport Safety Committee on June 16th held a well publicized, highly attended, robust community forum on traffic safety issues at the Academy Street Elementary School. The Committee also surveyed hundreds of Bayport residents on the quality of life issues related to vehicular speeding and reckless driving that affect our neighborhood. All viewpoints and related actual experiences on the topic were encouraged to be expressed. No opinions were neglected, it was an interesting evening.

The main focus of our concern has to deal with the historic heart of our community, Middle Road. This beautiful collection of 19th and early 20th century houses should be made into a "National Historic Registry District". It must not continue to be despoiled by the out of control vehicular speeding problem. The 30 m.p.h. posted speed limit is adhered to by less than 10% of the motorists who traverse this road, many of whom are our neighbors. Speeds of 50 to 65 m.p.h. are the norm. If a pedestrian is struck by a car doing 30 m.p.h., that individuals statistical chance of survival is 20%. Lower that to zero if the vehicle is a high-front van, SUV or landscaping truck. Thus safety for our families, friends and pets is our paramount issue. This is a topic on which there can be no logical disagreement. Where the trouble occurs is how to address the speeding problem--stoplights, stop signs, speed bumps, chicanes, rumble strips, police speed traps, better engineering or just good old fashioned responsible driving? That is the problem we face. We have analyzed our survey data, listened to forum participants and are now prepared to offer some remedies.

We are not traffic engineers or behavioral psychologists. Our proposal is not infallible, but reflects a prevailing majority respondent input. We are solely "concerned neighbors" who want to see a "common sense" solution to this traffic issue that will benefit all our residents. What once was a pleasant, bucolic, winding road has become at times a fearful, dangerous annoyance for responsible drivers and pedestrians. Excessive speeding, tailgating and illegal passing have become the norm not the exception on this stretch of road. It has become the "A-27-A By-Pass" for those wishing to avoid the traffic lights and congestion on Montauk Highway. The problems have been exacerbated by the increased traffic volume and lack of speed impediments on this 2-1/2 mile Middle Road/Gillette Avenue to Montauk Highway route.

Traffic calming encompasses what are called the 4 E's--Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Encouragement. Working off these categories we would like to offer our "street smart" recommendations for action:

ENGINEERING
Starting on the west end of Bayport by "Meadow Croft" and the "Loughlin Vineyard":

** Many people recreationally fish, bike, jog or walk on this natural stretch. Some type of engineered speed impediment should be incorporated into the roadbed by Brown's River to discourage vehicles from going over 30 m.p.h., thereby protecting these individuals.

** Following this open stretch there should be an attractive "Welcome to Historic Bayport" carved wood sign with "Speed limit strictly enforced" engraved underneath. An identical sign should be placed on Middle Road just east of Gillette Avenue.

** The next section of Middle Road from the first houses at Baywood Lane/Crestview Drive to Suydam Lane needs mitigation to slow the flow--this is a problem--McConnell Avenue is the most logical place for a stop sign, it is a dangerous curve, however the street does not align well for signage. Our committee could not agree on another stop sign location.

** All our other stop sign proposed placements correspond with pedestrian crosswalks at busy, important neighborhood locations. Edgewater Avenue--a 3 way stop sign (Bayport Commons and a school crossing), Snedecor Avenue--a 4 way stop sign (Methodist Church, Tiny Tots Nursery and a school crossing), Bayport Avenue--a 3 way stop sign and overhead red flasher (old downtown, and dangerous curve), Gillette Avenue--a 4 way stop sign and overhead red flasher (important recreational crossing and dangerous curve).

** We feel the sidewalk gaps on the south side of Middle Road need to be remedied. This is a "pedestrian" school district without busing. Unfortunately these gaps make foot or bike transit dangerous for our children, a situation that even in this tough fiscal climate needs to be addressed. The existing contiguous sidewalks on the north side of Middle Road also need routine maintenance (i.e. pruning and crack repair). Our pedestrian crosswalks need clear delineation with more durable paint, not decals and where appropriate "right of way" road cones.

** Trying to make a turn on Montauk Highway is a motorist nightmare. We feel the south turn signal at Gillette Avenue serves a very beneficial purpose. We would additionally add one east bound at the same location so drivers could turn north onto Gillette with ease and confidence. At Montauk Highway and Bayport Avenue we would add both north and south turn light signals. At Snedecor Avenue a south turn light should be installed eastbound. The same signal should be placed at McConnell Avenue. These additional turning lights would diffuse the traffic that now gravitates to the southbound Gillette Avenue signal for safety reasons. These measures would lessen the traffic burden on both Gillette and Middle Road.

** The Town of Islip program that planted 58 new trees curbside on Bayport Avenue should be expanded to as many other streets as is fiscally possible. Visually they help slow traffic.

ENFORCEMENT
** We cannot expect to always have police on demand when conditions cry out. The proposed stop signs would reduce the need for speed patrols. However, the reckless drivers who disobey our school crossing guards while also running stop signs and speeding still need to be ticketed. We would ask for police resources to be deployed during the school year from 7:15 to 9:00 a.m. and 2:15 to 6:30 p.m. Some people need $100 speeding tickets and penalty points on their licenses to get the message.

** Increased DWI patrol on weekend nights.

** One of the biggest speed culprits is the S-40 Bus that uses Blue Point Avenue and Middle Road as an "alternate route". Ridership on this diverted route leg appears to be minimal. It should be kept solely up on Montauk Highway instead of our narrow residential roads.

EDUCATION
** Our teen-age students are the next generation of motorists. Offer a mandatory driver education program at the High School, as well as a refresher defensive driver course for older folks.

ENCOURAGEMENT
** Develop a public safety program for our schools as well as residents. This is a wonderful area we are fortunate enough to reside in, why not a campaign touting "Drive at 25" and enjoy the scenery. Life is short enough--this is often forgotten when speeding to a child sports event or stressful job. There is something to be said for the slogan--"Stop and smell the roses".

CONCLUSION
The Bayport Safety Committee has been formed to make the community aware that there is a serious quality of life problem that taints our enjoyment of the wonderful benefits of living here--traffic anarchy. Many neighbors through the years have perished in horrible accidents. It is not "if" there will be another tragic case of a poor resident being killed or maimed but "when". It could be a member of your family, a close friend or a neighbor on the next block. We have the power to fight this inevitability. The "status quo" is not acceptable. No more road mayhem, let's slow things down.

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT------NOT ANOTHER 20 OR THIRTY YEARS FROM TODAY!

Bayport Safety will walk the streets this summer to enlist more support. We welcome all the help we can garner. We will petition our present as well as potential future political leaders to help achieve our goals. Come September we will hold a second community forum and possibly a fundraiser. We already have promised donations for our "Welcome to Historic Bayport" sign proposal as well as the "public awareness" campaign. We have struck a responsive chord amongst the citizenry. We are also exploring the possibility of turning the responsibility for Middle Road from the County to the Town of Islip. It is easier to fix a neighborhood problem at the grass-root level. The responsiveness of the individuals sitting as well as aspiring to be members of the Islip Town Council at our forum was heartening. We look forward to a better, safer future.

Submitted by the: BAYPORT SAFETY COMMITTEE--contact us at bayportsafety@optonline.net

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Yogitini With Young Jacque

Young Jacque - someone I know in The Bayport Bubble is in New York City right now in an intensive four week training program to become a certified Yoga instructor. She comes home on the weekends and practices on us. I have never done Yoga before and for three days after doing it - my core was sore - a good sore. And now I am hooked! My daughter even started - see her in the pic! After Young Jacque graduates hopefully I'll be doing blogs on where she will hold classes. Namaste!

Back To School On July 3rd?

This is just a big pet peeve of mine. On July 3rd - less then a week from the last day of school I got an email from Costco for Back to School coupons. All I can say is AHHHHHH!!!! The Costco email was the first of many more Back to School ads, etc. Why can't they wait till August to start that stuff?

The Oar And The Lobster Quesadilla


Went to The Oat on Patchouge River last weekend for the Bayport Causal Reunion. After hanging with some old friends we went inside and had some appetizers and I just have to blog about one of them - the lobster quessadilla. It is an appetizers on their dinner menu and it is beyond good. It is real lobster meat and real guacamole on the side. Just delicious! It is hard to find a place that uses actually lobster meat! It is on the pricey side - $16, but it enough for two people. Even if you just go there - have a few drinks and order the lobster quessadilla. Yummy!

I just checked out their web site - TheOar.Com and I signed up for their mailing list. Maybe I'll get a coupon for the lobster quessadilla! =)

Monday, July 13, 2009

Ice Cream Is On Sale!

In today's Newsday there is a King Kullen coupon for Breyers Ice Cream half gallon $1.49 valid 7-14-09 to 7-16-09. You have to spend an additional $25. What a deal in The Bayport Bubble. =)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Miss Beggins's Beach Bums


Send your kids to camp while you lay on the ocean! Laura Beggins started Miss Beggins's Beach Bum Camp at Davis Park on Fire Island. What a great idea! It keeps the kids occupied for a few hours so you can take a nap on the ocean - one of my favorite things to do.

We vacationed at a beach house at Davis Park last week and I signed my kids up for one day of camp. It was nice to get a two hour break and the kids had a blast playing with other kids. They went for a nature walk on the ocean, painted rocks and shells, played paddle ball and did a puzzle. Miss Beggins is a certified teacher and has an assistant helping her. The day my kids went, there was five children and two adults.

Beach Bum camp is held by the helicopter landing pad behind The Casino. Miss Beggins sets up a tent with tables. If it rains camp is moved to the church. She asks that the children wear their bathing suits, bring water and a snack. Camp is held Monday, Thursday and Friday. Younger kids 4-8 year olds are from 10am-noon and 9-11 year olds are noon to 2pm. Cost is $10 per kid - per hour.

Whether you are staying on your boat, at a house or just there for the day - give yourself a mini-vacation and send the kids to Miss Beggins's Beach Bum Camp. MissBeggins.Com
631-514-5243 LaurenBeggins@gmail.com

Friday, July 10, 2009

Bayport Blue Point Casual Class Reunion 1982-1988

A multi-class casual reunion for The Bayport Bubble of Bayport - Blue Point High School! It will be my 21st class reunion - since I did the 20th last year. The below info is straight from Facebook. Hope to see you there! =)

BAYPORT- BLUE POINT CLASS casual REUNION | 1982 to 1988

Actually.. If you WENT to BBPHS is all that matters!! '82, '83, '84 - It doesn't matter, come one, come all!! To HELL with waiting another 10 Years!!! Let's Kick-it Now!!
Host:
I need a few others to help me with this, any Volunteers? Mark?
Type:
Network:
Global
Start Time:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 5:00pm
End Time:
Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 12:00am
Location:
The OAR HOUSE in Patchogue SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!
Phone:
6316267433
Email:

Description
I spent the weekend looking for the best place for everyone to meet up at and without a doubt the Oar House is the best choice for room, food, drink and atmosphere!! I'm working on getting us some kind of discount there for every on attending - I'll get some bracelets or something... THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!!! THE PLACE IS SO NICE EVERYONE!!

Leslie Lanchantin-Lent wrote
at 6:10pm on July 2nd, 2009
Hey hey hey all you Bayport Blue Point peeps, you ready for some fun. We're all set for the Oar House on Saturday, July 11th starting at 5pm. I called the place and one of the staff recommended we get there at 5pm sharp when the outdoor bar opens and just sorta take over the outdoor area...sounds good to me. Some folks were interested in going over to Davis later in the evening so I will make sure we have plenty of ferry schedules to go around. I can't wait to see you all, any questions just contact Tim or myself.

Watch Barney In K-Mart

Went to K-Mart in Sayville yesterday with the kids and they have new shopping carts. I was not going to get a shopping cart because I just had to buy one thing. Then the kids saw them. There are three shopping carts. They look like a car with a basket in the back and on top - plenty of room for your goodies. Just like all the kids shopping carts in other stores. But, the big but is this one has a small TV in the dashboard of the car.

Before you take the shopping cart off the holder you program it to what show you want to watch. It's fast and simple to do. In no time you are off shopping and the kids sit in the car and watch TV! It fits two kids comfortably. I cannot believe it! Where was this three years ago when my kids were smaller?

The pushee of the cart also has a small TV screen that shows one commercial about every five minutes. You can also change the show the kids are watching and there are recipes and beauty tips. The choice of shows are Barney, Thomas The Train and Bob The Builder.

I know I am melting my kids brains and I am being subjected to advertisements and if the kids are occupied I will stay in the store longer and buy unnecessary things. But I will do anything to keep them quiet to get some shopping done in peace. =)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Say Me Nails

There is a new nail salon that opened right next to my gym - Curves in Sayville. It's called Say Me Nails. I don't pamper myself often, but it opens right when I am leaving the gym and my toes were gross after a week at the beach. I walked in right when they opened at 9:30. The kids were with me and the ladies in the salon put on a kid show on the tv.

They are running a grand opening special till July 15th - 20% off all services or free eye brow waxing. I got 20% off a pedicure and it was $12. Say Me Nails - 211 Montauk Highway, Sayville 631-589-3833. =)

Brie And Frosting For Breakfast

I have been doing so good - eating healthy and exercising, but this morning after my healthy breakfast - I went in the fridge and the hunk of brie called out to me. So I had a few hunks for breakfast and when I went to put it back - the tub of Betty Cocker frosting called to me. So I had a big spoonful. Then I went to the gym and I am eating nothing up apples the rest of the week! =)

NYIP Is Catching Up With The Times

When I was researching what correspondence class I should take, I found a lot of blogs about NYIP. They all said that NYIP was a great course, but was stuck in the past. This is no longer true because they really have updated everything. All though you have to still mail your photo assignments in - everything else is geared toward digital cameras. In my latest packet, I can now take my test online instead of mailing them to the school. Guess I picked a good time to study with NYIP.

Published Again!

I made it into the Bayport-Blue Point Gazette again. There are photos I took at Sylvan's Field Day, Kindergarten graduation and the Garden Tour. I even wrote an article about the Sylvan Field Day and I got credit. Exciting! Not getting paid, but looks good on my resume. =)