Planning is underway up for the 2018 48th annual Phillips Family Memorial Day Camping Trip at World’s End State Park. We are rapidly evolving with another generation of campers. We’ll be looking for some help to make sure we pass along some of the old traditions and create some new ones for the next generation. What are some of the traditions that you remember, and what traditions need more attention or need to emerge?
Camp out dates are Thursday, May 24th through Monday, May 28th, 2018. However, Mark and Brian are probably going up on Wednesday and would welcome anyone who’d like to stay an additional night. Actually, we had so much fun last year that we might go up on Tuesday. Continue reading 2018 Memorial Day Camp Out
This gorgeous semi-oceanfront beach home offers over 4000 square feet of space with room for the entire family. Beach access is just across the street. The huge 3rd floor Great Room offers plenty of leather seating as well as a 52″ Flat Panel TV and open access to the dining area with multiple tables to seat our whole family. The Kitchen is a chef’s dream with Granite Countertops, 2 Ovens, 2 Dishwashers and plenty of space to create those gourmet delights! There’s a total of 13 Bedrooms and 13 full baths (2 with Jetted Tubs) and two half baths including 10 King Master Suites and One Queen Suite.
The first floor Recreation Room features a Theater area with a 72″ Flat Panel TV, Blu-ray Disc player and Surround Sound – plus a Pool Table, Air Hockey Table and Foosball Table. There’s also a Wetbar with a full size refrigerator that’s conveniently located by the pool for easy access to snacks and beverages. Multi – level decking on both East and West sides of the house offer you many options for soaking up the sun or just relaxing in the shade plus views of both the beach and the bay. After a day on the beach or sight-seeing, you can even enjoy the luxury of riding the elevator to your room – great for carrying in groceries and luggage too! Best of all, you even have your own Private Outdoor Swimming Pool to cool off after a day of fun in the summer sun.
We don’t yet have the price for 2018. In 2016 the cost was roughly $1600 per room. Food cost is roughly $180 per person. Please don’t react until we know for sure what the price is and can provide a more accurate number.
The table to the right is what we know about intentions for 2018. You will soon be asked to make a financial commitment.
We had some confusion last year on alcohol purchases. The rule was that people are responsible for their own alcohol and occasionally the cost got mixed in with family food expense. I covered some of this myself, but wondering if we’d be better collecting money from drinkers and using that as a separate pool of money for alcohol. I was thinking $35 per person, but am open to suggestions. Part of me thinks that people who drink like a fish (like me) need to pay more than people who limit their drinking (like Byron), so maybe two prices ($35/$10)?
Planning is underway up for the 2017 47th annual Phillips Family Memorial Day Camping Trip at World’s End State Park. We are rapidly evolving with another generation of campers. We’ll be looking for some help to make sure we pass along some of the old traditions and create some new ones for the next generation. What are some of the traditions that you remember, and what traditions need more attention or need to emerge?
Camp out dates are Thursday, May 25th through Monday, May 29th, 2017. However, Mark and Brian are probably going up on Wednesday and would welcome anyone who’d like to stay an additional night. Continue reading 2017 Memorial Day Camp Out
There is always plenty to eat at the Memorial Day Camp Out. From breakfasts that include a broad range of omelet fillings, endless hot dogs, and memorable dinners there is lots of food and enough variety to keep everyone happy. Continue reading 2017 MDC Menu
I’m taking a challenge this year to read 30 books. I’m including audio books in my objective and I’m using Good Reads to track my progress. If you use Good Reads please let me know and I can add you as a friend. I find this is a great way to get new recommendations.
When I was 38 I contemplated beginning a two year Associates Degree in Radiography. I was talking to a friend and had almost talked myself out of doing it. I said “I’m too old to start that. I’ll be 40 when I get my degree.” My friend said “If you don’t do it, you’ll still be 40, but without the degree.” I’m nearly 60 now, and that degree has been the difference between making a decent living, and struggling to get by. –luckyhenry
These are best made using a cookie press. They are fun to make and kids love to help with decorating them. We make tree cookies at Christmas time and decorate them with colored granulated sugar.
Spritz Cookies
Print Recipe
These are basic "Spritz" cookies that use a cookie press to form interesting shapes. The dough can also be rolled out and traditional cookie cutters can be used, but the pressed cookies are thicker and usually not a dry as rolled cookies.
These are basic "Spritz" cookies that use a cookie press to form interesting shapes. The dough can also be rolled out and traditional cookie cutters can be used, but the pressed cookies are thicker and usually not a dry as rolled cookies.
Place butter and shortening in large mixing bowl. Cream together on medium high speed.
Add sugar gradually. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes
Add egg and vanilla; Mix well using medium speed.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add to butter/sugar mixture in three (3) additions; mixing well after each addition. Dough will be stiff. You may need to add more flour to the mixture to ensure that the dough is stiff and not sticky - otherwise it won't work well in the cookie press.
We use a Pampered Chef cookie press. We've tried other manufactures and this one works most consistently and has been long lasting. Please note that we didn't have much luck with the electric models sold by Procter-Silex.
Assemble and fill the cookie press with dough. Select an disc for desired shape.
Press cookies on ungreased, uncoated baking sheet.
Bake at 375° F for 10-12 minutes or until light brown just starts to appear around the edges. Do not overbake.
Recipe Notes
Decorate cookies before baking by brushing them with slightly beaten egg white and adding one of the following:
Sprinkle with white or colored granulated sugar.
Place a nut of chocolate chip on center of cookie.
Decorate with small pieces of candied fruit, chopped nuts, coconut or chocolate sprinkles
When using this egg white glaze you may need to increase baking time by about 1 minute.
(Davis family note: We've never used the egg white and it seems to work out).
You can also decorate cookies after baking by:
Placing a small amount of jam or colored frosting on top.
Brushing tops with sugar glaze then sprinkling with chopped nuts, coconut, decorative candy bits, etc.
Roll warm cookies in powedered sugar.
Dip half of cookie in melted semi-sweet chocolate then sprinkle with ground nuts.
Brush with thin glaze. Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 4-5 teaspoons hot milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well.
Make sandwich cookies by placing frosting between two cookies.
I’ve been a fan of the music of James Horner since the first time I heard the music of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn in 1982. That’s long before he became famous for his soundtracks from Titanic, Braveheart, and Avatar. James Horner died in a solo plane accident on June 22nd, 2015 – a very sad day.
If you’d like to know more about James Horner, or to see a list of the 124 movies soundtracks he composed, see his bio on Wikipedia
Here are two YouTube compilations of some of his hits. Its over an hour in length and is meant to be played in the background while you are doing something else.
We don’t yet have the price for 2018. In 2016 the cost was roughly $1600 per room. Food cost is roughly $180 per person. Please don’t react until we know for sure what the price is and can provide a more accurate number.
Saturday…………Pizza & Calzone