Some pictures from the Turbine Community Team’s Tree.

Happy Holidays!!

On St. Patrick’s Day 2008 I saw a player-made video with the song Whiskey in a Jar. I loved the sound of the band and thought the video by The Lonely Mountain Band kinship was awesome.

Then again on St.Patty’s Day this year a new video by the kin pops up with a different song by the same band. I thought to myself, wow someone in the kin loves that band! I could see why, their music rocks. I checked out a few more of their songs and really started appreciating their music too.

Eventually, through a set of unrelated circumstances, I found out that the singer of the band plays LOTRO.  Then it was totally clear to me. I could not see how I could have not figured it out.

If you listen you can hear LOTRO as being the inspiration for at least some of the awesome music. It is definitely great to listen to while you are playing the game.  I am not going to give away who it is. But, you can check out the band and decide for yourself.

So I am here to admit that, in the words of Patience, I am a fan girl. And proud of it!

Over on Twitter , you can follow me Osuzie if you care to see my crazy ramblings, today there have been comments about my pulled BBQ chicken floating around since I made it and brought it in for  my team today. Ranni asked me for my recipe and I am more than happy to share!

There is not really any specific measurements as I make what I need for the occasion.

But, you take chicken whole, parts or what ever you like best. For the guilt-free route I usually use boneless, skinless breasts. Put them in a big covered casserole add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, celery salt garlic powder, or any seasoning you like. The key is to season liberally as you at this point are only seasoning the outside of your chicken. Add a few inches of chicken stock, or water to the casserole and cover with the lid, or foil if you do not have a lid. Pop it into a 250-300 degree oven and let it cook. It usually takes several hours. I like to make it on Sunday afternoon when I am hanging out with the family. I cook it all day and the smell drives us crazy!

When you feel it has cooked enough poke a fork in it and test it. If it falls apart it is ready! Take the chicken out of the casserole and put it in a big bowl cover it with plastic wrap or foil and let it rest. I usually wait until it is semi-cool so I do not burn my fingers.

Once it is cool you remove the lid and take two forks and then just shred it. You can use your fingers too I usually end up doing so. Once it is shredded I add bottled BBQ sauce because I rarely make my own, pre-made is almost as good! And then you can serve it. With rolls or without.

It is also okay to make ahead of time if you are going to a party, or bringing it to your team at work. To transport it I put it in my crock pot. When I get to the destination I add a little hot water to help warm it in the crock pot and some extra sauce. Make sure you stir it frequently so it doesn’t stick and  burn.

My Secrets:

• Low and Slow
• Cover it tight when you transfer it to the bowl. I think the steam is what keeps it so moist!
• This BBQ Sauce. Shhhhh…
• Martin’s Potato Rolls

And that is it. You can make it for yourself or a crowd. Just make sure you have the time to let it cook you can not rush it!

P.S.

I always save some on the side for chicken and biscuits, but that is for another day!

Summer has arrived here in New England, although you would never know it by looking outside, and that means that the local farm stands are opening up. I love to cook and bake and there is nothing like using the freshest ingredients to do so. Besides our local farmers need all the support that they can get, it is good for the local economy and the environment too!

This weekend while I was looking for yard sales I found The White Barn Farm. They grown their products naturally and organically and they are absolutely top quality. They participate in Community Supported Agriculture and sell the rest of their product at their stand. I will be supporting them and look forward to their awesome products to eat, freeze and can all summer long!

While I was there I mentioned that I was looking for some strawberries, they did not have any so they pointed me in the direction of another nearby farm. It was only a few miles up the road so I went to check it out. I am glad that I did, it is amazing. Cooks Valley Farm is one of the oldest continually operating farms in Massachusetts and I dare say the country. It was founded in 1705 and has been run by the family ever since.

I did find some tasty fresh strawberries which I made into jam and a delicious strawberry rhubarb dessert for Father’s Day. I also got some peas, carrots, lettuce, and broccoli. I think I spent a total of $18 and got some of the most amazing food I have ever eaten.

Christy at White Barn Farm also pointed out a farmers market in RI that I can not wait to try they have fruit, veggies, meat, cheese and even sea food!

While shopping at your local farms may not be as convenient as dropping the grocery store they are definitely worth the effort in more than one way.

So, I was making a new Elf today and while I was choosing my hair style it dawned on me that Kate Gosselin totally stole her “unique” hair style from LOTRO. She gives us no credit, what a rip off!

Great post! Thanks for the tips and the great attitude!

Helpful Tips to Building a Better My.LotRO Community

While I was at home visiting my Mom a few weeks ago we had a conversation about the container I was keeping my cat food in. We like to by the big bags for economic reasons, but they are not practical for feeding purposes. So remedy the situation we purchased a sugar dispenser and it works great. My Mom thought it was great and said she wished she had something like that for her baking soda.

With Mother’s Day approaching I was pondering a gift for her. I wanted to send her something besides the usual flowers. I remembered our conversation about the baking soda, I was not sure where I could find such a thing. So, I did what any modern domestic goddess would do… I Googled it! Low and behold there are such things. I scanned the list for a reputable looking site, not wanting to get pop-ups and the like and chose one with a name that I recognized. Not only did they have a baking soda storage container they also had a myriad of other amazing gadgets. I added the newly found baking soda container as well as an onion keeper that I knew my folks would appreciate to my shopping cart and made my purchases. The process was quick and easy and the package arrived at my Mom’s house in 2 days. She loved her gift and is already using the items!

Now I know you are wondering what do cat food, Mother’s Day and my Dad’s half used onions have to do with baking resources. The site I found these useful gadgets on is King Arthur Flour. I use their whole wheat flour all the time but did not realize they had such an awesome site. They have recipes, offer tips, sell fantastic baking tools and have a fun blog that offers step-by-step instructions. If you enjoy baking or are interested in trying it out be sure to check out their amazing site!

The other day I posted about some adorable baby geese. Today I have pictures! They were taken through binoculars with a cell phone camera and are not the best quality, but are adorable nonetheless.

My husband works at the fabulous Bass Pro Shop here in New England. Out behind the store they have a cranberry bog, a pond, and lots of pretty woodlands. Right now they have baby geese which are sooo cute (I need to get a picture before they are gone). They also have a wildlife camera set to to take pictures when it is triggered by motion. Most animals just pass through, but this little guy was extremely curious. I thought he was so cute!

You can become a fan of LOTRO on FacebooK?

Check it out!