Is it a Blintz or a Crepe?

It is day 14 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese. Today's prompt is "Where can I find a good blintz". Visit Nicky's post to see who's still hanging in, and where they go for a blintz.

This is the Sweet Sage Cafe in North Reddington Beach, FL.  We found this place last fall, and from the road it looks like a tiny little place, but there's plenty of seating inside plus a gift shop chock full of souvenirs, jewelry and pretty knickknacks.

The patio is even more quaint with signs, decorations and figurines everywhere.  They are open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and the food is very good.

I'd never had crepes before.  I know you're asking how could anyone not have had crepes.  I like to try new things, especially while I'm on vacation, so when I spotted them on the menu I jumped at the opportunity.  I chose the banana & coconut, and they were warm with creamy filling and tasty toppings.  Hubby and I split this for breakfast.

Now from what I've read there is very little difference between crepes and blintzes.  However, since these are crepes, I can't tell you where to get a good blintz.  But I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my first crepes, and highly recommend them, and the Sweet Sage Cafe.  It would be a lovely place for a Valentine's Day Brunch...if it just weren't so far away.

Unintended

It is day 13 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "Unintended".  Visit Nicky's post to see what the others never intended to do.

I think he's too stressed.

It was a long restless night as I tossed and turned with words and phrases spinning their way through my head like a whirling dervish, spitting out snippets of stories that will never be written.  I guess that's what happens when writers try to wring out wrinkled words like a well worn dish rag.

I had thought of writing about when Dood moved inside to live with us, an unintended addition to our family.

Then there was the dream I had while pondering this dilemma where my mom and I were shopping at a mall.  We were walking and talking and were several stores away when I realized I was still carrying a dress that I hadn't paid for.  Since it was quite a walk back, I told her to sit and wait while I returned it.  Unintended shoplifting.

But none of these seemed worthy of the challenge, so feeling the pressure of this mind-numbing insanity, I tossed and turned some more as the hour of dawn approached.

Disclaimer:  When I entered this challenge, it was never my intention to present such drivel for public view.

Hello Mr. President

It is day 12 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "The Day I Met Abraham Lincoln".  Visit Nicky's post to see more creative stories.

The year was 1863, and President Lincoln was about to make a speech that would be known forever more as the "Gettysburg Address."


150 years later...

Ready as I'll ever be so here goes
Press start
Set date to 1863
Turn dial clockwise to 150
Press launch and close eyes
Count to 5
Open eyes

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States."

This is truly amazing.  It worked.  I don't believe it. Well, I always knew it was possible. At least I thought it was possible.  I hoped it was possible.

Oh the doors this could open. We have the chance to relive history, to right wrongs, and to learn what we should have learned the first time.  We can prevent diseases, save lives, and maybe even prevent wars.  

As I look around I see a crowd gathering.  Abraham Lincoln is taking the stage.  I am about to witness the famous Gettysburg Address.  This is terrific, huge, earth shattering, but as with much technology today, in the wrong hands this could be dangerous. 

As I study the crowd, one thing I didn't think about is my appearance.  I stick out like a sore thumb.  All the women we were wearing long dresses and bonnets.  The men were dressed in suits and hats.  The plain and the fashionable alike had turned out to hear their President, and here I stood in my 21st century clothes with my mouth agape, staring like some deranged fool.  That should raise some eyebrows.

Fortunately, for the moment all eyes were on Lincoln.  His speech was important and everyone was riveted.  "Four score and seven years ago..."  It sent chills up and down my spine.  I'm standing in the middle of one of the most written about periods in our history.  I had to pinch myself to believe I was really here.

All the years of research, late nights and testing paid off, and now, like the rest of the audience, I stood with eyes glued to the stage.  Only unlike the others, I had future knowledge of where the country was headed and how hard the next years would be.  A shattered country, continued war, loss and years of rebuilding afterward.

He finished speaking and amid thunderous applause he walked out into the crowd, shaking hands and speaking with constituents.  Then he noticed me standing there still staring like a crazy person, my eyes following his every move and my camera case hanging from my shoulder.

"I say there madame I don't believe you are from around here.  Might I ask where you are from?" 

As he approaches me, I'm thinking this is fantastic...no wait, it's a disaster.  I could be in real trouble here.  I put all my efforts into getting here, with little thought to what I'd do after I got here so I can't explain my presence.

"Hello Mr. President", I said, "I don't think you would believe me if I told you."

And that is how I met Abraham Lincoln.

Quote of the Week

It is day 11 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "Road Trip".  Visit Nicky's page to see where everyone else is going.
 

The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land.   - G.K. Chesterton

The world is full of amazing places, and we often seek out the foreign and exotic, yet some of our greatest adventures are right in our backyard.  A road trip is a great way to see your own country through fresh eyes.

This was taken in Cherokee, NC last fall.  I believe this is the Hiawassee River, which is a tributary of the Tennessee River.

The Mayors of Winston-Salem

It is day 10 of the 30 minus 2 days of writing hosted by Nicky and Mike of We Work For Cheese.  Today's prompt is "The Mayor".  Visit Nicky's page to see what the other long-suffering participants have written.

Winston and Salem merged into Winston-Salem and was officially incorporated in 1913.  Oscar Eaton was elected as the Mayor of Winston before the incorporation, and he served until 1917.  Until then there were mayors for both Winston and Salem.

Oscar B. Eaton

During Mayor Eaton's tenure, a lot was done to bring Winston-Salem into the 20th century such as the paving of First Street and the opening of the Salem Water Plant.  Also the Public Works department was established, and in 1915 the first police cars were purchased.

During our official 100-year history, Winston-Salem has had 18 mayors.  Of those 18, George Coan served two non-consecutive terms during 1929-1935 and 1943-1945.  There were two who served one-year terms.  R. J. Reynolds (I think you'll recognize that name) from 1941-1942, and J. Wilbur Crews from 1942-1943.

There were two mayors who served for 12 years each, Marshall Kerfees 1949-1961 and Wayne Corpening, 1977-1989.

The current mayor, Allen Joines has been in office since 2001.  The majoral election is coming up later this year, and Joines is seeking a fourth term.

Image Source:  Winston-Salem Mayors' Biographies.