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Peevish Pam: Just Desserts

12/30/2015

 
PicturePhoto: Gretchen Lowery
Why many restaurants don't actually want you to order dessert

Every day I read yet another article (like the one linked above) about how we should or should not do this or that in a situation. Now, it seems, if we order a dessert it COULD be a bother and a loss for the restaurant. If an establishment does not want folks to linger, if turning tables that quickly is so crucial, STOP offering dessert on the menu! Then we, as customers, can relax and not worry if we are annoying the restaurants.
​

-- Peevish Pam

Training dogs -- and people

12/29/2015

 
PictureReggie the Cavalier has trained her owners well
I once (okay, many times through the years) saw a movie entitled, "If A Man Answers."

The thin plotline revolved around newlyweds, portrayed by real-life couple at the time, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin, adjusting to life together. Keeping the honeymoon alive sort of thing.

In a nutshell, Sandra's character, feeling neglected by her hubby, who was busy photographing sexy models, was encouraged by her very wise French mother to whip her new spouse into shape using the rules in a dog training manual.

What a goofy idea.

What a goofy movie.

But, is it?

No, I am not suggesting people resort to this sort of thing with people. Well, not too much.

However, I do recommend people use a training manual on their real dogs.

Continually, I read comments on social media regarding perceived bad dog behavior by frustrated humans.

It puzzles me. Greatly.

Dogs are intelligent, and if properly trained, they give you all they've got. The good manuals work like a tasty dog treat (which are used in the training process).

Before bringing my own dog into my world, I trained myself so I could give her all I had.

It worked. She's a dream. Of course, she is also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so her breed has a little something to do with her disposition.

But, back to the movie.

As in any good romantic comedy, there is always the best friend/evil bitch character, who flirts with the married man and betrays her BFF. This 60's-era flick was no exception.

Spilling the beans, over one-too-many cocktails, was that character. Portrayed with all the sultriness she could muster, was Stephanie Powers (not the goody-goody she portrayed years later in Hart-to-Hart).

Of course, Bobby's character brought tepid rage to the screen, and Sandra's character pleaded, wide-eyed and dimples, for forgiveness.

In the end, it seemed the dog training book did the trick, as all was forgiven and a baby was on the way. 

Too bad, it doesn't end well when people DO NOT use a training manual for real-life dogs.

-- Pam

December beach morning

12/29/2015

 
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Coquettes coming to the State Fair

12/20/2015

 
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North Palm's own Coquettes & Co. Dance Troupe will be performing Wednesday January 20 and Wednesday January 27 at the South Florida Fair, 3 pm  at the Expo Building, Gate number 12. Find out more about The Coquettes on this page. (Photo provided by The Coquettes)

Chocolate ka-bobs

12/19/2015

 
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While we are on the topic of holiday treats, check out these chocolate-covered strawberry creations at Godiva's in the Gardens Mall. You can watch as they make them. Yummy! -- Gerry

Go Crackers with some Petit Fours

12/17/2015

 
There are a few things that are a must for me during Christmas.

To be honest, I have never really counted how many, so we will leave it at a few.

One treasured thing is having lunch in the Zodiac Room at the original, and flagship, Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas.

Each year they have a buffet which defines the word (and buffets are not something I am typically drawn to). Reservations must be made in advance, the escalator must be ridden to the sixth floor location of the Z because you should not miss the fabulous decorations on each ascending floor.

Step off the escalator and into the divine service that, for decades (no matter the ownership) has elevated Neiman Marcus to the higher echelon of retailers.

The tables are covered and set and the meal begins with their famous popovers and broth. Tables upon tables are heaping (in beautiful presentations, of course) with a vast variety of food. You must end the meal with a selection of delectable desserts and coffee. This Christmas feast, with shopping afterwards, is a step into food bliss.

Yes, it is a must on my list.

But, wait.

Christmas in North Palm Beach means...the Zodiac buffet soiree will go on...without my presence.

Well, never one to dwell (too much) on disappointment, I am bringing a little bit of Neiman Marcus holiday spirit home in the form of...wait for it...their delicious (and easily shipped for free) Petit Fours.

I shall eat these tiny cakes while engaging in another of my favorite Christmas things: Popping the lively and fun, British Crackers. They are little bundles of trinkets, and funny sayings swaddled in beautiful paper.

The best part? The Crackers also contain colorful paper crowns.

Yes, I will not be at the famed Zodiac Room, but I will proudly wear a crown while scarfing down those Neiman Marcus squares of cake and frosting.

Stanley Marcus would approve. Probably. -- Pam

A look back in time

12/17/2015

 
I find history fascinating. What's the story about what came before? How did it all begin? What did it used to look like here? Next year will be the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Village of North Palm Beach. In historical terms, that's not very old. But a lot has happened in those 60 years since the community was established.

With some help from the city, we have launched a new section on the website: HISTORY. It features both the 25th and the 50th anniversary books that marked the occasions. There's plenty of room there for more memories, photos and personal accounts, so please share and we'll add them. -- Gerry
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The Winter Club from the 1930s, where the North Palm Beach Country Club now stands.
(Courtesy of the Village of North Palm Beach)

Who needs Rudolph?

12/16/2015

 
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This North Palm dog is ready to help pull Santa's sleigh.
Those are some fancy antlers for sure!

Floating sign of the season

12/11/2015

 
This boat at North Palm Marina has the spirit of the season.
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Sunsets and palm trees

12/10/2015

 
Is there anything better than the sun streaming through palm leaves at sunset? Makes us happy to be in "the best place to live under the sun ."
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  • Home
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      • Susan Goldfein
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    • Snaps >
      • Snaps - Page 2
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      • Cartagena, Columbia
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    • Road Trip! >
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      • Road Trip! -- The Painted Desert
      • Road Trip! - Sedona, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - Sedona Wineries
      • Road Trip! Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
      • Road Trip! - Mogollon Rim
      • Road Trip! - Verde Canyon Railroad
      • Road Trip! - Jerome, Arizona
      • Road Trip! - California
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      • Road Trip! - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
      • Road Trip! - Festival in Palm Springs
      • Road Trip! - Willcox, Arizona and Apple Annie's Orchard
      • Road Trip! Willcox Wineries
      • Road Trip! Chiricahua National Monument
      • Road Trip! Tombstone, Arizona
      • Tombstone, Part Two
      • Road Trip! - Epilogue
    • Traveling With Joe >
      • Beartooth Highway
      • North Cascades National Park
      • A Visit to the Philippines
      • Grand Canyon National Park
      • Glacier National Park
      • Yellowstone National Park
      • Hiking in Bear Country
      • Crater Lake National Park
      • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
      • The Kerrville Folk Festival
      • Building Hope in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Unknown Yellowstone >
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Heart Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Summit Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Shoshone Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Grizzly Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Riddle Lake
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Pelican Cone
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Mt. Washburn
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Specimen Ridge
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Avalanche Peak
      • Unknown Yellowstone - Divide Creek
  • Contact
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    • The Story of StarText
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