Karen’s Opinion

This week’s Four Foods on Friday asks us to name four things related to food that are strange or funny to you.

1. Linguine, that word cracks me up!

2. stick of butter, when I think of a stick, I do not think of something to eat!

3. peanut butter and jelly pizza, there is just something wrong with that!

4. fried twinkies

We have lots of fun at Four Foods on Friday. You can join us by clicking on the picture.

I never thought we watched very much television until our kids were grown and out of the house. When the kids were home, we were running to ballgames and band contests. I could not have followed the storyline of a show if I wanted to. These days, we look forward to our evenings in front of the television.

We have cable tv with Comcast.com and recently upgraded our televisions to digital. Or was it analog? I cannot remember. I love being able to get all the music channels and the Hallmark channel. The amount of shows we can view is phenomenal and I often use the handy TV service guide to get the most from the service.

Friends of ours recently changed their service to direct tv with directsattv.com. They are very happy and have suggested that we check it out but we are hesitant. An elderly neighbor has direct tv and has had nothing but trouble. I do think that direct tv is more economical and the picture on their tv is very clear. They have a tier of product pricing so you are able to pick the price that best suits your budget. I like the idea of not losing television service every time our power goes out. We have been having more than our share of storms lately. I find myself reading by candle light more than I like! LOL

It is important to study the features of both cable and direct tv and decide for yourself which service is best for you.

I got new glasses back in 2007 and decided I need to get a new pair. Back then, I got wire frames that are rimless. They are so flimsy that they are often out of focus. I try to be careful to put them in a case each time I take them off but I admit to not always doing so. That means they are scratched up and the frames are bent.

I went to the eye doctor this morning and tried to purchase the cheapest frames and get out of there for the least amount of money spent. Can you believe that my total is still almost $500!! And to top it off, I have to join AARP to get a 30% discount.

I have bad eyes and I am old. I am cheap. I wish I could go back to bed.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

Why is it that I feel more laid back when on vacation? I rarely get a headache when I am doing something I enjoy. That is why vacations are good for me. A vacation can be a week at home catching up on yard work, if that is what you enjoy. Most of us feel like we got more of a break from our normal routine when we visit somewhere away from home. I especially love to visit Florida for my vacation. There is something about smelling the orange groves and feeling the sun on my arms that puts me in heaven.

I am not fond of theme parks so I try to find a spot like Kissimmee, the heart of Florida. Kissimmee offers so many different types of activities that everyone is sure to find something to suit them. Whether it be lounging beside the pool or spending the day zip-lining, you will feel refreshed after a vacation in this beautiful location. Visit Kissimmee ‘s website to plan your vacation there. The site has links for things to do, places to stay and more. I am excited to see that they have information about the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Talented “tribute bands” are ready to rock my socks off as they recreate classic hits of some of my favorite bands like the Rolling Stones.

You will fall in love with this quaint town that is close to everything. Check it out!

My sister made the most delicious apple dumplings when she was visiting a few weeks ago. My daughter bought all the ingredients and I hope she makes them tonight! When my sister said that these were “so good”, I said I would let her know if I agreed. After tasting them, I have to agree. They are yummy and better yet, so easy to make.

Apple Dumplings
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients:
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and
cored
2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent
roll dough
1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain
Dew ™
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew™ over the dumplings.
4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

These are not the huge dumplings that make you feel guilty when you eat the whole thing. They are just the right size. A pan of these would be great to take to a potluck dinner.