A Man is in my Kitchen and he is making Cookies

HOLIDAY TREATS THAT ARE EASY TO MAKE!

As a typical male, I am not a very good cook and if I do venture into the kitchen to try my culinary skills, the recipe had better be easy. These three holiday treats are very simple and the end product is so good I thought I share with you....Good eating and Happy Holidays!

(1) Creme Drop Fudge
You will need:
2 packages of Old Fashion Creme Drops and 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
Heat the creme drops in a small bowl in the microwave for 80-90 seconds. You may have to stir it about halfway through the heating. When heated, stir in the peanut butter and pour on to a buttered dish. Allow to cool, cut into pieces and enjoy.

[2] Peanut Butter Cookies
You will need:
1 cup of peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 vanilla
Mix in a medium bowl. Incorporating all ingredients. Pinch off a small ball of dough about the size of a quarter, roll it between your hands and lay the ball of dough on a cookie sheet. Placing them about 3 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 7-9 minutes. When you see the edges are turning brown, pull them out, even if the middle doesn't seem fully baked. The heat from the cookie sheet will finish the baking without burning the edges.

[3] Cinnamon Twists
You will need:
I package of pie dough mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons cold water

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small shaker or dish.
Place dry pie dough mix in a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of cold water, mix with a fork. Slowly add the other 2 tablespoon in the mixture until all is used.
Roll out pie dough thin. Using a sharp knife cut dough into 1/2 inch wide and 6 inch long pieces. Give the dough a twist then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over it. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degrees in a preheated oven until they are lightly brown.

Thanks to Faylee James for offering these delightful holiday treats.

Getting Around Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful city and rated as one of the top 10 travel designations in the US. Finding your way around in Savannah can be defined by how people or guides refer to them. The historic district area includes the city's 22 famous squares and actually includes three historic districts: The National Historic Landmark District, the Victorian District and the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District.

Savannah's Midtown area stretchesrom Victory Drive south to DeRenne Avenue and is the home of another National Register historic district, Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent.

Spanning east of Waters Avenue to the Wilmington River is the Eastside/Thunderbolt area. Thunderbolt is a filling village almost as old as Savannah; the Eastside harborsonaventure CCCemeterynd the National Register historic districts of Gordonston and Daffin Park-Parkside.

Extending eastward from the Wilmington River is the Islands/Tybee portion of Chatham county. The islands are verdant residential enclaves, while Tybee, with its wide beaches, distinctive lighthouse and traditional seaside cottages is an alluring combination of the offbeat and upscale.

The huge area south of DeRenne Avenue is the Southside, a shopper's paradise that also provides a variety of recreational opportunities. It is also where you can visit other historic sites such as Wormsloe plantation and Bethesda Home for Boys plus the charming riverside community of Isle of Hope.

To the west of the Southside, past the picturesque Forest River and its wide expanse of marshes is Southwest Chatham, the site of the Interstate 95- Georgia Highway 204 Interchange with its many motels and restaurants. Henderson Golf Club is open to the public and a fun place to practice and play a round.

Northwest and due west of Savannah loom the fast-growing West Chatham municipalities of Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth and Bloomingdale. The Mighty 8th Air Force Museum is one of the many attractions that can visited in this area.

Savannah is a city of many cultures, venues and fun things to do. Just head in any direction and enjoy your visit and time in the “Jewel of the South”

Shrimp: Georgia's Are Better | The Coastal Source

Shrimp: Georgia's Are Better | The Coastal Source

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Savannah Museums

Savannah Museums

Savannah has a number of great museums and I will introduce a few for you to consider visiting while you are in our historic city and I hope you will agree that your visit was worthy of your time. Enjoy!

OWENS-THOMAS HOME: This historic home as designed by William Jay in 1816. Jay was a famed architect of the day. He was from Bath, England and the Owens home is thought of as the finest example of English Regency residential architecture in North America. The house contains many furnishings from the original family. A formal walking garden is located at the rear of the house. Located at 124 Abercorn Street on Oglethrope Square.

MASSIE SCHOOL: The only remaining original building of Georgia's oldest charted school system. The Greek Revival structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed and built by architect John Norris in 1855. If you want to visit the building just ring the bell. Located at 207 East Gordon Street.

HISTORIC RAILROAD SHOPS: Opened by the Central of Georgia Railroad in the 1830s , this early-day outdoor museum is open daily. On display are locomotives and rolling stock and an operating turntable and the oldest portable steam engine in America. Visit their website at http://www.chsgeorgia.org/roundhouse/home.htm because they are constantly adding more interest items to their collection. Located at 601 West Harris Street in the Historic District.

SAVANNAH HISTORY MUSEUM: The museum is inn the old Central of Georgia Railroad's passenger terminal. Exhibits include an 1840 cotton gin, one of Johnny Mercer's Oscars, the famed bench from the movie Forrest Gump, and the Juliette Gordon Low family's carriage. Located at 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The Haunted City - Part II

The Weston House which is owned by Savannah College of Art is now used by the school as a dorm but prior to their purchase is was formerly the Weston Hotel. It is located on 231 West Boundary St and is one of the various areas of Savannah where civil war battles were fought. It is reported that at all times of day students hear tapping on the walls, furniture moving in empty rooms, and a singing girl.

The Waving Girl on River Street is a very famous statue of the girl who waved a cloth or towel from the land as a helpful signal to boats coming into the city. The statue depicts here waving with a large dog sitting next to her. Many times the stone cloth has been seen waving as if in the wind. There are stories that the statue is haunted by a ghost boy who broke little children and animal necks. It is said he was hung near the river. On calm, autumn, under a full moon you can see him walking looking for victims.

The Old Pink House Restaurant and Tavern- This historic and popular tavern is said to be haunted by its builder, General Habersham. He often appears in the basement, which is now the tavern. There are reports that he sometimes has been known to walk among the guests in the upstairs dining dressed in his full general uniform.

The Telfair Museum is haunted by its former owner. She is said to roam the housekeeping people from doing what they shouldn't do. If you smoke a cigarette in the house or sit on the wrong chair, you can hear her footsteps coming at you on the marble floors.

Several ghosts are believed to haunt this old cemetery (Bonaventure Cemetery, including the ghost of a small girl named Gracie Watkins who is buried there. At times she cries in the night, and the life sized statue of her cries tears of blood if you take something out of its hands. People who visit the cemetery often place presents in her hands such as trinkets or flowers. There is also a pack of ghost dogs that haunt the grounds and you can hear them barking and breathing.

It is reported that at Fort Pulaski late at night it is known to have strange noises, such as a gun firing, people dying and a little girl crying.

The Juliette Low Birthplace – two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closed down for the night. Visitors to the house often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast – It is reported to be haunted by the spirits of children. A “Lady in Gray” who haunts not only the B&B in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. She is a friendly spirit.

Savannah - The Haunted City - Part I

BOO!

Savannah is rated as one of the most haunted cities in North America so it stands to reason that a fair proportion of the hotels and visitor sites in Savannah are similarly afflicted. So, if you are heading to the city for a stay, before you check-in, check-out whether you've opted for one of the most frequently haunted hotels and site that offer a free unwanted extra guest or a sudden unexpected visitor..

The Marshal House is one of the oldest hotels in Savannah was built in 1851, and is a prime candidate for ghostly encounters; the Marshall is featured on the city's ghost tour and has a interesting history, being at various times a hospital - once for yellow fever - and also a Union soldiers' clinic during the Civil War. After human bones were unearthed during excavations at the hotel in 1960 guests have frequently reported strange encounters, with many reporting that they have awoken feeling as though someone is taking their pulse. Ghosts of long-dead soldiers and patients have also been seen wandering the hallways and standing in the foyer.

Built in 1852, only a year later than Marshall House, the eerie East Bay Inn backs onto the Savannah River and is home to Charley; the hotel's 'official' ghost. This apparition is a regular visitor to the Inn and in 2001 Charley was finally snapped on film by a guest; the evidence now on display behind check-in. If you plan to stay there just ask to see the picture when you arrive, so you'll be able to identify him later if he appears in your room!

The Eliza Thompson House pre-dated both of the previously mentioned hotels, its construction completed in 1847. Once a private house it is now a 25-room Inn, spread over two major buildings. Both guests and visitors have reported seeing Confederate soldiers at an upstairs window and a young girl in a white dress regularly walks the hallway.

The Olde Harbour Inn is frequently filled with the smell of cigar smoke even when no smokers are present, courtesy of Hank, the Inn's resident ghost. Holder of the 'most-often sighted ghost in Savannah', Hank also likes to indulge in a spot of coin throwing and frequently likes to move things around, such as books and other small items.

Savannah - Kehoe House Bed & Breakfast - Said to be haunted by the spirits of children. Also, by a "Lady in Gray" who haunts not only the bed & breakfast in general, but particularly room #203. People who have stayed in this room have felt their hands being gently touched and have felt kisses upon their cheeks. All have agreed that she seems to be a very friendly spirit.

The 1790 Inn and Tavern - This Inn was built in 1790 and is haunted by a girl named Anna who depending on who you asked will tell you an interesting tale of this seventeen year old girl. What she was shunned after getting pregnant by a sailor? Who jumped out of the third story window and died? Stop by this delightful Inn for refreshment and dine in their wonderful and historic tavern and ask about Anne!

The Hampton Lillibridge House - This is said to be the most haunted house in Savannah, and the only house known to have had an exorcism. When the house was being restored in the 1960s, some workmen refused to finish the job because of strange occurrences (tools disappearing, hearing footsteps when they knew they were alone, strange feelings). On one occasion, a man was seen wearing a black suit and bow tie in the third floor window when no one was living in the house. Neighbors have also heard a woman's scream coming from within the house, and a gray haired man has also been sighted.

Savannah - The Juliette Low Birthplace - two former owners haunt this house: Sarah Gordon and her daughter-in-law Nellie Kinzie Gordon, who was the mother of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting. Nellie is said to rearrange furniture, play the piano, and slide down the banister after the museum closes down for the night. Visitors to the place often see Sarah, wearing an old-fashioned dress.

There are more than 10 “Ghost Tours” offered in the city and I am told that they are a lot of fun and the guides will give you the “real story”.

My next article will introduce other haunted spots such as the Fort Pulaski…late at night it is known to echo strange noises, such as people screaming, gun firing and a small girl crying.

Squares of Savannah

The Squares of Savannah

In this short narrative, I will just write about a some of our 24 squares and in future articles I will provide information on all of them.

Oglethorpe planned on constructing 24 squares that would be used for planting crops, holding meetings and other activities but only the squares along Bull Street were originally meant by Oglethorpe to feature the grand monuments. The rest of the squares were laid out as open commons for the people to use as parks and activities I mentioned above.

The Orleans Square was named for Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. Just to the west of the square is the Savannah Civic Center. To the east, you can view the Champion House at 230 Barnard Street. The Cupola features amber glass. Yew trees are planted in the front year.

To the south, you will arrive at Pulaski Square located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets and was laid out in 1837. This square was named for Count Casimir Pulaski, historic Savannah's adopted foreign son who was the highest ranking foreign officer to die in the American Revolution. Additional monuments to Pulaski can be found throughout the historic district. The red brick Jewish Education Alliance building on the East side of the square is now a dormitory for the Savannah College of Art and Design. The house on the Northwest corner of Barnard and Harris is new housing, completed in 1993. The house across from it is the 1839 house of Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero. It is now several apartments. The square was once landscaped as rows of azaleas in diagonals representing the St. Andrew's Cross of the Confederate flat..the Stars and Bars. Sgt. Pulaski was a hero of the Revolutionary War.

The next square south on Barnard Street is Chatham Square, named for England's William Pitt and the Earl of Chatham. The Barnard Street School, now part of the Savannah College of Art and Design has a Terra Cotta roof. The tile was made in Ludowici, Georgia. Gordon Row dominates the southeast corner of the square and you are now at the edge of the Victorian District with the Republican Blues Homes on the right, a dignified old row built of Savannah Gray bricks.

Take your camera and take some photos of these wonderful and historic squares.