Karen

Ghost Tours Around The Country. Would You Go On A Ghost Tour?

When we worked in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania a few years back, we went on a tour of haunted places around town one night. While I didn’t experience any of the ghosts firsthand that night, it was a pretty interesting tour. I learned a little bit about the history of the town and saw some places I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

Here are some famous haunted places around the country where you can take a tour and look for spirits and Ghosts:

1. Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour Starting at $14.95 and up, you can take this tour of haunted schools, theaters, and the scene of a deadly hotel fire. The 90 minute tour starts at 8:30 p.m. nightly from March through mid-December, so it’s not too late to go this year.

2. Chicago Ghost Tours Chicago has plenty of ghost stories, from the Great Chicago Fire, to Gangsters, and present day. The tours cover a lot of information and many stories of real life ghost sightings ranging from truly chilling to light hearted. Take the tour and find out for yourself if there are ghosts to be found around the windy city. Get in on the 7 Hour Ghost Hunt for $70 per person, and hear some of the most chilling tales Chicago has to offer.

3. Visit the Most Haunted Places in New York

Take the NYC Ghosts tour and see some of the most haunted places in New York City. With every step you take in this concrete jungle, you unearth new histories that your authoritative guides will shepherd you through. Around every corner, you’ll encounter a story you’ve never heard before

4. The Original Ghost Tours of Key West Going to Florida? This tour company takes you to the haunts around Key West. Tours depart nightly at 8 and 9 pm from the Crown Plaza La Concha Hotel. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes, and walking distance is about a half mile. Wheelchair friendly. Adult tickets $15.

5. San Francisco Vampire Tour From their website ” The Vampire Tour is not dark and gory. The script contains about 85% true San Francisco history with fun vampire lore and humor mixed in. It is suitable for all ages and is a fun way to learn about the history of San Francisco.” Tours available year round, on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. $15-20.

Where do you live? Are there any ghost tours available in your area? Would you go on one of them? Do you believe in ghosts?

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Five Good Movies For The Chicken Hearted For Halloween

Karen · 8 Comments

Yes, I confess, I am a chicken. Let me rephrase that: I am a CHICKEN when it comes to scarey movies. I can’t stand to watch the movies with blood, guts, and gore going on. With that said, there are some movies that I think are fun to watch for a Halloween Movie Night.

1. Ghostbusters

Three unemployed parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.

The trio of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroid, and Rick Moranis makes me laugh every time I watch Ghostbusters . More info and watch trailer

2. BeetleJuice

I love Wynona Ryder in any movie she is in. In Beetlejuice a couple of recently deceased ghosts contract the services of a “bio-exorcist” in order to remove the obnoxious new owners of their house. More info and watch trailer

3. Shaun of the Dead

I watch this movie every time it is on, not just at Halloween. Yes, it is about Zombies, but it is actually a comedy.In Shaun of the Dead, a man decides to turn his moribund life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his relationship with his mother, and dealing with an entire community that has returned from the dead to eat the living. More info and watch trailer.

4. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken from 1966 is still funny to me! Don Knots plays a reporter who is given the assignment of spending the night in a mansion that was the site of a murder suicide and is considered to be haunted. Knots is hilarious as usual! More infor and watch trailer

5. Young Frankenstein

Even though Young Frankenstein is last on this list, it is one of my all time favorite movies. The combination of Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, and Marty Feldman equals a really good movie in which Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson, after years of living down the family reputation, inherits granddad’s castle and repeats the experiments. More info and trailer.

What movies do you and your family watch every year at Halloween? Are they usually scarey, or do you prefer the non-scarey?

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Halloween CostumesThrough The Years

Karen · 10 Comments

I used to get dressed up in costume to take my kids trick or treating, but haven’t done that in many many years. And back then I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on taking pictures. You know, back in the olden days when we still had to buy film, and then take it to the store to get it developed. Because of that, I don’t have many photos of my kids, and fewer still of them at Halloween. They had home made costumes most of the time, and I think they were always cuter than the bought kind. But here is a collection of pics I was able to find, of me, my kids and my grandchildren dressed up for Halloween over the years:

This is the earliest one I could find–it was about 1976 or 1977. That’s me, the clown, Becca the Witch, Emily the Raggedy Ann, and Seth the Pirate.

halloween costumes home made — OOOoooo, scarey!

A few years later, they were a Vampire, a Rock Star, and a Fat Old Lady. I don’t remember who that is in between Becca and Emily, but it wasn’t me. I am not that short.

home made halloween costumes — Vampire, Rock Star, and Old Lady

In 1984, Seth dressed wacky in this costume for a school dance. Don’t know what he was supposed to be, but still, a home made costume.

home made costumes — Seth in 1984, dressed for a Halloween dance at middle school

I think this was 1989–a Girl Scout Father Daughter Dance in a 60’s theme, and Becca, Emily, and their cousin Bonna dressed like hippies. Ok, so not Halloween, but I found it when I was looking for costume photos:

Even though I think the home made halloween costumes are the best, I still love seeing the pics of my grandkids dressed up in their bought costumes. Yes, I am a little tiny bit disappointed that they don’t get the fun of making their costumes, but cute enough for me! This is Michael, my oldest grandson, I think in 1999.

Michael, in a ready made costume — Michael, can't remember the year. Maybe 1999?

Michael and his sister, Sarah. I have no clue as to the year.

halloween costumes — Michael and Sarah in costume

Spencer in 2003? I think that is what the date on the photo says. A cute green dragon!

Spencer in 2008? He was a really scarey, hairy werewolf!

Sarah dressed as a fairy last year. So cute!

Owen is going to be dressing in this Spongebob Squarepants costume this year:

And Amelia is a cutie cute Butterfly. How cute is this?

So, what was your favorite costume for you, or one of your children or grandchildren? Do you miss making your own costumes out of what you had on hand? I do, I always loved making home made costumes!

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In Case Y’all Didn’t Believe Me

Karen · 2 Comments

When I told you that the roads in Oklahoma were rough and bouncy, I really did mean it. This is what my wardrobe closet has looked like since about Wednesday of last week:

jayco 32fks wardrobe — Fabgrandpa's clothes on the floor

wardrobe closet jayco 32fks — My shelves turned upside down

I didn’t even bother to pick it all up until we got where we were going. I figured it would only fall down again, and I am very sure it would have happened on Wednesday in Birmingham. So, I just left it all there. Today was the day of reckoning–the day I had to straighten it all back out. It took about an hour or so, but finally, things are back to normal:

waArdrobe closet jayco 32fks travel trailer — My side

jayco 32fks travel trailer, rv closets, recreational vehicle — His side

All done. Now to get the kitchen straightened out tomorrow.

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Tripping Again IX

Karen · 5 Comments

Yesterday was the last day of our roadtrip. We started out in Corinth, Mississippi, getting a late start because we slept in. We got all the way to Tupelo before stopping for breakfast at the Cracker Barrell there.

Mississippi Countryside — Mississippi countryside along Hwy 72

The leaves are just now starting to change around there, so it looked very autumny all the way. We took Hwy 45 to Hwy 78, and followed that all the way to Birmingham. Ah, Birmingham. I could have done without going through that city! So much traffic, going so fast, and right through downtown! At least it wasn’t at the lunch time rush.

I-20 in Birmingham — Acckkk! I hate all that traffic in Birmingham!

Once we got on I-20 eastbound, there was lots of construction. I was kind of hoping it was finished–my daughter went to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa from 1992 through 1997, and I can remember the roads being under construction back then, too. But no–it was torn up in many places between Birmingham and the Georgia line, with signs out for “Trucks Use Left Lane” every time there was construction going on. I was never so glad to get off a highway! (well, except for that bumpy one in Oklahoma City).

construction on I-20 eastbound in Alabama, east of birmingham — Construction--just one of many places along I-20 east of Birmingham

We arrived at Jellystone Campground in Waco, Georgia around 4:30 p.m. eastern time. This is a really nice campground, only three years old, and most of the sites are long pullthroughs. The monthly rate is $300 plus electricity deposit–not bad at all.Oh, and it is only about 3 or 4 miles from Cracker Barrell, Wal-Mart, and Ingle’s Grocery Store.

fall colors on I-20 in the Talledega National Forest — Fall color along I-20 Eastbound in the Talledega National Forest

I haven’t been to see any of the family or friends yet. I haven’t had a hair cut since February, except for when I cut my own bangs at the entrance station when they got too long for my hat. Becky is coming to spend the night with us on Saturday, and she will give me a great hair cut. Can’t wait!

jellystone campground waco georgia — Our home for the next month or so at Jellystone Campground.

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Sometimes Facebook Has A Life Of Its Own: The Ill Fated Squash Casserole Recipe

Karen ·

When I woke up this morning, there was a whole thread going on that threatened my reputation! I mean, really! My own daughter was on there accusing me publicly of giving her a recipe 20 years ago and leaving out a crucial ingredient, destining her to squash casserole failure forever. How could she say that? I mean, I would NEVER EVER do that! (snicker!) (and this may or may not have happened back when she went off to college. Here is the cast of characters, then the facebook thread:

Becca Parson It may have taken me 20 years, Karen Stroud Eidson, but I am ON TO YOU!!!

Becky Eidson Singer What?! Tell me!!!

Becca Parson Two words…. Squash. Casserole.

Becca Parson This trickery shall NOT STAND!!

Becca Parson She knows what she did!

Linda Stroud Sewell it’s the cheese isn’t it

Becca Parson No, there’s no cheese in hers.

Linda Stroud Sewell oh sorry, that’s my recipe so is hers no crackers?

Becca Parson It’s a very basic ingredient, one that changes the flavor only a little, but it’s super important.

Becca Parson I feel so betrayed!

Becca Parson Butter.

Becca Parson It’s not in the recipe and she always smiles and laughs when I say she left something out, but I KNEW she did!

Linda Stroud Sewell oh yes, I can’t have that anymore….LOVE butter, but it doesn’t love me

Becca Parson I have been making it according to her recipe for YEARS and it never tasted right. Tonight, I had a memory of watching her stir the squash and I was so surprised because it was so simple. I added a little butter and it finally tasted right.

Linda Stroud Sewell I haven’t made one in a long time. Mama doesn’t like mine because I put a little cheese in it, but my family likes it and that’s all that matters

Becca Parson I just wanted it to taste like it did when I was a kid. I always wanted seconds or thirds of squash casserole, but it was always disappointing when I have made it for myself. But now I will make it…ALL. THE. TIME!

Becky Eidson Singer Lol! I made it last year for Christmas… I don’t remember if I used butter???? It was good though… I will definitely make a note of this! Thanks for sharing Becca!

Emily Rascoe Ok, now I need you to message me the whole recipe please! I am in need of a squash casserole fix.

Cheryl Harding I’m with Emily – even sounds good for breakfast this morning,lol!!! That was rotten of her and I notice she has been quiet throughout this whole thread. Probably laughing so hard she can’t type!!

Karen Stroud Eidson ahemphf Cheryl Harding–she has been quiet because she has been sleeping.

Karen Stroud Eidson I will have to see proof of this alleged miscarriage of justice here. Do you have a scan of the recipe where I allegedly led you astray in the makence of squash casserole?

Karen Stroud Eidson I have always used butter in my squash casserole, and club crackers. Now that I can not eat wheat, I still use butter, but I used crushed up gluten free pretzels instead of the crackers.

Karen Stroud Eidson oh, and Linda Stroud Sewell, Mama is right–there is no such thing as cheese in squash casserole. What a horrible thing to do.

Karen Stroud Eidson Oh, Becca Parson, how could you accuse me of being so cruel?

Sarah Parson Always gotta use butter 🙂 Thats whats Grannies recipe says in her book 🙂

Karen Stroud Eidson Thank you Sarah Parson, at last, some loyalty

Cheryl Harding I love you Karen – you and your family are so fun!!!

Sarah Parson ‎Karen Stroud Eidson Ive seen Seth and yourself make it on front of me so its easy for me to say lol..Plus I have grannies recipe book lol

Sarah Parson Plus I wouldnt eat it if it had cheese in it. Dont like cheese 🙂

Becca Parson it says butter on the top, but nowhere does it say anything about butter in the squash. I have followed that recipe religiously for YEARS thinking that one day it would taste right and it never did. You trickster!

Sarah Parson mine says use the other 1/2 of butter in the squash. You got the old recipe book of grannies the written one?

Karen Stroud Eidson I have to see that recipe Becca. I wouldn’t have done that to you on porpoise! Snicker…

Gaelyn Olmsted OK, I’ve eaten Karen’s squash casserole and would Really like the whole recipe.

Becca Parson I’ll scan it for you. It says nothing about butter except on the top.

Linda Stroud Sewell WELL, Karen Stroud Eidson…. all I have to say is don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It’s not so horrible….to each his own!

Becca Parson Sarah, I have the recipe my MOTHER wrote for me.

Karen Stroud Eidson I have tried it–I don’t like it. .o cheeses squashes for me.

Karen Stroud Eidson That should be “no” cheesey squashes for me.

Becca Parson I’m not a fan of cheesy casseroles usually, either. Depends on what it is, though.

Linda Stroud Sewell well then y’alll probably don’t like Mac & Cheese or Broccoli Casserole either…I put cheese in both of those as well. Actually, I don’t make ANY of these casseroles anymore because they have WAY too many calories in them for me to eat.

Becca Parson I like mac and cheese, but that has cheese in the name. But no, I don’t much care for broccoli casserole either. Just a personal preference though. Has nothing to do with your cooking at all. I don’t like green bean casseroles, either. Pretty much no matter who makes it. I’ll eat it to be polite, but don’t really care for it.

Karen Stroud Eidson Well duh mac & cheese gotta have cheese or it wouldn’t be mac & cheese now would it?

Linda Stroud Sewell ewwwww yuk, DISLIKE Green bean casserole too

Linda Stroud Sewell and no offense taken….you haven’t eaten my cooking in a long time…..heck, I don’t even cook like that anymore 🙂

Karen Stroud Eidson I’m going to post the recipe on my blog, both the orignal version and the gluten free version. And I WILL include ALL the ingredients!

The recipe that started all this was one that I got about 40 or so years ago from my mother. My children loved it. They loved it so much, in fact, because I used to tell them it was pie and they couldn’t have any of it until they ate their dinner. They would clean their little plates so they could have that delicious squash pie. When they grew older, and knew it wasn’t pie, they still loved it. Whenever I am around them now, and cooking for them, it one of the things they always ask me to make for them. And I can not imagine that I would give the recipe to anyone and purposefully leave out an ingredient. So, here is the famous (or infamous) squash casserole recipe:

Squash Casserole, The Full Unadulterated Recipe:

5-6 medium yellow squash, scraped and diced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 or 4 slices bread, crumbled

3 eggs, beaten

Salt & pepper to taste

Club crackers, 1 sleeve, crushed

1 stick of butter

Put the squash and onion in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for about 25 minutes, until the squash is soft. Add salt and pepper to taste and 1/2 of the stick of butter. Mix in crumbled bread and beaten eggs. Pour into greased or sprayed baking dish. Cover with cracker crumbs & dot with the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until set and browned on top.

To make this casserole gluten free, prepare just as above, but use your favorite gluten free bread instead of regular bread. I use Udi’s, but any brand will work. Replace the Club cracker crumbs with crushed gluten free pretzels. I use Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels. Put them in a zip lock bag, and pound on them with a wooden rolling pin. You’ll need about 1 cup of pretzel crumbs for the top of a 9″ X 13″ casserole dish.

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Tripping Again VIII

Karen · 1 Comment

mississippi river bridge memphis — Crossing the Mississippi River

It was time to leave West Memphis, cross over the Mississippi River, and head out in the general direction of Georgia today, but the final destination was too far–380 some miles. We decided to take a very short drive today and wound up in Corinth, Mississippi at the Corinth Gun Club RV Park. It is a very nice park, with about thirty spaces. They are level, with concrete pads, and full hook ups for $30 a night. They offer discounts for Passport America and Good Sam, neither of which we have since we don’t stay in paid RV parks that much.

crossing the mississippi river in memphis — The bridge over there is the one in I-40

We got set up, and went inside to rest a bit. In about half an hour there was a knock on the door. It turned out to be a mobile RV repair guy looking for some work. I asked him if he did any welding, and he replied, yes, he does. It just so happened that we have needed to have one of the supports on the steps to our trailer repaired and have been discussing when and how and where we were going to get this done. And lo and behold, a mobile welder showed up on our doorstep!It only took him about twenty minutes to fix the problem, and then only charged us $40. What a deal, and what a coincidence that he showed up when he did!

corinth gun club rv park — Corinth Gun Club RV Park (sorry, my finger got in the picture)

When the welder guy was done, we decided to go out for dinner at the Dinner Bell Restaurant in Corinth. We both ordered a fried catfish plate with fries and cole slaw, sweet tea, and then for dessert, he had a brownie sundae that had ice cream and whipped cream on it. Oh! My! All of it was good, but we’ll get to Georgia tomorrow and then we will have to get back to eating right with more veggies and less fried.

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Just Something I Have Been Thinking About Since Last Week

Karen · 2 Comments

I meant to tell you about this the other day. We have stayed at the West 40 RV Park in Shamrock, Texas several times now. We stop there on our way to Arizona in the spring, and again on our way back east in the fall. The little old lady who owns the place is such a sweetheart! The first time we met her, we went in to register and pay for our campsite, and she came in using a walker, and had a neck brace on. She gave us directions to a a good place to eat, and also told us where to get the best deal on tires for our trailer in Shamrock. [Read more…] about Just Something I Have Been Thinking About Since Last Week

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