Sochi 2014

This week we headed to the Southwest Florida Figure Skating Club to see two Olympic skating pairs wrap-up training at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Now we have a horse in the race – well actually a skater on the ice

Won’t that make watching the Olympic skating competition all the more fun?

Endurance, dedication, devotion and practice every day . . .

Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay {USA}

Felicia Zhang and her partner Nathan Bartholomay have finished their training at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex and look forward to their trip overseas. The figure skaters’ flight leaves Saturday from Tampa International Airport. The couple was practicing in preparation for their Olympic in front of a packed house. Fridays are "simulations", meaning full costume with music.

Zhang will be accompanied by her dad, and Bartholomay will be joined by his mother, sister and two friends.

Zhang says the moment she looks forward to most…is not their own event. “The Opening Ceremonies; I mean, I have watched them every year. I am so excited to walk and be a part of it and be on TV wearing American gear.”

Stacey Kemp and David King {United Kingdom}

Stacey Kemp and David King now train in Ellenton Florida with their primary coach being former Worlds Bronze Medalist in Pairs, Lyndon Johnston. After last season ankle injuries and torn ligaments, club members Stacey Kemp and David King are competing for Olympic Gold in Sochi. They have won 10 consecutive British Pair titles, Novice and Junior then 8 senior. They were the first British Pair team in 16 years to qualify and compete at a Winter Olympic Games for Pairs back in 2010. Next big goal: the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

The Ellenton rink has trained 10 Olympic Pair Skaters from 3 countries
Good luck Felicia, Nate, Stacey, and David  – we’ll be watching

 

Also taking the ice that day were Cirinia Gillett and Maximiliano Fernandez

 {Novice Pairs Nationals Silver medalists winners}

{Article quotes from: mysuncoast.com / lambcoskating.co.uk / heraldtribune.com}

walk along the shore

The Soothing Power of the Ocean

{by the editors of Prevention magazine}

There is something magical that happens when we walk along the shore. Our cares lighten; our perspective lengthens. Scientists are trying to put their finger on exactly why that is . . .

A new study confirms that being outdoors, especially near water, helps us de-stress.

But do we really need proof?

Just head to the beach and let the sand and waves soothe body and soul.

cheese broccoli soup {lite version}

Cheese Broccoli Soup {lite version}

Serves 2

Simmer for 8-10 min

6 oz broccoli spears (steamed for 2 minutes - partially cooked)

13 oz chicken broth

10 oz Rotel Mild Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles,

Stir in until melted

4 oz Kraft Velveeta Pasteurized prepared cheese  

Amount Per Serving

WW PointsPlus 6

Calories 242

Total Fat 13

Total Carbohydrates 16

Dietary Fiber 3

Protein 18

Sugars 9g

Next time I may puree 1/2  the soup with an immersion blender and stir it back in for a smoother soup.

Ginny Owens

Church is always more fun when we host musicians from the previous night's concert.

This week we were treated to the amazing talents of Ginny Owens.

Ginny Owens was born in Jackson, Mississippi, with poor eyesight and has been blind since the age of three. She became a household name as the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year. Growing in notoriety as both a singer and a songwriter, winning 3 Dove awards and multiple ASCAP Awards along the way, Owens has sold close to a million records over the course of her career. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved” among others, Owens’ music has also impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House.  {ginnyowens.com}

Say Amen {we bought this cd}

2011 – Get In, I’m Drivin’ {amazon.com}

The Missing Picture {Cambodia}

Since my daughter and her family live in Cambodia

This was of particular interest to us . . . 

2013 Oscar Nomination: Foreign Language Film 

The Missing Picture {Cambodia}

{photo credit: filmfestival.be}

This is the first Academy Award nomination for Cambodia.

Trailer for The Missing Picture

We are now wondering where we can see this heartbreaking film.

vaporub

I recently went to a dermatologist for a small rash on my foot. While treating it the doctor told me a hint that he gives to all his patients.  He says painting your toenails with menthol Vick's Vaoprub ointment everyday will keep them from drying out and help them stay healthy. 

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Guess I will give it a try until my next pedicure and see what happens.

recipe analysis

I found this free tool when trying to figure out the calorie count of some of my recipes.

To see a nutrition facts label for your recipe enter your recipe. here . . . 

caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php

Here are two samples

tomato, cucumber, feta salad

squash soup

Tada !