HCA – 501(c) 3 status update

As many of you know by now, I'm heavily involved in the Historical Citizens Association (HCA).

(Heck, I'm one of the founding members and I'm the current president :).

Earlier this year we filed for our offical Letter of Determination from the IRS, which would officially recognize our group as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization....and ...

.

.

.

~ ~ drumroll ~ ~

.

.

.

I can NOW announce that we have indeed received our Letter of Determination! (Woo hoo! :)

In other words, this letter officially recognizes that the HCA is currently, and has been since its inception (when the Articles of Association were signed), a tax exempt organization.

What does this mean for the HCA? Basically, it means that:

- any donations made to the group (including ones previously made) are *officially* tax deductible, and

- it gives us added credibility in pursuing joint ventures / event planning with other organizations.

And you can bet we're definitely interested in planning some of our own events. (We've already got a couple of fun events in the works for later this year).

Yay!!!!!

=)

You can see why I’m SO excited.
=)


-=-Becky
http://www.historicalcitizens.org/

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ok, as promised, here's a few pics and the recipe from when I made homemade cinnamon rolls from a week or so ago.

=)

Ready to Bake

* * * *

Fresh from the Oven

The Rolls turned out FABULOUS, though I realized I should have probably greased the sides of each roll as I placed them in the pan (in order to make it easier to pull the baked rolls apart from each other). Another (minor) critic is that next time I'll have more very softened butter ready when working on the butter/cinnamon/sugar layer. Having softened butter (but not *melted*) worked really well during the cooking to flavor the inside portions of the rolls during baking. Since I had run a bit short on softened butter, I quickly microwaved some butter for a few seconds, but it was too melty to work properly. (It all worked out - and I was able to use that melted butter - but the softened butter definitely works better for spreading on the dough). As for the cinnamon/sugar ratio - let's just say I used the suggested amounts as a starting point. (A Guideline =). I started with those amounts, and just started covering the dough with a layer of cinnamon and brown sugar. When it *looked* right, then I stopped. (I like mine cinnamony/sugary! =).

Instead of doing just "baker's flour" (which I didn't have on hand), I used a mix of all purpose flour and whole wheat flour (see recipe for ratio). I am certainly pleased with how the dough turned out, so I'll definitely use that mix of flours again.

Another note - the original recipe mentioned using an 8" x 8" pan. However, since I let mine rise for quite some time (I really wanted the rolls to *at least* double in size =), there was no way that I could possibly fit mine into the 8" x 8" pan. Instead, I managed to get them to fit into a 9" x 13" pan.

And lastly - next time I make these, *if* I don't want to bake ALL of the rolls at the same time, I might just freeze some of the formed rolls (uncooked/still in the dough stage - but all formed & ready to bake) so that I can just bake a few at a time.

The original recipe for both the rolls and the frosting were found on AllRecipes.com.

Click here for the cinnamon rolls and here for the icing/frosting.

(Note: Frosting recipe was part of another Cinnamon Roll recipe, submitted by a Pat Myers. I did not try the roll portion of the recipe. The icing/frosting is a fairly standard recipe for frosting, and it's hard to mess up or improve upon =).

However, me being me...I tweaked the recipe. =) So, I've rewritten the cinnamon roll recipe and incorporated my notes into it. (And I've included the frosting recipe/steps in my roll recipe)

Enjoy!

=)

* * * *

Ingredients – Rolls:
1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water (approx 110 degrees F or 45 degrees C)
– double check with Yeast package for optimum temp.
¼ cup white sugar
¾ teaspoon salt

1 egg, room temperature
2 ½ cups bread flour

(~OR~: 2 cups all purpose & ½ cup wheat -- my preference)

¼ - ½ cup butter, softened (*very soft*, but not melted)
1+ tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ + cup brown sugar

Ingredients – Icing/Frosting:
½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (aka - powdered sugar)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (My Preference: Watkins Original Double-Strength Vanilla )
1 ½ teaspoon milk


Directions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. (Careful that water temp is in correct heat range for the yeast!) Let the dissolved yeast stand until creamy (about 10+ minutes, depending on ambient room temperature).

2. In a large bowl, combined the yeast mixture with the sugar, salt, egg and about 1 cup of flower; stir well to combine. (You may want to use a whisk for this stage).

3. Stir in the remaining flour slowly, about ¼ - ½ cup at a time, beating well with each addition. (A wooden spoon works well at this stage).

4. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. (About 8 minutes). Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for about 10-20 minutes. (You may also remove to a lightly greased bowl and cover it, to let it rest).

5. Lightly grease a baking pan. Depending on how big you will make your rolls, you may want to use a 9” x 13” pan (instead of an 8” x 8” pan).

6. Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thick RECTANGLE. (This will help you roll the dough into an even cylinder shape later for cutting).

7. Smear the dough generously with the softened butter so that the dough is completely covered.

8. Sprinkle with both cinnamon and brown sugar either to taste and evenly covered. (Feel free to use more cinnamon & sugar if you like it extra cinnamony/sugary! =).

9. Roll up the dough along the long edge until it forms a roll. (Try to keep the roll tight, but don’t worry if it’s loose. You can always reform the cut roll into a tighter roll before placing it into the baking pan.)

10. Slice the roll into equal sized pieces (approximately 16) and place them in the pan with the cut side up. *Optional: You may want to brush the outside of each roll, including sides, with melted butter...or at least lightly grease the sides with cooking spray.*

11. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight OR cover and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in volume. (Min. 45 minutes – but you can go more like 1 hr to 1 ½ hrs, depending on your ambient room temperature).

12. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake until rolls are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

13. While rolls are baking, make the icing: stir together cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, & milk until well mixed.

14. Remove rolls from oven when golden brown and let them sit a few minutes. If serving immediately, top with frosting. If saving most of the rolls for later (ex. refrigerating them), save frosting until you re-heat individual rolls.

happy news! =)

My new bluetooth headset just arrived!! (Ordered one from NewEgg.com on Monday - had a deal going...basically 40% off & free shipping).

 

No more calling via speakphone while driving for me! (fingers crossed) And as most of you know, I do like to talk while driving.

=)

 

(I *still* can't believe I lost my old one that I've had for years!! But oh well, new one is here =)

 

Headset is currently charging so I can use it today. Yay!!

=)

-=-Becky

Pics Online: Long Beach Civil War Event

DSC07125
Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

Pictures (and video) from my camera at the Long Beach Civil War Event (at El Dorado Regional Park East) are now online at my Flickr site!

To view:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157619172902492/

All in all a very fun event, as you will see from the pictures!
=)

As at other events, I left my camera out and available so that others could take photos with it too. (Two people I know used my camera at times, and should get credit, Maegen Hensley and Vanessa, Annette's grandaughter).

Enjoy the pics (and videos)!

Reading the Oak Street Weekly in the Parlor

Civil War re-enactment
Originally uploaded by bill90814

Here's a neat picture taken by a spectator (bill90814 on Flickr) of some of the ladies of Oak Street (part of the Historical Citizens Association) as we read from the latest edition of the Oak Street Weekly while in the parlor of the Johnson Oak Inn.

(This picture was taken on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, CA - Civil War Reenactment).

Photos from *my* camera will probably be posted to my flickr account (and facebook/myspace) probably tonight.
=)

Pics Online: Shooting Trip (5/16/2009)

DSC07008
Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

Never got around to posting to my blog an announcement that I have indeed uploaded pics from my shooting trip in May....

So here's the announcement: Shooting Trip Pics (and video) are online!
=)

To view:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157618516544801/

It was a fun day, even if it was blazing hot. (Good thing we had a pop-up shade!) And we definitely liked the range, which was new to us, so we'll be back in the future.

Enjoy!

Switching to Darker Hair

Well, as the next Civil War event approaches (next weekend), that means I must say Adieu to my fun (lighter/redder) hair color of the last month...and dye my hair (temporarily at least) to a darker shade of brown.



Actually, I need to dye it darker than what my original hair color is since my hairpieces for Civil War are actually a tad darker than my normal shade. (My braids & twist were fairly close to my original hair color, but the braided chignon - i.e. a bun - was actually darker than my normal shade. See the attached picture.-->>

Cool thing about the braided chignon? The braids are sewn together! How awesome is that?!? (And no, I did not sew them together. It was a gift to me last Birthday - I believe Jenn Mulvey is the one who put together this gift).



Anyways, since that hairpiece is "solid" (with the braids sewn together), it'll really help me out in putting my hair up in a 1860s appropriate look since I can hide my layers and shorter ends underneath the massive braided chignon. (FYI - the general hairstyle look for this period is low - like piling the hair in a bun on the base of the neck. 'Horizontal' look in hair and clothing is the "In" look for the 1860s ;-)





So last night (after seeing the new Terminator movie) I dyed my hair using a dark brown (non-permanent) hair dye. It should definitely last through next weekend, at least...which is all I'm really aiming for with this current shade. =)



And actually, its not that bad. Something slightly different for me. Which is cool.
=)

Soda Can Warning

So one day a Co-Worker of mine added this label to a Coca-Cola can in our office Fridge...which I found hilarious.
=)

Had to take a picture, of course. (I ended up taking the can home with me to make sure I'd get a picture of it before someone just drank it without reading the warning label. =)


Label reads:

WARNING: Shaking this carbonated beverage vigorously before opening may cause moisture in unwanted regions and could result in extra-fast depletion of product.



Of course, there was also another 'fun' warning label used at work, but I unfortunately did NOT get a picture of it before it disappeared...

WARNING: This paper can cause papercuts.



LOL! Too bad I didn't get a picture of that one too!
=)

Yarn Bought! (Molly Weasley Outfit)

Pile O' Yarn for the Molly Weasley Sleeves

It's official! I've bought the yarn needed to start crocheting the Molly Weasley sleeves. (Chamber of Secrets movie, outfit worn by Molly in the Burrows)



I think I bought enough of each color...but we'll see as I start to crochet it.
=)


Guess that means I better get cracking at this project, now that I've bought the yarn.
;-)


(Of course, I'll still need to go Thrift Store shopping to find a pink knit cardigan that I can rip off the sleeves and attach these sleeves too...I'm better at crochet than knitting, so I'm not about to knit myself the sweater just to attach the sleeves to it! =).

Back on the road! =) Tire changed and we're cont. on our way to the shooting range. Pics of tire will follow later today.

Today's trip already off to an interesting start - currently changing flat tire on the truck (not my car/wasn't me driving.)

Pics Online: Ren Faire 2009

DSC06921
Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

Just a quick note to say my pics from yesterday's Ren Faire outing (yes, all of 'em...and there's a LOT of pic, so you're warned!) are now online at my flickr site.

Enjoy!

To view pics, visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157617947462000/

Ren Faire 2009

So, yesterday, was the big day...Ren Faire outing! All my scrambling to finish (well, make at least wearable) my new Elizabethan bodice paid off as I got to wear it to the Faire. Yes!!! (Of course, I was hand sewing eyelets for front lacing holes in the car during the drive and in the parking lot while the others finished their prep...but I got it wearable! ;-)

Candice Yacono, Gretchen Foltz, and I all had a BLAST yesterday at the Faire. We entered the gates around 11am (or just before) and didn't leave until we were kicked out in the 2nd (final) security sweep for closing. (When they make you show your ID to prove your a guild member, etc.).

After wandering through the St. Ives' area and the initial vendor booths, including an interesting booth with Steam-punk items (some cool googles and belts attracted my attention to the booth, mainly), we came upon the Food Area and St. Cuthbert's (guild) nearby. There we found Elizabeth McCash...who was glad to stop winding balls of yarn and come wander with us for a bit.

Of course we just HAD to get our pictures taken in the stocks....there were 4 of stocks just sitting near Friends of Faire...and we had 4 of us, so we managed to snagg a nearby person to take a couple of pics on my camera of us. (Unfortunately, only 1 of the 4 "titles" posted above each stock is visible...the rest are blocked by our heads...bummer).

During our wandering, we caught the tail end of Broon's show (always fun). By now, though, it was near noon, and we all decided we were hungry enough to wander back to the Food Area to see if we could beat some of the rush to stand in line for various food vendors. (Food at Ren Faire is always so yummy! Just so dang expensive! Especially Water!! Oh well)

For myself, I bought Toad in the Hole, a skewer of Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus (a "Knight's Lance" ;-), and a skewer of grilled veggies (mushrooms, peppers, squash, etc. - aka "a Royal Scepter"). After we got our food, Elizabeth had to leave us as St. C's was about to serve their own food, and then she'd need to be around for the Queen's Progress (parade). So we went back to wandering the Faire. We made our way down the winding pathway, past many more 'trader' selling their wares. We passed a "Green Man" who was grooving to some Dulcimer music (actually, it was really good music - I ended up buying 2 cds from him later in the day since I enjoyed the music each time we passed him). Then we stopped by Clan MacColin. I chatted for a few minutes with the wood-worker (he was planing a piece of wood to smooth it out to prep it for cutting a groove in it later to fit 'tounge and groove' with another piece of wood). We then stopped by the German camp for a quick walk-around (or walk-thru). Afterwards, we came across the Clan MacColin Irish Dance performance (already in progress) at Drake's Golden Hinde (stage) and stopped to watch a good portion of that show. (I got quite a few pictures and even some video of some of the dancing, singing, musicians performing, etc.) Next up: more browsing through vendor stalls. =)

Soon, though we made our way to the Royal Tournament of Horses to snag a seat for the Queen's Joust. We had a great time...not just cause it was a fun show, but we 3 got to make fun comments from the sideline. ;-) The other nearby spectators in same bleacher section were certainly amused by us and our comments. (And yes, I took a number of photos during this show too).


On our way back to the Food Area (yes, we were hungry again - snack time! =), we got sidetracked by the "Famous Shakespeare School led by William Shakespeare" at the Rogue's Reef. Eventually, we got our snacks (fresh cut curly fries and a cream puff - best of both worlds...salty & sweet) to share...and we ran into a friend I know through Civil War reenacting, Cat Lane! (I thought I had seen Jordan, her boyfriend, pass by us in the opposite direction earlier! =).

While waiting around a few minutes in the St. C's area, to see if Elizabeth McCash was around (and if we could snag her again =), the Queen arrived for Tea. So I snapped a few pics. =) Back to wandering on the pathway, we were waylaid by the Official Merchandize booth as a worker threatened to shoot a rubber ducky (with a tiny pistol) if we didn't step inside the booth. Seeing as how both Candice & Gretchen love Ducks, I was litterally pushed into the booth to avoid seeing the rubber ducky shot! LOL! After browsing a few minutes, we managed to sneak out w/o purchasing anything. ;-)

Further on in our wanderings, Candice & Gretchen got sidetracked by a bunch of ducks (possibly even geese?) on the other side of the fence, near the water, and just HAD to get some pictures. So I snagged a nearby bench in the shade and people watched for a bit while they got their "ducky time". =). A few minutes after we all met up again, Elizabeth (McCash) appeared on the road next to us! She had been over at the Brass Rubbing booth (where she had done a few rubbings) and was on her way back. So we all joined up again and then set out again to wander the faire for a bit. On our way towards the Gelato booth (yum!), we passed by the Fencing booth...and all of our attention was instantly drawn to a gal who was learning fencing...in bright pink sandal heels! (Yes, I got a pictures of this!) It was just so amusing!

Once we got to the Gelato booth, we joined the long line and started chatting with a nearby German (?) soldier. He was a lot of fun to chat with. =) (We also ran into a spectator that was annoying him...and us...but eventually he moved on when he realized his comments had quickly passed the 'appropriate' level and we didn't want his company anymore). Then we headed back to St. C's so Elizabeth could put down/away her brass rubbings (and not have to carry them anymore). There we snagged a couple of benches near the side of the road, in the shade no less, (in the St. C's area) and people watched as the parade of spectators (and occasionally performers) passed us by. There were some INTERESTING outfits, to be sure, as it was "Fantasy weekend"...or something like that. ;-)

Elizabeth soon had to leave to go particpate in a parade (as Banner gal), so we snapped a quick pic of her before she left. Candice, Gretchen & I continued sitting in the shade...until Candice and I wandered over to get another skewer of bacon-wrapped asparagus. Unfortunately, they were out of ones that were already prepared/ready to grill, so we had to wait 15 minutes (which turned into like 20 minutes) for the skewer. While waiting, we ran into Annie (from CGW) as she was passing by on her way somewhere (she was out of costume by now, since it was near closing). By the time I got back with the asparagus skewer to share with the others, Elizabeth was done with her part in the parade and had re-joined us on the benches. We all shared the yummy asaparagus (bacon wrapped & seasoned with fresh ground black pepper) while we continued people watching. After a bit, a commotion ensued behind us in St. C's...in which an old shirt that was 'past its prime' was beginning to be torn literally to pieces, by some of the gals in the guild. They were having such fun that I had to take pics. They started tying on strips of the shirt on to their arms as if they were 'favors', so we got them to pose for a couple of pictures with them. Candice and Elizabeth even joined in! (I took pics for everyone). As everyone was settling down, I made the comment that we didn't have a picture of them and the shirt pieces with the original owner of the shirt, Daniel. So of course they just HAD to have a few more pics so they could get him in them! =) It was hillarious! (Yes, Pictures will be online).

As we were doing this, the first wave of 'shooing' spectators (like ourselves) was going on, so we were missed. =) We chatted and hung out with the St. C folk for a bit, then started to make our way towards the front as the second/final wave to get spectators out would soon be coming. We managed to squeeze in one more picture shoot, however, as we passed the 7 Deadly Sins board. We 4 each put our head through a spot in the wall, and had a passer by take a quick shot or two of us with my camera, and then we all joined the last of the revelers leaving the faire.

Whew! What a day!
=)
Lots of fun, to be sure. It was one of the most fun packed days at faire I've had in a while...plus the bonus of the fact I actually made it in costume this year! Oh, and it was also definitely a plus that I did NOT end up with a major sinus infection (despite the dust and wind factor). Yay! =)

OC Register Video re: History/Civil War School Demo

Just thought I'd share a link to a video with you. My old millitary group (1st Penn, Battery B, Light Artillery - aka "Cooper's Battery") annually participates in a School Demo at the Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA). This year, the OC register did a short video about their History Day (and interviewed a few people - a reenactor, a teacher, and a student). The video is now posted on the OC Register website. It's pretty neat. =)

To view the Video, click on this link:
http://www.ocregister.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1127694947&bclid=1125901233&bctid=22226129001

"Watch Boom! Civil War re-enactors set up camp at RSM school"
Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School's history day event
brings the sounds, sights, and smells of civil war and western
era history to life.


(And yes, I did this demo back when I was with the Battery - and the students are encouraged to dress up. Many will go out and rent costumes and the like.)


-=-Becky
aka - Miss Violet Johnson, Johnson Oak Inn (47 Oak St)
www.HistoricalCitizens.org

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Celebrating the Mexican Army's victory against the occupying French Army - at the Battle of Puebla in 1862!

(There's your random history fact for the day =)

Happy Star Wars Day!

"May the Fourth be with you!"

I know, its a bad pun, but its still funny.
;-)

In honor of Star Wars Day...

here's a hillarious video of an a cappella tribute to Star Wars set to John Williams' non-star wars music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYAPr6UKhs

Enjoy!
=)

Pics Online: Angels Game

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Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

A co-worker was nice enough to let me use his season tickets (4) to an Angels games...one that he wasn't interested in attending...and for free. Score! =)

Seats were nosebleed section, but they had an awesome view...directly behind home plate! =)

Anyways, pics of when Candice, Matt (her husband), a friend, & I all went to see the Angels vs. the Mariners are now online. =)

A fun time was had by all. =)

To View the Set, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157617664988360/

Pics Online: Grandpa's Memorial Service

DSC06411
Originally uploaded by marcailgaelyn

Just a quick note to say that pics from my Grandpa Art's Memorial Service (4-4-09) are now online at my flickr account.

To View the Set, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterbec/sets/72157617663475742/

fun with hair

Just wanted to post a recent pic, since I needed to get one taken (for a project). So anyways, here's a picture of me, taken this afternoon, showing not only my still-relatively-new haircut but also the more recent hair coloring! (Loving the new color...which isn't too obvious unless I'm outside in sunlight =).

1 Free Ticket for Saturday's Angels Game

Hey, anyone want to come with me to Saturday's Angel's Game?

I have 1 free ticket left!

I ended up with 4 free tickets for Saturday's game (Angels vs. Seattle Mariners) so I'm going, and so far I have 2 friends coming with me...which leaves 1 ticket yet unclaimed. Who wants to join us?

=)

Details:

Date: Sat. April 25, 2009

Game Time: 6:05pm

Nosebleed Seats (but free!!!)

Seat Location: Section V521, Row M