It's an Exciting Time to be an American....

You can't escape it. The question on everyone's mind

by virtue of television, radio and conversation is, "Who will be the NEXT President of the United States?"

I know that is the topic of conversation at the Recca house. We are news junkies anyway, (even Sabrina!) but for the last month (or two) we are more obsessed than usual with watching cable news and our local news network.

I wanted to take a moment and share with you a website that is very informative with regard to the United States Presidential Election Process, the United States Government, the Freedom of Information Act, the Political Process and Congressional Acts, State of the Union Address and a very helpful listing of Governmental Offices. The Website is called, Presidential Election . com
Here is a link. Take some time and check it out. Bookmark it. It is s a great resource. Tell your kids about it too as there is a students' section with all kinds of education information. Presidential Election - 2008.

With less than a week to go until the election - you have got your work cut out for you:

1. DO - your research
2. KNOW - where your candidates stand on issues
3. VOTE - on November 4th

The next time you hear from us - we'll have a new President. It certainly is an exciting time to be an American!
Blaise & Cathie Recca

North Carolina State Fair.....

What a glorious week for the North Carolina State Fair -
cool temperatures (60's), Carolina Blue Skies, and the scent of fried macaroni and cheese in the air - mmmmmmmmm.




(Although Sabrina would say there were a few other "scents" in the air!)



Blaise and I took our daughter and her best friend to the fair, where they met up with about 20+ of their "closest" friends for rides, food and fun. They went their way, (immediately to the midway) and we went ours (to the chicken, rabbit, goat, cattle , prized winning vegetables and antique farm equipment exhibits.) I guess it's safe to assume that our days of rides that shake you, drop you and twist and turn you until you want to "loose" that fried macaroni and cheese you just ate -- are OVER! (at least for the most part.) Every once in a while I con Blaise into going on a ride or two -- which immediately following, we both vow to never do again. There is so much to see and do, I don't mind not riding the rides so much anymore.

The animal exhibits are typically my favorite exhibits. There's a lot of pride and hard work that goes into raising such fine animals -- which is clearly evidenced by the calloused hands and weathered faces of their caretakers. Generations of farmers, their children and their childrens' children beamed with pride as the fruits of their labor were rewarded by blue ribbons.

Visiting the fair was a wonderful way to spend the day, and reminded us of just how blessed we are to live in beautiful North Carolina. Take the time this Fall to visit your state, county or town fair. Or, if you don't live in an area that hosts such an event, seek one out. In these troubled times we are experiencing -- it does the heart and soul good to take a breath, and experience the simple pleasures of life.
Enjoy your week!

P.S. Blaise, they
put those signs
up for a reason!!!

North Carolina State Fair Prize Winning Recipes....

In honor of our recent visit to the North Carolina State Fair, I'm going to be sharing some of the prize winning NC State Fair recipes. Delicious and easy to prepare - for the most part they use local produce and/or products are are just plaing GOD!

Here's one I've tried myself and not only is it delicious - it's quick and easy!

Honey (or spicy!) Mustard Oven Fried Potato Wedges
by Janice Wolfe of Fuquay-Varina, NC

1 pkg. House-Autry Mills (a NC product) Oven Pork Coating Mix
4 large baking potatoes (pre baked)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
4 tbsp. honey mustard (or, I like to use spicey deli-style mustard + a tsp of honey)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Pre-heat your oven t 375 degrees. Cut potatoes into six wedges. Mix mayo, seasoned salt, honey mustard and pepper together. (you can add a bit of hot sauce to this mixture if you want to give it some kick!) Coat the potato wedges with the mixture - generously! Roll wedges in pork seasoning mix. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Put the extra mayo mixture in a little bowl for dipping. Yum!