GIZMO'S GOSSIP 

Hi again everyone.  Gizmo here.
Keep 'em on a tight leash ! That's what some people say.
Did anyone every ask our opinion about that ? Do any of you know what it feels like to be kept on a tight leash ? Try it and you'll know why we choke.

Anyhow, my point was meant to be figurative not literal (not bad for a dog eh ?). You've all read about Sherlock, the kitten we got last fall from the Humane Society, the one whose feminine side is so prominent we call him Shirley ? Well mom has refused to let him outside for fear that he'll find the grass greener somewhere else. (Keep in mind that even if the grass is greener on the other side - you still have to mow it) Anyhow, Shirley spent the winter watching the bird feeder from the wrong side of the sliding door. While we were seeing birds, he was seeing lunch.

Whenever he did get out by mistake, Utah (on command) would charge out and round him up. All to the point that Shirley was a bit timid about being out (see what happens when you're overprotective ?). Well, we finally got mom to loosen up and Shirley gets out every day and is having a ball, chasing flies, old leaves of course birds. Whenever the folks want him to come in they look out and if they can't find him, out goes Utah to perform one of his few useful acts.

Moral of the story ? A tight leash, like an umbilical cord, should be cut sooner rather than later.

GIZMO'S BELIEVE IT ..OR..NOT!! Cats have better memories than dogs. Tests conducted by the University of Michigan concluded that while a dogs memory lasts no more than 5 minutes, a cat's can last as long as 16 hours - exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans.

Love  Gizmo

Lemon Cream Pancakes

By popular demand here's the recipe for incredibly light & delicious Lemon Cream Pancakes. The secret is the sour cream.

1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lemon grated for zest
thin slices of grated lemon

1.	Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing only until combined.

2.	Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it bubbles. Ladle the pancake batter into the pan to make 3 or 4 pancakes.

3.	Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles appear on top and the underside is nicely browned. Flip the pancakes and then cook for another minute until browned.

3.	Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, add more butter to the pan, and continue cooking pancakes until all the batter is used. Serve with a slice of lemon, butter and maple syrup.

The smithsonian of vermont!!

The Shelburne Museum a popular destination for guests, officially opens May 2oth. Located in Vermont's scenic Lake Champlain valley, Shelburne Museum is one of the nation's finest, most diverse, and unconventional museums of art and Americana. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in a remarkable setting of 39 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the Museum grounds.

 

Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts and textiles, decorative arts, furniture, American paintings, and a dazzling array of 17th-to 20th-century artifacts are on view. Shelburne is home to the finest museum collections of 19th-century American folk art, quilts, 19th- and 20th-century decoys, and carriages.

 The Shelburne Museum  is a must-see attraction. Spread out over several acres are historic buildings that have been moved to the site. Exhibits include a 1906 steamship, a blacksmith shop (with a blacksmith!), art , incredible quilts, toys, decorative arts, gardens, an old jail, a train and train station, carriages and much more. The museum was started by a wealthy collector, and you can take a separate 2-hour tour ($25) of the Brick House, her summer home. This is one of the finest historic homes you will see, with a fabulous view of Lake Champlain and incredible woodwork, wall coverings, furniture and collectibles.  As one Vermont visitor said, it's the Smithsonian of Vermont, (read her review) allow ample time to visit the many acres of history. Open daily through October 28.  For details, see Shelburne Museum
Brad & Jacquie

VERMONT EVENTS  may 2007

International Migratory Bird Day - May 12, 2007 in Swanton Birdwatchers of all abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate in the annual bird count. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (29 Tabor Road) 802-868-4781  Web Site

10th Annual Essex Spring Craft Show  - May 5-6,2007 :This wonderful spring craft and fine art show, held the weekend prior to Mother’s Day, is the ideal time to select that special hand crafted gift for yourself and for all those special occasions. Experience the fine work of approximately 200 talented artisans from across the US and Canada who will showcase traditional, contemporary and country crafts, fine art, folk art and gourmet specialties.

Vermont 51st Annual Dairy Festival - May 31, June 1 - 3, 2007 in Enosburg Falls:  In addition Parade, beauty pageant, Texas Hold'em & horse pull

Vermont City Marathon- Sunday, May 27th in Burlington: Annual Vermont Running Event This annual event has been ranked one of the top 20 best marathons in the country by Runner's World magazine. This 26.2 mile running event is held on the streets and bike paths of Burlington, VT. The scenic course begins at Battery Park and finishes in Waterfront Park with post race festivities for runners and spectators. Pre-race activities include a 2-day sports and fitness exposition that features over 50 vendors and a buffet dinner.

Vermont Balloon and Music Festival- June 1 - June 3, 2007 in Essex Junction:  Balloon launches, rides, music, crafts, food, and carnival rides. Great concerts with Roomful of Blues and Felix Cavaleries’ Rascals are just two of the great family fun opportunities during the three-day weekend of hot-air ballooning, family entertainment and carnival fun at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.

Champlain Valley Antique Auto Show - Jun. 23, 2007 to Jun. 24, 2007 in St. Albans -Formerly the Shelburne Auto Show. Come see hundreds of classic and antique automobiles. Parade and Fashion Show on Saturday, awards given on Sunday afternoon. Flea market and old cars for sale both days. Many special exhibits.

Green Mountain Chew Chew - June 22 - June 24 in Burlington:  Food and music festival featuring Vermont food producers and Burlington area restaurants. Heaven for food lovers! Waterfront Park, Burlington.

"Two Ton" Tundra

While Sherli knocks down doors to get outside, Tundra is content to sunbathe on the window seat. No exercise for her!!