Tag Archives: memories

Shamrock Shake Facts & Trivia

15 Mar

I Love Shamrock Shakes

My third shake of the season…

I do believe I’m one of the first people to ever try a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake. I grew up in East Hartford Connecticut and my Dad loved mint everything mint. As a little girl going to McDonald’s was a treat, not an every day occurrence. Until we were ten we were not allowed to drink pop or soda so my parents ordered shakes for us at McDonald’s.

Normally I got strawberry, but I have vague memories of drinking from my Dad’s straw a tangy green shake, and later it was a yearly trip to get a green shake. There was a pony ride in Enfield during the 1970′s and we would stop at the local Mickey D’s for french fries and a shake.

Here are a few facts and trivia about the Shamrock Shake.

  1. Invented at an Enfield Connecticut McDonald’s  in 1966 (although the McDonald’s website claims 1970)
  2. First called the St Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake
  3. Started selling nationally in 1970 in response to a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser
  4. Calorie Content: 420, Small, 740 Medium, 820 Large (but who really cares?)
  5. Large Shamrock shake provides up to 60% of your daily calcium requirement (oh yeah!)
  6. Available only for a limited time around St. Patrick’s Day
  7. A Shamrock sundae was proposed and tried in 1980, but was a failure (wonder why?)
  8. You can post  Shamrock Shake sightings and  reviews at  Shamrock Shake Locator

This year the Shamrock Shake phenomenon and cult following has taken to Twitter with a photo contest on Twitter sponsored by the Branford Patch. Here are the rules according to their website

  1. Follow @McD_CTWMA on Twitter
  2. Make sure your account is set to public so we can follow you back
  3. Watch for weekly ‘Caption That Shamrock Shake’ photos
  4. Submit your caption, tag @McD_CTWMA, and include #CaptionThatShamrockShake hashtag
  5. At the end of each week in March we will choose a winner for a $25 Arch Card
  6. At the end of March we will choose a grand prize winner for a $50 Arch Card

If you can’t find a Shamrock shake at your local Mickey D’s, or it’s not  St. Patricks  season, here is a recipe to make your own minty shake. But, it’s not the same memory or experience. There is just something about those McDonalds straws and sharing with your Dad when you’re six you can’t duplicate.

Shamrock Shake recipe

* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup half & half
* 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (spearmint, not peppermint)
* 8 drops green food coloring

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8th Day of Christmas

1 Jan

Santa had his busy night on December 25th, but it doesn’t mean he goes away for another year. In many homes he lives in the hearts and minds of those that keep the spirit of giving in their hearts.

I love to relive childhood memories and although my kids have grown beyond Santa it brings a smile to my face to remember those days when I did believe. My Godmother gave us an identical Santa as the one below, and ironically my husband received the same Santa. Just one more thing we have in common.

Vintage Santa

Vintage Santa

I won’t say how old my husband is, but he just had a milestone birthday and I did call the Santa vintage. Better term than “old” I think don’t you? All I will say is sometime in the 1960′s “Vintage Santa” graced our households and Christmas trees.

Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope you keep the spirit of giving in your heart today and always.

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Where Were You, Remembering 9-11

11 Sep

Where were you at 8:45 am ET, September 11, 2011?

For me it was a morning like every other. I was getting ready for work and paused to get on the computer and check my email. In the background the TV was tuned to Good Morning America. I glanced at the TV just in time to catch breaking news right after the first plane hit.  My heart stopped when I watched the second plane live and I felt as though I couldn’t breathe.

I went to work at Oxbow Pet Products and we huddled around a small TV we brought into the office. The phones were silent. No calls were coming in, no orders being placed. Nothing mattered. No one wanted to go home, we cried silently at what this meant as the towers fell. Planes were grounded, and then news of the Pentagon. What was next? After lunch we shut off the phones, closed the doors early and went home to hug our families.

No I will not forget that day.

911 Memorial

At 7:40 this morning I was driving to work, listening to KFAB radio and I heard the  Strategic Air Museum placed  3000 flags as a memorial on the lawn.  I was only a half mile away. I had to stop.  On each flag was the name of each person who died that day. As the sunlight streamed in from the east, I couldn’t help but think of that day and where I was, when the World Stopped Turning.

I live in Nebraska, yet I’m from Connecticut and had been to the World Trade Center and been up in the Towers. I’ve visited the site in 2002, 2004, 2010, and 2011. They say time heals all wounds. But the scars remain. Let’s never forget

Let’s never forget  some some never made it to work, some never made it home. Let’s never forget  those that died, those who lost family and friends, and all the countless fireman, police officers and volunteers who gave of unselfishly gave of themselves.

So where were you on that day? What do you not want to forget?

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?[Chorus:]
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
You the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is loveWhere were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?[Chorus x2]And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

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You Fly to Work, in The US Airborne

27 Jun

In continuing story of my Dad’s Korea War 82nd Airborne experience here is an ad I found in a large envelope where he kept clippings from his time in the 508th. After doing  a little searching I found this was published in Modern Mechanix magazine.

1950s Army Airborne Ad

1950s Army Airborne Ad

The original is yellowed, badly wrinkled, and the bottom corner torn. Since my dad graduated from Ft. Benning in June 151 I can only think he saw this ad and was proud of being part of the finest fighting outfit in the world.

“The Mark of A Man!”

The paratrooper’s wings of the U.S. Army Airborne are the mark of a man! Those who wear this distinctive insignia belong to the finest fighting outfit in the world.”

August 1951

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Photo Restoration: 1960′s Era

25 Jun

Photo Restoration 1960s

Photo Restoration 1960s

I’ve finally removed hundreds of old photos from nearly a dozen “magnetic” glue photo albums. Not quite acid free. My Mother thought she was doing a good thing in the 1980′s by organizing and putting them into alums, when in actuality they would have been better off in the desk drawer in the original envelopes.

They were so stuck I had to use the pointy end of a fondue fork to pry them off and carefully unstick the back. The paper came off on some, but at least now the family memories are back in a shoebox.

At first glance the photos look to be in pretty good shape, but it only takes one scan and a white correction on levels to see how far these photos have faded.

I’m going to scan the snapshots, but the really old photos from the late 1800′s and early 1990′s I’m going to have professionally scanned at Hamilton Color Lab, where I work. My home scanner will only capture so much detail and they are too important to trust to a Best Buy over the counter scanner.

Photo Story: Here I met my brother for the first time. We were both adopted through Children’s Services of Connecticut. As you can see although my brother Lance was a baby he wasn’t a newborn when he went to our parents. My birthday is Sept. 21, 1965, yet I didn’t go to my parent until January 20, 1966.  Along with photos I now have my adoption records, certificates, and letters from the agency. Still don’t know if I will search or not. Even after witnessing my husband and his son’s adoption reunion.

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#9/52: Shamrock Shake, It’s That Time of Year

1 Mar

It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.

Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.

Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.

There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.

So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.

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#8/52: Another Birthday

27 Feb

17 Candles

17 Birthday Candles

My daughter turned 17 this month and it’s one more year closer to independence, one more day closer to college and one more year closer to moving into a dorm.  Every day brings me closer to the day where my “baby” won’t be within hugging distance.  It seems that with every year comes remarkable changes that leaves me in awe.

College brochures arrive in the mail, scholarships , ACT tests, all signs of the future to come.  Right now I’m just going to bask in the glow of the candles of my daughters burning light and enjoy the short time I have left and enjoy each day.

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Day 297-298: Honoring my Dad on Veterans Day

11 Nov

My Dad was a private quiet man. He served in World War II and in Korea. However I know very little about his WWII experience other than he was in the Navy, on a destroyer operating one of the big guns at Normandy and in the Pacific. His papers and commendations were all lost when he arrived home on New Years Eve and put his sea bag down in Times Square. Someone else picked it up. Considering he used his brothers ID to get in at age 16 I don’t know what I can find out.

For the sake of possibly finding anybody who served with my Dad I’m listing his full name: Leo Thomas “Terry”  Tyrrell, his nickname in WWII was Tiny Terry the Terrible. He wasn’t very big, 5’6″ and weighed 125 lbs sopping wet. But, from what I understand you didn’t want to mess with him. He fought like a little bantam rooster. I often compare his physique to Clint Eastwood, not an ounce of fat on him.

Leo Tyrrell, Korean War Memorabilia

Leo Tyrrell, Korean War Memorabilia

He reenlisted in the Korean War with the Army airborne and I do have his papers and airman’s wings which I treasure greatly. (There is a longer story on this shadow box which I will relate later) He was a paratrooper and after the war worked for a parachute factory in Manchester Connecticut. The area is now called Silk City. For many years he didn’t talk about the war, but he would watch all the black and white television shows on WWII and occasionally he would say “I sat there, that’s what I did.” I wish I had paid more attention when I was a kid.

Here’s to my Dad and all the veterans today that served our country and have given us the freedom we enjoy today. We are a safer country and world for what you did many years ago. We salute you.

Veterans Honor Memorial Flag

Veterans Honor Memorial Flag

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Where Poppies Grow, In Flanders Field

11 Nov

I could make it to the Elmwood-Murdock Veterans Day program this year, so I’m posting last years tribute from the high school choir. It’s my favorite  and never fails to give me chills.

Thank you to all our veterans who have served and who are now serving in the United States Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Day 263-267: Memories of Childhood

4 Nov

As I went through my Mom’s things this summer I ran across a box of my school papers and artwork from elementary school. I really think she kept every little thing I drew. Obviously I couldn’t keep everything, just selected a few things that I remembered drawing that had special meaning. The rest I tried to document in pictures.

Enjoy a trip down memory lane, it was the 1970′s, life was simple, The Monkees were popular, we didn’t have to wear bike helmets, skateboard knee pads, and could stay out all day without checking in with our cell phones. Life was indeed simpler.

Peanuts Lunchbox from 1970's

Peanuts Lunchbox from 1970's

Pinocchio soundtrack 33 rpm Record

Pinocchio soundtrack 33 rpm Record

Monkees' record from a Cereal Box

Monkees' record from a Cereal Box

Here is a sign of technology. Who remembers cereal boxes records? Real records printed on the backs of Froot Loops and Tony the Tiger (Frosted Flakes) you cut out of the cardboard? This Monkees record was one of them. Pretty amazing. I remember wearing this record out by playing it over and over again, Archie was another Colgem record I remember. This is actually for sale, along with other 1970′s childrens records including the Disney movie soundtracks on 33 rpm records.

If you’re interested let me know. At some point they will go on eBay.

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