Greetings fans of Christmas music and/or the Utah Baroque Ensemble!
We are performing twice in the Orem Public Library tonight -- almost all Christmas music. This is usually my favorite concert of the year.
The first performance starts at 6PM, the second at 7:30 PM. Suitable for all ages. Hope to see you there!
Why I have a blog
- Holly
- Since I never seem to get around to sending out Christmas cards or letters, I decided to blog a bit to keep my fans updated. :-)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A new Thanksgiving tradition
I joined B.S and family for Thanksgiving today over at Silly Girl's grandparents' house. We started with cheese and crackers, chips and dip, veggies and other appetizers around 11AM. About 1PM we decided to institute a new tradition--one I am calling "Life is short, eat pie first!"
Yep -- we had pie for lunch. The turkey dinner will start around 5.
I think I really like this. I often pass on pie after Thanksgiving dinner and just catch it the next day as part of the leftovers extravaganza. I found I really enjoyed having it earlier in the day. And, since we have more than 1 pie/person this year, there is plenty of pie left for those who want some after dinner today (and for me to have some more tomorrow).
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Yep -- we had pie for lunch. The turkey dinner will start around 5.
I think I really like this. I often pass on pie after Thanksgiving dinner and just catch it the next day as part of the leftovers extravaganza. I found I really enjoyed having it earlier in the day. And, since we have more than 1 pie/person this year, there is plenty of pie left for those who want some after dinner today (and for me to have some more tomorrow).
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hmmm...round 1 of the experimental technique did not go well
So here's my plan -- if I can use the shell molding method of chocolate making, I might get a better seal on my cherry chocolates.
So, I followed the instructions in my awesome candy book by the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) to polish my chocolate molds and fill them with tempered chocolate. I then deviated slightly from the instructions and turned them over to drain on cooling racks (instead of a bowl). I must have waited just a bit too long to drain them, because the chocolate did not really drip down through the cooling rack grid very well and more chocolate than I anticipated remained in the cavities of the mold.
I persevered anyway, hoping to identify other challenges with my plan. With the extra thickness of the chocolate in the cavities, there wasn't room for the extra-large maraschino cherries I have on hand. I cut them in half and dropped them in. I then piped in some fondant (there wasn't room for much) and sealed with chocolate.
This batch won't be beautiful, but here's what I learned:
1. I need smaller cherries (I might have to go to Gygi's on Saturday and see if they have some smaller ones)
2. I need deeper molds that are more rigid than the ones I have. I'm thinking about investing in one of these.
3. I need a better scraper. (I'm thinking a wide rigid putty knife)
I will first try another round in my existing molds and see if a thinner wall of chocolate might work better. But not tonight. If you have any ideas, send them my way!
So, I followed the instructions in my awesome candy book by the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) to polish my chocolate molds and fill them with tempered chocolate. I then deviated slightly from the instructions and turned them over to drain on cooling racks (instead of a bowl). I must have waited just a bit too long to drain them, because the chocolate did not really drip down through the cooling rack grid very well and more chocolate than I anticipated remained in the cavities of the mold.
I persevered anyway, hoping to identify other challenges with my plan. With the extra thickness of the chocolate in the cavities, there wasn't room for the extra-large maraschino cherries I have on hand. I cut them in half and dropped them in. I then piped in some fondant (there wasn't room for much) and sealed with chocolate.
This batch won't be beautiful, but here's what I learned:
1. I need smaller cherries (I might have to go to Gygi's on Saturday and see if they have some smaller ones)
2. I need deeper molds that are more rigid than the ones I have. I'm thinking about investing in one of these.
3. I need a better scraper. (I'm thinking a wide rigid putty knife)
I will first try another round in my existing molds and see if a thinner wall of chocolate might work better. But not tonight. If you have any ideas, send them my way!
Halloween is over...time to start dipping chocolates for Christmas!
Yep candy fans...I'm working on a batch of chocolate-covered cherries tonight. I'm experimenting with a different technique to see if I can resolve the issues I've had with the cherry juice oozing through weak spots in the chocolate covering. More later..
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Seeking Business Analysts in Utah
Novell will be hosting a CBAP certification boot camp on Feb 1-4, 2010. Here is information from the company providing the training:
Prepare to Become a Certified Business Analysis
Professional
According to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®),
“A Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) is a recognized
expert in identifying the business needs of an organization in
order to determine business solutions. CBAPs® are acknowledged
as competent individuals performing a role [that] is increasingly
recognized as a vital component of any successful project.” The
CBAP® program is intended to comply with the International
Standards Organization (ISO) 17204 standard for certifying the
competence of personnel.
For the first time ever, business analysis is achieving worldwide
recognition as a profession in its own right. The CBAP® designation
is a mark of distinction for intermediate- and advanced-level
practitioners, recognizing their demonstration of the knowledge
and skills necessary for effectiveness and a professional level of
competence in business analysis principles and practices.
Be among the first to qualify for and achieve CBAP® certification.
You can count on a fun, challenging, and ultimately productive
learning environment as our experts download their knowledge
and secrets for CBAP® success and help you upgrade yours. If you
want to learn how to analyze and document your business analysis
credentials and experience, submit a successful application for the
CBAP®, sanely and efficiently prepare for the exam, and pass the
CBAP® exam on your first try, you cannot afford to miss this CBAP®
Certification Prep Boot Camp!
Passing the CBAP Exam - Our Guarantee
ASPE SDLC offers you the best CBAP® Prep Course on the market.
We are backing that claim up by offering you the following
guarantee: If you take the CBAP® exam within four weeks after
your class has completed and do not pass, ASPE will provide you a
second examination voucher at the IIBA member rate free of charge.
If you do not pass on your second try, ASPE will allow you to re-sit
any CBAP® Certification Prep Boot Camp session within one year.
Date: 1-4 February 2010
Place: Novell, 1800 Novell Pl Provo UT
Price: $1695 if you register by Dec 31, 2009; $2195 thereafter
Call Renee DeMichiel at 919-816-1713 to register
Prepare to Become a Certified Business Analysis
Professional
According to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®),
“A Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) is a recognized
expert in identifying the business needs of an organization in
order to determine business solutions. CBAPs® are acknowledged
as competent individuals performing a role [that] is increasingly
recognized as a vital component of any successful project.” The
CBAP® program is intended to comply with the International
Standards Organization (ISO) 17204 standard for certifying the
competence of personnel.
For the first time ever, business analysis is achieving worldwide
recognition as a profession in its own right. The CBAP® designation
is a mark of distinction for intermediate- and advanced-level
practitioners, recognizing their demonstration of the knowledge
and skills necessary for effectiveness and a professional level of
competence in business analysis principles and practices.
Be among the first to qualify for and achieve CBAP® certification.
You can count on a fun, challenging, and ultimately productive
learning environment as our experts download their knowledge
and secrets for CBAP® success and help you upgrade yours. If you
want to learn how to analyze and document your business analysis
credentials and experience, submit a successful application for the
CBAP®, sanely and efficiently prepare for the exam, and pass the
CBAP® exam on your first try, you cannot afford to miss this CBAP®
Certification Prep Boot Camp!
Passing the CBAP Exam - Our Guarantee
ASPE SDLC offers you the best CBAP® Prep Course on the market.
We are backing that claim up by offering you the following
guarantee: If you take the CBAP® exam within four weeks after
your class has completed and do not pass, ASPE will provide you a
second examination voucher at the IIBA member rate free of charge.
If you do not pass on your second try, ASPE will allow you to re-sit
any CBAP® Certification Prep Boot Camp session within one year.
Date: 1-4 February 2010
Place: Novell, 1800 Novell Pl Provo UT
Price: $1695 if you register by Dec 31, 2009; $2195 thereafter
Call Renee DeMichiel at 919-816-1713 to register
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Upcoming performances
Where does time go? It has been forever since I've added to my blog. Sigh. But, canning is mostly done now, so I will try to start posting more regularly.
First on the agenda -- something for YOUR agenda. If you would like to hear some great music, here is the Fall schedule for the two community choirs to which I belong:
Utah Baroque Ensemble
Sunday November 15th Orem East Stake Center - 600 N 800 E Orem, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Sunday Nov 22nd Provo Sharon East Stake Center, 2400 N 1060 East, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Monday December 8th, Orem Public Library (Holiday concert and sing-along) (This is the one I recommend for kids) Times TBA - There are two concerts that evening because it's been a very well-attended event in years past. I will update this posting when I have the times)
Christmas Chorus
The Christmas Chorus is celebrating it's 30th year!
Saturday December 5th, 1:30 PM (a good time to bring kids)
Sunday December 6th, 7PM (Ages 8 and up)
Both performances are in the chapel at the State Hospital (top of Provo Center Street)
All of these performances are free, though both choirs love donations! There will be someone collecting donations at the Christmas Chorus concerts, but not at the UBE concerts. If you wish to donate, send it to Utah Baroque Ensemble, PO Box 1630, Orem UT 84059
First on the agenda -- something for YOUR agenda. If you would like to hear some great music, here is the Fall schedule for the two community choirs to which I belong:
Utah Baroque Ensemble
Sunday November 15th Orem East Stake Center - 600 N 800 E Orem, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Sunday Nov 22nd Provo Sharon East Stake Center, 2400 N 1060 East, 7:00 PM (Ages 8 and older)
Monday December 8th, Orem Public Library (Holiday concert and sing-along) (This is the one I recommend for kids) Times TBA - There are two concerts that evening because it's been a very well-attended event in years past. I will update this posting when I have the times)
Christmas Chorus
The Christmas Chorus is celebrating it's 30th year!
Saturday December 5th, 1:30 PM (a good time to bring kids)
Sunday December 6th, 7PM (Ages 8 and up)
Both performances are in the chapel at the State Hospital (top of Provo Center Street)
All of these performances are free, though both choirs love donations! There will be someone collecting donations at the Christmas Chorus concerts, but not at the UBE concerts. If you wish to donate, send it to Utah Baroque Ensemble, PO Box 1630, Orem UT 84059
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