Koala Kitchen

Tim Wakefield wins number 200

2011-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Tim Wakefield on win 200! It was a long time coming, but great to watch!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

22,000 for Jeff Gordon

2011-08-21T12:24:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Jeff Gordon on leading your 22,000th lap!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Good Luck Happy Feet the Penguin

2011-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hopefully everything works out well for Happy Feet.

See story at msnbc.com

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Big Papi!

2011-07-27T17:47:00.001-07:00

David Ortiz's 1000th RBI with the Red Sox!! On a Grand Slam!!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

New Haven Road Meet

2011-07-27T10:56:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, we went to the New Haven, Connecticut Road Meet. We started out with lunch at the Southport Brewing Company in Hamden before breaking into groups for the tour. We owe a big thanks to Anthony Costanzo for the maps and directions or we would have been lost the moment we left the parking lot.

New Haven

[Where is this?]

Old Connecticut Route 17 Marker

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This is supposed to be a stub for the unbuilt East Rock Connector, but it just looked like part of the parking lot to me.

[Where is this?]

The monument in East Rock Park. We wanted to go there back in March, but the park was still closed for the season.

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Panoramic photo of the new Interstate 95 bridge being built over New Haven Harbor. This view is from Quinnipiac Park on James Street.

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A wind turbine near Quinnipiac Park.

Trumbull

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Our next stop was in Trumbull, more or less west of New Haven. We visited a Junction CT-25 sign that had definitely seen better days.

Stevenson

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The road meet's final stop was in Stevenson where we saw the Stevenson Hydroelectric Dam. It was built on the Housatonic River in 1919. It created Lake Zoar which is the fifth largest freshwater body in Connecticut.

New Haven (again)

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On the way back to the restaurant, we took the Wilbur Cross Parkway (CT-15). Just before our exit, we passed through Heroes' Tunnel (formerly West Rock Tunnel). It's the only vehicular tunnel to pass beneath a land feature in all of New England.

Norwich

After saying our goodbyes, my son and I set out to complete our collection of Declaration of Independence signers in Connecticut (Collect All Four!).

[Find Kelly]

Kelly sitting on the historic marker for The Old Burying Ground in Norwich. The text reads:

The Old Burying Ground

The cemetery dates from 1715. One of the first to be interred here was 21 year old Simon Huntington, who died from a rattlesnake bite, probably while haying.

Today, only 1,300 tombstones remain visible. It is thought that perhaps thousands may have been buried here. The headstones bear the names of many Norwich founding families. Among them are 69 individuals who fought in the struggle for independence. Together with these, are buried French soldiers, our allies during the Revolution, and the mother of Benedict Arnold, Hannah Waterman Arnold. Other early settlers of Norwich are buried in an older nearby cemetery, but those grave markers too have long since disappeared.

Nestled into the hillside is the red brick tomb and resting place of Samuel Huntington. He was elected President of the Second Continental Congress from 1779 and served until July of 1781. This was the Congress which framed the Declaration of Independence, to which he was a signatory for Connecticut. He was also Chief Justice of the state and its governor until his death.

Marker donated by Major J.D. Robertson Family.

[Find Kelly]

The memorial to Lafayette's twenty soldiers who died in Norwich in 1778.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly is sitting with Hannah Arnold's gravestone. The nearby plaque reads:

Once upon a time in Norwich...

an 18 year old Benedict Arnold stood on this spot and watched as they lowered his long-suffering mother into her grave. Benedict himself was an apprentice, bound by indentured servitude to his mother's cousins, the Lathrop Brothers. His father was suffering from alcohol-induced dementia, believed caused by his sadness over losing four children: Absalom, Elizabeth, Mary, and an earlier son named Benedict, who died an infant in 1739. The children are all buried here.

Hannah Arnold died on August 15, 1759; her husband some years later. Young Benedict moved to New Haven with his sister, Hannah, and became extremely successful. He married Margaret Mansfield who died June 19, 1775. In New Haven, Arnodl founded and commanded the 2nd Connecticut Foot Guard. During the American Revolution, he was a hero and became George Washington's finest field general, winning many victories. Benedict Arnold built and commanded America's first naval fleet of 16 vessels. The crew included 30 Marines that engaged the British in America's first naval battle at Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, October 11, 1776.

After the Battle of Saratoga, October 7, 1777, British General John Burgoyne said of Arnold, "It was his victory." Then a major general, Arnold was severely wounded and crippled for life. Assigned to Philadelphia, he married Margaret Shippen from a neutralist-loyalist family. She was later awared a lifetime pension by King George III for "Her service to the Crown in the Colonies." General Arnold, after the marriage, betrayed his young country and retured his loyalty to the Crown and planned to surrender West Point, which he later commanded, and General Washington to the British. To this day, he is America's most infamous traitor.

As British brigadier, he was ordered by Commanding General Henry Clinton to rout the privteers from the Port of New London. On September 6, 1781, troops under the command of Benedict Arnold burned the City of New London. Other British troops, under the command of Lt. Colonel Edmund Eyre, attacked Fort Griswold in Groton where many lives were lost in what was described as a massacre.

Local citizens, outraged at the treasonous act, descended as a mob on this cemetery and removed the gravestones of the father, Benedict, and the infant son, Benedict.

The only epitaph that remains is to Hannah King Arnold:

IN MEMORY of Hannah he well beloved Wife of Capt. Benedict Arnold & Daughter of Mr. John & Elizabeth Waterman, (She was a Pattern of Piety Patience and Virtue) who died August 15, 1759 AEtatis Suae 52"

This plaque sponsored by Bill & Peg Stanley

[Find Kelly]

The burial crypt of Samuel Huntington, a man with an impressive résumé. In addition to signing the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from Connecticut, he signed the Articles of Confederation, was the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled, and later the 3rd Governor of Connecticut.

Lebanon

William Williams replaced Oliver Wolcott in the Second Continental Congress. As such, he did not vote on the Declaration of Independence, but did sign it. Williams was also a pastor and merchant in his home town of Lebanon, and is buried in the Old Cemetery there.

[Find Kelly]

The Trumbull or Old Cemetery in Lebanon

[Find Kelly]

Kelly at the grave of William Williams

Manchester/South Windsor

We love Sonic Drive-in and had planned on having dinner at the new one in Manchester, but when we got there it was packed. While this is great for Sonic, it didn't work out so well for us, so we went up Buckland Street to the Johnny Rockets at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor. We had a great dinner and are looking forward to the next road meet.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Happy Birthday USA!

2011-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

That's right, July 2nd is the real birthday of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress passed the Lee Resolution. Presented by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia it read:

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

Two days later, the Congress merely approved the Declaration of Independence, telling Great Britian what it could do.

No less than John Adams, delegate from Massachusetts and later the second President, believed in July 2. John's letter to his wife Abigail on the 3rd in part said:

But the day is past. The second day of July, 1776, will be memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever.

We merely celebrate on the 4th because that is the date on the top of the Declaration, but always remember that the brave men of the Congress proclaimed us free from Great Britain on the 2nd.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Hudson River Valley road trip

2011-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went on a road trip to meet up with the folks from the roadsidefans group to see diners in the Hudson River Valley.

We started with a return visit to Golden Harvest Farms to get cold apple cider and apple cider donuts. We just cannot recommend these enough.

Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge

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Approaching the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge for our first crossing of the Hudson River. We planned on 2 crossings, but ended up doing it 4 times.

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The Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge

Mid-Hudson Bridge

Our first stop was going to be Kingston, New York, but I missed the exit and ended up down near Highland before we could exit the New York Thruway. We decided to cross the river on the Mid-Hudson Bridge into Poughkeepsie and head up to Hyde Park. If you ever need to use the Mid-Hudson Bridge to go east into Poughkeepsie and then get on US-9, beware, it is a left entrance onto US-9. Now, I'm not violent by nature, but if I ever meet the guy that designed this, he's gettin' an ass whoopin'.

[Where is this?]

Mid-Hudson Bridge Toll Booths

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Mid-Hudson Bridge

FDR National Historic Site in Hyde Park

We apparently missed a sign and momentarily headed south on US-9. After turning around we headed up through Hyde Park and arrived at the FDR National Historic Site. We've done the house tour before and recommend it, but today was just a quick visit for photos.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly outside the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center. Of FDR's three vice presidents (John Garner, Henry Wallace, and Harry Truman), I wonder why they named the visitor center after Wallace?

[Where is this?]

The rose garden where Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are buried.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly at the grave of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. Besides being the 32nd President, Roosevelt was also Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Governor of New York.

Vice President Levi P. Morton in Rhinebeck

We then continued north into Rhinebeck for our next stop. If Rhinebeck sounds familiar, it is because Chelsea Clinton was married there on 31 July 2010.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly at the grave of Vice President Levi Parsons Morton in Rhinebeck Cemetery. In addition to VP, he was also Governor of New York, United States Minister to France, and a United States Representative from New York.

[Where is this?]

I saw this headstone near Morton's and just had to wonder if Thomas Holy Suckley had a tough childhood.

Vice President George Clinton in Kingston

When we were done in Rhinebeck we probably should have headed straight to lunch, but we really wanted to visit Vice President George Clinton. We had failed on three previous tries in 2006, 2009, and 2010 because it was too late in the day. So when we finally were in the area in the daytime, the draw was irresistible. We headed back over the Hudson on the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and dropped down into Kingston.

[Find Kelly]

Clinton is buried in the Old Dutch Chuirchyard on Main Street. He was a Brigadier General during the Revolutionary War and twice Governor of New York. Clinton was Vice President for Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; one of two men to be Vice President for 2 different Presidents (the other was John C. Calhoun). As far as anybody knows, he is not related to President Bill Clinton (who was born William Jefferson Blythe III).

Elizaville Diner

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After leaving Kingston, we crossed the river for our final time that day and headed to the Elizaville Diner. We arrived about 20 minutes late, but were warmly welcomed by the folks from roadsidefans. We ordered lunch and started swapping stories about all sorts of stuff.

Millerton, New York

A couple of people had to leave after lunch, but the rest of us ran a 4-car convoy over to Millerton to see the Oakhurst Diner and Gilded Moon Framing shop.

[Where is this?]

The Oakhurst Diner. I just love that stainless steel.

The Gilded Moon is located in a converted 1903 bank building. We met one of the artists (I'm sorry I don't remember his name) and he gave us a tour of the building and showed us some of his work.

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A view of Main Street from the Gilded Moon.

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The vault door from when the building was a bank.

Collin's Diner

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Most of the group was very tired at this point and headed home, so instead of backtracking to the Red Hook area, we took US-44 to Canaan to see the outside of Collin's Diner.

We continued east on US-44 and as we drove through New Hartford, what did I see? Could it be..... SATAN?!? (with apologies to The Church Lady). I like Connecticut, but they have some weird stuff there. Well, maybe I like it because of the weird stuff.

On the way back north through Granby we stopped for dinner at the Rancho Viejo (formerly Guadalajara Grill) restaurant. I don't know how authentic the food is, but it sure is good! We shared nachos (which was very large) then I had the Enchilada Combo while my son had the Pollo Fundido platter.

Just over 300 miles after we started, we were back home. Very tired, but we had a great day.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Go Sox!

2011-05-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

After a disastrous beginning to the season, the Boston Red Sox are now alone on top of the American League East. This is a very happy day!

And congratulations to the Boston Bruins on making the NHL Finals.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Banjo update

2011-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

We are very happy that Banjo is back home, but shocked at the way he was treated.

See story at msnbc.com

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Wishing the best for Banjo

2011-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

We're hoping that the Australian Reptile Park finds Banjo the Koala soon.

See story at msnbc.com

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kelly and the rest of us at Koala Kitchen would like to wish everybody a Happy Easter.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

The General Lee

2011-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yee Haw!

[Where is this?]

On the way back from dropping off my daughter and one of her friends at Six Flags New England I saw an orange Dodge Charger in the rear view mirror. Of course I immediately thought of The General Lee from "Dukes of Hazzard". Just image my surprise when it pulled up next to me and had the big "01" painted on the side!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

April 2011 Sales Items

2011-04-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Free Shipping during April for these items.

Chasseur 1.75-Quart Black Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Aroma Black Single-burner Electric Stove

Breville Cafe Moderna Espresso Machine

Kalorik Combination Breakfast/Coffee Maker

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Congratulations UCONN Huskies!

2011-04-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Huskies on your third title!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Baseball Opening Day 2011

2011-04-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Kelly is looking forward to the new baseball season while watching the Red Sox opening day at the Texas Rangers. David Ortiz just tied the game with a solo home run in the top of the 8th inning.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Geraldine Ferraro not the 1st female VP candidate

2011-03-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is not meant to take away from Geraldine Ferraro or what she did, but to educate and point out the shortcomings of the American media.

Geraldine Ferraro was not the first female Vice Presidential candidate. Back in 1884, Marietta Stow was the Vice Presidential candidate for the National Equal Rights Party. The Presidential candidate was another woman, Belva Ann Lockwood.

Over the decades several other women have been Vice Presidential candidates
with minimal success. Then in 1972 the Libertarian Party ran Theodora
N. Nathan as their candidate and she became the first woman to receive
an electoral vote when elector Roger L. MacBride of Virginia voted for the
Libertarian ticket.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Vernal Equinox 2011

2011-03-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly wishes everybody a happy First Day of Spring, but would like the snow at the park to melt faster.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

RIP Knut the Polar Bear

2011-03-19T20:01:00.001-07:00

Kelly visits New Haven, Connecticut

2011-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

On a sunny, but chilly, day in mid-March, Kelly made a visit to New Haven, Connecticut. The first stop was at Grove Street Cemetery on the north side of Yale University. The cemetery was founded in 1797 and now contains several famous burials.

[Where is this?]

The Egyptian Revival gate makes an impressive entrance. The inscription reads THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED. Henry Austin, who is buried here, designed the gate.

[Find Kelly]

The first grave we visisted was, of course, a Founding Father. Roger Sherman was the only person to sign all 4 of the major American documents: the Continental Association (1774), the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union (1777), and the Constitution of the United States (1787). In addition, he was a US Representative, US Senator, and mayor of New Haven.

[Find Kelly]

Next we visited the grave of Noah Webster. Webster published his first dictionary in 1806 which was titled A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language. Then in 1828, he published An American Dictionary of the English Language. He is responsible for the American spelling of words such as "color" and "center".

[Find Kelly]

Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin.

[Find Kelly]

Charles Goodyear, the inventor of vulcanized rubber. It must be cool to have your name on the side of blimps.

[Find Kelly]

Martha Townsend, the first person buried at Grove Street Cemetery.

[Where is this?]

After leaving Grove Street Cemetery we headed down to Lighthouse Point Park in East Haven. It is a very nice park right on Long Island Sound, but this day it was just too cold and windy to really enjoy it.

(Note: According to a couple of different maps, Lighthouse Point Park is actually in New Haven.)

[Where is this?]

By now, we were ready for lunch. We had originally thought about Louis' Lunch, where the hamburger sandwich was invented, but they are closed on Sunday. So we ended up at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Their pizza was great and we look forward to going again.

[Find Kelly]

On the way home we visited another Founding Father. We found Oliver Wolcott Sr. at East Cemetery in Litchfield, Connecticut. In addition to signing the Declaration of Independence, he was also a Brigadier General in the Continental Army and Governor of Connecticut.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

March 2011 Sales Items

2011-03-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

Save $10 on these items during the mad month of March.

Two-tone Aluminum 8-Quart Non-stick Red Dutch Oven

Krups Pump Espresso Machine (R)

Old Dutch Gemini Satin Finish Canisters (Set of 4)

Deni Table Top Triple Plate Electric Stove

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

The King's Speech

2011-02-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to The King's Speech for winning Best Picture and its 3 other Oscars.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Super Bowl XLV Countdown

2011-02-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Kelly's ready for the big game.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

MVP Tom Brady

2011-02-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Tom Brady unanimously voted NFL MVP. Congratulations Tom!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

February 2011 Sales Items

2011-01-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

It's only two weeks until Valentine's Day. Get some quality dinnerware for that special someone with FREE SHIPPING on these items.

Corelle Square Isleha 16-Piece Set of Dishes

Fiesta 16-Piece Sunflower Stoneware Dinnerware

Pfaltzgraff Eastside 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware

Asian Leaf 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

First Nor'easter of 2011

2011-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Kelly checks out the nor'easter.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Another record!

2010-12-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Tom Brady on the new record. 26 regular season home wins in a row!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Kelly's Favorite Song

2010-11-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hJjx7jTHA8

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

November 2010 Sale Items

2010-11-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Celebrate with FREE SHIPPING on these items.

Catskill Craftsman Turkey Cutting Board

Black & Decker HS1000 4-Quart Food Steamer

Stainless Steel 8.5-Quart Slow Cooker/Crock Pot

Signature Housewares Sorrento 6-Pc Mixing Bowls

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Election Day History Lesson

2010-11-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

We at Koala Kitchen would like to dispel two of the most common myths about our Founding Fathers. George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence. At that time he was Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and way too busy with the British Army. And while Benjamin Franklin had a very impressive resume, he was never President of the United States.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

On "wasting" your vote

2010-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

I never like when somebody says I'm wasting my vote when I don't choose either the Republican or Democrat candidate. So I would like to share this quote:

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." - John Quincy Adams

So get out there on Tuesday and vote for who you want to win, not for or against some popular choice.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Kelly wishes everybody a safe and spooky Halloween.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - September 3, 2010

2010-10-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our final day on the road was mostly a dash to get home. We stopped at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, but couldn't see much. We also wanted to visit the grave of Vice President George Clinton in Kingston, New York, but it was too dark by then.

Photo by Annika Krause
[Where is this?]

Highest Point on Interstate 80 East of the Mississippi - Elevation 2250 Feet

Photo by Annika Krause
[Where is this?]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[Find Kelly]

Kelly is almost in three states. This is the Tri States Monument where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania nearly meet. The actual point is in the middle of the river. To get here you have to drive through Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Jervis, New York, park under the twin bridges of Interstate 84, and walk down to where the Neversink River joins the Delaware River. We tried to visit the Ohio/Indiana/Michigan tripoint earlier in the trip, but it was raining both times we drove through the area.

[Find Kelly]

A close-up of Kelly and the Tri States Monument.

Photo by Annika Krause
[Where is this?]

The "Jersey Shore"

Photo by Annika Krause
[Find Kelly]

Kelly checks out the twin bridges of Interstate 84.

After leaving Port Jervis, we had dinner in Kingston, New York at a Sonic Drive-in. We arrived home a couple of hours later after a 15-day journey that covered around 3,000 miles. Time to plan our next trip!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - September 2, 2010

2010-10-27T14:55:00.001-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly is sitting on a sundial at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, where the home and museum of President Rutherford Birchard Hayes are located. Hayes was the 19th President and the only one ever to promise to run for a single term (a promise that he kept). We haven't been in the museum, but the house tour is well worth doing.

[Find Kelly]

The grave of President and Mrs. Hayes is located south of the house.

[Find Kelly]

The impressive looking building behind Kelly is the McKinley National Memorial in Canton, Ohio where the 25th President, William McKinley, and his family are entombed. He was the last Civil War veteran to be elected President. By the way, be prepared for a little workout, there are 108 steps from the parking lot to the top.

[Find Kelly]

The twin sarcophagus of William and Ida McKinley. Their young daughters, Katherine and Ida, are entombed in the back wall of the memorial.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - September 1, 2010

2010-10-26T20:44:00.001-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly tries to hitch a ride on the USS Riverside in the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk.

[Find Kelly]

Being from New England, Kelly loves Dunkin' Donuts and Friendly's, but also likes to try the fare in other places. Culver's has great sandwiches and shakes, but nobody tried the ButterBurger. (Maybe next time.)

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 30, 2010

2010-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

[Find Kelly]

If you like cheese and are in Kalona, Iowa, you should visit the Cheese House. They have a wonderful selection of cheese in their gift shop.

[Find Kelly]

Mmmmmm, cheese.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 29, 2010

2010-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly sitting in front of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Herbert Clark Hoover was Secretary of Commerce and the 31st President of the United States. He was the first President born west of the Mississippi River. Hoover was also a tremendous humanitarian and prevented millions of Europeans from starving after both World Wars.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly and a piece of the Berlin Wall.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly visits the graves of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 24, 2010

2010-10-26T19:23:00.001-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly in front of the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. The museum has an impressive display of aircraft including a U2-C Dragon Lady and SR-71A Blackbird. Behind Kelly is an Atlas D Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 23, 2010

2010-10-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly and Vice President Henry Agard Wallace at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa. Wallace was the second of three Vice Presidents under Franklin Roosevelt. He also ran for President in 1948 for the Progressive Party.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 21, 2010

2010-10-26T18:55:00.001-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Iowa 80 - The World's Largest Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa.

[Find Kelly]

"Everything is chrome in the future!" -SpongeTron

[Find Kelly]

That's one nice big rig.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Road Trip - August 20, 2010

2010-10-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly is ready to hit the road.

[Find Kelly]

Looking for President Martin Van Buren in Kinderhook, New York.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly visits the grave of Martin Van Buren, the 8th President of the United States. Van Buren was the first President born after the Declaration of Independence. He was also the only President to speak English as a second language (he was of Dutch descent).

[Find Kelly]

Time for a snack. If you find yourself on US-9 in Valatie, New York, we recommend stopping at Golden Harvest Farms. They have a nice variety of tasty treats. You can't go wrong with the cider donuts and cold apple cider.

[Find Kelly]

Getting close to President Chester A. Arthur in Menands, New York.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly at Chester Alan Arthur's grave in Albany Rural Cemetery. Arthur became the 21st President when James Garfield was assassinated. Early in his career, he was appointed as the Collector of the Port of New York, a very powerful position at the time.

[Find Kelly]

Also in Albany Rural Cemetery is the grave of William Paterson. He was a Signer of the United States Constitution, Governor of New Jersey, and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

[Find Kelly]

Kelly's final visit of the day is the burial place of General William Floyd in Westernville, New York. Floyd was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Also of note is that musician David Crosby is one of his descendants.

After a long day's drive, the night was spent in North Olmsted, Ohio.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Kelly's 2010 Summer Road Trip

2010-10-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Now that we're well into Fall, it's time to share Kelly's 2010 Summer Road Trip. The trip started in Massachusetts and continued across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and finally into Nebraska. We stopped at some fun places and got to visit friends and relatives that we haven't seen in a while.

Check back as pictures of the trip are uploaded.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

RIP Paul the Octopus

2010-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Texas Rangers!

2010-10-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

After five years the World Series returns to Texas!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Go Rangers!

2010-10-06T16:48:00.001-07:00

Would love to see you guys in the World Series.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

New England Patriots Set a New Record!

2010-10-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

It was great seeing the Patriots beat the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. But they also set another record. They are they first NFL team ever to score a touchdown rushing, passing, from a kickoff return, from an interception, and from a blocked field goal attempt in one game. Way to go!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

October 2010 Sale Items

2010-10-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived! Through the end of the month we are offering $10.00 off these appliances.

Kalorik Aqua Jug Kettle

Sunpentown SO-2000 Turbo Convection Oven

Old Dutch Copper & Ceramic Chocolate Fondue Pot

KitchenAid KFPW760OB 12-Cup Onyx Black Food Processor

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Kelly Koala visits Emily Dickinson

2010-10-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

[Find Kelly]

Kelly likes visiting famous people and the closest famous person to where we live is Emily Dickinson. Emily lived most of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts and wrote nearly 1,800 poems. She is buried in Amherst's West Cemetery.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday

2010-08-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Artwork by Annika Krause

Kelly wants to remind all Massachusetts residents about the Sales Tax Holiday that is coming up this weekend, August 14th and 15th. During the holiday, all items on Koala Kitchen will be tax free! Be sure to drop by to see some great bargains and keep a little extra in your pocket.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

August 2010 Specials

2010-08-02T22:22:00.001-07:00

Everybody loves a picnic! We have some great deals on picnic sets for August.

Sutherland Academy Picnic Basket for Four

Sutherland Gamers Getaway Picnic Backpack for Four

APC Red Wheeled Bag Wine Cooler

Picnic Time Sunshine Blue/Beige Blanket Tote

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Introducing Kelly Koala

2010-07-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

People have been asking us if our mascot has a name and the answer is a resounding Yes! We would like to introduce Kelly Koala to the world. Kelly even has a 3D counterpart that we adopted from the Huntington Country Store in Huntington, Massachusetts.

Be sure to check back here and follow Kelly's adventures.

[Find Kelly]

[Find Kelly]

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Lodge Closeout Sale

2010-07-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

We're having a closeout sale on the following Lodge items. Get them while you can! All sales are final.

Lodge Color 3-Quart Enamel Dutch Oven

Lodge Color Enamel 6-Quart Dutch Oven

Lodge Signature 12-Inch Covered Casserole/Bakeware

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

We're Proud of You TEAM USA

2010-06-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Great job Team USA! We're sorry you didn't advance any further in the World Cup, but you played very well.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Back to Back! (Again)

2010-06-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers for winning the 2010 NBA Finals! That was a hard earned trophy and you guys totally deserve it. So, is another three-peat in the works? :-)

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

June 2010 Sale Items

2010-06-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

Dinnerware May was such a success that we have decided to continue it through June with 4 new items at 5% off.

Corelle Square Isleha 16-Piece Set of Dishes

Fiesta 16-Piece Sunflower Stoneware Dinnerware

Pfaltzgraff Tuscan Olive 16-Piece Set of Stoneware Dishes

Mikasa Basic 16-Piece Red Berries Dinnerware

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Gary Coleman

2010-05-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Last night there was an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway? that made a reference to Gary Coleman and then today an episode of Drake & Josh had Gary actually appear. Now, what this a salute to him or just an incredible coincidence?

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Celtics in the Finals!

2010-05-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics for making it to another NBA Finals. Now the Lakers just need to do their part.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Red Sox Win!

2010-05-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

That's what we want to see Sox! Now just keep doing that.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

May 2010 Sale Items

2010-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's Dinnerware May! Through the end of the month we are offering 5% off these dinnerware sets.

Mikasa Italian Countryside 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Corelle Square 16-Piece Simple Lines Dishes

Silhouette Blue 16-Piece Set of Stoneware Dishes

Blue Crab 14-Piece Enamelware Dishes

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

It's about time Astros!

2010-04-15T18:08:00.001-07:00

Ouch, I can't believe it took the Houston Astros this long to finally win a game. And what's up with the Red Sox? Great opening day, but they've been asleep since then. Get going guys!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

April 2010 Sale Items

2010-04-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

We are offering free shipping on these items through April.

Blue Crab 14-Piece Enamelware Dishes

Impulse Gold Chisel Wine Stemware (Set of 6)

Asian Flower 16-Piece Set of Stoneware Dishes

Oneida Carolina 65-Piece Flatware Set

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

March 2010 Sale Items

2010-03-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

We are offering $10 off these items through March.

Cobb Premier Portable BBQ Grill

Mikasa Italian Countryside 12-Piece Dinnerware Set

Mikasa Zena 65-Piece Flatware Set

Weston Pro-2100 Vacuum Sealer

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Presidents' Day Special

2010-02-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Presidents' Day Weekend! The following items are 10% off through the weekend.

Cobb Premier Portable BBQ Grill

Waring Pro Professional Belgian Waffle Maker

Mikasa Basic 16-Piece Red Berries Dinnerware

Swissmar Lucerne 10-Piece Meat Fondue Set

KitchenAid 6-Piece Set of Red Kitchen Utensils

Stainless Steel 8.5-Quart Slow Cooker/Crock Pot

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Congratulations New Orleans Saints

2010-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to New Orleans and the Saints for winning the Superbowl. I've never really been a Saints fan, but I wanted to root for them as the underdog against such a favored team.

But watch out next year, I'm hoping the Patriots are back in form!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Sale Item Replacement

2010-02-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

We've had to replace the Oneida Satin Normandy flatware with the following item:

Oneida Azalea 65-Piece Flatware

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Flatware Price Reduction

2010-02-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

All of our flatware and knives are now 10 percent off of our already low prices. These prices are for a limited time only, so don't miss out!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

February 2010 Sale Items

2010-02-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

We are offering free shipping on these items through February.

Gibson Paradiso Green 16-Piece Stoneware Dishes

Oneida Satin Normandy 20-Piece Tableware

Royal Scroll Tablecloth

Sagaform BBQ Tool Set with Canvas Bag

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Flatware Bargains

2010-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

The following flatware sets have great prices right now.

Oneida Mooncrest 65-Piece Flatware

Oneida Lincoln 65-Piece Flatware

Spode Woodland 20-Piece Tableware

Check these out soon because we don't know how long these prices will last.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Fiesta is now Viva

2010-01-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

In our Handmade Ceramics area, the Fiesta Collection is now called the Viva Collection. We're not sure why they renamed their product line, but we're guessing it had to do with Fiestaware.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

January 2010 Sale Items

2010-01-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

We are offering free shipping on these items through January.

Anchor Hocking 3-piece Coffee Set

La Rochere Versailles 6-piece Set of Wine Glasses

American Atelier Vineyard 16-Piece Stoneware Dishes

Towle Barren 5-Piece Flatware

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

New Low Prices

2010-01-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

We hope everybody is having a great 2010 so far.

We wanted to let everybody know that the items in our Classic Containers, Handmade Ceramics, and Glassware categories are at all time low prices.

Take a look soon because we cannot guarantee how long these prices will last.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. All of us at Koala Kitchen hope that you have a great new year.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

End of the Holiday Season

2009-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

We've had a great Holiday Season and as a thank you to our customers, we are making the ALL HOLIDAY category available for an additional week.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Patriots make the playoffs!

2009-12-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the New England Patriots for making it to the playoffs!

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Koala Kitchen is happy to announce our new category, ALL HOLIDAY. ALL HOLIDAY will be available through January 3, 2010. All the products here would make great gifts, or add that extra touch to your own celebrations.

See what's available at our site now.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Go Pats!

2009-10-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

I just watched the New England Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 59-0. It was great to see Brady and the Patriots get back in form, but it was a little sad too. I grew up an Oilers fan in Houston in the 70s, so it hurt a little to see the Titans go down so bad in the Oilers throwback uniforms.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

October Sale Items

2009-10-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

We have four new items that we are offering $15 off our regular price through October 31, 2009.

Mikasa Italian Countryside 45-Piece Dinnerware Set

Memorex MVUC821 8-Inch LCD Under Cabinet TV/DVD

Kalorik Dual Wine Cooler

Deni Freshlock 3-Wire Turbo Vacuum Sealer

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/

Welcome to the Koala Kitchen Blog

2009-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our goal is to keep people informed about what is going on at our store which you can visit at http://www.koalakitchen.com/, share recipes and useful information, and hopefully just have some fun.

On the first day of fall I saw the movie "Julie & Julia". I went to see what Julie Powell did with her blog. But after a short time, I really enjoyed seeing what Julia Child went through to learn French cooking and get her first book published. Also of note is that Julia Child worked with the Office of Strategic Services during World War II because my grandfather was an OSS agent during the war. Unfortunately my family hasn't been able to learn much about what he did. We keep trying though.

Meryl Streep did an amazing job portraying Julia Child and I hope to see her on the Best Actress Oscar list early next year.

Koala Kitchen
http://www.koalakitchen.com/