Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Come On In!!


Hey Everyone! 

Come on in. I am so excited to be one of the featured bloggers representing the great state of Maryland!!!  All of you ladies from "Blog Around the World"  come on in and make yourselves comfortable.  For my old friends, who don't know about BATW, click on the link and go check it out.  Basically, it started as a post that turned into a Ms. USA pageant, that turned into a brand new blog for my friend Debbie.
  

I am so excited that Debbie chose Maryland today, because guess what??? This is also my 100th post!! You know what that means??? That's right a giveaway!!Keep reading and I'll give you the details.


So, I guess I should post some fascinating facts about Maryland, but I'm too lazy to look anything up.


Here's what I can tell you off the top of my head......

Maryland is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Washington DC.


You pronounce it Mair-uh-lind.  Kind of like Meryl Streep, but Meryl Lind instead. You do not pronounce it Mary Land. Got it?  Good, let's move on.


Maryland is all about steamed crabs.  (Sorry Louisiana, we don't boil the crabs over here on the East Coast.)  We steam them and then smother then in Old Bay. What's Old Bay, you ask??? Only the best seasoning ever invented by anyone anywhere.  You can put Old Bay on just about anything (right Jon??) It is especially good on crabs!!!  

(It is sooo good that when my hubby and I moved out west we actually packed a case of it to take with us.  They didn't sell it where we were moving to, and there was no way we could live without it...that's how good it is!)


Maryland is the home of the Baltimore Orioles....even though they've stunk since Cal Ripken Jr. retired....we still love em!  Go O's.  

If you come visit, be sure to spend a day at the O's super nice stadium, Camden Yards and then you can shop and dine at the nearby Inner Harbor.


My friend Steph just reminded me that Maryland is also the home of Duff aka: The Ace of Cakes.  We can swing by Charm City Cakes and see what he and the gang are up to this week.


If you like boating and history, then we'll head on over to Annapolis for a day at our beautiful waterfront state capital.


I almost forgot to mention, we also have a football team here.  They shall remain nameless. My hubby and I aren't fans of that team.  We were both born and raised in Maryland. We moved away and came back after that other team came to Maryland....so we are die hard REDSKINS fans here in our household.  We've done our duty well and have raised our sons accordingly.    

(Our daughter has somehow decided that she is a Cowboy's fan....I'm afraid she's going to have to be disowned.)


Maryland is also the home of the Gold Medal Man, Michael Phelps.  Woo Hoo!!!  Was he awesome in the Olympics or what???  My friend Mikki asked the question that I just can't seem to answer.....Why was his suit sooooooo low?????  My goodness, every time he swam I was afraid we were just one air bubble away from finding out if he shaved his whole body before each race -- do ya know what I mean???!!!  

Michael, we love you, but please do us all a favor and hike up your suit.


If you decide to stay we can "go down the ocean, Hon."  Now that is not how I really speak, but that is how a true blue Baltimorian speaks.  Translation = we can "drive to the beach."  (Don't worry, I am fluent in their language, I'll stick close by your side and translate all of your conversations for you.)



I know you've got lots of other blogs to get to today so, lets move on to our giveaway.  


What will you win????   You'll have to wait and see!  All I can say is it'll be good.

When will you know if you're the big winner? Check back with me on Friday and I'll let you know.

What do you need to do to enter this fabulous, wonderful, one of a kind, 100th post/BATW giveaway???


Leave me a comment.

That's it!!!

  

Thanks for stopping by.  Now go check out those other awesome ladies that Debbie has listed today! 


I'll see you Friday, when we reveal the big winner!!

PS.  Since Debbie mentioned my Hot Air Balloon Ride.....click HERE if you want to read about it!

103 comments:

Stephanie said...

kathi....as a former Maryland-er, that football team would be the RAVENS!! I'm still a Ravens fan even though I live in Florida now but not sure who I'll root for when they play the Tampa Bay Bucs! good post Hon! you forgot that the show Ace of Cakes is filmed in Bal-mer too!

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

I guess there's alot of people having their 100th post today! :) I had mine today and I'm also having a giveaway. LOL Must be the "in" thing to do. I've been blogging since April of this year. Still wet behind the ears but I'm learning. Love your blog btw!

Kathi Roach said...

Thanks Steph!!! How could I forget Duff??? I added him in even though you've defaced my comments by mentioning that OTHER team!

Amy said...

Another interesting Maryland fact: Jousting is the official state sport

Old Bay is ok, but I'm from southern Louisiana, for me there is nothing like Tony Chachere's. When we moved here I brought a large supply with me. It is wonderful on boiled crabs, boiled crawfish, and anything else you add it to.

Finally, I am happy to hear that Caitlyn has made the wise decision to support the greatest team in the NFL. Go Cowboys!

Unknown said...

Totally you can add me! I'd be SUPER honored!!!

Thanks for the tour de Maryland! I was there once as a kid but obviously need to head back again someday!!!!

Congrats on your 100th blog!

I Love Purple More Than You said...

I recognize your blog from Darcy's portfolio!!! :) Congrats on your 100th post! I'm so jealous you can order your cakes from Charm City Cakes! We watch them every week!

Carrie said...

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my saucy blog! Congrats on being featured on BATW!

I love crab, even if it is boiled, but steamed with garlic is the best!

Nice to meetcha SITSa!!

p.s. I want to win the mystery prize!!

Robin said...

Hi! I saw your comment on the Nesters Blog and clicked over here! I'm a Virginia girl and GREW up boating on the Chesapeake Bay! My dad kept his boat at a marina there and I spent every weekend on it! Crabbing all day with chicken necks...free free free! To this day I season almost everything with OLD BAY! It's yummy on Macaroni Salad!

Robin said...

PS...HOW could I forget to say GO SKINS!

Lady Dorothy said...

Well, of course I want to be entered into your giveaway! But, as a good BATW-er, I would have commented anyway!

I'm loving learning details about different states!

Your balloon ride story was great! I've been wanting to go on one for quite some time. I do hope I don't get Bob as a pilot, though!

Debbie said...

LOVE IT!!! How perfect is it that all of this fell on your 100th post. Have fun today!

Trish said...

Here from BATW!! Congrats on being featured. Isn't this fun?

I laughed so hard when I read about your Hot Air Balloon Adventure! How crazy.

Thansk for the fun info about Maryland! I have never been there, however, my husband has a possible job offer in North carolina, so it looks like we may be headed across the US and we will definitely do a tour of the Atlantic states while we are there.

Julie said...

Happy 100th blog. I used to live near Debbie, now I am in HUngary... and I love to go to the inner harbor and you all have an AMAZING Aquarium there, we used to drive up as a family from VA Beach just to go to it. I love the sharks swimming all around you. Simply amazing.
So fun Ace of Cakes is from there... I really like that show when I can watch it.

Anonymous said...

Happy 100th blog. Thanks for the tour of Maryland. The crabs do sound wonderful, would you send some to a fellow blogger.

Melissa Lester said...

I have noticed your profile picture and cute haircut around, so I'm glad I stopped by from BATW to find out a little more about you and about Maryland. My husband has been to Baltimore on business and loved it. Sounds like a great place!

EmmaP said...

hahaha! love this post. I LOVE maryland! Have been there twice now. Though I do regret that I did not get to try steamed crab...will have to come back just for that!

Oh - and I totally know what you mean about Michael Phelps. My BF was totally shocked at how much smaller the suits got...I believe his exact words were, "I didn't know Speedos could get any smaller!

Love the blog! Can't wait to browse around some more!

Ronda's Rants said...

We love Maryland!!! My husband grew up there before moving to Florida, well actually he is still growing up! His brother lives in Laurel so we visit the great state of Maryland all the time!

Dawn said...

Great post! I have to say I didn't know much about Maryland and it was interesting to read about it. I've never had a steamed crab, so now I need to try that some day! And yay for Michael Phelps!!! He has surely made Maryland proud. And i'm not sure what was up (or down) with that suit! It was way too low and I was worried it was going to fall off too!! Have a great day!

Jenn said...

Great post, Kath! And congrats on 100!

And I can thank you for my son's love of the Redskins and not the Ravens.....

Brian or Amy said...

Here is a GREAT kids book (although I find if facinating) on the great state of MD...

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Crab-Maryland-Alphabet-Discover/dp/1585361607

Happy Day!
Amy

Brian or Amy said...

Not sure why my post is under linelesstaken... sorry! That is my husband's biking group...

: ) Amy W

Blogger said...

Hi Kathi,

It's nice to meet you, I found you on Nester:)

I am off to visit more of your blog,

Bella

Unknown said...

Congrats...on the BATW and 100th post...I'm getting close to mine!

I was born in Maryland at a Navy training base that no longer exsisis...I like to tell people that.

Amy said...

Stopping in from BATW! I had my day Monday and it was awesome.

I would love to try some steamed crabs, I love them boiled, so steamed would have to be nice and juicy too :)

I will check back Friday for that winner! Hope its me!

Lauren W said...

What fun! I'm moving to Maryland (Andrews AFB) in a couple months. You've got me pretty excited :)

Tracy P. said...

Good morning, Kathi! Love your blog--I'm moving on to read some more. We also got back from a camping trip a couple of weeks ago, so I'm eager to read about yours.

Nonnas News said...

I've been to Maryland once when visiting Washington D.C.. We went to a dinner theatre there. It was fun! I love Ace of Cakes! and how proud you must be of Michael Phelps!! I enjoyed reading your post and plan to read more of your blog. Congrats on being featured and for your 100th post!!

Kori said...

Oh this post is awesome. And I do love osme Duff and the cakes he makes is Rockin!

I'll be back again to visit.

I am so lovin BATW.

Rene said...

Kathi -- congrats on being featured today in the BATW extravaganza!! I love Maryland. I've spent quite a bit of time there since I am actually a HQ employee stationed in the field. HQ being in Riverdale. I'll be out there again in November so order so some good weather...k?

BTW...I live in Colorado and I have Old Bay in my spice cabinet that I bought at the local Kroger so this part of the west is getting with the program!!

oº˚ Homeschool Mom˚ºo said...

Stopping by to send you some Louisiana love. Love your blog -- Please enter me!

CaraBee said...

Hey there fellow Marylander! Great post! You did a wonderful job with the MD facts.

Congrats on your 100th post!

chellekay said...

Thanks for the tour of Maryland..I loved watch Michael Phelps but was wondering the same thing about his suit, lol

Screaming Meme said...

Kathi~ i was born in maryland...I moved when I was 12 years old...Where are you located? I miss the crab boils...:( Screaming Meme

Shannon said...

I enjoyed my "tour" around Meryllind. Now I will always think of this when I say it. Can't wait to see what the giveaway is!

Brooke said...

Hi Kathi!

Old Bay on steamed crabs...to steal a famous saying "Yumm-O!"

I have to admit that when I was in college in VA, Maryland was the one place I didn't not want to move to. The people were weird. Fast forward 10 years and almost all the people I love most have been born in Maryland including my hubby and 3 kids. Can't judge a book by it's cover must apply to states as well.

Happy 100th!

Aunt Julie said...

Congrats on reaching 100! I love visiting all these blogs, and yours, especially, hit a high note, 'cause I lived out DC way for many years. I'm a Crab Cakes, Cal Ripken, Steam Crabs, Old Bay, Eat Bertha's Mussels kinda gal, through and through! Thanks for the tour and for the fine, fine memories!

Lynda said...

Congratulations on being featured on BATW! What a wonderful blog you have :-)

Melissa B. said...

Howdy! I'm one of your neighbors, just across the river in Northern VA! I'm really familiar with the Free State, and can see why you're so proud. Have a Cal Ripken, Jr. baseball card in a frame on my desk--whatever happened to those O's after he retired? My sis lived in Annapolis for years, and Hubby and I are thinking about going over to The Crab Claw in St. Michael's for lunch soon! We have so many fond Free State memories--thanks for sharing!

Kelley said...

I love Ace of Cakes (and my husband does too, but wouldn't admit it). Thanks so much for all the info on Maryland, I've never actually been there, but my husband's company has a plant there, so there is always the possibility I could end up there.

Have a great rest of the week!

taratoons said...

I love your blog! And, guess what? We even have Old Bay here in Nebraska. YUM! I love Maryland & thank you for hosting us today! I'll check back in later!

New Girl on Post said...

Just stopping by from BATW. Loved hearing all the great things about Maryland. I'll have to try the steamed crabs sometime. They sound delish!

Sarahviz said...

I'm a Massachusetts gal but used to live in Charleston, SC. So I sure know what Old Bay is!

Anonymous said...

What a nice post to introduce us to your state.

Congratulations on your 100th post and enjoy all the comment love today.

I'm off to check out the hot air balloon story....

Nichole said...

Here from BATW. Thanks for the "tour"!

Ashley said...

Okay, weird. Domestic Goddess said she is having a giveaway for her 100th post and so am I. Oh, my! Well I am entering yours! Come over and enter mine! Congrats on your feature. I just found you through SITS the other day and have already added you to my 'must-reads'. Great blog! NOW ~ Everyone who is commenting here because you like free stuff come visit me (after you get through reading all about life on the homefront, of course). Thanks!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

As a fellow Maryland blogger, I wanted to stop in and say hi amid the masses.

I loved your facts, although we use the term Balti-moron over here. And we also hate the Colts with a passion, even if they do have Peyton on their team.

(I don't do the give-away thing, since I love pretending I have a Secret Identity, but it's so sweet of you to hold one!)

Mikki said...

Look at you getting all blog famous.. you go girl. Just don't forget about us little bloggers. LOL.

You did a great job!! So much of what you wrote about is what I SO miss. They have blue crabs here but it's NOTHING like MD. It's funny to see that restraunts down here TRY to make MD crab cakes, but they never measure up.

Thanks for the link love too. Loved your comment about the one bubble away.. ROFL!!

Jen said...

I'm totally transplanted to Maryland and I don't give a hoot about crabs, or the Ravens, or the O's for that matter! But I do love the people here and I would love to win! Great post!

Bar-b said...

hey kathi! hello from texas and wanting to let you know that I enjoyed reading your entry and to know that you can put that Old Bay seasoning on EVERYTHING (or almost). 18 years together? That is truly beautiful. Off to read some more.....

MediMonsters said...

Stopping in to share some Louisiana love from BATW. I would love to try some steamed crabs one day. Hope to vacation there some day!!

Gramma 2 Many said...

Boy am I glad you took us on that Hot Air Ballon ride with you. Now I never have to do it myself. I think it is about 101 on my list of 100 things to do. Am crossing it off today.
Thanks for the tour of your lovely state. Have not been there, but someday I am going to hop into my car with nothing but my debit card and a change of clothes and start driving. If I show up at your door maybe you will let me rinse out my things before I take off again.

Unknown said...

Hi there from Mississippi! Love your blog... I'm right there with ya about the swim wear... whoa! That is LOW! I kept thinking the same thing... he is going to jump in and end up swimming a la birthday suit. ;)

Melanie Dickens said...

Great job. I need to come to MaryLind sometime, you made it sound great.

Jen said...

Thanks for the post. I am in complete agreement with you on Phelps' suit. I'm relieved to know I wasn't the only one to notice. *blush* Maryland sounds great, I can't wait till I visit on my grand US tour.

Marla said...

you sure make Maryland look like a great place to be... and if you every get an answer from Michael about why his suit is so small do let us know... I'm thinking it has something to do with his odd shaped body... :)

Nik said...

I would LOVE to get up to Maryland sometime and check it out. Thanks for taking me on a virtual tour! Old Bay - hmmm, I'll have to check that out.

As a TN girl - the rivalry between the Ravens and Titans is huge...I so hate (yes I did use that word) the Ravens.

Becky W said...

I am a former Maryland-er from Waldorf. My dad was in the Air Force and we were stationed at Andrews. Don't disown your daughter, we are Cowboys fans as well!!! Nothing beats Maryland crab feasts!!!

Dani said...

Hey Kathi, Congratulations!! I always love reading your blog!

The Bookworm said...

Hi Kathi,
Great post on Maryland! I found you through Jenn(mommylovestosing)!
Congrats on your 100th post!
You did a great job letting everyone know all about Baltimore.
My daughter was rading with me and wanted to know why you didnt tell everyone that "Hairspray"(the original) was filmed in and all about Baltimore.
I think you did great!
Oh, and for the record, I was born in Austin, Tx and I too am a Redskins fan...though I have to keep it on the low when I'm around my family :o)

The Bookworm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heathahlee said...

My husband went to Baltimore for a business trip once and was so impressed with the city he wants us to go back for a vacation. He especially loved the Inner Harbor area. Thanks for all the info!

Pamela said...

I've never been to Maryland. :) Great post and congrats on the 100th post. Off to check out the other "M&M" girls.

Shell said...

Congratulations on reaching your 100th post!! I'm up to 85 now the last I checked. Your children are so adorable.

Frizzy said...

Hello from CA! I spent one "accidental" week in Baltimore Maryland on our way to live in Italy. We enjoyed the riverwalk area I think that's what it's called near the stadium and along the water. We got to see the tribute to the Consentration camps there as well. I'm sorry but can't recall the name. Very touching though. Loved our time in Maryland and learned that ya'll are very hospitable and kind. Congrats on your 100th post! I envy you. I'm happy to meet you on this trip around the world!

Anonymous said...

Hi, it was great touring around with you! I'm celebrating my 50th post with a giveaway over at http://betweenloadsoflaundry.blogspot.com/
Come on over since it might be awhile until Canada comes up on the BATW...

Anonymous said...

Found your blog through Jen V's. I also attend Lifepoint Church. Enjoyed reading your hot air balloon story! Will have to introduce myself to you at Lifepoint. I enjoy reading your blog.

Betty said...

Nice blog! Coming to you from BATW and from Paraguay!
Interesting learning more about Maryland.

Kimba said...

Yeah for your 100th post! Thanks for your fun facts about MD! We spend a week in Delaware every summer and the whole family could just die for steamed blue crabs with Old Bay. Those buggers were EXPENSIVE this year! I want to say they were close to $100 a dozen for the really big ones.

Breanne said...

Stopping byt from BATW. Congrats on the 100th pots. Love your blog.

Breanne said...

Stopping byt from BATW. Congrats on the 100th pots. Love your blog.

Unknown said...

I am visiting from Blog around the World. Thanks for the info about Maryland. I love steamed crabs! I went to graduate school in DC so crabs were on the menu as often as possible.

Sue said...

Wow Kathi, 100 posts! Congratulations! I remember a while back at MOPS you mentioned how addictive the blogging world is. I now know what you mean, and yours is one of my favorites!

Shannon said...

I'm here from BATW!

I was born in Takoma Park, MD :)

I have family in the Baltimore area, hon!
And I have two cousins who both had Michael Phelps' mom as a teacher! Pretty neat huh?

Anonymous said...

Hey Kathi, What we say in Baltimore when we are going to the ocean is "We're going down the Ocean".

B. said...

Hi! Visiting from BOTW.... and you 100 post!! Steamed crabs.... mmmm.....

Lula! said...

Oh man, I hope you're giving away Old Bay. Because I love it, I do. Especially when I STEAM crabs. Yep, we Virginians (well, Georgians who live in Virginia, in my case) steam 'em the right way...in Old Bay.

Yeesh--didn't mean to rhyme!

~Janet~ said...

Oh, Maryland! The state of my birth :) I also LOVE blue crabs in Old Bay! Great blog. I've dropped by before - really love your writing. Your BATW friend, Janet

Amy said...

Hey Kath, Congrats on your 100th post! Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathi - stopping by from BATW. Thanks for the tour of MD. We'll be moving there too in a year or so (still scouting for location, maybe Harford County). I don't like crabs but do like the old bay seasoning! Will be sure to stop by again.-- Christine/NJ

Kelly said...

Great post, Kathi and happy 100th post; wasn't that just kismet?! I love the factoids about Maryland...I can relate a bit as I grew up in that tiny state just north of you (you know the one where you guys go shopping for the no sales tax!!). My brother actually lives in Bel Air now...also a nice place to visit.
I'm off to read about the hot air balloon ride :)

Heather said...

Woo! Finally a moment to sit at my computer and read all today's featured blogs on BATW! :D (Well, there are still 51 minutes left in this day...)

I'm originally from Jersey and we go "down the shore" too. Holla, East Coasters!

I'll be back to read some more when I'm not so bleary-eyed; I've just bookmarked you! Cheers and enjoy your BATW Featured Day!

Janean Campbell said...

Who this is quite an interesting state...Thanks for giving so many great facts. And for giving away some great goodies.

Unknown said...

wow! maryland sound fascinating! : )

lc_intocable at yahoo.com

~Trish~ said...

Congrats on being saucy :)

Briana said...

You are a RIOT! LOL about the cowboys! I was laughing when I read about Michael and his whole body shave! HAHAHA!!! :)

Leslie said...

Great post! Also happy 100th! ;)

Jennifer P. said...

Now I want to come to Maryland!

I saw them make Old Bay Sorbet on Iron Chef once. Always wondered what that would taste like! Also always wondered if Duff's cakes taste as good as they look....

But anyway,
you did a GREAT job Kathi! Loved this post. Hope you had a great feature day! Looks like you were bathed in comment lovin' :)!

Swirl Girl said...

I lived in Olney for 2 1/2 years. Loved it! Except for those damned 17 year cicadas....and the nniper lunatic guy - oh yeah, and 9-11.

How about the Balitmore Harbor area? And the Kids Museum? And Ocean City? And D.C. is fabulous and free museums.

and, winter...ewww.

But I love and miss it there.

Brian and Staci said...

Found you from Debbie! Great post on Maryland! My husband has a conference there next May and I can't wait! Sorry I was a little late on posting...school is starting for us! Nice to meet you! Your family is beautiful!

Brian and Staci said...

Found you from Debbie! Great post on Maryland! My husband has a conference there next May and I can't wait! Sorry I was a little late on posting...school is starting for us! Nice to meet you! Your family is beautiful!

Ronnica said...

Giveaway, state featured on BATW, 100th post, it's like a convergence of the stars.

I agree with you about Phelps's suit. I especially thought that when he was celebrating the first relay win!

Laural Out Loud said...

I never knew a darn thing about Meryl Lind before, so this was really cool to read!

Katie said...

Hey Kathi! Jenn H sent me over here. 92 comments - whoa!

Another Olympian from Maryland:
Katie Hoff (swimming, 2008 and 2004)
Dominique Dawes (gymnastics, 1992, '96, 2000)

Go Maryland!

S'more of my Thoughts said...

Hi neighbor (I'm across the river & loved your tour!!). Congrats on your 100th post! I swung over via BATW.

duchess said...

Sounds like I need to make a visit to Maryland & look around a bit. I know the boys in our fam would love to take in an Orioles game.

Congrats on 100!!

Georgia Girl said...

Yep OLD BAY is dabomb on corn also. I love it on pretty much anything...I agree about Michael Phelps...gotta love him. Awesome swimmer! From Georgia so I am a die hard Ga Bulldawg fan! not much into pro sports but I like my college games anyday. Congrats on your 100th blog. I am new to Blogger and hope to meet lots of new friends in the coming months. Beth

Hippie Family... said...

what a cute blog.. thanks for stopping by my place, coming here makes me hungry for good seafood!! (we only have craw fish here, not anything worth talking about either)

Rela Pantaleon said...

Hey Kathi! Are the crabs really, really boiled? I thought "I Now Know the Secret".

I would be disappointed to know that they are indeed steamed because that takes much longer than boiling!

And yes, I love Old Bay! They now have them in the Pacific Northwest and down South too! I got mine from Walmart. Love it, love it!!!

Wep said...

Thanks for posting on my blog :) I love Maryland, especially the one museum of art made by the insane...

Dawn said...

I gave you an award on my blog - check it out when you have a chance!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathi!
I checked out your blog the other day and I am so happy for you that you've had such a success with your blog! I love the story about the Hot Air Balloon. It's great hearing all the stories about you all! Makes me miss you even more!!!
Hope I made the 100th Comment!

Your Buddy from Cary! DH

sara b said...

Glad I stumbled across your blog :) Thanks so much!!
brownell98@msn.com

Jennie said...

People must really believe this giveaway is AWESOME-102 comments! Veruka is a Cowboy's fan?? What is that about?