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Catching Up With..

Catching Up With...Carolee Ratzer

By Bob on August 5, 2011 5:36 AM

Carolee is a southern girl who's just as comfortable at the ballpark as she is running a restaurant. This Lakeland, FL Boomer is manager/hostess at a beautiful privately-owned restaurant in a "southern plantation" inn. When she's not taking care of guests, she's taking time off to watch her son, Nick, play baseball (The 23-year old is a right-handed pitcher in the minor league system for the Chicago White Sox).

Nick is Carolee's first love, but not the only love of her life. She says her husband Steve (pitched for the Montreal Expos in the early '80's) "rescued" her from 'Old Maid' status 11 years ago and they've been happily married since. He added 3 beautiful kids to her life: Lauren lives in Clearwater, Jayme is a movie star in LA and Ari is a "hippie nomad" wandering the world.

Carolee & son Nick-360.jpgWe caught up with Carolee just as she was heading out to catch Nick's game. Since she was about to hit the road it seemed only natural that we ask her what tunes she'd be listening to on the way to the ballpark...


What's on your iPod?

These days I'm lovin' some Miranda Lambert and Zac Brown with a little Lady Gaga tossed in for running or working out. But, I'll always pick my wedding song: I'll Be, by Edwin McCain when I'm attempting karaoke.

 

Carolee & her son Nick 

Who's going to play you in the movie of your life?
Debra Winger would be great. I fell in love with her in Officer and a Gentleman.

 

Favorite movie?

That's easy: Bull Durham. Baseball is my thing and my favorite vacation is going anywhere my son is, to watch him pitch. Totally love to pack up and travel to see him play, often with my Australian shepherd, Ozten, (the Aussie version of his original name of Austin) riding shotgun. Yes...I'm definitely a dog person!

 

Adult beverage?

A nice cold Marlborough County New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a glass of good champagne. However, I often settle for a cheap Chardonnay or red table wine. Dirty Absolute martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives are an occasional treat also. You didn't ask, but I prefer coffee in the AM though I'm trying to acquire a taste for green tea for health purposes.

What's on your DVR?

The last show on my TV was a Rays baseball game (I told you baseball was my thing!) but Friday Night Lights, Army Wives and Blue Bloods are my favorite shows. I also feel that Simon Baker on The Mentalist is too cute not to mention. I would rather meet Matthew McConaughey than anyone for gawking purposes; Nolan Ryan to have a drink with and Billy Joel to share a bottle of white... And where do I fit Tom Selleck in? He's on the list for sure!

 

Last clothing item you purchased?

That would have to be something on sale at New York & Co. which makes up 75% of my wardrobe!  

 

Favorite iPod App?

Words with Friends - it's like the board game Scrabble and I love it.
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Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

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Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

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