Saturday, September 27, 2008
What's New in Grenada?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cookies Galore
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Cooking for the Holidays
It is never too early (For many it might be, but for me, it is not) to start to think about what I might be serving for the holiday meals. The fall magazines are starting to appear in the stores and my mailbox and with them loads of recipes and ideas for meals for Thanksgiving. At this point, I am not sure where we will celebrate the holidays, but I can start to think about side dishes or what stuff might taste good.
I love ogling over each magazine; wondering what might be fun to try, and what everyone might like to see on the table. I love both holidays, but I have to admit that cooking for Thanksgiving has always been more fun. My favorite part of the meal is the stuffing. I am not one of the package-stuffing girls, and love the idea of adding new things to enhance the flavor. Chestnuts and fruits added are my favorite. In addition, what is stuffing without sausage? The person who hosts gets the job of providing the bird. I am not a huge turkey fan, but what would Thanksgiving be without one? And what would the day after be without leftovers, which is always the bad part about not hosting the event. No leftovers! The best part in my opinion.
Growing up Christmas was always the Lasagna holiday and that has continued for the most part today. THAT's one dish I feel I excel at so I love having that task. Of course, this then means I host Christmas day here, which is ok with me. Christmas Eve is usually spent with family munching on hand held foods, appetizers or small sandwiches. It is really all about getting together, making the food secondary, but nonetheless important, so I also start thinking about what I might serve or bring to that holiday table. I like creative little snacks.
And of course, what are the holidays without cookies? I have a lot to think about...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Teachers Who Made a Difference
In today's obits, there was an announcement about a teacher who passed away at the high school that I attended. While I did have this specific person, my sister Gidget did, but it got me to thinking about those teachers I had that really made a difference in my life.
My freshman year I had an English teacher, Bill Esberg, who inspired me to write and to read all I could. While writing was a challenge initially for me, I persisted and eventually became to like it. Reading books in class with him was an event, and I came away with the understanding that a book, could take us places, and take us on adventures. He had a red bat, which he slammed it on the nearest desk to make a point and to wake up the sleeping student. How anyone could doze off in this class stymied me. Sophomore year I had Lou Gorra, who again inspired us to read and write, but he added the cinema and encouraged me to look for deeper meanings in movies. I remember Brain's Song and not being able to watch this movie without a full box of tissues. Junior year I was awestruck with my teacher Richard Johnstone. He had a flare for the dramatics and it was usual to have a prop in the room for each book we tackled or each film we might have reviewed. He captivated us all. Senior year I had Yair Lamdanski who had an incredible sense of humor. He again continued to motivate me to write and write well.
My history teachers were memorable as well. Jean Bello was a real fruit loop, but what she gave me was motivation to think "outside the box" and that was important and still is today. Anna Lieberman inspired us to think how the world outside ours influenced us and that no day could really begin until after one read the NY Times. While I only read the Times on occasion, I am one who values the importance of world events and how they shape my own world. Russel Leidy was also a nut case, but he also encouraged me to think about that world that existed outside my own comfort zone. Life "on the other side of the tracks" was scary, but one in which we could not hide from.
Four years of Spanish were taught to me by a handful of teachers but the one who left the biggest mark was Rachel Vecchione who made us laugh and showed us that all corners of the globe were reachable if we only grabbed for them.
Science was a valuable part of where I would land today and each teacher left a stamp on my heart. Lewis Givler taught me that playing in the dirt could be fun, but one should know exactly what it was that one was playing in. Joseph Manno tugged at my heartstrings (literally). I still have a crush on him. He taught me the value of research, which would become an important part of nursing. William Hill and Bruce Cameron also enriched my life by inspiring me to love science. I thank them all for showing me the way.
Math was math but the two teachers who made a difference were Leonard Stout and John DeTalvo. They both taught me NOT to be afraid of numbers, x's, y's, and shapes.
High school teachers should make some sort of difference in a kids life and I am truly thankful that I was so inspired by some of them and those who did so will continue to live on in my heart.
Monday, September 22, 2008
What's so Funny About a Moose?
You know had to be coming since the inception of Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, as a potential VP. There have been many moose jokes, moose punch lines, and even political concerns over plain old moose meat, which apparently when cooked certain ways, may not be so plain after all. Moose meat is found in most Alaskan refrigerators and is thought of as a staple, as hamburger meat is in other areas of our country. And most Alaskans are used to their favorite meat being the butt of jokes.
The interesting thing I found as read about moose meat is that if a moose is killed on the road, and found in time, which most are, the meat is NOT wasted, but quickly given to food shelters, local churches, and other organizations which feed the hungry. NOW that is nothing to joke about. I think of all the deer meat laying wasted on the side of the roads here in NJ that might offer something to those poor we feed through local organizations here. Maybe I need to write a letter to my local officials.
I might be alone, but I find nothing funny about moose meat. I am quite sure I cannot find it in my local stores, and I have yet to see any in the local woods, so my chances of eating it is not going to happen unless I take a trip to Alaska, which is not really out of the question. So until I do, I will read through the recipes, smack my lips, and wonder if I could substitute beef for moose. Besides, how cute is he?
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Number One and One Half Kelly
I like knowing that they are taking care of each other up there, away from their families. I adore Kelly and think of her as one of my own. (Maybe one day she will be) =)
I joke with her all the time and say that I am Daniel's Number one, and she has graciously offered to be his Number One and One Half. THAT's what makes her all the more special. Daniel could not have picked a more lovely girl. He and I are both lucky. I cannot wait until October when I see them both. thank you Kelly for being you.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Decorating for Fall
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Family Reunions
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Cruising Again...
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Not a Creature was Stirring...
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Whirl Wind of a Trip: Providence RI
As you may know Providence is the capitol of Rhode Island and from our hotel room, we got a great view of the capitol building. The downtown area has its charming antiquated areas, cobblestones streets, and modern upscale buildings and areas. The shopping malls are several floors up, and several in number. I could go crazy here with a plastic card. The parks, the ones we stumbled upon, are again spacious, and the kind of place you could imagine yourself hanging out in on a Sunday afternoon.
We ate a place called Fire and Ice, and kind of bar with assorted iced drinks, and food that you pick out, bowl up, and hand off to the cook to grill for you! You can fill up the bowl as many times as you like, and the assortment of food abounded. We had a great meal. BUT, it is not the only place in town. In fact, there was an overabundance of places that would have had me checking them out if I only had more time, money, and room in the belly! BUT, I will be back (that’s a stolen quote from Arnold this time).
I’m happy that I got to check out Providence with Danny before he settles in at school. I will sleep better (yeah right) knowing he is in a safe area and in a good place. I hope he takes advantage of his new home, and explores every inch of Providence and beyond. It might be a once in a lifetime experience.