What's New in Grenada?

Just a post to let you all know that Caitlin is doing well in Grenada despite the oppressive heat and humidity. She has loved having Migo with her and if you have been reading her blog, you know he loves being with her. BUT that will come to a screeching halt this November as Migo is packing his little duffel bag and coming back home.

It seems that American Airlines might be banning service dogs from boarding and Caitlin is not into making Migo a cargo dog (too many horror stories, so I cannot blame her). I know she will miss him, but I suspect madison will be doing the fourstep when her best buddy comes through the door! She has missed him more than any simply because he loves to play hard like she does, and the two older dogs do not. Truth is...I have missed the demon seed too.

It will be nice to have that fresh face here again. And I suspect Caitlin won't be alone too long down there without a friend there to keep her happy. Dogs seem to migrate towards her...even the foreign variety.

Cookies Galore

I have written before about how I love baking cookies every year for holiday gift giving, parties, and plain old family parties. I look forward to all the holiday magazines, especially the yearly Christmas Cookies put out by Better Homes and Gardens. This year is no exception. I picked up my copy today at the food store, raced home, and with a fresh hot mug of coffee dove into the magazine! I am disappointed. And sad.

It seems I have seen most of what is printed in other issues or in Cookie Cookbooks. Of course, if I didn't own so many cookbooks and magazines devoted to cookies, I might find something new. See my Cookie Obsession. So I will go through my list of favorite recipes and this year that's what I will make, calling each gift "Wendy's Favorites". Thankfully I have made copies of my favorite recipes and put them in one spot, even the ones I have altered to call them my own.

I didn't make cookies last year as I was not in the mood. This year my inner elf is back and I now look forward to making cookies. I have even started stocking up on butter ( I love sales). I am hoping my niece Jillian will help, as she makes baking fun. And perhaps Joshua will help as well. Baking and kids. I love the holidays!

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...

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.

What's so Funny About a Moose?

As a person who like to bake and cook new things, I am always on the lookout for new recipes. I subscribe to some of the best magazines like Gourmet, Bon Appetite, Cooking Light, and those magazines that might not be totally about cooking, but may have an abundance of recipes (like Paula Deen’s magazine). So imagine my delight at a whole article in a recent edition of the New York Times dedicated to preparing moose! Yes, 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?

The Number One and One Half Kelly

I miss my Daniel and his Number One girl Kelly. They are both attending Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island (as I have mentioned before) and are both settled in and doing well. My culinary Gurus.

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.

Decorating for Fall

It's that time again, when I pack away the summer flowers (inside) and pull out my Fall arrangements. I love fall, and knowing it is just around the corner makes me even happier. I normally grumble at the short length of summer, but this year, I am more than ready for the fall season.

My decorations are few in number, but just enough to add the colors that we all love; the reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. Normally I wait to add the pumpkins, but not this year. So my complete fall / Halloween decorations are scattered about the house. Tastefully, and yet not over done. The flags have been changed on the house and mailbox. The only item left to add is the candy bowl that will house Halloween candy. It's out in the stores, but way too tempting to bring home, just yet.

My empty house is ready for the season of Fall. I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving when the kids will be home and my house not so quiet again. Then it will be time to decorate for the Holidays!

Family Reunions

It is that time of year again...the second Sunday in September, my extended family gets together for our big family reunion. Sadly, the numbers have dwindled, and continue to do so each year, whether it be from death or "We are just to busy to attend".

I like reunions and the ability to catch up with the family. We have met at various locations throughout the years, but in the last several years have met at my brother's farm. This allows us much space to be together, but yet not so close that we wished for more space. IF ya know what I mean.

Each year one of the family steps up to the plate to be the family president for the meeting. Yes, we even have a family meeting complete with old business, new business, and a treasury report! We are a well-organized and well-oiled machine! This year my brother Butch is the BIG Kahuna! So he'll run the meeting and direct the day. There's always games and tons of food! I just like the catching up part.

Cruising Again...

Jim and I just got back from a 6 day cruise down to Bermuda and we are now back home, and fully relaxed. (Of course, I expect that will soon change, but for now, I feel great!). The cruise came at a great time. Daniel was off to school, the house finally quiet (maybe too quiet), my class was winding down, and work was becoming a busy place for me with all the additional tasks I keep saying "yes" to doing.

So off we went. We sailed with Royal Caribbean (again) and went straight to Bermuda, where were docked for two full days. This has to be one of the prettiest islands i have been to, and I can truly say I have been to quite a few over the past several years. The people, the environment, the shopping, and the beaches, all superb!

Our first day was spent walking up and down hills in the Hamilton area. From here we bused over to HorseShoe Beach and walked the pink sands and waded through the gorgeous blue surf. We then headed back to the ship and had dinner. Later that evening we headed to the Frog and Onion Pub, an English Pub and had a glass of ale which was yummy. The evening was relaxing and perfect!

The next day we headed back to the beach and spent the am sunning and swimming! Again, perfect. We headed back to the dock area and had lunch at the Bonefish Grill, which has places here in NJ! Awesome lunch! Then it was back to the ship for an afternoon of relaxing in the sun. Jim and I spent hours reading and just vegging out at the pool of in the room watching old reruns of Law and Order. (Who does that on vacation? Us. And it was just what we needed to relax)

Day Four was spent chilling on deck relaxing some more, reading some more, and simply watching the blue water run by.

It was the most perfect vacation.

Not a Creature was Stirring...

Not even a dog.

Finally at last. A quiet and well ordered house. My son left yesterday for college, and now I find myself with the cleanest and quietest house. He was not even out of the driveway and I dove into his bedroom head first. The windows have been cleaned, with fresh new curtains up on the windows. Anything that added to clutter was placed in a box and then into the closet. I then scraped off the dust and then polished the furniture. Got down on my hands and knees and got ALL the stuff that found its way into corners and under furniture (Don't ask). The sheets have been changed and a pretty spread placed on top. Ahhhh, the freshest of smells. The quietest of quiet.

Who knew I would miss him this much?

Madison is barking and she could use a good brushing. There's always something to be done and some dirty kid to deal with it. It really never ends. But thats the way I like it. For now.

Whirl Wind of a Trip: Providence RI

Jim, Dan, and I headed up to see his new campus yesterday at Johnson & Wales (J&W) (Providence, RI),and I L O V E it! The campus is a campus ( pretty and spacious), but the city of Providence is awesome (again stealing my niece’s favorite word). We stayed downtown near the downtown campus of Johnson and Wales, and were able to see that part of the campus as well. We learned that J&W owns just about all of Providence. Sio what might Dan’s tuition be paying for?

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.