Spring Cleaning and Purging

Spring cleaning. It’s a big job, and one not everyone likes to do, but one I graciously and aggressively tackle each year because it means warmer weather is on the way and I can finally open the windows and chase away the dredges of winter! It also helps to chase away the winter blahs. Fresh curtains at the windows, cleaner windows (unless they are at nose level...that cleaning job is done almost once a week around this place), fresh carpets, more organized cupboards and closets...the list is almost endless. I love getting rid of the junk that has been just lying around...time to go!

According to several resources, the art of spring cleaning dates back to the Iranian Nowrus (there are various spellings and pronunciations). Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian/Iranian Calendar. Iranians continue the practice of "khooneh takouni" which literally means "shaking the house" just before the New Year. Everything in the house is thoroughly cleaned, from the drapes to the furniture.

Another resource credits the Jewish culture which prepares their homes each spring for the celebration of Passover. In Greece, and other Orthodox nations, it is traditional to clean the house thoroughly either right before or during the first week of Great Lent, which is referred to as Clean Week. Others credit the spring cleaning tradition to our early American Settlers. And with good reason: homes were heated by wood fires, and during the long, cold winters, the wood smoke would permeate the entire household. Come spring, and at last the linens and carpets could be cleaned and aired outside, and walls and windows could be scrubbed clean.

No matter who gets the credit for its early beginnings, the tradition continues today in many cultures, all around the globe. I love starting fresh...and getting more organized. I love cleaning inside and out. I love new beginnings...the smell of fresh...the look of fresh. (The only cupboard I hate doing is the one in which all the plastic ware resides. That’s Cait’s job and she is not here, so it has to wait until May). =)

Hurry Spring Hurry!

"Spring is the time of year when it is summer the sun, and winter in the shade."
~ Charles Dickens

Axis of Evil

According to our President, George Bush, in his State of the Union Address on January 29th, 2002, he named Iran, Iraq, and North Korea the “Axis of Evil.” Apparently, our President has not met the real “Axis of Evil” which can be found here at my house. The axis rears its ugly head twice a day when it’s feeding time. We call the axis, Luke, Madison, and Meego. Lexy represents America.

Feeding four large dogs is no easy chore. Putting aside the expense (yes, I was aware of the potential expense before bringing each puppy home, but they are all so cute at 8 weeks of age, so who thinks rationally?), the very chore can be overwhelming when all four ‘think’ they are starving and I am not moving fast enough in filling their bowls.

And of course, there’s more to their diets that a simple scoop of dog food. We use Eukanuba dog products here. Meego is still on the “puppy” mix, as he is still growing, which should scare us; Lexy is on the “old dog” special needs mix; and Luke and Madison are on a “weight maintenance” mix. So right off the bat, it isn’t easy. Thankfully, I have three large bins that allow easy storage and retrieval of the products.

Each bowl then gets its own addition. Everyone gets a scoop of pumpkin, a multivitamin, and some form of glucosamine, and Madison gets a small scoop of unsweetened, low fat coconut. Because Lexy is Lexy, she gets an egg for breakfast and a hotdog in her bowl for dinner. (she has the need to feel special) And each day Meego and Madison get Vitamin C.

So where does the “axis of evil” come into play? Everyone chows down their food, except Lexy, who eats like an old lady in her own time. Either Jim or I have to stand guard over her, because after the others eat, they begin to circle the area where Lexy eats, like sharks, like Indians around the wagon trains, or like the “axis of evil” arming to threaten the peace of the world. Lexy pays no attention. She picks up her food, chews like an old lady, leers at them (even smiles), and begins the process again. She is never in any hurry. This process plays out twice a day, every day.

Feeding time at the zoo adds humor to our day. But I do like knowing my dogs are as healthy as they can be through our attention to nutritional details and that their tummies are happy. Even with the “Axis of Evil” lurking nearby.

Poop Entrepreneurs

While I was picking up the dog poop in the yard today (a job I loathe), I got to wondering about those companies that come to your home to clean up after the dog. Who are these people? Who was the first to establish such a business? What provoked them to even consider it? Is it really that lucrative? I headed to Google to find the answers. (Only Google would have 2,040,000 results regarding dog poop).

Our society's obsession for our pets has created a very profitable sector in pet services. When you combine this with our aversion to what our furry friends leave behind, and you have a great business opportunity in pet waste disposal. Who knew?

The statistics on this sector are staggering. Over the last decade, total U.S. pet industry expenditures have nearly doubled, from $21 billion in 1996 to $38.5 billion in 2006. According to a 2007-2008 study, “63% of American homes have pets which translates into more than 71 million households!” Of these, nearly 45 million households have dogs. Truly the numbers are staggering! (We are contributing very well to the numbers)

With today's busy lifestyles, many people don't want to spend time scooping and disposing of their dogs' poop. I mean really... those ten extra minutes can be better spent elsewhere! We all want clean and healthy yards and we certainly don’t want an unsightly yard full of doggy poop. (What would the neighbors say?) So, as a result, dog waste removal is growing as a common and viable business service. And I mean viable!

The names of the various businesses are quite amusing, as well as thought provoking. The list is certainly not complete, but here are few examples:

Pet Butler...DoodyCalls...Dog Gone Poop...Pooper Scoopers...Miss Poop...K9 Pollution Solutions...Whoopsy Daisy...Lawn Doodles...The Poo Man...Scoop D’Poo...Yard Guards...and Scooper Dude whose motto is “"Business Stinks ... but It's Picking Up.”

The owners of some of these companies have made millions of dollars in doing what I do every day for about ten minutes; although pound for pound, I am sure they are dealing with a whole lot more! That aside, I still find it amazing and had to share.

Comfort Foods

When I think of comfort food, I think carbs. Breads, pastas, all the good stuff that if taken too far (rich sauces on top and lots of butter), and too often, can land you in a really fat place, if you are not careful. One of the dishes I think of most, when I think of warm and comforting foods, besides memories of my dad’s spaghetti, is macaroni and cheese. (My dad’s pasta and his homemade sauce deserve their own blog entry).

Macaroni and cheese was a dish I was raised on, simply because of the cost, (lets face it feeding five kids was not easy) but my parent’s macaroni and cheese was always wonderful. Looking back, I can remember that if times were good, there was a little meat added to the dish, but if times were not so good, there was no meat, and even less cheese. But no matter how tough times were, our little tummies always left the table satisfied. My memory reminds me there were various forms of the dish made by my parents, and all of them filling and comforting.

There are many adaptations of this American comfort food. In fact, if you are looking for a way to prepare the dish, you might feel overwhelmed by all the recipes that are out there (excluding the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese © variety). I have found a recipe that was placed in the New York Times, a couple years back, and have shared this with various people and now wish to share with all of you. The dish is easy to make and incredibly delicious. And the best part...no need to cook those elbows before hand.

When sick, or tired, or far from home, everyone seems to yearn for the gastronomic equivalent of a warm sweater, a kiss on the forehead, a special moment in time, or a favorite blanket. I am blessed to have many favorite memories of delicious foods made by my parents and grandparents. I only hope that I have been able to recreate some of those same memories for my children, which not only satisfied their palettes and filled their tummies, but will warm their hearts when reflecting back on growing up. (Even my chicken and rice dish). =)

New York Times Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup cottage cheese (not low fat)
2 cups milk (not skim)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch cayenne
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg *(if Cait is around, I skip this)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked.

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. In a blender, puree cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together.* Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
3. Uncover pan, stir gently, and sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!!

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

FYI: The term "comfort food" was added to the Webster's Dictionary in 1972.

From Pin Stripes to Prison Stripes

I’m a little sad about the whole Roger Clemens ordeal. I had been a fan of his for a long time, but my feelings for him have changed over the past year. He has become somewhat of a bully on the mound, and his temper tantrums do not portray him as a positive role model. What happened? Why did he become so bitter? Was it ‘roid’ rage?

The sports role models we had as kids no longer exist. Media exposure and our culture's fascination with athletic achievements will insure that professional athletes will, for some time, be highly recognized and admired. But a closer examination of the headlines does not provide the role models parents are looking for. The modern athlete, more often than not, is materialistic, greedy, self-centered, arrogant, chauvinistic, and selfishly individualistic. Are these the values we want in our kids? I think not. And to be fair, not all athletes are like this, but the good ones are over shadowed by those in the media. Like Roger.

On the other hand do we have the right to judge our athletes any harder than the rest of those who make up our society? We want athletes to be more than a model of a role; we want athletes to be a model of all personal and public virtues. Why should we expect athletes to exhibit non-athletic virtues to any greater degree than we or others model such qualities? Virtues such as honesty, integrity, self-control, humility, kindness, generosity and the like are immensely important, but they are no more important to the athlete than they are to the rest of us. Why should I expect to point to an athlete or other celebrity to show my children an example of humility or generosity, more than I should live a life where I can point to myself?

My children are grown and can certainly watch the Roger Clemens story line unfold and come to their own conclusions. But if they were younger, I would certainly take the opportunity to explain that rules are rules, and players who flout the rules cheat the game, much as talented players who squander their innate gifts cheat the duty they owe to their employers and, by extension, their fans. This is the message I would want my children to learn.

As for Roger, I do hope the truth eventually plays out. I want to believe that as one of the great pitchers of my time, he is innocent. But if he isn’t, then I want to know that he is punished fairly for the crime, and that he accepts his punishment like a man and not a bully. Then he may better serve as a role model for our kids.

The Picket Fence

When we moved into our house five years ago, we surrounded our backyard with a picket fence. It wasn’t because we were into the whole “white picket fence dream” in which you finally reach attainment of your dreams. You know the one; the kids, the dogs, the house, the dream of the somewhat perfect life. Life was good and long time goals had been reached. It still is good, and we are blessed.

Our goals and dreams did come true, but the reality is, we had two dogs that needed to be barricaded in the yard to ensure their safety. So the fence was bought and put up almost immediately. It did not take us long to decide on the type of fence. I liked the idea of something that provided safety, but would not be seen as a wall to cut us off from our neighbors.

And the idea of a white picket fence did not interest me, so the fence was stained what become to be known as “poopy brown”. It matches the deck. I was happy with my fence. Until now.

We have a problem with our neighbors. It seems they are licensed to run a 5 bed hospital so people come and go all day long, which does not go over well with the dogs. Although they are doing their jobs (protecting their home and family), there is way too much barking. There is also the problem of people thinking they have to offer the dogs cookies all day. So the picket fence has to go.

I have no regrets about “fencing” these neighbors out, but I am sad to “fence” out the other side. I love those neighbors! Jim is trying to come with a way we can “drop open the fence” (I know this sounds strange) but I do not want to lose my connection to them. So up the new fence goes, and down comes the very first picket fence we ever owned.

Don't Be A Butt Head

It seems like yesterday (to me anyway) that revealing one’s butt crack was not in good taste. In fact, those who suffered the “butt” of many jokes were plumbers or refrigerator repairmen. I can remember a skit done on Saturday Night Live in which Todd and Lisa (Bill Murray and Gilda Radner) are watching the refrigerator repairmen whose butt crack is highly visible:

Norge Repairman: Yeah. Where's the.. [ spots the Norge ] What a beauty! An old Norge, you don't see many of these things anymore.

Lisa Loopner: No, not too often..

[ the Norge repairman bends down, revealing a crack in his butt, as Todd and Lisa make a few cracks of their own ]

Lisa Loopner: Hey, Todd! You think we should offer him some miniature mashmallows!

Todd: No, I think maybe he might like the big ones!

Lisa Loopner: It's too bad you're not studying overdeveloped nations!

Todd: I think maybe I'll switch to Math.. and go into long division!

Norge Repairman: You know.. when I was a kid, homework wasn't so much fun. [ returns to his work ]

Lisa Loopner: Oh, we're just laughing at something funny that happened on the way home from.. [ laughing ] ..school!

Todd: Yeah! The moon came out surprisingly early!

Lisa Loopner: Oh, Todd.. no wisecracks!

However, while this was funny back then, it might lose its joke appeal today, because the butt crack has become very much a fashion statement, especially among our youth. Girl’s bottoms, intentionally or not, have become the focal point of fashion and pop culture alike. The butt crack is the new cleavage, reclaimed to peek seductively from the pants of supermodels and commoners alike. Adding a tattoo on the lower back, or displaying a pretty thong, provides intentional invitations to stare at their derrieres.

The increase in the decrease of the waist band on most today’s pants also provides a better view of the cheeks. We have become a nation obsessed with having “bootylicious” bodies, so in order to do so, we have to better share our bottoms. It’s almost impossible at times to find a pair of pants that will not reveal at least an inch of one’s crack if pushed to sit down. While I have observed many girls constantly pulling up their pants while trying to bend down, there are far more that seem to revel in showing as much as of their backsides to innocent bystanders.

As a mother, I find it appalling that our youth seem to enjoy sharing more of themselves that they should be sharing. It just isn’t as funny as the refrigerator repairmen. So please put your cracks way. Don’t be a Butt Head...

Chocolate Chicken Mole

I have not meant for this blog to be one in which you see my “foodie” side, but when I find a recipe worth sharing, I have no choice but to, well share. It should not be a surprise that my favorite TV channel is the Food TV Network. I’m not hooked on all the shows, but I do have my favorite chefs. Ingrid Hoffman who does the “Simply Delicioso” show is one of them. Her cooking has taste bud appeal, and never seems like a challenge to make, and I have learned that Latin food is more than a simple taco.

I recently watched her make “Chocolate Chicken Mole” and I happen to love a good mole. The first time I ever had chocolate mole was up in Ithaca, New York while visiting some very dear friends. Since that time, I have not been able to duplicate that experience, out or in my kitchen. Until now. So it is that I now share this recipe with my friends and family. Trust me. It’s well worth the effort to make this dish.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 chipotle pepper with 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from can (or more to taste) chopped

1 cup raisins

2 cups canned chopped tomatoes

3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (or 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder)

1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (skin and bones discarded)

1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts, for garnish

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

1 orange, zested, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for serving

Lime wedges, for serving

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced, for serving

Flour tortillas, for serving

Place a pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. Add the onion and garlic, stirring to soften for 5 minutes. Add the chipotle with adobo, raisins, and tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Carefully pour the mixture into a blender. Add the peanut butter, broth, chili powder, and cinnamon. Puree the mixture until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Return the mixture to the pot over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Add the shredded chicken and heat through. Transfer the mole to a serving dish and garnish with peanuts, sesame seeds, and orange zest. Serve with cilantro, lime, avocado, and tortillas. Enjoy!!

Washington and Lincoln

In this higly political season we are living in, it is a good time to reflect upon the accomplishments of these two popular and well-respected presidents.

George Washington...1st President of the United States...Revolutionary War General...Mount Vernon..."first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”...drafted the Constitution...Farewell address... urged Americans to unite for the good of the whole country...warned the nation to avoid permanent foreign alliances...and so much more.

Abraham Lincoln…16th President of the United States…Republican...Civil War...outspoken opponent of slavery…Gettysburg Address…Emancipation Proclamation...13th Amendment to our Constitution...Reconstruction...first US President to be assassinated...

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Making the "Perfect" Biscuit

Making the perfect biscuit has never been an easy task for me. Even my attempts to make what some might call and “edible” biscuit has been a challenge. My “competition biscuits” are those made by my mother; the ones that have satisfied my palate all of my life. Quite honestly, her biscuits are made from a scratch recipe, passed down from her mother, or by following the recipe on the yellow box. I have tried both, and despite following her recipes exactly, my biscuits could only be substituted for hockey pucks. Seriously. I am not kidding. Ask my daughter.

This might seem trivial to many, but making the perfect biscuit has stumped me for decades. And I believe has irritated my daughter who loves my mom’s homemade biscuits. Oh sure, the “crack-open-the-tube-and-bake” ones are nice substitutes, but they are not “Gram’s biscuits.” However, I have just recently found a recipe from Ina Garten’s (The Barefoot Contessa) recipe box that proved to be a prefect and easy to make biscuit. In fact, my mother was visiting with me and agrees that these biscuits, made by me, were heavenly! What follows is this recipe. I’m only happy to share a successful biscuit with my friends and family. Be warned, this recipe is not for those on any diet plan. The butter alone can knock any diet plan out of the park!

Cheddar-Dill Biscuits
4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
4 extra-large eggs, beaten lightly
1 cup cold heavy cream
1/2 pound extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, small-diced
1 cup minced fresh dill
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk, for egg wash

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine 4 cups of flour, the baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Mix the eggs and heavy cream and quickly add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Combine until just blended. Toss together the Cheddar, dill, and 1 tablespoon of flour and add them to the dough. Mix until they are almost incorporated.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for 1 minute, until the Cheddar and dill are well distributed. Roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 4-inch squares and then in half diagonally to make triangles. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20 to 25 minutes, until the outside is crusty and the inside is fully baked.

Meego's First Snow!

Meego gets a taste of what snow is all about... finally! Like his siblings, he found the snow to be fun to play in, and roll around in, getting as wet as possible!

Snowflakes, snowflakes
Falling to the ground
Each one rests so gently
They never make a sound.
Snowflakes, snowflakes
Are so pure and white
The special thing about them is
No two are alike.

Luke

I have shared my stories of Lexy, Meego, and Madison, and I would be remiss if I did not mention Luke in my blog. In fact, he would not like being left out.

Luke is the third Golden that entered this family, and he came along shortly after we lost our first Golden, Tyler (yet another blog entry I need to make). He endured the same welcome from Lexy as she got from Tyler. “Thanks for stopping by, now go away.” However, like his big sister, after a few days of being growled at, he soon fit in and life was good again on the dog front.

Of all of our Goldens, Luke has the most sedate personality. He hardly ever barks, and he is not one to get in much trouble (although he can dog well). He’s not usually the one to instigate rough play with the others, but can hold his own if he has to do so. Luke is Luke. He can be stubborn at times, and will every now and then, insist we do things his way. For example, when it’s bed time, Luke has to be coaxed to come up to bed, where the others spring into action and race up the stairs. His way, on his own terms, and in his own time. He’d make a good island dog! Luke adds so much to our Golden family, even when he is being quiet.

The White House 2009

As we approach the presidential election in 2008, which quite honestly has been a long time in coming, because we have been inundated with the presidential candidates “politicking” for a very long time, I wonder do people vote FOR their favorite politician, or AGAINST the one they do not like? According to one political web site I recently found “good democracy requires voting out bad politicians.”

I have decided (for now) who I will vote for, but my vote is based upon, to some extent, who I do not want to see in office from the same party. I like the candidate, but do I like them enough to want them for my president? This is the question I pose to myself. I hope that between now and then, my potential candidate provides me with more of a reason to vote for them, and simply not AGAINST the other candidate. There are far too many important issues that will help me to determine who I will vote for in November. I just have to hope that between now and then, my decision is one that I make with confidence and with an in depth knowledge about the person who will reside in the White House for four LONG years.

For those of you who might need some help in choosing your candidate, this link will take you to a web site that helps to sort out the issues.

Wax On, Wax Off

What you see is a Golden. Believe it or not. Our little Meego had a run in with a waxing pot, and because of the incident, he had to be shaved. (Thankfully, that’s all he needed, as it could have been worse).

Caitlin and I were doing our waxing routine, and he had to be nosey. His feet got tangled up in the electric cord, and the wax pot went up in the air and wax was all over the place; yet mostly on Meegs. After an emergency call to PetSmart to see if they did emergency wax removals from doggy fur (I am sure they are still laughing), Caitlin took him over to meet the girls who wash the dogs. Unfortunately, the only thing that worked was Mr. Razor, and what we now have is a dog that looks more like Lab than a Golden.

They say that dogs who know they are some how different than their peers have jealously issues and can become depressed. With all of his energy and antics, he has no time to become depressed. At least I have not seen any clinical signs of depression. I have noticed a wee bit of jealously. He now likes to PULL the hair out of Luke, who is the furriest Golden we own. The bad thing about this is that Luke lets him do it! So I have had to spray bitter apple on his fur to keep Meego away. Not fun for Luke, but it does help.

The moral of this story…wax and dogs do not mix well. Ever.

Lexy

What you see in the video below is a dog. More specifically a Golden Retriever named Lexy. One might say she’s a cute dog, a pretty dog, or even a silly dog. Then again, one might not even know she’s a she.

Like most dogs, she’s warm, lovable, and fills the role as one of the “Family Dogs.” What you can’t see in this picture is all the happiness, joy, and good laughs she has brought to our family. Although how could you not chuckle when you watch the video?

Her American Kennel Club registration papers identify her as “Tyler’s Little Shadow Princess Lexy.” We call her Lexy, Lex, Roo, Slider, Ruby Red, Spy Girl, and a bunch of other names. She was born in Oklahoma on an ostrich farm. One of eight pups, her personality from the start even amused the family she started her life with on that farm.

When we first met Lexy, we knew we wanted a female pup, but we had the choice of several female pups. Lexy seemed to seek us out. Of all her siblings, she was the most aggressive, but immediately won us all over. The vote to pick her was unanimous. Lexy was not to be the only family dog when we got her, and she had to earn the love of another family dog, a golden like her, named Tyler. It was almost two years, before he become fond of his pesky little sister.

What makes Lexy special is all the joy and happiness, and many good laughs she had brought to us over the past 9 plus years. She entered our family at a very difficult time. We had moved to Oklahoma, leaving all of our family behind in New Jersey, including my father who was terminally ill. None of us were happy, and laughs were hard to find, especially for Caitlin. No matter how hard we all tried, getting settled in our new home, schools, and jobs, was not easy. None of us would have expected that a tiny puppy would be able to fill our lives with such big laughs. (Tyler was the only one who did not find her amusing)

From the start her curiosity in learning her new world always seemed to lead to new adventures for her, and the occasional chuckle from us. It seemed she provided us with something to focus on rather than on what we were missing on back in New Jersey. As time passed, we were able to get back closer to home, and our family. Lexy came into our lives at a time when we needed a bit more happiness, and a few more laughs. If a doctor were to order the perfect pill to cure our blues, Lexy would have been the magic pill.

It's been 9 plus years since Lexy's adoption into our family and we couldn't love her more. She lost her brother Tyler several years ago, but has since become the older sister of Luke, Madison, and most recently, Meego. This is another whole posting! To this day, she is still a source of amusement to us all, and has not yet lost any of her puppy playfulness (as you can see in the video) or curiosity about her world, and we are grateful.

The Joys of Baking

"Food, like a loving touch or a glimpse of divine power, has that ability to comfort."

~Norman Kolpas

The above quote is certainly true. However, if Norman were to formulate a quote in regards to my old style of cooking and baking, he’d add the words, “interesting, unusual, thought provoking, and out of the ordinary”. It’s true, well almost.

Until several years ago, I had no real interest in the finer arts of baking and cooking. My culinary creativity was put to the test when I added hotdog pieces to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese ©. When my extended family got together for barbeques, I was the one asked to bring the paper goods. “It’s really better this way,’ I was informed. I had a spice cabinet full of spices and herbs, all for show. My baking and cooking supplies were almost non-existent. I didn’t need them. I hated cooking and baking.

Then one day I was standing in the line at the supermarket and a dish on the cover of Gourmet Magazine caught my attention. I bought the magazine and to my surprise the dish was not only easy to assemble, but I had all the necessary food and spices to throw it together. Of course, my next concern was would my family like it? They did! I was hooked. I was on my way to becoming a culinary Goddess.

Okay, that might be stretching it, but the truth is I finally saw myself as someone who might be able to function beyond the microwave on the kitchen. I started buying various food magazines and cookbooks and focused on the easier things to make. My family began looking for newer dishes to grace the table at mealtime! I soon realized that cooking and baking require love, time, and the ability to try new things. Fear really has no place in the kitchen.

So today I love to lots more time to devote to trying new things and have now amazed my friends and family at my talents in the kitchen. I’m happy there too.

“Noncooks think it's silly to invest two hours' work in two minutes' enjoyment; but if cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet.” ~ Julia Child

My Orange Blossom Cookies

Orange Blossoms *Makes about 2 dozen sandwich cookies

1 cup butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp orange extract

2 cups flour

¼ tsp salt

Heat oven to 400. Beat butter, sugar, and extract. Stir in flour and salt. IF dough is too soft, chill to firm a bit. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased trays. Press bottom of glass into dough to grease glass then into granulated sugar. (I use Turbinado sugar) Then press dough ball on tray with sugared glass to about ¼ inch thick.

Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove immediately to racks to cool for about 30 minutes. Spread orange filling between pairs of cookies and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Orange filling:

¼ cup sugar

2 ¼ tsp cornstarch

¼ cup water

1 Tb butter

1 tsp grated orange peel

4 ½ tsp orange juice

Mix sugar and cornstarch in 1 qt saucepan. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens. Boil and stir 1 minute. Cool. Enjoy!!

Technology and Umbilical Cords

I love knowing that through today's technology I have an almost constant "lifeline" to my kids. It can only be compared to an umbilical cord; a valuable link that joins mother and baby. The value of a healthy umbilical cord is important as it allows the mother to share nutrients with her baby and to exchange oxygenated blood between the placenta and the fetus.

My umbilical cord to my kids consists of cell phones, the land line (you know that thing hanging on the kitchen wall), and various computer programs that allow me to connect instantly, anytime, anywhere. Now that Caitlin is living so far from me, this connection has become all too important and one I could not be without. Technology allows us to share information. It allows me to see her in real time, so that I can really see how she is doing. (Facial expressions have become all too important). Cell phones link me to Daniel and this becomes important when the weather is bad and I have to know he is at work or home safe and sound.

The phrase "cutting the umbilical cord" is used symbolically to describe a child's breaking away from the parental home. They may leave home or be far from home, but they are never far from me as long as technology allows me this vital link. It allows me to breathe easier. I am grateful they understand this need I have and that they never mind me entering their lives via technology.

Snow or Spring?

As January comes to a close, and February comes our way, we have yet to have any real snow fall here. At this point, I am not sure if i want to wish for snow, or simply start wishing for Spring. I did so want to see our newest puppy play in snow, significant snow, and not the mere trace we got several weeks ago.

All we seem to get is rain and more rain, which only adds to the mess around here. 16 paws can accumulate a lot of wet and mud. Not that snow is any better, as we then have 16 paws that need to be cleaned of snow they can easily bring in the house. It never ends.

I am not happy with this time of year. Every thing seems so bleak. The yard is barren and not as appealing as when everything is green and lush. I miss sitting on my deck. I miss being out working in the yard and my gardens. So if I can't have a snowy yard to look at, and a snow filled yard for the dogs to roll in, I want to wish for an early Spring.

"Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me
stopping here to watch his woods fill up with snow." ~Robert Frost

My Stay in Grenada

Enough about Caitlin. This is about me. My time spent in Grenada was wonderful. I stayed at the Grenadian Rex, which was a resort not far from the campus. In fact, it was a mere $15.00 taxi ride away! =/ The resort sat on 20 acres of gorgeous, tropical land, with the Caribbean sea a few short steps from my room. The view from my room was nothing short of spectacular and I could see over into the port of St. Georges.

The beach proved a delight (not hard to imagine of you know my love of sand and surf), and while relaxing, I was able to get a ton of reading done. (nothing strenuous, nothing required). We did spend a day at the pool, but after a day of being pecked in the head by a stupid black bird, I never went back.

My room was pretty, although a morgue slab might have proved more comfortable than the bed. The service was a wee bit slow, and I had to remind myself I was in a place where "Island Time" meant something to those who worked there. So I made an effort to relax more.

The food wasn't bad at the hotel. Nothing exciting. However, I did manage to find a good place on the campus called the "Sugar Shack" to have a roti and had to indulge in eating them several times during my stay. I cannot even begin to express how delicious these were!

I took an island tour with the other parents (I met some very nice people!) and visited several historical places, the rain forest, and a rum distillery! Cait and I also visited the huge outdoor fruit and veggie market, where Cait did some major shopping.

My week flew by, and I left the island feeling sad to leave Cait behind, but excited and so very proud of her! (And I wasn't going to mention her name).

Paging Dr. Cait, Paging Dr. Cait!

It's official! She's landed in Grenada, has settled in, and has been inducted into Vet school through her White Coat Ceremony, in which she pledges to uphold her professional obligation to the world of Veterinarian Medicine.

The ceremony was awesome, and I could not have been more proud of her! I know that Caitlin will be committed to her role as a vet student and will carry this through when she completes school and begins her practice. She has been afforded an incredible opportunity and has marched into it with enthusiasm. I look forward to sharing as much of this journey with her as I possibly can from a distance.

Goodbye and Good Luck Caitlin!

A New Year, new beginnings, new challenges! I leave in a few short days to take Caitlin down to Grenada and I am so looking forward to sharing her new adventures with her! In a previous post Caitlin Heads to Grenada, I expressed how proud I am of all of her accomplishments, and excited I am for her as she begins a new chapter in her life.

Her bags are packed, all three HUGE duffel bags! She has managed to take as much as she can, and still meet the weight requirements Air Jamaica has in place. How she did, is a mystery. I'm just glad she made space to take the things that mean so much to her, like photos of her pets, and of course, her family.

Her first week will be filled with orientation and fun things to do, like Island tours and barbecues! There's even activities for the parents, so I, too, will have something to do while she is off getting settled. She has been communicating with others already down there, so she has a good idea of what to expect (thankfully). Her roommate hails from Arizona.

Caitlin will not have time to share her adventures with all of you, so that will be my job. I will take you all on her journey as she works her way through her first semester in Grenada! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

Bright and Beautiful: Our Madison

Last year Caitlin enrolled Madison, one of our Goldens, into Obedience class with the goal of becoming a therapy dog. After two additional classes, Madison is now one of the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. Her sweet disposition lends her to fit the role beautifully.

She spends her therapy time at two libraries where she enjoys children reading to her. OK, she just sits patiently and has at times even dozed off, but the kids are thrilled to read to her. She and I will begin a program at our town library and I am excited to be a part of such a great program. Madison is too!

The program is a spin off of the Paws for Reading program which uses service dog teams and registered therapy animals and their handlers to help improve the literacy skills of children in an effective and unique manner. The kids get so excited to see the dogs. There are those children who merely come to work through their fears of dogs! No matter the role she plays, we are very proud of our Maddie!

Back to School...

The break was nice while it lasted, but it's over and it is time to head towards the next goal...obtaining my Masters in Nursing Education. I'm hopeful the goal will be well worth this long haul. I'm only taking two classes over the next 12 weeks, but after reading the course syllabuses for both classes, I will definitely be very busy and buried in research again! The two classes are as follows: The History of Nursing and Nursing Conflicts. The second seems as if it will be like bringing work home. The first a more enjoyable class. We'll see.

The only good thing about being so busy...less time to think about missing Caitie. Oh who am I kidding?

Surf Taco

This blog entry is merely one in which I promote the new Surf Taco coming to Lacey Township, NJ. Of course, eating at any one of their locations would prove to be a wonderful dining experience. The menu is not overwhelming and items vary. My personal favorite is the Aloha Wrap which contains the following: Teriyaki chicken, sesame seeds, pineapple, jack & cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato & red onion. One can add fresh avocado, if they like. I like. =)

That is all. Except this. Try it.

Happy New Year 2008!

The definition of “resolution” is quite in depth. For most people’s purposes, they are simple or major changes, or goals, we have to do at the end of every year in which something good should be the result. Too many of us that might include lose weight, stop smoking, eat better, exercise more, etc. There are those too, who decide that perhaps they need to better themselves in other ways. For example, there are some who feel they need to call mom more, spend more time helping make money for charity, learn to play chess, etc. Consequently resolutions vary.

The common thread for a majority of resolutions is that they are typically broken. Oh sure, we decided that diet was a must and that we finally felt ready to tackle that extra 25 pounds, but by January 3rd, the diet was cast aside. Poof, the resolution to shed those pounds all gone. So are resolutions just rituals?

For most of us, the answer is yes. For others, it truly is a way of taking a good hard look at ourselves and deciding changes have to be made, or should be made (like healthy changes). Whether it is to make a change for the good of our health, or the good of others, resolutions are made.

I used to make resolutions, but after many failures, I decided one year to only make goals. Yes, it’s the same damn thing, but the word “goal" is less threatening to me. In the end it worked. I also decided that my goals had to be more realistic. Making the goal to parachute out of a plane was not realistic. I am afraid of heights. Last year I had the following three goals: 1) read more books, other than what was required for school, 2) learn to knit (nicely), and 3) Finally get that nursing degree. Missions accomplished!

This year my goals are simple again, and realistic.

* Really learn to make homemade pasta and do it make more often.
* Continue on the road to obtaining my Masters in Nursing
* Learn more Spanish
* Organize the basement, once and for all!

I am not an expert on making and keeping resolutions or goals, but I do know that once you have decided you are ready to make that New Year's resolution/goal and stick to it, you need to develop a plan of action and make that plan a priority. One of the most important secrets to keeping those New Year's resolutions/goals is to take the process of change one day at a time. And it is OK to make big changes by taking small steps. If you can do just a little bit to get going, soon you will feel the positive effects of the change. And that little bit of change can lead to long-term healthy habits or new knowledge that can last far beyond New Year's Day.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

"New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why,
as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that
introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making
resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!"

~ Gary Ryan Blair

Count Down Until Christmas 2008

The headline of toady’s local paper reads “364 Days until the Next Yuletide”. The premise of the article focuses on the major shopping that is being done because the holiday sales continue to lure people into buying more. I am not sure why the number of the days left until we start all over again is even mentioned. Surely consumers do not need a motive to get a good bargain. Do they? I certainly do not.

I am guilty of being sucked into the potential shopping frenzy. I found myself in Target yesterday by 730 am, along with Caitlin, and together we managed to take home a few bargains. However, what I did not find was any frenzy. In fact, Target and the mall were empty, which made shopping easier and more enjoyable.

We stocked up on the new LED lights in order to help save energy next year. Going green is much easier when you can save on things that help save energy. Thus, our hunting for these new lights. We also managed to get boxes of holiday cards that we liked and not ones we might like, but bought to save money. Even the wrapping paper was a bargain, and we got what we liked and not the ‘leftovers’ that are just ok. Caitlin found a paper mache moose that seemed lonely on the shelf. And I found a really nice wooden countdown to Christmas calendar. Ugh, I am guilty of thinking about the number of days left until Christmas too!

We had a fun, stress-free day of shopping, despite the countdown that looms until next Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

From my front door to yours! Happy and health 2008 to all my friends and family!

Wishing for a White Christmas

I am sure I am not alone. Many people every year wish that a little snow might come their way on Christmas. Why do we yearn for a white Christmas? What is it about snow that adds to the holiday?

I do not remember every Christmas I had as a kid, but I do remember the ones with snow. It seems to me that was the Christmas that we got new sleds, or something that might require a few inches of snow. Of course, I also remember that every snow we had as kids could only be measured in feet and not inches.

We lived on a small hill, and our driveway was an incredible hill for sledding. If the snow was deep enough, and it always was, and the plow did not do a real good job plowing the road that our driveway spilled out on, we could go from the top of our driveway right across the road and down the embankment by the lake. It was a thrill ride and one we would do a million times no matter how cold it was at the time. The ride became more of a thrill and a challenge when the lake was frozen and we could end the ride on the lake. It never mattered what kind of sled we had either. Round ones, plastic ones, or the dependable flexible flyer, each was mastered by my siblings and me.

Perhaps snow reminds me of a time when I had no responsibilities and the only real challenge I had was mastering the sled from the top of the hill to the bottom of it. Childhood and all it had to offer. I also love the quiet of snow. You know that sound. That silent sound you hear when snow is quietly falling and nothing can be heard but the snow itself, as it hits the ground. It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. It’s always welcomed at Christmas.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I love birthdays....I just dislike getting older! Why can't we just have a birthday without adding another year to our lives?

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." - Lucille Ball

I have nothing more to add to this blog entry, except to say, I'm going out and enjoying the day!

My Own Iron Chef

This month, Daniel, will graduate from the local community college with his degree in Culinary Arts. I could not be more proud of his accomplishments. He has worked very hard to get where he has gotten, and the hard work has paid off. He has been working in various chef roles for some time, and really seems to enjoy the work. Thankfully!

I have so enjoyed watching him go through the culinary program, and have to admit I have learned things along the way. He has been a patient teacher in my kitchen. In fact, his love of cooking has prompted me to do more in the kitchen, something I never used to like to do. My fear of cooking has been put to rest, and my library of cookbooks has grown in abundance.

I love cooking and baking with him at my side. He is my own personal teacher, guiding me through various dishes, providing me with new knowledge and confidence. I hope he never loses his passion for cooking.

Move over Bobby Flay!

Christmas Markets in Germany

The Christmas season is one of the times I miss Germany the most. The “Weihnachtsmarkt”, or Christmas Market, held in downtown Mannheim, was a place that we would often visit during the days leading to Christmas. There is nothing as wonderful as the smell of fresh bread and baked goods wafting through the air. The sights, the smells, the holiday spirit is easily caught and not so easily forgotten.

The kids enjoyed the rides, while Jim and I enjoyed the shopping for home made toys and gift items. If it was snowing while we walked around, all the better! The Mannheim Christmas Market is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and we visited many of them so we can say for sure!

Thousands of lights and spicy scents created a warm and joyful Christmas atmosphere. Typical German "Glühwein", Bratwurst, and assorted sweets made our visit at the Mannheim Christmas Market unforgettable, and a time we will always miss during the holidays.

Mazel Tov Joshua!

At the end of this week my nephew Joshua has his Bar mitzvah. He is excited, yet nervous, but I know he will do a wonderful job. I am so proud of him, as is all his family and friends.

"Bar (or Bat) Mitzvah" literally translates to being "son (daughter) of obligation" -- i.e. the young person becomes fully responsible to observe the commandments of the Torah. It is an honor and a privilege. In Judaism, a mitzvah performed because one is commanded, is considered greater than a mitzvah performed voluntarily. This is because a person has a natural aversion to fulfilling an obligation. Yet overcoming this aversion is a sign of maturity, and this is what the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrates -- reaching the stage of obligation.

We are so honored to share in this celebration.

Caitlin Heads to Grenada!

And she’s off…in a few weeks to a whole new chapter in her life. Caitlin heads to St. George’s University in Grenada where she will begin her schooling to become a Veterinarian. Her life long goal is within reach…a four-year long reach, but nonetheless, it is visible! She has worked very hard to get to this point and after TWO acceptance letters (St. Matthews in Grand Cayman and St. Georges), she had decided St. George’s best suits her learning goals. One acceptance is wonderful, but two? I am gushing with a certain amount of pride.

I will fly down with her in January to get her settled and to survey the area. What mother could simply send her only daughter off to a strange island some million miles from home? Not me. I am looking forward to Caitlin’s new adventure as much as she is. I have worked hard for this too. I feel as if I have been a huge support to Caitlin as she headed through pre-vet medicine. As has her dad and brother. We are all very proud of her.

We will all miss her, but I know I will miss her the most. I joke that she is my right arm. When in fact she is so much more. I have no idea if she knows how much I will miss her. But I will. I am also very excited for her. I love her. I wish her all the best!

Decking the halls...and more

The tree is up! We were able to find a 12 foot tree for a great price, and right up the street at the local nursery. In fact, it's the cheapest tree we have bought in a very long time. Apparently, the new Home Depot in the neighborhood has the local nurseries readjusting their prices. (Thank you Home Depot!)

Each year we add new ornaments which go along with what's going on in our lives. Daniel's new ornament is a butcher block with tiny chef tools on it. It's cute! Caitlin's new ornament is a female Veterinarian with a Golden Retriever at her side! I have no idea where I found it, but it is perfect! Both kids love their new ornaments.

And of course, each dog has a new ornament. They are ceramic paw prints with their names on them. I have yet to find one that depicts Jim and I. Last year I got Jim a graduate ornament. I need one too! I still have time to shop!

I feel better now that the tree is up. I even managed to bake a few cookies. Life is back on track! Tis the season to be jolly! I am.

Going Green

I'm doing my part. I am making every attempt to take my own shopping bags with me when I head to the grocery store. We all have to get involved. Baby steps lead to bigger steps. The world has to change. We have to change.

I've lost my inner-elf

Tis the season to be jolly, or so the song goes. I'm not feeling so jolly this year and this feeling has rolled over into my kitchen. There were no cookies until this morning. This is so not like me. Anyone who knows me, is well aware that my holiday baking begins in October and is usually done by now. The little baking elf is missing this year. I have no real explanation.

I've decorated the house, and the tree will go up this weekend. The cards and holiday letter are done (not mailed yet), but done and ready to go out next week. I've made a list of items I will make for Christmas evening (held here this year), and have even made a few purchases to ensure my guests are well fed. Yet no real significant amount of cookies are found here.

I will make enough to go in gift baskets for my neighbors, and perhaps a few for a cookie tray to be put out on Christmas Eve. But that's it. I normally make a huge basket for my work mates, but last year, the basket did not empty out completely, and cookies were wasted. I'm not going to let that happen this year. In fact, I have already told them, "No cookies this year. The baking elf is on strike and will not return in time to help me bake."

I hope my inner-elf is not lost. I miss her.

Decorating the Graves at Christmas

One of the many things I do during the holidays is to decorate the family graves. It's genetic, actually. My grandparents always ensured holiday blankets or wreaths were placed at the graves during the holidays, as did my mom, so it's natural that I, too, take on the job.

I have help from my sisters and mom, who tag along to make sure each wreath we place is tastefully done, and appropriately placed. It's one of the many ways we remember those we have lost...those we love. I know in my heart they appreciate our efforts.

Decorating the graves during the holidays is not only something we do here in this country. When I lived in Germany, I remember seeing the locals carry tiny bouquets to their family's graves each Christmas. I can remember vividly the tiny flicker of candles, set in mounds of snow, that were lit each evening. Incredibly beautiful. Incredibly soothing for those left behind.

Not everyone "gets it"; this obsession to ensure the graves are decorated for the holidays. It doesn't matter. I get it. My family gets it. And that's all that matters.

I'm Back!

I missed journaling! So I have returned. Now all I have to do is get the readers back. Thankfully there is email.

Playing catch up will be easy. Life has not always been easy, but it has moved forward and we have all marched to the beat of life the best we knew how.

Since my last entry in 2006, Caitlin has graduated from Rutgers and is on her way to Grenada...Daniel is just about done with college and has just about obtained his culinary degree...I finished the first leg of my goal in becoming a nursing instructor and obtained my BSN this past June...and Jim is still on the road to obtaining his Masters.

We adopted a dog, and lost him after 6 months. We then bought another dog, Meego, and he is settling into life around here. (That's him in the picture)

We finished the outdoor kitchen and have moved onto other projects around the house.

See life goes on and not a whole lot is new.

I'm onto a whole new path....and you are all coming along for the ride.

Remembering

I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the events of September 11, 2001 in my journal. The events that happened that day affected all of us in way or another. How could it not? I remember so vividly that morning watching each event unfold one right after another. I was on the phone with my mom watching TV. The two of us watched in horror as the country was attacked and thousands of lives perished.

My immediate reaction was to be in contact with the kids and Jim. Cait was safe at school and I was able to reach her through Instant Messaging via the computer. Daniel was safely at school, and I knew he was safe. Jim was working on a military facility and I had no way to reach him. The phone lines were jammed. I had no choice but to wait for him to contact me.

Watching TV this morning as the remembrance ceremonies take place only stirs all those feelings again. I didn’t lose anyone that day, but I did lose a tiny piece of security living where I do. How safe are we? Is my country really doing all it can to keep us safe and out of harms way? I can only hope.

I miss seeing the World Trade Center rise above the New York City skyline when I head up to the city. I used to love looking for those tall towers. They were so awesome, so beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the new towers grace the skyline again.

God Bless all those lost souls and their families. God bless us all.

Adios Ernesto and Bennies!

Our first storm of the 2006 hurricane season has come and gone, and without much hurrah, at least in my neck of the woods. There were others, not too far from me, who did not do as well. Before I saw the above photo from the Asbury Park Press, I was grumbling because my front and back yards were littered with branches, twigs, acorns, and an abundance of leaves. I dislike a messy lawn. I also dislike the dogs chewing the bigger sticks into little sticks, making more of a mess for me to clean up. But the I saw the photo and realized, I had nothing to grumble about. What's a few little sticks and leaves?

So after a morning's work, the yard, the deck, and the patio are once again free from mother nature's debris and life goes on...

The weather is fall like and absolutely enjoyable! Of course, I would like to hope I might get one or two more beach days in, but we'll see. This is the last weekend of the summer and for many people in my area it means but one important thing...Adios Bennies!! Those northerners who hog up the roads and beaches are heading home! Bubye! See you all next summer...

Homemade or Jar Sauce?

Life’s regrets. Who doesn’t have them? We all do in one form or another. I have many. Some are small. Some are large. Some are insignificant, while others are significant. I have a small one, although, there are some days when it seems large. I regret having not learned how to make my dad’s spaghetti sauce.

Over the years I have tried to reproduce it, and yet I never can. So consequently I am a ‘jar user’ and no one seems to mind. I was recently at my mom’s house and while there I could smell her homemade spaghetti sauce cooking, or simmering in the kitchen. While hers is awesomely delicious, it’s just not my dad’s sauce.

I’ll keep trying. Maybe one day I’ll hit the spaghetti sauce jackpot and my sauce will really be a good reproduction. I can hope. In the meantime, my jar sauce is prepared with love.

Outdoor Kitchen Update!!

The outdoor kitchen has been completed! After one year, tons of sweat, and handful of pocket change (ok, more like buckets of dollar bills), the outdoor kitchen has been completed. We couldn't be happier with the results and now look forward to many years of outdoor barbeque and cooking adventures. What makes it special is the team effort that went in to it, from the neighbors help, and help from the kids. Not one brick went up without hard work, devotion to the cause, and lots of love. Ok, a few bad words were thrown out there as well! =)
I can't wait for the first meal that comes from this outdoor kitchen!

Sunday Morning Coffee and Softball

This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to watch my niece Jilly play fast pitch softball. First of all, she’s awesome, so anything to do with her places her on the A-list by me. I absolutely love spending time with her, so being able to have the time to watch her play ball was a treat!

Jilly loves the game and it shows. Her team spirit and her determination to help the team win shine through brightly. She pitches, although she is not crazy about it, and does a pretty decent job. She also plays shirt stop and right field. She never misses the pop fly to right field and throws an awesome pitch, although she feels her arm is not that strong. I wouldn’t know, to be honest, but from where I sit, her arm looks good to me. Best of all I love to see her smile. She grins from ear to ear with each positive contribution she makes to the game. Of course, when Aunt Wendy yells out, “Jillybean, you rock!” I get an even bigger smile.

Her teammates are all sweet and despite their team averages (not the best) they all go to the field or plate with as much enthusiasm as they can muster up. I enjoy watching them all. Softball has taken on a whole new set of rules since I played at that age, but what continues is the love of the game, and for a group of 12 13 year-old girls, the game is always fun. And that’s what makes watching them fun for me. Thanks Jillybean! I love you.

Amy

Every now and again someone comes into our lives and touches us in ways we remember forever. Amy was one of those people. I met Amy 4 years ago in the labor and delivery room. Amy and her husband were there to have their first baby. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, as most first babies are, but not this time. After a long labor, Amy delivered a stillborn at term. A very beautiful little girl.

Together, Amy and I gave her her first bath, and dressed her in a pretty pink dress and wrapped in a soft pink blankie. Amy held her and rocked her. A touching moment as it should be for a first time mom.

Today our paths met again. This time Amy delivered her second baby; a healthy boy. Sweet, pink, and soft. Amy cuddled and rocked him, and told him all about his sister.

I’m blessed to have shared two very different births with Amy. I’ll never forget her, or her two beautiful babies.

Hummingbirds Galore!

One of the things that I used to be envious of that Gidget had, and I did not, were hummingbirds. We can sit on her deck and watch them flit about all day long. In fact, we can even relax in her hot tub as they buzz around our heads on their way to the sweet nectar. She has had them in her yard for many years, so they have no fear of the humans or the very busy beagle that patrols her deck.

I am no longer jealous because thanks to my incredible trumpet vine, that has bloomed so well this year, I now have my very own little birds. After I saw them come and go for about a week, I added several feeders, and I too, can watch as they whirl in and out of my yard. To many, this may not seem like an exciting thing, but I love these little birds and find them so fascinating to watch! I get a kick out of nature, what can I say?

They also add a little humor when they zip in fast and dive bomb the dogs, who have no idea what they are, and why they have invaded their space. The dogs have learned they are now a part of their world and lay watching them at the feeders. I just hope they stay for the summer and return next year.

Caitlin and the Alpacas

Caitlin is off on a summer vacation, but it’s more than that. She’s out in Ohio working side by side with one of our country’s leading Vets (Pam) in Alpaca Medicine on Alpaca Jack’s Suri Farm. (See the link below) She was able to connect with Pam thanks to her dad and Pam’s dad. (Old friends) So off to Ohio she went for the next three weeks. (And I miss her already) But thanks to Verizon, we are able to share text messages, phone calls, and even pictures of Alpacas.

She’s been helping with research studies there, feeding baby Alpacas bottles, and doing exams on pregnant moms. When she has down time, which doesn’t seem to be a lot of, she’s relaxing back at Pam’s dodging the heat. This is an incredible experience. Hands on time with the animals, research experience, and hopefully one day a great reference for Vet school! I’m so proud of my girl.

http://www.alpacajack.com/