New Look...Same Old Words of Wisdom

While the site has been updated with a new design, be warned that the written words remain the same. "Can't change an old dog, but you can buy it a new collar", and you may quote me.

I felt after a couple of years it was time to redo the place, so I looked around the Internet, found a place that really does all the leg work, and after pushing a few buttons of the keyboard, TADA...we have a fresh look for my blog. I like the change personally. But then I am a person who likes a fresh change every now and then.

I haven't any real words of wisdom today. I am a happy camper because I just completed my first paper in the nursing class I am taking. The class is a necessary evil (Educational Theories in Learning), BUT dry, so writing this paper took every drop of energy I could muster up to write it. But is is done, and now I can focus on paper two, which is no more exciting than paper one.

Okay, I think I have something for you...

Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense - we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives - basically it comes down to your attitude. We can have a positive attitude towards life, or a negative attitude. We can focus on the good or we can focus on the bad. Keeping a positive mental attitude is one of the keys to success. The choice is always up to you!

And from Pooh Bear...on procrastination...

"If you are always saying, ‘We’ll see,’ nothing ever happens"

Thoughts of Turkey, Stuffing, and the Works!

Last year I made our holiday turkey using this recipe and after rave reviews, I am going to do it again this year. While I have used Martha's Turkey 101 recipe and loved it, this recipe has pushed right past hers, and now remains my favorite.
The recipe is lengthy so I have added the link right to the source; Saveur Magazine (one of my favorites). The recipe is titled, Crisp Apple-Scented Roast Turkey with Cider–Calvados Gravy and mere words can not describe how yummy this bird was, even for me! I will tell you that as I type out this blog, my mouth is watering just thinking about this coming Thanksgiving.
The dessert is always the typical pies, although my sister Sue gets them from Delicious Orchards, so they are not so typical, rather delicious. BUT a few years ago, Caitlin and my niece Jillian found a recipe for Pumpkin Pistachio Cannolis which are awesome! So this recipe I will share as well.

Pumpkin Pistachio Cannolis
Ingredients

1/2 of an 8-oz. carton mascarpone cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup chopped roasted pistachio nuts or toasted pecans
1/2 cup whipping cream
12 purchased cannoli shells*
Powdered sugar or granulated sugar

In a large bowl stir together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin, ricotta, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of the nuts. Set aside.
In a chilled mixing bowl beat cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold into pumpkin mixture. If desired, cover and chill up to 4 hours. To serve, spoon pumpkin mixture into a self-sealing plastic bag. Snip a 3/4" hole in one corner. Pipe filling into cannoli shells so pumpkin filling extends from ends. Sprinkle cannoli ends with remaining nuts. Arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with sugar.
If purchased cannoli shells are not available brush one side of 16 four inch flour tortillas (trim larger tortillas if necessary) with cooking oil. Roll, forming a tube shape, secure with a wooden toothpick. Gently place a rolled piece of foil in the center for support. Place on baking sheet, brush outside with oil and bake in a 375 degree oven about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Place on wire rack to cool. Remove foil and toothpicks. Fill with pumpkin mixture. Makes 16 shells (allows for breakage).

Enjoy!

Distractions

<~~~~ This is what happens when I am sitting at my laptop researching for school. I get distracted in Google and find myself in areas I should not be in (Not those sites). Actually this site was sent to me by Caitlin who does not distract easily, but does enjoy downtime on the Internet.

This site is YEAR BOOK YOURSELF found HERE and all you need is a head shot of yourself or a loved one. It's fun. It's distracting. It's me. Scary huh? But fun.

I wish someone would write my papers for me.

Packing up for Winter

You know through my posts that one of my favorite hangouts is my back deck. It has provided me with hours of quiet and calm in a pretty setting where I can enjoy the sounds and sights of nature, without going to far from home. Even despite its reputation for not being pretty in color.

Now that cooler weather has set in, my time out there has diminished and I have begun to pack away chairs, umbrellas (I do not hide from the warmth of the sun this time of year), and tables. There will be one table, and a set of chairs left behind to sit out and enjoy those scattered dog days of summer that somehow find us this time of year. I grab every opportunity to sit out there.

The planters have begun to disappear from the back that held summer flowers, and have been replaced by pots of mums, adding a wee bit of color to the back yard and deck and patio area. My hummingbird feeders have been emptied and washed and put away until spring. The bird houses remain for the occasional bird who might wish to hide from the winter drafts.

There's a certain sadness that comes with fall, and I feel it when I am out on my almost empty deck. But I will enjoy what time I have left out here, despite the drop in temps and the shorter days, and will continue to enjoy each moment of peace and solitude I found there. Even in the dead of winter, my deck and yard offer me a place to step out onto to enjoy the wonders of mother nature. And that is always good.

The Great Depression

It seems many of us can’t turn on our TV’s or radios these days without feeling a sense of loss or an overwhelming pang of doom when we listen to the stock market reports. Of course, the words recession and depression mean different things, but to many people one is just as bad as the other can be.

Having the literary mind I have, I tend to think first about my stocks, and then realizing I have very little power to change the situation, I begin to think about John Steinbeck and his novels written during the Great Depression. Grapes of Wrath set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor family of sharecroppers driven from their home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. In a nearly hopeless situation, they set out for California's Central Valley along with thousands of other "Okies” in search of land, jobs, and dignity.

Of Mice and Men it tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers in Great Depression-era California. I fondly remember this book when I was a high school freshman. My English teacher Mr. Esberg did a great acting out the parts of both Lennie and George. He not only encouraged us to read more, but to enjoy what we read and to find the value in a great novel.

I’m not sure why I am sharing these thoughts except to say if hearing about the horrors of Wall Street are getting you down, you might pick up a Steinbeck novel, read it, and things might look better. Life may not be so bad afterall...

"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly..."

One of my weaknesses is the ability to wait until the appropriate time to listen to Christmas music. Or is there an appropriate time? Some say December 1st, some say the day after Thanksgiving, while others say, whenever you want to listen to it, go for it! Of course, there are the scrooges out there who say one day of that crap is enough! Bah Humbug.

So with that said, I confess I am one who begins to listen 1 October. Oh sure, I know the pumpkins are not even out, let alone out and put away, but I love Christmas music and I am not ashamed to share this with you. (my kids are eye rolling as they read this, and would like to be in the catergory of those who feel the day after Thanksgiving is quite soon enough). But they know me, and they know how much I love it, so they quietly roll their eyes and let me listen. (Thank God for iPods...theirs and mine).

There's something about it that provides me with a sense of peace. I grew up with a grandmother who loved it, so it has to be a genetic thing. I can remember being at her house singing along with her, and Mitch Miller and Bing Crosby. She had a love of music and her album collection of Christmas music was enough to provide me with a diverse collection of tunes. So when I listen to the holiday music I am taken back to that living room, and a time well spent with MomMom, whose love added to the holidays for all of us. I miss her.

Christmas has always been special to me, as it is to most, but when I listen to the music, I am taken back to times, especially during childhood, where all I had to do was be a kid. Maybe that's it. Maybe it allows me the opportunity to find a place without responsibilities, worries, and stress. Whatever the reason, my iPod is full of the holiday tunes I love and it is now in full swing giving me a sense of peace in these troubling times we all live in these days. It might be better than any anxiety med out there. Whatever. I'm decking the halls in my head, and I like it.

Madison Turns 3!

It would be in bad taste if I did not mention the fact that our Maddie turned three recently. The second youngest of four Goldens, she is the sweetest dog, who never tires in trying to please us.

She has been working in the local library as a service dog in which she listens to children read to her. They love her, and she seems to love them. Although she is not fond of chapter books, and prefers picture books, she never complains.

Happy Birthday Madison!

For Love...

This week, at the hospital where I work, a man entered his wife's room, pulled out a gun, and killed her. It was sad. It was a mercy killing. It was done out of love. It was their pact.

Married for 65 years, he could not watch her suffer after a recent fall, and subsequent stroke. She would not get better. It was described as the ultimate sacrifice by their son. "He was her Romeo, She his Juliet", the son added. He then shot himself, only to die hours later. Thankfully. I would not want to see a man who had to come to that decision go to jail for the ultimate sacrifice.

I have never had that serious dialogue with Jim. I am not sure I am ever remotely ready. God willing.

Brahm's Lullaby

We now have, installed in our nursing unit, a button on the wall at the nurse's station, that when pushed plays Brahm's Lullaby throughout our hospital. Each new dad or mom, or elected family member will now push that button each time a new baby enters the world. Of course, it comes at a time when finances are said to be low, and nurses are being sent home day after day to conserve dollars.

Here's my thoughts. One, salary dollars are not the same as the dollars used to purchase these types of items. I know this because I worked in hospital management. Two, one of the upper management people thought it a good marketing tool and a nice way to welcome new babies who come into the world at our facility, and I agree. Families are going to love it, as will others who are spending time at our hospital (patients and visitors). Oh sure there will be those who will be easily annoyed, but then if the sun doesn't rise or set in a good way, there are those who get easily pissed off. and finally, what better way to remind us all during what might be a crappy day that there are good things in life like a baby coming into the world!

If it could lift anyone's spirits, or comfort their soul, in that way it's very powerful medicine. And we are a hospital that is into healing both body and soul, so why not have something that will foster this. And how about the oncology nurse who has to deal with dying all day. How nice it will be for her to be reminded that there is more to life than just death. Or the patient who has sadness in their life. It might make them feel a little better knowing a new bundle of joy has entered the world.

I see only good in this button and hope eventually my peers will too. Right now they see dollars spent foolishly, and hear an obnoxious tune. I believe if they truly stop and listen closely, they might see and hear something that just might make a difference in someones day.

Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight
With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lullaby and good night, thy mother's delight
Bright angels beside my darling abide
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast

The Colors of Fall?

It's October 3rd, and I have bought the pumpkins, and will buy my mums this weekend to decorate my front porch for Fall / Halloween. The Fall flags are out and closer to Halloween I will put out my Halloween flags. BUT I still have gorgeous impatiens in the front of the house, so how Fallish will the house look?

Hence my dilemma. I do not want to yank out the flowers as they come back every year, and have migrated from a few plants three years ago, to an amazing amount, that almost extends over the entire front garden. BUT I feel that with them there, the pumpkins and mums will not take center stage. And with the weather we have had, and are still having, they are no where close to dying out.

So I will drag out the pumpkins, place a few mums and then add a few Halloween decorations and hope people see them and not the pretty flowers. I know it sounds silly, but I love the colors of Fall and want them to stand out. Even with bigger issues in our world, sometimes it's ok to stray towards the smaller problems. At least they are easier to deal with in my own warped way. So for now I will blend the seasons and hope that by December when it is time to hang the wreath on the front door, that the mums will have faded and I can enjoy the green pines, red ribbons, and sparkling ornaments that will adorn my front door. Life can be so complicated sometimes!

Magical Mushrooms

While mowing the lawn, I couldn't help but notice the vast variety of mushrooms that were rising up between the blades of grass all over the front lawn. I have never seen so many different kinds, and had to stop and take notice. I know it's common to have mushrooms pop up in spots, especially with the all the rain and humid temps we have had lately, but really, the amount of colors and shapes left me to wonder what was going on.

I had to Google mushrooms, and found many pages dedicated to the common American mushrooms found on common front lawns (yes those pages do exist). I was amazed at the number of species I have just on the front lawn, never mind the back lawn. I am always picking them just in case one of the dogs gets a yen for a snack. God forbid we have an emergency vet visit. Some are easily removed, while others test my picking abilities. They are the ones found low to the ground; ones I practically have to scrape off the lawn (not easy).

According to most mushroom sites, the best way to get rid of mushrooms for good is to get rid of the lawn. Well, that is not an option. In fact, most experts agree lawns are best when there are fungi spores hanging around. so they stay and I remain vigilant in picking. I love the mushrooms you can get at the supermarket to eat, no matter the price, and have never once thought about eating mushrooms I could get free in the yard. I know there are varieties that one could might eat and not get ill, or even die from, but I am not taking the chance. So I pick and discard. And because they return like magic, I do it again, and again, and again.

MUSHROOM: a structure, produced by a fungus, that is large enough to be visible to the naked eye and has as its primary function the production of sexual reproductive spores.

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.