EVENTS

I vividly remember three events that marked me for life. When I was just a three year old toddler my family and I were at Jones Beach on Long Island.  We were at the edge of the sandy beach near the waters edge when a huge wave with an under tow pulled me under; gasping for breath my Dad saved me.  But, it took the joy out of swimming in the ocean and to this day (when I am willing to put this aging body in a bathing suit) I much prefer swimming pools. There are no sharks or other nasty things lurking in the deep and no under tow.


When I was about five or so I had my tonsils removed. It is still so real to me! Those were the days when ether was used as an anesthesia. This black thing came down and covered my nose and mouth. To this day I can't stand to have my nose and mouth covered. Yes, radiation treatment was a trial. Also it made future attempts at scuba diving or snorkeling  definitely out of the question.  Leland is a qualified scuba diver but fortunately he too is not a beach lover. When the dental hygienist cleans my teeth I won't even let her put that covering over my face. So what that the spray ruins my make-up! I can re-apply! Isn't it strange how we are effected by what took place in our earlier days. We are all products of our environments and our genetics.


When I was ten I went to bed sucking on a Werthers butterscotch candy. I accidentally swallowed it and it got stuck in my windpipe.  Terrified and unable to catch my breath I ran to my Dad.  At that time the heimlich procedure was unknown.  Daddy turned me upside down and held me by my feet and tapped on my back. That culprit came flying out and all was well. I think you know me by now - eating candy in bed is a big no-no.  As you can tell, my Dad was my hero and such a wonderful role model. All of the family remember him for being a wonderful Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Uncle and Brother. With a great deal of patience he taught all of the children to play chess. I miss you, Daddy. We all miss you. Tomorrow will be the 31st anniversary of his death. But that date is also to be celebrated as the first anniversary of my Nephew, Justin and his Wife, Kristen. Happy Anniversary, Dear Ones. Grandpa would be thrilled for you!


But just as I bare the scars from those three  experiences I too recall so many happy memories. I remember Mom and Dad taking my Sister and I to Washington, D. C. and as a family seeing the sights and visiting the Smithsonian. How very fascinating! I also loved going to Williamsburg on more than one occasion. I related to those days and fantasized about the idea of living in those times. Except of course, for the lack of decent plumbing and good dental care that style of home and gardening is so appealing. The furniture and porcelain is "right up my alley". The multitude of conversations that took place in one of these homes would have been so intellectually stimulating and informative concerning the course of history. I hope that school books stay true to the actual history of our country and the government obeys THE CONSTITUTION. Our founding fathers knew what they were doing!!


I am making a New Year's resolution for the first time in years (other than watching my diet) and that is, God willing, to be more active in helping others. Micki and I hope to help out at our local hospice. And, I want to be more aware of people in our community who would love to just sit down with a cup of tea and have a little chat. It is the very least I can do with all the wonderful support I have gotten this past year. And, it doesn't take much time to send a get well card or to deliver a meal for a house bound neighbor.

BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SAUCE
One loaf french bread torn into bits and pieces
One quart whole milk
Four eggs, well beaten
Two cups sugar
Two tablespoons vanilla extract
One teaspoon almond extract
Three tablespoons butter
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine milk with eggs, vanilla, sugar, almond extract and nutmeg. combine bread with mixture. Saturate well. Melt butter in a heavy rectangle dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until center is firm. Cut into individual servings and serve warm or hot with bourbon sauce.

Bourbon Sauce
One stick butter
One cup sugar
One egg, well beaten
1/4 cup bourbon
Heat butter and sugar in a double boiler until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very hot. Remove from heat. Add egg and whisk very fast so egg does not scramble. Add bourbon. Let cool. Pour over individual servings of bread pudding. Serves 10-12.

To each and every reader I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2014.

TILL NEXT YEAR

Christmas is over, our guests have departed and I am ready to defrock the house. Nay says my beloved Husband who has trimmed our house to the hilt. His marvelous display is the talk of the neighborhood and rightfully so. It looks beautiful! Our massive Christmas tree takes up a lot of room and is a daily reminder that I am in charge of putting all the decorations away. Oh well, it will all get done eventually before Andrea and our Grandson, Nicholas arrive and Laura and Joe return so we can all celebrate Laura's 30th birthday.

I incorporated a lot of my blog recipes in our holiday celebration: shrimp and artichoke casserole served with basmati rice,  peach crunch, dump cake and for brunch the english breakfast of yorkshire pudding over Joneses link sausage. They were all winners! I made a pork roast with herbes de provence, garlic powder, fresh sage and rosemary surrounded by roasted potatoes and onions. I served this with zucchini patties. The condiments were apple sauce, ligonberry spread for the pork and sour cream for the patties. All of the above were quick and easy to prepare. My kind of recipes!

A Christmas Eve tradition was fulfilled when Leland read "The Night Before Christmas" to Jennifer and Laura. Our Christmas was peaceful and joyful. All of us went to see the new Walt Disney movie, "FROZEN" on Christmas Eve day and we all loved it.  If you get a chance please see it. It truly is for the young AND old.

I am happy to report that everyone loved their gifts so there will be no returns. Thanks to Laura and Kate I got some fabulous new cookbooks which I will enjoy reading and marking down recipes I just might like to try. Laura and Joe left around two pm so they were then able to spend the remainder of Christmas Day with Joe's family. They are all looking forward to their upcoming trip to Hawaii. Aloha!

Unfortunately we did receive some sad news. Our dear friend, John Rutherford passed away Christmas night surrounded by his family. Please keep Mary (my kindergarten friend) and her family in your prayers. Mary and John were married for fifty-four blissful years. Stay strong dear Mary and my Sister and I will see you in the spring.

Now, of course, 2014 is fast approaching and needless to say Leland and I wish all of you good health and happiness in the New Year. We personally look forward to seeing more family (June and John you are indeed included in that definition) and hopefully from a personal standpoint, a status quo report for me. And, wouldn't it be wonderful to turn on the news and see good things happening.

I am currently reading: "KING AND MAXWELL" by David Baldacci. He is one of my favorite authors.

CHEWY PEANUT BUTTER BARS
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 - 1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter. Remove from the heat; add sugar and flour. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Spread into a greased 13 inch by 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 28-32 minutes until lightly browned and edges start to pull away from sides of the pan. Yield: 2 dozen.
Great to make and/or serve to your grandchildren!

I looking forward to writing to you in the New Year. Leland and I intend to stay home and if we can stay awake watch the ball drop in Times Square.

NAUGHTY!

I have been so very naughty! The doctor told  me that my glucose is high and I should cut down on sweets. Well guess what, I misinterpreted and have been eating every sweet in sight. As fast as I bought solid chocolate foil wrapped Santa Clauses' I methodically ate each and every one of them. This required another trip to the store to replace them. I made almond brittle (see a previous blog) and managed to consume giant portions of that. Fortunately I didn't chip a tooth. I have become a sweet addict and I am so angry at myself for my total lack of willpower. This has got to stop!! Thank goodness I didn't bake all those cookies etc. that were on my original agenda. As it is, I have gone up a size and am miserable about it. So goes the holiday so far. Bah Humbug!!

Happily, Laura and Joe arrive tomorrow so hopefully they will be a distraction and I won't concentrate on sweets so much. I rationalize that I will start the new year off right and eat properly again. I hope it is not wishful thinking on my part. We have attended two holiday parties so far and at each one I zeroed in on the desserts. I am really bad! I hope y'all have more control than I do.

We are slowly getting Christmas cards. I think because Thanksgiving was late we all got behind schedule in getting our cards out. The only thing I am not behind in, is eating sweets. The doctor is going to be a tad upset with my next glucose test if I don't get myself under control. Speaking of cards, it has been so nice to receive our annual updates from friends and family who live far away. I enjoy seeing photos of our friends and their ever growing families. I knew some of their children as babies and now they are all grown up with babies of their own. Time marches on!

Tomorrow we will finalize our grocery shopping and get last minute items. I am not in a shopping (just eating) frenzy as we are pretty much done. My intention is to just have a good time visiting with some of our family and to take cooking etc. in my stride. Laura, Joe, Jennifer and Bud can do their own thing and we will just enjoy being in one another's company. That is what family is all about. I will do my very best to put Jan 15th (MRI) out of my mind and just concentrate on having a beautiful Christmas. That, of course, is my wish for each and every one of you. Stay well, family and friends and count your  blessings. Love to all, Arlene

Other than calling this a dump cake it lacks a recipe title but here goes. Thanks dear friend Pat for this lower calorie dessert.

One can crushed pineapple
One box angel food cake
Mix together in an ungreased pan and cook until a little golden at 350 degrees. It really is delicious and my goodness it is so easy and fast to put together.

Don't forget to leave cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Leland will  be Santa and I will be a reindeer!

NOEL

This is probably the most relaxing Christmas ever. I had all good intentions of being sophisticated and creative (remember my intention of going international?) in my gift selections. Well, I was reduced to taking the easy way out and getting gift cards. I did purchase some lovely stocking stuffers and some wee surprises. I rationalized that they are very practical gifts and easily sent by mail. I remember the days of yore (really not that long ago) when one year I crocheted ponchos for all the girls and another year when I needlepointed footstools for each and every one. One year I bought colored duffle bags (green, purple etc) and colored coordinated everything and packed the items in the duffle bags - what was I thinking? I made necklaces and bracelets one holiday. And, of course, there were the cookbook journals that I hand wrote. These gift were always accompanied by some lovely non-crafty surprises. Those were my crafty days, long since gone.

As a child in Mt Vernon, N.Y. many of us, young and old would go to a vacant lot and sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve.  An annual and very cold event. We had a marvelous time despite the weather and ended up drinking hot chocolate at someone's home. We would also go ice skating on the local frozen pond and sledding down Hillcrest Road during the winter months. What a fun and innocent childhood we had. I vividly remember my Mom always fussing over a gift for the school bus driver, Mr. Weber. He was the nicest man and my Mother gave him gifts every holiday because she was thankful to him for keeping her daughter safe and sound. I remember my physical ed teacher, Mrs. Swan who built up my confidence even though I could never do the rope climbing. I remember being the drum majorette in sixth grade at Lincoln School. I felt ever so proud! I could go on and on but what I am trying to say in a very round-about way is that it was a time when there were no drugs, peer pressure and no distinction between the have and the have nots.  If these existed I wasn't aware of them - thank goodness.

I remember going to a girl scout camp when I was around ten years old and thoroughly enjoying it even though it was my first time being away from home. I later became a camp counselor and loved every minute of it. Looking back,  because of this blog is such fun. I am remembering things I thought I had forgotten. Mostly, I want my children to know that growing up decades ago was far different than now. I am not saying it was better but I am saying it was different.

Leland was a "soda jerk" ( what a terrible description) at the local drugstore. Because I had such a massive crush on him, I would sashay a mile up the street walking parallel to the stream on Hutchinson Blvd to get an ice cream. It's a wonder I didn't put on a lot of weight. Of course, the walk, to and fro helped. My traditional order was a scoop of coffee ice cream with either caramel or marshmallow sauce on top - absolutely yummy! An ice cream cone made with Breyers was ten cents. Those were the days. Leland and I are both ice cream lovers so we try not to buy it any longer because we have absolutely no willpower, whatsoever, when it comes to hot fudge sundaes etc.

MARY RUTHERFORD'S SAUSAGE DIP

One package Jimmy Dean sausage with sage
One 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
One can 10 ounce Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis
Brown and drain sausage. Mix all and bake at 350 until hot. Serve with "Scoops" Fabulous!

CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

One (12 ounce) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
One (12 ounce) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
One (12 ounce) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
One (2 liter) gingerale chilled
One (2 liter) champagne
Mix juice concentrate in punch bowl (do not add water)
Stir in gingerale then add champagne (DO NOT STIR AFTER ADDING)

Add fruit ring. Note: Gingerale and champagne must be equal
Easy and delicious!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS  AND LOVE TO ALL!

BETTER HALF

This is a short post today as I am trying to get my Christmas cards done. The house is decorated and the menu is finalized (I think) so once the cards are done maybe I can relax and enjoy the season and my latest new book by Ann Purser,  We are so excited to be joined by Jennifer and Bud, Laura and Joe this Christmas. What fun!

I just want to tell you how truly blessed I feel to be surrounded by so much love. Our family and friends have been absolutely marvelous these many months. But, the one steadfast person in my life, is my wonderful Husband, Leland.  I could not have gotten through the surgery, radiation treatments and all the doctors' appointments that  having a brain tumor has entailed, without him.  Every morning at 8:30 am Leland wakes me and hands me a glass of water along with my required pills, with a big smile on his face.  If I need to go somewhere he takes me without complaint. He comforts me when I feel a tad blue and he still tells me how lovely I look. When I came home from surgery he attended to my head which was filled with staples, helped bath me and did all the necessary things to make my life easier. He is without a doubt the BEST. I hope all of the children realize what a VERY special person their Father is. I just bet they do!

I feel badly for people who do not have that special person in their life to make being ill, just a bit easier. Honestly, none of us know what is in store for us and perhaps we are better off not knowing. I am learning to live each day finding enjoyment in something. That doesn't mean everything is wonderful but it does mean that I have so very much to be thankful for.  For the most part I am the happiest sitting side by side with Leland, reading, watching television or as we are doing now, writing Christmas cards. Our wonderful black German shepherd, Reagan is lying on the floor at Leland's feet. That's true contentment! And just as special is the time we spend with our friends who always make me laugh, or they just take the time to listen, even when they too are trying to cope with the ups and downs of life. Thank you!

Let's all take a breather from this hectic time, to collect ourselves but mostly to be thankful for all our blessings and remember the real meaning of Christmas. Love to each and every one of you, Arlene

I just made this recipe today to tuck in Christmas tins as a little house gift. It comes from David Rocco's Dolce Vita cookbook.

ALMOND BRITTLE

3 CUPS SUGAR
UP TO 1/2 WATER (optional but I did use water)
4 CUPS ALMONDS (I bought the large bags at Costco)

Heat up your pot over high heat and add the sugar. Keep stirring You will see that it begins to sweat and liquefy. Add a bit of water if you think it needs help. Keep cooking and stirring until the sugar is completely liquefied and turns a rich deep brown. Now in go the almonds. Mix really well to make sure they are fully coated. Cook it all together in the pot for a few minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn't stick, until the almonds are toasted. Remove the pot from the heat and working quickly, pour the hot almond mixture onto a cookie sheet to the desired thickness. Let it cool about a half hour, then break it up into smaller pieces.

SHARING

When we went to Bethlehem and viewed the manger where Jesus was born and waded in the Jordan River in Israel I felt a real connection to the true meaning of Christmas. But, mostly I think that it is so important to be aware that there are children in our very own communities that won't be visited by Santa. Instead of a huge smile on Christmas morning there will be little ones with disappointment on their faces and tears in their eyes.  It is to those children that we should reach out. We want their Christmas to be special and memorable due to the thoughtfulness and generosity of others.

Terry McCarthy, a friend and neighbor organizes and delivers to the local firehouse on Carolene Way, Cumming, GA unwrapped toys every year.  All the local fire departments are set up to receive toys for the local children.  She and her Husband Don, a meal on wheels and hospital volunteer give freely of themselves so other lives are improved. They exemplify the meaning of volunteerism. They have hearts of gold!  Today was our holiday luncheon with sixty- six of us in attendance. We each brought a gift (s) so that, hopefully, we can make a little ones Christmas joyful, merry and one to remember. It is not too late to contribute. One of our favorite charities is The Salvation Army. They truly see to the needs of others. Many volunteers stand out in the cold in front of stores looking for donations. Every bit helps. 

If I could wish for anything, I would wish for peace on earth and happiness and good health for all. The world would be so much better if we could accept one another, faults and all. None of us are perfect but most of us do the best we can. For myself I have decided I will try and do much more for my fellow human beings, God willing. I truly have so many blessings that I am thankful for and I look forward to a future where I think less about myself, my trials and tribulations and more about my fellow travelers  in life. One can only hope that little by little charity becomes second nature; giving and sharing a natural instinct. We can do it! I have in faith in ALL of us!  Love to all, Arlene

PAVLOVA an Australian dessert

4 egg whites at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

Filling:

Heavy cream whipped or ice cream

Fresh fruit in season

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Beat egg whites until they begin to hold their shape. Gradually add sugar, beating constantly, until egg whites are thick and glossy. Fold in vinegar, vanilla and cornstarch. Mound meringue on a cookie sheet in a circle, indenting with the back of a spoon, making it bowl shaped. Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 250 degrees, turn off oven and allow meringue to dry out in cooling oven. Place meringue on a serving plate and fill with whipped cream (my preference). Top with fresh fruit (raspberries, kiwis etc.) Very elegant presentation.

FIRST CLASS

In April 1957 Leland entered the Air Force and spent ten years serving his country. He finished pilot training in June 1958. During his career he served in Vietnam. I am very proud that he received eight air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). In April of 1967 Leland started his civilian career with Pan American World Airways, as a pilot. So now I come to the gist of this blog. On numerous occasions we were able to upgrade to first class for a paltry sum of $25.00 if there were seats available. It was an elegant way to travel and we luxuriated in the roomy reclining seats with lovely flight attendants catering to our needs. "Soup to nuts" was epitomized in the fine dining aboard. Among the appetizer course were caviar, salmon and ice cold vodka. A variety of cocktails, champagne and wine were always available. The entree menu was a varied selection of delicious items served on fine china made for Pan Am.  All in all, it was a wonderful experience and it made international traveling an event rather than a chore. Sadly, Pan Am folded in September of 1991. A very SAD day!  Fortunately, Leland transitioned over to Delta but Pan Am captured our hearts.

It has been many, many years since we have had the pleasure of flying first class. Now our biggest decision to make is whether we want peanuts or pretzels. We are squeezed into the narrow seats and dread having the middle seat.  If we want something substantial to eat we purchase it before boarding.  Needless to say, Pan Am spoiled me with its elegance. I can even remember in the early eighties that the back of the plane held the smokers. Thankfully, we are now able to fly smoke free. At this time of our lives we have had so many difficulties going stand-by that we purchase tickets to assure that we can get to our destination. I know, you are not feeling terribly sorry for us and rightfully so.

I will tell you a little story: When Leland was with Pan Am he had a temporary assignment to fly out of Bangkok, Thailand.  He and I sat in economy with Laura lying on the floor at our feet (no first class on this trip) because the plane was full and there was not another seat to be had.  It took us thirty hours with stopping to arrive. We were zombies! I had packed a green duffle bag in my suitcase on the off chance (who am I kidding!) that I might make some purchases. Remember the Louis Vuitton exchange between the seller and me? Well, we were at the baggage carousel waiting for our luggage to appear. It went round and round enumerable times and the only item left was a green duffle bag. My suitcase had fallen off the truck and been run over. They scrambled to pick my stuff up and shoved everything into the duffle. All my clothes had tire tracks on them. We were too exhausted to care. And, it all cleaned up and we had a marvelous time there. But, I was minus a suitcase and had to purchase one - a BIG one!

GERMAN BEEF STEW

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
l large tart apple, peeled and shredded
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup dry red wine
1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
l clove garlic, minced
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 small bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
4 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Brown meat in oil. Add apple, carrot, onion, water, wine anchovy paste, garlic, bouillon cubes, bay leaf and thyme. Cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours or until beef is tender. Remove bay leaf. Combine cornstarch and cold water, add to beef mixture. Cook and stir until thickened.

The above is the second meal that I cooked for Leland and we shared this meal with childhood friends. The recipe again comes from San Francisco Ala Carte. Enjoy served with mashed potatoes or noodles.

The Christmas program was wonderful and uplifting.

PLUM BLOSSOM CHICKEN

On September 19, 1982 I locked my cottage door, hopped in my little Subaru and headed south to the JFK Airport to pick up a gentleman I hadn't seen in many years. We had, of course, spoken on the telephone and had arranged to meet. I was all dressed up in my finest! I was, however, very nervous about the upcoming reunion with Leland T. Larson. Leland gave me explicit instructions to locate him at the lower level of the Pan Am building. I didn't know whether I would recognize him or even worse, if he would  recognize me. My heart was beating so hard when I parked the car and waited. Then, lo and behold, Leland came strolling out of the building, handsome as ever, saw me, came over and gave me a big hug. All was well! We fell into our easy friendship and the conversation flowed so easily and naturally. I didn't take long to fall madly in love when I discovered what a kind, thoughtful and decent man Leland was and, of course, still is.

I had told my Parents' that Leland was visiting and they too were excited to see him after all these many years. They remembered him as a child and then as a young adult.  It was a marvelous weekend!  We also visited with childhood friends, Waldine and Pete Peckham and Tony Donati.  Daddy would pass away in December but he knew that I was happy and that all would be well. Leland was so kind to my Parents' and spent a lot of time visiting with them on his future visits.  He was concerned about Dad, of course, and was so glad to have the chance to see him once again.

 I married the "love of my life" on March 5, 1983. I hope Daddy knows how truly happy I have been for the past thirty years and that he now has a wonderful Granddaughter, Laura Wood Larson, who along with his three Grandsons' would make him very proud.

I can remember very vividly my Mother saying that "when one door closes another one opens". How right she was.  I got another chance at happiness and for that I am so grateful.

I am trying to work up enthusiasm to get our Christmas cards written. Right now it seems like such a tedious job. But, I do want to remember family and friends at this joyous time of year. Tomorrow is the Christmas program so I know that the songs etc. will put me in the Christmas spirit. Now if my poor arthritic plus carpal tunnel hands will cooperate! Woe is me - here I am whining again!

You are probably wondering about the weird title of this post. Well, the recipe for Plum Blossom Chicken is the very first meal I cooked for Leland during his initial visit. I found out later he is not a big fan of plums (among other fruits) but he managed to eat it all up. The recipe is from San Francisco Ala Carte, published in1979. There are numerous recipes in there that are winners. If you can find it on Amazon I guarantee you will enjoy many of the recipes. It is a Junior League of San Francisco cookbook. I also have the follow-up but the original is far superior.

PLUM BLOSSOM CHICKEN
Six large whole chicken halved
Two tablespoons butter
One teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup plum jam
1/4 cup cream sherry
One lemon, thinly sliced

In heavy skillet, brown chicken pieces in butter, stir curry into pan juices. Blend plum jam and sherry and pour over chicken. Cover each piece with 1 to 2 pieces of lemon, cover skillet and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove chicken to heated serving platter and keep warm. Boil pan juices to reduce slightly, spoon over chicken and serve with rice. Bon Appetit!

I hope I can, among the hustle and bustle find the time to write another blog, but if not I wish one and all good health and much happiness in the forthcoming year. Much love, Arlene

Laura's Christmas Letter 2013

HELLO AGAIN!

Our weather of late has been misty and gloomy! Over the Thanksgiving holiday the Georgia mountains had snow! Normally I wouldn't mind a tiny bit of snow on Christmas day but Laura and Joe have to drive back to North Carolina later that day. Joe has to be back at work the next day and we are driving Jennifer and Bud to the airport on the 26th. Let me clarify that - Leland with me sitting in the passenger seat will be driving them to the airport! Yes, I miss not driving and the loss of independence. Boo hoo!

I thought my menu was intact for the holidays but I keep changing my mind. I continue pouring through cookbooks and I keep finding new ideas. All the baking I planned will not take place as I know I will end up eating the sweet stuff and now with high glucose all that good stuff is a no-no. Leland has lost ten pounds and is shunning sweets. Dear man that he is even brought a doggie bag home from the restaurant last night. I cleaned up my plate! If looks could kill! When am I going to reach that point when I bring home food? I keep telling myself that I look gaunt when I lose weight and  things start to sag even more so it's necessary to plump up a little. Whose kidding who!? At what age does one's stomach shrink? Certainly mine should have by now!

We went to an appetizer and wine party at a friends home and had such a good time and the decision was made to make this a monthly event. A marvelous idea! It is so nice to socialize with old friends.   Someone brought the most delicious Vidalia onion dip. I am including it here because I thought it was even better than the one I mentioned on an earlier blog. 

One Vidalia onion chopped

One cup mayo

One cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese

This recipe can be doubled or tripled simply by increasing each item

Mix all ingredients together pour into a pie plate and heat in oven for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.

We are going along with many other neighbors to the Redeemer Church to attend a Christmas program. It has become an annual event. I go loaded with tissues because some of the songs make me cry. This year will be especially poignant. Maybe I should just bring the box. This is the church where we go for weekly Wednesday night dinner with friends. The food is usually good but we mostly  enjoy dining with our friends. The guys sit at one round table and the women at another. The talk is lively and fun and the jokes flow. I know that sounds rather inappropriate but we do laugh a lot. I think the guys talk politics and sports and quite possibly tell a joke or two because I do hear them laughing.

Needless to say we are so excited that we have family coming for Christmas. Thanksgiving was rather lonely. Leland and I have bison burgers at Ted's Montana grill and then made the poor decision to hit the stores. As I said, lesson learned.

Greg is coming over for dinner tonight and to help his Dad connect this thing-a -m-giggy to our computer. Actually Leland bought a phonograph player so that he can then transfer his old big records to the computer. Sounds very high tech to me. Unfortunately, I am extremely technically challenged.

It is mid week already and the weekend is fast approaching. Stay cool, calm and collected - just like me! That's a big ha ha!

USA

Our weekend was uneventful and that is a good thing. With the holidays here for some of us and Christmas fast approaching our calendar is starting to fill up. Our "to do" and grocery lists are getting longer by the minute. I want to take a moment here to repeat my Mom's saying "do a little, sit a little". Believe me the diversion of reading, chatting with a friend or watching a little TV is a good thing. I find, at this age that I get what I call a "sinking spell" between three and four in the afternoon and have to have a lie down. Sometimes this happens during bridge but I find that I am not the only one yawning away.  I really am not a youngster any longer!

I remember many years ago, going to Durgin-Park restaurant in Boston. It was upstairs in an older building. I know at one point they had a fire and I truly don't know if they rebuilt. It was a boarding house style restaurant and the waitresses' were old and cantankerous, but that was part of the charm. Plus the food was delicious. I will include a recipe from there later. Boston, is one of those charming cities with lots of history and fine dining. I always enjoyed visiting there. Many years ago Filene's basement was located there. It was filled with bargains and on a daily basis it was a shopping haven for many. On the downside it didn't have any changing rooms so people tossed their inhibitions aside and tried on articles of clothing in the aisles.  I think that many a voyeur strolled through!

In San Francisco, Union Square was a popular shopping area. When we were there many years ago I found a cute little yellow dress at Saks Fifth Avenue. It was dearly priced but Leland bought it for me. I loved it! It is hanging in an  upstairs closet and much too small for me now (29 years later) but I would never part with it.  Shopping was not our only excursion; we loved eating at Fishermens' Wharf!

The Napa Valley in California is one of my most favorite places on earth. I have spent many lovely times there, sampling wine (now a BIG no-no), and just driving around the countryside. My Parents' were also enamored with the area. We also spent many hours touring Carmel, Monterey, etc. California has so much to offer in scenic beauty but unfortunately it has changed drastically in other ways and not for the better. But, the beauty is still there in all its glory.

In Billings, Montana at a little breakfast restaurant Leland and I each ate the biggest pancake we have ever seen! We marveled at  the bison in the South Dakota National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse ( they were still carving him out of a mountain), the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, Taos and other wonderful attractions in the west. It is a majestic country that we live in

The United States, folks, and all its grandeur is the best place on earth. Yellowstone Park is on our bucket list so hopefully we will go there one day. We have been privileged to see a great deal of this country (traveled the old Route 66 many moons ago) and we look forward to seeing more and storing up more memories.

I promised you a recipe from Durgin-Park so here it is:


INDIAN PUDDING
3 cups milk
1/4 cup black molasses
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup yellow corn meal
vanilla ice cream

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
Mix together 1 1/2 cups of the milk with the molasses, sugar, butter and baking powder, egg and cornmeal. Pour the mixture into a stone crock (or baking dish) that has been well greased and bake until it boils.
Heat the remaining 1 1/2 cup milk and stir it in.
Lower the temperature to 300 degrees and bake 5 to 7 hours.
Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.
It's truly a winner!

Catherine Coulter has a new book out called "THE FINAL CUT" It is the first in a new series.