Friday, January 31, 2014

MEMORY LANE

In the early fifties friends and I would sometimes go to the local roller rink on a Friday night and in our poodle skirts would skate the night away to live organ music. Sometimes we would go to the local movie theatre, after eating Crystal hamburgers. The theatre was a go to place to catch up on war news, see cartoons and then a film. At home I would listen to the radio: "The Shadow ",  "Fibber and Molly McGee" ", 'The Inner Sanctum" etc., while snuggled up in bed. Then television came to the Wood family and we would gather together and watch Milton Berle, Arthur Godfrey etc. Progress! Ed Sullivan, Groucho Marx and his silly duck and others became favorite viewing. Remember Art Linkletter and those adorable children "out of the mouths of babes", What's My Line? Jackie Gleason? I could go on and on. What glorious days when a family gathered around the tiny TV, laughing hysterically. They were programs you could share with your young family.

Our family also ate at the dining room table every night and shared the day's news. When asked how my day was, my usual response was "fine". I was a teenager and not particularly communicative. Besides, we moved in my senior year of high school after being in the same school system my entire life. To finish up my junior year I was graciously asked to stay at Mary Rutherford's family home (Meyers') during the week. Dad would pick me up on Friday afternoons and bring me back on Sunday. This was about a six month schedule. Remember, my Grandfather passed away and life changed drastically. We all got through it and I completed high school at Harrison High School. Fortunately, I made friends and got back in the groove. But truthfully, it was a difficult time. And we lived "in the middle of nowhere with no public transportation. That's when I bought my first car, a green Henry J for $75.00. Unfortunately, my then current boyfriend, borrowed it, hit a curb and totaled it! Fortunately, he was not hurt but my car sure was. That was the end of our relationship! I loved that little car!

When our family, first moved to Purchase, New York (it abuts Greenwich, Connecticut), there was a polo field (now the headquarters of Pepsi), a steer farm (now a state university) and a golf course (still there). Our little house has been torn down with the pond and stone fence still standing as a reminder of those days. Manhattanville College is also located there. I remember the small stone library that also contained a nursery school where Gregory spent many a day.  His Father and I lived nearby in Rye Ridge and spent many hours at Mom and Dad's. In fact, they were the only babysitters Gregory ever had. I do miss those visits there with my Parents' and Sister and the trips to the garden where I loaded up on fresh corn and other organically (chicken poop from our wonderful neighbors "Aunt Minnie" and Uncle Charlie" who raised chickens and provided us with eggs) grown vegetables. "Uncle Wilbur" and "Aunt Clara" (Minnie's Sister) would also bring over home baked goodies. They watched me get married and then my little Sister. They were the best neighbors in the world. They adopted us as part of their family. Those days can never be duplicated but are fixed in my memory. I know that Gregory remembers fondly his visits there and playing chess with Grandpa. And, being on the dual swing with Grandma. He still chuckles about the time Grandma's side fell over and her legs went up in the air. They both laughed hysterically.

One year an adorable kitten found its way to our house. My Sister named her Pudder. She lived outside for many, many years. Somehow she got into the house one day and delivered kittens in my Dad's slippers inside their closet. Dad must have found homes for them but we still kept Pudder until one day she just disappeared at a very old age.  We missed her! One day Dad was driving me home from school and a rabbit ran across the road and Dad hit it. He stopped the car and got out to tend to the rabbit. Unfortunately, it was a fatal accident. I remember how sad my Dad was and knew that if he could have saved it, he would have. I also knew it bothered him so much even though it was unavoidable. But,  that was my Dad - always for the underdog. That's why running the camp for the underprivileged children made him so happy. In fact, that is where he met his lifelong friend, Jack ("Uncle" to C.A. and me}. He and his wife, Sophie ("Aunt") and children Jack and Donald became "family". I am still in touch with Jack, Jr. and his wife, Dorothy. Thank you for your prayers both of you.

Whenever we had guests Daddy would always ask me to play the piano. Truthfully, I was terrible and resisted my lessons but he loved "Danny Boy". Carole-Anne and I can remember Daddy singing it. We can't listen to that song without feeling very sad. Dad, a great golfer taught me to play the game. He was, in general, a lover of all sports, a chess player and a stamp and coin collector. We have a corner cupboard in our dining room that he made over 70 years ago. It has a place of honor. He was a wonderful furniture builder, butterfly collector and copper engraver. Sadly, those pieces are long gone. Dad was a New Yorker, but guess what - he loved listening to country music. Go figure! I fervently wish that he could have met his only Granddaughter, Laura. She and Greg both inherited his love of art. Also, he and Mom would have cherished and rejoiced in their Great-Grandson, Jack. The good news is we all got some of their wonderful genes!

BRIE PASTA

I take the rind off of a large round of Brie and cut into chunks.  Place chunks  in a large bowl with lots of cut up fresh basil and cut-up tomatoes (use the best). Keep at room temperature. (can be kept for hours). When ready, cook pasta such as linguini and add to bowl. Easy and delicious! Serve with crusty bread.

Have a wonderful weekend family and friends.  Love, Arlene

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

SNOW

I know that I have mentioned this before; we live in Georgia. You know the deep south! Well the only thing deep about it at the moment, is the deep snow. We are snowed in and if you have been watching the news, Atlanta has been deeply affected. Over a thousand accidents and for some, stuck in gridlock traffic for many, many hours. We do not own a shovel, sled, nor do we have boots!. To top it off our main furnace decided to quit. The fellow is coming tomorrow to "have a look". Having a "look" could be expensive. How do eskimos live in igloos?  Fortunately, I always have a pantry full of food and of late, I could  personally live off the newly accumulated fat I have recently put on, for some time. We are in good shape (food wise). I tell you, that nasty global warming. Mr. Gore how are things in Tahiti?

I just made myself a cup of tea with lemon and honey. I intend to get ahead of getting a chill. I am layered up in clothing and so at the moment I am toasty warm. Laura and Joe are now getting the weather we are experiencing and so Laura's school was cancelled but Joe successfully made it to work. Now if Greg will let me know where he is I can relax a bit for awhile. I don't have to worry about the children in Florida but I do wonder how Victoria and family are doing? Let me know! I guess we never stop worrying about our loved ones. It just comes with the territory of being a Parent.

Don't you just hate it, when your favorite TV programs are pre-empted by some political hyperbole or if the weather knocks the satellite out? I surely am getting grumpy in my old age. Looking on the bright side, we still have electricity. And then I think that there are people out there living homeless or in very undesirable conditions. God bless them, and keep them warm and safe! We will get back to normal but for others their conditions will not change. If you are thinking of making a donation in this New Year, think about The Salvation Army. I mentioned before that they are a selfless organization. I think we are all grateful for what and who we have in our lives. So, at times like this it is important to help others.

Mary Rutherford checked up on me today. She lost her beloved Husband, John on Christmas night. She is staying busy with her various organizations,  (PEO, canasta group etc.) and even had a small dinner party the other night. She is  basically  putting "one foot in front of the other" so she can move forward. But on days like this, being snowbound and alone makes her sad. I don't blame her, but I am so proud of her progress. She married at 18 and has always had John by her side. Mary, stay strong!

Life gets muddled at times. We (meaning me) concentrate on the mundane sometimes and that is not helpful. I just ordered a new book on Amazon about conquering stress. "The Mayo Guide to Stress Free Living" in paperback by Amit Sood. I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime, stay snuggled with some nice hot cocoa. After I finish my tea that will be my next treat.

FISHERMAN'S BISQUE
1 pkg   (6 ounces) frozen king crab
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 cup lt. cream or half n' half
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chopped or dried parsley
Remove crab from box and keep in wrapper, running hot water to thaw enough to separate. Cut into small pieces and set aside. Heat soup and cream to just below boiling point. Add crab and simmer only until it is heated through. Stir in paprika and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4

Monday, January 27, 2014

VISIT

On Saturday we got a surprise (but most welcomed) visit from Jackie and Ricky Hewett. They are the Parents of Laura's best friend, Kate. They recently left this area to move to Sun City near Savannah. Ricky had transferred to Savannah with his job and they also love being nearer to Kate who is a doctor in Charleston. We discussed a variety of subjects. Our Husbands' found that Jackie and I have a lot in common, particularly our penchant from going from topic to topic midstream of another subject. I think this makes us very intelligent because our brains are working faster than our mouths. If any of you readers suffer from this same affliction consider yourself on the bright side. At least, that's what I am thinking. It's much better than being called "scattered brain". Anyway, Jackie suggested mediation to calm any anxiety I have concerning medical problems and I think that is a marvelous idea. Only, of course if I could clear my brain of thoughts; considering how active it is. I intend to research a book and will definitely try it. Also they are going to email Leland some exercises for his back. It was a wonderful visit and we learned so much. But, it went by much too fast. Y'all come back real soon!

Saturday Greg and I spent a lovely day galavanting. He drove me around to do errands and we had lunch. He has volunteered to take me antiquing in a couple of weeks. It was neat being together. Thanks Greg!

This morning I got a phone call from my dear friend, Sue Maddock. She predicted the outcome of the MRI. She always checks up on me and we bring one-another up-to-date. We have been friends for fifty years and fortunately when we saw one another last year just prior to my surgery - we recognized one another! In fact, she, Jim, Viv and Ed hadn't changed at all! I hate to bore you but I must include, June MaLach, Mary Rutherford, Viv Cord, Diana James, Joy Miller and Carol Light, as constant and supportive friends even though they live a distance away. My Sister, Carole-Anne and Cousin, Joan have also been there for me. And, you all know about this wonderful community of friends we have here. There optimistic outlook has gotten me through so much. Thank you dear, dear friends!

Life has taken a turn for the better! I decided that I have to take a chance and stop eating ice cream, etc. and get back to healthy eating. I carry the glue in my purse just in case! i started yesterday. So far, so good! I have indeed put on weight! The other day, I put on a pair of jeans and struggled to zip them up and button the top. But, I accomplished it and went on my merry way. Later that evening I took them off and put them on the bathtub rim. Leland picked them up and said " they were HIS jeans". "No they are not! - they are mine!" We checked the label and they were HIS jeans. He asked me if I wanted them?! I replied "No I do not want your size 38 x 32 jeans!! He tried to make me feel better by saying they were tight on him. I never want to see them AGAIN! I have now gotten several wake-up calls! The neurologist scale is totally out of whack! I surely can't weigh that! So, we shall see how much willpower I can evoke and get this weight off.

This recipe was included in "A TOUCH OF FIRST CLASS" (Pan Am recipes and nostalgia) and submitted by Joy Miller. We met Joy and Barry while living in Berlin and now we all live in Georgia.

ESCARGOT ALA BARRY ENJOYS
1 (7- 1/2) oz can snails
1 shallot
3 cloves garlic
1 cup parsley
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
crusty bread

In a food processor mince  shallots, garlic and parsley. Add butter and blend. Skewer three snails per stick. Place in cooking pan with butter mixture over each skewer. While it cooks, butter will melt, snails will be immersed. Cook on grill approximately ten minutes or one drink later until very hot and bubbly. Serve with crusty bread rounds.

Thank you so very much for the lovely cookbook, Joy. I will cherish it!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

GOLDEN YEARS?????

It was Friday, January 17th and Leland, Andrea and Nicholas and I were waiting for Laura and Joe to arrive. I decided to serve Tombstone pizza for dinner. A very major mistake! Not only are they terrible but when I bit into it I noticed that I indeed had something missing - a tooth - in the front! Now let me tell one and all that it is not at all attractive to be missing a front tooth. Everyone, including myself started laughing hysterically and I said I looked like Ma Gump. Leland responded that I was now a true southerner (please do not be offended my lovely born and raised southerners). I called our local pharmacist at CVS and said "I hope you can understand me with this horrible LISP but my front tooth fell out! I was laughing, he was laughing but did manage to come up with a solution. Andrea and Leland traveled there and got glue! Laura called to give us an ETA and I told her. She in turn told Joe and they couldn't stop laughing. Bless their hearts. I had already set up an appointment for Monday with the dentist as I had been suspicious that all was not well. Now I had to have a soft diet so I found that eating a half gallon of ice cream and a large amount of Laura's birthday cake was a safe bet. Now to fix this mess our out of pocket expense will be $1250.00. Isn't that special!  In the meantime I continue to eat ice cream and isn't it lovely how chocolate melts in one's mouth?!.

Now as my wonderful Mother-in-Law used to say, "who ever called it the golden years must have died quite young".  As we get older our little aches and pains get more intense and for us women, hair starts sprouting on our chins and our legs are almost hairless.  My magnifying mirror is 10X. I certainly don't want to walk around with a budding goatee! I am thankful to have hair on my head for the most part and it is silver. I am saving a fortune on getting my hair dyed. Let's look on the bright side! I am thankful to be able to laugh at this aging process.

We have a new car I can't drive but I love being a passenger in it. (Nissan Pathfinder). It was a good choice as it has a back-up camera and a lot of upgrades that we will probably never figure out. We sit up high and I don't bump my fragile head getting in and out. I could have used that back up system when I backed into a truck and two weeks later into a BMW. It was that nasty tumor that effected my left side.

So life goes on! We find fun things to do, bridge for me, poker for Leland, friends we go out to dinner with, and we go to the movies. As a matter of fact we just saw "Lone Survivor" which was based on a true story and absolutely fabulous. We do  chores that are still necessary but not fun. But it's easier because we do them together.  My wonderful Husband and I are deeply in love and enjoy being with one another. Maybe thats the golden part of growing old.

I am reading Charles Todds' new book "Hunting Shadows" an English mystery.

NORWEGIAN COOKIES
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
red and/or green sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and extracts; beat until light and fluffy. Add flour and nuts; beat until just moistened. Cover and chill for one hour or until firm enough to handle. Shape into one inch balls, place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Flatten to 1/4  inch thickness with a glass dipped in colored sugar. Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Yield: 3 dozen

Don't you find that having Grandchildren is lovely? They are such fun and we can spoil them silly but then - we can give them back to their rightful owners - their Parents'!



Friday, January 17, 2014

A BIG HELLO

It has been awhile since I have written on this blog. I know I was distracted by the upcoming MRI to the point that I ignored a lot of stuff. What a waste of time worrying is! As leland tells me "don't worry until there is truly something to worry about". Obviously he is a very logical man.   What a difference a day makes!  January 15th turned out to be a good day even though I was frozen with trepidation over what might have been a less positive result. My tumor has shrunk a tad and that is wonderful news. I received so many tearful phone calls from family and friends and Micki set up a celebration Wednesday evening at the church dinner. Thank you dear friend. The procedure will be repeated in six months unless I develop problems.

Joy, the Pan Am cookbook arrived and I want to thank you so much. It was a wonderful surprise! Can't wait to read the entire book. I know it will make me nostalgic for those magic days with the premier airline in our history.

Andrea (she was a great comfort to us) and Nicholas were in the room when we got the results. Big hugs for all including Dr. Crocker. Tonight Laura and Joe will arrive. We will celebrate Laura's 30th birthday. They are still recuperating from their Hawaii trip and have made a mutual decision to never fly United Airlines. United cancelled their trip so they drove from Charlotte to Atlanta and went standby on Delta. The return was a two day affair, for which they paid top dollar on Alaska Airways. The bottom line is, however, they are home safe and sound and they made many fabulous memories.

I have been doing a lot of thinking of late about the whys and ifs of things that happen to us in life. I wish I could come up with answers but the bottom line is that I don't think that God gives us more than we can handle. People absolutely amaze me in so many positive ways. Even if they are grieving or suffering themselves they always take the time to check up on me and others. There is such goodness in my fellow human beings that at times I feel lacking. I know that I genuinely care about people and I have always had and have a innate curiosity about their pasts and their families. But, I feel that I should do more for others. That, as previously stated is my resolution for 2014. I just have to find my niche and a friend to go with me. It will happen! I do know that having a sense of humor is an absolute necessity.

i am so content with my life and realize how fortunate Leland and I are to have such wonderful and caring children. Catherine, the Mother of my four terrific stepdaughters has been a staunch supporter of my recovery and has prayed fervently for me. Thank you Cathy!

It is also important (forgive me for belaboring the point) to pay attention to what is happening to our country.  Our Grandchildren will suffer the consequences of too much government control. Children in the United States should not go hungry and be deprived of a proper education. Congress wastes so much money. Our wonderful Arm Forces should also have the money needed to keep them prepared for any eventuality. Remember there are people who exist, that do no like the United States and for what we stand for: freedom.

Parents  stay on top of what your children are being taught in their individual schools and very importantly, the friends they choose to hang around with. Granted it is much more difficult to raise children in this hi-tech environment but put limits on their exposure to video games etc. Enough said!

My friend Mary introduced me to the author Adriana Trigiana and so I am about to read "The Supreme Macaroni Company" after I complete Jack Higgins latest novel.

KEERN CURRY

One pound ground beef
One very large garlic clove
One chopped onion
One to two tablespoon tomato paste
One teaspoon vinegar
One heaping tablespoon curry powder
Saute above ingredients. Serve with rice and condiments such as chutney, raisins, peanuts etc. It's mighty good!

Stay well dear readers. Love, Arlene a.k.a. Tee


Friday, January 3, 2014

THE NEW YEAR

Well, the tree has been undecorated, taken apart and stored. The next chore for Leland is to take down the multitude of Christmas lights that are bedecking our home (the talk of the neighborhood). I have moved things back to their normal location and tried to organize all of the decorations. We had a lovely Christmas and it was totally stress free. That's a very good thing.

It is so cold! Laura and Joe were supposed to leave for Hawaii this am but their flight was cancelled, along with thousands of others, until Sunday. Darn that global warming! Hopefully, they will leave early tomorrow morning as Laura worked her magic after a lengthy telephone wait and Joe got their hotel sorted out and extended for an additional day. Joe's Parents', Sisters', Aunt and Uncle and cousin (who will arrive from New Zealand are all going). The trip has been planned for months and obviously it was a disappointment but how wonderful that they will all be together when they finally disembark from a very long flight.

Can you imagine being stuck on a ship in the Antarctic for days on end. By the way, it is summer there. It is a Russian ship with scientists etc. some of whom are studying global warming. See, it reared its ugly head again. I understand the rescue ship also got stuck! I hope that they have enough food and drink to sustain their adventure. Will the ice ever melt? Where is Al Gore when you need him?  Oh, that's right with all his millions he made on touting and writing about global warming he is probably luxuriating in a nice warm climate. There I go again, being politically incorrect. It seems to me that the older I get, the more difficulty I have censoring my opines. Reader beware!

Needless to say,  I am hoping for the best (status quo would be wonderful) from my upcoming MRI. But, as a friend said, "we play the cards we are dealt".  I will update caringbridge on the results.

Grandpa and Grandma Centre got to play in the snow with their Grandson, Jack (you know, my adorable always smiling Grand-nephew) this past week. Fortunately we got some pictures of him opening his Christmas presents and being cuddled by my Sister. Jack is growing so fast that I hope that I can see him sooner rather than later. I am looking forward, God willing to going with my Sister to visit Mary Rutherford in St Simmons, Ga sometime in the spring. We pray for Mary as she grieves for her Husband, John.

I know that everyone has marvelous intentions of losing weight, exercising, doing good deeds, etc in 2014 but what I truly wish for one and all is good health and happiness. Everything else will eventually fall into place. Everyday we should take a moment to count our blessings and to be thankful for the people we have in our lives. Monetary things are not as important as relationships and being cognizant of the needs of others whom we care about.  2013 was not the best of years, health wise but I learned so much about myself and the true meaning of the kindness and caring of others.  I also developed such an abiding faith in God. I am truly in his hands now. Love to you all, Arlene

BAKED ARTICHOKE AND CRAB SPREAD
1 -14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1- 6 ounce crabmeat, drained and flaked
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon paprika
crackers
Preheat oven to 325F. combine first four ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to a 8 1/2 X 5 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake until top is browned, about 30 minutes. Serve with crackers.