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'!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
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
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.
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.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, December 27, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, December 20, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, December 16, 2013
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)