BLOOMIN!

When we moved to Georgia over twenty years ago I remember someone saying to me, "if you have never had allergies you will get them eventually". Well, eventually is NOW! Leland took me to Dr. Bozof again yesterday (I hope he doesn't think I have a crush on him!) because I have been coughing etc. for over two weeks. Well, I am now on medication for allergies! My medicine takes up an entire shelf in the kitchen and I need to have all my faculties to figure out the timing of everything. Well, it could be worse - I truly thought I had bronchitis. Now, getting back to my allergies: the beautiful trees that are in bloom that I have been oohing over are now the bane of my existence and the yellow pollen hasn't even made an appearance yet  - phooey!

We are looking forward to our eldest Daughter, Victoria and her Son, Preston's visit. They will arrive late Tuesday afternoon. Preston is on spring break and Grandpa and I are flattered that he wants to spend the time with us. We are proud of this young man, now a teenager. 

I am over my blue and white buying phase because quite frankly, I have run out of space to put another objet d' art. I am glad that Leland hasn't gotten a hernia from carrying up all the boxes from our mailbox kiosk.  But, I must say I am enjoying all of my purchases.

For awhile (maybe a minute or two) my appetite decreased and I actually had them pack up half of my lunch at our last luncheon. Truly, a first for me. But, lo and behold it has come back and I actually ate an entire pizza last night. I said to Leland, "please never let me do that again!".  I am really trying to cut down on sugary things which I dearly love. What's the difference between pudgy and chubby? I guess they both mean FAT! I am thinking that putting on a bathing suit this summer is not an option. 

I am going to email, Stuart WOODS and give him what for. His last two books slandered Fox news (my personal favorite) and he has turned Stone Barrington into a sex machine and his plots are so similar. So instead of recommending a author to read, I am recommending him as a author NOT to read. But, this is America so you make your own decision.

MARY'S CARROT SOUFFLE

1 pound fresh carrots

1/2 cup melted butter

3 eggs

1/4 cup sugar

3 T all purpose flour

1 t baking powder

2 t vanilla

Cook carrot until tender in small amount of boiling water. Put carrots and butter in a blender, blend. Add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. Spoon into lightly greased caserole and bake at 350 degree 45 minutes or until firm.

Have a lovely weekend folks. Love, Arlene

VISIT

My Sister came to visit on March 26th Through April 2nd. It had been a year since her last visit when she came down to help me after my surgery. She also was a wonderful help this time, taking me here and there and just generally being a great comfort. She also went to Dr. Bozof with Leland and I to get the bone scan report. Laura, Joe and Greg spent quality time with her. They love their Auntie! She sensed when I needed to rest and just sat and read. We also redecorated! There is positively no one like a beloved Sister! I love her to pieces and can't wait to see her again real soon.

THE LAKE

I meandered through the pine forest breathing in the fresh scent and enjoying the warm sun shining from above.  I could hear the rustling of small creatures seeking substance. I was dressed in a lightweight floral dress that seemed to belong to a different time. Eventually I came to a crystal clear lake. It sparkled from the reflected sun and I just knew that the fish were darting back and forth beneath its surface. As I got nearer I heard the sound of laughter and joy that comes from people who are having a wonderful day. They sat in Adirondack chairs and seemed amused to see a stranger. They were my family from my youth. I recognized one and all. I went over to Aunt Vivian and Uncle Jack to say hello. They hadn't changed a bit since the last time that I had seen them but I could see the confusion in their faces when I said, "hi, it's me, Arlene." Oh, of course, I can see that it is you Dear but you are old now!  And one by one I approached my relatives to say hello  and told them how much I missed them and related the fond memories I had of our times together.  At each approach, my step got lighter, my hair darkened and my wrinkles disappeared.   My heart was filled with joy at each encounter. I saw Aunt Gertrude who had passed away the day after my family and I had visited her at the hospital, from a brain tumor. I told her,  that I too, had a brain tumor. She placed her hand on my head and said, "you will be just fine, Dearie". Uncle Alfred, was sitting next to Daddy talking about fishing until I interrupted their conversation. "Well, look who is here, Daddy said,  my Sweetie Pie. "Hi Daddy, I miss you  and Mommy so much. "We are just fine, living in a gated community surrounded by friends and family, Now go and say hello to your Mother, she is over there with Grandma and Grandpa. They will be so happy to see you." Now there you are my darling Daughter, we know all about your life, your trials and tribulations, your accomplishments and your joys and sorrows. All of us have watched over you with pride in how you have conducted your life." You and your Sister have made us proud! As usual, Aunt Edith said"I had put on a bit of weight" Her usual comment to me. We had such a delightful day sharing tales of the past.  But,  slowly the sun began to fade and just as slowly my family, one by one faded away. I reversed my steps and with a smile on my again aging face I found my way back home, holding deep in my heart the memories of the wonderful conversations I had with my beloved family. I feel so strongly that they are helping to guide me through life and when this life is over as I know it, they will be waiting for me with open arms. Isn't it wonderful that there is always something to look forward to!?  But first there is that Viking River cruise, dinners out with friends, bridge games, visits to Charlotte, etc. and a dinner party at which I will serve this easy casserole recipe.

 1-2-3 CASSEROLE
In a dutch oven in order given:
3 lbs. lean beef, cubed
2 cans golden mushroom soup, undiluted
1 envelope dry onion soup
Cook at 325 degrees in oven for 1-2 hours
Serve over rice or noodles. For company stir in a small carton of sour cream.

A YEAR!

A year ago today I had brain surgery and the majority of an aggressive tumor removed. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the past year. I don't know what the future holds for me, I do know that I am not the same woman I was two years ago. I walk and wobble somewhat, I tire easily, I cry more frequently and my life has turned topsy turvy with the not knowing what the future holds in store for me. I think that is a very typical reaction for anyone who is suffering from an illness. I thank God for the past year and I pray for more time to spend with family and friends.

On the bright side, I celebrated today by going to see "NON STOP" (I think it might be some time before I step foot on an airplane!) with some friends and then out to coffee with my wonderful Husband.  I took a walk and am finding that my energy is slowly returning. That doesn't mean I am ready to conquer Mt Everest! Maybe my body is adjusting to the new pills. It's a day to be thankful for the treatment I received and for Dr. Olson (the surgeon) and for  Dr. Crocker (the radiologist) at Emory Hospital.

We went out to dinner with some of our friends the other night and all we did was laugh! Don M. told a tale from his adventure as a wheelchair volunteer at the local hospital. He delivers patients following their out patient surgery  to the curb in the wheelchair where they are met by a family or friend. I am still laughing over his latest tale. Apparently, the elderly wife was gone for quite some time unable to remember where she parked their car. It turns out that the patient is a new member of our community. Don also delivers "meals on wheels" every week. What a kind and decent man he is. But mostly he is funny!

Remember when we thought 50 was ancient! Well it isn't any longer! Leland and I are on the older side in our 55 and older community at 78 and 74 respectively. Weren't we in our twenties the day before yesterday? I find looking in the mirror quite an experience. I hardly recognize myself and what in the world happened to that shapely figure I used to have? Most of it has headed south and is hidden beneath  - alright I'll come out with it - FAT! It is shocking this aging process! Often I will go into a room to get a specific item only to arrive there to realize I have forgotten what I wanted. I know people call these senior moments.  So, I retrace my thought process and go back to my starting position. At least I am getting a bit of exercise.

I have decided that all the age defying creams, oils, lotions are such are a total waste of good money. I think it is all in the genes. I used to spend a bundle on eye depuffing creams until I finally and wisely realized I got the puffiness from my Mom.  Wrinkles are earned and really aren't they a product of smiling a lot?  People who over botox, have face lifts, etc are trying to stay younger longer. I think that's great but don't over do it. Joan Rivers and Bruce Jenner are you reading this? And, Meg Ryan you USED to be so adorable. I want to age elegantly and hope that people still recognize me when I am elderly if only by my smile!

Folks, you have been such troopers going through the past year with me and this medical saga. Thanks for everything and for the joy you have brought into my life. You have been my life raft in the rough seas of the past year. Believe me your prayers have saved me thus far. Please keep them up. It's also amazing how little things have brought me joy, a good book, a good joke, a good TV program or a  movie. I am comfy in my home with Leland and love seeing family and friends. I really don't need anything but I do want to heal. That is entirely out of my hands, I am in God's hands.  I just want to keep on smiling!

HAM AND CHEESE CRESCENTS
1 8oz pkg crescent rolls
8 slices good quality boiled ham
8 teaspoons orange marmalade
1/2 cup grated monterey jack cheese
Separate rolls into 8 triangles, according to pkg directions. Place one slice ham on each triangle folding to fit. Spread with marmalade and sprinkle with cheese. Roll triangles according to pkg directions. Place on ungreased cookie heet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. I suppose you could replace cheese with one you might like better.

Reading Stuart Woods book called "Standup Guy". Wouldn't rate it a four star, more of a 2 1/2 unless you are an avid fan of the author.

Have a terrific weekend. Love, Arlene

MYSTERY

I have often thought that I would like to write a mystery. Who would I kill off?  What weapon would be used?  I really don't know much about snake venom or poisons and how would the victim react to these methods. Would they foam at the mouth, look aghast or just gently fade away? My mystery would have to take place long before forensics, and weapon identification tools and DNA. I would have my murderer kill the victim with a spade in the barn with the cows bellowing in the barn. Of course, it would be the wife of the abusive farmer. Now you tell me, would you buy this book? I surely would not!

Look at Mary Higgins Clark. She started writing in her fifties to support five children. She now lives in a fancy dancy estate in New Jersey and has oodles of money and emeralds. Now her Daughter is following in the footsteps of her famous Mother. I think to myself that just because I love reading mysteries doesn't mean I can sit down and write one. Honestly, I get more fatigued just thinking of it. But believe me I have often thought it would be wonderful to be the new Agatha Christie and create another character similar to Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple. Oh, I forgot to mention that my mysteries would take place in the Cotswolds. But, there's a catch, I have never been there! I guess I could imagine an English barn and a timbered cottage and a poker from a huge fireplace as a weapon. Of course, it would be a best seller and turn into a series of books and then a film. TJ Maxx here I come!

It all sounds lovely and financially rewarding but I realize I am already writing a story on this very blog. A love story with a little bit of history thrown in. It will not be a best seller but hopefully it will be something my family, those I know and those that are yet to be born will read and know just a little about their relatives. This is my legacy to my loved ones. I keep trying to dredge up the past in my head because I know I am leaving  out quite a bit, But, there is some stuff I prefer to keep to myself.  So folks, I am not done yet, elections are coming up to comment on,  I have new recipes to share and unfortunately more doctor appointments coming up, places to go,  and just maybe I will tell a tale or two when I misbehaved - just a tiny, tiny bit!

SPINACH CASSEROLE
2 T butter cubed
12 oz cottage cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained well
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, swiss etc)
garlic powder
cheetez crackers, crushed
Mix first six ingredients and put into greased baking dish. Top with crushed cheetez crackers. I normally double the recipe and put into a 9 by 11 dish.

SPRING

When I was in elementary, middle school and high school I never went on a spring break. I never knew they existed!. I knew that several of my friends would go to Florida with their families for beach  and family time. In winter some families would go to the ski slopes. We never had the luxury of European trips, skiing or beach travel.  That all came later when Leland came back into my life and it was all appreciated and I savored every minute of it. The lack of these teenage adventures never bothered me because my friends and I were always enjoying ourselves, particularly our train trips into New York City. It was a magical place, so culturally diverse and architecturally beautiful.We didn't text one another walking side by side we actually talked to one another. We played soft ball, badminton, walked in the stream  across the street from our house, catching and releasing baby frogs,  traveled by bus into our little city of Mt. Vernon to window shop. went to the orchards to pick pears some of which we consumed right there.  Our exercise was WALKING! There were no treadmills and other pain inducing machines in the 40's or early 50's. We climbed trees and did cart wheels in the fields. We watched the flowers bloom and heard the robins sing as spring began. We helped plant the seeds in the vegetable garden and were thrilled to see the beginnings of a carrot, a head of lettuce, etc. When summer arrived and report cards announced that we would advance to a higher grade we made our way to the beach and often played volley ball there. And, we flirted with the cute life guards (Leland was one of the cute ones!) Remember this was the time of innocence and sports activity.

At fifteen I worked at the local stationary store after school and on Saturdays, saving my salary for that little Henry J I eventually bought because I needed transportation from the "middle of nowhere". Actually Purchase was a little piece of Heaven for Carole-Anne and I. My sweet sixteen party was held in our front yard and we all had a ball! My engagement party was held there as well as my baby shower for Greg. Oh, the stories that yard could tell!

I had a curfew when I lived there and when my date and I were "saying" goodnight the front porch light would come on. Either Dad or Mom had being eyeing the clock. If I was somewhere with several of my friends and having the "best" time I would call home and ask for a bit more time. My Parents always said yes because they knew I was a responsible young lady. Many parties took place in that front yard with family and friends. Lots of food, much of which was newly plucked from Daddy's luscious garden. Everyone was welcomed and laughter was a main ingredient in the conversations.

I know that you all know by now that I had a wonderful childhood thanks to two giving, unselfish and loving Parents. In a way, as much as I miss them, and I miss them terribly I would not want them to have been privy to my health issue. It would have broken their hearts and I would not wish that on them.  I  watch our dear friends, Bev and Barry  endure the struggles their adorable Grandson, Ari goes through and how very helpful they are to their Daughter, Jodi and Son-in-Law, Larry and lovely Granddaughter Liv. Not a night goes by that I do not pray for all of them.

To me spring is a renewal. Last spring was a particularly rough one but folks, I am here and will be listening for the birds to sing  and watch for the budding of the flowers. My Sister was here last March for my surgery along with Greg, Laura and Joe. Happily, we will be all together again. C.A. will arrive on the 26th and Laura and Joe on the 28th of March. Quite fittingly. March 28th was our Mom's birthday. This will be a happier occasion, thankfully. Incidentally, Greg told me Saturday that he was the first one to see me after my surgery on Friday, March 15th 2013.  I am not "out of the woods" yet, so please continue to keep me in your prayers. Ann and John O, thank you so much for you beautiful card. June, I will call you REAL soon.

Don't y'all find that one day will be just wonderful, nothing goes wrong and then boom a little stress enters the mix a day or so later?  I am learning to cope with the stress (a very slow process) and am trying to focus on the good things in life and that folks are FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I can't say it enough because I mean it so sincerely - I LOVE YOU ALL!

I am reading and enjoying "THE KING'S DECEPTION" by STEVE BERRY

GIGOT OF MONKFISH ROMARIN WITH ANCHOVIES

2 1/2 lb monkfish (poor mans' lobster)
2 oz can anchovy fillets
6 tablespoons olive oil
juice of one lemon
s & p
a large bunch of fresh rosemary

TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

2/3 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

Using a sharp knife make slits in fish and insert anchovy fillet Marinate fish in oil and lemon juice, Season with s & p. Marinate for at least two hours. Lay the fish on a large bed of rosemary in a baking pan. Pour more oil over fish. Roast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. To make the vinaigrette, heat the ingredients in a small pan and season to taste. Transfer fish to a serving dish and pour warm vinaigrette over.

I found this recipe in one of my handwritten journals so I don't know where I originally found it but I noted "delicious". I hope you like it!

ANNIVERSARY

Today marks the day Leland and I got married thirty-one years ago. Where has the time gone!? This year has been tumultuous for us with my medical situation but it is also the time to reflect on the fact that without Leland being by my side I would not have made it through. He has helped me conquer my fears, taken me  for the radiation treatments, doctors' appointments, treats me for the seizures, makes sure I take my medications on time and holds  me in his arms as I sob my heart out,  always assuring me that all will be well. I could elaborate but I think you get the picture of how precious he is to me. Prayer has also, once again, come into his life. I believe that prayer has helped the whole family, especially me,  through this ordeal. Happy Anniversary, my love and may we live to celebrate many, many wonderful  more years together.

We had such a delightful time in Charlotte with Laura and Joe. We actually celebrated our anniversary with them in an Italian restaurant. It was yummy! We had the best visit! They are so happy together and  for that Lee and I are so grateful. We are also so happy for Kate and Alec.

Just a few notes: Vivadiddle, thanks for the DVD. We will watch it and return it.

I didn't watch the Oscars simply because I wasn't interested. It seems to me that there are a lot of award shows for actors'. I guess they need to feed their egos! That doesn't mean we don't enjoy a good movie, because we do.

I played bridge today so that was a nice outing. We have a cozy clubhouse that we use so no one has to go to the trouble of cleaning, cooking etc. The guys play poker there. There is a knitting club, a book club and a ladies' tea (my personal favorite) There always seems to be something going on. One of the perks of living in "The Orchards"

This is a short blog tonight as I am feeling utterly exhausted. Unfortunately, a side effect of my newly added seizure medication.

Being unable to drive and just take off when I want to, causes me to go on-line and shop. Remember the blue and white phase "bee in the bonnet"?. Well, I may have overdone it a bit (okay A LOT) on ebay so as a result I have no more room for another purchase and dropped out of ebay AGAIN so I wouldn't be tempted. I am SO naughty!

Hope all of you are doing well, enjoying life and keeping healthy. Also take a moment to be thankful for all the special people in your lives. Believe me they are so important! A phone call to say hello, I am thinking about you and care about you means so much to a friend. Just ask me! Also a special thank you to Judy and her kindness in taking me shopping and to Greg for our get togethers. And to all our Daughters your "how are you doing" phone calls mean the world to Dad and I. And, Laura thanks for checking in every day.

We are looking forward to Victoria and Preston's visit during his spring break in April.

Children, you are ALL the BEST!

BASIL MARINATED LAMB CHOPS
Marinade:
8 cloves garlic mashed
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil, crushed
s & p

Combine marinade in a glass dish. Paint chops, cover and marinate at room temperature for two hours. Preheat grill. Cook and turn watching for flare-ups for about 20 minutes. Can also use indoor grill.  Mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus wrapped in proscuitto with shaved parmesan on top would be delicious side dishes. As always enjoy!