GOOD DEEDS

This day is one for the books! It started out with a bang and ended with a thud! To put everything into perspective let me tell you that the last seven months have presented many challenges to me and my family. Starting with my surgery for an aggressive brain tumor with only 95% of it being removed. I had follow-ups of 33 radiation treatments. It was a long and grueling process but what kept me going was and is the love and support of family and friends. I was doing fairly well until I had my first seizure on June 19th followed by one on August 21. Each one was such a setback. Today I arrived home after a lovely excursion with two of my neighbors. I felt a seizure coming on and called 911. To make a long story short (and yes this time I was dressed) they took me by ambulance (had another siezure in the ambulance) (with Leland and Pat following close behind) to the hospital. I had some medication, a CT scan, blood work etc. Rather spoiled my afternoon! Every time I think I am making progress I take a step backward.

Originally I was not going to write about my ordeal but it is truly connected to the guts of the blog that was my original intention and already titled "GOOD DEEDS". I NEVER would have gotten this far without my wonderful husband, our children, my sister and her family and our terrific friends. I have a received so MANY cards filled with good wishes and prayers for my recovery from our neighbors and friends and family. I cherish them all and will keep them forever. I honestly believe that the encouragements to get well have sincerely made me be braver and stronger to fight the fight.

Now, the crux of "GOOD  DEEDS" is this; I can no longer drive (a state law that when you have a seizure one cannot drive for six months). This is so sad to independent me. My husband and some friends chauffeur me around without complaint. I hope they know that if there were a role reversal that I would do the same for them.

Why don't we all take note of the people in our neighborhoods who are alone and unable to drive to doctor appointments, grocery stores etc. It would take so little time out of our day to do a "good deed".I fully intend to become aware of situations that require assistance, a get well card, a meal delivery or just chatting with a lonely person. From personal experience even a cheering up visit makes my day. I have grown to love so many of our neighbors because of their legitimate concern about my health. We are all facing our mortality but in the meantime let's live life to the fullest and with a big smile on our faces. Please notice if someone  needs a smile put on his or her face. We can do it! Even phone calls help. Let's go forward and love THY neighbor. I know I love all of you out there! Thanks for being here for me and Leland and doing so many good deeds for us.  Let's make a pact to think of others. Thank you so very much, Love, Arlene


RECIPE: BOURBON HOT DOGS

2 LBS OSCAR MEYER WIENERS OR HOTDOGS (I CUT THEM INTO FOURTHS)
1 1/2 CUPS CATSUP
1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR
1/2 cup BOURBON

I PUT THE INGREDIENTS IN A CROCKPOT AND USE THE CROCKPOT AS A SERVER. A REALLY NICE APPETIZER. HOPE YOUR GUESTS ENJOY!

I can hardly put down "The Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty down - it's fabulous!

BACKGROUND

I just spent some time re-reading some of my blogs and I realized that I didn't mention anything about my education and work background.  After graduating from Harrison High school in 1957 I attended New Paltz State University in New Paltz, New York.  Unfortunately I didn't graduate (one of my biggest regrets).  Following my exit  I worked at Sloan Kettering as a secretary to four doctors and went to night school at a community college.  I then became a "mathematical analyst" at the Royal McBee Corporation in Rye, New York (Now defunct).  When they relocated to New Jersey I decided that the commute would be too much and put in an application to Eastern airlines to become a "stewardess".  I was accepted and was looking forward to training in Florida.  In the meantime I met Bill Hankinson, a graduate of RPI. Bill (a Mayflower descendant) had just gotten out of the Air Force and within two months we got married.  He thought he was going to be transferred to Japan so things speeded up.  One could not be a stewardess (now flight attendant) and be married so I bowed out.  Our wonderful son, Gregory was born two and a half years later so life settled down and when Greg was five and going into kindergarten we moved to Armonk, New York and lived there for sixteen years.  Bill commuted to New York City.  When Greg was in elementary school I worked as a "lunch lady" in his school. That way I could  greet him at the door when he got off of the school bus and take him to his various activities.  I also took courses in real estate.  I became a real estate broker and held that position for twelve years.  I loved my job!  We relocated to Menlo Park, California and I found a job as a receptionist in a busy real estate office. I enjoyed working there until I moved back to Armonk.  And then Leland came along and then Laura.

For Gregory: The first time your dad and I moved to California (Fairfield) and we had been married one year your grandparents, Glenda (nee MacDonald) and William Barrett Hankinson, Sr. flew in from Teheran, Iran  where they had been living for about eight years. They were accompanied by your Aunt Linda and Uncle Michael. Each of the three children were seven years apart. Your dad, then Michael then Linda.  I can't tell you how nervous I was as we waited for their plane to land at the San Francisco Airport .This would be our first time meeting one another as they were unable to attend our wedding. They were charming and wonderful and your grandmother was absolutely beautiful. They would remain in Teheran for a total of ten years. Your grandfather, who graduated from Georgia Tech was originally from Augusta, GA.  His job was to set up and run a textile mill in Iran. The Shah was in power. They lived a very good life there. Your grandmother was originally from Kentucky. I am sure you remember visiting them in White Plains, N.Y. when they moved back to the states. They were wonderful to me and I adored them.

I remember one time when we were on a trip with Leland and a flight attendant asked Laura (about four at the time) what her mommy did.  Laura retorted "my mommy is a shopping mommy"!  The flight attendant told Leland who couldn't stop laughing.  I didn't see the humor in it!  Out of the "mouths of babes". Another time we were again along for the ride and were heading to Istanbul.  We had a short stop in Zurich. We had told Laura that we were going to Turkey. A pilot and friend asked Laura where she was going to today and she responded "I think we are going to chicken"!  Many times I was asked (in a very polite way by flight attendants) when Laura was an infant and we were again tagging along with Leland, how old I was. At forty-four I was on the older side. to say the least.  For some reason this gave the flight attendants some satisfaction that their "biological clock" was not ticking away as fast as they thought. I hope I was an inspiration to some.

When Laura was growing up I was basically a stay at home mom.  Laura told me one day that she was so glad that I was there for her when she got home from school. That alone made it all worth it.  The bottom line is that I tried my best with both of my children and try to be there for the entire family. I love them all so very much!

Someone recommended that I read "the Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty.  I bought it today. If you haven't read "The Pilots Wife" it is a wonderful read.

SAUSAGE BALLS: An easy appetizer
Three cups Biscuit mix
One pound hot ground (or mild) pork sausage
One (10 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Combine all ingredients in a large bow, pressing mixture together with hands. Shape into 3/4 inch balls and place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Yield: about eight dozen

ANNOYED!

Today I am absolutely pooped!  My beauty sleep was rudely interrupted by a doctor's appointment. There were new papers that I had to sign today. Was I Hispanic, and what is my preferred first language.  Frankly, I wish that anyone living in the United States should be required to speak English. Am I asking too much?  We are a nation of immigrants but our forefathers learned English (alright so my grandfather,  born in England, knew it already) so they could benefit by being in the promised land. I truly believe in the United States and I am a firm believer in capitalism.

On the other hand, I can tell you (from personal experience) that living in oppressed and socialistic countries is not a good thing. When the wall came down in Berlin the East Berliners and others fled to freedom.  Prior to that, people were shot trying to escape over the wall. I have been to places where Holocaust victims were persecuted. It was horrifying! I have to tell you that I am worried for our children and grandchildren about the turn this country is taking. I am frankly, sick and tired of everyone in the House and Senate. Throw most of them  out!  At the very least have term limits.  These people are selfish and only thinking of themselves. I thought they were suppose to represent us! They represent themselves! Personally I find it disgusting!  Enough said!

It is getting chilly out; a precursor to winter.  We get very little if any snow in Georgia but Leland dresses like "Nanook of the North" if the temperature drops under 65 when he walks Reagan in the morning. He really doesn't like even a hint of cold.  Of course, I'm still snuggled up in bed at that early hour (the exception this morning}. Personally, I like a bit of season changes and always look forward to the next season. All in all, I am just happy to be alive!

When I sat down a few moments ago to enter a new blog, I truly didn't know what I was going to write, but I mentally revisited my experience this morning at the doctor's and decided to vent.  I remember when Home Depot added signs in Spanish - I pitched a fit!  Immigrants are the backbone of this country but please let's have some respect for the law. Some of you may disagree with this rant and I appreciate that, because after all, that is what the United States represents;  freedom of speech, thought etc. I am exercising my right to the above!

We saw the movies "Gravity" and "Captain Phillips." Both were very entertaining. A coming attraction  shown was "The Book Thief." I was reminded that I read that book and it was truly outstanding.

BLINTZ SOUFFLE (This recipe comes from our neighbor Marilyn) and it's a terrific morning dish for company.

12 cheese blintzes ( two packages of 15 oz frozen blintzes). thawed
6 eggs, beaten
16 oz sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon, vanilla
2 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Spray a 9" square baking dish with non stick vegetable spray. Lay blintzes out in dish. Set aside. In a large bowl beat eggs. sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Pour over blintzes then drizzle melted butter over top. Bake for one hour until golden.

Have a great day! Arlene

MT. TREMPER

I have previously mentioned that my family summered in the Catskills.  I'd like to expand on our visits there.  My parents and two Aunts rented a house from the Pflugers. They had a son named Alan. Her first name was Betsy but Mr. Fluger's eludes me.  They had two homes, both painted yellow perched upon a hilltop. To get there one drove straight up a gravel road. Across the street was a swimming "hole" surrounded by rock. The water was clear, very deep and on occasion cold.  My cousins (Bob and John Lyons) and I spent many hours there having a great and wholesome time. When my dad would come up on the weekends he would take us fishing.

The backyards behind the houses was level and surrounded by berry bushes. We picked  blackberries, raspberries etc to be used in pies (if there were enough left over from our snitching them out of the basket). Sometimes we would go into the village of Mt. Tremper and browse. My mother did the majority of the cooking. Aunt Gertrude, Aunt Vivian and her husband, Jack (who also came up on the weekends) were the other inhabitants.  Cocktail hour was promptly at five.

One Friday evening, Betsy P. was waiting for the arrival of her husband (you know the nameless one) and she heard someone on the front porch. When she opened the door she was greeted by a BEAR! She slammed the door! That episode became a well repeated story.

One day my sister who was two and a half years old at the time apparently decided to take a stroll down the driveway, at the end of which was a busy road.  Also keep in mind that we were surrounded by woods. Mom and all were frantic! We ran down the hill and there was Carole-Anne going her merry way. Mom caught her just as she was about to cross the road to go to the swimming hole. Another story to tell.

It was and I am sure still a beautiful part of New York State. I have so many fond memories of summers spent at Mt. Tremper. But, as all good things come to an end, so did our trips to the mountains. But what wonderful memories I have stored up.

Instead of a reading recommendation I am going to suggest starting a journal of your own with memories you have mentally compiled from your past.  This will help your children and grandchildren  to get to know the younger you.  Perhaps some of you have already done that. Hurray!

I don't recall who gave me this recipe. But they wrote "great" 5-27-06. Let's try it together!

SPICY THAI SALAD
Two cups chicken (use pre-roasted)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
One cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup peanuts
One package, cooked Udon noodles
Spicy peanut vinaigrette

Toss together all ingredients
Serve chilled

Every time I think I have run out of ideas for this blog I get inspired with another remembrance. Unfortunately, lots of times these come to me in the middle of the night. I truly wish that my mind would be as active during the day. Oh well, at least it still works! The weekend is fast approaching. See I told you that "Time Flies"!  Have a good one!

THE WENZELS

When we lived in Mt. Vernon we had a family of four: Paul and Thelma Wenzel and their two children, Paul, Jr. and Sally as neighbors.  They displayed their wealth quite well!  Their cars were new and expensive and Paul, Jr. and Sally had the best of everything. To put it mildly they were quite spoiled and well fed. (nasty me!)  Mr. Wenzel set up Kresge five and dime stores so they moved around a fair amount. They were the first on our street to get a TV so my friends and I would huddle outside peering in their sun porch windows. They didn't mind, they liked showing off their newest purchase.

I loved Christmas and the anticipation of Santa Claus. We didn't have a fireplace but mom and dad assured me that Santa would and could climb in the open window. It was a ritual that I would leave cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Santa always managed to squeeze in through the window. Christmas Eve was magical!  It was 1949 and I was ten years old.  Christmas was just around the corner!  But, Mrs. Wenzel and Sally informed me that there was NO Santa. I was crushed; my parents were furious!

The Wenzels' moved away but they continued to exchange Christmas cards with my parents for years. One day we all received a wedding invitation to Sally's wedding. It was being held in Pennsylvania. My parents, Bill and I decided to make the trek. We ate sparingly for breakfast, got all dressed up and went on our merry way. We arrived at the church and watched as Sally walked down the aisle. Her father stood by her side throughout most of the ceremony and sobbed his head off.  We then ventured to the reception venue. It was a country club setting. The tables were set with the most elegant china and every imaginable piece of silverware. We sat down and we were told to help ourselves to the appetizers on the buffet table. The four of us ate VERY little in anticipation of the main meal to come. After all, there were plates galore on our table.  Shortly thereafter, everything but the cake plates and cake forks were removed from our table. The wedding cake was served!

On our way home we stopped at a dinner as we were famished!  I wonder if my parents kept in touch with the Wenzels'. I am assuming we got thank you notes for our gifts but I can't remember. But, I will always remember that they were the ones who burst my bubble about Santa. Let your children and grandchildren believe as long as they want to and keep them away from people like the Wenzels!

RECIPE: Eggnog pound cake

One (16 oz) package pound cake mix
1 1/4 cups eggnog
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees/ Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat two minutes. Pour into lightly greased 9 X 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for  one hour to one hour and five minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely about one hour.
This is a southern favorite.

I just bought "The Killing of Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly. I will let you know if I recommend it. I do own a kindle but I just like holding the book!

TRADITIONS

When I was a little girl my mother and I would take a train into Manhattan from Mt. Vernon, N.Y.  We would meet my Aunt Helen, mom's half sister, at Grand Central Station. She lived in New Jersey.  We would have lunch at Davey's, a seafood restaurant, then go and see a play. This was a Saturday ritual for many years.  Sometimes we would alternate and go to a museum or just window shop along fifth avenue but we always ate at Davey's.  Another family tradition was when my parents' would take me to see the annual Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, the huge Christmas tree at Rockerfeller Plaza and the beautifully decorated Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's department store windows. At a certain point in my early teenage years, friends and I would travel to the city on our own.  New York City was exciting to youngsters from the suburbs.  Times Square was neon lights and a totally different world.

Sundays were a time for my parents' with their daughters in tow to visit friends or family. We often visited  family in New Jersey on my mothers side. ( By the way, just to include in the record, my mother's maiden name was;  Galisson.  On our trip with her to Czechoslavkia we found, near the Austrian border a cemetery with tombstones with Galisson on them. Obviously, distant relatives were entombed there). And often, trips to see Aunts and Uncles on my dad's side. But mostly, as previously stated people came to our house. Mom filled up the dining room table with all sorts of goodies. The conversation flowed and a merry time was had by all.  Christmas was the best holiday of all with Easter a close second.  One year I remember that the only thing I truly wanted were ice skates. I was so disappointed when they weren't under the tree. After a while, my mom asked me to take something out of the oven. When I opened the oven door there was this large package in there. I tore open the wrapping and discovered my very own ice skates!  Easter was the time to hunt for all the hidden treasures mom and dad had hidden throughout the house. Mom made a list to make sure that we found everything.

Ever since Laura was born our family tradition is for Leland to read "The Night Before Christmas" to her on Christmas Eve. Even at 29 she will sit on her daddy's lap and he will read to her from the original book. One Christmas we bought her a copy of the book so that hopefully she will carry on the tradition. Leland also recorded it in a Hallmark gift book. She was so overcome with emotion when he gave it to her. I know Laura will always cherish his gift. With Gregory we started the tradition that he could open up one gift from out of town on Christmas Eve and that continued until both Greg and Laura became adults.

I think it is so important to have traditions that are passed down through the generations. Going to church on Christmas Eve,  serving the same meal every Christmas or for Seder etc. Traditions create memories. I know that I personally, have wonderful memories of the past.

BOOK: Establish a story book, i.e. "The Night Before Christmas" etc to read to your grandchildren to celebrate your holiday.

BAKED BRIE IN PUFFED PASTRY WITH RASPBERRY PRESERVES

1/2 PACKAGE FROZEN PUFF PASTRY
ONE (8 OZ PACKAGE BRIE CHEESE ROUND. (Costco is a good place to buy brie)
1/8 CUP TOASTED ALMOND, SLICES (OPTIONAL)
1/4 CUP RASPBERRY PRESERVES (CAN REPLACE WITH APRICOT, LIGONBERRY  ETC.)

DIRECTIONS;
PREHEAT OVEN TO 425 DEGREES
LIGHTLY GREASE COOKIE SHEET
ROLL PUFF PASTRY OUT SLIGHTLY
PLACE CHEESE WHEEL ON TOP (LEAVE RIND ON)
PLACE PRESERVES ON TOP OF CHEESE
PLACE ALMONDS  (IF USING) ON TOP OF PRESERVES
BUNDLE PUFF  PASTRY UP AND AROUND THE CHEESE
BAKE FOR 20-25 MINUTES
LET COOL FOR FIVE MINUTES
SERVE WITH YOUR FAVORITE CRACKERS

WORRY WART

Sometimes I think that I am my own worst enemy.  I fret too much!  Leland figures he could supplement our retirement income by renting me out on an hourly basis.  For so much an hour I would worry for you.  He jokes about it and I joke about it but I do know that I worry too much and many times unnecessarily.  I have a character flaw and it's a really big one.  I wish I could say it is my only one but alas I can't.  Leland, the logical one in our family highly suggests that I shouldn't worry until I have something to worry about. That is excellent advice and I really should heed it.  My life would be easier and more carefree. I don't know where I got this trait from.  My parents didn't have the worrying gene. Maybe it comes from some long ago ancestor!  I wonder who?


Life, I do know can be unpredictable and surprises do occur,  but we have to face them head on and tackle the problem the best we can.  I am trying very hard to not focus on what could be but on what is. That is the difficult part for me.  But I will try!!  I want people to remember me for my optimism not my pessimism. It's never too late to change my attitude.  Is it?  I certainly hope not!


I think we all realize that stress takes a physical toll on our bodies. That should be our number one reason to be more positive.  I am not lecturing just suggesting because I am the first one to tell you that I suffer from this malady.  Let's all make a pact - let's not worry until there is genuinely something to  worry about.


Tonight we are celebrating our wonderful friend Pat's 70th birthday. That is quite a milestone! When we first met Pat and her husband, Tommy it was as though we had known them forever. In four short years we have become family. We are so grateful that they are living in our community. Happy Birthday Pat, and many more healthy and happy years.

Note from Greg:

People have told Mom that they are having trouble leaving comments on her blog.  In order to do so, you'll need the following profile from one of these providers: Live Journal, Google et al a Gmail account, WordPress, Type Pad, AIM or OpenID. You can also become a "Tee's-Time" follower, and receive "real-time" updates. Mom looks forward to your future comments!

Note from me: Thanks Greg, Love, Mom

RECIPE: Mary's snack

two bags of oyster crackers
one package dry ranch dressing
l 1/4 cup canola oil

Mix and serve.  So easy and so good!

BOOK:  "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand (she wrote "Sea Biscuit")