I'M BACK!

Hello Friends and Family,

It has been so long since I have written on my blog that I am out practice and not sure how to begin. In the past few months I have had two carpal tunnel surgeries and Leland was diagnosed with macular degeneration and had a successful ablation procedure. So, medical news out of the way lets get to the nitty-grity and tell some stories, share a recipe and a recommendation for good reading.

Firstly, I have had a lot of time to ponder about life, the joys and here and there the tribulations. I look at my beloved husband and there is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for his love, kindness, support and strength. Leland, you are the best gift I have ever received. It took awhile for us to find one another again but it was sure worth the wait.  When we were young, eleven and seven we never even thought about what the future held in store for us. We just went our merry way enjoying the innocence of the young. Playing outside, in all kinds of weather with the neighborhood kids. When I was thirteen I traveled along with Leland's Mother, his Sister, Marilyn and Lee to Chicago. Leland and his Mother shared the driving. They were driving out to Iowa to plan Marilyn's wedding and to drop Leland off at Iowa State. I was left off with my Aunt and Uncle outside of Chicago to spend the summer. My childless Aunt bleached my hair very blond (my Mother never did believe the sun did it). At first I was very sad and weepy because Leland was going to be so far away but my Aunt and Uncle were gracious hosts and I had a lovely visit. At the end of the summer I flew back to New York feeling very sophisticated with my blond hair and a lovely tan.

Everything changed, however, as Leland was gone and at fifteen my family moved away. But, as luck and fate would have it, Leland and I renewed our relationship and the rest is history!

I try not to dwell on my health issue but honestly there are days when I can't help but think what the future holds. So far, so good! As our Son, Greg says to us, enjoy each and every day. We'll do, Sweetie.

I try not to get paranoid about ISIS, ebola etc. but times are really yucky and we sure do hope that the upcoming elections swing in our favor - WE NEED ATTENTIVE and strong leadership! Just vote, folks, please.

Lately, I have devoured each and every one of M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin Cotswold mystery story. I buy most of them on Amazon, used for a penny plus postage. They are light and funny reading.

I am not hinting but on November 5th I will turn 75 - egads! How blessed I am to get to that milestone.

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms

1 tablespoon pine nuts
8 portobello mushrooms
l tablespoon lemon juice
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves crushed garlic
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Put the pine nuts in a dry frying pan and cook over a gentle heat until golden. Remove to a plate and set aside. Mix the lemon juice with three tablespoons of water in a bowl. Put the oil, garlic, salt and pepper in another bowl and pour half over the base of a large baking tray Arrange the mushrooms on the tray, open side down in one layer and brush the tops with the rest of the oil. Roast in a preheated 425 degree
oven for 10 minutes, then turn the mushrooms over. Brush their insides with the diluted lemon juice using a pastry brush. Return to the oven and cook for a further five minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with pine nuts and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Well, it is so nice getting back to the blog and just chatting with y'all. Hope you are all well and happy. Much love, Arlene