Kathleen's Folly

Back by Popular Demand

2010-06-03T21:43:00.000-04:00

For those of you that are sick of looking at Rufus' done up eye, a new post!!

Want to listen to an audio book while you drive, garden, walk, iron, wash the dishes and so on and so forth???

A sure bet is ANYTHING performed by Jeff Woodman. I have learned through trial and error that just because a book is a best seller and everyone LOVES it, it can be a total bust if read by someone who is a dud.

Jeff Woodman is NO dud.

I have been thoroughly engrossed by his readings of -
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
The Life of Pi
The Curious Event of The Dog in Night Time
Midnight In The Garden of Good And Evil

He is a Master of Accents-from the voice of a child to Southern gentleman, Indian, English- you name it, he does it - and he does it most excellently. And his interreation of a woman's voice- always tricky when read by a male- is completely unoffensive. It's too bad he did not read The DaVinci Code , the all time worst book I have ever heard on tape.I am looking forward to listening to The Air We Breathe, all about TB in pre World War U.S.A., if only because he is the reader. I encourage anyone to buy ANYTHING he has read. You will not be disappointed.

Simply The Best.
Thank you Jeff Woodman, Reader Extraordinaire

LULU

2010-04-20T08:36:00.000-04:00

Rufus Wainwright's newest album ALL DAYS ARE NIGHTS-SONGS FOR LULU just came out today on iTunes!!!!!

How peachy... just Rufus and his piano...
Heavenly- yes!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T19:16:00.000-04:00

What a glorious Easter day.

This put a smile on my face..

This is how these 2 teens spent their Easter Mass...sunning themselves on the car.

A Soldier's Song

2010-03-24T11:26:00.000-04:00

The beyond excellent HBO series BAND OF BROTHERS has all but comsumed my life these past two weeks.

I know. It's 9 years old.

I had been racking my brain trying to remember why on earth I didn't watch it when it first came out. I am a World War II buff and to this day my trip to Normandy has been the most moving experience of my life.

After some thinking and research, I figured it out.

It premiered on September 9th of 2001. For some reason I missed the first episode. There was no Tivo in 2001. But I know it was on my radar and I was going to catch a repeat of the episode later in that week. But then the world we lived in changed two days later.

I tried watching an episode a few weeks later. I couldn't do it. The pain of 9/11 was too real and watching it was unbearable to me. I remember not being able to comprehend how HBO could still show the series. They did in fact stop promoting it after 9/11 but it continued to do well. And I can understand why.

It is the finest series I have ever seen. Everything about it is excellellent- from the acting, writing, set design, cinematography, editing and the hautingly beautiful music.

This series honors those brave men who served during that war. But it also honors all men and women who have served and who are serving today.

The producers newest series, THE PACIFIC is now showing on HBO. I am anticipating the same excellence from that.

So if you want to watch something that really has meaning- turn off The real Housewives of Whatever and turn on BAND OF BROTHERS or THE PACIFIC.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me.....

2010-03-13T15:14:00.001-05:00

I am counting down the hours till LIBERTY OF LONDON for TARGET begins.

8 hours till it drops.
or opens.
depending on how you look at it.

The "Pop Out" store in NYC, which opened early- on March 11th, has closed due to being completely sold out!!

I'm absolutely positively without a doubt getting the bicycle.

so I can peddle across the street to my sister's house for a cup of tea.

Grand Girl will have her summer wardrobe complete.

I'm staying awake till Midnight and going straight to Target.com for an obsessively Libertine shopping spree...

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2010-02-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

Toe. Pick.Toe Pick. Toe Pick.

It's that time again...Olympic Figure Skating.
Which always makes me think of -

THE CUTTING EDGE.
It's a favorite in our household.
Just love the tension between DB Sweeny and Moira Kelley.

They are adorable together.
A sort of modern day Tracy and Hepburn.

I never get sick of this movie.

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2010-01-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

There is nothing much better than Masterpiece Theater- don't you think?
Masterpiece, as it is now called, began in 1971. It was a show we watched as family every Sunday night. I looked forward to hearing Alistair Cooke introduce with British elegance, each and every episode.And how bout that theme song??

I grew up mesmerized with THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY THE 8TH ,ELIZABETH R and I CLAUDIUS.
More recently I have been addicted to THE FORSYTHE SAGA and enthralled with the THE LOST PRINCE,the heartbreaking true story of Prince John, the child of King George V of England and Queen Mary.

Well, the new series, EMMA, based on the book by Jane Austin , has begun and stars Romola Garai (ATONEMENT) as Emma. I had the misfortune of missing the first of 3 episodes ...

But as luck would have it... one can watch it on PBS right HERE
which I plan on doing today so I will be all caught up for the second installment in the three part series.

Laura Linney is the new Alistair Cooke and she does a fantastic job introducing the adaptations.

I loved ever so much last year's LITTLE DORRIT-and one of the best parts of each show was hearing tidbits about the corelation between LITTLE DORRIT and Dickens' real life, as told by Ms. Linney.

I have got the Tivo set for recording a Season Pass for all of this year's
"Masterpiece" which has some fine show's coming up....

"The 39 Steps
Secret agent Richard Hannay battles German spies on the eve of World War I in a riveting and romantic new version of the classic thriller by John Buchan, made famous in Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 movie. Masterpiece favorite Rupert Penry-Jones (Persuasion) stars as Hannay.

Sharpe's Challenge
In 1817, soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Sean Bean returns as the swashbuckling hero of this legendary series based on the novels of Bernard Cornwell. Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi guest stars.

Sharpe's Peril
The thrilling adventures of Colonel Richard Sharpe continue as he leads a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers across India, with the murderous army of an opium lord in hot pursuit. Daragh O'Malley stars as Sharpe's comrade-in-arms, Sergeant Major Patrick Harper.

The Diary of Anne Frank
The most accurate adaptation of Anne Frank's account of life hiding from the Nazis stars Ellie Kendrick as a maturing teenager who undergoes an extraordinary ordeal. Iain Glen, Tamsin Greig and Felicity Jones also star. The Diary of Anne Frank airs on Holocaust Remembrance Day 2010.

Small Island
The saga of two couples — one Jamaican, one English — whose lives intertwine in both friendship and tragic misunderstanding in post-World-War-II Britain. Naomie Harris and David Oyelowo star as the Jamaican immigrants, with Ruth Wilson and Benedict Cumberbatch as their English landlords." ( as per PBS site)

The Cove

2010-01-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

If you grew up watching Flipper, as I did,have a soft spot in your heart for our fellow mammal-the dolphin, as I do, you HAVE to watch The Cove. It can be rented on iTunes. It is at times hard to watch- but not impossible.It is moving, suspenseful, enthralling and even uplifting.

The man behind Flipper, Rick O'Barry, has dedicated his life to saving them. He feels responsible for what has happened to dolphins because of the success of Flipper.

This movie is remarkable. The movie brought home to me how beautiful nature is, how much we humans have done to destroy it and how much we need to do to try to rectify it.

I feel SO guilty now for ever having swam with dolphins at a resort hotel.
I will NEVER go to Sea World again.

To honor them-watch the movie.
And watch till the very very end- there is a snippet there that will make you smile BIG..

This movie is OSCAR worthy. I sure hope it wins.

Farewell 2009... and Happy Happy

2009-12-31T09:07:00.001-05:00

Chrsirtmas Creche Week- Redux

2009-12-27T07:03:00.001-05:00

This is my smallest Creche.

It is the second oldest creche I have.
It is from my four babies.

From the 1980's.

It hangs on my tree each year.

Technically it's not a "creche" because the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph aren't there. But I am thinking they are just off to the side greeting the Three Wise Men.
I just love my babies Creche.

Chrsirtmas Creche Week- Redux

2009-12-26T07:05:00.007-05:00

This creche is soo unique.I've never seen anything like it..

This one is from my sister friend Teresa.I think it is from the 1950's. It is a light! How beautiful. The colors jump out at you.

It is on my mantlepiece in my living room-the centerpiece of my Shiny Bright Village- but it fits right in.

Chrsitmas Creche Week -Redux

2009-12-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

Happy Chrsitmas One and All...

What is it do you say?

It is a calabash.

Carved on the outside with a master's hands.

You open it up and....

There's the Creche.
It is exquisite.

Tinsel crowns adorn the Three Wise Men.

The figures are made out of corn husks.
This woven hat for the shepherd is so tiny but perfect.

The detail work is extraordinary.
This was made lovingly by a very talented Kenyan artist.

It was presented to me this year by Kate Fletcher, founder of Hekima Place and the young ladies from Hekima that she brought along with her for a visit- Leah and Beatrice.

There are no words to describe what this Creche means to me.

Merry Christmas one and all....

Christmas Creche Week

2009-12-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas has always been special to my husband and me. He presented me with my engagement ring on Christmas Eve.

This is my very first creche.
It was a wedding gift from my oldest friend Cate and her parents. They bought it in Germany. It is Lladro.
You can tell it has been loved. The stick from the Shepherd is now missing. It needs a good cleaning from little finger prints touching the figures over the years. Do I dare wash off those prints?

Here is baby Jesus. I took him out of his hiding place for the shot. As you can see the Creche is not completely together- because it is not yet Christmas Day.

I added this Precious Moments angel
to the creche in 1991 when my oldest gave it to me as a Christmas present saying- "from your little angel" . It is one of my most cherished possessions. The angel holds court behind the manger- standing guard over the baby Jesus's place till he arrives on Christmas Day.

Christmas Creche Week

2009-12-21T07:21:00.000-05:00

This week I will be re-publishing some of my blog posts from last year's Christmas Creche Week.

ENJOY!

Out of the eight creches that I own- I have bought not a one!Lucky me.It makes them all that much more special.

This Creche was given to me by Anne.

From County Sligo.

She lived with us and helped me raise my babies. She is part of the family and always will be .

She was my friend, my sister, my life support.

We do not see each other very often-she has her own babies now that are growing big and strong.But she is always in my heart.

I love this creche.

It is very delicate.

And when you put a tea light behind it - it gives off a holy glow- like a halo. Just like the one above Anne's head.

Team.......

2009-12-15T09:35:00.008-05:00

~~TWILIGHT~~

Still trying to get through ECLIPSE, which is supposedly, from all my Twilight Mom-freak friends, the best book of the series... I'll get through it, but I'd rather read THE HELP five more times than read the TWILIGHT saga..

On another note.. in my poll Jacob beat out Edward 3 to 1... SNL had another great evening last week..Bravo Taylor( I voted for Jacob)

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-12-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

2005's Joyeux Noel...

Rent it, buy it...
SEE IT.

THANK YOU!!!

2009-12-09T11:57:00.001-05:00

I wanted to THANK all of you, my faithful readers, for spreading the word about the Faces of Kibera auctions this year..

We were thrilled with the results and made well over $40,000.

This is our major fundraiser of the year and how we get the money to do what we do to help the kids in Kibera.

FACES OF KIBERA

photo courtesy of FLICKR

You Raise Me Up

2009-12-06T00:01:00.004-05:00

2 SPECIAL Experiences, will STILL be ongoing till TUES at 9:45AM... Dream Day with the Radio Team for the Giants Eagles Game and VIP Day at Training Camp 2010 with the NY GIANTS.

Please stop by and take one more look HERE

Your generosity.. in bidding, looking,donating and spreading the word does just that...

THANK YOU

Martha Martha Martha!!

2009-12-03T08:38:00.002-05:00

A few days ago, I told you about what a beautiful morning I had riding with some special gorgeous friends...

I am STILL hobbling around.

Friends whom I didn't mention by name...

Well, she has mentioned mine so now I'll mention hers... Martha..

Yes, that Martha!

You can click HERE to read all about it and see pics of the absolutely PERFECT day.. She was the BEST hostess of course and soooo fun to be with. It was a truly "Good Thing".

My truly SuperCalaFranchaListicExbeAlaDocious day was all due to my effervescent friend Muffin. She's the best!

Speaking of Good Things...
Please check out the Faces of Kibera auction on eBay.. There are only 3 days left! Need a signed ball taken right from the locker room or a signed GAME READY jersey for that football fan in your life? Click HERE. Want to see Catherine Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury on Broadway in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC ( I do!) Click HERE.

So much to buy.. and all for a wonderful cause- helping the children of Kibera, the largest slum in Kenya.

And don't forget the Private Auction... with experiences involving Eli, Justin and Freddy.. Email facesofkibera.auction@gmail.com to get the link.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like....

2009-12-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

CHRISTMAS....
Which means so much to do, so little time...
For those of you that live in the New York Suburbs- give yourself a gift and go to the Christmas show that Sloan Wainwright and Friends puts on every season . It is something I look forward to every year and it is something NOT to be missed. It's held in the perfect for Christmas Presbyterian Church on the Village Green in Bedford. The accoustics are great and it's so home spun- like a Little House On The Prairie Christmas with fantastic singers. Sloan manages to bring down the house every year with her powerful voice. Her outrageously talented family members all add their own magic touch.

Bedford Presbyterian Church at The Village Green
Showtime: 8PM Tickets: $35 Tickets and Reservations: (914) 763-6025 or purchase tickets at Awakenings in Katonah...

And speaking of great music and great singers .and musicians......

The eBay auction is going strong....all this week for FACES OF KIBERA. Check out all the Goodies by clicking HERE....
The stuff is fantastic ...
REALLY fantastic...
Including a signed Drum SKIN by the one and only Ringo Starr..He has inscribed ... PEACE AND LOVE Ringo, which is so perfect don't you think?? It is just about impossible to get an autograph from him anymore but it has been generously donated by Ringo and his daughter Francesca!!!!
Questions? Email us at facesofkibera.auction@gmail.com

Christmas Tea

2009-12-01T13:57:00.008-05:00

Today I am joining Mr. Toast's for his Christmas Tea.
It is being held in the beautiful town of Aspen Colorado.
I am wearing my Aspen best...a la Karen Blixen/Isak Dinesen

I'm sure we will be listening to Rufus Wainwright's Judy Garland Cd- perfect tea music don't ya know...

I will be sipping tea from my favorite tea cup and saucer .. a treasure from Grandma M

I will be sipping my Out of Africa tea.....

.... in honor of WORLD AIDS DAY and the charity FACES OF KIBERA whose eBay auction is going on RIGHT NOW..

Click HERE to check the auction out..

I will be regretting that I'm not having Jasmine Green tea with a teaspoon of honey to help rev up my metabolism from the incredible scones I have baked for the event..

Maple Walnut Scones

Yield 12-15 scones

4 1/2 cups unbleached flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 lb butter-cubed

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped walnuts

1 beaten egg(used for "painting" tops)

In large bowl,sift together the flour,sugar,baking powder and baking soda with a wooden spoon. Cut butter with pastry cutter until mixture is well combined.

It will have a course texture. In a small bowl,whisk together the buttermilk,syrup,and walnuts. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and combine well. Add additional flour if dough is too sticky. Roll out to 1" thick on floured surface and cut into circles using a 3" cutter or an upside down glass. Re-roll dough as necessary. Place scones on well greased cookie sheet. Brush each with beaten egg. Bake at 400 f for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. I always make a double batch and freeze one. They are THAT GOOD....Enjoy!!

....from the Bakers Cafe Cookbook...which is filled with recipes from a wonderfully spectacular bakery/restaurant in Katonah NY which is now no longer there. I will continue to mourn its closing till Sloan Wainwright, if ever, decides to open a new place.

On top of my scones will be clotted cream...
I could never have a scone without Clotted Cream and Jam.

Then of course my sister Maggie will be making her very special tuna fish salad for the tea sandwiches.

I am hoping Mr. Toast will also have cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, salad sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches as well....

Please check out the site HEKIMA PLACE , a wonderful place for girls to have a home and education. It is located in Karen, a suburg of Nairobi..Karen is named for Isak Dinesen, who wrote Out Of Africa and lived there for many years. I have been to Hekima Place- it's a happy nurturing home where they have warm tea and milk with breakafst lunch and dinner ...5 of the girls there came from the slums of Kibera nearby, where the organization, Faces of Kibera was able to hook up with Hekima Place and give them a safe, beautiful and loving home.

So put on the kettle, put up your feet, sit by the fire and sip with me...

Jiminy Crickets

2009-11-30T10:48:00.001-05:00

So much going on...

Spent the morning yesterday riding with some very special funny, gorgeous, inspiring friends in fields that looked like Ireland.
It was
SUPER-CALA-FRANCHA-LISTIC-EX-BE-AL-IDOCIOUS!

It's Cyber Monday... So many discounts.

My favorites.. Wisteria..25% off the whole site!!! 30 % off $300 or more at Tory Burch.. put in TURKEY30 in the discount code.

The Faces of Kibera auction on eBay is still going strong.. Lots of goodies. The balls and jerseys will add a jingle to the day.The Experiences are Fantastic...4 seats on 50 behind bench for last game at Giants Stadium plus pre-game on field..Spend the day with the Radio Team for the Eagles Giants game, Dinner reservations for 8 at Rao's,dinner with Cody Willard from Fox Business news plus watch is show Happy Hour live...eBay Faces of Kiera auction-loads of PERFECT holiday gifts to be had..Click HERE to go directly to it.

Also.. our special Private Family and Friends Auction for Faces of Kibera is so fantastic...3 INCREDIBLE experiences.. I'll just say three words.. Justin.. Eli.. Freddy..no more.If interested email me at facesofkibera.auction@gmail.com and if approved, I'll give you the link..

AUCTIONS BEGINS TODAY

2009-11-27T08:38:00.002-05:00

The Faces of Kibera eBay auction starts today at NOON. Please spread the word!!

Sooo many goodies for that Giants and Steelers fan of yours...

- autographed balls,helmets and game ready jerseys ..

-4 VIP seats to the Giants-Panthers Game- the last regular season game at Giants Stadium-with on field passes for pre-game- seats are behind the Giants bench

- Giants experience for 2- spend the day with the Radio Team for the Giants-Eagles game.This includes having fun with Russ Salzberg as he does his pre game show, time in the booth during the game, on field pre-game and hanging out for the post game interviews.We also have a special treat

- a VIP adventure for four next summer- at Giants Training Camp in Albany- watch the practice from the field and have lunch with the players!!!

- Steelers Super Bowl Ring Replica paperweight..It is HUGE and it is HEAVY and it is EXCLUSIVE- only members of the Steelers organization are able to purchase it...

-2 tickets to A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and backstage tour after the show-starring the one and only Angela Lansbury and the triple threat, and uber gorgeous Catherine Zeta Jones..

- A rockin drum skin signed by the most famous drummer in the world Ringo Starr!

-An experience we all want- a table at Rao's- for EIGHT!!! on a Thursday night... This doesn't include dinner but come on- Rao's THE impossible reservation-and for good reason. I've been there- it is fantastic.

-And last but certainly not least...An Experience with Fox Business News Guru Cody Willard for 2..Watch his show ,Happy Hour live from the Bear and Bull Restaurant at the Waldorf and then have dinner with Cody.

Just click on the link to the auction to the right.
Thanks for looking!

Happy????

2009-11-26T11:20:00.003-05:00

~~Happy Holidays~~

Happy Thanksgiving

~~Happy Holidays~~

Happy Thanksgiving.......

I don't know about you, but have you noticed, as I have, that everyone has been saying Happy Holidays to me these past fews days instead of "Happy Thanksgiving"?

It's been driving me nuts!!!!! I can understand how around Christmastime, there are other holidays going on and to be resepectful, people say Happy Holidays...but this is THANKSGIVING.

So a Happy Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

I hope you have many blessings to be thankful for.

I SURE DO!!!

Going Once, Going Twice...

2009-11-24T09:18:00.001-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again.. for the FACES OF KIBERA auction on eBay.
It starts this year on Black Friday at noon and continues till Dec 6th.

There are sooo many goodies for that Giants and Steelers fan of yours- autographed balls and helmets and game ready jerseys .. 4 VIP seats to the Giants-Panthers Game- the last regular season game at Giants Stadium-with on field passes for pre-game- seats are behind the Giants bench on the 50. We also have a realllyyy special Giants experience for 2- spend the day with the Radio Team for the Giants-Eagles game.This includes having fun with Russ Salzberg as he does his pre game show, time in the booth during the game, on field pre-game and hanging out for the post game interviews.We also have a special treat- a VIP adventure for four next summer- at Giants Training Camp in Albany- watch the practice from the field and have lunch with the players!!! We also have a really cool paperweight.It's an exact replica of the Steelers Super Bowl Ring..It is HUGE and it is HEAVY and it is EXCLUSIVE- only members of the Steelers organization are able to purchase it...

-A very exciting Broadway show- A Little Night Music with the one and only Angela Lansbury and the triple threat, and uber gorgeous Catherine Zeta Jones..

- A rockin drum skin signed by the most famous drummer in the world Ringo Starr!

-An experience we all want- a table at Rao's- for EIGHT!!! on a Thursday night... This doesn't include dinner but come on- Rao's THE impossible reservation-and for good reason. I've been there- it is fantastic.

-And last but certainly not least... for that Fox News Lover out there- a very special Experience ... More to come on that..

And let's not forget... it's for the children.. This precious girl, who I have cuddled and LOVE.. She is the reason for all of this. So go to the site HERE and read all about it and don't forget to check out the auction and spread the word to your friends and family..THANK YOU!!

PS... We are also having a Very Special Private Family and Friends Auction at the same time for 3 unbelievable experiences. It is SO SPECIAL that I cannot even mention here what you could win...If you are interested please email me at facesofkibera.auction@gmail.com and if approved, I'll give you the link..

2009-11-23T20:08:00.000-05:00

For those of you that have been following Stephanie Nielson

and her Mr. Nielson in their new life after a terrible plane crash... tomorrow-Nov 24th- they will be interviewed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show at 8AM.. So so happy for them. And hugely inspired . See you there!

Brine Baby Brine

2009-11-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

Since we're getting soooo close to Turkey Day I am re-posting my recipe for Brined Turkey ala chef Chris Schlesinger .I saw Chris do this on Martha's show ages ago.. It was on the original Martha Stewart show. And it is now sadly impossible to find on her site. It is simply the best...

Last years Post Thanksgiving brine celebration for the Hekima girls
as you can see - the plates are clean as a whistle..
The bourbon really does the trick..

Brining the Turkey ALA Chris

2 gallons cold water
2 cups Bourbon(I use Wild Turkey- in his honor)
2 cups plus 2 tbl. course salt(Kosher is good for me)
1 cup sugar

Put all the ingredients in brining bag and stir till sugar and salt are melted.Put the turkey in the brining bath. For safety's sake- put the bag in a big pot and let the turkey sit in the brine for 18-36 hours( I do 36 hours)If you have a pot big enough for the turkey and don't have a bag- you can just put brine the turkey in the big pot.

Pat the turkey dry and do as you usually do- for me ,I stick sage leaves under the skin,slather in butter, stuff the bird with some apples and onions, shake Bells Poultry Seasoning over the bird and stick him in a 350d oven -breast side first-uncovered till golden- about the first half hour or so,then cover with foil till done. be watchful- some times the brined turkey takes a bit less than the usual turkey to cook.

It will be the BEST most tender bird you've ever had.When you make the gravy- you will need NO SALT- it actually might be a bit salty-so adjust as you go.

My friend Faith's mom used to make Stuffing Balls- she was Italian- so I do that as well.They are delicious- crunchy on the outside-soft on the inside. And what a conversation piece. It works with any stuffing recipe, but I once again, use Chris'-its delicious. And, as Martha Stewart said on her show when he did it all up- You use CREAM in your Stuffing and not chicken broth????

Oh yeah.

Cornbread,Apple and Sausage Stuffing

Homemade Cornbread(use your favorite recipe- or buy one made from the bakery)
1 lb sweet sausage
1 cup(2 sticks)unsalted butter
4 medium red onions, finely chopped
8 celery stalks
4 Granny Smith Apples-peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/2 cup chopped fresh sage

In large pan over medium heat,cook sausage till done,transfer to small bow, set aside.

Melt butter in same pan. Add onions and celery till translucent- about 15 min. Add apples, and cranberries, stir till combined and cook 5 minutes. Add half and half ad cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Add sage and remove from heat. Add broken up cornbread and sausage. let cool slightly- so you don't burn your hands. Form stuffing balls- about the size of a small orange. Bake in oven till crisp- about 30-45 minutes-as an added bonus- our some of the turkey juices over the balls when they first go in.

THANK YOU

2009-11-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

TO ALL THE VETERANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM...

For those who first fought in the War of Independence through the hundreds of years since then till now. Thank you to the brave men and women who are fighting for our freedom and safety right this minute- in Afghanistan, Iraq, and behind the scenes each and every day here in America and in other cities in other countries.. To all that means to me and to the great people of America,

THANK YOU

Happy Veteran's Day.

Heartfelt prayers are being said for ALL of you.

Photo courtesy of Dr.DeNo flick

Jeepers!!!!

2009-11-03T14:46:00.000-05:00

While cleaning up the garden I found potatoes that actually grew !!!!!!

Pathetic I know, but it's enough for one glorious potato meal..
Now to think what I should make with them.

Potato salad?
Roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs?
Potato Pizza?
Potato Soup?

Please vote!!!!
The answer with the most votes will win and I will make that recipe.

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-11-01T11:30:00.001-05:00

In honor of All Saint's Day..

One of my all time favorite movies.. The Song of Bernadette.

It won 4 Oscars in 1943
Best Actress-Jennifer Jones
Best Cinematography Arthur C. Miller
Best Music Alfred Newman
Best Art Direction James Basevi,William S Darling,Thomas Little

In a time of hopelessness, the movie was an inspiration to so many.

It still is.

Everytime I watch, it fills me with the hope and love of our Blessed Mother. Many a time, as a young girl, I would pray on my knees to please let me see the Blessed Mother, as St Bernadette did.. as my sis Peg would pray fervently- "Please don't apper to me. please don't appear.."

Why aren't there more inspirational movies made out there for our children- and us to watch and be inspired by???

Oh What A Boo-Ti-Ful Day

2009-10-31T13:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloweenie

I make THE BEST pumpkin bread, if I do say so myself...
I use the recipe from McCAll's Cookbook, given to me by my mother for my wedding shower- the book is falling apart- which makes me love it even more..

The trick is to add 1 1/2 times the amount of pumpkin that the recipe calls for.

It's so easy. Even Betty Boop and Bruno think so...

Trick or treat!

Finger Lickin' Pumpkin Bread

1Lb Pumpkin puree( I use 1 1/2 times that much)
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour(sifted)
1 tbls. Pumkin Pie Spice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 sticks salted butter-softened

Preheat the oven to 325

In mixer, blend butter till creamy. Add sugar till well blended, then eggs- one at a time, then pumpkin. When all smooth a bootiful, add the dry ingredients.
Bale for approx 1 hour- but check it might take a little more time.
It will make 2 loaf pans worth.

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-10-25T11:59:00.001-04:00

As you know, The Trouble With Angels is one of my favorite movies. I found a SPOOKY version..
So bad, so funny.
Enjoy!

O Sole' Mia

2009-10-15T19:46:00.002-04:00

I just made the best pizza of my entire life...

Im not a big pizza maker, but I have made homemade pizzas on occasion. And I grew up on Grandma M's authentic Tuscan pizza.

THIS topped them all.

Well, maybe not Grandm M's ..
I felt like I was in Italy.
Bellissimo.

What kind was it do you say?

Clam Pizza.

I know.
My hubby was not too thrilled when I told him yesterday that tonight's menu was Clam Pizza.
He is very thrilled now- and that is saying much- if you know my hubby.

Here's the recipe I used from the Food Network.

I fudged a bit with the instructions. I do have a pizza stone so what I did was heat up the stone at 500 degrees till I was ready to cook.But I don't have a pizza peel- no sweat.. I carefully took the stone out of the oven and gingerly spread olive oil on it with Reynold's Wrap. I then sprinkled it with corm meal.

I did get store made pizza dough-in the fridge section.And I used shredded mozzarella.
Make Sure you put down the corn meal- it really makes a difference.

I also used fresh minced clams(not canned) from the Best Seafood Store in Westchester County, New York- Mt. Kisco Seafood. I added some fresh proscuitto on my own.The recipe calls for fresh arugula and lemons which really made it over the top, as well as a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.

This pizza- I cannot stop talking about it. It was PERFECT.. And I do not do perfect often..

"I'm justa..."

2009-10-10T22:56:00.000-04:00

…walking my dog.."
It's the opening line of one of my favorite, cheerful, adorable songs in recent memory- The Dog Song, by the enviously talented Nellie McKay.

Oh Happy Day..

Nellie’s new album, is all Doris all Day.. Normal As Blueberry Pie, A tribute to Doris Day, comes out on Tuesday. I first noticed Nellie when I saw Three Penny Opera at Studio 54. The best part of the musical was Nellie. I went home thinking of her quirky voice and charisma.

A special sneak peek of the album, courtesy of N.P.R. is HERE

Don’t know about you, but on Tues the multi -talented Nellie McKay's (pronounced McEye) album Normal As Blueberry Pie will be on my iPod... how bout you?

Nie...

2009-10-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

As you know, I have been following the blogger Stephanie Nielson, http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ since last year when I heard of the horrific plane crash that she and her Mr. Nielson were in.

We have all prayed for her recovery.

Well, tomorrow she is going to be on Oprah...

Be sure to watch!

She is truly an inspiration.

Are you a Clutter Bug???

2009-09-16T06:49:00.008-04:00

Today is the first day of fall-my favorite time of year. Time to refeather the nest. Is your house like mine and taking over your life??
Do you have too much stuff ?
Is it too good to go in the garbage but you just DON'T want it??

Well go to Pick Up Please and they will come pick up your stuff..They will pick up just about anything.
And it helps our Vets.

You'll feel loads lighter ...

Ruff Ruff

2009-09-14T23:31:00.000-04:00

Dog Lovers out there.. you know who you are..

Did you know that sugar free gum can kill your dog???
I didn't ..

Not that I was giving them any.. but I am going to be REAL CAREFUL where I put gum and other sugar free foods from now on..

Sugar-Free Gum and Snacks Can be Deadly for Pets - Paw Nation

Shared via AddThis

Ode to the 'Tato...

2009-09-10T21:23:00.000-04:00

One potato, two potato, three potato, four,
five potato, six potato, seven potato more.
Icha bacha, soda cracker,
Icha bacha boo.
Icha bacha, soda cracker, out goes Y-O-U!

Jiminy crickets....
It's potato harvest time and once again I am a complete failure...I cannot seem to grow a friggin' potato for the life of me...If you have been one of my followers- then you know I tried last year to grow them in tires- what a bust..The tatoes this year at least have green growth ...where there is green, there is hope

Last year's horrid potato harvest...

This year's pathetic potatoes-looks like a repeat of last year's harvest..But who know's what's lurking underneath the straw.

Stay tooned. Till then...

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-09-06T11:41:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite films from my childhood... THE SECRET GARDEN.

THE SECRET GARDEN was the first book I ever fell in love with.I would lay in my bed and fantasize that I WAS Mary Lennox.

I even found my own Secret Garden, when I was in 6th grade. A beautiful mansion, abandoned and in ill-repair stood next to our home. It had a courtyard, which I didn't notice at first. It was only visible from the top of our apartment building. After realizing this "secret", I snuck into the property and shimmied through the locked iron gates. There I found a magical garden, debilitated, but beautiful. There was a huge carved fountain the middle. I found an old broom laying in the corner and started to sweep the leaves away. I lifted flower pots and cleaned out the fountain..I was in heaven- my first taste of the pleasures of gardening. All was well with the world until I flipped over a upside-down Terra Cotta planter and an enormous black fuzzy spider(I'm pretty sure it was a black widow) popped out.I am-scrammed it out of there. But it was and always will be my very own Secret Garden...

View Larger Map
Margaret O'Brien is the perfect Mary Lennox.She is my all time favorite child star. The movie incorporated the same style as THE WIZARD OF OZ- the movie is in black and white... until quite into the film, when the children walk into the garden, all primped and perfect- and then the movie magically becomes technicolor- divine...

Boy am I hungry....

2009-09-02T10:33:00.005-04:00

I have been ravenous since getting back from Kenya.

The SUPER-PriSing News- the 4 pounds I thought I must have put on while there( who goes to volunteer in Africa and comes back gaining weight?? If it would be anyone it would be me)

I did not...

I still can't figure it out.

I was in carb heaven.. My diet consisted of....rice, potatoes, bread, bread, bread, butter, butter, more bread, and fried(oh yah) bananas.

But I was not in food heaven.I had not one good cup of coffee. I was afraid to try. My stomach was very delicate.I was noxious most of the time from what I saw and what I felt in my heart... but more on that in a later post...

How did I not gain weight???

I lost one!!!

Go figure.

But since I have gotten home I have been craving food constantly. I have had potatoe salad at 10AM, sushi at 3, steak, cheeseburgers, pasta, eggs, fritos(!!!) and so on and so on and so forth.

I am a bottomless pit that cannot seem to be filled.

Which leads me to something heavenly at this moment in my life.

JULIE AND JULIA

A wonderful escape.

The movie spoke to me in so many ways.

-I loved the way it is 2 movies in one- so clever and so hard to do.
-It was a feast for the eyes.. the sets, the costumes- all of it divine
-The food...oh goodness.. The food...I think I'm running out right after this is done, getting some Italian bread and tomatoes from my garden and making the bruschetta she made in the movie- and it wasn't even one of Julia's recipes which were mouth-watering as well.
-The acting was fantastic. Amy Adams was able to get out of being Amy Adams for once. I love Amy and her quirkiness that is in all of her movies but she was able to squelch it and be quirky in a different way- and Meryl Streep was... Meryl Streep- PERFECTION.

After you see it - not before- you'll want to read this article in the LA Times.

Julie, Julia and me: Now it can be told -- latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

photo courtesy of flickr.com

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-08-30T11:53:00.004-04:00

"If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?"

Yes Ms. Blixen,Baroness, Isak Dinesen..Africa has a song for you.

Staying in the suburb of Nairobi,"Karen" named after the late Karen Blixen, would not have been complete without a trip to her former home.

It was lovely.

But the visit was even more special because of the movie,OUT OF AFRICA, based on her time there.A place she called home for 15 years.A place that never left her heart.

I stood there and took in the history of the place, and all it had been to her. To stand in her bedroom and remember that kiss. The clothes that Meryl Streep and Redford wore. The phonograph that Denis gave Karen as a present. The cuckoo clock. The fireplace where many a story were told. To walk along the porch where they danced in the moonlight one last time...

OUT OF AFRICA.

Winner of 7 Oscars.

There is no other movie quite like it.
John Barry's score , David Watkin's cinematography,Kurt Luedtke's script,Stephen B.Grimes and Josie MacAvin's set and art direction,Milena Canonero's costumes, Streep and Redford's acting,Sydney Pollack's direction,and the true star of the show,God's beauty,the Masai Mara.

It is pure romance- of body,of spirit, of beauty.It is one of those special "go to" movies for me.One of the ones that I watch again and again and again.Andeach time is as good as the first...

Safari on the Mara

2009-08-28T07:48:00.010-04:00

I was like my mom when it came to safaris. They sounded great but it wasn't a big priority in my life "to do" list.

Boy was I wrong..

Imagine waking up at the Oolonana Camp at 4:30 AM to the sound of hippos chatting outside your luxurious tent as they discuss which grass tasted best that night.
Imagine then falling asleep a little longer to the sound of the Mara River hushing you back to Lala Salama.
Finally you are woken gently by a "Good Morning" outside your tent with a pot of hot tea and muffin.

It's then off to one of two game drives with your guide, Masai Warrior and Junior Elder Joseph, in your VERY OPEN Land Cruiser.

You watch Wilde beasts cross the river..

Your heart skips some beats as you watch the lions chow down on the meal for the day..

You whisper as you observe a family of elephants who have very sensitive ears..

You hold your breath as you look at a cheetah, the fastest animal on earth,sitting regally,staring back at you from 20 feet away..

You sit by a roaring fire and watch the sun go down overlooking the vastness of the Mara...

And blink in awe at the most extraordinary sunrise..

And you say farewell to that magical place, that place you have heard time and time again from those that have been that it is the experience of a lifetime.

And you know

it is...

Happy Birthday Mary

2009-08-22T14:12:00.003-04:00

50 is a big number.

I know it -I'm 50 years and 16 days..

Did you know that new BFF Mary has been indoctrinated into the Kikuyu tribe??
More on ALL THAT next week...

But for now Happy Birthday Mary...

You have brought so much to all of us here on vacation with you and all the girls at Hekima Place and the children at Mama Tunza's

As they say on Kenya,
God is Good...All the Time

and that is surely true if you are one of the lucky ones to call Mary a friend..

Massai Mara here we come...

2009-08-21T09:20:00.005-04:00

We are off to the safari RIGHT NOW on the Massai Mara.
After spending a week of joy at Hekima Place and a bit of a resbit at the Karen Blixen Cottages its off to Olonana, the Mara River and the continuation of the trip of a lifetime.
The last few days were very busy entertaining the girls at Hekima Place.

and supplying Mama Tunza's with some much needed essentials such as toilet paper, toothbrushes,toothpaste and soap..

Here's Mary with our dearest Eunice who has stolen all of our hearts.Hasn't she stolen yours as well??

the new Tunza's

The beautiful land that Faces of Kibera purchased with the generosity of our generous friends and family..we all think it looks like Little House on The Prairie

We took the young ones to the Giraffe Center

The bubbly Danielle with one of our Little Women

Ill be quiet whilst on safari.. no phone or internet service..but I will be posting a few pictures of the Birthday Girl tomorrow, my new BFF Mary..

Kwa Heri for now..

Karibou

2009-08-18T18:27:00.005-04:00

I don't need to say anything more than this....

Jambo

2009-08-17T16:43:00.009-04:00

Hello from Kenya...

The other day was the 4th anniversary of Hekima Place and we were lucky to be there for the moving celebration . The day began with a Mass under a tent on the property.

The little ones danced the priest up to the altar with their traditional dress.

2 of the girls that were originally from Kibera were baptized.

Of course there had to be a little something to distract us from the moment,

Those would be Safari ants...

For those of you who read the POISONWOOD BIBLE, you would recall, as I did, the horrible scene when the entire village fled their homes, which had been invaded by them. When they returned, the chickens were skeletons, eaten alive by those blasted ants!

I , on the other hand was jumpy the whole time, looking down at my feet, which were,for the most part up in the air- in a Pilates move, the entire time, as were my friends.

They decided to intrude the Mass but Kate and Father were real troopers and stood amidst being bit while handing out Communion.

I was told if they did start to attack, that one must take off your clothing immediately and get them off of you because they bite and do not let go.

I got to say,even with that horrible distraction it was one of the most moving, memorable Masses I have ever been to..

God Is Good

2009-08-13T17:01:00.007-04:00

is a familiar Kenyan saying…

Kenya is a beautiful land of heartwarming people and heartbreaking poverty.

We arrived at 5:35AM at the airport in Nairobi.

No wonder the Kenyans are the best runners in the world. Everyone walks here. Fast. On the side of the road. On the road . In the fields. The Masaii cows roam the grass.

Then it was onto Kibera, the second largest slum in the world. I million people living in a 1 mile radius...
A little angel on my hip- beautiful,pure..but hungry and needing her own bed, parent and a bath desperately.
What a contrast that slum in Kibera is to Hekima Place,the home for girl scholars.

Trying to get used to the smells, the sounds-of unfamiliar birds, dogs and children’s laughter.

The color of the earth is a golden brown- soft and lightweight.
Water is precious here. I am now so thankful for the strong warm morning shower of home.

The people are joyful.
They greet us with firm handshakes, hugs and bright smiles.

I am surrounded by good friends-

old..

and new..

Laughter fills our hearts and our minds.

Tears do too- tears of joy…

What will tomorrow bring?

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-08-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

I've got a little secret...

I'm off to Africa.

Tomorrow!!

Not to see those..

but to see them....

with the organization Faces of Kibera... I'll be staying with my great friend Kate Fletcher and her girls at HEKIMA PLACE

I still can't believe it.

I've loaded up on Flip Flops,Games, Popcorn,Clif bars and Saltines and Cheez Wiz (oh yeah)...

Thinking of Africa on this Sunday has brought back to me the vintage treasure THE AFRICAN QUEEN with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.

This scene is SO ROMANTIC...

I will try to post from there so keep an eye out for Granny Kass and her African Folly.

First photo courtesy of FLICKR
Third photo courtesy of FLICKR

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-08-02T13:45:00.011-04:00

I've been at the Jersey shore this week and I've walked past my favorite house many a time...

GrandGirl is very upset that it is my favorite.
She calls it a spooky house and says that a witch lives there.

I'm pretty sure it's not a witch.

But just a nice older lady or man who won't part with their lovely home but don't have the energy to keep it up.

It must have been magnificent on the old days.

It has a portacachere and a big old carriage house in the back.

I told GrandGirl that's the house I want to buy.
We can all dream now can't we?

Grand Girl thinks I'm nuts.

But boy, if I had the money, I'd love to fix it up and live there and be the old woman living in there down the road.

But for now it's Spring Lake's Grey Gardens..
Only much more well kept.

Thinking of spooky houses has gotten me to think about spooky movies.

One of my favorite's, and my kids too, is THE BAD SEED.

It's a classic.

Perfect to share with someone on a stormy night at home.

Someday when GrandGirl is older, we'll do just that.

RuN gIRl rUn

2009-07-30T08:35:00.008-04:00

"AHHHH Sweet mystery of life at last I've found you..."

That's how I feel about this here book.You know I have a pile of books I'm in the middle of reading and another pile of books on tape. Well this one here kicked the others clean across town.

You know those kind of books..
The ones you can't put down but you have to because you don't want it to end.
The one that you think of right before you fall asleep and right when you wake up in the morning.

A huh.

MmmHmmm.

It's one of those.

Ya'll must run, don't walk to the bookstore and buy yourself this book.

I just love it.

I am in a quandary though...I'm listening to it, not reading it. It is one of the best audio books I have EVER listened to. It well right may be the best ever.

So I kinda think you should get both- like me. Listening to it is like listening by the fire to the radio, before TV. But you got to have the book to keep on your shelf and underline your favorite passages..of which there will be many.

Kathryn Stockett has written a treasure. It takes on a very serious topic, that of the relationship between Southern whites and their maids in the 60's. It was a way of life that is hopefully long gone.She is able to make it touching,disturbing and funny all at once.

Click HERE to read all about Kathryn and how she came to write the book after 9/11 to comfort herself. How she stopped counting the rejections after 45. How art imitates life.How the cover was supposed to be this

but was considered too controversial for America so it is the cover in the UK, but not here...

Phhhewwww..

Back to listening.

DISCIPLINE

2009-07-29T08:07:00.009-04:00

I know I was blabbering on about my goal to finish reading(not writing)a book last week-and gave the long list of the books I am in the middle of reading.

It didn't come true.

BuT it did get me reading more and I am almost half way through NEW MOON.

AND I've also added another book to my long list of books that I am listening to on my iPod.

I was intrigued to read it because of all the hoopla surrounding all things TWILIGHT.

And I was in awe of the author Stephanie Meyer.

This writer is a young mother of three. She came up with the TWILIGHT series because of a vivid dream that she had, and the rest is history.

Sort of- because there is a lot more to writing a book than a perfectly vivid dream.

The thing that she had, the thing that every writer needs, besides the idea and the passion that goes along with it is.... DISCIPLINE.

She would get up early in the morning, before her kids did, to write the book.

And its not a novella.
It's a door stopper book.

THAT is discipline.

I can proudly say that yes, I have finally finished a book I started in 1993!!!

It is 26 pages long and it has about 3 sentences on each page...

I wrote most of it while I had four little ones running around.
I brought it with me to Berlin to hone it while away from the kids.
I lost the almost done book while on a bus, having forgotten my big bag with all my stuff in it that I felt too precious to check in on the plane..

Somehow I managed to remember, with my almost fifty year old brain, the gist and started plucking away again last year.

Now, that's discipline for you!!

Looking forward to the process of

Submission

and

Rejection.

More on that to follow.

photos by flickr

SLURPPP

2009-07-22T15:30:00.006-04:00

I am so thrilled...

It doesn't take much to get me thrilled..
Thanks to my dearie neighbor/friend/sister Claudia, I have found the paper straws I was longing for.

I love drinking out of a straw.

Don't you?
But my eco-conscious brain always makes me feel guilty using those plastic straws and I only use them for emergencies- sick tummies, fevers, milk shakes and grand girl adventures.

And besides, it's just not the same- that plastic against your tongue and teeth. Remember the paper straws??

How they would sort of disintegrate after awhile at the bottom and it was hard to get the rest of the milkshake out?

But I didn't care.

I loved those straws.

And I didn't realise how much till they were no longer around.

Many a time I have searched down the grocery aisle, looking for paper straws, to no avail.
I've looked in big chain stores and tiny mom and pop stores.

No paper straws to be had..

Did you know that paper starws were invented in 1888 by Marvin Stone?

Thank you Marvin Stone.

He came up with the idea while his company was making cigarette holders!!!!!

He made the straws by twining strips of paper around a pencil and gluing it together. He then tweaked it and added paraffin-coated paper so they would not be soggy. Needless to say- it was a hit . He then went on to make the first machine for making straws in 1906 and the rest is history.

Aardvark Paper Straws are a direct descendant of the Marvin Stone's company . And they are made for today- sturdier and eco friendly.

Now I can slurp away to my hearts content.

It's $33 for 400.. I am SO THERE.

Aardvark Straws.. Love them...

I will let ya'll know once they arrive how divine they truly are.

Thank you Claudia!!!

photos by flickr.com

EaSy pEasY

2009-07-18T09:03:00.010-04:00

What to make a fussy GrandGirl for a healthy breakfast?????

BananaNana Breakfast Shake

Get out the blender, a frozen banana, frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup ice cold milk.

Break up the banana

Put it in the blender

That's too cold Kass..
Add the frozen OrgaNic blueberries- only organic berries for GrandGirl will do...

Add the Ice Cold Milk.

Turn on the blender and blend till nice and smooth.

Make sure you have the coolest straw possible and sip.

Mmmm Mmmm Good.

Now if Kass could just find some paper straws like the good ole' days..Anyone know where I can get them?

LAzy, HaZY DAyS

2009-07-14T10:13:00.010-04:00

Well.

Once again.

I have been a slouch.

I'm truly in the summer mode.

Sleeping till ....late.

Not doing housework.

Not weeding the garden..

Not reading.

Not writing.

But DOING just the same.

My goal for the week...
to finish reading a book.

I am in the middle of reading!!!!:
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,The Shack, Shantaram, City of Thieves and A Moveable Feast....Waiting for one of them to grab me, like great books do, and pull me to the end.

Just got the greatest gismo from FETCHDOG

if you have more than one pooch, like me-and like to walk them- you gotta order the leash and "coupler"- it makes walking 2 of 'em a joy.

photos by flickr

Ciao Bella

2009-07-01T20:58:00.009-04:00

First we went here...

Then we went there..

Did a bit of this...

And megusto that...

It was Spiritual...

Magical...

Adorable...

And downright hysterical...

But most of all...

BELLA...

It's great to be Italian..

Thanks to you Madre.

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-06-21T08:29:00.000-04:00

I Can't Wait For This....
November 25th, 2009

Nicole Kidman,Daniel Day-Lewis,Penelope Cruz,Marion Cotillard,Fergie, Kate Hudson,Dame Judi Dench and THE one and only Sophia Loren....

I'm sure there with the talented Mr Marshall there will be some of this...

and that

Based on the Broadway Musical...

If after seeing the trailer you are as obsessed with the song throughout- as I was- it is called Ti Voglio/Be Italian and the original from the Broadway musical is on iTunes.. can't wait for Fergie's version.

Viva Italia....

Ciao...

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-06-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

This week's movie.. THE GREAT RACE... directed by legendary director of the best comedies- Blake Edwards and starring America's sweetheart Natalie Wood and the dashing Tony Curtis and the hysterical Jack Lemmon and Peter Falk. I dare you to watch this is for are in a bad mood and see if you are still in one after watching it. it has laughs, romance, music, and gorgeous clothes and scenery.. One of my all time favorites for sure.

The perfect couple...

Too funny..

LOVE LOVE LOVE Dorothy Provine in this part.. the song and the absolutely gorgeous to die for yellow gown.. Johnny Mercer- you're the best...

Don't you just LOVE the bouncing ball.. I forgot about those!!!

Putting the feet up...NOT

2009-06-04T08:42:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the long sabbatical- its gonna be even longer.

Instead of doing this

this

or even this

I have been runnin round like this...

And to make matter worse there is none of this

in the tater garden- just a bunch of dead hay in a barrel!!

Hope to see you soon.

Photos courtesy of flickr- headless chicken..swissroli;writing ...this is your brain on

Big Heart

2009-05-25T09:02:00.008-04:00

My cousin Brian sent me a note this weekend reminding me of my dear great uncle who I never met but had heard so much about. PFC Tom,my great uncle, the baby of the family, "was a courageous young Marine killed in action storming the beaches of Guam." He was 18 when he died for our country. Here is part of what my cousin Brian,a major in the USMC, and an Iraq veteran himself, had to say, which I could never say as eloquently...

"... I made a promise to myself that I would never forget him (Great Uncle Tom) after my time in Iraq. I knew more than a few young men that were killed in Iraq. Some had very little family to speak of. Some from the inner city that only knew their mom, and sometimes not even knew her that well. The Marine Corps was a way out for many of them. The memory of these young men is easily lost to the ocean of time and lack of family to remember them. I try to keep the memory of them alive by first and foremost keeping the memory of Great Uncle Tom alive. He is fortunate to have such a large family that makes honoring his memory and sacrifice easier and, thereby, through him, remembering the similar sacrifice others have made that may not have as big a family as ours..."

I have been surrounded by "great" people my whole life. People who I proudly am linked to through blood and through love. I was blessed to have known and loved many great aunts and uncles. My Great Aunt Margaret had a special gift for my cousin Brian after she passed away-Great Uncle Tom's Purple Heart Proclamation

God Bless all of our troops, present and past, on this Memorial Day, and every day. A big THANK YOU to all of them for making America what it is today. They are the HEART of our country.

flag photo courtesy jcoleman, flickr.com

Grand Garden

2009-05-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like gardening with a little one.

Just like spring itself, the pure smell of fresh dirt,the seeds and the flowers, it comes again and again and is just as beautiful the third time around as the first.

The first, of course, was when I was a little one and I would follow my dad around as he planted the marigolds,fertilized the peonies and tended to the roses. All was topped off by a fluffy cushion of sweetly scented cocoa shells.

When I was a bit older, I was able to appreciate Grandma M's petunias with their sticky,sticky flowers and pungent smell. I'd play with the snapdragons, and would maneuver their flower mouths to open and close in a flowery chat.

Then I had my own little ones and my very own garden.

The first year was a disaster.

But I learned and was hooked. I smothered my flowers with cocoa shells and was back in time. I dug up a garden in the shape of a turtle and called it The Turtle Garden for the boys(Ninja lovers were they) and a Heart Garden was dug for the girls. I was WAY more interested in the whole thing then they were.

We will see which one of them will take to it, like I did, when they have their own garden to tend.

Now it is Grand Girl's turn.
And she loves it....

Gotta have your gardening outfit on- pink gingham apron, sparkle shoes, tights, and the most important green stick to make the seed rows...

We planted Fairy Tale Pumpkin Seeds for my very own Princess; Zinnias with wonderful names- Polar Bear, Crayon Colors and Granny's Bouquet and the cutest fluffy Honey Bear Sunflower seeds...

Carefully pour the seeds into the hand...

Sprinkle with love...

Sparkle princess shoes add the magic touch all seeds need...

What a pretty Grand Girl Garden to be...

Anya

2009-05-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

I love the English accessories designer Anya Hindmarch.

She is having sale starting today-up to 50% off. TIP-When you view it, make sure you click $ instead of pounds in the top right corner - it translates it for you. The stuff is reasonable- for her.Have fun!

Shhhhhhhh

2009-05-20T17:06:00.004-04:00

J Crew is having a Private Sale online through Memorial Day...20% off anything over $175.00 Enter the word SUMMER in the promotion code

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-05-17T11:33:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite comedies of all time is the 1972 classic,"WHAT'S UP DOC?" directed by Peter Bogdanivich and starring Ryan O"Neil and Barbara Steisand.

Ryan O'Neil is just so adorable in this gem of a movie.And Ms Streisand is hysterical.

Mr Bogdanivich relied heavily on ultimate classic comedy "BRINGING UP BABY" for inspiration.

This is comedienne extraordinaire,Madelaine Kahn's, first movie. Her star quality is evident and she is just the perfect Eunice.

If you haven't seen this classic screwball comedy- you gotta, if you have- its worth a repeat...

One potato, Two potatoes, Three potatoes more...

2009-05-15T06:09:00.001-04:00

POTATO PEEL PIE RECIPE.

From the Literary Society at Woy Woy – Central Coast of NSW, Australia... the following book-inspired recipe. It was topped with sour cream.

2 cups grated, peeled, raw potato skins (well packed). Use mashed potatoes for filling.
1/4 cup grated onion. More onion can be added to mash.
1 large egg, well beaten
2-3 tablespoons self-raising flour.
1/2 teaspoon salt. 2-3 small slices of beetroot, diced. Sour cream, chives for topping.

Preheat oven to 400°F (210c). Oil small pie plate. Mix grated potato peelings In a bowl, add the beaten egg and grated onion. Sprinkle with flour and combine mixture.
Using floured hands or the back of a spoon, put the potato mixture into well oiled pie plate, pushing mixture up the sides of the plate to form the crust. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then brush the crust with a little oil to help brown more. Cook potatoes (add grated onion if desired) drain, mash. Add mash filling to crust, top with beetroot pieces. Add sour cream, chives, thyme, if desired. Turn oven temperature down to 375°F (190c). Bake for additional 10 minutes (total of 30 to 35 minutes) or until browned.

Remove tart from the pan and serve hot or at room temperature.

Credit..Trish - Empire Bay Australia.

Hot Potato

2009-05-14T07:34:00.000-04:00

While gearing up for my gardening chores this past week, and all the energy, sore legs and inevitable poison ivy that it entails, I decided to get a new audio book to listen to while gardening.

Since this week was all about potatoes, I immediately settled on the adorably named The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows .

Oh what a book it is. It makes me want to stop what I'm doing and sip tea by a fire and read. AND it's in letter form- I LOVE letter books!

I was curious why it has two authors.
Aren't you?

There is more to the story than the story.
It is both sad and inspiring .
Mary Ann Schaffer the author, had always dreamed of writing a book. She was once stuck in Guernsy in the 70's, due to the fog, and it "stuck" with her- especially the occupation of Guernsey by the Germans during WWII. She did indeed write the book she had always wanted to write ,incorporating Guernsey's history into it. Before it was completed, she was stricken with cancer. She then asked her niece,Annie, an author herself, to finish the novel for her. Mary Ann died a few months before it was published.

What a gem of a book she wrote.
What a gift she has left behind for her family and friends and all of us who are lucky enough to have found it.

Glutton for Punishment

2009-05-12T16:38:00.000-04:00

Why am I trying this again??? It must be my utter obsession with potatoes and my Irish roots..

I've chosen Irish Cottage ,Mountain Rose, Maris Piper and German Butterball varieties.

This year instead of growing them in a tire, I'm growing them in a bag like the one pictured above. I bought them at Gardeners Supply, a favorite of mine from the web. Now I just have to get all the straw out of the 8 tires from last year,load them up in my car and pay money to have them disposed of at Mavis Tire..what a disaster.

If this doesn't work, then next year I will try plain old in- the- ground- with dirt and then if that doesn't work I will give up!

Here is the pathetic picture of my potatoes last year after months of growing and much effort...

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-05-10T19:49:00.001-04:00

I thought to myself "what is fitting for a Mother's Day Sunday Afternoon At The Movies"... GYPSY won-a resounding hands down victory in my mind...

I was first introduced to GYPSY when I was a young girl. My mother insisted we watch it. I was HOOKED. I think that Gypsy is the perfect musical and might be the best musical of all times. I adore Rosalind Russel, with her imperfect voice and svelte figure- No Ethel Merman was she. And darling Natalie Wood, another one of my favorite actresses- she is breathtaking in this role. Never mind that it is based on the true story of Gypsy Rose Lee, the most famous stripper of the 20th century. It is still good, clean family fun.

My love for GYPSY has never died and I in turn shared it with my own daughters when I became a mother. They would regale me with their imitations of Gypsy and Louise when they were little girls. My baby girl loved to tease me, and still does, by calling me Mama Rose. Maybe she was right all along..I do have a bit of Mama Rose in me..but what mother doesn't?

Have a great Mothers Day... and if you get a chance.. watch my all time favorite Mother movie...

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-05-03T11:19:00.001-04:00

Have you seen McLintock?

I'm not a big western movie sort of gal.
I only have a few Westerns that I love- but then again I haven't seen many because the interest is not there. But I do love love love Dance With Wolves (can't count how many times I've seen it).

I was thoroughly fascinated with The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford- wow- did Ben's little brother Casey Afflect give the performance of a lifetime in this movie and Brad Pitt is just-well Brad Pitt- even with dark hair

and
3:10 to Yuma(the remake) kept me on the edge of my seat.

But McLintock...

How many funny westerns are there?
Now that I think of it- there are LOADS!

There's Blazing Saddles- too raunchy for me. And City Slickers- a real hoot, and Calamity Jane-don't get me started on my love for Doris.

But McLintock...it's one of those movies I can't stop watching once I find it while channel surfing. That John Wayne -Maureen O"Hara chemistry is just pure magic.

Terdy Table

2009-04-28T11:03:00.006-04:00

This is what I woke up to this morning...

at least my hubby got rid of the evidence...

I thought dogs don't poop where they sleep?

The joys of grand-dog-sitting Baby Oskar...

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-04-26T10:44:00.002-04:00

This week's movie,Sophie Scholl-Die letzten Tage , The Last Days Of Sophie Scholl,is the true story about the German heroine Sophie Scholl.She was a brave young woman, wise beyond her years and had a pure faith in God. The movie stayed with me long after I saw it.

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-04-19T11:01:00.000-04:00

Les Choristes..a true gem of a movie.

Directed by Christophe Barratier, the movie is set in 1949 and tells the tale of Clement Mathieu, a music professor who comes to work at a dismal a boarding school for the rehabilitation of minors.Through music, he is able to give hope to the boys,the adults and himself.It is an uplifting movie, worthy of a tear or two.

Back To School

2009-04-17T09:16:00.013-04:00

I'm taking another writing class- this time Children's Writing-so my posts will be more infrequent over the next few months. For those of you who have thought of taking an online coourse but never have, I recommend it wholehearteldly. Gotham Writers and UCLA online have great classes and fantastic teachers.I'll still be doing my Sunday Afternoon At The Movies-and any of you out there who want to join in-just add a comment in that Sundays post with a link back to your blog.I'll try to add at least another post each week...Wish me luck!

Kass

I Dreamed a Dream

2009-04-15T09:09:00.004-04:00

Im sure you've hear about Susan Boyle, but if not click the video below and also check out the link I have for Youtube below that....

She's a lovely woman. Never been kissed. Gave up her dream of singing to care for her sick mother when she was younger.As Churchill said..never,never,ever give up..

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-04-12T10:46:00.005-04:00

“I am the resurrection and life; whoever believes in me even if he dies will live, and every one who lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:23-25)

You know that special feeling inside your heart when you feel His presence?
You know that feeling- when its warm and full and perfect.
Sr Helena would have told me it was the Holy Ghost..and it is.

It is a unique God feeling.For me,it only comes on when I am thinking of Him.

It doesn't happen every time I pray or think of Him.

It's like the smell of fresh rain- only better.

You have to work on it, to get that God feeling.
It is unexpected.
It is infrequent.
It is The Best.
Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn't.
But when it does..
Heaven-
a sneak peak-from Him.

The movie GODSPELL is an easy way for me to get me that special God feeling-like riding a bike with training wheels- you can ride fast and free with those training wheels.

Godspell gets me every time.
I know it wasn't a huge hit- but it should have been.
I remember going out to the theater on opening day so I could see it. The cast: Victor Garber as Jesus Christ David Haskell as Judas / John Jerry Sroka as Jerry Lynne Thigpen as Lynne Katie Hanley as Katie Robin Lamont as Robin Merre.
What movie does IT for you?

It's so comforting to know that we will be with Him and all those we love but have passed, when we die..in Heaven..forever.

Happy,Happy Easter.

photo courtesy of Flickr DLeroy

Good Friday

2009-04-10T16:12:00.000-04:00

Holy Thursday

2009-04-09T09:02:00.002-04:00

In this hectic world that we live in, let's remember that is was on This day the LORD turned bread and wine into His Body and Blood.

Finito...

2009-04-07T16:00:00.003-04:00

Even the dogs are in awe!!

Almost Done

2009-04-06T10:05:00.002-04:00

I hate to put my clothes in here. it looks too nice the way it is....

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-04-05T11:02:00.003-04:00

Nice,clean fun for the start of Easter Week...

Gotta love Rosalind Russell...
and Hayley Mills.
One of my all time favorite funny movies...

The Trouble With Angels

Corny

2009-04-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

I cringe when I see people making the microwave kind.

Do you know whats in that stuff???
The list is VERY long and VERY scientific sounding.

My favorite brand for homemade popcorn is Paul Newman's.

Here's the list of ingredients for my popcorn:

popcorn kernels
olive oil
kosher salt

Grandgirl was over again last weekend and wanted popcorn.
So we made our own, of course...

Get a pot and lid- this is my popcorn pot

Coat the pan with a thin layer of olive oil.Cover the bottom with one layer of kernels.

Sprinkle the layer with Kosher salt and don't forget to put the lid on when you're done!

Sit and wait. Don't go near the fire.

Kass puts the stove on HIGH and does the shaking..

SHAKE

SHAKE

SHAKE

And LISTEN...when the kernels are popping up a storm- immediatley turn off the stove, stop the shaking and wait...

ALL DONE!

MEAT-A-BALL-A

2009-03-31T06:06:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I went to a meat ball bake off.
I'm not known for my meatballs...
but I want to be.

I googled "best meatballs".

Many recipes came up.

Then I went on FOODTV.COM
and searched by the star ratings.
I read all the reviews.
This took about an hour.

What I settled on was "Excellent Meatballs" by Anne Burrell and "Veal and Ricotta Meatballs", by Mario Batali.They both sounded SO GOOD.

So, I decided to make my own version using a combo of those two.

Kass's Meat- A- Balls

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground veal
1 lb ground pork
2 cups ricotta cheese-drained in a sieve for a bit to get all the water out
2 eggs
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
pinch crushed red peppers
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
extra virgin olive oil to coat bottom of large pan
4 cups basic tomato sauce (use your own favorite!)

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a food processor combine half of all the ingrediants. Pulse on and off a few times till blended.Shape the mixture into golf ball sized balls.cook balls in skillet till browned on all sides. Place meatballs on large cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
When the meatballs are done- place in a large pot, along with the sauce/gravy and simmer till you're ready to "mange".

And the winner was....Brother-In-Law Bob.. with his now award winning meatballs passed down from his parents.How great is that trophy.

Maybe next year for me...
But no matter, I did it.
I have mastered the meat-a ball-a...
They are light and fluffy and the ricotta gives them a special ummph.

Now I want to master the gravy.

And down the road my grandchildren will say- "Remember how great Kass's meatballs and gravy were?"

SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES

2009-03-29T10:41:00.006-04:00

This week's movie is a special one to me.

It stars the wonderful Rosalind Russell- a funny,generous, gorgeous talent. Some of my most favorite movies are hers.

AUNTIE MAME....

She once said"Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly." That sounds about right.

I think another reason I have such a thing for Miss Russell is because she looked so much like my great Aunt Alice.

Aunt Alice was like a third grandmother to me.

She acted a bit like Miss Russel's many funny characters in the movies too.

You can see a bit of what the real Miss Russell was like- by viewing her Oscar acceptance HERE.
What a lady
Both of them...

Scent

2009-03-26T18:48:00.008-04:00

Did you ever notice how the rain smells different in winter than in any other season? What does it smell like?

Nothing.

But rain in the spring, summer or fall...
What does it smell like??

I like to think it smells like heaven.
Or close to it...my grandparent's tiny front porch in Clairton.

Don't know why, but when it rains and I get that certain "whiff" I am back there on that porch, 11 years old, in my polyester shorts and striped shirt,playing Old Maid's with my sisters as we wait for the rain to let up.

It just happened again today- which gave me the hope that Spring REALLY is here and yes, my grandparents are here too, if only in spirit.

In truth, like most other things on this planet of ours, it is a chemical reaction of sorts.

"As it turns out, the smells people associate with rainstorms can be caused by a number of things. One of the more pleasant rain smells, the one we often notice in the woods, is actually caused by bacteria! Actinomycetes, a type of filamentous bacteria, grow in soil when conditions are damp and warm. When the soil dries out, the bacteria produces spores in the soil. The wetness and force of rainfall kick these tiny spores up into the air where the moisture after a rain acts as an aerosol (just like an aerosol air freshener)... These spores have a distinctive, earthy smell we often associate with rainfall. The bacteria is extremely common and can be found in areas all over the world, which accounts for the universality of this sweet "after-the-rain" smell...Howthingswork.com

But I don't care much about biology.

I care more about what's inside my heart. And my heart says... they are here with me now and always.

And my heart is leaping.

photos by flickr... pullihora lepiaf.geo imkemper kirainet katiescrapbooklady amy_b

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-03-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

Presto,Presto Do Your Very Besto...

This week's movie is HOUSEBOAT, starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. It was released in November of 1958 so it just celebrated its 50th anniversary.I used to love watching this movie during the Million Dollar Movie days.

It still looks great, makes me laugh and makes me fall in love with that rickety old houseboat.

And the song "Bing Bang Bong"..just can't get it out of my head.
According to IMDB Mr. Grant and Miss Loren had a love affair during their previous movie. But she called it quits because her true love was Carlo Ponti. Mr Grant was not over her(could anyone be?) and she cried to the director Melville Shavelson, that Grant was chasing her.

Poor girl.
Knowing that makes you realize what a great actress she is.

In The Closet- Not Out

2009-03-21T09:46:00.010-04:00

What have I been up to of late??
I've been in the closet...

My baby girl has flown from the nest and I have a vacant bedroom next door..

So I get a new closet for myself...

All MINE-no hubby golf shirts in site...

It's NOT a closet though.

It's a boudoir...

Wikpedia says..." a boudoir is a lady's private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning "to pout"[1].

Historically, the boudoir formed part of the private suite of rooms of a lady, for bathing and dressing, adjacent to her bedchamber, being the female equivalent of the male cabinet. In later periods, the boudoir was used as a private drawing room, and was used for other activities, such as embroidery or entertaining intimate acquaintances."

Im looking forward to displaying my hat collection,reading at the window seat,

Watching morning TV while sipping a cup of coffee sitting on the pouffe (wish I could find one like this that's not 15,000 pounds)..

and most especially learning to put my make up on professionally ...

This is the late First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's gorgeous boudoir...

Don't think mine will look exactly like hers but it will be pale blue -with wallpaper and a painted white floor..

And to think it was called the "pouting room" in old France.There will be no "pouting" in mine!

photo of White House boudoir- Architectural Digest

Big Love

2009-03-18T17:26:00.001-04:00

I love the show BIG LOVE. Its just pure Peyton Place 2000 style.

If you missed last week's Big Love..you can catch a bit here.

Top O The Mornin'

2009-03-17T06:36:00.010-04:00

On this fine St Patrick's Day I wish you...

A fine stretch of the legs...

A stirring song...

A good book to make your mind take flight...

A strong cup of Barry's Tea...

Some bread baked with love to fill you up...

Slante'

May the rains sweep gentle across your fields,
May the sun warm the land,
May every good seed you have planted bear fruit,
And late summer find you standing in fields of plenty.

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-03-15T11:28:00.000-04:00

Top O' The Afternoon...

My favorite Irish movie is The Quiet Man with the perfect acting team- John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. It is a MUST on St.Patty's Day. So romantic,so funny,so retro,so Irish...
Wayne and O'Hara made magic on the screen, in not only this but other movies as well. I'm thinking there will be another of their movies on another Sunday to come...

Making "NANA BREAD"

2009-03-14T10:24:00.010-04:00

4 Perefectly over ripe nana's+grandgirl= yummy in the tummy and the heart.

Got our apron on..

Add the eggs...

Prepare the pan...

Gotta taste to make sure its just right..

Pour it gently...

Gotta taste it again...

Doggies too..

Careful..

Perfect!!!

All done...

Here's the Recipe

NANA BREAD

4 extra ripe bananas
1 1/4 cups flour
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup Crisco
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 325
Grease a bread pan
Combine Crisco and sugar till mixed through. Add eggs,salt,"nanas",flour,baking soda,baking powder.
Bake for approx 1 hour- check after a half hour and turn if you need to( gas oven).

The Easiet,Moistest, Most Delish "Nana" bread ever...

Old Times....

2009-03-12T16:36:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite shows of old is going off the air soon... Tonight's episode is full of surprises.. so watch if you want some!!!

Weekly Folly

2009-03-11T05:35:00.000-04:00

This week's folly is an ode to the coming spring/summer. I've got Spring Fever already- do you?

This adorable ice cream shop is located in the town of Perry, in Missouri, on M-52.

I love making homemade ice cream from Paula Deen's recipe.
Paula Deen's is the best.

Delish and SO EASY to make..

The EASIEST Homemade Cookie Ice Cream -it takes 10 minutes to assemble and you can improvise with other cookie types- I think Anna's Ginger cookies or Anna's Mint cookies would be devine!

Paula Deens' Easy Ice Cream

Ingredients

* 3 egg yolks*
* 1 (14-ounce) can condensed milk
* 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup chocolate sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
* 2 cups heavy cream, whipped

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and stir in the condensed milk and vanilla. Fold in the crushed cookies and whipped cream. Pour mixture into a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan lined with foil. Cover and freeze for 6 hours or until firm.

To serve, scoop ice cream from pan or cut into slices.

*RAW EGG WARNING

Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Photo by Sherry Binkowski

Sunday Afternoon At The Movies

2009-03-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

This week's pick is DEATH AT A FUNERAL , directed by Frank Oz, who among many other things is the voice of Miss Piggy.

This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Take a sneek peek of the preview- but don't watch the whole thing- it's one of the those previews, like most nowadays, that gives away too much of the movie. It's perfect to watch alone or for an evening with friends- sure to put anyone in a good mood- even with the glum title!

Are You Ready???

2009-03-06T03:04:00.001-05:00

....for the 2nd season of BREAKING BAD, one of the best shows on television.

TONIGHT...March 6th at 8PM on AMC starts a Season 1 Marathon if you haven't seen it yet...

AND Season 2 starts on Sunday March 8th at 10PM on AMC
SNEAK PEEK of Season 2....

Weekly Folly

2009-03-04T08:23:00.002-05:00

This week's folly is not about a folly at all but about an American gem-the late Virginia Lee Burton, the children's book author, who lived in Folly Cove with her husband and two boys. Folly Cove is located in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Virgina Lee Burton is one of my favorite authors. She wrote and illustrated the classics,Mike Mulligan And His Steamship,Katy And The Big Snow, Maybelle The Cable Car and my absolute favorite children's book, The Little House.My mother used to read The Little House to me nightly. I did the same for my children and now my grandchildren. The story, like most she did, was based on her own life.

"Burton was also a gifted textile designer who, in 1940, founded The Folly Cove Designers in Gloucester, Massachusetts where she lived with her husband, noted sculptor, George Demetrios. This design collective produced highly sophisticated and detailed textiles that were sold throughout the United States. Virginia Lee Burton was a woman ahead of her time, a Renaissance woman whose art and literature remain an enduring part of America's cultural heritage." (Amazon) The Folly Cove Designers disbanded in 1969 the year after her death. You can still buy wares at the Sarah Elizabeth Shop, located in Folly Cove and online.

You can read more about her HERE

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-03-01T11:53:00.000-05:00

In honor of the master Leonard Cohen, today's movie is Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg...one of my favorites.

And Mr. Cohen's Im Your Man is the perfect song in the movie. And the perfect song for the perfect man...not that Mr. Spader is my dream man by any stretch of the imagination in this movie.

Puccinis On My Mind...

2009-02-27T06:07:00.002-05:00

Not Puccini.
I mean Puppini!!!

These Puppinis..

The Puppini Sisters.

And my favorite song of theirs so far...Wuthering Heights.

Check out their website HERE

They are available on Amazon, iTunes etc.
Go out and get their albums. They'll put a skip in your step.

I need a drink

2009-02-26T09:31:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry but I'm having one of those days...

Here are some favorites that might "WET" your appetite.Perfect for parties.

White Sangria
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1 peach or apple- cut up
1/2 cantaloupe balled
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbs lime juice
1 bottle white wine

Combine all but wine for at least an hour. Add wine . Serve . Delish.

Pineapple and Rum Punch

1 very ripe pineapple peeled,cored and cut up
1/1/2 cups water
1 /2 cups gold rum
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbs fresh lime juice

2 cups cubed pineapple

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large pitcher and MASH several times with a potato masher or wooden spoon. Cover and chill overnight. Strain mixture and transfer solids to a blender/processor and coarsely chop.Strain once again- pressing to get all juice out. Pour strained pineapple punch back in pitcher- add 2 cups of cut up pineapples to punch and serve.

Can you imagine my Grandma M used to give this to my sisters and I when we would sleep over her house. it was our bedtime drink!!That's old world Italian for you. I gotta tell you it was yummy then and is yummy now..

Night Night Nog

1/2 cup Sweet Vermouth
1 tsp sugar
1 FRESH egg

Crack the egg and put in a small bowl with the sugar. Whip till blended. Add Vermouth and some ice.

Even though I need one I cant have one since I'm on Weight Watchers( and losing as I type) ...

This will be my glass soon though

Nope. This is more me...

CHEERS!

Weekly Folly

2009-02-25T09:58:00.003-05:00

Brighton's Royal Pavilion,located in Brighton, England, is my favorite folly and the only one I have actually been to. It is well worth the trip if you are in the U.K.

Brighton is a seaside town, with a pier, similar the the Jersey Shore.

The Royal Pavilion was the brainchild of the Prince of Wales, who later became George IV.He commissioned the master architect John Nash to build it from a farmstead already there.It took eight years to finish and was completed in 1823. It is an incredibly splendid folly. It was inspired by the architecture of the Far East and is such a surprise to see it rising up from the rest of the buildings in the town.

The Music Room is a feast for the eyes and soul. In 1975 a mad man tried burning the place to ground and the Music Room was severely damaged but luckily saved.Click HERE for a panoramic view

The place,which truly is a palace,is brimming with exquisite chinoiserie.Rich colors,soaring ceilings and carved golden dragons consume your vision at every glance.

Movies shot at the Royal pavilion include ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, OCTOPUSSY and THE END OF THE AFFAIR .

Picturs by flickr- dominic's pics,

Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

2009-02-22T00:10:00.000-05:00

It's Oscar Day!!

I'm in LALA land and everything is about Mr Oscar.
My FAVORITE Oscar is this one right here...

Mr Baby Oskar himself.
But I wouldn't mind having the other Oscar in our household someday as well.

What Oscar day would be complete without singing the praises of the all time masterpiece of cinema and favorite of mine,GONE WITH THE WIND.

If you haven't seen it I say WHAT??

I'll never forget the first time I saw it...It was the summer of 1970 and my mother took me to see GWTW in the movie theater- all by myself- without any of my other siblings. It was one of the most special days I have ever spent with her.

Remember how it was shown each year in the movie theater? Remember the intermission in the middle of the movie- where you would run out and get more popcorn and go to the loo?

What's your favorite scene?? I certainly cannot say-too hard to choose.

So instead, here is Vivien Leigh's screen test with Hattie McDaniel- both who won Oscars for the role.

Miss Leigh's beautiful acceptance speech...

Ms Haddie McDaniel's moving acceptance speech.What a true lady she was.

Oh...and if you haven't read the book-do so. it doesn't matter if you saw the movie- its just as good if not better and there is much more to it..

Whoopie!!!!

2009-02-20T06:19:00.002-05:00

Hey ..Im a bit hungry- how bout you?

Now my friend from the Burg- her dad makes THESE amazing Gobs.

You may know of gobs by another name-whoopie pie,bob, black and white.. "A whoopie pie, sometimes alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, or bob is a baked good traditional to the Pennsylvania Dutch culture as well as New England, made of two small, chocolate, disk-shaped cakes with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. In Western Pennsylvania they are known as "gobs."...
They can be purchased wrapped in plastic at Amish farmers' markets throughout Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio and are often found in restaurants and gift shops throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country. They can also be found in most convenience stores and supermarkets throughout New England, most commonly in the states of Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and in some convenience marts and supermarkets in New York as well as in Quincy Market located in Boston, Massachusetts." Wikpedia.

Steelers fans, my friend's dad included, bake them with yellow icing - and then they become Steelers gob.Have you ever had a gob, or whoopie pie, bob or black and white?? Well if you haven't you need to try the recipe below.

A new fancy of mine is the Red Velvet Gob. But of course, the recipe is calling it a "Red Velvet Whoopie Pie"- I like "Gob" better- more short and to the point- and "whoopie pie" sounds like a whole lotta other things. Click HERE for the recipe.

Im trying this soon.

photo credit- Wikpedia