12.29.2012
12.24.2012
Christmas Eve
Here I thought I was doing so well, that it had only been since Friday that I hadn't posted. And then I come here and find that Wednesday, not Friday was my last post! What's up with that? I'm sure someone must have taken a day or two out of last week somewhere! lol Ah well. Story of my life.
What I came to say is Merry Christmas Eve to "ya'll". I Love Christmas Eve. I love Christmas Eve even more than I love Christmas Day. Know why? Anticipation! The very air is charged with excitement, anticipating what is to come the next day. On Christmas Eve, the world just seems different, doesn't it? I love being able to go to Christmas Eve service, to sing the carols and listen to The Story being read and remember again how The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (With my work schedule right now though, I'd probably pass out before the first song was through! lol) Even if there is no service, there is often family together, cozy at home, sharing food and laughter and games and music and love (and more food!). You can hardly wait for Christmas Day to come, and yet part of you doesn't want it to come just yet, because once it's here you can't anticipate it anymore. It's a paradox and I love it! So enjoy your Christmas Eve. There's a delicious holiday(or Holy Day, to put it more correctly) to celebrate tomorrow, but tonight is the night to revel in the wonder and anticipation of it. A toast to Christmas Eve!!
What I came to say is Merry Christmas Eve to "ya'll". I Love Christmas Eve. I love Christmas Eve even more than I love Christmas Day. Know why? Anticipation! The very air is charged with excitement, anticipating what is to come the next day. On Christmas Eve, the world just seems different, doesn't it? I love being able to go to Christmas Eve service, to sing the carols and listen to The Story being read and remember again how The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (With my work schedule right now though, I'd probably pass out before the first song was through! lol) Even if there is no service, there is often family together, cozy at home, sharing food and laughter and games and music and love (and more food!). You can hardly wait for Christmas Day to come, and yet part of you doesn't want it to come just yet, because once it's here you can't anticipate it anymore. It's a paradox and I love it! So enjoy your Christmas Eve. There's a delicious holiday(or Holy Day, to put it more correctly) to celebrate tomorrow, but tonight is the night to revel in the wonder and anticipation of it. A toast to Christmas Eve!!
12.19.2012
12.18.2012
Fun & Fellowship
I confess to having a hard time getting started today. You know you're getting old when you sit up on the side of the bed in the morning and say to yourself "you really should have taken that ibuprofen last night"! lol Why does it seem like the days you need to get the most done are the days you have a headache or feel tired or just plain don't feel like doin' nothin'? Oy. So while I'm waiting for my internal get-up-and-go to crank into gear, I figure why not post something? It's time for a real post anyway---not those lazy psuedo-posts I've been doing lately! lol
There have actually been some fun things going on in this 'chere house. I've been enjoying fantastic fellowship with friends. How's that for some alliteration this morning? It started 2+ weeks ago on a Friday evening with a visit from my dear cousins. My cousin Suzanne and her family stopped by for a couple nights on their way from Pennsylvania back home to Florida. We had less than 48 hours together, but we packed it full to the brim with fun! We ate---and ate and ate some more! I had so much fun getting to cook for guests that I told them they were Going to eat whether they were hungry or not! lol While they were here, her husband Keith and their boys raked leaves from a huge section of my yard. What a blessing! You guys have no idea what a relief that was! They piled them up into a gigantic pile and then we set fire to it. I say this with caution, but there is something quite delightful about setting something on fire and watching it burn. Maybe that's why I have candles lit all the time. lol Anyway, it was a glorious bonfire---for about 5 minutes. Leaves are like that. No substance whatsoever. Didn't even give us a chance to get the hotdogs out. Party poopers! But we did have time to get a few pictures and enjoy the blaze and warmth in the cool air, so I guess that was good enough. Then we went inside to eat some more.....=) The leaf blaze was kind of like our time together---warm and delightful, but over far too soon. But as Suzie said, We will be thankful that it was, instead of wishing it were longer. That doesn't mean I'm not hoping they'll come back soon though! =)
Then there was last Friday. Yes, I like Friday evenings---at least the ones before my Saturday off! I had a dinner party. So exciting---I felt like a grownup! lol I really hope there is someone else out there who knows what I mean by that! Do you ever have moments where you feel like a kid inside, but it suddenly hits you that you really are a grownup and getting to do some of the things you dreamed about when you were a kid---and then you feel a sense of amazement? Maybe it's just me! lol Anyway, my dinner party went without a hitch and I enjoyed myself immensely. =) There were 5 of us, and we ate and talked and drank coffee and ate some more and talked some more. Then came the music. For me, music is just a natural finish to an evening of food and conversation. It's like dessert after a fine meal. Just the right finish. Of course, singing is much easier Before the meal, but it doesn't usually happen then. Not sure why. Maybe it's because before the meal people are busy with the prep work and have no time for singing. Whatever the reason, it seems to be the way it is. It just so happened that in the group were 2 "traveling minstrels" who just so happened to bring their guitars with them. =) So after coffee and dessert, we moved our "conversation" to the living room and spent time singing, playing, talking, laughing. As I said, just the right finish to the evening. The thing is, now I want to do it some more. Hopefully there will be more, with more friends, soon.
Now we come to last night. I know, this has turned into a small autobiography by now, but dont' worry. I'll be back to pseudo-posts soon enough! lol Last night was an evening that has been in the "sometime" section of the plan book for a while. I have a couple friends that cope with a disease called Porphyria . Because of their "allergies" (for want of a better term) to sunlight and flourescent light and chemicals (they have more than one kind of porphyria--as if one wasn't bad enough for them!), going out anywhere requires a plan! They really love a restaurant nearby called Dos Perros---a moderately upscale Mexican restaurant near to them. I love Mexican food, and had never been, so we decided to go together at some point. Last night was finally "some point". We waited until dark, called ahead to connect with the staff to make sure they would hold off on the chemical spraying (table cleaning, etc.) and set off for Dos Perros (which means Two Dogs in Spanish. I don't know why! I didn't name the place! lol) It was an amazing experience really. Fantastic customer service! The manager there--and some of the wait staff as well, have come to know these friends, and are Very accomodating to their allergies. The manager himself came out and seated us, addressing Esther and William as friends. Out waiter Enrique conversed with Esther in Spanish--so fun!--and recommended dinner options that might suite our taste and yet accomodate William and Esther's allergies. I don't know if I have ever been to a restaurant where the service was more attentive and yet completely unintrusive. The food was yummy of course, but what made the experience was the service and atmosphere. Fine dining--in a dressy casual way, complete with dim lighting, music, and bustling atmosphere. Not to mention guacamole that is out of this world! If you ever get the chance to go to Dos Perros in Durham, North Carolina, take it! As for me, once again I'm looking forward to the next time. There seems to be a theme here with me! lol All these fun times leave me wanting to do them all over again. I guess that's a good thing. So much better than having experiences that leave you hoping to never ever do them again. lol
If you are still awake after this epistle, I hope you are having the Merriest of Christmastides. =) Christ the Savior is born! Celebrate!!
There have actually been some fun things going on in this 'chere house. I've been enjoying fantastic fellowship with friends. How's that for some alliteration this morning? It started 2+ weeks ago on a Friday evening with a visit from my dear cousins. My cousin Suzanne and her family stopped by for a couple nights on their way from Pennsylvania back home to Florida. We had less than 48 hours together, but we packed it full to the brim with fun! We ate---and ate and ate some more! I had so much fun getting to cook for guests that I told them they were Going to eat whether they were hungry or not! lol While they were here, her husband Keith and their boys raked leaves from a huge section of my yard. What a blessing! You guys have no idea what a relief that was! They piled them up into a gigantic pile and then we set fire to it. I say this with caution, but there is something quite delightful about setting something on fire and watching it burn. Maybe that's why I have candles lit all the time. lol Anyway, it was a glorious bonfire---for about 5 minutes. Leaves are like that. No substance whatsoever. Didn't even give us a chance to get the hotdogs out. Party poopers! But we did have time to get a few pictures and enjoy the blaze and warmth in the cool air, so I guess that was good enough. Then we went inside to eat some more.....=) The leaf blaze was kind of like our time together---warm and delightful, but over far too soon. But as Suzie said, We will be thankful that it was, instead of wishing it were longer. That doesn't mean I'm not hoping they'll come back soon though! =)
Then there was last Friday. Yes, I like Friday evenings---at least the ones before my Saturday off! I had a dinner party. So exciting---I felt like a grownup! lol I really hope there is someone else out there who knows what I mean by that! Do you ever have moments where you feel like a kid inside, but it suddenly hits you that you really are a grownup and getting to do some of the things you dreamed about when you were a kid---and then you feel a sense of amazement? Maybe it's just me! lol Anyway, my dinner party went without a hitch and I enjoyed myself immensely. =) There were 5 of us, and we ate and talked and drank coffee and ate some more and talked some more. Then came the music. For me, music is just a natural finish to an evening of food and conversation. It's like dessert after a fine meal. Just the right finish. Of course, singing is much easier Before the meal, but it doesn't usually happen then. Not sure why. Maybe it's because before the meal people are busy with the prep work and have no time for singing. Whatever the reason, it seems to be the way it is. It just so happened that in the group were 2 "traveling minstrels" who just so happened to bring their guitars with them. =) So after coffee and dessert, we moved our "conversation" to the living room and spent time singing, playing, talking, laughing. As I said, just the right finish to the evening. The thing is, now I want to do it some more. Hopefully there will be more, with more friends, soon.
Now we come to last night. I know, this has turned into a small autobiography by now, but dont' worry. I'll be back to pseudo-posts soon enough! lol Last night was an evening that has been in the "sometime" section of the plan book for a while. I have a couple friends that cope with a disease called Porphyria . Because of their "allergies" (for want of a better term) to sunlight and flourescent light and chemicals (they have more than one kind of porphyria--as if one wasn't bad enough for them!), going out anywhere requires a plan! They really love a restaurant nearby called Dos Perros---a moderately upscale Mexican restaurant near to them. I love Mexican food, and had never been, so we decided to go together at some point. Last night was finally "some point". We waited until dark, called ahead to connect with the staff to make sure they would hold off on the chemical spraying (table cleaning, etc.) and set off for Dos Perros (which means Two Dogs in Spanish. I don't know why! I didn't name the place! lol) It was an amazing experience really. Fantastic customer service! The manager there--and some of the wait staff as well, have come to know these friends, and are Very accomodating to their allergies. The manager himself came out and seated us, addressing Esther and William as friends. Out waiter Enrique conversed with Esther in Spanish--so fun!--and recommended dinner options that might suite our taste and yet accomodate William and Esther's allergies. I don't know if I have ever been to a restaurant where the service was more attentive and yet completely unintrusive. The food was yummy of course, but what made the experience was the service and atmosphere. Fine dining--in a dressy casual way, complete with dim lighting, music, and bustling atmosphere. Not to mention guacamole that is out of this world! If you ever get the chance to go to Dos Perros in Durham, North Carolina, take it! As for me, once again I'm looking forward to the next time. There seems to be a theme here with me! lol All these fun times leave me wanting to do them all over again. I guess that's a good thing. So much better than having experiences that leave you hoping to never ever do them again. lol
If you are still awake after this epistle, I hope you are having the Merriest of Christmastides. =) Christ the Savior is born! Celebrate!!
12.12.2012
12.10.2012
Monday Muse
It's Monday again. I know, I know, I don't like them either! But the good news is that we don't have another one for 7 days! lol Here's another tidbit for you to muse upon:
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis
Here's hoping that Christmas fills your heart this week so that your air will be full of it too!
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis
Here's hoping that Christmas fills your heart this week so that your air will be full of it too!
12.07.2012
Food.........in a manner of speaking
Instead of a food review---which I technically could do since I am sitting here with a comforting bowl of "pasta e fagioli". Haven't eaten any in years, but this batch today is just as yummy as I remember. Italian soul-food. Mmmm-mm! But today I want to ask What is your favorite kitchen gadget/utensil? Or, if you're like me and have a hard time picking one "favorite", what is one of your favorites? Something you find yourself using a lot, or maybe something that makes a certain task so much easier. One of the things that I am falling quite in love with is my Pyrex 2-qt batter bowl. You know the one the spout on it so you can mix and then pour. I've had it for a while, but recently have found myself reaching for it more and more. It's just so convenient! So what do you find yourself reaching for again and again in your kitchen? I'm always in the mood for a new kitchen gadget, so leave me some comments!
And if you would like to get Louise Moscato's recipe for Pasta e Fagioli, aka comfort and nutrition in a bowl, let me know and I'll post it. Just make sure you have some warm crusty bread when you make it! You'll regret it if you don't! =)
And if you would like to get Louise Moscato's recipe for Pasta e Fagioli, aka comfort and nutrition in a bowl, let me know and I'll post it. Just make sure you have some warm crusty bread when you make it! You'll regret it if you don't! =)
12.05.2012
Wordless Wednesday
Not exactly Christmas photos, but I stumbled on them today while browsing the computer and just had to post them. Taken at Cossayuna Lake, NY. Don't the colors just take your breath away?
12.03.2012
Monday Muse
Oh me. It seems I'm destined to be a once a week post-er! Grr! I'm going to blame it all on work. Just because it seems like a good culprit and because I can. lol But in order to try to overcome this lack of post issue, I put together a sort-of schedule I can use so that I can post something even when I'm too tired or busy to write much. So today--Monday--will be the Monday Muse: some inspirational quote to start your week out right (hopefully!). Since we are now officially in the Christmas/Advent season it seems only appropriate that today's "muse" should be on that theme:
"Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority." ~W.J. Cameron
Well said, Sir. Well said.
Hopefully soon there will be a post about my weekend time with some very special people. The key word here being "hopefully"..... I wouldn't advise holding your breath--- just in case it's another week.... =) In the mean time CELEBRATE the Season!
"Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority." ~W.J. Cameron
Well said, Sir. Well said.
Hopefully soon there will be a post about my weekend time with some very special people. The key word here being "hopefully"..... I wouldn't advise holding your breath--- just in case it's another week.... =) In the mean time CELEBRATE the Season!
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