Cat In The Moon

Solstice Greetings!!

2011-12-21T07:47:00.000-05:00

Sending everyone Blessed Yuletide Greetings!

It Is SO Hard To Say Goodbye. . .

2011-12-05T10:59:00.000-05:00

We just returned home from our animal clinic where we take our furbabies to keep them well and healthy. But occasionally, we have to make a very sad journey, hopes high, but with a drop of dread in our hearts, that we are going to have to say goodbye for a while, and this morning was one of those times.

Anyone who says that a feral cat can't be a loving in-door only cat, should have met Punkin' Kitty. He came to us over 5 years ago, an estimated 5 year old, battle-scared, food stealing bundle of fury.

He started showing up in the Autumn evenings, drawn in by the dry food that we would put out for the raccoons and opposums, but he wasn't friendly, or approachable, running back down into the ravine behind our home. Until the snow came. .

That was when he discovered the cat door that we had installed in the side of our garage, for feral cats to find shelter during bad weather. We have some of those heated pads for feral cats, that keep the proper temperature for kitties to be able to keep warm. When we would walk in the side door, he would dash out the cat door, only to go back in, when we left. We played that game all winter long, with him starting to approach in the Spring, only to snatch the pan with his food in it. .you had to watch your fingers!

With warm weather, came the time to haul out the patio furniture, and sit outside. My hubby adopted the habit of having his morning coffee out there, and would spend considerable time reading, enjoying the peacefulness of our little oasis. Punkie, as we shortened his name, and seemed appropriate because he did have an attitude, started hanging around more and more, and would actually be brave enough to jump up beside my hubby, and snuggle in for a nap.

Weeks into this routine, we decided that it would be good for him to at least have an exam, and get his preventative shots. And, while getting him into the carrier caused some blood to be shed (ours), he remained resigned to his fate once we got him to the doctor. Then we received some sad news that changed all of our lives, but for the better. He tested positive for FIV, the feline equivalent of HIV in humans. His immune system was shot. So we had a choice. .either bring him inside, or to have him put down. .if left to his own devices, he would have a short life, followed by a painful and lonely death, plus, he would spread the virus with every bite that he inflicted on another cat. He was otherwise a healthy kitty who deserved to know what a loving home meant. So home he came!

We have other kitties, so we kept him separate from them, while acclimating him to the proper indoor kitty etiquette. And while there were some manner issues over grabbing his food, as soon as he figured out that there would always be more coming, he dropped that habit, and amazed us with how quickly he settled in! Once he came to trust us, it was like he knew how much better his life was, and never once tried to bolt to an open door. He was home to stay!

But, as is with all HIV kitties, it eventually catches up with them. In Punkie's case, it took 5 years. Actually a long time for an HIV kitty that tested as positive as he did. Studies have shown that a stable, loving environment helps their survival rate, and Punkie had the best! He evolved into a marshmallow personality, purring at the slightest touch, and loving to spend as much time as he could, curled up on your lap.

Late last week, he quit eating, and we could tell that he wasn't feeling good, so off to the doctor's, we went! He was hydrated, and given an antibiotic injection, and within 2 days, was back to his typical Punkie self. Until last night, when again, he wouldn't eat, and curled up in his toy basket, trying to hide. This morning, we got the bad news from a blood panel, that his FIV was changing into FIP, a quickly fatal disease, with no cure.

We could have had him injected with more meds to bring him back again for maybe a week if we were lucky, only to have him relapse again, feeling worse each time. That is not the life to live in you are a Punkie Kitty! So we made the hard, but best decision for him, to say goodbye. I held him in my arms, petting and talking to him, with him purring until he was gone. It is hard, but I feel better, letting them know just how much they are loved, and not just tossed aside, like a material thing. He will be in my heart forever.

I can't stress enough, for people to keep their cats indoors. There is no need for a cat to be outside, under any conditions. Besides the dangers of cars, wild animals, weather, and unkind humans, there are unseen dangers too. Rabies, Distemper, and now FIV, FeLV, and FIP, all fatal, with Feline Leukemia being transmitted through the air! It doesn't need a deep puncture wound, but can be spread by touching noses, mutual grooming, or eating out of the same bowl. All it takes is one encounter for a cat to become infected with any one, or more of these diseases.

And please, if you are thinking of getting a furry friend, strongly consider rescuing one. They deserve to know what it is to be loved. Punkie is the poster child. He thrived!

Music To My Ears

2011-11-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

Every holiday season, I swear that I'm not going to buy any more holiday CD's, and every year, I wind up buying at least one more. .but I am getting pickier, and the past few years have actually been buying more of the retro versions. .so how on earth did THIS CD get into the mix?

I heard the interview on NPR, and something hooked me. .my copy arrived Saturday, along with some seasonally appropriate CD's, but it is this one that I've been playing again and again.

It makes me want to learn Spanish, although it certainly isn't necessary to understand the lyrics, to enjoy the music. .which makes me want to go out and take Latin Dance lessons!

At the very least, I want to go to one of the local Mexican restaurants for dinner tonight, and ask them to play this CD while I eat!

Salsa, anyone?

Halloween Give-Away!

2011-09-13T08:17:00.000-04:00

I'm offering a little Halloween Give-Away over on my Halloween Blog, so if you'd like a chance to win it, please click on the above link, and sign up! Simple and sweet!

Good luck!

Oh! My! Stars!

2011-09-10T08:11:00.000-04:00

I'm usually a pretty upbeat person, but events of late have stripped me of much humor, and have felt myself dragging as a result. .but thanks to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (and I didn't even eat any!. . .yet), I've laughed so much, I've got tears in my eyes, and am now coming up with multitudes of scenarios. .can you imagine. .

"Price check on Ben & Jerry's. . . . ", or asking a store clerk, "Do you carry Ben & Jerry's. . . . "

If you've never seen the classic Schweddy Balls sketch on Saturday Night Live, then you can see it here, on the Ben & Jerry's website. And if you have seen it, go watch it again. .everyone needs to laugh.

It seems almost secondary that the ice cream actually sounds very yummy! I'm sure that more than one carton is going to be saved after the last scoop of ice cream has emptied the container.

I'm also sure that there are going to be some that are offended by the "flavor", and I'm hoping that I haven't upset anyone here by posting this, but truly, I can think of dozens of things that are of a more serious nature to worry about, and this true levity should be received in a light hearted manner.

So everyone grab their favorite ice cream spoon. . you know the one, with the long, long handle to be able to easily reach the bottom of the carton, and raise them in unison to Ben & Jerry's!

Sláinte

Life's Winding Road

2011-09-02T09:01:00.000-04:00

When I started my blogs, it was with the intent to use them as a diversion, a get-away from what has been happening in my life. To enjoy sharing some hopefully fun things with all of you, but as time has gone on, I've had more of my personal time diverted to necessary things, and actually found more pleasure in reading others blogs, and responding. You all have provided an even greater get-away for me!

I didn't share what was happening here, because. . . oh, right now, I don't even know why, except that I didn't want to have to dwell on our problems, and writing them out seems to make them even more real, staring me in the face. When I don't see them written down, then I just do what has to be done, and don't really think about it.

But, I've been torn. .out of respect for everyone who has been so loyal in sticking around here, since I'm gone so much, and with a recent development, I feel like it is time to share.

As some of you know, my dear Hubs as been battling prostate cancer for 13 years now. When it was discovered that he had cancer, it was in such an advanced stage, that the doctors at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN, recommended that he have it removed immediately, which he did. And he was clean for a couple of years, before those stubborn nasty cells that can morph into different forms, reared their ugly heads again. Ever since then, every few months we make our journey westward again for him to get more treatments, more surgery. .whatever new procedures that they have come up with in the interim. And while he will never be cured, he is of the new breed of people living with cancer. The doctors have done a wonderful job of keeping it contained, and not letting it get a foothold in other organs, his bloodstream or into his bones. He has yet to have the chemo drugs that can severely impact a person's quality of life, so that part is wonderful! His panel of Urologists and Oncologists are keeping those options ready, should he ever need them. They have alluded from time to time, that this aggressive form will eventually spread, but my Hubs seems to have missed those comments, which is just as well.

The reason that he hasn't comprehended the full impact, is that two years ago, he was diagnosed with early stage Lewy Body Disease. I'm still on the fence about this diagnosis. .oh, it is obvious that he is having problems with short term memory and comprehension, and that has gotten a little worse over the past two years, and he goes through periods of falling more, but he hasn't exhibited other classic signs of the disease. The Neurologist told me that although this form of dementia is the second most prevalent form, little is known about it. He could plateau at any time, for however long, and may stay at the level, or suddenly take a drop in function. He could exhibit some of the signs, and may not have others, at all! They wanted to get him into a study, and at first, he agreed, but then, at the same time, he had to have some extra procedures done to get rid of some more cancer, and was overcome with being poked and prodded, so he backed out. But, we're going to have be addressing this illness again soon.

Now, while all of this has been going on, my Mom, who is a widow, as been increasing in age (she will be 88 in January), and declining overall, in health. Being an only child, it has come to me, to be her primary care-giver. She has insisted on living in her own home, so I have been going over there every day or so, to make sure that everything is in order. I take care of her financial responsibilities, transporting her to appointments and doing her shopping.

I've tried my best to just go with the flow, but I've always internalized everything, thinking if I keep it together on the outside, then stresses will slough off. .not so. .almost a year ago, I got the "official" verdict as to all of the aches and pains that I've had for years. Fibromyalgia. Bad enough on its own, major flares brought on by stress make episodes even worse. And no, none of the drugs have helped, with me getting some rather nasty side affects. Hence, my mini get-aways, blog hopping, just to relax and have some fun.

But last Saturday, my Mom called me early in the morning, unable to move her right side. She is still in the hospital, and is going to be moved to the physical rehab facility either today or tomorrow, to see how far she can come back from the affects of her stroke. Needless to say, most of my time this past week, has been spent at the hospital, or running errands for her. I spoke with the coordinator yesterday, and she said that their intent was to get my Mom back into the best that she can be, with the intent of her living with continuous family support. In other words, she can't live alone any longer.

So far, I've managed to keep my Hub's appointments and trips to Rochester in synchronization with my Mom's needs, but that may be coming to a head very soon, since his Oncologists may want to see him this month.

I don't know where this turn in our road will take us, but I'm determined to make all of the curves. And I do miss commenting on the blogs that I love to follow, but do read them whenever I get the chance. .hopefully one of these days, I'll have some time to catch up! But I think you all, more than you will ever know, for the bright spots in my days, for making me laugh, think, and even share some of your down times too. It reminds me that everyone has problems in their lives too, and I'm not the only one who has to deal with sadness or stresses.

And thank you all for hanging in here with me! I do have some things sitting here for some Give-Aways, so hopefully, I'll at least get those posted, and get some good, fun, positive energy flowing here again!

I do have the weather to look forward to this weekend. . the temps are supposed to get down into the low 50's at night, and the high's in the upper 60's! Yippee!!! I do love Autumn!!

Wishing you all a fantastic Labor Day Weekend!

Foggy Days Of August

2011-08-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

If you live in a "four season" part of the country, then take note of the days in August, when your area has fog. .it doesn't matter if it is morning, noon, or night.

The foggy days of August will tell you how many snow storms to prepare for, during the coming winter months! Start marking those calendars to see if this bit of weatherlore is accurate!

(No dog was snowbound inside this house! It is left over from the days when my younger daughter still lived here. She bought it to use as a shelter for feral cats, before we built our garage. Now they prefer the heated beds and water bowls that I set up inside that much warmer and drier shelter. Daily meals are included with their shelter plan. Raccoons, possums and other critters will sometimes use the house as a shelter to get out of the rain, or take a snooze.)

Any personal predictions on how many foggy days August holds for you?

When The Muse Calls . . We Bake!

2011-07-30T18:34:00.001-04:00

Much like when those creative urges get so strong, that they can't, or at least shouldn't be denied, it is much the same when the Culinary Faerie sprinkles her dust over your head. .no matter how hot and sticky it is, you are compelled to bake! And that is how it came to be that in 90 degree weather outside, I had the oven on, inside. Thank the stars for air conditioning!

Today, I made a Chocolate Guinness Cake. Word of warning. The wafting fragrance of this cake baking, will alert noses, that will hover around, anxiously awaiting for it to cool enough to eat.

This is an adult cake, not overly sweet, and is SO GOOD with vanilla ice cream! It is such a straightforward recipe, I didn't take a lot of photos. I'm sure that you can follow along, just fine!

Put an oven rack in the middle position of your oven, and preheat it at 325 degrees F. Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a 9 x 3 inch round pan, or use that handy dandy cake release product that Wilton makes. (You can find it at JoAnn's, or other stores that sell Wilton baking equipment and supplies)

You are going to need:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder (not Dutch processed. .you want a dark, rich, unsweetened cocoa powder)

1 3/4 teasp. baking powder

1/2 teasp. baking soda

1/2 teasp. cinnamon

21 Tblsp. unsalted butter, softened

2 1/4 Cups brown sugar,firmly packed

3 large eggs

1 1/2 teasp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups Guinness stout (do not include the foam in the measurement)

1 cup rough chopped pecans (lightly toasted)

Confectioner's Sugar for dusting

Spread the pecans in a single layer and place in the oven for 10 minutes or so. .check after 5 minutes, and be careful not to let them get too brown. They should just be fragrant and sweet smelling. Let them cool, then break into pieces.

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon into a medium bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually add the brown sugar and beat at high speed until very light and fluffy. Stop and scrape the sides, beater, and bottom of the bowl, if necessary.

One medium low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Reduce the speed to low, and add the dry ingredients in three portions, alternating with the Guinness, twice, and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until all ingredients are combined.

Add the pecans, and mix on low, until they are distributed through the batter.

Remove the beater, and mix through once or twice with the spatula to make sure that all of the ingredients are mixed in. Pour and scrape the batter into the pan, leveling it with your spatula. The batter will be thick.

Bake the cake for 70-75 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the middle, comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

Invert the cake onto the rack and cool completely. Transfer to a cake plate, and dust with confectioner's sugar just before serving with that home made vanilla ice cream!!

You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week, should it last that long!

Enjoy!

Memories & Music

2011-07-15T11:30:00.001-04:00

Music, melodies, and sometimes even just few notes, like fragrances and aromas, are quick triggers, not only creating an instant mood, but transporting us back to incidents in our lives, sometimes buried and forgotten, until we hear that song that meant so much to us then, or maybe a song that simply makes us “feel” something intangible, that touches us, yet we don’t quite know why.

Recently, before my Facebook account was hacked (by someone in England. .they had it pinpointed to the exact town too!, so I’m laying low for awhile over there), I saw where people were listing by day a song that made them feel a certain way. .happy, sad, etc. And some days, I would mentally play along, trying to come up with a song in my own memory banks. Some were easy to think of, while others, I drew a blank. I guess my mind is just too over-wrought these days, filled with “must-do’s”, to think creatively.

Admittedly, I don’t listen to much pop radio these days, so my answers weren’t too relatively current. My music choices have always been diverse, even when I was a child, then a teenager, listening to the top 40 with my friends, and thoroughly rocking with it, then listening to Broadway musicals, Classical, Folk, & Blues, with just as much enjoyment. My answers were culled from my memory bank.

My Hubs and I have “our song” as many people do. One that is special to us, and we hear it every so often on oldies stations, and get to dance to it at wedding receptions. It always leaves me a little teary eyed. Not only because it fills me with an almost overwhelming love for him, but because it makes me realize how much time as gone by, and how I treasure those moments. And now with him being ill, time is even more precious.

Jump back a few more years. .play any Moody Blues, and I’m transported to pulling all-nighter’s studying for college finals, after returning to school, with toddlers hanging from my waist length hair, and granny dresses.

Go back a few more. .Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf makes me think of. . . .umm, never mind. . keep going back. .going back. . .

Even the first few notes of Dion & The Belmonts singing Run Around Sue, and I’ m in the backseat of my best friend’s boyfriend’s car, in the Fall of 1961, my Sophomore year. .first year at the High School, with my group of friends, on our way to the football game. And just as we got to the parking lot, the airwaves, be-bopping across L. Michigan, from WLS in Chicago, would start playing the #1 song of the week. And I would again endure another moment of good natured ribbing, not only because I was basically a shy, so NOT runaround Sue, but because it was a kick-a** song, and still is! If you want to listen to it, please click off the music below, and play this clip:

A few years earlier, Mr. Blue, by the Fleetwoods (no “Mac”), sends me spinning on the Octopus at the country fair, fighting with a huge pink poof of sticky cotton candy, the blending of the aromas and sounds of the midway. Snoozing in the hay in the horse barn, warm with the smell of leather, fresh hay, and yes, horses, all mingled together, warm and sweet. And feeling the first stirring of Summer love.

Tripping further back along memory lane, another song that brings back fun, but poignant times, is another “Sue” song. When the Everly Brothers came out with Wake Up Little Suzie in 1951, it gave my Dad the perfect fodder for waking me up for school each morning. I still remember him coming in on those dark cold mornings, after he had gone down to stoke up the coal furnace, and singing the lyrics, intentionally off key, to start my day with a laugh and a smile. It worked. .for a while!

Now, in a slight mind-bending time warp, coming back to present, about the same time as I’m seeing these personal trips through the musical vaults on Facebook, I hear a segment on NPR about a memory study, and how they have been recording what children remember, at what age, and how most of our earliest memories disappear from our consciousness as we get older. I found the different stories from people to be very interesting, and some surprising, like the woman who can’t remember anything before her 14^th year. But most adults can remember incidents from their grade school years, and some remembering earlier moments.

It made me remember again, a number of things about the house that we lived in before I was a year old. .the layout, the furniture, how it was decorated, and routine daily events. There are also some special moments too, and the one that stands out most clearly, and still affects me today, involves music.

Picture a warm, but not hot, late afternoon, in late Summer/early Autumn. The living room has a muted mustard wallpaper on it, with small flowers, causing the room to glow. The woodwork is a dark brown, and Irish Lace curtain panels are gently puffing in the cool breeze that is coming in from the West window, teasing the pattern shadowed on the floor into a lazy dance. Dust motes are doing their own ballet on the sunbeams filtering through the fabric, and little Suzie is sitting contentedly on her Daddy’s lap, watching these movements with fascination, and listening to radio, in its tall wooden cabinet, while her Mama was in the kitchen, making dinner.

The notes start slowly, in a rhythm that seems to match the dancing dust and lacy tracings on the floor. .the notes. .the music. .the nuances seem to soak right in, and touch someplace deep inside of me, causing me a sweet anguish that I don’t understand, and certainly can’t verbalize. I’m not even a year old!

Unbeknownst to me, I’m listening to George Gershwin’s Summertime, from Porgy & Bess, and as it plays it seems to become a part of me, or I, it. If anyone ever wanted to do a study on how music affects people when they otherwise cannot express themselves, this is would be a prime example. I wasn’t reacting to the words, but the music. I think that this song is the epitome of what a song should do. Touch your soul and make you feel it. .to breath it.

I am told that when the line was sung, “. .so hush now little, baby, don’t you cry”, right on cue, that is exactly what I did! My Mom rushed in from the kitchen, asking my Dad what was wrong, what happened, and he, sitting there stunned, is uttering, “Nothing! I don’t know WHAT happened! She was sitting here content and quiet, and the next thing I know, she burst into tears!” It took a lot of cuddling to console me. (Ice cream would have worked faster, but I had no say in the matter).

It wasn’t until I was an adult, that I could sit through that song without crying, and was finally able to share my side of that event so very long ago. My parents were fascinated not only that I could remember and relate what had happened, confirmed by their memories, but that I was so affected by Gershwin’s music.

When I was little, and it came on the radio or televisionI found a way to leave the room until it was over. If I was in a car, I had to work really hard to concentrate on something else, and not get captured by the magic. Even today, it is one of my favorite songs. I love the music so much, even though it makes me feel melancholy. Maybe that is what I love about it. .the depth that it makes me “feel”. It is almost tangible to me.

Through the years, I discovered that I was drawn to Gershwin’s other songs too, although I didn’t know that he was the composer at the time. To my delight, my piano teacher brought me sheet music to Rhapsody In Blue, when she felt that I wouldn't completely make a mess of it. And then I began to tie in all of the other songs that I loved in those Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers movies. But while I enjoy them all, none of them have touched me in the way that Summertime has.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that George Gershwin and I share the same Birthdate! I’ve wondered from time to time, what he would have thought if he had known how powerful his music truly was, that he could touch the heart of a little baby.

I don’t think that I’m alone in this phenomenon, and perhaps you have had some piece of music fill your soul, too.

I’m also interested in how far back you can remember any experiences. .how old were you?

Thank you for reading my story, now I’m looking forward to learning yours! Please share it!

Follow-up To Planting Veggies

2011-07-11T09:40:00.000-04:00

I just found an organization, with chapters all over the U.S., called Food Not Lawns. If you click on the link, you will reach their group page. Google it, and you will see listings of community chapters all over the country!

How encouraging!!

Off To The "Pokey" For Planting Peas!

2011-07-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

She planted peas and tomatoes, not Marijuana or Opium Poppies. This is one of those cases where you have to seriously wonder if the municipal city planner is pressing charges, simply because he can’t make improvements where changes actually need to be made, (like in the crack neighborhoods) and will need some sort of “accomplishment” to add to his sad, lean resume when it comes time to run for office again.

Oak Park is on the other side of the state from where I live. It is outside of Detroit, and while all of Michigan is suffering from the loss of much of its industrial base, the East side residents have been hit particularly hard, due to the centralization of the auto industry plants, and the impact of their closings. The state is continually making cutbacks, the various cities and towns are having to cut back too, and citizens are feeling a HUGE pinch!

So when Julie Bass, who lives not in a luxury gated community, where itemized by-laws are written into your mortgage, and you are handed a Webster’s Unabridged sized handbook of your “do’s and don’ts” along with your payment book, but in a nice middle-class neighborhood, decided to do something creative, but at the same time, practical, to help with her family’s needs. Help provide food for her table! Healthy food, without chemicals.

They recently had to have some work done on their sewer hookup, which tore up their front yard. Instead of spending the time and money to reinstall turf grass which has very little value to any form of wildlife, except landscapers, and companies who want to keep it looking golf-course green with chemicals that harm groundwater, beneficial insects, and any poor bird or small mammal that happens to venture into the mine field, they decided to spare themselves, and the city the expense of wasting countless gallons of water on grass, when they could be growing something beneficial.

Several framed beds were built, with neat pathways surrounding the garden areas, and numerous herbs and veggies were planted. It all looks very neat and well taken care of. The neighboring kids are not only fascinated by watching the food grow, but are learning something in the process too. And, from some reports, most of the neighbors found Julie’s project intriguing too. .except for one rotten apple. .who called the city. .who then sent out an inspector.

The city planner bases his objections that all yards have to be similar, and claims that if you look up the word in a Webster’s Dictionary, that you will find that it means common. Sorry sir, but not in my copy!

Her yard is certainly not a cookie cutter copy of every other yard on her street. It stands out from the long monotonous dried patches of faded green, separated by ribbons of concrete. Therefore it has to go! The city’s point is that their code states that a front yard has to have suitable, live, plant material. Don’t herbs and veggies fit into that category?

What is suitable? Apparently, a court Judge is going to have to make that determination. The city first warned Ms. Bass, then fined her, and have now charged her with a misdemeanor. But the gutsy Julie is not backing down, wanting her day in court. It could wind up costing her 93 days in jail!

Personally, having been a member of Wild Ones, a group who promotes eliminating turf grass, for beneficial native plants and grasses, and having a registered Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation of America, I’m familiar with the battles that people have had with local municipal governments, and their backward ways regarding what they view as acceptable for the area surrounding a residence. And I agree. .unkept areas are an eyesore. .and even personally go one further. Everyone should do their best to eradicate invasive species, even the plants that are often sold by chain stores in their garden departments. Usually, in the case of native gardens, it is a matter of education, and learning the benefits. But the battles still do occur. It takes a lot of time and patience sometimes.

But a veggie and herb garden? This story has now gone viral. Over the weekend, I read the article in some overseas newspapers, and the feedback is enlightening. Especially from people who live in areas where planting veggies and other useful plants in their front garden is completely understandable. Most are shocked that we don't already use our precious soils in better ways, and their opinions of the city planner is not too complimentary, to say the least.

Julie's court date right now, is later this month. A growing public backing is having their say. Whether it helps her or not in the end, it is worth a try.

If you would like to read more about this event, sign a petition, send an e-mail to the city planner, please click on this link: Julie Bass, Power To The Veggies!

Thank you for your consideration!

Follow-up To Cursive Writing

2011-07-10T13:09:00.000-04:00

I am loving all of your comments, and you all make very valid points. I certainly don't want to eliminate learning keyboarding and computer skills from anyone's education, but I don't want to see cursive writing disappear, either. Like Jeanne mentioned, our whole system needs to be re-evaluated.

Last night, on an Indiana station, about 50 miles away, across the border, they mentioned this same story, following up that a large newspaper in the state had gotten a lot of feedback from parents, with the majority of them not happy with this decision. Perhaps they will put pressure on their individual schools to continue to include cursive writing in their curriculum.

I think that parents are going to have to be even more vigilant in what their schools are teaching, than we used to be, because this is the first that I've heard of schools dropping this requirement, even though other states have already done so.

And on a side note, regarding math and calculators, recently, I've had encounters with two different sellers, one at our local weekly Farmer's Market, and other at their seasonal roadside produce stand that they've had open since I was a child (they told me that their farm is now into their 4th generation!). Both women were complaining that they are having trouble finding high school summer help, who can not only figure out weights and total costs, but how to give change.

The farm had to invest in not only calculators for the kids to use, but an expensive cash register. And, when they recently had a power outtage, they had to close during the duration. .not because they couldn't open the cash register, but the kids couldn't do the math in their heads, or on paper!

And the couple at the Farmer's Market had to give up doing another market, on the same day, because both of them were needed to run the one booth. They used to have a high schooler at each of them, helping them out, but they can't find kids who can figure out change. They say that the kids tell them that they either just trust a cashier to give them the right change back, or they use plastic. I find this incredibly sad, and alarming.

Again, thank you SO much for your comments! I love the feedback and sharing of thoughts and ideas!

First The Quill, Then The Fountain Pen. .and now Cursive Writing?

2011-07-09T10:25:00.001-04:00

A few days ago, I caught part of a national news broadcast, informing the viewers that Indiana was no longer going to require their public schools to teach their eager young learners the art of cursive penmanship. This puts the roster up to 44 states, I believe. They are leaving it as optional studies, dependent upon the guidance and whim of each school and/or teacher.

While I know that teachers have a lot more to cram into a school year, than when I was in those primer grades, and more basics are being dropped by the wayside each year, for some reason, this news left me stunned. It touched my soul so deeply that here I am, days later, still mulling it over, with the distress churning inside me.

The proponents of this move claim that teaching cursive takes a tremendous amount of time that could be better spent learning to use a keyboard in preparation for higher learning. This sends chills down my spine for so many different reasons, practical, and aesthetic.

I haven’t been in an elementary classroom in years, so I may be way off base here, but when my kids were in school, they were taught how to do math. Without a calculator. Later on, they were taught how to use a calculator, but first, they had to learn the principles. One doesn’t always have a calculator handy, plus I think that one should know what that machine is doing!

On one of the practical notes, I look at teaching cursive and learning to use a keyboard in the same way. First you learn the way to do it yourself, THEN you learn how to use that application.

And the biggest practical concern of course, is how these students, as adults, are ever going to be able to sign any documents, legal and otherwise, if they don’t know how to write their name? Not print, but write. It wasn’t too long ago that it was a matter of personal pride when one could sign their name. Not make an “X”, and have two witnesses sign it, saying that you made your mark. How will they be able to record their own “John Hancock”?

If educators think that children are going to learn cursive on their own, they had better rethink that theory. They are much more likely to spend time on their computers, using that keyboard that the schools want to teach them to use, where in fact, they are already on their way to being quite proficient in its use. Plus, we had typing classes in school. It was a perk to learn the proper use of the keyboard, but that didn't stop us from learning to write, too!

I can’t help but wonder too, if students can’t write in cursive, how that affects their ability to read it. So much of our history is written out, both national, like our founding documents, to personal, such as family recipes, old journals, diaries and love letters. I would like to think that these things will still be important to at least some of our future generations, but how will they gain the full importance of such writing, if they can’t read it?

When doing research on our Victorian home, I actually perused county record books, looking for dates of sales and purchases, each huge ledger page written. .not printed, but written with a fountain pen, back through the 1800’s. I could tell when some other clerk was filling in the information, just by the change of the very ornate writing styles. It gave me a thrill that the efforts of those people, taking time to write out each transaction, was reaching across the years, helping me in my search, in 2006. It made it more real to me, seeing and touching (I wore white cotton lintless gloves) a person’s script, than reading it off a film, or computer screen. But if you want to see just a taste of what I savored, go to Ancestors.com and look at some of the old census records, all written by someone’s hand. It adds a depth of meaning to your quest.

On the aesthetic side, I can’t help but think that this is another chip in our efforts of self-expression. Are we to all become a homogenized populace, dependent upon pre-printed fonts to define us? Yes. I find it ironic that I’m using a programmed font to share my thoughts with you, but believe me, I love to write, outside of using my computer.

I used to practice my cursive, looking at it as an art form, long before I ever knew what calligraphy was, and wound up with two styles of handwriting. One that I used outside of school, and one that wouldn’t be marked as incorrect by my teachers. I could hardly wait until the day when I could openly express myself, in my own true hand, without ridicule or worrying about what kind of grade I was going to get based on how the tails of my “y’s” looked. BUT, they launched me into my own style, by teaching me the right way to begin! And of course, by the time I was able to write freely, we were required to type all papers and reports. Except for in Advanced English class. We wrote essays. Sometimes, two a week. And she wanted them written in our own hand. She loved romantic, flowery language. This was back in the 60’s, and she was in the autumn of her years. An old fashioned woman who didn’t feel that type written pages were the proper setting for essays of emotion.

Cursive CAN be romantic, or express anger or whimsy. So many emotions can be wrought with the curve of the flow of ink. Not only in the words that it forms, but in the way that it is written. Study a book of calligraphy, and you will feel emotions coming from each style.

And if you should deviate from any set style, to form a very personal style of your own, there are handwriting experts who will delve into each crossed “t”, dotted “i”, and curlique, analyzing your deepest desires, and what makes you tick!

Whether you put any stock into such readings or not, your personal handwriting is a reflection of you, even if you don’t care about it at all! My Hubs, for example, has horrible handwriting, and could care less. He dashes off his name just because he absolutely has to, then promptly forgets about it, whereas I “feel” each letter as I move the ink, each one having a rhythm and flow of energy into the next. He looks at it as something practical, and I look at it as art. Now how often to you find something that fulfills both needs so precisely, yet remains so personal, too?

Is this one change in today’s society the marking point of me being “over the hill”? And indication that something that I apparently have held much more dear than I ever imagined, is no longer useful? My stars, I hope not!

Hopefully, cursive will still remain a viable part of our communications, and live on, not only in the talents of calligraphers, but in everyday transactions, by ordinary people, who will continue to put their own personal touch in that moment in time, when they sign their name, or write out that envelope for a card or letter that they are sending to friend.

To those of you who have hung in here throughout my rant, I wish you a beautiful weekend, and say a simple,

The North Wind Doth Blow. .and We Shall Have. . A Book Winner!

2011-07-01T21:43:00.000-04:00

No. .we didn't have snow on June 30th, but we came close! This white stuff on the ground kept falling at a fast and furious rate, covering the ground before it turned to rain. .hail. .fortunately, and miraculously, it didn't damage any of the plants in my garden, but the street was littered with leaves from the trees lining each sidewalk.

For the past two days, we have had continuous storms, coming not from the West, or South as we get in Spring and Summer, but from the North, following the same pattern as many of our snowstorms do. It thundered almost continuously, and lightning flashed like a strobe light. Our kitties grew so accustomed to it, that they came out of hiding, and were acting normally. Very strange. .and more storms are on their way, so I had better hurry along.

Even though I couldn't get onto my computer, I still had the drawing for the first grouping of mystery books. Since the leaky cauldron was full of rain water, and was doing its "leaking", and since neither Hubs nor I wanted to risk standing out in the storm anyway, I substituted using my Lucky Hat, (saved me from being struck by lightning once!), indoors.

All of the names were typed out

And folded, then put into the hat

The Impartial Hand dipped into the hat, and stirred the name around,

And drew one out!

The Winner is.. . .

Pam! Congratulations, Pam! I wish you many hours of happy reading!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back. .I'll be giving more books away very soon!

Word For Wednesday

2011-06-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

Enchanting

To me, this is such a lyrical, but illusive, diaphanous word, I found it very difficult to find an image to visually express it satisfactorily, (the one that I posted, only touches on the illusion) which leads me to realize that it is more a word which comes to mind from a feeling, not a visual cue.

What does "enchanting" mean to you?

Word For Wednesday - A Day Late!

2011-06-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Blogger wouldn't let me add photos, but this is one of those words that makes me feel SO good, I couldn't let another week pass to share it. Besides, yesterday, the word fit perfectly, as it does today too!

The Word for this Wednesday is. . . Blustery!

A Paperback Pass-Along!

2011-06-20T09:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is another term for a Give-Away, but I want everyone to know that these are not new books, but very gently used ones. I don't intentionally bend corners of the pages, nor write in them. Admittedly, you might find a cookie crumb in the seam of a page once in a great while, but indulge me, please. I am often in situations where I can't leave to go get something to eat!

When one spends lots of time in the waiting rooms of medical facilities, such as I've done in the past 13+ years, you go through a lot of books. I've always been an avid reader anyway, but long hours between appointments lends itself to more devout attention to the printed word. I always take some needlework or puzzle book along too, but oftentimes, the lighting is too poor, so again, I return to my book, and pay for the eye strain later.

My addiction is happily fed by the Barnes & Noble that is a mere sky walk away from the main clinic. It is actually an old movie theater. They kept the marque, the architectural features, and the awesome domed ceiling that is painted a deep blue, with tiny tiny lights sparkled all over it, like stars. An escalator takes you between floors, and yes, they have the coffee corner too. Suffice to say that I have spent many delightful hours browsing the aisles. And then lugging a too heavy book bag with me afterward, to prove it! (my friend Dennis, who now lives in California, used to work there. I like to think that we crossed paths at some point.)

For years now, I've been captured by, among others, the cozy mystery genre. What is a cozy mystery you ask? For lack of a better term, it is a "gentle mystery".

The heroine (and yes, it is usually, but not always, a woman) is usually self-sufficient, or headed that way, and accomplished in some other line of work than being a detective. The crime or murder always seems to land in her lap, either making her a suspect, or someone close to her is in danger, and she takes it upon herself to prove who has done the dastardly deed.

The setting is always an important element in these stories, making the town, the area, her shop, etc. a place that you would love to visit, or live. .provided you are either her very best friend, or a treasured employee. . .the fringe characters have a way of turning up as a victim.

If you are her best friend, be prepared to dress in artsy, adventurous clothing, with a flare for color, and just a tad on the wacky side. You are clever and smart, but not quite as level headed as our heroine.

Our heroine also seems to have an inside scoop to the goings-on of the local police department. It can be a boyfriend, a husband, a best friend, or sometimes it even takes on an adversarial role, when the police don't appreciate her nosiness, but grudgingly admit that she has a talent for ferreting out clues, suspects, and of course, the murderer.

There is very little actual descriptive violence, sex scenes, or objectionable language, although I've been reading that some of the newer books coming out are getting a little racier due to publishers desires to draw in a larger following. I truly hope not. These books are easy reading. .relaxing without having to think too much, but with enough twists and turns to keep you coming back to find out what happens. Oftentimes, the storyline is injected with humor, and lots of side story interaction between characters, that fleshes them out. And, a lot of the stories include recipes, needlework patterns, antiquing hints, etc. that fit in with the theme of the story. Hence, the name, "cozy mystery".

So now back to my problem. .I've got SO many volumes now, I've run out of shelf space. Sometimes, if I finish a book right at the clinic, I'll leave if for someone else to enjoy, but most often I bring it home with me. Hence, my towers of books! It is time to start sorting through them, and sharing them with others.

Some books are so popular, the author turns them into a series, with some of the long running ones now up into the 20's. .but for my first Pass-along, I've chosen 5 books that are first of a series, either being introduced last year, or this, so that if you like them, it won't take any time at all, to catch up with the books that are published.

In one, a woman is opening an embroidery shop, another, the main character is a glass blower. In the third, the heroine is left with a deteriorating building that houses an Artisan's Alley, the 4th, our intrepid girl is left her uncle's antique shop, plus she has two cats with some special talents (a touch of the magical in this one!) And the last one finds our plucky heroine inheriting a Victorian home, complete with a gruff, but helpful ghost from the 1870's. (a touch of the paranormal).

If you would like these books (all 5!), please leave a comment on this post. I've been having problems leaving comments on other people's blogs, so if you can't get through, then send me an e-mail, and I'll add your name to my list.

I will draw the name on June 30th, so that you will have some neat Summer reading available!

And if you would like to read more about Cozy Mysteries, here is one of many blogs on the topic. .The Cozy Mystery List Blog. They also have a website that is linked, where you can find lists of books and authors, plus other treats.

Wishing you good luck!

Mrs. B Needs Your Vote!

2011-06-08T11:09:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that if you are a follower of her blog, you are already familiar with the voting for Blogs of Faith, that is being held on the Circle of Mom's site.

http://www.confessionsofapagansoccermom.com/

Mrs. B, author of her Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom is currently in first place, but the voting is close, and the polls close tonight! So please either click on the link to her blog, above, and click on the button on her post, or go to this site, and vote for her.

http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/faith#_

Anyone who has even marginally followed her blog knows that she is worthy of winning top place!

Thanks so much for taking the time to vote for her!

Forget Everything Else!

2011-06-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

I feel SO behind. .SO out of the loop! How could I not know that today is National Donut Day??!! I can understand me not having it written in big red block letters on my calendar, but my inner most instincts should have alerted me, bright and early this morning!

Perhaps that is what woke me up at 4 a.m., and I blamed the cat jumping up on my stomach. (sorry Magick!) I ignored that Siren Call! Shame on me!

But isn't not too late! Both Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts are giving away free donuts today, as are many independent bakeries.

So be sure to honor the American Way, and eat a donut today! (you can exercise later!)

Midyear Halloween Give Away!

2011-05-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

If you are already thinking "Halloween" (it is only a little more than 6 months away!), and want a chance to win some treats to make your wait a little more tolerable, then please fly over to my Halloween blog for a Give-Away!

Comments on that post, on that blog, will be entered into the drawing!

Thank you for your interest, and good luck!

Upstairs /Downstairs

2011-04-09T08:50:00.000-04:00

Whom else is looking forward to the Upstairs~ Downstairs miniseries starting tomorrow night on Masterpiece Theatre?

I adored the original series, shown on PBS back in the 70's, and never missed an episode. My darling Hubs bought me the whole set on DVD, some years ago. He had never seen the program before, so we enjoyed watching it together, and I periodically watch a few episodes at a time, while doing my ironing. (yes, I love to iron!)

And now they are fast forwarding in time, to new residents, both above and below the stairs. .except for one. .Jean Marsh is back as Rose! I think that it is especially fitting, since she was one of the originators of the series in the first place. Please click on the link above, to read the synopsis, and see a short clip. It looks to be a real visual treat, like all Masterpiece programs are known for.

I'll be seeing you tomorrow night, at 165 Eaton Place! Don't be late!!

We Have A Winner & A Heartfelt Thank You!

2011-04-01T08:08:00.000-04:00

First, I would like to again, than everyone from the bottom of my heart for your hugs, and thoughts of condolence over the loss of our beloved Merlin. Even though I knew, and still feel that we made the right decision in not letting him linger, knowing that his body was losing the battle, it is still hard to say goodbye.

A part of me will always miss him, and I'll always love him, just as I miss and love all of my other fur babies who have been a part of my life. That is just the way that I am.

But the rest of me is easing back into the chaos of life that has been moving along while my life stood still for a bit. .and to that purpose, we have had a drawing this morning, for my little give away!

Hubs is still sleeping (he has his own health issues that his body is battling, and needs more sleep), and the fur babies are still snoozing as well. .they are just plain lazy!

So not having anyone to help me draw a name the old fashioned, personal, romantic way, I had to resort to the cold calculations of the number generator.

In gathering all of your responses to my drawing, my heart became a little heavy, truly wanting to have enough of this prize for each and every one of you! I feel badly that I don't, but am consoling myself with the thought that I'll continue to have more drawings periodically. .this has been fun! And I do thank you all for entering!!!

So without further ado, would Cindi, please send me your mailing address, so that I can get your prize into the mail! Congratulations!! I do hope that you enjoy it!

Hugs and thank you's to everyone!!

RIP My Merlie

2011-03-28T18:47:00.000-04:00

I want to thank each and every one of your for your prayers, and healing energy for my Merlin. It meant more than I can say, that you took the time to let me know that you were thinking of him.

Sadly, it seems that nothing can successfully fight the relatively rare, and incurable Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). A virus in the same family as FIV (feline aids) and FeLV (feline leukemia).

Merlin's fever kept climbing despite being continually hydrated and on numerous meds, and was getting more jaunticed, so we made the hard decision to end his suffering.

Our Veterinarian and his staff are super compassionate, and I was with Merlin, petting him, causing him to purr himself on to the Other Side.

You will always be loved my little fur baby, and will be sorely missed until I can see you again one day.

Our Merlin

2011-03-25T17:36:00.000-04:00

Please send some Healing Energies, or say a Prayer for our Merlin. A few days ago, I noticed that he felt lighter in weight, and then yesterday, he quit eating. We took him to the vet today, and he is there now, hooked up to an IV.

His liver isn't functioning properly. It could be a virus causing it, or something much more serious. They did more bloodwork, and have ruled out FIV, FeLV, and Heart Worm, which is good.

We are continuing to think positive, that he will make a grand rebounding recovery, and every positive thought his way will help, and is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Jelly Belly Cupcakes

2011-03-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

Carrie Murtha is a very talented young woman, who creates her colorful and charming Snippets characters.

She also has a heart as big as all outdoors, especially loving and taking care of homeless kitties.

By feeding her creative side, she hopes to win the grand prize in the Jelly Belly cupcake contest, and thereby would be able to spay and neuter more feral cats.

Please click on this link to take you to the Jelly Belly site, (or, she has the link on her blog, too), where you can register and rate her cupcakes. Aren't they adorable? We will actually get to voice our opinion twice. Once now, and again when she will be in the final 5, in July!

Good luck, Carrie!!

And thank you, everyone, for your vote!

Heirlooms & Hydroponics

2011-03-21T17:03:00.000-04:00

The other day, when picking up birdseed at a local year around garden/produce market, I noticed that they are now offering heirloom tomatoes for sale.

They have offered the different heirloom tomato plants in the Spring, but are now offering the tomatoes themselves. The problem being, they have a lot of different varieties all together in baskets, so you have no idea which ones you are eating, and can only go by looks for buying them the next time.

I went by fragrance, and couldn't put these back. .they smell wonderful!!! Just like tomatoes used to. .heavily scented spicy sweetness. Yum!!!

And right next to that display (co-incidence? I don't think so!), is something new to this shop. .in fact, I've never seen it before anywhere around here. .tomatoes grown in water, yes, but not basil!

It comes in this tubular plastic bag, open at the top, and a white dotted line at the bottom, with instructions to not refrigerate, and to keep water in the bag, only up to the line, that part of the root cube should be kept exposed. .that they need oxygen besides the water. I put it in this jug, simply because it is prettier, and I can enjoy it more.

The leaves are SO fresh and beautiful!! And the fragrance is heavenly!!! I have to admit that potted basil doesn't have as strong a scent as this plant does.

The downside? It can't be switched to a soil environment, and it doesn't last for more than a couple of weeks. .which means that I either have to make a lot of dishes that basil will enhance, or try drying the leaves. .it is silly, I know, but it makes me sad that the plant itself can't be kept alive.

This may be the way of the future for growing produce, but the romantic in me still loves pots of herbs growing in my kitchen window, or out on the patio, and bordering my garden paths.

You can read more, and see a photo of how this basil is grown at this link for Eden Farms.

Happy Eating!!

A Super Moon Give-Away!

2011-03-20T08:43:00.000-04:00

Last night we had a lot of moisture in the air for the viewing of the Super Full Moon, which meant that we couldn't see her in her full glory. The mistiness lent a spooky atmosphere, and one could almost talk herself into believing that it was Halloween!

But, whether the skies were clear, or shrouded in mystery, she was there, and so to celebrate, I'm offering a long overdue Give-Away!

I love herbs, growing them, cooking with them, learning their healing properties, their beauty, their fragrance. .what isn't to love?

So to give you a boost in enjoying your own herbal experience, I'm offering these treats to you:

Some sweet pots in a wire carrier, a pair of gardening gloves (one can never have too many!), a journal to record your plantings, or recipes, etc., some culinary lavender to bake up some treats, a cookbook to learn how, a little marble mortar & pestle to properly grind up your herbs and spices, and an herbal drying rack (that you will have to assemble, but it is easy!). There are also some herbal seeds included to get you started!

All you have to do to have your name entered, is follow this blog, and leave a comment on this post! (I'm keeping it simple!) And please make sure that I have a way of contacting you.

A name will be drawn on April 1st! And no, this isn't an April Fool's joke. .the winner will really get the prizes in this give-away!

Wishing you good luck!!

And The Award Goes To. . .

2011-02-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

Me!! I don't have one of those gold statues, but my awards mean the world to me, simply because someone was so kind hearted to give them to me.

I not only still have the two here, that were bestowed upon me (almost a year ago!!! I'm SO embarrassed!!), but a new one too. .so while you don't have to watch me drone on, thanking everyone that has ever touched my life in some way, after I answer all of the required questions, you will probably know more about me than you ever wanted to know.

And if you are a true masochist, you can head on over to my Halloween blog, where I got two more awards, and have to dish on myself some more. .this is going to be tough. .I'm just not that interesting!

With that kind of build up, I know that you are bouncing off of the walls for me to get started. .anticipation is everything. .so let's get started.

Becca over at Magikal Seasons, gave me two awards last Spring. The first is the beautiful, Life Is Good Award.

And I'm supposed to answer these questions:

1. Besides friends and family what makes you happy? I was going to say my kitties, but they are family. I love baking, I love creating, and I would still love to be out taking photos in nature.
2. What is your favorite thing to do for me time? Read
3. If you had one wish what would you wish for? That my hubby be cured
4. What was your favorite thing to do as a child that you still enjoy? Hmmm, toss up between creating art and reading
5. What is your favorite most item that you've made? Dolls for my daughters
6. How many kids do I have? 3
7. Grandkids?3
8. Favorite season? Autumn
9. Job I loved? Photographer & working in the darkroom
10.City or country? Small resort town

The other award she gifted me with, is the, just as meaningful, Beautiful Blogger Award.

I'm supposed to share 7 things about me. .hmmmmmm,

1. In 1989 I shattered my right wrist, and broke the bones in my arm lengthwise while photographing ice fishermen out in a winter storm. Forgot my crampons, and the wind had polished the ice. .saved my camera though!
2. I can never stay outside in the winter, without toe & hand warmers, and a scarf over my nose because I never wanted to come inside from ice skating when I was a kid. .every day after school, and all day long on weekends.
3. Loved roller coasters, never liked Ferris wheels.
4. Life-long love of walking on the beaches, in all seasons, and will frequent the beach to watch the sunset, and to watch approaching storms. Used to go to the beach daily in warm weather, from after breakfast (weekends, we had breakfast at the beach), until dinner. then would return in the evening. (this was in the pre-skin cancer awareness days, when we doused ourselves in a homemade blend of iodine and baby oil)
5. I believe in reincarnation (so I can rethink all of the dumb things I did when I was a kid in my previous life )
6. My first car was a Corvair convertible, 5 on the floor. .(I can hear you laughing!)
7. Now I have a Black VW Beetle, which I love, and only drive in the summer.

And now, just a few days ago, Pam, over at Queenie's Beads gave me an Awesome Blog Award! Not only here, but on my Halloween blog as well. I accused her of making me think up twice as many things to share, and she hasn't denied it. .I've known her for a looong time, and know how she thinks! :-) Gosh. .what else can I think of? This is harder than it should be. .makes me realize what a mundane life I lead!

1. I got my first, and only black eye at a slumber party when I was in Jr. High (and it was a beaut!)
2. Hubs and I used to go "canoe camping" a lot. .paddle lakes and portage through woods across islands to get to a campsite.
3. We used to camp in the wintertime. .in deep snow
4. As a kid, I took horseback riding lessons (English) at a riding academy every Spring and Fall.
5. I love archery. .targets only, no animals
6. I read cookbooks like I read fiction & non-fiction
7. I've always wanted to learn to play a bass clarinet, an oboe & a bassoon.

Ok. .I'm supposed to pass these awards on to 15 other people, but not only am I months late with Becca's awards, but figure that if you are kind enough to come here and read my blog, then you are most deserving of all of these awards. So please, take your pick, take them all and decorate your own blog with honor! Enjoy them. .that is what truly gives them their value.

Thank you Becca, and thank you Pam! It truly means a lot to me that you would think of me.

And thank you everyone, for hanging in here with me, even when I am unfortunately not here to post as often as I would like. Knowing that you understand, and are here when I return, touches my heart.

Huge Hugs,

Do You Know What? We're Going To Seduce Them. . . .

2011-02-25T17:29:00.000-05:00

"We're going to seduce them with our square footage, and our discounts, and our deep armchairs, and... Our cappuccino.
That's right. They're going hate us at the beginning, but... But we'll get 'em in the end.
Do you know why?. . .Because we're going to sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants. In the meantime, we'll just put up a big sign: "Coming soon: a FoxBooks superstore and the end of civilization as you know it."

Do you recognize those lines? Of course you do. Who didn't fall in love with the little Shop Around The Corner. .it was, as the line in the movie says, "Enchanting". I would have loved to just sit in it, and absorbed the atmosphere, or even better have owned such a dream little shop!

And who among you didn't get a little misty-eyed when they showed this scene?

I loved this movie, not so much for its story line, but the scenes. .the warm lighting and of course, Autumn!! And it always made me sad that she had to close her shop. . oh, I know. .it opened up new doors for her as a writer, but in my mind, I'm thinking that she could have done both.

What made it even more bitter was the fact that at the very same time, that this movie came out, some of my favorite independent book shops were facing closure due to the big bad Barnes & Noble was opening within blocks, and no matter that I traveled over an hour, twice a month to frequent my favorite bookstores (that those trips happened to be the next day after I got paid, was pure coincidence!), my armloads of purchased volumes, failed to keep their doors open. I was more than misty-eyed. I felt such a sadness watching the shelves clear, and knowing that a store that had been SO successful for decades was going to be no more. I was SO angry at the "Big Bad Bookstore".

And that created a huge problem for me. Being the admitted bookaholic (started waaay before I could read, and yes, I even loved my textbooks, often reading them through before school ever started) that I am, I now faced the choice of going through those dreaded enemy doors, or live a dreary existence, book free. .so I straightened my shoulders and marched in to face the foe, somehow justifying that as long as I didn't actually like them, that I was still being loyal to a now deceased shop (even though they were taking my money. .I didn't say it was logical!!). . .and, it did take a while, but yes, they lured me with scents of fresh coffee and baked goods, and row after row of books. .gorgeous tomes of every subject imaginable, warm lighting, just-right aisle widths. .not to crowded, not to open, but just cozy enough for that warm, "book shop" feel, complete with deep, luscious chairs, cool music, and no high pressure sales people. .plus late hours! What can I say. .they hit me in one of my weakest points. .books. .I'm not proud.

Every time my hubs, younger daughter and I would head off for an evening of shopping in the "big city", we would cap off our adventure stopping at usually both Borders, which had built a store right down the street from the bigger B&N. And walk out with all of arms full of loaded bags. .yeah, we bought the canvas ones, and kept them in the car. .you never knew when a drive might take you near one of their stores. And my B&N membership card is peeling at the corners, so old, that some of the younger sales clerks are amazed to see a well used vintage card.

Yes, in-between actual trips to the bookstore, my mailman regularly drops those slim, and sometimes not so slim book cartons onto my front steps, but nothing beats hunting for books in person.

But a little over a year ago, things began to change. B&N moved from a free standing building, to a mall that already has problems with traffic flow and parking, and even with a huge remodel, the parking problem is even worse now. The comfy chairs disappeared. Their coffee area went from being a huge open room, with dozens of tables, and a bar all around the windowed walls, to a postage stamp size floor of 4 tables. The lighting got brighter and more stark. The chess clubs, cribbage nights, book clubs and other groups disappeared from their newsletters. .then the newsletters disappeared. Their high volume, big box store attitude became more apparent.

And nearby Borders got rid of their movie and music sections, but opened up their coffee area, inviting the clubs, having acoustic music nights, bringing the feeling of community into their walls, much like an independent book shop would do.

Some former B&N patrons, upset with the logistics of their move, fled to Borders. But, apparently, it was still not enough, because with the recent announcement of Borders filing bankruptcy, came the announcement that the store that we frequented, is one that is closing. And on their heels, B&N announces that they are in trouble too. .seems that the threat of e-books is their nemesis.

I may change my mind some day. .I've learned to never say never, but I'm a holdout for the real deal. .I love the feel of a book in my hand. Yeah, I don't like the idea that trees are losing their lives to become a book, so I really applaud when books are printed using recycled paper, and I cherish my books. .I don't throw them away, I treat them with respect.

But am I as upset with Borders closing as I was 20 years ago when my favorite local bookshops closed? Am I going to get mysti-eyed when I see those empty shelves, and the wasted, empty store standing there? I feel badly for the employees losing their jobs, but overall, I can't say that I am. Maybe it is because I have other choices to get my book fix, but I did back then too. .have I become less of a romantic? Maybe a little more cynical in some aspects, but not really.

I think it is because I see something on the horizon that excites me. .I think that we are going to go full circle. As so many small privately owned businesses have opened up in the past few years, I'm seeing an emergence of privately owned, independent booksellers opening their doors too.

One started out selling used books, and has been so successful, that they have now opened another shop in a neighboring shore side town down the road a few miles. Another is a specialty book shop, aiming at young readers. What exciting news!!

In going through a neighboring town, I've discovered a sliver of a bookstore set up in a vintage building, focused on history books, and travel. .another a mystery book shop! Discovering these gems, to me, is like finding another antique shop, where I can browse for hours!! These are all small shops with individual personalities, where you pour your own complimentary small cup of coffee in a cup, and sip as you browse the aisles. And look at who greets you when you walk in the door of our own local book shop? You don't get this kind of welcome at a huge big bookstore!

It feels SO good to be "home" again!

Do YOU have a favorite local bookshop?

Browned Butter Cardamom Cookies

2011-02-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

I love to try new-to-me cookies throughout the year,

as a sort of taste test run for holiday baking.

If we like them, then they go into my personal

baking book. This is one of those recipes.

The browned butter adds a new dimension to the

flavor of cookies, and I'm going to be experimenting

with it more in "everyday" cookies, like

Chocolate Chip, and our personal favorite,

Oatmeal Raisin Spice.

In the meantime, give these a try.

They are easy to make, and would

be a wonderful addition to have with your cup

of tea, any time of the year!

(word of warning: the confectioner's sugar can be

a mite messy after the cookies are first rolled,

but will "settle" down after the cookies have

had time to mellow. But the flavor makes

putting up with a dusting of

white, well worth it!)

Browned Butter CardamomCookies

1 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened

3/4 Cup Sugar

1 Egg Yolk

1 Tblsp. Vanilla

1/2 Teasp. Ground Cardamom

2 Cups Flour

2 Tblsp. Milk

1 Spicy Memory

1 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar

1/2 Teasp. Ground Cardamom

Melt butter in a 2 quart heavy saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring constantly and watching closely, until butter just starts to turn golden brown (3 - 5 minutes). Butter will get foamy and bubble.

Immediately remove from heat. Pour into bowl and refrigerate until cooled, approx. 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine cooled browned butter and sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until well mixed. (those little brown specks are the browned butter solids that have taken on a slight nutty, toffee flavor.)

Add egg yolk, vanilla and cardamom. Continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low. Beat, gradually adding flour, until mixture is no longer crumbly and forms a dough.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies puff and start to turn light golden brown. (Cookies will have cracks in them).

Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool 1 minute. Blend the confectioner’s sugar and remaining 1/2 teasp. ground cardamom. Roll cookies in the sugar mixture while warm, and again when completely cooled. Store between sheets of waxed paper in loosely covered container.

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies

Chicken Provencal

2011-02-21T18:29:00.001-05:00

We had to head back to Rochester for a few days, and I for one, get so tired of restaurant food, it is fun to cook and have something truly good to eat, once we get home.

This dish is SO good, I do hope that you will give it a try. The chicken literally melts in your mouth! And don't let all of the steps discourage you, it really does come together quite smoothly.

Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 300 degrees.

*A note about the chicken. You are going to need 3 lbs. of boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs, trimmed and cut into approx. 1 inch pieces. Don't use chicken breasts because you will wind up with dry, chewy meat. Also, if you can't find boneless, skinless chicken thighs, then you are going to have to do what I did. I took off the skin, then lightly browned the whole thighs. I then removed them from the pot, let them cool a bit, and sliced the meat off of the bone. It is a lot easier that trying to cut it cleanly off when it is still completely raw.

Before you begin cooking,

Trim and quarter 1 lb of White Mushrooms, that have been wiped clean.
Chop 2 medium Onions, and mince 6 cloves of Garlic. (note to self. Don't use yellow bowls next time. Garlic got lost in the photograph)

Rinse and mince 1 Anchovy Fillet. (Don't omit, unless you are on a low sodium diet. You won't be able to taste it, but it enhances the flavor of the meat)

Heat 1 Tblsp. Olive Oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the minced anchovy, and stir it around until it becomes little glazed bits in the bottom of the pan.

Add your chicken pieces, stirring frequently to brown on all sides. Remove chicken and place in a bowl.

Turn the heat down to medium. Add another Tblsp of Olive Oil, and add the mushrooms and onions. Cover and cook until the mushrooms release their liquid, and the onions have softened, about 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the mushrooms have lightly browned. Scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pot.

Stir in the garlic, and add:

1 Teaspoon Herbes de Provence (the fragrance is heavenly when it hits the heat!)

1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Stir thoroughly, and add:

2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste (I use the paste you find in a tube, but you can use the can variety if you prefer), and

2 Tablespoons unbleached, all purpose Flour.

Cook for 1 minute. Slowly stir in:

1/3 Cup of your favorite Dry White Wine. Continue to stir, scraping up any browned bits.

Gradually stir in 2 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth, either home-made, or low sodium commercial brand.

Stir in 1 - 14.5 ounce can of Diced Tomatoes that you have drained, and 2 Bay Leaves. Add the browned chicken. Bring to a simmer. Cover and place the pot in the oven, for and hour, or until the chicken is very tender.

While the chicken is cooking, drain and rinse 1 - 15 ounce can of Cannellini Beans, otherwise known by some brands as White Kidney Beans. You can then set them aside in a bowl.

Rough chop 1/2 cup pitted Nicoise Olives. These are a dark, slightly sour olive, and if you can't find them, you can substitute Kalamata Olives, Please don't use the commercial black olives that you find in a can. You need a more subtle flavor for this dish.

Also, chop 1/4 cup fresh Parsley, and grate 1/2 Teaspoon fresh Lemon Zest, being careful to not get the bitter white pith underneath.

Remove the pot from the oven, and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the beans and olives, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Stir in the parsley and lemon zest. Season with freshly cracked Black Pepper, and Sea Salt, to taste before serving.

We enjoyed our meal with some crusty bread and a nice glass of wine!

Awards Season

2011-02-10T20:22:00.001-05:00

Last Spring, I was the fortunate winner of a number of awards from some very thoughtful people. Unfortunately, it was a very difficult time for me to be able to post them with any sort of honor that was due. so I postponed my thanks.

But that didn't mean that I was not touched by everyone's thoughtfulness. I've been carrying those good feelings around with me for almost a year now!

So I thought that this, being the season of one award after another, would be the perfect time to blow off the dust, and bring these beauties to light! I won't post them all at once, but will share them over a couple of days.

The first one that I received, was from The Antics Of A Tameran Witch. She bestowed upon me the Beautiful Blogger award, and when I went back to see what questions she asked, found that she has waved her wand, and made her whole blog disappear. I'm now SO sorry that I didn't acknowledge her gift here sooner. If anyone knows if she has started a new blog, or how to get in touch with her, I'd greatly appreciate it.

And right on the heels of that award, a dear sweet person, Sherry Byrum gave me a very special award, created by Byrum Art. (And why is it pulsating perfectly to the song playing? How lovely!!)

Sherry has had more than her share of major challenges this past year, and yet she is still always thinking of others, lending her emotional and spiritual support. She may be small in physical stature, but her heart is as big as the Universe. I'm so humbled that she would give me this honor.

Thank you SO much Sherry!!

I thought that I would have to share a number of things that you never knew about me, or answer some other revealing questions, but neither of these award requested any. .so, I'm off the hook for now, and you won't know more about me than you ever cared to know. .but be prepared. .there are a couple more awards coming up very soon!

Wishing everyone a most beautiful evening!!

Mmmmmmm, I Smell COOKIES!!!

2011-02-08T18:23:00.001-05:00

I love to cook, but I love baking even more. And I love making delicious desserts that have an element of elegance, and/or a surprise ingredient that you wouldn't necessarily think of using in a treat . .like Rosemary.

Please don't turn away from these cookies, until you actually try them. They are very light crispy/chewy buttery layers of shortbread cookie infused with the comforting fragrance and subtle flavor of Rosemary.

To begin, strip the leaves of some fresh Rosemary, and chop them into little pieces. You will need 2 Tblsp. You don't need to worry about finding leaves in your mouth when you are eating the cookie, because the Rosemary crisps up in the oven. You won't even know by feel, that they are in the cookie!

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 1/2 Cups of Unsalted Butter and 2/3 Cup of Sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically.

Stir in 2 3/4 Cups of All Purpose Flour, 1/4 Teasp. Salt, and the 2 Tblsp. of chopped Rosemary. The dough will be soft. Form into a ball, cover directly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour. If you leave it longer, or over night, bring it back to almost room temperature before attempting to roll out the dough.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into 1/4 inch thickness. The original recipe calls for cutting the dough into 1 1/2 inch x 2 inch rectangles, but I have a 2 inch square biscuit cutter that works just fine.

Put the cookies on the parchment lined cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar. If you have little bits of Rosemary sticking out from the cookie edge, leave them until after the cookies have baked. More than likely, they will fall off when they crisp up in baking, but if not, they are easily crumbled away from the finished cookie, leaving a nice edge.

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. (The light browning actually intensifies the buttery flavor). Cool on wire racks, and store in an airtight container at room temperature. One batch produces about 3 dozen cookies.

IF you can leave them alone for a day or two, the flavors have a chance to blend, producing a very delicate, but flavorful cookie. They keep about a week.

I do hope that you try them, and enjoy them as much as my family does!

This Is Soup Weather!

2011-02-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it through the blizzard with a minimum of damage and a maximum of snow. But we didn't have the ice, we kept our power and heat, so for that, I'm very thankful. I hope that you all fared as well.

The minute that the winds shift into Autumn mode, the soup cravings start stirring, and when the temps dip into the minus range, it is time for some stick to your ribs bowls of delicious creaminess.

So I offer you today, the recipe for a Cheddar & Ale Soup with Pumpernickel or Rye Bread Croutons. This soup goes extremely well with a crisp salad.

First, make your croutons. If your bread if fresh, spread the slices of 1 loaf of your favorite Pumpernickel or Rye bread out onto jelly roll pans the day before, to dry out a bit. (the Pumpernickel is a fantastic flavor with this soup!) Turn them over to dry on both sides. (but don't let them get rock hard) It is easier to cut into cubes without crushing the bread. Put all of the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.

Crush 1 Tblsp. Fennel Seed with a pestle & mortar, and pour it over one softened stick of butter. Slowly melt the butter, then slowly drizzle over the bread cubes, stopping frequently to stir and distribute the coated bread.

Spread bread cubes on a jelly roll pan and bake at 300 degrees F. for 1 hour, stirring them every 5 - 10 minutes to insure even baking and toasting. Let them cool completely, then bag them in a storage bag, so that they stay crispy.

While the croutons are baking, dice:

1 1/2 Cups Carrots
1 1/2 Cups Onion
1 1/2 Cups Celery

And mince
2 Cloves of Garlic

Put 1/2 Stick of Butter into a large stock pot, along with all of the veggies and cook slowly, until all of the veggies are soft.

Add 3 Cups of Chicken or Vegetable Stock, and 2 Bottles of English Ale (use one that has a robust flavor. .New Castle is a personal favorite) stirring well, to make sure that none of the veggies are stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Add:

1 Tblsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Teasp. Dry Mustard
2 Teasp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Teasp. Tabasco Sauce

1/8 Teasp. Cayenne Pepper (I use Ancho Pepper Powder instead, for it's milder, smokey flavor)

Mix and reduce heat to let the soup simmer.

While the soup continues to simmer, cube 16 Ounces of a fine Cheddar Cheese. Please try a nice block of cheese, not the pre-packaged shredded variety. You won't believe the difference in flavors.

In a heavy saucepan, melt 1/2 Cup of Unsalted Butter. Add 1/2 Cup of flour, and using a whisk, keep stirring it over medium-high heat until the flour takes on a light golden brown color. (sorry that I don't have photos of this step, but I needed to keep a close watch on the pot. .it can burn very quickly!

Reduce the heat, and slowly add 1 Cup of Heavy Cream. Continue stirring with the whisk until the mixture thickens. Remove saucepan from the heat and add the cheese cubes. Stir with a spatula, melting the cheese completely. Turn the heat down to warm, and return the pot to the burner, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Using a stick (immersion) blender, puree the veggies in the beer stock. Once it is completely smooth, slowly add the cheese sauce to the stock, blending it well with a spatula.

Heat through, adding sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Garnish with snippets of green onion or chives, and the freshly toasted croutons.

Enjoy!!

Black Pepper Cookies

2011-01-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

Let's have a show of hands of those of you who have either made, or had the pleasure of eating a handful of warm Black Pepper Cookies before. . hmmm, a few. .well, the rest of you are missing out on a treat because these buttery, light sugar cookies, with just a touch of heat are addicting. Plus, they are easy to make!

First, cream 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl.

Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (I use vanilla paste, but the liquid is fine too). Beat until thoroughly blended.

Obviously, there are some steps not photographed, but I kept getting telephone calls, and I can only multi-task so much, and my social secretary has taken an extended vacation. .I'm having to rough it.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper (buy a tin of the finest grind you can find. If you grind up peppercorns, or use a purchased coarse grind, it will be too strong and overpower the flavor of the cookie.), and 2 1/4 cups of all purpose flour.

Beat until all is well blended. Can you see the flecks in the dough? Some of those are from the vanilla paste, but others are black pepper. Can you tell the difference? If you have finicky eaters, you can always just tell them that those are vanilla bean specks, and clue them in after they have eaten a few cookies.

Roll dough into 1/4 inch size balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. (I use non-stick foil for easier clean-up).

Pour about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into a cereal bowl or onto a saucer. Dip the flat bottom of a glass into the sugar, and flatten each dough ball, sugaring the glass before flattening each cookie.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8 - 11 minutes, or until lightly brown on the edges. Do not overbake. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes approximately 5 1/2 dozen cookies.

If you want to dress these up for holiday baking, add some colored sugar to the saucer, or you can even add some food color paste to the dough.

I hope that you enjoy these delightful little cookies!

Sage Advice

2010-11-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is upon us, and soon the fragrances of turkeys roasting, pumpkin pies baking, and the scents of spice and herb will be wafting through neighborhoods. It is time to share some sage advice.

Many years ago when I established my own home, and started delving into some major cooking, I was always a bit disappointed in the dressing that I made because it never quite tasted like I remembered from my childhood. But being young and "innocent", and taking the easiest route at the time, I kept buying the convenient ready-blended poultry seasoning that is available to all on our grocery store shelves, because quite frankly, that was what my Mom had always done, never questioning, never delving into just what went into that can. Blind trust. .rather naive of me, what can I say. .with age comes wisdom.

Over the years, I varied my dressing recipe, tweaking it until it had my own signature taste, but I still was never quite pleased with it, but began to think that as some childhood memories do, I was remembering it in more romantic terms, than it actually was.

Aren't These Graphics More Fun To Look At?

Then, somewhere in the past, I was reintroduced to the spice tins of my youth, and before. .vintage spice containers. As a child, I was always fascinated by the various graphics that they used. I guess it is the "artist" in me, but whenever my Mom or Grammies would cook or bake, I would study the drawn pictures on the herb and spice containers. I started looking for the tins I remembered, which immediately transports me down memory lane, and have also added some that I never got to enjoy before, which adds to the allure of the hunt.

They originally came in cardboard, which we now know today, doesn't keep them fresh for very long. .but let's be real. .the tins of herbs and spices today are either so loaded with additives to preserve them, and/or are also past their prime.

Herbs & Spices Used Traditionally in Autumn, have a tendency to be packaged in Orange!

One of my favorite tins is cardboard, with a metal top and bottom, and just happens to be "poultry seasoning". And, it is the very brand that my Grammie used! Yes, it is still full, and no, I haven't used it. I did carefully slide the top open, and yes, the fragrance is long gone. Sadly there isn't a year on the tin.

But, it does list the ingredients! Sage, Marjoram, Pepper, Celery Seed, Coriander, Allspice, Savory, and Salt.

And how does that compare with today's ingredients in poultry seasoning? Like a lot of things, each manufacturer has their own touch.

McCormicks uses Thyme, Sage, Marjoram, Rosemary, Black Pepper and Nutmeg.

Durkees prefers not to readily share their ingredients which makes me suspicious. Like I said, with age, comes wisdom.

Frontier Brand has two blends. Their regular blend is Sage, Thyme, Dehydrated Onion, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Celery Seed, and Cayenne.
Their organic blend consists of all organic ingredients as stated. Sage, Thyme, Dehydrated Onion, Black Pepper, Marjoram, Celery Seed and Red Pepper.

So my suggestion to you, is to do what I have done for years. Ditch the handy little pre-mixed stuff and make your own! Delve into the fragrant world of herbs, and let your nose lead you into culinary heaven.

I grow as many herbs as I can, mostly in pots so that I can bring them inside during winter, but I have a number of sages in the ground that winter over just fine. I clip the leaves and dry them each Autumn, crumbling them and storing them in an air tight ceramic jar, to keep out light. So keep that in mind next Spring, when planting season rolls around!

In the meantime, buy the individual herbs, either at an herbalist, or if you must, from the shelves of the grocery store, but buy the smallest tin you can find. Their shelf life isn't very long, no matter what the date on the can says.

Start with a 1/2 teaspoon of sage, and add a 1/4 of a teaspoon of the other ingredients, choosing from the lists above. .blend them together in a glass or pottery bowl, and take a gentle sniff! Smell the individual ingredients to see if you would like to add more. (take a breath of fresh air in-between) I will suggest taking notes so that you can duplicate your favorite blend in the future. This won't take as long as it is for me to write it all out, so don't think that you need a big block of time, unless you find it relaxing, in which case, take all of the time you want!

There may be some herbs that you won't be able to find in your grocery store anymore, such as Savory. In that case, you can always turn to the internet and order some. One source that I absolutely love is the Spice and Tea Exchange. (thanks to my friend, Pam, who discovered their shop while on vacation in Florida! Thanks, Pammie!!!) You can order small amounts or larger ones, they ship quickly, and the ingredients are always very fresh and fragrant.
Here is the link to their Savory, just for ease in an introduction to the site.

Once you start making your own blend, you will never go back to the prepared stuff again, and don't be surprised if your family and friends will be asking for your recipe, or want to know what you did differently, because your stuffing will be declared the best ever!

Oh. .and if you make the traditional bread stuffing, do something that neither my Mom, nor my Grammies apparently never thought to do, but is SO good. .add a slice or two of dark pumpernickel bread to the mix. .not too much, because you don't want to overpower your seasonings or veggies, & mushrooms, only to enhance them.

Let me know if you tried your own seasoning blend, and how it came out! I'd love to hear what you used!

Wishing you all a beautiful and joyous Thanksgiving!

The "S" Word

2010-11-01T08:34:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not afraid to say it. ."SNOW"! Yes, it is in our forecast for later this week. Sadly, I won't be here to see the first flakes coming down, and they aren't supposed to hang around waiting for my return, but the air will be crisp and clear with that hint of things to come, tingling your senses. And I'm going to miss the whole event. Drat.

I think that Mother Nature was giving me this gift to help me get over my post-Halloween doldrums. I didn't get to decorate, and because our town set Trick or Treating SO early last night, it was still light out when the kids came by. And more neighbors didn't decorate at all (at least we had lighted JOL's and our orange lighted arch!), and what is worse, didn't even hand out treats. What do you call a Halloween Grinch?

Seeing the forecast this morning, sent my heart soaring, then crashing when I realized the rotten timing, but then the most pleasant thoughts overtook my misery, tripping back down memory lane.

Being a child of the 50's, and living within a 100 mile radius of Chicago, I used to watch children's programs on WGN TV. .those of you who are familiar with their programs probably know where I am headed with this. . .

There was one program in particular that I watched, Garfield Goose. .he was a puppet of course, who thought that he was King of the United States, and his human, Frasier Thomas, was his Prime Minister. Do you know how silly I feel writing all of this out? But again. .I was a child of the 50's. .we didn't watch people being blown up and mutilated on a regular basis.

Every year, at first snowfall, they would show an old animated short, called Suzie Snowflake. They would also show it around the holiday season, along with another short, Hardrock, Coco & Joe, and an animated version of Frosty The Snowman. .no, not the half hour show, but an earlier cartoon rendition.

But my personal trip down memory lane doesn't end there. My Dad was the one who woke me up each morning to get ready for school, and on the day of the first snow, he would wake me up, singing the first few bars of that song. I would bounce out of bed and raise the shade to see just how much white was on the ground, and watch the delicate lace floating through the sky. .oh, how I loved that moment! And I still do. There is something so magical about it.

So for your viewing pleasure (keep your fingers crossed that I can get this to work!), I share with you, the original "Suzie Snowflake". (please turn off the music below)

Wishing you a delightful first day of November! The smell of snow is in the air! Aaaaaahhhhhhh

Jeanne's Give-Away!

2010-10-14T18:45:00.000-04:00

One of my dear friends, Jeanne, is having a give-away!

Click here to be taken to her blog, and find out what you have to do to win this darling little Halloween Faerie!

Good luck!!!

Welcome To My Web!

2010-10-05T08:27:00.000-04:00

I really didn't think about this being a tale of Halloween horror, until I read the whole thing, and pictured the old fashioned tale of suspense, but the first lines of The Spider and The Fly came to mind when this young Miss came to live on the outside of one of my windows that is adjacent to the plant filled patio, and entrance to my garden. (she is eating a fly). .and why blogger is suddenly insisting on putting my photo horizontally, is a mystery to me! But I digress. . .

She spun her orb web in late August, which covers the whole pane of glass. When it rains, or gets too windy, she crawls to the safety up under the upper wooden ledge. The silken strands have withstood the elements and time.

She grew up, she mated, she had her young, and sadly, now that the temps are dropping. . .it is now 34 degrees, and we've had frost warnings for two nights, I'm afraid that her days as a valued friend to my garden, are coming to an end.

It seems strange to become fond of a garden spider through a pane of glass, but she has given me a daily glimpse into her life, and I thank her for doing her part in the cycle of life so well. She captured a goodly share of pesky mosquitoes and flies, and for her dedication, I give her this poem:

The Spider and the Fly

Mary Howitt

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

(and one has to wonder why so many children become afraid of spiders. .could learning this poem in grade school have any influence on impressive minds? Naaaah!)

Wishing you a spookily fun day!

A Most Luscious Cake!

2010-10-04T08:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I finally had time to make this super yummy cake that JAZ had posted on her blog, way back on September 21st! Oooh, it was SO worth the wait!

As you can see, Hubs already has taken a big piece out of it. .he didn't want to wait until it had set up a bit, but declared the moist apple laden, gooey caramel-ly topped confection a BIG winner! I haven't seen him smile like that over a cake, in a loooong time. He is more of a pie, cobbler, or cookies type of guy.

Mine looks just like hers, but I didn't take a lot of photos to show the steps, since JAZ, on her Octoberfarm Blog, has already done it all so well, for all of us! Just click on her name to be whisked away to her page and her Mabon Cake recipe!

You'll only be sorry if you don't try it! And if you don't follow her already, you should sign up to follow Jaz's blog. .she not only regularly shares fantastic recipes (I have a notebook by my computer that is just for that purpose), but tours of her gardens, and fantastic photos of her trips! Her annual trip to Salem is coming up, and you won't want to miss it!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Autumn day!

Practical Magic Party!

2010-09-25T07:06:00.002-04:00

Our original schedule meant that I wasn't going to be here today to take part, so I didn't sign up for the official party tour, and I didn't prepare anything special for this event. . however, since I am here, I would like to remind everyone to click on the button at the top of my sidebar, so that we can go magically blogging together!

Then, when we are through, we can come back here for some classic (Midnight) Margaritas!

4 oz. Cuervo Especial Gold

4 oz. Grand Marnier or other favorite orange liqueur

4 lime wedges

4 teaspoon(s) salt

Rub rim of a chilled margarita glass with half a lime and dip it into a saucer of salt to coat.

In a shaker with ice, add tequila & orange liqueur.

Shake vigorously, and strain into the glass.

Garnish with lime wedge.

If you like a sweeter drink, you can add an ounce of a simple sugar syrup to the shaker.

Enjoy the tour, and remember, "Always throw salt over your left shoulder; keep rosemary by your garden gate; plant lavender for luck; and fall in love whenever you can."

The Artistic Halloween Queens Giveaway!

2010-09-15T18:12:00.000-04:00

The Artistic Halloween Queens are hosting a super duper Halloween Giveaway! One a day, for each day in October! These are some fantastic artists, so make sure to click on the link, or on their button on my sidebar to sign up!

I can be generous, and wish you the best of luck, since we each have a chance of winning something! lol

Tomatoes, Apples & Onions! Oh My!

2010-09-12T17:01:00.000-04:00

In most places wherever you live, there is a little slip of time, when the last of the tomatoes are still ripening (and you are looking for new ways to use them), while the first of the fresh, local apples are being picked from the trees. Add some of this year's onions, and you've got the fresh ingredients for a wonderful relish!

This is a old recipe that my Mom started canning when I was a little girl, and I've made it myself ever since I set up my own home. The original recipe calls it "chili sauce", but it isn't anything like "chili", nor is it like that bottled 57 varieties commercial brand that you can buy in grocery stores, but you do use it in similar ways. But this one is SO much better!! I supposed it could be called a tomato-apple relish, or chutney, but by whatever name, it is sweet and tangy, and luscious, mixed with a little homemade citrus or blood orange marmalade, glazed over chicken, pork chops, and as my Mom only used to use it, as a topper on meatloaf. Yum!! My mouth waters just thinking about it!

You are going to need:

16 Large Tomatoes
8 Sour Apples
5 Onions
1 Quart Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Cups White Granulated Sugar
1/2 Teasp. Cinnamon
1/2 Teasp. Black Pepper
2 1/2 Tblsp. Salt
1 Teasp. Cloves
1/2 Teasp. Ground Mustard

Pint or Half Pint canning jars with lids and rings, or jelly jars. (I used to put this up in pint jars, but since it is just my hubs and me, I use the jelly jars, and get 18 jars. It keeps in the refrigerator for weeks, like ketchup.

If you have a food processor, this is where it comes in handy. I used to do all of this by hand, and it works fine, but just takes a lot longer to prepare!

I peel and section the onions first, then run them on blade only to chop them up. Use the largest soup pot or kettle that you have. Initially, this makes a lot, but cooks down. Put the chopped onions into the pot.

Wash, section and core the apples, but you don't need to peel them, but do look for soft spots or blemishes. Run those through your food processor, or a coarse blade of a food grinder if you have one of those. Pour into the pot.

Wash the tomatoes, and section, removing the stem core, and run those through your food processor or grinder. If you are doing this by hand, then you can cut your tomatoes into large chunks, since they will cook down.

** A word about tomatoes. .if you are buying commercially canned tomatoes, and your recipe calls for crushed, pureed, or diced tomatoes, always, always buy the whole ones and crush or cut them up yourself. Why? Because the canners always use the best looking and highest quality tomatoes for their whole tomatoes, and the, um, shall we say, lesser quality ones for the crushed or chopped ones. You don't even want to think about the quality of the ones that are used in making tomato sauce, pastes, purees, and ketchup. This isn't anything unusual. It is the standard not only for tomatoes, but pickle relishes too, jams, jellies. . I've lived my whole life in this farm belt area, and made school clothes money picking, sorting and cleaning every type of veggie or fruit that you can think of, the last of each season, going through and picking every fruit or veggie, no matter what the condition, then sitting in a long line of trucks and tractors in the hot sun at the canneries. . and now that I've totally grossed you out, let's get back to the good stuff!!! Remember. .these are veggies that YOU picked out, by your own hand, eye and nose.

Add those fresh, firm chopped up tomatoes into the pot with the onions and apples, and stir until well combined. I left out some photos of the different steps, but I'm confident that you can figure it out! Cook at a medium low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently because it can scorch quite easily.

Add the rest of the ingredients, and cook slowly, uncovered for 2 hours, or until it reaches the thickened consistency that you favor. (I have even refrigerated it overnight after cooking for the 2 hours, then reheated it just to bubbling again the next day, which thickened it up even more, and gave the flavors a chance to blend.)

In the meantime, sterilize your jars (dishwasher is wonderful for this step, if your water is hot enough, and you keep the unit closed until you need to use the jars.), and lids.

Ladle into hot jars, leaving no less than 1/2 inch space between the relish and the rim of the jar. Wipe the rim clean, place sterile lid and hand tighten the ring onto the jar.

Seal in a hot water bath for 20 minutes. I'm assuming that you know all about this step, but if this is your first time canning, let me know, and I'll explain more fully, or you can go to the experts at Ball Canning.

And that's it! When the jars have cooled and each lid has provided you with a resounding "pop!!" to let you know that it is sealed, you can write out your labels for the jars, and store them in a dark, cool place.

Enjoy!!

Halloween Is Only A Click Away!

2010-08-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

I apologize for my absence lately. I have a number of awards to acknowledge, and some recipes to share, but we are going to making another trip back to Rochester this week, and in the interim, I've been taking my Mom to various doctor's appts. I'm getting a lot of waiting room reading done!

I have been sharing some new Halloween treats, and realized that not everyone follows, or maybe doesn't know about my other blog. If you want to try and get into the Halloween mood a bit early, just click "here", and you'll see my two new OOAK's.

A VERY cool VooDoo Doctor, hand sculpted by Dennis Haynes out of his Runamuck Studio,

And an equally delightful Vampire & his pet, come to life by the hand of Mandy Broome of Fiddlestix Studios

Such diverse styles, and both so much fun!!

Full photos are on my Halloween blog! I hope to see you there!

Wishing you a delightful evening!!

This is SO cool!!!

2010-08-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

Sharpen your art pencils, make sure that your pens have ink, and sign up for the 2010 Sketch Book Project!

Thousands of completed sketchbooks will tour the country, and then find a permanent home in the Brooklyn Art Library. What an awesome project!

You can get more details by clicking on the image, either here, or later, on my sidebar.

Have fun!!

Wonderful Give-Away

2010-08-22T14:25:00.000-04:00

The Sacred Oak is having a very nice give-away, and I want to share the opportunity with you.

Please click on the link above to go to their blog for details, and good luck!

What Fun!

2010-08-01T17:59:00.000-04:00

I was taking a few minutes to start browsing, and I was immediately led to what sounds like a fun event!

If you are a fan of the book and/or movie Practical Magic, then you should check this out!

Some women have gotten together and are hosting a Practical Magic Blog Party on September 25th! Sadly, I won't be here to take part, but you all can get in on the fun. (If nothing else, go look at the beautiful blog that they set up just for this event!)

You can click on this, or the button on my sidebar! Have fun!

AAAAaaaaaaHHHHHHH CHOUuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!

2010-08-01T13:55:00.000-04:00

Cough, Cough, Cough!! No. .no cold. .dust, just lots and lots of dust everywhere! Look at what comes rolling in when your blog goes untouched for weeks now.

We had to stay longer than originally scheduled. .they decided to add a bunch of tests that Hubs hasn't had in a while, and since this is their busy season, it was only one a day instead of them all being done within a couple of days.

It was worse because we had to stay over the weekend, when the clinic isn't open. One gets so tired of going out to find something to do, and that motel room gets smaller and smaller.

And now we get to go back next week, but hopefully, that will only be a three day trip total, then we'll be home until the first of September, and then again in the middle of the month. .

I'm so far behind in posting and reading, I may never catch up, but I wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate everyone hanging in here with me. I truly miss being in touch with you. Hopefully, I'll get some breathing room soon. .in the meantime, can someone hand me a broom? A huge industrial shop vac would be more efficient, I guess.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day!!

Home Away From Home

2010-06-20T17:36:00.000-04:00

We just got back home, and are leaving again on Thursday for a week's stay. We have been doing this increasingly, since 1998, so Rochester is feeling all too familiar.

But, I'm very grateful that we are within a day's driving (10 hours), and that they have been continuously in the know of advanced treatments.

So, I thought that you might like to see where I am, when I am missing from here!

This photo is taken on a Sunday, when the clinic is closed.

They don't have an emergency room, since the hospitals attached to the clinic have extremely efficient ones, and they now also have satellite out-patient clinics placed all around the city, for treating people who may have the flu, poison ivy, colds. .illnesses that need medical attention, but not extensive testing. However, if it is determined that a person does need further tests, they make the appointments with the main clinic and all info is immediately transferred.

The section of building to the right is the Mayo Building. The section from the curved glass, to the left, is the Gonda Building. It more than doubled the size of the clinic, and attached the Mayo building to the Methodist Hospital, Charlton Building and Eisenburg Buildings. There are several other buildings that house doctors offices and medical support services that are attached via the skyway, or what is called the subway, so that no one needs to go out in the frigid Minnesota winter weather. You only realize you are in a different building, when you notice the different style of architecture and decor.

Through the subway, or the skyway, you can also access a couple of hotels, a couple of banks, and a good number of retail shops and restaurants. You could shop most of the day, and never go above ground!

Here is a photo of the clinic at the far end, overlooking Peace Plaza. The "Movie Theater" on the right, is really a Barnes & Noble bookstore! They kept much of the original architecture of the theater, including the high domed ceiling that they painted a deep blue, and put in little pinpoint lights that look like stars. It is two stories, with an escalator in the middle of the shop. You can access the store by the skyway, arriving on the second level, or the street level plaza entrance. All year long (even in winter, when they have the days long holiday bazaar), they have open air markets, concerts and other activities on this plaza.

There are numerous skylights and an atrium that bring lots of natural light into the lowest level. Here in the atrium, you see a glass wall that goes up three stories. There is also a terraced patio right outside for enjoying the fresh air. Their flowers are fantastic!

There is also a grand piano in this area, as in other open common areas, with scheduled pianists and vocalists performing throughout the day.

There is also an abundance of artwork, either permanent pieces, or rotating displays in cases all along the subway walls, in the elevator lobbies on each floor, statuary all over the grounds outside, and inside.

Dale Chihuly created 13 of these pieces, which are huge. .they don't show their enormity here, but they hang above the passageway to the garage, and you can see them at eye level, when you are waiting for your shuttle.

If you look back up at the photo of the atrium, you'll see a 6500 pound sculpture on the wall, that used to hang on the outside of the Mayo Building. After the completion of the Gonda building, they rehung "Man & Freedom" by Ivan Mestrovic to oversee the atrium.

This is the inside of the main lobby of the Mayo Building:

But this is the entrance where all of the shuttle buses drop people off, and pick them up. There are routes that go out to specific motels and hotels that run on schedules, so that you don't have to worry about finding a parking place, or dealing with traffic or road construction.

There is a whole courtesy crew ready to help anyone who needs a wheelchair, or other conveniences. When you arrive, you feel like you are at a luxury hotel!

The 20 story Gonda building was opened in October, 2001. Since we were coming back every 85 days, we watched the construction from the very beginning, until completion, and since Ed's doctor was moved into the new section, we were one of the first to enjoy the new expansive windows and view, along with the new waiting and exam rooms.

The Methodist Hospital is attached to the clinic, and St. Mary's Hospital is a few blocks away. There is a shuttle that runs between St. Mary's and the clinic every 15 minutes. Doctors operate and treat patients at both hospitals. It depends upon what kind of surgery you are having, and the scheduling of operating rooms. Some outpatient surgeries are done in the clinic buildings too. They are all one huge, super efficient system.

Getting an appointment is amazingly easy, and you get your test results often on the same day as your test, or at the most, the next day. No waiting days, or even weeks like we do here at home!

I continue to be in awe of their system, and like I said, so thankful that we are able to get treatment there for my hubby!

If anyone wants to know more about how to get there, numbers to call for appointments, or some suggestions of where to stay, or better yet, where not to stay, you are welcome to e-mail me. I'd be happy to help you if I can!

Wishing everyone a beautiful day, and a VERY Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads!!

Join Us On The Water!

2010-06-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

I remember being SO livid and SO upset when the oil spilled in Valdez, and I couldn't take off from work to go to Alaska to help. .and now, I've found out, I would have been turned away because I didn't live there. .go figure. .but I never, ever wanted to feel that helpless for something that I love so much, ever again.

Well, that was rather unrealistic, because now, I'm being torn and twisted from so many directions at once, I can't believe it, and one of them is the horrors of the oil spill in the Gulf.

I'm sure that many of you are sharing my anger and sadness. .sadness is too mild a word..anguish is more like it, accompanied by the helplessness.

Well, someone has come up with something that we can all do together, to try and send some healing power back to Mother Earth. .at least we can show her our love.

Please click on this Divining Women link to read the details. Or click on the button on my sidebar.

It is really very simple to take part, no matter what your spiritual or religious beliefs. .we are all in this together. Please try and take part, and spread the word!

Blessings,

Funny Friday

2010-06-11T07:58:00.000-04:00

Being that I am apparently fulfilling my life's purpose as caterer and nurturer of felines, including the four orphaned kittens that I have been raising since a week after they were born, I found today's Garfield funny because it is so close to the truth!

And if we had dogs too, it would be the same. They all rule our hearts.

Wishing everyone a beautiful Friday!

Another Blog Tour!

2010-06-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

Only this one is someone else's idea, and I'm really looking forward to it!

I love looking at those publications that showcase artists' workspaces. It is so interesting to me to see not only the reflections of their individual personalities, but practical things, like lighting, placement of workstations, colors used in their decor. .storage. .and in my mind, try to better define what I want in my own creative space which is a shambles at the moment.

Lo and behold, I found a blogger who not only likes looking at spaces where artwork is made, but she formed a tour last year and it was VERY successful!

So much so, she is doing it again this year, and right now, over 400 people have signed up to share photos and descriptions of their creative spaces, whether it be a tabletop, or a whole studio, with everything in-between thrown in!

Please go check out Karen Valentine's blog now (I've linked to the page with the details), where you can learn more, then sign up, or at least add the link to your sidebar, and remember on the 19th, to join in the tour! This should be a lot of fun!!

Wishing everyone a beautiful evening!

The 31st! The Final Day of the 2010 MAYniacal MAYhem Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-31T05:00:00.057-04:00

I'm feeling mixed emotions on this last day of the Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl. I've found SO many neat Halloween sites, it was worth the time to find them. Unfortunately, we had to be gone more than what I had initially expected, so I didn't get to linger as much as I would have liked (but can make up for that since they are now on my much enhanced watch-list), and due to Blogger's continual error messages, I couldn't search as much I would have liked, but hopefully, that too will be remedied in the future.

So on this last entry for Halloween, besides my other neat find on my Halloween Blog, I'm doing something a bit differently.

There are three women, whose blogs I follow along regularly, that I wouldn't feel this celebration to be complete without giving them each their own spotlight. I'm sure that most of you are already familiar with these wonderful blogs and share my enthusiasm for them.

But, in case you are not, and in no particular order, my I introduce:

Sarah, of Cottage Garden Studios. The woman of many talents with a heart just as large. While her blog is not dedicated to strictly Halloween, one of her trademarks are her totally enchanting ink drawings of Witches not only going about their daily schedules, but having the advantage of living in their own specialized village. I wish that I had gotten prints of each in her series. They are SO much fun!

Sarah is also a talented photographer, who is growing in her new art form by leaps and bounds. Please also check out her photography blog if you haven't already done so.

And look to see her new series of delightful penned quilt blocks. .she has a new one for Halloween! I love it!

Next, is Mrs. B, of Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom. If you love Halloween, then you are going to want to save a link to her blog because in October, she has a major month long party, going blog to blog with not highlighting blogs that are ready for Halloween, but with daily drawings and prizes too! It is mind boggling, and loads of fun!

I knew that she puts an extraordinary amount of time into her 31 Days of Halloween, but after I just looked for blogs for a month, I have an additional amount of respect for her seamlessly pulling this together each year. Totally amazing!!

And now, may I introduce you to Jaz, of Octoberfarm. Again, her blog is not dedicated year around to Halloween, but it is worth looking up her past posts. She has an outstanding collection of Halloween decor, both old and new, providing instructions for her new projects. And she loves to cook, always showing step by step with excellent photos. .take for example, her Baked Brain recipe.

You'll want to stick around for the rest of the year too. She is one of the most all around creatively talented people that I know. It doesn't matter if she is in the kitchen, garden, craft room, or hitting the thrift shops, her artistic eye never fails her.

These three woman are so different, but they are all creative, they seem to have endless energy, and they are all so willing to share themselves with all of us. So it is an honor to end this blog crawl on high notes, visiting with each of them.

I thank all of you for hanging in here with me. I hope that you found some new delights as I did. It makes the journey worthwhile.

And now, after clicking over to my Halloween blog one more time, we can start to gear up for Halloween! After all, we only have 5 months now, and you know how time flies!

Wishing you a Happy Holiday!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl ~ The 30th Day!

2010-05-30T05:00:00.004-04:00

I could not let this blog crawl end without heading over to Sherry & Ron's Byrum Art.

While their forte is Halloween art, they do create seasonal work too, but what I really love about their creations is that they view Witches as being Witches the whole year through, not just as a costume to wear on October 31st.

So please take the time to browse through the archives and their various venues to get the true flavor of their work. I love the magickal quality that is their trademark!

Here, Sherry has turned one of Ron's original paintings (and one of my favorite images!) into a pillow. They are always coming up with creative ways of using artwork besides hanging it on the wall.

And then, for the next to the last time, please head over to my Halloween blog for another find!

Wishing you another spectacular weekend day!

Day 29 ~ Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-29T05:00:00.003-04:00

My dream home was always like the one that was built especially for the movie Practical Magic, long, long before the book, let alone the movie was ever written.

But my second choice would have been a "little" more ornate, such as this one:

You'll find fitting decor that is currently available, plus a lot more at Dark Style. This is their old blog, but it still is loaded with photos, plus they have the link to their new website.

The home that we did move into was built in the late 1880's, and is a middle class Victorian that was sadly stripped of most of it's gingerbread trim and turned into apartments during WWII. We did get the wall knocked out again, opening up the stairway to turn it back into a single family dwelling. But more on that later.

For now, enjoy the fantasy, then travel over to my Halloween blog for another site along the same theme, but different photos, including one of a fabulous kitchen!

Enjoy your Saturday!

The 28th Day of the Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-28T05:00:00.030-04:00

If you are looking for personal attire or home decor with a serious gothic look, or elegant enough for the Kentucky Derby, the The Courtesan Macabre is the blog for you!

I love the creativity and planning that goes into pulling together that unique, special look, and here is photo after photo, sharing the unique and unusual. What a fun browse!!

And check out the octopus that is woven into the upholstery of this sofa! What a conversation piece this would make for your next Halloween party!

Then please crawl over to my Halloween blog for another highlight!

Have a great weekend!!

Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl ~ Day 27

2010-05-27T05:00:00.046-04:00

Oh! I'm SO excited to have found this blog!

One of my favorite things to do is to go antiquing. My only regret is that this that Gothic Rose Antiques is across the country from me, but Crystal does list some wonderful finds on her linked website. Please check them both out. .she does a wonderful job of staging! "Atmosphere" jumps out of your monitor!

Take a peek at this French Mortuary Drape! There are SO many cool things for sale. It probably is best that I don't live closer. It would be too tempting to buy, buy, buy!! But it sure would be fun browsing!!

Then there is another Halloween stop waiting for you on my Pumpkin Blog!

It is amazing to me that this month is winding down already. It seems like I just got started!

Wishing you great plans for your extended weekend!

Day 26 of the Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-26T05:00:00.030-04:00

Like I've said before, there are SO many wonderful Halloween artists, I could use another month just to showcase each one of them. I continue to be delighted and inspired by each of their creations.

Today, we are crawling over to Jeannine's By Way Of Salem to check out her newest delightful member of the VonGrimKiss family. We all have our trials and tribulations in our lives, but this past year has been a real challenge for Jeannine and I'm SO happy to see her creating again. Welcome back Jeannine!

And, as usual, another Halloween highlight awaits you at my Halloween Blog!

Wishing everyone the happiest day!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 25

2010-05-25T05:00:00.016-04:00

Vintage Halloween, and replicated Vintage Halloween. .that's what you'll find at the Vintage Halloween Collector! Makes sense. lol But you'll also find ideas for using those finds in decorating ideas and party planning. Jenn has a whole Nancy Drew themed party laid out for you! What fun!

Then at your leisure, please head on over to my Halloween Blog for today's other treat!

Have a great day!

Day 24 of the Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-24T05:00:00.015-04:00

I found another delightful blog full of various Halloween delights, including a photo of the cutest little pumpkin. Proud Papa just had to share, and I can't say that I blame him. Please check out the various Halloween pursuits of Through The Patch.

And when you are ready, you can go over to my Halloween Blog for another delight!

The Halloween Blog Crawl, Day 23

2010-05-23T05:00:00.022-04:00

This is the last full week of our Midyear Halloween Blog Crawl. The month has gone by SO fast for me! I've been enjoying my discoveries though, and hope that you have too. I certainly don't expect you to respond every day, but have truly appreciated your comments letting me know that you are checking in from time to time. The whole purpose is to direct you to another blog to spend some time enjoying what they have to share.

So today, we are going to visit a relatively new blogger, but a very talented one. Jennifer displays her delightful Halloween art on her blog, The Prim Pumpkin. Please go and take a peek. .or two!

And when you are through, there is another discovery over on my Halloween Blog!

Wishing you a gorgeous Sunday!

Halloween Blog Crawl ~ Day 22

2010-05-22T05:00:00.020-04:00

Did someone say "Glitter"? I LOVE to play with glitter! For a treat, let's go to A Glittered Halloween to see what Kim has been making. She always has some delightfully scary creations that make me laugh!

And when you are through browsing, head on over to my Halloween Blog for another treat!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

MMTMYHHBC - Day 21

2010-05-21T05:00:00.025-04:00

Wow! I'm blown away! Jayson, over at Nichols Manor has figured out how to make plastic look like this:

And even more importantly, and I think, extremely generous of him, he is sharing it with us on their blog! My brain cells are popping with ideas of how to use this technique! Thanks Jayson!

After you are through reading the instructions, and before you go off to start on your projects, head on over to my Halloween blog for a link to sign up for a neat giveaway!

Have a beautiful day!

Day 20, Mayniacal Mayhem

2010-05-20T05:00:00.016-04:00

Today I'm pimping my own blogs, more or less. These are two blogs that I have the honor of sharing with some truly talented and fantastic people, and I wanted everyone to be aware of the marvelous things that they take the time to share with everyone.

Here we are at The Haunted Gardens. These four women never fail to amaze and teach me new things in the botanical world, and manage to make to laugh occasionally too! I am honored to share this space with them.

Then please go over to my Halloween Blog to see another Halloween group that I'm a part of!

The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 19

2010-05-19T05:00:00.036-04:00

One of the blogs that I follow regularly always has a touch of the spooky, or the creepy in it. .in a good way, of course! And it is created by another regal queen. .well, maybe not so regal. .she is The Frog Queen. (are frogs regal? I guess they are if they happen to be a prince that was turned into a. .well, you know. . )

Yes, her other passion is frogs. .not spiders, but for those of you who are already familiar with Frog On The Pumpkin, you'll know that she manages to come up with some pretty phenomenal haunts, along with the funny ones.

She and her hubby have an awesome Halloween display each year. You can see some photos on her Davis Graveyard Blog. My only regret is that I live far across the country from her, and can't enjoy her haunt in person.

But you can enjoy a virtual tour with me, and then head on over to my Halloween blog for another treat!

Day 18, Happy Halloween Blog Crawl!

2010-05-18T05:00:00.018-04:00

I love artsy, creative Halloween, especially if they have at least a touch of the vintage look to them. And I have an affinity towards emphemera, so it isn't any surprise that I especially love the things that Iva comes up with at Halloween Alchemy!

Then please go over to my Halloween Blog for another featured artist!

I do hope that everyone is having a great week!!

MAYniacal MAYhem! The Midyear Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 17

2010-05-17T05:00:00.026-04:00

Today Hubs and I will be tooling down the highway, heading westward to Rochester, MN. And no doubt we will be listening to some favorite CD's.

So I thought that it would be appropriate to give you some music to listen to, too!

Dave has moved his Mostly Ghostly Music site to here, (you can listen to music while you are playing on Facebook!) but his blog is worth looking at too. .the photos of the album covers are so much fun to study.

After you get your tunes set, head on over to my Halloween blog to see what else I've found!

Day 16! The Halfway Point of the MAYniacal Mayhem H.H. Blog Crawl!

2010-05-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

Whew! Quite frankly, I'm surprised that I've made it this far! lol Between trying to get ready for us to go to the Mayo Clinic again this week for a few days, and taking care of four orphaned kittens since Mother's Day, when they weren't quite 2 weeks old, my blogging time has been seriously threatened. (Thank the stars for being able to pre-post!)

So I hope that all of my blogger friends will forgive me for not stopping by like I had been doing. Eventually, the kittens won't need me as much, and we won't have to make a return trip for a couple of months. .so then I can play catch-up!

Because this is the half-way point, I am taking the liberty of going off Blogger to share a couple of interesting sites. Dead Spiders Musings & Makings is full of fun things to buy, or to get ideas for making your own. Look at what she did with her porch to have a "small" display! I love it! I see a lot of treats on her site that I'd love to have!

Go take a peek, then head on over to my Halloween blog for another surprise!

Day 15 of the Happy Halloween Blog Crawl

2010-05-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

There are a number of Halloween artists that have blogs that I'm going to crawl to during the remaining days of my midyear search for Halloween. I'm not going to just be posting Halloween art, but will weave them in with whatever other Halloween haunts that I can find.

I've been postponing those posts for a bit, because some artists create for their livelihood, and have been showcasing the seasonal holidays in Spring and Summer. But some are now again focusing on our beloved Octoberfest, and new creations abound! These are all so exciting!!

For this portion of our Crawl, we are going to visit one, and get a heads up on another event happening tomorrow!

My friend Becca introduced me to Matthew's The Shiverboneyard, and I'm ever so happy that she did! His work is fantastic!! Please click on the link to this relatively new blogger and check out his latest! You won't be sorry.

And now for the heads up!

If you don't already know, Scott Smith is unveiling some new work tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, and I know you won't want to miss it! Please click on his Rucus Studio Shop tomorrow night! See you there!!

And while you are waiting, cozy up in your favorite chair and prepare to read some spooky tales over on my Halloween blog!

Wishing everyone a fantastic night!

Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 14

2010-05-14T05:00:00.026-04:00

Day 14 finds us crawling over to All Together Dead!

Although she inserts her cheery family activites between her Halloween finds, anyone who makes Spiderweb Eggs for that Springtime celebration full of pastel sweetness (although I do adore Victorian Bunnies!), deserves a Halloween Shoutout!

Then please go see what awaits you at my Halloween blog!

Mayniacal Mayhem, Day 13!

2010-05-13T05:00:00.009-04:00

Good Morning!

This morning's Crawl takes you straight to Salem! You may want to save this site because they will be posting the schedule of events for 2010 as they become available. In the meantime, they have wonderful photos from last October. I would SO love to go sometime. I know that some of you have been lucky enough to have visited already, and who knows, maybe someday we will be able to meet up at the Hawthorne Hotel, or the House of Seven Gables!

So click on the link, and we'll be on our way!

Then when are are ready, here is the link to another Halloween surprise!

The Happy Halloween Blog Crawl/Day 12

2010-05-12T05:00:00.026-04:00

Who knew that there was so many spooky & cool pieces of furniture and other decorative pieces for the home!

I've found another gem at Creepy Cupcakes! From permanent fixtures to accessories and personal adornment, Carrie Mae shares them all! (Go back to past entries to see her wedding photos! SO cool!!) It makes me want to re-think our decorating style. .

I haven't gotten a chandalier for the dining room yet.

Then head on over to my Halloween blog, to enjoy another stop in the tour!

The Halloween Blog Crawl, Day 11

2010-05-11T05:00:00.015-04:00

Oooh, I found a goodie today, that I could spend hours going back in time, to favorites, some I've forgotten, and some that are new to me. . .Adam has compiled an amazing collection of Halloween Specials, both stand alone shows, and episodes in series. For a trip down memory lane, please go check it out!

And then slide on over to my Halloween blog to see what awaits you!

The H.H.B.C. Day 10

2010-05-10T05:00:00.024-04:00

He calls himself "The Martha Stewart of the Dark Arts", and he does come up with some amazing furniture and other adornments for your home, whether you are decorating for the Big Day, or going with a year around Morticia Adams motif.

Just think of how this would look on the walls of the Adams' family home,

Or perhaps this would be perfect for your dining room walls!

Whatever your decor, it is fun to see what Bones comes up with next on his
Haunt Style blog!

And here is the link to see where more Halloween travels takes you!

Wishing you a fantastic day!