A Request

This is being posted by request. I simply mentioned an old fave to a friend, and she produced THIS version. At first, thought I, "What IS she thinking?" Then, I listened again... and again. Crazy voice; crazy flute; crazy harp with complementary beautiful voice. I'm hooked. Let us know what you think, after at least two listens... and for Heaven's sake, say what you mean! We both apologize for its out-of-sync problems; however, its message remains forever applicable:

That's It.. Fini.. Finito.. ✂ Cut..

"NO" to "SNOW"... It's time for a change. My NY TIMES alert tells me that it's Congratulations to Canada... must have been a good game, 'cause there was lots of yellin' and screamin' coming from the living room. The Olympics were wonderful; I enjoyed every minute of skating and skiing and story-telling. I'm crazy about so many of the athletes, and respectful of all. Closing ceremonies will put the finishing touches on my vow to march into March and springtime???

Save Me!

What can I say? We love our trees. Joe donned snowshoes and worked his way to this fave, often pictured in my blog. Just gotta luv him.

For PV... NO JOKE... Real Time

Do you see this, PV? I did not exaggerate in my recent mention of the old adage, "If you don't like the weather in upstate NY, just stand still for five minutes, and it will change!" Just 1-1/2 hours beyond cerulean, this is adding "salt" to the blizzard's wound!

Welcome Back, Cerulean... Real Time

Only John Irving...

...can name a main character Dominic Baciagalupo, in turn causing a chuckle (in a good way) each time it is encountered in a story... as the reader awaits the doom that will surely come. Mr. Irving has a special way of reminding us to never take for granted those we love. I'm so enjoying this read:

 (Amazon link) LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER

A Special Gift

An exciting package arrived today, from across the pond. My delightful friend, Christiane, knows how to make people smile. I'm so grateful to have her in my life. Last year's (link) gardening was enhanced tenfold by the long-distance sharing of progress reports, stories and photos. Once again, ocean waves are carrying my "Thanks" for the friendship, the inspiration, and the gift of seeds.

Snap, Blink, Gone... Real Time

Please left double-click to enlarge.

Olympic Beauty

Joe and I agree that a well-skied slalom race is beautiful to behold. Gold Congratulations to Germany's Maria R. - we are new fans... and...
Belated Congrats to old fave, Brian Orser, for coaching to Gold. Brilliance from the Ladies On Ice.

For The Record

Friends here know of Ike's saga; so, I won't bother linking to various past entries. However, this quick update just might be appreciated; the photo was taken yesterday. I must say that Ike has always loved the snow; he used to go for miles with us, snowshoeing. Of late, he gets cold when outdoors for too long. Not so yesterday; he spent hours frolicking in the white and fluffy. Thank Goodness we ignored the vet's advice. Instinct... and just lovin' our Little Buddy.

Reflections Of My Worlds Colliding

When G-d Ups The Ante To 3' & Rising...

...You think of Spring, make a date with John Irving, and pray for the power to stay on; that is, after you've removed the fresh 10" that fell overnight. 

Good Morning, World.

Sweet Dreams

 Apologies for my belaboring the snow issue; but this is an event, for sure. These photos were taken during Round Three of snow removal, at about 7:30 p.m. It is now 11:00 and still snowing with a vengeance... another six or so inches accumulated. We've already had two feet. The forecast is currently for thirty inches. It's supposed to snow through noon tomorrow. The math? Honestly, we've never seen anything quite like this. It has reached scary proportions. 

Nighty night.

IDOL... FYI

Too much TV, not my cup of tea; and I find myself too antsy to continue the "Olympics-IDOL Channel Surfing Event" that is underway in my living room. Sooooo, I'll take advantage of another week of too-many-kids-to-judge-as-of-yet to offer up this excellent (link) NY*TIMES*Article for your perusal. Money talks.

When G-d Gives You Two Feet And It's Still Snowing...

...Say, ❝Thanks so much,❞ as you acknowledge the beauty of His creation, at the same time praying for it to stop. As for us, we're on the right-hand side, top of the hill, behind the snowbank. Drive carefully.

While My ♥ Bleeds For The Beautiful Trainer...

...I believe in this message:

In Between

Snow continues to obliterate the view of our neighbor's house, across our shared cul-de-sac. When we look that way today, as we have daily for the last thirty-eight years, we are so very saddened. As I write, Jim is losing the two-year war he has raged against devastating illness. 

We all moved into our newly built homes at the same time. Memory serves me clearly, as I recall his first visit to our brand new home. I can envision my parents, brother and wife, all sitting at the kitchen table, while Joe, one-year-old Brian and I gave him the Grand Tour. Smile. It seems like yesterday. He last visited a couple months ago. He asked for my Mom, and I said, "We recently had a party, in celebration of her ninetieth. Isn't that amazing? Ninety!" Jim responded, "Well, that's great! I signed that contract, too." We wish it had worked for him.

In between those first and last visits, we've watched each other's backs and together enjoyed the beauty of our surroundings, knowing how lucky we are to have landed on this part of the planet. I must mention that he loves snow. Jim has our constant thoughts and prayers, as we glance across the space in between.

When G-d Gives You A Foot, Say "Thanks" & Play

YUM! Artie...

No one can turn a 54-calorie arti-
choke into a 400-calorie culinary delight quite the way my Italian Mom did, way back when. Days-of-old artichokes were oozing with bread stuffing, cheese and olive oil; and I mean oozing. But, that was then and this is now, when reality bites (no pun intended). I like to keep Old Artie legal. Still scrumptious, it's my favorite veggie on the planet.

Today's concoction: scallions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, wheat germ, pepper, parsley, oregano, grated cheese, a little EVOO and extra water in the pan, to allow steaming for-ev-ah. Remember to put whatever you like in them. 

Buon Appetito!

White-Out!

It's still snowing; it is gorgeous outside.... exquisite, actually. Over the mountain, traffic is at a standstill, as you'll see by the row of eerie lights in this picture:

Boys Will Be Boys

And it's still snowing, with our main highway closing... as I write...

Hey, Baby...

The Canadians take the Gold, and deservedly so; but, who didn't deserve it? Our beautiful Charlie and Meryl were amazing, too. What a spectacular night of ice dancing. The sport has changed quite radically, since the days of (link) Torvill and Dean, with less togetherness and touching... more challenging physicality. Either way, I say, "It's all classic; Congratulations; and Let's Dance, for Heaven's sake!""

Update *Cobbler* - It's A Keeper

The (link) recipe is outrageous! First go, I altered slightly, using old-fashioned oats, half the sugar, no salt... and I added cinnamon to the fruit. It was great. Second time 'round, I used more oats, less flour, even less sugar, more cinnamon and a sprinkle of wheat germ on top of batter. Third time coming, I'll probably use just an egg white - no yolk. That should do it!

Pears should be dripping with ripeness... and, I lowered my very hot oven to 350. Not sugary sweet, it can be served at any time of day. I like a portion for breakfast, with a couple more tablespoons of yogurt on top. Variety is the spice of life.

My ramekins are too small for single servings. What a pity... smile... I'll be shopping for perfect, 8-oz. individual bakers, 'cause this dish should enjoy an untouched presentation.

Loaded with fiber and antioxidants... most definitely ♥-Healthy. 

Bon Appétit.

Best Of The Best

Tonight's Part III shall conclude the ice dancing competition of this year's Olympic Games. Joe and I love this event. If you're a fan, would you agree that a standard, never to be surpassed, was set by Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, in 1984? 

G❄S❄Bo-deeeeeeeeeeeeee

Use 'Em!

Did you know that those neat, green shoots are considered to be a culinary treasure in the Asian kitchen? Don't toss them!

link: Garlic

Just for the record, the gorgeous canoe is by Glidden Pottery, who delivered the goods from 1940 through the late 1950's. Created in upstate New York, it's highly collectible. I'm supposed to be in the business of selling vintage and antique items. If I score a piece of Glidden, though, willpower goes to the wind.

Catch y'all tomorrow... wishing you Sunday Sun. 

Deservedly Crowned "U.S. King Of Winter"

link: NY*TIMES 
Photo Credit: Chang W. Lee


UPDATE 2/26:
One more Bronze makes Eight!

Grazie!

A dear friend has been hounding me for quite some time now to have Color Me Inspired printed, in order to assure its safekeeping. I thought it self-indulgent to do so. After all, this is fun for me, analogous to playtime. Then, one comment led to another and another, and teeny signs began to appear, all offering the same suggestion. So, thought I, "Why not?" 

Last evening, I took the plunge by ordering a copy of 2009's entries; 250 pages-worth in print. Unbelievable! I'm excited, but not nearly as much as my friend seems to be... how lovingly kind. Thank you so much for your constant input and encouragement. Special thanks, as well, to ALL who continue to visit and interact via comments or e-mail. The gift of time is priceless, and you have my endless gratitude.

Photo Credit PV *SoCalFebruaryBlooms*

A Concoction

It's a surprise to be posting a recipe for this con-
coction, borne from last night's apathy. I sprayed a small broiler pan with Pam, thinking I'd pop salmon fillets in for a few. Instead:

Placed broken Barilla No-Cook Lasagna noodle pieces on pan. Layered 3/4-inch-thick fish fillets over noodles. Drizzled on a little EVOO, and then another layer of broken noodles... this time, going on top of and around the fish to encase.

Generously topped with chopped Pomì's (I used about 3/4's of a box); sprinkled on some good Balsamic vinegar; seasoned with parsley, oregano, ground pepper; topped with grated Pecorino Romano and sliced olives. 

Covered loosely with foil and baked at 325 for about forty minutes. Uncovered for another five. Served with a big salad.

To Note: Make the fish "fit" by cutting and pushing to equal thickness. Whole deal took five noodles and one pound of fish; we had leftovers... very satisfying.

♥-Healthy... Buon Appetito!
Addendum: Should have taken a pic after slicing... sorry... I'll do better next time!

"Put Your Toys Away"

This morning's rendezvous in the living room to catch up on the news was such a joy. We didn't watch reports of death, destruction or terrorism; rather, Olympic coverage with M & M, Matt and Meredith. What a gig; and...

Photo LOS ANGELES TIMES

"What a night!" as exclaimed by Scott Hamilton. I'm not much for labeling anyone with the title of Hero, but Scotty would earn it, if someone forced the issue. It his been an absolute delight to watch him evolve from my all-time favorite figure skater to the amazing Human Being he is... a great presence and inspiration. I love you, Scotty. 

It seems that since boyhood, Evan Lysacek has chosen SH as his mentor. What excellent representation for the sport, as the two of them shared the spotlight to glow in the brilliance of Gold. The quad-in-question became moot, as Evan delivered the goods with perfect elements, during his entire program. Wow!  

Of course, half the fun of the Olympics is delving deeper into the personalities of those who possess the amazing ability to persevere. I enjoyed the linked article here: LA TIMES. 

Keep tellin' the kids to put their toys away... and...

CONGRATULATIONS to our Team USA winners from yesterday, a great day. And how about that Julia?? A tie with Bode??!! I can only keep saying, "WOW!

A Perspective

Our sons became proficient skiers, resulting from lots of gate training and downhill races. We had great times and served as gatekeepers on many a mountain. We well understand 1/100th of a second; it can make or break a kid's heart. Still... win, place or lose, they always loved those hours spent running gates. Memories of opening the newspaper the morning after a race are vivid. There would be the results of Brian's competitive team members, dominating races all over... each separated by a hundredth. Christian, three years younger, skied with many siblings of Bri's group, and they comprised yet another hot team. Now... that perspective...

Did you see the commercial about Moms, during the Games? It's great and I relate! With each athlete that comes through the start, my heart is pounding with excitement and fear. Today, they'll modify the icy, 1.8-mile course, to slightly reduce the 80-mph speeds attained. All those crashes during the women's downhill yesterday... Good Lord... I had to turn away. Thank G-d there were no serious injuries, or worse. And how about that half pipe? How glorious to see a new fave of ours reach unbelievable heights above it, to win his Gold... just lovin' Shawn White and his teammates! But from a Mom's perspective...

During his senior year, C made it to New York's Empire State Games; it was quite a thrill. It took place in a former home of the Olympics, Lake Placid. Whiteface Mountain, where the alpine events were, is often referred to as "Iceface". It's true. The weekend prior, a seriously injured skier was airlifted from the mountain. The first day's events were postponed, for the kids. After racing, C commented, "It's the only time I ever felt fear at the top of a course." His friend had missed going by about that 1/100th; he graciously loaned his hot pink downhill suit to C. So, we had a bright focus point. I've said enough; just please watch for that commercial; and be sure to catch Lindsey Vonn's post-race interview. We shared in her tears of released pressure and sheer joy.

Congratulations to all the amazing athletes; they've worked so hard to recognize their dreams. We are so proud for them. Looking forward to tonight...

IDOL Preempted

A little channel surfing tells us that the Top 24 are showing some amazing talent; and, I can now drop "idle" when speaking of the down-to-business IDOL. This week in our home, though, the Olympic Games won the TV time slots.

Go-DIVA!

I'm feeling like a diva today, upon receipt of my special Godiva gift and beautiful card. Thank you, Friend; you've made my day. What can be better than feeling special?

Gold & Silver Look Great Together... YIPPEE!

(link) Congratulations!

YUM *Cobbler*

This recipe for Pear-Cranberry Cobblers, by Kerri Conan, was lifted from the Net and looks to be scrumptious:

1/3 cup steel-cut oats

2 large pears (about 1 pound), peeled, cored and cut into chunks

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt

Heat oven to 375°. Place four 8-ounce ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet and coat each with cooking spray. Place oats in a bowl and stir in 3 tablespoons boiling water; cover and steep about 10 minutes. Divide pears and cranberries among ramekins. Mix next 5 ingredients in a bowl. Stir egg and sugar into oats; add flour mixture and yogurt. Stir but don't over-mix. Spoon batter over fruit and spray tops with cooking spray. Bake until topping browns and puffs, about 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Please Note: I've tried this, revised to my liking, and posted an update here.

Darlin' Companion

Here it is 6:30 a.m. and I find myself chuckling aloud, as I think of a friend's recent comment. Surely, she'll recognize herself! In speaking of her husband, she said, "He's so easy." Please, allow me to explain, since we all know the negative connotation attached to the same phrase, if used about a woman. She meant, no matter what her request, he complies in an exceptionally good-natured way. I can relate, with more examples than Carter has pills; but here's just one little anecdote:

Joe had a few work-related issues to attend to yesterday, in spite of the snowstorm. Soooooo, I requested that he pick up "just a few things". Two ensuing phone calls and one text later, the list had grown to include three bags-full of somewhat exotic items from two different stores. Did he complain, as I might have? No; he's just so easy. Maybe the anticipated gourmet dinner helped; I don't know. What I do know is that he always strives to make me happy. I'm gonna stick by him. Just think "Darlin' Companion" by Johnny and June.

Real Time - Dusk

Real Time - Big Kahuna & Lady Bird

We knew that it was only a matter of time till (link) Lady Bird was joined by The Mister. Snowy days, such as today, are the perfect setting for the Cardinals. Funny, but I knew it would be a shooting day! Isn't it just gorgeous out there?

After their branch-landings and a few seeds for sustenance, they rendezvoused in the depths of the low-growing Blue Spruce shrub.

Nature's Gifts.

Fave

It's a tad after the fact; but weekend excitement kept me from a timely post.

Did y'all see Apolo Anton Ohno win a Silver in the 1500 meter speed-skating event that was almost swept by the Koreans? What a thrill to see young J.R. Celski right behind him for the Bronze. Here is yet another human interest story, in J.R.'s comeback after such a horrific injury.

Have to give a shout-out to our skiing Bode Miller, too. Congratulations, all.

(Photo Credit - Getty Images)

String 'Em... Wear 'Em... It's Fat Tuesday!

And so, it's Mardi Gras in

NOLA...

time for my Christian half

to ponder what

to do

or

not do

for Lent...

Happy Season.