Buongiorno

A First

Today is October 29th, in upstate New York. This morning, upon opening the blinds to greet the world, I noticed a glimmer of color in my long-dreary pool garden. Just had to run downstairs and outside to capture pink, up close and personal. Perennial Hibiscus, a tropical flower cultivated for our cooler climate, continues to surprise. Where's Al Gore?

The Girls - Pure Escapism

We had the oppor-

tunity to kill a couple of hours the other day, with Joe cuddled up in "his" chair, feeling rather crappy, and the remote tucked safely in my non-clicking hand. So, "Sex And The City 2" it was. In this instance, I did not read the NY TIMES (link) review, as is my custom prior ordering a movie from Pay-Per-View. I didn't want to hear anticipated negativity. You know - it's a sequel to a sequel, considering the fabulous 

HBO series, followed by the fun Movie 1.

Long story short, the TIMES isn't wrong; and Joe agrees wholeheartedly. Of course, he's not really entitled to much of an opinion, as the musical backdrop quickly became light snoring. Once I hear the sound of that big Lazy Boy being tilted back - well, you know the rest.

As for moi? I was contented to be sitting in one spot for a while, not racing around like there's no tomorrow. Long sick of political ads, tragic news, and Joe's preferred Judge Judy, I was ready for escapism, a laugh and flamboyance of the sexiest variety. And, I'm a fan of the used-to-be-dastardly 

Mr. Big. By the way, do y'all watch "The Good Wife", also with Chris Noth? Super show. 

Back to Big and my girls. Don't expect much; you can read a book, while you watch this one - after all, 

it's just a fantasy.

Boomer Icons

Ah, to be the Brits' Jools Holland, right smack
in the middle of Mr. D. and Macca.
Photo Credit BBC

Candid Capture

Foliage Through The Eye Of A Deer Cam
(please left double-click to enlarge)

Not Really A Fan, But...

It was fun for a while, when the boys were little. Lots of planning and homemade costume construction; trick-or-treat by chaperone only; and home parties, with apple dunking and the works. Religious meaning? Well, let's all do a Jay Leno-style poll on the street, to see 

where that goes.

Once again, I find myself absorbed in the fun aspects, as my Grands plot and plan and become increasingly more excited. What to do? What to be?

Keith - The Cutest Pillsbury Doughboy, Ever!

Be it Peace or Pillsbury, let creativity be born. 
Happy Hallowe'en.

 Logged With Love for Niece Kim, Nephew Keith, and all the beautiful Children in my life.

♥♥

Hoping to be back soon, with current stories of 

Ghosts and Goblins. BOO!

Ah, The Last Hurrah

The Japanese and Ever-Red Laceleaf maples hang onto their goods, as long as possible; then all the red seems to drop at once. Remember, BL/BWN, when you'd pile up the leaves and let the kids and dogs jump and frolic in them? Humph. That was clearly before-Lyme and before-West Nile. I've become paranoid. 
Hiss-Boo.

Wishing You Lifelong Love, T-Y! ♥

Tour 2011

Why Worcester?

Okay, so you asked. On our way to and from the Cape, we pass by Worcester, MA, a city about 3 1/2 hours of driving time from us. It's fair game for an extra show, when Mr. D. is in town. We'd seen him "enough" times in 2008 to satisfy me; or, so I thought. As December and the Worcester show approached, I started getting cold feet. I merely suggested to Joe that we attend "...just one more show; it might be the last tour ever." Joe responded with his typical groan, and then said, "I've already booked accommodations. Go for it." Now, THAT, my dear Family and Friends, is true love. We always purchase tickets at the last minute, when all the over-priced, best seats become fair game... we scored.

Oz Ad - Please left double-click to enlarge

Thanks, Honey ♥. You just never know when it might be the last tour - smile. Are you ready for 2011?

 Bliss....Groan. 

(Surely I've mentioned the above before - apologies - chalk it off to a senior moment or fan anticipation.)

Secret-Ingredient Cuban Peppers

Yesterday, I made this dish for Ronnie, and he loved it - a compliment, since he is one person who can cook for me, anytime.

In a large sauté pan with a tiny amount of EVOO, pile in washed, seeded, lengthwise-sliced Cuban peppers, lots of diced, fresh garlic, sliced onions and freshly ground pepper. Here, I used about 8 large Cubans and 2 onions, one large white and one medium yellow. Stir-fry on medium heat for a few to allow oil to flavor the veggies, as they brown a little; then, add 1/4-1/2 cup water and with a wooden spoon, tilt cover on pan. Cook it all down, stirring occasionally and adding water, if necessary. You'll be amazed by how little the yield seems; but remember, it all becomes quite dense.

Now, add that secret ingredient - catsup - to your liking, about 1/4-1/2 cup, according to amount of veggies. Season with oregano and parsley flakes; give it a stir and simmer for another minute. When ready to serve, top with your own fresh breadcrumbs, seasoned with more parsley (fresh is always better, but I had none available).

Plate with rice. Don't forget to put garlic in the rice water (remove before serving). Though white rice would probably be the most aesthetically pleasing here, I used a combo of Red and White Jasmine, for flavor. 

Buon Appetito. YUM.

Luc ♡

'Twas a sunny day yesterday, in more ways than one. Water temps and fallen leaves mattered not for one lonely sailor, on our lake. A catamaran is a rare sight, 
in late October.

Mom had two surprise visitors; they made her day. We joined the festivities to catch up with Luc, whom we've missed very much. Even Mambo was thrilled. Thanks, Ron; awesome visit... so glad you gave us the heads up.

 Afterwards, Joe checked his very own field of dreams, where I hope Bambi is well hidden, in the shadows created by Old Sol. 

First-Time Team

 FOX Photo Credit

Congratulations, Texas... a deserved win towards your first trip to the Series. We'll be rooting for you, as we cry in our beer. Red is a powerful color; just ask 
any ND fan.

Double Vision

Cooktop Reflections

RIO - by Joe

Tranquility

Foam from a distance...

Yesterday, we thought to check out the Rio, sans kayak, before the foliage is com-
pletely gone. Gorgeous. Joe had some fun, in deciding to lean over the bridge, where the water falls. Luckily, I did not witness this action; but I must say, his resulting shot
 is terrific!

...and close-up

Girl Talk - Beautiful Brows

Soon, we shall witness the return of a fuller-figured arch, according to this HUFF*POST*LINK. I'm pleased, having never succumbed to pencil-line thinness; but how-much-to-tweeze is still a matter of personal choice.

See? Thin is not always in!

No-Proof Soup Recipe

Soup Weather... Yesterday At The Rio

1 box Pomì chopped tomatoes, slightly puréed 

1 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth

1 1/2 cups cooked rice; I used red jasmine tonight

1 cup cooked, diced, white meat turkey or chicken

Parsley, Oregano, Pepper to taste

Half 'n' Half - optional

Today flew by, and I was happy to find portioned broth and turkey in the freezer. I combined both ingredients with freshly cooked rice and puréed tomatoes. After seasoning, I let the whole shebang simmer for a few. Didn't expect it to be so delicious; we devoured it, before I could go snap, snap. Photo proof to come, 
next time 'round!

One Week Later - Next-Time-'Round Proof
Made with chicken/chicken broth-no cream necessary.

If you like creamier, lighter-in-color soup, add some Half 'n' Half... or, even better, a dollop of 
Chobani Greek plain/non-fat, to send it over the top! Measurements are approximate, in keeping with my style of cooking.

YUM! 

Come On, Yankees, Let's GO

Intrigue

Sunset sky, as we traveled westbound, 

last evening...

Intense Flavor

When you recon-

stitute sun-dried tomatoes for a recipe, be sure to double the batch. Then, in the Cuisinart, crumble day-old ciabatta (or your favorite bread), toss in those tomatoes and some oregano, and go to it. Amazing. A few crumbs on top of a quiche, or just about anything, will enhance flavors beyond description. Tonight, they shall reappear on baked Mahi Mahi. YUM. Keep them handy in the 
fridge or freezer. 

Buon Appetito!

Cover This!

Just two days after mentioning Rod Stewart, lo and behold, the real RS appeared on GMA. A familiar voice emanated from the living room, where the TV was on, but no one was watching. Soooooooo, of course I had to stop in my tracks.

Seems as though Rod has a new cover (dreaded word amongst Neil fans) album out. He says that livelier versions of "That Old Black Magic", and such, are something he'll tour with: "...you need uptempo songs to keep the audience involved..." 
Ahem.

I regret never having seen him in concert; he's terrific. There are only so many concert $$$$'s per year, though; and we've been fortunate in experiencing Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, U2, Dion and so many others... multiple times, over many years. But still, we should have seen Rod when audience involvement was of the real-rockin' variety; not that I don't love ballads, too... sometimes more so.
I digress...

This is a bit of an inside post for ND friends; I apologize. It's just that I don't think we'll be shakin' the stands much to his new cover stuff. It's dreary. Good, but dreary. Just give me some Brother Love or Maggie May. The fact of the matter is, boomers and their favorite rock stars are aging. Oooh! Did I just realize that?

37 Degrees?

Layers. What a pain. How many today, to go from 37 to 60? What shall I wear? Give me a triangle of funky fabric, any day.

Hair. Need to style it, just a tad. A visor and a windlown mess just won't cut it.

Feet. Shoes? A wasted, pretty, red pedicure. 

G-d made a mistake. He meant to land me in Kaua'i, island of love... princess of the islands. If we're lucky enough to revisit my favorite place, I'm just packing what you see. After all, a pareo can be styled many different ways! Ah, Elvis sang it best.

Rod Stewart In The House

Grazie ♡

It has been a while since I last said, "Thank you so much," to those who continue to read my blah, blah blog. Soon, CMI shall celebrate its second anniversary! Your comments, e-mails, ideas and suggestions mean 

a lot; they inspire me, daily.

Sending out some sincere, loving vibes here....♥

Thoughtful Twice

So, you'll recall my recent forgetfulness? Meanwhile, Mom, 91, exercised some pretty awesome memory. When I walked in with her groceries last week, I noticed an orchid, newly placed among her plants. "That is gorgeous," commented I. "Oh," answered Mom, "Vinne brought it to me, but I didn't see him. He's sick; so, he left it on the porch for me. Wasn't that nice? 
Isn't it beautiful?"

That evening, I got in touch with young Vinne, who became fond of Mom when just a boy and continues to visit her whenever he returns home. When I thanked him for his much appreciated attention and kindness, he told me  "...I love my Marge... and thought of her when I saw the plant..." 
Thoughtful once.

Yesterday, along with C/D/H/C's magnificent fall bouquet, the greenhouse delivered an orchid twin. The minute I laid eyes on it, I knew. Sure enough, when I called to thank Mom, she said, "Well, I remembered how much you liked mine and thought you would
 enjoy one, too. I wish you and Joe many, 
many more happy anniversaries." 
Thoughtful twice.

Imagine a world of such chain reactions. 
Thoughtful thrice? And then some. 
That's lovely Vinne and my Mom. ♥

10/12-Blame It On The Crock Pot ♥

That's Amore!

Looking back here on

Christian and Dawn's special day... 
We gifted them early and then forgot their actual anniversary. I am appalled. Can I blame it on Lyme disease? I think not. How many times have we spoken this week? Multiple, including this morning. Joe's comment to me? "That's not like you." Ha. 
Need I say more in this regard? 

We love you, Children. You know that. Please accept our apologies, and continue just as you are... 
a loving, caring couple, and the best of parents. 

Happy Anniversary and wishes for many, many more.♥

We appreciate your grace in never mentioning our 
faux pas, as you acknowledged our day.

10/16 Beautiful Bouquet...Thank You, Children

And So, That's Amore! ♡

Happy Anniversary to us! Forty-four years... W♥W!
 It's all about keepin' it simple. Beach roses are just as pretty as the cultivated variety. Don't you think? 
I love you, Honey. You're simply the best.