C♥rey

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Congratulations, Cors! See ya in Michigan!

CARPE DIEM!!! Today on Golden Pond

Joe was about to jump into the shower early this morning to get ready for work when I suggested delaying the same so as to take an early kayak ride. It's a hot and steamy one, today, and I knew our trip around the lake wouldn't happen, if not taken early. He obliged me…

As a result, we received an incredible gift from Momma Nature, one we might have missed had it not been for neighbors Stephanie and Joe. We were paddling feverishly, but caught their signal after we'd passed a tree in which Baldie was perched. We are indebted to them for what was probably the very best eagle photo op ever. Imagine being on the water, under Big Bird!

After watching and shooting for about half an hour, we left to continue our ride, returning to the same spot about an hour later. Baldie was still there, providing even more captures before he soared off to the opposite side of the lake.

What a treat!! And what a lesson for human fishermen and women. Patience. It's a great virtue, for sure. Our star caught nothing in all that time, reminding us that it takes a long time to catch that lunker you're after… and an even longer time in the bird-watching arena to score such a special moment.

In other lakeside news, the water was perfectly still, this morning. What amazing reflections it offered up. How 'bout that seemingly upside-down tree?? 

Returning home, the gift that keeps on giving was in gorgeous bloom. Who can resist hibiscus in summer?

Sharing. Giving thanks.

Mango-Plum Tart

We overbuy fruit. You know… summer fruit. It's so irresistible, especially when marketed well in gorgeous displays. Plums and mangoes. Yep, they were this week's must-haves. Too many, of course. So, with the threat of spoilage looming, what to do? Make a tart, of course.

Simply pare, cut, sugar and flour fruit; add a hit of ginger and let sit while you make a crust. In case you've forgotten...

2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt mixed in a bowl… add ½ cup canola oil mixed with 5 tablespoons icy water. Stir quickly, split in half and roll between two sheets of waxed paper.

Assemble tart and sprinkle top with sugar/ginger mixture. I did not bring top crust to edges… let 'er bubble.

Bake in a pre-heated 400-degree oven for about 45 minutes (this is a thin tart, so baking time depends on amount of filling).

The jury is already out on tonight's dessert… it got a solid 10!
Buon Appetito. Here's to the season.

Recommended - Dr. Joe D'Abbraccio, Visiting Vet

Big Dog was feeling a tad under the weather, last week. Maybe he was missing Lyla??

He bounded out of the kennel after a two-night stay, only to injure his rear leg getting in or out of our SUV. From that point on, it was downhill. One night, he bedded down on his pillow at midnight and didn't arise till six the next evening. That's a lot of hours to avoid bodily functions such as eating and relieving… not to mention that he always wanders into our room at night, giving us turns on which side of the bed he chooses. Always fair, Mambo.

Time to call "the" vet. But, "what" vet? We haven't had good luck, in this arena. One past doc actually referred to Big Baby as, "… you son-of-a-bitch…" Albeit true that he is the son of a female dog, aka "bitch," we didn't take to the reference too well. Oooh-kay, let's try visiting doc, Joe D'Abbraccio, highly recommended by Rock Ridge Kennel, whom we occasionally entrust Mambo to.

Sure, the patient whimpered as though being murdered while Doc examined him and Brother Jim assisted; but not to worry - examination was completed, shots caught up to date and diagnosis made, all in the comfort of our great room, Mambo's lake view uninhibited. A successful visit. Hmmm...

Seems that after what is fast approaching nine years of the sweet boy's existence, we've finally found a suitable match to help him along in his old age. The probable ligament tear is already healing and we're back in the business of summer. Might I add that glucosamine never hurts… remembering (link) Ike, here. I digress...

Try (link) Catskill Veterinary Services… you and (wo)man's best friend shall love 'em!!

Mambo promises.

Just Bludgeon Me, Now...

Remember this gift blanket I started on June 8th and then posted about? Well, last week it was finally finished… or so I thought…

In a proud moment, it was bound off and arranged for a pending photo op. Ahem. Till I saw a MAJOR twist on one side. Might I add… an IRREPARABLE major twist. The rest of that day was spent ripping out the entire work. Ask me how ill I was…

Oooh-kay, so after a week of cryin' in my beer seltzer, it's once again on the needles. What you see in this original pic is about the point new blankie is at…

It occurs to me that my multi-tasking skills are somewhat diminished. Wish me luck.

On a positive note, though, each stitch represents a get-well wish for the recipient… multiplied times two in what is a rather large finished product, I'm just  hoping they have the proper affect.

This one's for Zu. She's my crafty soulmate. She'll empathize.

It's All In The Lemon - A Fish Dish

Last week, we had leftover breaded chicken cutlets that I quickly turned into Chicken Francaise over pasta. So, why not fish over rice, prepared similarly? With a thick chunk of fresh-frozen cod and a couple of flounder fillets, we ended up with gourmet fare worth talkin' about:

First up was Trader Joe's Basmati Rice, set to cooking in the rice cooker. While that was working…

Into an ovenproof sauté pan went EVOO, butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, parsley, paprika, garlic powder and pepper, all brought to a simmer, after which I tossed in the fish to cook till almost done. Then, I removed fish to a plate, leaving remaining sauce into which I added the cooked rice. A good toss later, I topped rice with fish, a coating of cornmeal, a light sprinkling of cheddar cheese 'n' paprika and a spritz of EVOO. Pan went under the hot broiler to finish cooking the fish and brown the top.

Wowsa! Really! It's all in the lemon. Buon Appetito!!

Worth Repeating

 We'll take it! Another gorgeous weekend and two more birthdays. Too bad Lyla's wasn't here, along with Bri's 45th; but c'est la vie.

We have to be nonetheless joyful…

 Lots of repeats… barbecue, cake, candles, fishing, relaxing and presents. Summer celebrations are the best, especially when Old Sol cooperates.

Every picture - in no particular order - tells a story… even if you've heard it before! We can be silly or serious, but we're forever grateful. ♥

Ducky Birds of a Feather

These pretties came by, today, in the wake of a quick storm. I've never seen this variety before. They're cute. Have I mentioned that I have never consumed duck, in spite of having been to the finest of French restaurants where it's been featured on the menu. It goes back to my childhood in Massapequa and growing up on Unqua Lake. We always had the little cuties in our yard, mostly of the mallard breed. You know the drill…

Be kind to your web-footed friends, for a duck may be somebody's mother…

Funny that I've no problem with consuming lake bass. Is this discrimination?

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to identify this breed. Anyone??

Worthwhile Watching - "Wentworth"

We needed summer fare and found it on Netflix in this fantastic drama that keeps us on the edge of our seats… and occasionally keeps moi shielding my eyes and asking Joe to tell me when I can again look at the screen…

Highly recommended and quite different from "Orange…"

The only extra effort for us lies in the understanding of various Aussie accents.

Sunday of Summer '15 is Soaring By

Jeesh. It's August. June's Friday and July's Saturday have flown by in the blink of an eye. Now it's summer's Sunday. Way, way too fast. Days are already getting a wee bit shorter. Earlier sunsets. Earlier twilights. It's not right… the rapid soaring, that is. But what to do? Just grab each moment and make a memory to treasure through another long winter…

Or maybe we should dedicate a room to wintering over elephant ears?
Hmmm… food for thought.