All The Elements, But....

How could so I intensely dislike a Martin Scorsese film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley, with a musical score under the direction of Robbie Robertson? Here we have several of my all-time favorite artists. This was just not entertainment, for me. I shuddered at

"Shutter Island"; its disturbing theme and imagery kept me awake last night. I will say, though, that Leo is brilliant, even in this dreadful film. It receives a 1 from me. Joe disagrees, giving it a whopping 7; nothing keeps him awake! :-)

Just ♡ Huck Et Moi ♡

Huck decided that we needed a kayak to explore the Basha

Kill from the inside looking out, rather than by land, as depicted in my SaturdayShoot entry, last March. Please note the power of suggestion, as per the older photos. First launch occurred this afternoon; and I must admit, he was right. It has certainly taken us long enough.

You see, Huck has lived sixty-four years with the wetlands in his proverbial backyard. Et moi? Well, as did my Mom before me, I spent my childhood summers with Gran, here in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Then, Huck and I wed; we've lived here ever since. 

As a child traveling back and forth to our summer home, it was the imagery of the green mountains that always intrigued me.... criss-cross, criss-cross, criss-cross. I must have drawn hundreds of pictures for my parents. It was incredible to see "our mountains" from today's perspective. They inspired me to draw again, as a child would. Way back when, I used paper, pencil and lots of green Crayola crayons. Today, I played in photoshop. Smile.

I really loved today's outing, and I do thank Huck. He worked hard, paddling through thick, murky waters, with lots of gorgeous birds, and yellow water-lily flowers. Another memory surfaced - that of my Mom asking my Dad to cut her some lilies and pads from our Massapequa lake. She would then float them in a bowl of water, for indoor decor. Sweet.

We discovered that another direction affords clear, lily-free waters, combined with much less arduous arm effort. What a view! I'd follow Huck just about anywhere to commune with nature in such a soothing and beautiful setting. Maybe next time, Huck will remember to leave the cell phone home. Gotta luv 'im.

♡

Wonder

In our recent approach to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, we thought we might have erred in taking a wrong turn. Sooooo, we got off at the next available exit to seek directions. We found ourselves in a desperate neighborhood... a New Yorker can always tell, as we're instructed from driving age on to beware of danger lying beyond undesirable ramps. This is not a judgment of any kind, as I believe the paths of our lives follow the luck of the draw. I know, I know... we can make some of our own luck; but that's for another day. Meanwhile:

One lone African-American man walked the impoverished streets; we pulled up next to him. He looked startled, his guard up. After greeting him and asking directions, he told us to go the the local firehouse for guidance, pointing in its direction. As Joe turned the car, I spotted yet another man on a bicycle, approaching Gentleman #1. If you can picture this, we were now headed in the opposite direction and across a median. I saw the Biker heading towards us, yelling for us to pull over. Now, Joe's guard peaked. Instinct told me it was okay, and I asked Joe to stop. We disagreed for a brief distance, he pulled over, and we awaited Biker's arrival. "You're here, you're here," he told us excitedly, as he pointed to an exit ramp about sixty feet away. He continued, "I asked him (#1) why he didn't just tell you; he's such a knucklehead!" 

Joe slipped me a few $$$'s, since Biker was at my window. He smiled the broadest smile ever, thanking us with his eyes, as I handed it to him. He proceeded to tell us that he was on his way to bring a can of gas to a stranded driver on "the bridge". Surviving the life. I'll always wonder (verb) about him, his kind face embedded in my brain.

Speaking of wonder (noun), you must take the link above to the CBBT; its history is amazing... and, it is considered one of the most incredible engineering wonders (noun) in the world. We've been crossing it since the sixties, when it was just opened. I love the bridge part; I nearly panic underwater. It's a trip, no pun intended.

Jobless? A Sign Of The Times

A Buffalonian gets the credit for starting this site, in his attempt to lend humor to a devastating situation, all the while drawing attention to the impossible issues at hand. Hey, he made FOX news and Oprah - ya just never know where some baseline solutions lie, when you're job-seeking.  

Inner Circle Fish Dish

This one lies somewhere between Fish 'n' Chips and Fishy Potato Latkes. It's a meeting of cultures and a keeper, we think. 

For two, I used 1 medium white potato and 1 small red, scrubbed and grated, then wrapped in paper toweling to squeeze out moisture. Mixed in a grated small onion and carrot, a beaten egg, spices to taste, and 1-1/2 tablespoons of flour... then arranged around my Pam-sprayed, 10-inch, oven-safe pan. 

In the middle, I placed 2 frozen Mahi Mahi steaks, 6 oz. each, seasoned with pepper and garlic powder. I topped them with dijon mustard; sprayed everything with more Pam, and sprinkled on grated Pecorino Romano cheese and paprika. 

Pan went onto the cooktop for about 15 minutes, medium heat. (Since I used frozen fish, it was necessary to remove building liquid with a turkey baster, to keep the potatoes from turning soggy. Juices can be sprinkled back onto the fish for serving, if desired.) Then, it went under the pre-heated broiler, set at 400 degrees, with rack lowered. It was finished in about 10 more minutes, at which time I garnished with fresh chives. 

Vary anything or everything, according to your taste... and don't forget to splurge now and then, using your best EVOO. If using fresh fish, be sure to have thick fillets and press potatoes to a thinness that allows for adjusted cooking time.

Cut into quarters and serve with fresh lemon for the fish and applesauce for the potatoes. 

♥-Healthy

Buon Appetito!

Don't Step There!

I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on an Ever Red Laceleaf Maple tree. It was a magnificent specimen, sitting in a gigantic tub that was placed in the entryway of a favorite nursery. As we drove in, I said to Joe, "We need not look further; I'd like THAT!" Okay....

"How much will the tub maple cost us, please?" we asked of the attendant. "One thousand dollars." Gag. "Um, do you have a smaller, less expensive one?" said I, in my meekest voice. And soooooooooo, we headed home with a little, spindly one-hundred-dollar version. It has grown by leaps and bounds, and what you see pictured above has been sliced in half by heavy snow and trimmed to oblivion by moi. It would cover our picnic table by now, if we allowed it to go wild. Worth maybe two grand, ya think? Jeesh. Give me a break.

We've since added another by purchase... and many by propagation. We need not do a thing. Little seed pods scatter and grow, even in rock

beds. We must step carefully.

It's raining today. Our gardens needed a wet day; and I needed a lazy one.

Good Sunday.

Nothin' Says Lovin' Like Baby Grands ♡

Last night, G'pa enjoyed a second round of

birthday-ing, with lots of smothering love and attention. He deserves every hug and kiss that comes his way! Thanks B, K, A and G for hosting such warm and delicious festivities.

Muah xoxo

Indulge

DidYouKnow?Link - truly a worthwhile read

To Note: CMI friend, Jane, entered a lengthy and interesting comment that I was unable to post. Therein was a recipe suggestion she shared:

Blend melon and freeze in a mason jar or large drinking container. The following day, bring with you to the pool, beach, golf course, etc. - sip away.

Long-lasting, refreshing, hydrating, energizing and delicious, I am told. Thanks, Jane.

Learn From Fido

Excerpt: "Do you greet each other with excite-

ment, overlook each other’s flaws and easily forgive bad behavior? If it’s your pet, the answer is probably yes. But your spouse? Probably not."

Read more here:

NY*TIMES*Well

Natalee Holloway

WHO is responsible for the sequel? My heart bleeds for both girls and their families. Link.

For Neil Diamond Fans Only

The significance here only exists for a fan; this is a self-indulgent post.

Somewhere on CMI is mention of my planting several Neil Diamond Iris rhizomes, last fall. They were not supposed to bloom this year; but this morning, one broke from the pack and decided to stage a performance for us. Gorgeous, I think; but not the end of the story.

Konrad's Peas grow strong, next to Neil. Surely you remember Konrad? Smile. I know I'm asking too much of the casual visitor! Konrad is the friend of my very own German Pal who provides me with wonderful seeds from across the pond. Our connection? Why, she's a Neil fan.

Music bonds us in more ways than can be counted. Rock on, you Gems of all varieties, to

color the world inspired.

Yellow

Today, yellow joins the Parade Of Colors. The lone Day Lily flower is the first of scores to come. The Non-Stop Begonia is... well, it shall be non-stop. The Dahlias will strut their stuff all summer long. The sun is a match on this glorious NY morning.

The Friday Of Summer

Summer babies love summertime; I'm a summer baby. Well, using the term rather loosely, of course. Officially, it's not yet the season. Nonsense. June is the Friday of summer; July is Saturday; and August is Sunday. Just ask my niece, Vicki. We've had lengthy, poolside discussions about this concept. Regardless; it's Friday morning, and I'm thrilled. It's my season.

To honor the occasion, June's flower has just decided to open its first blossom. Is it any wonder that the flower of passion is the flower of the month?

So, on this Tuesday, I'm sendin' out some Friday lovin'.

♡