Eric Garner

There is something painfully and tragically wrong with this picture. I am reminded of an old friend who once confided in me that she feared for her Black sons each and every time they left the house. That conversation happened about twenty-five years ago. Nothing has changed.

Perhaps there are cases that require brutality - this was clearly not one of them. No indictment, even with clear images in real time? What now?

Rest in Peace, Eric Garner.

"I Won't Grow Up…"

For Tigger, a good friend of CMI's, it's Pooh all the way. But for this chick, the mention of Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, The Lost Boys or Tink puts a humongous smile on my face, as my eyes go all misty with happy memories. And so, you're on notice, Friends! 

Tomorrow night, they'll be a live - yes, LIVE - presentation, starring many and including Christopher Walken as Hook. Chloe tells me that he looks scary in the ads, but "….not that scary, G'ma, because of his silly mustache." Ah, the mouths of babes, in more ways than one…

 For a nostalgic read, won't you please visit my 2009 post on this, a favorite topic. Therein lies Aubrey's sentiments, when she was not yet so danged grown up! 

Please join me in watching Mary Martin, the Peter of my youth and forever a child in this vid:

My excitement is palpable… just Color Me!

Reclaiming My Creative Mojo

The other day, Zu mentioned that she was glad to see I'd reclaimed my blogging mojo. Thanks, Zula… and moving along, it's back to some crafty endeavors. It feels so good. No words. For a while, I thought I'd never again be inspired to create something… anything… but then…

In my search to find a simple project for the kids to work on during their next sleepover, I came across (link) Waldorf Stars. How the heck did I miss out on these during my own childhood, or that of my boys, or in the twelve years I've been a g'ma?  Wonderfully easy and ever-so-elegant, their possibilities are endless. Link above to find instructions for the simplest variety. Then, Google the different styles to test your abilities. As for supplies, I've already ordered (link) kite paper, a highly recommended product for stability and ease of use. But I wanted to practice. Enter Sam's Club…

Do you buy your wrap, ribbon and tissue paper at Sam's? If not, you must start doing so. You'll never run short of supplies. Well, not till some time in August. Make it work all year! Back to Christmas. I like to wrap and use packages around the house. They make awesome decorations that need not be stored from January through November. Make 'em gorgeous and then use the same ribbon on your tree. The coordinated look is so pretty, throughout the Old Homestead.

As for the tissue, think outside of the box. It can be used for projects, such as the stars or "stained glass" art. A tad delicate to work with, it nonetheless affords beautiful end results. My first attempt at a large star turned out less than perfect, but nonetheless charming. I added it to a huge gift in the foyer display.

For time spent watching nighttime TV, I cranked up the old needles and started a blanket. We'll see. I'm kind of creating as I go and have a recipient in mind, if it turns out to my satisfaction.

Giving Thanks for restored inspiration. Gran always boosted my self-esteem with her words, "Honey, you have hands of gold." I'd never want to disappoint her by being idle for too long. Thanks, Gran. This post is for you, spoken with my eternal love.
♥

Reflecting - Everything's A Trade-off

Ah, yes… December 2nd… 'twas to be my date with a surgeon for a follow-up procedure. Turns out it was postponed. Would have liked to put it behind me for the holidays. But, c'est la vie. The trade-off…

Our new cucina is being installed at the LakeHouse. Today. At long last.

I'll take it.  

'Tis The Season - Gran's Bowl

We're bloomin' red! Yep, Joe hit the motherlode of poinsettias at Home Depot on none other than Black Friday. No, no, we've not taken to B-F shopping. It's just that our microwave died and we needed to warm up the milk for our coffee. And while he was there, he couldn't resist a reduced snowblower for the LakeHouse. Whew! It's a good thing the Christmas flowers only cost a dollar per plant. After a quick phone call to moi, he found himself choosing ten of the finest offerings. Four filled Gran's bowl… it's a huge bowl. As for the rest? Well, suffice it to say that we're lovin' our indoor garden.

December 1st… But First...

Backtracking a bit, as promised…

Thanksgiving has a way of bringing a deep joy to the soul. There is just nothing like the tradition of the day and all its trimmings. We had a great one, for which I continue to give… well, you know… thanks.

Gorgeous, artistic Chloe met us at the door with a project she'd been working on all morning. It reduced this sentimental Granny to happy tears. Yes, the gifts of thought and time are so very noteworthy and she made our day.

There were no prize-worthy photos to be had, 'cause the kids were just too wild with glee. Friends joined us and we were introduced to Jessiah, recently adopted by her forever family. Kudos to her for fitting right in with all the commotion and our louder-than-loud family (adults included)! And, there were cupcakes. See for yourselves. 

Thanks, Christian and Dawn… you hosted a perfect day. 

Okay, now Christmas carols are acceptable. It was tough to find a station on Turkey Day that wasn't already into Joy To The World. It seems that the push for Santa gets earlier and earlier, each year. But December 1st seems so right to think ahead; and thus, we spent our long holiday weekend transitioning. We'll twinkle and glow tonight to mark the date. 

Creative Interlude

My Thanksgiving post is coming - I promise! But first, I must share my pal's creative endeavor. Go to Zu's link, please, and scroll down to see the concept behind her freeform artwork. Then, read upwards to see this finished product. Wishing Scotland wasn't so far away, 'cause I'd love to touch 'n' feel Momma Nature's four seasons, as soft-sculpted by Zula.

Kudos, Zu. You're the best.

"I'm Dreaming Of A White...

…Christmas Thanksgiving"

That's right. There's gonna be 6 to 12, today. Inches, that is. On the busiest travel day of the season. Groan. I am reminded of infant Brian's first turkey, when 2 FEET fell on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and we were unable to get to my parents' then-home in Massapequa. However, tomorrow is looking good for travel to our destination. Christian and Dawn must be working hard, today.

Giving Thanks in Monti.

Be safe, Family and Friends. Have a very Happy Turkey

A note to Great White Hunter - There's something about you, Bambi and snowy days.

A note to Great White Hunter, Jr. - Any day we can have lunch together is a good day.

Bolognese With A Dollop - Recipe For Success

Last Night's Soul Food

This Matzoh-Pizza From Massapequa is very fussy about her ricotta cheese. My Italian half wins in the culinary department. Pasta is my soul food and a Polly-O topper just doesn't cut it. Besides, we're rarely in Newburgh, a 45-minute drive away, to buy the fresh-from-Manhattan version at Adam's. So, this represents a pretty decent ShopRite discovery. That's right, Organic Valley produces a delicious version that is nearly natural. Put a dollop on your pasta, next time you desire a dish buttered or with your favorite bolognese. It's not just for lasagna!

BUON APPETITO!

And a note to Kelly - Here's to the power of suggestion!!

Hack This and Not That

Clearly, "hack" has a negative connotation for most of us. 'Tis the dreaded season of being more aware than ever, as we shop online or hand credit card information to perfect strangers. But then, there's the Urban Dictionary. Who knew hacking could be so helpful? Not familiar? Go see for yourselves; but if you browse, please don't hold me accountable for some of the less-useful-but-more-shocking words and phrases seemingly lacking from Webster's. On to those helpful hints:

Don't we all need edible shot glasses for our Bailey's?

Actually, Bailey's is not a player in my life. Marshmallows are simply for consuming, sans liquid. Ah, the perfect hit of pure, energizing sugar and irresistible when toasted… so, I perused the site for more applicable suggestions. This one sounds useful:

Need a few more? You'll find them here. 

All photos in this post are screen captures from sites mentioned. I know, I know… I need to find NIK and get more creative.

Happy Tuesday.

For Girls Only - Leave It To Revlon!

Revlon and I have been friends for decades - ever since Mom represented them (and Clinique) in A & S, Babylon. She'd sure love this glittery innovation. Thing is, I'll have to hide it and my nails from Aubs, unless I purchase another bottle or two. My Girl will go wild in anticipation of holiday glitz!

Testing For Green!

Vid Capture

Thanks, Bri, for providing the great video, shortened a tad to suit CMI. 

CONGRATULATIONS to Gavin on yesterday's excellent work in earning GREEN, his favorite color!!!!

♥♥

It Happened!

Finally, a sip tasted good. Jeesh, that took long enough.

Good Morning, World!

NOT Missing Starz - Yet Another Cable Scam

Joe had heard about an eight-episode miniseries, The Missing, and was anxious to watch. So, last night we tuned into the depressing first episode on Starz TV. After an hour of horror, he asked if I was up to Episode 2. "Sure," said I, "why not…"

LOCKED. Yep, for $15.95, we can watch the rest of the series. Gotta love (NOT) cable providers. If they can't get you one way, they'll find another. 

If you've been reading along on CMI, you'll know where we stand on this one. The Missing shall be missing from our lives, till it's free. Or, shall I say, "Till it's included in cable's already-inflated-beyond-belief cost."

More shame on providers. But, it's okay, 'cause I need some humor in my life.

Crème Brûlée

Joe came out of the woods to check out lake-house progress and take me to lunch. Danny's, a local hotspot in a nearby town, was absolutely hopping. It's fantastic to see the old establishment continuing to pack 'em in, while other places languish, often due to boring menus, inflated prices and poor attitudes.

We rarely ask for a dessert menu, but I needed something sweet to top off the occasion. Our waitress seemed elated to tell us about the fab choices. She need not have gone further than the first item. I can't remember my last indulgence in the exquisite combination of heavy cream, egg yolks and sugar. Trying to think of it as protein - so important for healing. :-)

"Borrowed Photo"

We shared. But I have to tell you that Danny's doesn't serve it in tiny ramekins. Happiness is clearly in burnt cream. Leave it to the French. Thinking of Julia, here.

Bon Appétit!!

LakeHouse Progress - Pardon Our Dust!

We're in full swing, again, with our contractors seemingly sharing our excitement. How nice of Aaron to text us after just starting the floor installation to say how nice our choice is. He's just begun the daunting job of laying it diagonally. Stay tuned to see the ensuing kitchen installation, complete with diagonals of its own!! Irving's start-call is right around the corner, now. Please pardon the white film. We're a tad dusty from spackling and taping.

The leaded window went in via the wall in the newly created master bathroom. Use your imagination to picture the quarter-round moulding that will finish it off. Our neighbors approve. Again, a nice job by Aaron and crew.

Never had a chance to post a picture of the retaining wall Joe surprised me with when I came home from the hospital. Chris, who's also responsible for the stamped concrete patio, did a gorgeous job. Besides its aesthetic value, it will keep lake water from eroding our shoreline. This type of work has to be done in the fall, when water levels are lower and the lake dammed for winter. We hope to have a new dock built in the spring; G-d willing.

We'd initially hoped to have a holiday lake-warming party… but as I mentioned in an earlier post, we're learning all about patience. Besides, good things are always worth waiting for. Wouldn't you agree?

When Life Throws You A Lemon, Go Have Lunch By The River

Looks like my December 2nd date-with-a-surgeon is postponed, much to my chagrin. A recent test revealed that patience needs to be my greatest virtue - at least for a few more weeks. So, I was a tad down, this morning…

But on the bright side, my stamina has returned. Giving thanks, here. And I received an invitation to ride along for Shotgun Thursday. Who could resist? Mambo joined us.

Do you recognize (link) "our spot" in these photos? It was a glorious day to hit Torches and be seated next to the window. What a view! Furthermore, who can argue with grilled panko chicken smothered in roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella??!! Sure beats Boost.

Thanks to Hero Joe and (Wo)Man's Best Friend for saving my day. The wait is on, again, but that's life.

Erratic At Best

WHEW! This is NOT us!

So, how's your weather been? Messaged Cousin Bonnie, yesterday, after hearing about Buffalo's latest winter storm. FIVE FEET????!!! BEFORE THANKSGIVING???!!! BUT IT'S NOT EVEN WINTER YET.

Thankfully, blizzard conditions were just south of them. Snyder only got "a dusting" of six inches, with the same amount set to fall, today. Hey, it's all relative and my relatives don't even blink at six inches. But danger threatens neighbors who dig out from vast amounts of white stuff.

A few European pals of CMI are asking if we're in western New York and similarly buried, as per their news. Thanks so much for the concern. NO SNOW! But it has been nuts. The previous two days were nothing short of frigid, with windchill factors that drove already-icy temps to near zero. Great White Hunters, Joe and Bri, have been cuddling next to heaters in their makeshift blinds. Bri scored early yesterday, but we won't talk about that, right now...

We take what we get, right? Are any decisions really and truly ours for the making? Well, sure - a few, maybe; e.g., I think it's gonna be oatmeal in a big mug for breakfast, this morning. But why sweat the big stuff, when it's just not our call. A rhetorical question.

Today shall be in the thirties. And then, it's on to a heat wave. :-)

Who can resist talking about the weather?

EVENING UPDATE IN REAL TIME - 10:30 p.m.
Any attempt at humor in this morning's post has been lost in tonight's news. We just heard that before this storm is finished, the Buffalo area will have ninety inches of snow on their rooftops, roads, cars, shrubs, etc. Ten people have already perished, some from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from being stuck in cars; roads are now closed. Others died from heart attacks, brought on by shoveling. Weather has gone from a nuisance to a dangerous threat. What a nightmare. 

NY TIMES ARTICLE AND SLIDE SHOW HERE

Our neighbors to the northwest are accustomed to tough winters - but the above mentioned ninety inches is normally the total snowfall amount for an entire winter.

Prayers.

Mangia! A Recipe

These letters set the mood for my cucina. I've been baking, cooking and feeding people since the age of ten, when I could serve up a close-to-gourmet meal. Imagine my amazement when recent blood work revealed me to be anemic and malnourished. How's that for irony? Moi? The one who crams in nutrition wherever and whenever she can? The one about whom my son says, "You eat too healthy and that's why the mosquitos go after you… when you start eating junk food, they'll leave you alone." Not to worry. It's all part of the illness I suffered and I'm on the way back to better numbers. Junk food is still pretty much banned. But I'm cramming in more nutrition than ever and consuming the occasional piece of "the other white meat" or rare beef, albeit in small amounts. Bringing me to pork chops…

Joe goes for big and thick, so no surprise that he brought home these giants when I told him we could have a rare meal of lean pork. I egged and dredged them in seasoned flour before browning them in EVOO - stovetop in an ovenproof pan. After searing, I splashed them with balsamic and then cut two apples into wedges, putting them in every available space around the meat. Then, into the oven till done. You'll know. For these, it was 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

The big tip here is the fruit. A few nights ago, we had meatloaf with pear wedges baked around the meat. Yum! 

For savory fruit, just allow it to pick up garlic powder, paprika, pepper, etc. used to season meat. For a sweet version, carefully sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sugar.

Mangia!

Buon Appetito!