Yesterday I took a delicious nap in the afternoon. I lay down on the small, red paisly sofa in my bedroom with my feet raised on the far end and a comfy pillow under my head; the book I am currently reading propped up on my stomach, "What Came Before He Shot Her" by Elizabeth George, an engrossing mystery that is totally unlike anything George has written before. I got half way through one chapter, rested the book on my lap and I awoke an hour later, refreshed and restored.
Do you ever nap?
The French do.
YAHOO NEWS
French health minister seeks nap study Wed Jan 31, 8:25 AM ET
The French already enjoy a 35-hour work week and generous vacation. Now the health minister wants to look into whether workers should be allowed to sleep on the job.
France launched plans this week to spend $9 million this year to improve public awareness about sleeping troubles. About one in three French people suffer from them, the ministry says.
Fifty-six percent of French complain that a poor night's sleep has affected their job performance, according to the ministry.
"Why not a nap at work? It can't be a taboo subject," Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said Monday. He called for further studies and said he would promote on-the-job naps if they prove useful.
France's state-run health insurance provider will send letters explaining the importance of good sleep. The Health Ministry's Web site offers tips on how best to get a good night's rest.
The ministry's online "Passport to Sleep" recommends cutting down on coffee, tea, colas, and athletic activity after 8 p.m., shunning TV time or working late in the evening, and listening better to the body's own sleep signals, such as yawning.
Bertrand said sleepiness causes 20 percent to 30 percent of highway accidents across France each year.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
English language quirks
The English Language
I love English...can you read the following
sentences correctly the first time?
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to
present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
I love English...can you read the following
sentences correctly the first time?
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to
present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Scandalous remarks?
Senator George Smathers of Florida died Saturday at age 93. The following is an amusing part of his obit in the New York Times.***
"MIAMI (AP) -- Former U.S. Sen. George A. Smathers, a polished, dashing politician who forged friendships with presidents, waged war against communism, resisted civil rights legislation and was an early voice cautioning of Fidel Castro's rise to power, died Saturday. He was 93."
................
.
***"Scurrilous statements were uttered on both sides of the campaign, but the most famous remarks -- innocuous declarations delivered to less-educated audiences to appear scandalous -- may have never been uttered.
'***'Do you know that Claude Pepper is known all over Washington as a shameless extrovert?'' he was quoted as saying. ''Not only that, but this man is reliably reported to practice nepotism with his sister-in-law and he has a sister who was once a thespian in wicked New York. Worst of all, it is an established fact that Mr. Pepper, before his marriage, habitually practiced celibacy.''
The comments were recorded in a small magazine, picked up in Time and elsewhere and etched into the public's memories, but Smathers denied ever having made them. He offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who could prove he did, but no one could
>
"MIAMI (AP) -- Former U.S. Sen. George A. Smathers, a polished, dashing politician who forged friendships with presidents, waged war against communism, resisted civil rights legislation and was an early voice cautioning of Fidel Castro's rise to power, died Saturday. He was 93."
................
.
***"Scurrilous statements were uttered on both sides of the campaign, but the most famous remarks -- innocuous declarations delivered to less-educated audiences to appear scandalous -- may have never been uttered.
'***'Do you know that Claude Pepper is known all over Washington as a shameless extrovert?'' he was quoted as saying. ''Not only that, but this man is reliably reported to practice nepotism with his sister-in-law and he has a sister who was once a thespian in wicked New York. Worst of all, it is an established fact that Mr. Pepper, before his marriage, habitually practiced celibacy.''
The comments were recorded in a small magazine, picked up in Time and elsewhere and etched into the public's memories, but Smathers denied ever having made them. He offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who could prove he did, but no one could
>
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The perfect pet
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A PET LIKE THIS ?
AP Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press.
Escaped chimp gets snack, cleans bathroom
"An escaped chimpanzee at the Little Rock Zoo raided a kitchen cupboard and did a little cleaning with a toilet brush before sedatives knocked her out on top of a refrigerator.
The 120-pound primate, Judy, escaped yesterday into a service area when a zookeeper opened a door to her sleeping quarters, unaware the animal was still inside.
As keepers tried to woo Judy back into her cage, she rummaged through a refrigerator where chimp snacks are stored. She opened kitchen cupboards, pulled out juice and soft drinks and took a swig from bottles she managed to open.
Keeper Ann Rademacher says Judy went into the bathroom, picked up a toilet brush and cleaned the toilet. Rademacher says the 37-year-old Judy was a house pet before the zoo acquired her in 1988, so she may have been familiar with housekeeping chores. Judy wrung out a sponge and scrubbed down the fridge.
It took a couple of tries, but the zoo sedated the chimp, who fell asleep on top of the refrigerator with half a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread she had pulled out of the freezer.
The zoo veterinarian gave Judy a drug to bring her around. Rademacher says Judy was groggy but fine after the episode.
The zoo says there was no danger Judy would get out of the primate keepers service area and onto zoo grounds"
AP Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press.
Escaped chimp gets snack, cleans bathroom
"An escaped chimpanzee at the Little Rock Zoo raided a kitchen cupboard and did a little cleaning with a toilet brush before sedatives knocked her out on top of a refrigerator.
The 120-pound primate, Judy, escaped yesterday into a service area when a zookeeper opened a door to her sleeping quarters, unaware the animal was still inside.
As keepers tried to woo Judy back into her cage, she rummaged through a refrigerator where chimp snacks are stored. She opened kitchen cupboards, pulled out juice and soft drinks and took a swig from bottles she managed to open.
Keeper Ann Rademacher says Judy went into the bathroom, picked up a toilet brush and cleaned the toilet. Rademacher says the 37-year-old Judy was a house pet before the zoo acquired her in 1988, so she may have been familiar with housekeeping chores. Judy wrung out a sponge and scrubbed down the fridge.
It took a couple of tries, but the zoo sedated the chimp, who fell asleep on top of the refrigerator with half a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread she had pulled out of the freezer.
The zoo veterinarian gave Judy a drug to bring her around. Rademacher says Judy was groggy but fine after the episode.
The zoo says there was no danger Judy would get out of the primate keepers service area and onto zoo grounds"
Monday, January 15, 2007
My not so excellent adventure
Caution: Not for the squeamish :)
The day after Christmas, December 26th, I had surgery for an abnormal parathyroid gland.
I had been feeling poorly, having trouble with stair climbing and arising from a low chair or sofa. I had fallen several times and generally felt something was amiss.
After several trips to my internist over a period of several months, and a number of blood tests, which all turned up "normal" I still was not much better. Not down and sick in bed but just punk and not feeling right.
I went back to my doctor and he ordered a repeat of the tests.This time the calcium level was somewhat high. With this information the doctor ordered a parathyroid hormone level test which came back highly elevated. Then I went for an ultrasound of my parathyroid which showed a bump on one parathyroid gland.. Next I had a parathyroid nuclear scan which showed the bump more definitively.
With this information my doctor said I needed to see a surgeon about removing the offending parathyroid.
A bit of educational info for you. The parathyroid glands, usually 4 of them, each no bigger than a pea, are located generally behind the thyroid but their function is entirely different from the thyroid itself. The parathyroids regulate the amount of calcium in our bodies and if one goes haywitre calcium is leached from bones and other cells of the body.
The day of my appointment to see the surgeon arrived in short order and my husband drove me down to the doctor's office. As I was approaching the surgeon's office I stepped up onto the sidewalk just outside his building and my shoe hit a crack in the sidewalk and I fell flat down on my face and nose. My husband said I fell like a tree that has just been felled in the forest. Straight down. Bam. I fell flat on my face, sunglasses and all. I hit hard. I just knew my nose was broken. Fortunately the sunglasses did not shatter or dig into my face. The security guard and my husband helped me up and I proceeded to the elevator for the surgeon's office where they gave me ice in a plastic bag to hold on my face and nose.
I interviewed the doctor about the surgery. It is a delicate operation as the parathyroid is near the nerve for the vocal cords. I was satisfied with the experience and compassion of the doctor so I made an appointment for December 26, the day after Christmas for the operation.
I had to go for another nuclear scan where they put dye in my veins so the offending parathyroid gland would show up clearly and then Dr W would know exactly where to make the incision. Hopefully he could do this with a minimally invasive operation but if anything was amiss with the thyroid or the remaining 3 parathyroid glands he would have to cut furthur.
Christmas came and went. On the 26th we arrived at the out patient surgery center of the hospital at 6 am and the surgery commenced at about 7:30 am.
It all went well and I woke up and we came home and I had very little pain. I declined the heavy duty pain killers and just took extra strength Tylenol.
A week later I went back and Dr W said I was doing real well and the surgery was fine "a text book case"The biopsy was fine. Just don't lift anything for about a week.
I am 3 weeks out from the operation and I feel much better. I just do not quite have my total strength back yet but I know that will take time.
So here I am blogging about my surgery....
As Lyndon Johnson said:
Wanna see my scar?? :)
It is only a small one on the base of my neck in front and will eventually completely disappear.
PS: I saw a nose doctor that same day of my fall and it turned out I did not break anything. My face was just badly swollen and bruised.
The day after Christmas, December 26th, I had surgery for an abnormal parathyroid gland.
I had been feeling poorly, having trouble with stair climbing and arising from a low chair or sofa. I had fallen several times and generally felt something was amiss.
After several trips to my internist over a period of several months, and a number of blood tests, which all turned up "normal" I still was not much better. Not down and sick in bed but just punk and not feeling right.
I went back to my doctor and he ordered a repeat of the tests.This time the calcium level was somewhat high. With this information the doctor ordered a parathyroid hormone level test which came back highly elevated. Then I went for an ultrasound of my parathyroid which showed a bump on one parathyroid gland.. Next I had a parathyroid nuclear scan which showed the bump more definitively.
With this information my doctor said I needed to see a surgeon about removing the offending parathyroid.
A bit of educational info for you. The parathyroid glands, usually 4 of them, each no bigger than a pea, are located generally behind the thyroid but their function is entirely different from the thyroid itself. The parathyroids regulate the amount of calcium in our bodies and if one goes haywitre calcium is leached from bones and other cells of the body.
The day of my appointment to see the surgeon arrived in short order and my husband drove me down to the doctor's office. As I was approaching the surgeon's office I stepped up onto the sidewalk just outside his building and my shoe hit a crack in the sidewalk and I fell flat down on my face and nose. My husband said I fell like a tree that has just been felled in the forest. Straight down. Bam. I fell flat on my face, sunglasses and all. I hit hard. I just knew my nose was broken. Fortunately the sunglasses did not shatter or dig into my face. The security guard and my husband helped me up and I proceeded to the elevator for the surgeon's office where they gave me ice in a plastic bag to hold on my face and nose.
I interviewed the doctor about the surgery. It is a delicate operation as the parathyroid is near the nerve for the vocal cords. I was satisfied with the experience and compassion of the doctor so I made an appointment for December 26, the day after Christmas for the operation.
I had to go for another nuclear scan where they put dye in my veins so the offending parathyroid gland would show up clearly and then Dr W would know exactly where to make the incision. Hopefully he could do this with a minimally invasive operation but if anything was amiss with the thyroid or the remaining 3 parathyroid glands he would have to cut furthur.
Christmas came and went. On the 26th we arrived at the out patient surgery center of the hospital at 6 am and the surgery commenced at about 7:30 am.
It all went well and I woke up and we came home and I had very little pain. I declined the heavy duty pain killers and just took extra strength Tylenol.
A week later I went back and Dr W said I was doing real well and the surgery was fine "a text book case"The biopsy was fine. Just don't lift anything for about a week.
I am 3 weeks out from the operation and I feel much better. I just do not quite have my total strength back yet but I know that will take time.
So here I am blogging about my surgery....
As Lyndon Johnson said:
Wanna see my scar?? :)
It is only a small one on the base of my neck in front and will eventually completely disappear.
PS: I saw a nose doctor that same day of my fall and it turned out I did not break anything. My face was just badly swollen and bruised.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Puzzles
Puzzles, as in the jigsaw variety.
A friend of mine told me recently she got out a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle that she had bought a few years ago and over New Year's she and her husband decided to give it a whirl. They left it out on a desk in her sun room and every so often they would separately take a stab at working on the pieces.
It was a puzzle of New York City, Times square and the theater district and she said it was not at all easy. They had it all put together and finished in about 10 days of off and on solving. Then a neighbor of hers dropped by and saw the puzzle and told her that she and a group of her friends swap puzzles as they tire of doing the same ones over and over. This group is into 1000+ pieces puzzles.
I am intrigued by the idea of leaving a puzzle out on a table and slowly giving it a try even though I have never been a puzzle enthusiast.
I guess it is the idea that any puzzle solving is good for the ole noggin that has me thinking of buying one.
Do any of you out there in blogland enjoy complicated jigsaw puzzles?
A friend of mine told me recently she got out a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle that she had bought a few years ago and over New Year's she and her husband decided to give it a whirl. They left it out on a desk in her sun room and every so often they would separately take a stab at working on the pieces.
It was a puzzle of New York City, Times square and the theater district and she said it was not at all easy. They had it all put together and finished in about 10 days of off and on solving. Then a neighbor of hers dropped by and saw the puzzle and told her that she and a group of her friends swap puzzles as they tire of doing the same ones over and over. This group is into 1000+ pieces puzzles.
I am intrigued by the idea of leaving a puzzle out on a table and slowly giving it a try even though I have never been a puzzle enthusiast.
I guess it is the idea that any puzzle solving is good for the ole noggin that has me thinking of buying one.
Do any of you out there in blogland enjoy complicated jigsaw puzzles?
Sunday, January 07, 2007
It's never too late
I have always been appprehensive about returning a library book on time. That and running out of gasoline are too of my pet worries.
I wonder if any of us would have the guts to return a library book tha WAS THIS OVER DUE.
=======
Man pays library $171, 47-year LATE FEE.
"HANCOCK, Mich. - Robert Nuranen handed the local librarian a book he'd checked out for a ninth-grade assignment — along with a check for 47 years' worth of late fees.
Nuranen said his mother misplaced the copy of "Prince of Egypt" while cleaning the house. The family came across it every so often, only to set it aside again. He found it last week while looking through a box in the attic.
"I figured I'd better get it in before we waited another 10 years," he said after turning it in Friday with the $171.32 check. "Fifty-seven years would be embarrassing."
The book, with its last due date stamped June 2, 1960, was part of the young Nuranen's fascination with Egypt. He went on to visit that country and 54 others, and all 50 states, he said, but he never did finish the book.
Nuranen now lives in Los Angeles, where he teaches seventh-grade social studies and language arts.
The library had long ago lost any record of the book, librarian Sue Zubiena said.
"I'm going to use it as an example," she said. "It's never too late to return your books."
>
I wonder if any of us would have the guts to return a library book tha WAS THIS OVER DUE.
=======
Man pays library $171, 47-year LATE FEE.
"HANCOCK, Mich. - Robert Nuranen handed the local librarian a book he'd checked out for a ninth-grade assignment — along with a check for 47 years' worth of late fees.
Nuranen said his mother misplaced the copy of "Prince of Egypt" while cleaning the house. The family came across it every so often, only to set it aside again. He found it last week while looking through a box in the attic.
"I figured I'd better get it in before we waited another 10 years," he said after turning it in Friday with the $171.32 check. "Fifty-seven years would be embarrassing."
The book, with its last due date stamped June 2, 1960, was part of the young Nuranen's fascination with Egypt. He went on to visit that country and 54 others, and all 50 states, he said, but he never did finish the book.
Nuranen now lives in Los Angeles, where he teaches seventh-grade social studies and language arts.
The library had long ago lost any record of the book, librarian Sue Zubiena said.
"I'm going to use it as an example," she said. "It's never too late to return your books."
>
Saturday, January 06, 2007
8 BELOW
"8 BELOW"
We watched a movie last night on cable TV and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire length of the film. I highly reccomend it to any of you who like beautiful cinematography and tales of survival against all odds.
"8 BELOW" is the story of a team of Siberian Huskies who survive for months after being abandoned at the South Pole due to unfortunate circumstances. These dogs are amazing.
This is a Disney family movie that is way above average.
(from Internet Movie Data Base)
"Plot Summary for
Eight Below (2006)
In the Antarctic, after an expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), the sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (Paul Walker) has to leave the polar base with his colleagues due to the proximity of a heavy snow storm. He ties his dogs to be rescued after, but the mission is called-off and the dogs are left alone at their own fortune. For six months, Jerry tries to find a sponsor for a rescue mission while his dogs fight for survival."
Of course if you are in a part of the country where you have been blessed with 6 feet of snow you may want to wait until summer to watch this movie..:)
We watched a movie last night on cable TV and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire length of the film. I highly reccomend it to any of you who like beautiful cinematography and tales of survival against all odds.
"8 BELOW" is the story of a team of Siberian Huskies who survive for months after being abandoned at the South Pole due to unfortunate circumstances. These dogs are amazing.
This is a Disney family movie that is way above average.
(from Internet Movie Data Base)
"Plot Summary for
Eight Below (2006)
In the Antarctic, after an expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), the sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (Paul Walker) has to leave the polar base with his colleagues due to the proximity of a heavy snow storm. He ties his dogs to be rescued after, but the mission is called-off and the dogs are left alone at their own fortune. For six months, Jerry tries to find a sponsor for a rescue mission while his dogs fight for survival."
Of course if you are in a part of the country where you have been blessed with 6 feet of snow you may want to wait until summer to watch this movie..:)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
New Year Thoughts
AT SEVENTY-SEVEN
When you get to be my age,
You should not wish for a Happy New Year
Instead, try for a Happy Tuesday.
Put down those green bananas,
And reach for the ripe ones.
The green bananas will ripen by Thursday;
Who knows what Thursday will bring.
If it's winter, do not long for spring.
Enjoy the bare branches and cold winds
While resting by a warm fire
With old memories.
A glass of old wine
An old cat purring in your lap
As you doze off
Into tomorrow.
When you get to be my age,
You should not wish for a Happy New Year
Instead, try for a Happy Tuesday.
Put down those green bananas,
And reach for the ripe ones.
The green bananas will ripen by Thursday;
Who knows what Thursday will bring.
If it's winter, do not long for spring.
Enjoy the bare branches and cold winds
While resting by a warm fire
With old memories.
A glass of old wine
An old cat purring in your lap
As you doze off
Into tomorrow.
Friday, December 29, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR
The tree is down and the decorations packed away for another year. It is time to think about our New Year's Day dinner. Since it never varies there is very little planning involved.
MENU:
Blackeyed Peas, the dried kind that soak all night then are cooked with ham hock, a few cloves of garlic, chopped onion and various seasonings.)
Turnip or Collard greens (ham hock and onion)
Pork roast
Rice
Cornbread
We cook the blackeyed peas with a 1940's silver dime for good luck in the New Year. The same dime each year and no one has swallowed it yet.
The turnip Greens represent prosperity.
Mix the Blackeyed peas with the rice on your plate and you have "Hoppin John", an old southern tradition. Add hot sauce,Tabasco or Texas Pete to taste.
This plain meal tastes just right after the excesses of the holiday season.
HOPPIN JOHN
"This dish is thought to have originated with African slaves on southern plantations, and is essentially black-eyed peas cooked with salt pork and seasonings, and served with rice."
"There are several theories on the origin of the name, 'hoppin-john'; a lively waiter who served the dish at a Charleston hotel; a lame cook who hopped up and down while cooking it; and finally from a custom that children must hop around the table before the dish is served. It is traditionally served on New Year's Day in the Southern U.S., and is supposed to bring good luck during the coming year."
Link
MENU:
Blackeyed Peas, the dried kind that soak all night then are cooked with ham hock, a few cloves of garlic, chopped onion and various seasonings.)
Turnip or Collard greens (ham hock and onion)
Pork roast
Rice
Cornbread
We cook the blackeyed peas with a 1940's silver dime for good luck in the New Year. The same dime each year and no one has swallowed it yet.
The turnip Greens represent prosperity.
Mix the Blackeyed peas with the rice on your plate and you have "Hoppin John", an old southern tradition. Add hot sauce,Tabasco or Texas Pete to taste.
This plain meal tastes just right after the excesses of the holiday season.
HOPPIN JOHN
"This dish is thought to have originated with African slaves on southern plantations, and is essentially black-eyed peas cooked with salt pork and seasonings, and served with rice."
"There are several theories on the origin of the name, 'hoppin-john'; a lively waiter who served the dish at a Charleston hotel; a lame cook who hopped up and down while cooking it; and finally from a custom that children must hop around the table before the dish is served. It is traditionally served on New Year's Day in the Southern U.S., and is supposed to bring good luck during the coming year."
Link
Saturday, December 23, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS
The tree is decorated, the presents are wrapped
The table is set with the good china, silver
And crystal wine glasses.
The Christmas red candles await the match
Which will bring them to shimmering light
Falling softly on family faces,
Bright with anticipation.
For just one day in time
We are children again.
The table is set with the good china, silver
And crystal wine glasses.
The Christmas red candles await the match
Which will bring them to shimmering light
Falling softly on family faces,
Bright with anticipation.
For just one day in time
We are children again.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
EGGNOG CHEESE CAKE
FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUS POST
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
DECADENT CHRISTMAS EATING
Please post your own most decadent holiday recipe.
CAUTION I have not tried this. Proceed at your own risk.
Eggnog Cheesecake
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 7 Hours 30 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings
"A simple easy-to-make cheesecake served with a yummy Pecan Caramel Sauce. It's perfect for holiday get-togethers."
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup white sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream
cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened
condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup dark rum 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed light brown
sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup melted butter, wafer crumbs, and white sugar. Press firmly on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk. Mix in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Stir in 1/4 cup rum, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until set. Cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife blade carefully around the inside rim of the pan to loosen the cake from the sides. Cool in the pan to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled. Remove from pan before serving.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of water. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add 2 tablespoons dark rum. Cool. Just before serving, stir in pecans. Serve sauce with cheesecake.
ALLRECIPES.COM
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
DECADENT CHRISTMAS EATING
Please post your own most decadent holiday recipe.
CAUTION I have not tried this. Proceed at your own risk.
Eggnog Cheesecake
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 7 Hours 30 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings
"A simple easy-to-make cheesecake served with a yummy Pecan Caramel Sauce. It's perfect for holiday get-togethers."
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup white sugar
3 (8 ounce) packages cream
cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened
condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup dark rum 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup packed light brown
sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum
1/2 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup melted butter, wafer crumbs, and white sugar. Press firmly on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk. Mix in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Stir in 1/4 cup rum, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Pour into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until set. Cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife blade carefully around the inside rim of the pan to loosen the cake from the sides. Cool in the pan to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely chilled. Remove from pan before serving.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup of water. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add 2 tablespoons dark rum. Cool. Just before serving, stir in pecans. Serve sauce with cheesecake.
ALLRECIPES.COM
Saturday, December 09, 2006
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
Holiday Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact,
if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where
they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine
single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than
single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year
but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories
in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole
point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make
a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy.
Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with
skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
It's like buying a sports car with an automatic
transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort
to control your eating. The whole point of going to a
Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots
of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a
10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size
of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have
as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and
one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have
more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with
the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all
cost. I mean, have SOME standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave
the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is
just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in
one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and
screaming,
"WOO HOO what a ride!"
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact,
if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where
they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine
single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than
single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year
but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories
in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole
point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make
a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy.
Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with
skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
It's like buying a sports car with an automatic
transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort
to control your eating. The whole point of going to a
Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots
of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a
10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size
of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have
as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and
one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have
more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with
the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all
cost. I mean, have SOME standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave
the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is
just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well
preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in
one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and
screaming,
"WOO HOO what a ride!"
Monday, December 04, 2006
Safety tips for the holidays
From a local neighborhood news letter, here is some sound advice for the serious crime problem that plagues is all,especially during the holidays.
PS(I love the last line)
HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
DON'T GET RIPPED OFF
One thing you need to remember is this: Crooks don't take the holidays
off. Nope. Business as usual....in fact it's the busy season for most..
Enjoy the Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware
The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is
fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes
forget the basics for maintaining our safety on the streets and at
home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and
following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season
that is both happy and safe. A primary factor in crime prevention is
being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger - thereby
closing the criminal's keyhole of opportunity.
Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of
street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we
speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal
can size up a potential victim.
. Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets,
walkways and parking areas - for both walking and parking.
. Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft
such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
. Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by
straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants
pocket.
. Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to
use when you reach the door.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind regarding the car or house
you've left behind while on your travels.
. ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a
few moments.
. Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in
open view in your car. Take valuables away with you, lock them in your
trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way.
. Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after
dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
. If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for
someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a
sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those
envelopes for holiday gifts that might be enclosed. E-mail
steve.rose@sandyspringsga.org or ask for a SSPD House-Check form if
you're going to be gone.
'Tis the Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers
The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up their
decorations and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Sandy
Springs Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look
forward to holidays as much as everyone else. Maybe more so! The
department asks women to beware of purse snatchers because they look at
women carrying pocketbooks as easy prey and fast money. The thieves know
that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful
as they should be when out.
Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.
. Keep your purse close to your body.
. If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
. If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping. A fanny pack
is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
. Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others
behind.
. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
. Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine,
and use one in a high traffic area.
. Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit
areas. Don't take so-called short cuts through wooded areas.
. Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
. If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch
directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared,
yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important. Make some
noise and draw attention.
. If you have a fruitcake, use it as a weapon.
PS(I love the last line)
HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
DON'T GET RIPPED OFF
One thing you need to remember is this: Crooks don't take the holidays
off. Nope. Business as usual....in fact it's the busy season for most..
Enjoy the Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware
The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is
fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes
forget the basics for maintaining our safety on the streets and at
home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and
following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season
that is both happy and safe. A primary factor in crime prevention is
being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger - thereby
closing the criminal's keyhole of opportunity.
Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of
street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we
speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal
can size up a potential victim.
. Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets,
walkways and parking areas - for both walking and parking.
. Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft
such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
. Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by
straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants
pocket.
. Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to
use when you reach the door.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind regarding the car or house
you've left behind while on your travels.
. ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a
few moments.
. Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in
open view in your car. Take valuables away with you, lock them in your
trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way.
. Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after
dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
. If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for
someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a
sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those
envelopes for holiday gifts that might be enclosed. E-mail
steve.rose@sandyspringsga.org or ask for a SSPD House-Check form if
you're going to be gone.
'Tis the Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers
The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up their
decorations and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Sandy
Springs Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look
forward to holidays as much as everyone else. Maybe more so! The
department asks women to beware of purse snatchers because they look at
women carrying pocketbooks as easy prey and fast money. The thieves know
that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful
as they should be when out.
Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.
. Keep your purse close to your body.
. If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
. If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping. A fanny pack
is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
. Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others
behind.
. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
. Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine,
and use one in a high traffic area.
. Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit
areas. Don't take so-called short cuts through wooded areas.
. Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
. If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch
directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared,
yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important. Make some
noise and draw attention.
. If you have a fruitcake, use it as a weapon.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
WALL STREET JOURNAL'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
I am posting this Christmas Message early in case I doze off and it is 2007 already.
"In Hoc Anno Domini
Vermont Royster's annual Christmas message.
Sunday, December 25, 2005 12:01 a.m.
This editorial was written in 1949 by the late Vermont Royster and has been published annually since.
"When Saul of Tarsus set out on his journey to Damascus the whole of the known world lay in bondage. There was one state, and it was Rome. There was one master for it all, and he was Tiberius Caesar.
Everywhere there was civil order, for the arm of the Roman law was long. Everywhere there was stability, in government and in society, for the centurions saw that it was so.
But everywhere there was something else, too. There was oppression--for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar. There was the tax gatherer to take the grain from the fields and the flax from the spindle to feed the legions or to fill the hungry treasury from which divine Caesar gave largess to the people. There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. There were executioners to quiet those whom the Emperor proscribed. What was a man for but to serve Caesar?
There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?
Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.
And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new Kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. And he sent this gospel of the Kingdom of Man into the uttermost ends of the earth.
So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders.
But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light. The voice said, Haste ye. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you, for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.
Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness.
And so Paul, the apostle of the Son of Man, spoke to his brethren, the Galatians, the words he would have us remember afterward in each of the years of his Lord:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Copyright © 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
"In Hoc Anno Domini
Vermont Royster's annual Christmas message.
Sunday, December 25, 2005 12:01 a.m.
This editorial was written in 1949 by the late Vermont Royster and has been published annually since.
"When Saul of Tarsus set out on his journey to Damascus the whole of the known world lay in bondage. There was one state, and it was Rome. There was one master for it all, and he was Tiberius Caesar.
Everywhere there was civil order, for the arm of the Roman law was long. Everywhere there was stability, in government and in society, for the centurions saw that it was so.
But everywhere there was something else, too. There was oppression--for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar. There was the tax gatherer to take the grain from the fields and the flax from the spindle to feed the legions or to fill the hungry treasury from which divine Caesar gave largess to the people. There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. There were executioners to quiet those whom the Emperor proscribed. What was a man for but to serve Caesar?
There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?
Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.
And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new Kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. And he sent this gospel of the Kingdom of Man into the uttermost ends of the earth.
So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders.
But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light. The voice said, Haste ye. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you, for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.
Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness.
And so Paul, the apostle of the Son of Man, spoke to his brethren, the Galatians, the words he would have us remember afterward in each of the years of his Lord:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Copyright © 2006 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Settling in After Thanksgiving.
After a whirlwind day yesterday with turkey and all the trimmings, including the 4 grandchildren and son, daughter and their spouses partaking of the feast at our table; today,the day after, is a time of sitting and resting and savoring the memories of a day well spent. So I leisurely read the New York times from cover to cover and happened upon this poem that spoke to me;especially the line about Cleopatra and aging and the asp.
November 23, 2006
Op-Ed Contributor
Black Friday Reverie
By JENNIFER MICHAEL HECHT
Thanksgiving was my birthday this year
and I find two holidays in one is not
efficient. In fact, barely anything gets
done; neither the bird nor the passage
of the year is digested. Luckily, Black
Friday offers new pleasures while remaining
a stolen day; a day after. There is shopping,
the streets, or the hilarious malls, but I will
stay home with the leftovers and use
the time to rethink, turkey leg in hand like
a king. Pumpkin pie, solid soup of
pummeled end-of-summer. Chestnuts and
sausage chunks from stuffing plucked
regally, like an ape leisurely denuding
a blueberry bush of its fruit. Maybe I mean
Cleopatra's teeth accepting red grapes from
a solicitous lunk of nubility. Same image.
The hand feeds, the mouth gets fed. You
too? Mother ate turkey in the maternity?
Imagine, you not-born-in-late-Novembers,
if every few years a bird adjoined your
candles. Think, too, who comes to eat
that bird. Those whose faces look like
yours; those nearly-yous and knew you
whens; those have your same ill eases.
How's the sciatica? Fine, how's yours?
The world is old. Cleopatra might
have liked Black Friday. It's as engaging
as a barge with a fast gold sofa. She also
might have liked aging. At least preferred
it to the asp. Yellow leaf-patterned
sunlight dazzles the wall with its dapple.
It's all happening now, as I write. This is
journalism. No part of the memoir
is untrue. Though I probably will
go to the mall, if everyone else goes.
Jennifer Michael Hecht is the author, most recently, of “Funny.”
November 23, 2006
Op-Ed Contributor
Black Friday Reverie
By JENNIFER MICHAEL HECHT
Thanksgiving was my birthday this year
and I find two holidays in one is not
efficient. In fact, barely anything gets
done; neither the bird nor the passage
of the year is digested. Luckily, Black
Friday offers new pleasures while remaining
a stolen day; a day after. There is shopping,
the streets, or the hilarious malls, but I will
stay home with the leftovers and use
the time to rethink, turkey leg in hand like
a king. Pumpkin pie, solid soup of
pummeled end-of-summer. Chestnuts and
sausage chunks from stuffing plucked
regally, like an ape leisurely denuding
a blueberry bush of its fruit. Maybe I mean
Cleopatra's teeth accepting red grapes from
a solicitous lunk of nubility. Same image.
The hand feeds, the mouth gets fed. You
too? Mother ate turkey in the maternity?
Imagine, you not-born-in-late-Novembers,
if every few years a bird adjoined your
candles. Think, too, who comes to eat
that bird. Those whose faces look like
yours; those nearly-yous and knew you
whens; those have your same ill eases.
How's the sciatica? Fine, how's yours?
The world is old. Cleopatra might
have liked Black Friday. It's as engaging
as a barge with a fast gold sofa. She also
might have liked aging. At least preferred
it to the asp. Yellow leaf-patterned
sunlight dazzles the wall with its dapple.
It's all happening now, as I write. This is
journalism. No part of the memoir
is untrue. Though I probably will
go to the mall, if everyone else goes.
Jennifer Michael Hecht is the author, most recently, of “Funny.”
Sunday, November 19, 2006
TomKat
I am down with the nasty beginning of a sore throat and cold.
(one of the grandchildren brought it to me last Tuesday "as a present" when I kept her)
Since I am sick and desperate for blog fodder, I will
post about the "Wedding of the Century" from the Washington Post.
TomKat Wedding: Believe the Hype
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise in Rome on Wednesday. (AP)And so the circle of life continues to turn. Make way Britney and Kevin, we must now shove the wasteland of your dying marriage aside to make room for the pomp, circumstance and overblown hype that herald the union of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
As Celebritologists, we too have a vested interest in this marriage. We will be bold with snap judgments about Katie's dress. We'll speculate about the relative merits of her going barefoot or Tom standing on a box. We'll wonder if L. Ron Hubbard's cryogenic chamber has been shipped special to Italy to witness the commingling of Scientology royalty (like Dan Snyder and J.Lo) or if he'll only be there in spirit (like Oprah).
Before we I get too carried away (because I have to tell you, I was headed for an inevitable comparison with the "Beetlejuice" wedding scene), let's ground our expectations in a little reality.
A Bracciano shopkeeper adjusts a portrait of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in her store window. PHOTO GALLERY: Prepping for TomKat (AP)First, set the scene. Peruse this pre-wedding photo gallery of the (reported) humble wedding site, an the 15th century Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, nestled in the quaint Italian village of Bracciano -- a town so beautiful that Pope Sixtus IV himself rode out the plague there. Perhaps TomKat will have similar luck escaping the paparazzi. (The castle itself has a Web site, but I'm prettily informed that it is "Impossibile visualizzare la pagina.")
Next, block out an hour to spend with Brides.com editor Theresa DiMasi, who will be online at Noon ET today to answer questions about Scientology nuptials and celebrity weddings in general.
Finally, join Oprah and the rest of the uninvited to toast the happy couple from afar. Or, if you're not in the mood, have a self-satisfied moment hoping this story about Tom being too pudgy for his wedding suit is true."
And so Mrs Cruise number three begins her 10 year reign (or so I have read.)
The baby is precious and her name is Suri Cruise. Her Dad was born in Syracuse.
Coincidence or planned?
(one of the grandchildren brought it to me last Tuesday "as a present" when I kept her)
Since I am sick and desperate for blog fodder, I will
post about the "Wedding of the Century" from the Washington Post.
TomKat Wedding: Believe the Hype
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise in Rome on Wednesday. (AP)And so the circle of life continues to turn. Make way Britney and Kevin, we must now shove the wasteland of your dying marriage aside to make room for the pomp, circumstance and overblown hype that herald the union of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
As Celebritologists, we too have a vested interest in this marriage. We will be bold with snap judgments about Katie's dress. We'll speculate about the relative merits of her going barefoot or Tom standing on a box. We'll wonder if L. Ron Hubbard's cryogenic chamber has been shipped special to Italy to witness the commingling of Scientology royalty (like Dan Snyder and J.Lo) or if he'll only be there in spirit (like Oprah).
Before we I get too carried away (because I have to tell you, I was headed for an inevitable comparison with the "Beetlejuice" wedding scene), let's ground our expectations in a little reality.
A Bracciano shopkeeper adjusts a portrait of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in her store window. PHOTO GALLERY: Prepping for TomKat (AP)First, set the scene. Peruse this pre-wedding photo gallery of the (reported) humble wedding site, an the 15th century Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, nestled in the quaint Italian village of Bracciano -- a town so beautiful that Pope Sixtus IV himself rode out the plague there. Perhaps TomKat will have similar luck escaping the paparazzi. (The castle itself has a Web site, but I'm prettily informed that it is "Impossibile visualizzare la pagina.")
Next, block out an hour to spend with Brides.com editor Theresa DiMasi, who will be online at Noon ET today to answer questions about Scientology nuptials and celebrity weddings in general.
Finally, join Oprah and the rest of the uninvited to toast the happy couple from afar. Or, if you're not in the mood, have a self-satisfied moment hoping this story about Tom being too pudgy for his wedding suit is true."
And so Mrs Cruise number three begins her 10 year reign (or so I have read.)
The baby is precious and her name is Suri Cruise. Her Dad was born in Syracuse.
Coincidence or planned?
Monday, November 06, 2006
Car Shopping
Do you remember some of the cars you have bought over the years; some that you grew to love and others you hated because they turned out to be lemons? Memories of our automobiles seem to cling to us long after they have met their maker.
The smell of a new car. The feel of driving the shiny new vehicle off the lot after you had signed the papers. The vow that you will keep this one dent and scratch free. And the disgust when you got that first scratch.
And did you have a very, very favorite car of all the ones you have driven?
I remember the yellow Buick station wagon with the "wooden panels" and the tan interior. I drove many car pools with my children and their school buddies ,delivering them one by one to their homes, lightly honking the horn to let someone inside know they were home. At times the crowd in the station wagon would get way too boisterous and I would threaten to pull over to the side of the road and just sit there until order was restored. A few times I did just that.
Many years later, when my son was grown, and we were discussing days gone by and car pooling, son said, "You know what Mrs N did when she drove car pool and she wanted to keep us quiet? She told us if we were good and quiet she would take us to MacDonald's and she did and we were. She bribed us"
I guess I should have tried the "carrot" approach more and not the "stick" :)
Then there was the green Plymouth sedan my husband and little daughter, our first child, bought when I was in the hospital after giving birth to our second daughter. Back then children were not allowed into the hospital to see the new arrival (germ conscious I suppose) so hubby drove the new Plymouth and my little daughter to the parking lot under my window and showed me the present. Kind of sad that this car turned out to be a real lemon after such an auspicious start.
We owned many Buick's, a Caddy or two. One caddy, a light blue one, hummed right along for a short while and then it started to have electrical problems and we took it in to fix the problem. The dealer's shop tried and tried to fix it under warranty and then charged us and charged us and it was never fixed. We bought another car and kept the blue Caddy as a spare.
When my hubby worked in Washington, D.C. for 4 years, we drove Ole Blue to D.C. and wheeled around the nation's capitol in it. We had tried to give it to our daughter or son when they turned 16 and could drive but they were not willing to "be seen driving a clunker."
Once I was driving our dog, Mollie, a springer spaniel, to the vet for something routine. I took her in Ole Blue because I did not want her toenails to scratch up my newer car as she propped her paws on the door and held her head out the window while taking the breezes.
We were within two blocks of the vet's office when Ole Blue stopped on a very busy road and would not start again. I had no choice but to turn on the blinkers, abandon the car, put the leash on Mollie, and proceed to walk to the vets office. After dropping off the doggie, I headed back to the car to figure out what to do.
Just then I noticed two men across the street from the vet. They both were work men who were in the lot and I asked them how I could get my car towed. They said they would help me. The older man was going to get his son to push Ole Blue with his pick up truck up the busy, busy Lindberg Drive and I was to drive and steer the dead car until we approached the service station which was across 4 busy lanes of traffic on the other side of the road. I was to quickly "TURN INTO THE SERVICE STATION", all the while praying I did not get hit. I said "No way". I rode side saddle while the young man pushed and the older man drove my car. I shut my eyes as we approached the service station with the truck gaining enough speed to push us in.
The mechanic at the service station said I would have to leave my car overnight so they could fix it. "How can I get home?" The mechanic offered to drive me home, as I lived only about 5 miles away. I told him I would have to walk up and go get my dog at the vet's. He said get in his truck and he would take me to pick up Mollie.
Mollie reluctantly hopped up into the front seat beside me and the mechanic.I could tell she thought I had lost my marbles. She was shaking and rolling her big brown eyes at me as if she thought she might have to protect me during this ride.
All went well. Mollie and I arrived home safely. I tipped the kind mechanic who had driven us. I vowed to never again drive Mollie anywhere in Ole Blue.:)
.......
PS:( some years later the electrical problem was fixed in our driveway in about an hour by our son's highschool friend who had recently graduated from MIT and was extremely handy.)
----------
With all the autos you have owned in mind, go and visit Claude and watch the video about old cars.
(click on title of this post and travel to Blogging in Paris then click "Watch This"
The smell of a new car. The feel of driving the shiny new vehicle off the lot after you had signed the papers. The vow that you will keep this one dent and scratch free. And the disgust when you got that first scratch.
And did you have a very, very favorite car of all the ones you have driven?
I remember the yellow Buick station wagon with the "wooden panels" and the tan interior. I drove many car pools with my children and their school buddies ,delivering them one by one to their homes, lightly honking the horn to let someone inside know they were home. At times the crowd in the station wagon would get way too boisterous and I would threaten to pull over to the side of the road and just sit there until order was restored. A few times I did just that.
Many years later, when my son was grown, and we were discussing days gone by and car pooling, son said, "You know what Mrs N did when she drove car pool and she wanted to keep us quiet? She told us if we were good and quiet she would take us to MacDonald's and she did and we were. She bribed us"
I guess I should have tried the "carrot" approach more and not the "stick" :)
Then there was the green Plymouth sedan my husband and little daughter, our first child, bought when I was in the hospital after giving birth to our second daughter. Back then children were not allowed into the hospital to see the new arrival (germ conscious I suppose) so hubby drove the new Plymouth and my little daughter to the parking lot under my window and showed me the present. Kind of sad that this car turned out to be a real lemon after such an auspicious start.
We owned many Buick's, a Caddy or two. One caddy, a light blue one, hummed right along for a short while and then it started to have electrical problems and we took it in to fix the problem. The dealer's shop tried and tried to fix it under warranty and then charged us and charged us and it was never fixed. We bought another car and kept the blue Caddy as a spare.
When my hubby worked in Washington, D.C. for 4 years, we drove Ole Blue to D.C. and wheeled around the nation's capitol in it. We had tried to give it to our daughter or son when they turned 16 and could drive but they were not willing to "be seen driving a clunker."
Once I was driving our dog, Mollie, a springer spaniel, to the vet for something routine. I took her in Ole Blue because I did not want her toenails to scratch up my newer car as she propped her paws on the door and held her head out the window while taking the breezes.
We were within two blocks of the vet's office when Ole Blue stopped on a very busy road and would not start again. I had no choice but to turn on the blinkers, abandon the car, put the leash on Mollie, and proceed to walk to the vets office. After dropping off the doggie, I headed back to the car to figure out what to do.
Just then I noticed two men across the street from the vet. They both were work men who were in the lot and I asked them how I could get my car towed. They said they would help me. The older man was going to get his son to push Ole Blue with his pick up truck up the busy, busy Lindberg Drive and I was to drive and steer the dead car until we approached the service station which was across 4 busy lanes of traffic on the other side of the road. I was to quickly "TURN INTO THE SERVICE STATION", all the while praying I did not get hit. I said "No way". I rode side saddle while the young man pushed and the older man drove my car. I shut my eyes as we approached the service station with the truck gaining enough speed to push us in.
The mechanic at the service station said I would have to leave my car overnight so they could fix it. "How can I get home?" The mechanic offered to drive me home, as I lived only about 5 miles away. I told him I would have to walk up and go get my dog at the vet's. He said get in his truck and he would take me to pick up Mollie.
Mollie reluctantly hopped up into the front seat beside me and the mechanic.I could tell she thought I had lost my marbles. She was shaking and rolling her big brown eyes at me as if she thought she might have to protect me during this ride.
All went well. Mollie and I arrived home safely. I tipped the kind mechanic who had driven us. I vowed to never again drive Mollie anywhere in Ole Blue.:)
.......
PS:( some years later the electrical problem was fixed in our driveway in about an hour by our son's highschool friend who had recently graduated from MIT and was extremely handy.)
----------
With all the autos you have owned in mind, go and visit Claude and watch the video about old cars.
(click on title of this post and travel to Blogging in Paris then click "Watch This"
Monday, October 30, 2006
Where was I ?
This is what I did today. I was in the kitchen preparing to make Banana Nut Bread. I had recently used a recipe from the Land O' Lakes butter web site and I went upstairs to my computer to print the recipe again as I could not readily locate it in the kitchen.
I sat down at the computer and thought...hum...I will just check out a few of my favorite blogs and perhaps the news and read my email and fiddle around a bit.
One hour later I was merrily traipsing down the little yellow brick Internet road, enjoying many posts and comments and adding comments of my own and then;
I went back downstairs to the kitchen and remembered:
I did not even look for the recipe for Banana Nut Bread so here I am back at the computer and printing the recipe for the BN Bread
I might as well share it with you since I am here and it may be too late to bake the bread and besides. it is such a beautiful fall day here I think I will just go for a
wonderful walk instead
Oh Yes...Here is the recipe:
WALNUT BANANA BREAD
This banana nut bread is just like the one Mom used to make. It is a great way to use overripe bananas.
Preparation time: 15 min Baking time: 1 hrs
Yield: 16 servings
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
2 eggs
2 medium (1 cup) bananas, mashed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350°F. Combine sugar, butter and eggs in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add banana and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir in all remaining ingredients by hand.
Spoon batter into greased and floured 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely.
TIP: Banana bread is best the second day. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
TIP: Walnuts can be omitted.
TIP: Use no-stick cooking spray that contains flour to easily coat loaf pan.
PS I use one more banana and more sugar andcome vanilla and a little cinnamon.
I sat down at the computer and thought...hum...I will just check out a few of my favorite blogs and perhaps the news and read my email and fiddle around a bit.
One hour later I was merrily traipsing down the little yellow brick Internet road, enjoying many posts and comments and adding comments of my own and then;
I went back downstairs to the kitchen and remembered:
I did not even look for the recipe for Banana Nut Bread so here I am back at the computer and printing the recipe for the BN Bread
I might as well share it with you since I am here and it may be too late to bake the bread and besides. it is such a beautiful fall day here I think I will just go for a
wonderful walk instead
Oh Yes...Here is the recipe:
WALNUT BANANA BREAD
This banana nut bread is just like the one Mom used to make. It is a great way to use overripe bananas.
Preparation time: 15 min Baking time: 1 hrs
Yield: 16 servings
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened
2 eggs
2 medium (1 cup) bananas, mashed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350°F. Combine sugar, butter and eggs in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add banana and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir in all remaining ingredients by hand.
Spoon batter into greased and floured 8x4-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes; remove from pan. Cool completely.
TIP: Banana bread is best the second day. Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
TIP: Walnuts can be omitted.
TIP: Use no-stick cooking spray that contains flour to easily coat loaf pan.
PS I use one more banana and more sugar andcome vanilla and a little cinnamon.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Small World ; Isn't it.
Some months back I had been enjoying reading Roger B's blog, "There's Always Something", when in response to something Roger posted about his home in Arizona, I commented about Atlanta, my home.
Roger emailed me and said "Atlanta?--- Perhaps you know several friends of mine who now live in Atlanta. I went to Vanderbilt University with them."
He mentioned 4 people that he knew in his college years at Vanderbilt. As you know the Internet is filled with probably a million interesting people like Roger, a retired minister. The odds of my knowing someone he knew over 50 years ago are what? A million to one? Atlanta is a city of close to 5 million souls now. And the odds of my happening upon Roger's blog among the thousands of blogs are also astronomical.
When I read the names I could not believe my eyes. My husband and I know all those Roger mentioned. One of the three men, was the father of my daughter's first boyfriend. The other is a distant cousin and a friend who belongs to the same golf club as my husband. The third, a woman, is a dear friend along with her husband, who is also a member of the same golf club.
Well, I emailed Roger and told him the news and he was speechless. He remembered one of them, BSH as the "prettiest girl at Vandy. She sat next to him in German class.
Roger later married a pretty coed from Kentucky.
None of these four long ago friends of Roger's are computer literate and have no idea what a blog is so I had not called and mentioned this remarkable coincidence to them. I did not quite know how to explain to them the sequence of events that had led me to Roger and his "blog." Then one day recently my husband was having lunch at the golf club with three of them and he mentioned Roger and the remarkable coincidence. They remembered him fondly and even recalled that Roger was the president of their fraternity pledge class.
I emailed Roger and told him how delighted his friends were to hear from him and they sent their best wishes across the miles and the years.
I still marvel at this turn of events.
What a small, small world we live in. We are all connected one to the other in some unexplainable, cosmic way.
(Six degrees of separation is the hypothesis that anyone on Earth can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances with no more than five intermediaries)
PS: click on Title above to travel to Roger's blog
Roger emailed me and said "Atlanta?--- Perhaps you know several friends of mine who now live in Atlanta. I went to Vanderbilt University with them."
He mentioned 4 people that he knew in his college years at Vanderbilt. As you know the Internet is filled with probably a million interesting people like Roger, a retired minister. The odds of my knowing someone he knew over 50 years ago are what? A million to one? Atlanta is a city of close to 5 million souls now. And the odds of my happening upon Roger's blog among the thousands of blogs are also astronomical.
When I read the names I could not believe my eyes. My husband and I know all those Roger mentioned. One of the three men, was the father of my daughter's first boyfriend. The other is a distant cousin and a friend who belongs to the same golf club as my husband. The third, a woman, is a dear friend along with her husband, who is also a member of the same golf club.
Well, I emailed Roger and told him the news and he was speechless. He remembered one of them, BSH as the "prettiest girl at Vandy. She sat next to him in German class.
Roger later married a pretty coed from Kentucky.
None of these four long ago friends of Roger's are computer literate and have no idea what a blog is so I had not called and mentioned this remarkable coincidence to them. I did not quite know how to explain to them the sequence of events that had led me to Roger and his "blog." Then one day recently my husband was having lunch at the golf club with three of them and he mentioned Roger and the remarkable coincidence. They remembered him fondly and even recalled that Roger was the president of their fraternity pledge class.
I emailed Roger and told him how delighted his friends were to hear from him and they sent their best wishes across the miles and the years.
I still marvel at this turn of events.
What a small, small world we live in. We are all connected one to the other in some unexplainable, cosmic way.
(Six degrees of separation is the hypothesis that anyone on Earth can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances with no more than five intermediaries)
PS: click on Title above to travel to Roger's blog
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