This is the 26th Valentine’s Day my husband and I have shared. In the past we have gone out to expensive dinners, bought each other gifts and cards, oh my, the cards. They are so beautiful and romantic that I have saved each and every card he has ever given me.
Having just returned from Maui where we spent the lovely month of January we decided only cards this year. Sounds fair, right? So…..here is how things change in this house.
I decided to surprise Don with a really special dinner. He, on the other hand, had decided to surprise me with a special dinner. We both realized what was happening yesterday. I said (ever so wisely and yet, demurely, I will get the ingredients I wanted to get and you can cook it. And you thought I was stupid? Silly you!
So today we went out and I bought what I wanted (he had to stay in the car) and then he has done his thing. Today I made the appetizer and dessert, set a special table in the dining room and gave him what we are having.
The menu:
Hors d ‘Oeurve I don’t know what that is as Don is preparing
The appetizer: Crab and Avocado Creme Brulee
Entre: New York Strip Sirloin Steak Topped with a Lobster Tail
Bacon/Cheddar Stuffed Potato
Vegetable: Don’s preparing
Dessert: Blood Orange Pound Cake Slices
Of course, the essential glass or two of wine and beer for Don.
This is what makes life fun and spur-of-the-moment. What do you think?
we’re Back – Ready to Get Back To Work
Okay, we are now back and glad to be back working at what I love to do…sending new recipes and ideas to you.
We were away for the past month and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is always nice to be away and towards the end, we were already starting to think about home and what we have to do.
For me it is the unpacking, laundry, ironing and cleaning house. For Don, it means checking over 400 emails and messages and getting ready for the tax season.
See you tomorrow.
Some Scary Day…..
Let’s go over events of yesterday. We had a lazy start, sitting on the lanai enjoying breakfast and a long coffee, watching the waves and people on the beach. After showering, we leave, taking our time as we are not in a hurry on our last day (so to speak) and planning what we are going to do today. Sounds good, yes?
On the way back from lunch, we decide to go back to the little church in Makena. Don says he needs his camera, so back to the apartment we go. It is now just after 1:15 P.M. I noticed the time as there is a meeting of all the owners at 1:30. When we get home the phone is ringing and everyone is panicky…..they need to clean as new people are coming in at 3 p.m. and the cleaners need to get in.
We have a problem here, friends, our plane doesn’t leave until midnight tonight….we ASSUMED our time at the condo was until this morning. I was already packed except for a few items and Don has to pack as fast as possible as the cleaners are on their way.
I emptied the fridge and we already had the apartment tidied up, so we start to load the car. As we are waiting for the elevator, the cleaners get off as we are getting on. WHEW!
Thanks to the cleaners who suggested a hotel next to the airport for us to stay or we would have been on the beach. It all turned out well and we did, indeed, still go to Makena for a last visit. (my happy place). It all worked out but was really scary while happening.
Okay, we are settled in the hotel now and are now leaving for dinner. We decided to go downstairs. Well, for such a high-end hotel the Bistro is sadly lacking. They should have a proper restaurant. The staff don’t appear to be interested and the food is suspect, at best. We leave and go to Marco’s for a wonderful Italian dinner. I had my favourite, Fettucine Alfredo, and Don ordered Clams with Linguine. It was so good. I will talk about this restaurant later but Dave was a wonderful server and the restaurant was packed.
We are now all packed this morning and almost ready, mentally, to return home. It has been a wonderful month in paradise.
Another One Almost Gone
Well, another year has almost gone and I am very proud of all our accomplishments. We made new friends, kept old ones and pampered one and all. A few hurdles were overcome and prayers all answered.
Do you ever stop and think about what has happened to you, or your family in 12 months? We had our second grandchild reaching the awesome age of 19 years and, boy, does that ever make us feel a little older……just sayin’. Also this year, as mentioned previously, we had three Christmas celebrations for us to get all our family together. Well, one does what one can!
To make this short, as time is running out…..2 more days until the clock rings in another new year…one that is filled with plans, dreams and hopes. I know I will strive to be a better person and help those more who may be without and love my husband and all our children and grandchildren with a better understanding of what they want, making new dreams and accomplish all they strived for.
Thanks everyone for a wonderful ride this year and I will be back in the New Year but first…..taking a little R & R with my handsome husband. Wish us well!
To each and everyone Happy New Year and drive safe.
Christmas, For Me
Having been brought up in a family that believed Christ WAS Christmas, we had family gathered at Christmastime in our parents home, gifts under the tree and then some, smells of a turkey in the oven….Wow! It always brings a tear or three in remembering wonderful and sometimes, not so wonderful, times in the past.
What is Christmas really? To me, it is giving to others, helping others without looking for a return ‘payment’, sharing your home, selves, food and laughter with others, and going to Church Christmas Eve. This was the gift given to me by my parents. I miss them every day but probably more than ever this time of year. They LOVED Christmas. Every part of it. Thank you, it was the best gift ever for me.
This year, for us, was the biggest bonus we have received ever. We have had, including tomorrow, all our children and grandchildren, except for our grandson, for three different, but wonderful, Christmas celebrations. How did we do it? Well. let’s see……
Don ‘s daughter was coming from Belgium in July for her vacation. We had asked that the kids pay us at least one and, hopefully two visits, this year. So, in July, we had Christmas…turkey, music, decorations for nine family members. Then 10 days ago, another family member came, and again, we celebrated Christmas. This time, the tree was up, lights on and laughter abound AND tomorrow, my daughter will arrive to spend, Yup, the third Christmas this year for us.
The feeling of happiness, joy within and being thankful everyday for this family of ours, I am sometimes overwhelmed with it all. When family is spread around this crazy world of ours, we should make the time and effort to share and celebrate when you can with any of them. So what if you have more than one. Trust me when the temperature is in the 90’s, turkey gets a second guess, but always comes through.
So…here’s the emotion coming through…Merry Christmas to one and all, and if you can, share it with someone who is either alone this year, doesn’t have a home but needs only a good and sincerely given meal and most of all, say a huge thank you to God and to your family. May 2015 be the best yet.
Holiday Baking 2014
This is what has been made for our give-away trays this year. Hope everyone likes it.
Cheese Shortbread
Lemon Shortbread
Pecan Shortbread
Kitchen Sink Cookies
Fruit/Nut Chocolate Bark
Christmas Brittle
Citrus Cocada
Pecan squares
Light As Air Oatmeal Crunchies
Whipped Shortbread
Mini Pumpkin loaves/cakes
Pralines
Gin Fudge With Shredded Lime
Homemade Mincemeat (better than store-bought) Tarts
Custard Tarts
Blue Cheese Cookies With Pistachios
Maple and Pecan Tarts
Impromptu Dinner Is Best
When we celebrated Christmas in July with our family, Don’s daughter, Carole( from Belgium) was to do a theme dinner. She brought the recipe for Belgium…..in my English term – like Beef Bourguinan. There was a ton left over so Don made a Shepherd’s Pie. Now….on to the rest of the story.
After thawing on the counter, I kept looking at it and seeing too much food for two, so we decided to have an impromptu dinner with our friends and after them agreeing to come over, we decided what to do next.
We had jars of homemade antipasto….add several kinds of crackers, napkins, plates and glasses of wine and the conversation flows and the evening has begun.
We had scallops on baby shells in the freezer. Voila! Pop in the oven for 20 minutes and you have a perfect appetizer. Don grilled fresh pineapple strips and our very own figs, then drizzled balsamic vinegar over. The plate looked awesome.
I set the table earlier in the day (casual) and lit a few candles…done.
For dessert we had plates of fresh fruits, a couple of different cheeses and crackers. Coffee and more conversation finished the evening.
No fuss, no bother and such fun. Try it and you will see.
Being Truly Thankful Stew
When it comes to being thankful, do we EVER say it out loud? To anyone else? Most of all, to ourselves? Well, life gives and takes and I know, now, that I am thankful for each step and misstep taken in my life.
Let me see if I can make any sense of this. I am long-in-the-tooth, age-wise and I have certainly made my mistakes but, at the same time, each one brought something I can be truly thankful for.
My parents did not have a life that was rich in financial things but they were far richer than most with the love they shared with each other. They struggled, like most people, but never faltered. For this, I am thankful as it taught me how to finally love with an everlasting love.
I am thankful for what we had growing up and for what they taught me. From that beginning I have learned how to keep house, laundry including ironing. (This really came to be when we operated a Bed and Breakfast for so many years). How to entertain and make everyone who enters our home feel like royalty from our children to the neighbors down the street. I am truly thankful for this quality.
I am thankful for my daughter. Words really fail me here as she turned out far smarter, and with qualities that put her in a category all by herself. Hard worker, loyal, honorable, honest, true friend extraordinaire.
I am thankful for my “step children”. I know they probably dislike that category but I sure am thankful for them being in my life. Four wonderful, bright, loving children (all adults approaching that magic mid-life birthday) and they have alllowed me to be their friend.
More than that, I am thankful for my grandchildren. Three beautiful and super girls and one truly handsome grandson. Now…as I mentioned before about my age…they are now adults who have a life of wonder and exploration ahead of them.
I am thankful beyond words for the gift given me in my husband. He is honest, hardworking, always making sure we have a beautiful roof over our heads and food on the table. He has put up with me for going on 27 years. He is the absolute love of my life.
I am so thankful for my faith. I was the youngest, back then, to be allowed into the Senior Choir at Church. I was 8 years old. From then to now, I have been blessed beyond words for health issues with all my family (we have had our fair share, for sure) and we have always come out like shiny new pennies. My faith, like now, never has been taken for granted.
I am thankful for all my mistakes…some small in the scheme of things and others……monumental and, again, I learned from them. Sometimes it look longer than it should have. I think God must say this one is a slow learner.
I am thankful for the people I have met, became friends with, became un-friends with and for those not yet met.
I am very thankful to be able to give to those who are without. I am a very strong believer and doer in ‘paying it forward’. As my husband said just recently….”we have never gone without or been short because we gave to those less fortunate.”
This, my friends, if my special recipe for Thankful Stew. May yours be blessed as well when you take a good hard look within. Happy Thanksgiving Day. May we all be thankful everyday for all blessings given.
Happy Anniversary To Step-Daughter And Son-in-law
I know I did a comment or two for my daughter’s birthday, but today is my husband’s beautiful daughter, Suzanne and her husband, Victor’s (he does a mean Elvis impression) wedding anniversary.
These two wonderful “kids” have raised two beautiful, smart and loving girls and never let anyone in the family down. They offer their home, beds, food and great companionship to us all.
They have to share this day with Kelly but…..everyone is so loved and gives that same love back it is not a big deal. No selfishness here. We just came back from a family wedding and it was wonderful to be together.
Congratulations you two. Have a wonderful day and by the way, your loving girls fired their Grandby and Grandad from babysitting tonight. They said something like WE were too old or THEY were too old…didn’t hear correctly. Love you. We are so very proud of your accomplishments.
p.s. just kidding about being fired…we quit. They were far too good.
Daughter’s Birthday
About 47 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful 6 lb. girl, named Kelly. In the time since then she has grown into a beautiful young lady, both inside and out.
I wanted to raise a daughter to be so much better, smarter and more beautiful than I could ever dream and certainly more independent. Okay, okay, okay…I went too far on the independent thing. I know this and I guess so does everyone else.
But in the same breath, I raised someone who can think for herself, is street-smart, never gives up on a new challenge (well, okay, computers…me too!)
If you are her friend, she will fight to the death for you or your reputation and give you all she has, if you need it without question.
Loyalty is one of her biggest assets for sure. Another is taking her skills, ambitions and dreams and putting them together in one fantastic career. She is excelling here.
She is beautiful….she never knew this at any moment in her life, but she is. Modelling would have been a good move for her as well. She also is a great singer.
It sometimes takes many years to realize just what it is your mother (me) taught you and it is so funny to hear people say…boy, are you ever like your mom. She used to run away now she just says thanks.
Happy Birthday my darling daughter. I love you with every breath and I am so very, very proud of you and all your accomplishments.
Onward to many more…..
Mother’s Day Thoughts
Well, this is a tough day for me, sometimes…….I remember a lot of the things my Mom did for us…..the funny things she said and did…..I remember how she treated company, when they came to the door…”never let your Company go without serving a fresh pot of tea/coffee and a store bought cookie if that is all you have on hand.”
I swear this is where I got my pattern from….we treat everyone – be it family, friends, neighbors or first-timers like royalty.
I remember raising my daughter and feeling like a total failure for not being able to give her the opportunities everyone else had. I was a single parent most of the time and money was scarce. She has never, ever said anything except thank you….for everything. Wow! I did something right. My daughter has never received a present that she did not sit down and write a thank you note. For everyone……Again, I did something right here too.
I married a fabulous man who had four children and now have four beautiful grandchildren to spoil ….Grandbys can do this, you know. This is one position I would not, could not and absolutely will not give up.
Yesterday, after a few thoughts and, yes, tears, my wonderful, God’s gift- to- me -husband, gave me the funniest card ever and another charm for my Pandora bracelet (Shamrock). He prepared a breakfast for a Queen…fresh asparagus on toast with a hollandaise sauce drizzled over AND on the other side of the plate an Eggs Bennie with even more of that awesome sauce.
Then the phone rang and my wonderful daughter called and that was a great present. As a parent you will understand what I mean when I say her laughter is a wonderful sound and I can never tire of it. Too bad we live so far apart.
For dinner, my beloved prepared a perfect meal….we shared a wine/beverage on our fantastic deck in the bright sunshine and then came in to feast of roast beef with a breathtaking jus and my favourite recipe for squash. He asked if I would prefer risotto (my very favourite) or sit out on the deck together. I chose….him! He made me feel so very special today and I love him even more because of it.
I hope all mothers, step-mothers and adopted mothers were able to hear those three little words that make any and all trials and tribulations seem a long distant past…I love you. If you are estranged from family…make the effort and phone or write…..those three little words are heart-mending, heart growing and glowing…..being a Mother is God’s greatest gift.
Mom I miss you and yes, I do love you and I’m thankful to be a Mom myself….a very proud Mom at that.
Tips For Hosting Responsibly
It’s the start of summer and the gang is coming over for the usual party. There are a few tips that you should read and consider….seriously! If you don’t and someone leaves your party and gets involved in an accident…you could and probably would be considered the guilty party.
To begin with, you should have the plans made, menu planned, drinks or wine attended to. Do consider not drinking or drinking a little. You should have a clear head in case a situation arises.
Provide food and make sure it is high in protein and high starch such as cheese and crackers. Try to avoid truly sweet items or highly salty and/or greasy items. These tend to make people thirsty and thefore, they will drink more….faster. Mix things up, and all will be enjoyed.
Have on hand pop, chilled water and juice on hand for any designated drivers. You could also make mocktails – then no one is looking left out.
Always measure your drinks. Use a jigger and refrain from free-pouring. Do not serve doubles and offer non-alcoholic alternatives between drinks.
About an hour before the party closes, offer tea, coffee and a sandwich, perhaps. Stop serving alcohol. If a guest has over-indulged, be a friend, and take his car keys from him. He/she will thank you in the morning. If he won’t give them to you, call a cab or arrange for someone to take him home.
Have fun and happy summer.