And the kidling is delighted she gets her favourite meal tonight, which makes me happy in return. What is it? A soup I came up with many moons ago (when she was still a toddler in fact) called Italian Potato Soup; rich and hearty, it's the best comfort soup you've ever had but really only appropriate for chilly weather. Yes, I will share the recipe next week and, yes, it's been chilly today and chillier tonight.
I cannot believe this weather! Last weekend it was close to 100 (F) and today the HIGH was 63 F. Tomorrow it is going to be rainy and the high might reach 71; poor Jen has a family reunion to attend. Due to health stuff I won't be going. Speaking of health stuff; going to see Dr. Lady on Monday afternoon and finding out the results of all those tests, please send happy thoughts.
Good thing for the day: Jen and I planning sewing projects for the rest of her visit; should be great fun!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
It's Thursday and She's Heeeere!
Arrival time: 5:03 p.m. The kidling and her bestie Ashley breezed in talking a mile a minute!
Ashley, who returned safely from her deployment in Iraq in December, is now a guard in a large correctional facility and will soon be buying her first house! They are discussing living together once the kidling graduates and said correctional facility would likely hire Jen (my kidling) on as a teacher. Sheesh, it was just the other day I was doing their hair and make-up for prom wasn't it??? Still, it will be grand to have her so close to home and have both of them pouncing on me for something to eat......just like the good old days!
Yes, I'm walking around with a great big smile on my face. See, it stretches from here<------------------------------------>to here.
Ashley, who returned safely from her deployment in Iraq in December, is now a guard in a large correctional facility and will soon be buying her first house! They are discussing living together once the kidling graduates and said correctional facility would likely hire Jen (my kidling) on as a teacher. Sheesh, it was just the other day I was doing their hair and make-up for prom wasn't it??? Still, it will be grand to have her so close to home and have both of them pouncing on me for something to eat......just like the good old days!
Yes, I'm walking around with a great big smile on my face. See, it stretches from here<------------------------------------>to here.
It's Wednesday and it's BUSY here tonight
So this is going to be another short post I fear, but it's all in a good cause. Tomorrow, well later today technically, the kidling will be arriving for a month-long visit! It's been a year since she was home last and I've missed her dreadfully, so there is a great deal of planning for her favourite foods and so on. Not to mention all those last minute things one wishes to get done before company arrives. Fortunately La Bebe is pretty laid back so mostly what we'll be doing is spending time catching up, relaxing and being silly. We're both pretty good at being silly; not that you would have guessed, right?
Before I scoot out of here: you should really go check out the giveaway at A Cup of Jo . It's a topper!
Good thing for the day: What do you think?
Music for the day: Just because it suits the mood...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tea Party Tuesday - Around Town Walkin'
A couple of interesting things going on in the area, this first is happening at Rockville Correctional Facility . This is a medium-security women's prison that has begun a very interesting programme which brings hope to the prisoners who have joined it as well as to dogs who might not have a home....or life...without their help. In short, dogs (and pups) from local animal shelters are paired with a small number of trained handlers for proper socialization, housebreaking, and the learning of basic commands; at the end of their training period the dogs 'graduate' with certification showing they have passed the course which makes them much more likely to be adopted into good homes. The inmates, after 4,000 hours of training and experience, receive certificates of their own in animal training, making it easier for them to find employment after leaving prison. Since the programme is mainly supported by Scott Pet Products this is a winning situation for the animals, prisoners, and tax payers! Now wouldn't it be great if these dogs could be readied to live with senior citizens or those with disabilities...not as service animals but as companions who have been taught behaviours appropriate to those who are easily over-balanced, etc... I think it would be a great idea.
In other news; Special Hoosier Olympians will be converging on the Indiana State and Rose Hulman campuses this coming weekend, June 1-3. Special Olympics Indiana has been held on the ISU campus for over 30 years now and Rose Hulman opened their campus for the aquatic portion of the Games both last year and again this one. I can think of few organizations which provide the level of joy and support that Special Olympics does...encouraging healthy physical activities while providing the sense of joyful accomplishment and fun camaraderie that can too often be missing from the lives of those who are developmentally disabled. How could one not take joy when seeing faces like these?
Photo courtesy of Special Olympics of Indiana.
The History of Special Olympics is a fascinating one with direct links to the Kennedy family. It was, in fact, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a sister to John F. Kennedy and mother of Maria Shriver. Many of the Shriver and Kennedy family members (as well as the Schwarzenneger since we're name-dropping) continue to be heavily involved with Special Olympics, whose first official 'games' were held in Chicago in 1968 and have spread around the world.
Although it isn't mentioned often, Mrs. Shriver's Special Olympics muse was her older sister. Known variously as Rose Marie, Rosemary, and Rosie this Kennedy sister was developmentally disabled and, on medical advice given to the Kennedy patriarch, (Joseph Kennedy Sr.) was lobotomized at the age of 23. After the procedure Rosemary was installed in a Wisconsion convent geared to caring for those with special needs....despite the fact that she was generously and comfortably cared for throughout the remainder of her life her father never came to visit her at the institution. Her mother, siblings, (most particularly Eunice Kennedy Shriver) and other family members visited with her frequently and took her on vacations, etc... with them. Rosemary Kennedy ,of whom relatively little is known, has nonetheless inspired an organization which spans the world and touches myriad lives; from celebrities to the grinning bowler who has just made the first strike of their life!
Kennedy Family Portrait, Rosemary at bottom right.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver on left, Rosemary Kennedy on right.
Good thing for the day: The kidling has chosen a pina colada cheesecake for her birthday!
Music of the day: 'Walkin' music inspired by a question from Joe on yesterday's blog; beginning with my personal favourite, continuing with one of the first great falsetto groups (long before the BeeGees) and winding up with the incomparable Patsy Cline. Enjoy!
In other news; Special Hoosier Olympians will be converging on the Indiana State and Rose Hulman campuses this coming weekend, June 1-3. Special Olympics Indiana has been held on the ISU campus for over 30 years now and Rose Hulman opened their campus for the aquatic portion of the Games both last year and again this one. I can think of few organizations which provide the level of joy and support that Special Olympics does...encouraging healthy physical activities while providing the sense of joyful accomplishment and fun camaraderie that can too often be missing from the lives of those who are developmentally disabled. How could one not take joy when seeing faces like these?
Photo courtesy of Special Olympics of Indiana.
The History of Special Olympics is a fascinating one with direct links to the Kennedy family. It was, in fact, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a sister to John F. Kennedy and mother of Maria Shriver. Many of the Shriver and Kennedy family members (as well as the Schwarzenneger since we're name-dropping) continue to be heavily involved with Special Olympics, whose first official 'games' were held in Chicago in 1968 and have spread around the world.
Although it isn't mentioned often, Mrs. Shriver's Special Olympics muse was her older sister. Known variously as Rose Marie, Rosemary, and Rosie this Kennedy sister was developmentally disabled and, on medical advice given to the Kennedy patriarch, (Joseph Kennedy Sr.) was lobotomized at the age of 23. After the procedure Rosemary was installed in a Wisconsion convent geared to caring for those with special needs....despite the fact that she was generously and comfortably cared for throughout the remainder of her life her father never came to visit her at the institution. Her mother, siblings, (most particularly Eunice Kennedy Shriver) and other family members visited with her frequently and took her on vacations, etc... with them. Rosemary Kennedy ,of whom relatively little is known, has nonetheless inspired an organization which spans the world and touches myriad lives; from celebrities to the grinning bowler who has just made the first strike of their life!
Good thing for the day: The kidling has chosen a pina colada cheesecake for her birthday!
Music of the day: 'Walkin' music inspired by a question from Joe on yesterday's blog; beginning with my personal favourite, continuing with one of the first great falsetto groups (long before the BeeGees) and winding up with the incomparable Patsy Cline. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Musically Misc. Menu Mondays - Memorial Day Weekend
And I must say thank you to the many veterans, including my grandfather, father, and brothers, who have given up time, health, and even their lives for their people. I would prefer that there be no war (what sensible person wouldn't?) but honour those who have done what they feel is the right and honourable thing.
It's been a very relaxing holiday weekend at Blether House with a visit to look forward to next week. The kidling, along with my mother and stepfather, will be here for the next month so expect somewhat fewer posts! Wonder what the kidling will request for her birthday dinner this time? (Her birthday falls during her visit, yay!) We have a long-standing family tradition that the birthday person gets to choose what we have for dinner on their special day; my mother began it and I've carried it on....it's a sweet tradition, imho. Last year, in lieu of a traditional birthday cake my bebe...okay, she's going to be 22 this year but she's still my bebe....requested a black cherry and chocolate cheesecake. She likes to keep me on my toes, she does!
So on to the menu portion of the blog; as always, I'm posting what we had in the past week since no menu, no matter how well-planned, ever goes unchanged!
Menu beginning May 21, 2012
Breakfasts and lunches:
Cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, sandwiches, feijoada wraps, leftovers
Suppers:
May 21: Feijoada
May 22: Fruitilicious Salad with homemade citrus dressing
May 23: Spaghetti and meatballs
May 24: Farfalle, ham, and snow pea salad
May 25: Brats and cole slaw
May 26: Baked steak with green bean 'stew'
May 27: Chinese Takeaway
Good thing for the day: The luscious smells of smoked chicken and pork wafting through the house and garden...teasing the neighbours and their critters. Jess has no rival when it comes to the smoker and we make a great team; tonight we're going to have a smoked chicken, bacon, cheddar and apple salad, and the things we're going to do with the smoked pork could bring a tear to a glass eye!
Music for the day: Today is definitely a B day and what would a B day be without a "B" song by the Beatles?
It's been a very relaxing holiday weekend at Blether House with a visit to look forward to next week. The kidling, along with my mother and stepfather, will be here for the next month so expect somewhat fewer posts! Wonder what the kidling will request for her birthday dinner this time? (Her birthday falls during her visit, yay!) We have a long-standing family tradition that the birthday person gets to choose what we have for dinner on their special day; my mother began it and I've carried it on....it's a sweet tradition, imho. Last year, in lieu of a traditional birthday cake my bebe...okay, she's going to be 22 this year but she's still my bebe....requested a black cherry and chocolate cheesecake. She likes to keep me on my toes, she does!
So on to the menu portion of the blog; as always, I'm posting what we had in the past week since no menu, no matter how well-planned, ever goes unchanged!
Menu beginning May 21, 2012
Breakfasts and lunches:
Cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, sandwiches, feijoada wraps, leftovers
Suppers:
May 21: Feijoada
May 22: Fruitilicious Salad with homemade citrus dressing
May 23: Spaghetti and meatballs
May 24: Farfalle, ham, and snow pea salad
May 25: Brats and cole slaw
May 26: Baked steak with green bean 'stew'
May 27: Chinese Takeaway
Good thing for the day: The luscious smells of smoked chicken and pork wafting through the house and garden...teasing the neighbours and their critters. Jess has no rival when it comes to the smoker and we make a great team; tonight we're going to have a smoked chicken, bacon, cheddar and apple salad, and the things we're going to do with the smoked pork could bring a tear to a glass eye!
Music for the day: Today is definitely a B day and what would a B day be without a "B" song by the Beatles?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Sometimes on Saturday - A Site For Sore Eyes
Yes, you read that right and it's not a misspelling....I really did mean a site for sore eyes.
A few months ago, when unfriendly weather and my decreasing ability to drive were making me stir-crazy I happened upon Photo Potpourri ... a blog by Joe Konz, former Wisconsinite and current Hoosier. Mr. Konz, who has a lovely way with prose as well as photography, is a former career newspaperman who has reawakened his interest in photography and does most of his work in Central Indiana.
While I enjoy and appreciate beauty, artistry, and creativity what particularly speaks to me about his work is his ability to capture the essence, the spark if you will, of places I am familiar with and have loved. At a time when my world felt like it was shrinking around me, finding Mr. Konz's blog was pure serendipity. Through his eyes and remarkable talent I can once more walk by Wasatch Lake on a stilly, chilly, misty morning and marvel at the wildlife. I can poke around Fountain Square and watch it come alive and grow vibrant once more; chuckle at photos of DePauw University where I used to live (the current science and math center is built over the lovely bungalow I lived in) and work (at a sorority, where 'my' girls loved me and I loved them).
Photo Potpourri is a lovely blog that I urge you to check out...not only for what it means to me personally but because such a gift of eye, of hand, of beauty, and of beautifully written prose should be shared and appreciated.
A few months ago, when unfriendly weather and my decreasing ability to drive were making me stir-crazy I happened upon Photo Potpourri ... a blog by Joe Konz, former Wisconsinite and current Hoosier. Mr. Konz, who has a lovely way with prose as well as photography, is a former career newspaperman who has reawakened his interest in photography and does most of his work in Central Indiana.
While I enjoy and appreciate beauty, artistry, and creativity what particularly speaks to me about his work is his ability to capture the essence, the spark if you will, of places I am familiar with and have loved. At a time when my world felt like it was shrinking around me, finding Mr. Konz's blog was pure serendipity. Through his eyes and remarkable talent I can once more walk by Wasatch Lake on a stilly, chilly, misty morning and marvel at the wildlife. I can poke around Fountain Square and watch it come alive and grow vibrant once more; chuckle at photos of DePauw University where I used to live (the current science and math center is built over the lovely bungalow I lived in) and work (at a sorority, where 'my' girls loved me and I loved them).
Photo Potpourri is a lovely blog that I urge you to check out...not only for what it means to me personally but because such a gift of eye, of hand, of beauty, and of beautifully written prose should be shared and appreciated.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
It's Wednesday And It's Feeling Urky Out
So if no one minds terribly I think I shall post recipes and call it a night. For some reason I cannot get warm tonight, yuck! On the other hand, I'm still very enthused about the salad and dressing I made last night and the other two Bletherskites (happily) agree. When you're in the mood for something light and refreshing...sweet but not too much so....and that is both gluten and sugar free this is the perfect dish. Unfortunately it got gobbled up before pictures could be taken, I'll try again next time!
Fruitilicious Salad
1 bag mixed field or baby greens
1 perfectly ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 orange, peeled and pulled apart (I used Mineola but a blood orange would be excellent as well!)
1 pint strawberries; washed, hulled, and quartered
1 1/2 c. diced ham
Toss together right before serving. Feeds 4.
Gluten Free Citrus and Stevia Salad Dressing
1/3 c. olive oil
slightly under 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. Each: ground ginger and Oriental 5 spice powder
orange and lime zest
1 pkt. (or 1 tsp.) stevia powder.....or you could substitute 1 tsp. honey
salt to taste
Pour all ingredients into a medium bowl and emulsify with an immersion blender OR pour into a blender. Run for 1 minute or until all ingredients are completed blended. Pour into a clean bottle and tightly cap. Keep in refrigerator until needed; will stay good up to 5 days. (It doesn't take a lot to pack a powerful punch that will also satisfy your sweet tooth.)
Fruitilicious Salad
1 bag mixed field or baby greens
1 perfectly ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 orange, peeled and pulled apart (I used Mineola but a blood orange would be excellent as well!)
1 pint strawberries; washed, hulled, and quartered
1 1/2 c. diced ham
Toss together right before serving. Feeds 4.
Gluten Free Citrus and Stevia Salad Dressing
1/3 c. olive oil
slightly under 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. Each: ground ginger and Oriental 5 spice powder
orange and lime zest
1 pkt. (or 1 tsp.) stevia powder.....or you could substitute 1 tsp. honey
salt to taste
Pour all ingredients into a medium bowl and emulsify with an immersion blender OR pour into a blender. Run for 1 minute or until all ingredients are completed blended. Pour into a clean bottle and tightly cap. Keep in refrigerator until needed; will stay good up to 5 days. (It doesn't take a lot to pack a powerful punch that will also satisfy your sweet tooth.)
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