2009--Looking Forward, Looking Back

Its no mystery that New Year's Eve is my favorite day of the year (after my birthday). It is the one day that the whole world, regardless of race, religion, locale, political leaning, celebrates. I have a friend named Teri Schaack whose birthday is New Year's Eve--and she claims that the world throws her a party every year.

So--as we approach the new year--2009 I look back and look forward.

BAbies--our family grew by new baby girls (2) in 2008 and we look forward to more new babies in 2009. Babies are a signal that the world will go on.






Re-connecting: After reconnecting a few years ago with a long time friend from college, John Kennedy and his wife Diana, this year I went to their daughter's wedding in Houston. Congratulations Mr and Mrs. McNabb!! Also re-connected with my cousin Michael Groesch--who also lives in Houston.




Arizona: Looking forward--I am planning a trip to Arizona this winter to see several friends in Sedona and Tucson. I have wanted to visit Tucson for several years and my friend Caroline recently moved there--giving me the best motivation ever to go visit her and her husband Zvi.





5K: After years of not running, I have started training for a marathon, one 5K race at a time. I figure that if I run 8-5K races in 2009 it will be a marathon that took a year to run. Had a GREAT surprise when I learned that a friend plans to run 5K's with me!!


Only a nurse practitioner--(that would be me) would ignore a nagging side pain for three years. Hey, I was busy doing other stuff like traveling and biking and starting my own business. Had emergency surgery this summer. I feel better!!






Brides: Brides always make the year exciting and memorable. This year there were three gorgeous brides





My wonderful friend, Caroline and her darling husband Zvi
Married: July 2, 2008
Boulder, Colorado

See you in Tucson, Caroline!!





Absolutely fabulous bride--Megan Kennedy McNabb Daughter of college friends--Dr. John and Diana Kennedy
July 26, 2008, Houston

Her husband could not stop smiling--can you?






My spectacular niece Sharon--and her phenomenally romantic wedding in November



How cute is she?







Another Golden: Looking back and looking forward: My son Timothy added another Golden Retriever to our family by adopting Daisy-at 7 weeks. She is darn cute. Now we have three goldens among us. . .Tucker, Berit, and Daisy.



Mamma Mia: Worst movie I saw in 2008--and make that in recent memory. Saw the Broadway play 5 times in New York and once in Las Vegas. Much better on Broadway






Adios Tourists: Looking forward to a joyous new year and a quiet New York with just us locals come January 2.





So as 2008 comes to a close and 2009 opens for us all, we are all looking forward to a new direction for US!!
Hint: Check out the capitol, bolded letters and you will figure it out.

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One of my favorite recipes--a new twist on chicken and rice!!

TIME OUT!!

. . .the section of my blog that is just random things I think are kind of funny!!
There Is No Such Thing As A FREE RIDE--or is there???

I live outside New York City in a New Jersey town, otherwise known as a "train town". That simply means that the New Jersey Transit train system runs through my town, I board at a delightfully quaint train station and am delivered to Penn Station, New York in about 40 minutes.

I buy $200 worth of tickets at once--so whenever I feel like a trip to the city or must go to NYC, I just grab a ticket off the pile and off I go. Its a breeze!! In my last pack of tickets--I had no idea that I had bought a FREE RIDE. I didnt really buy a FREE RIDE--but there was one ticket--that whenever I carried it onto the train, the conductor did not collect my ticket. A FREE RIDE!! As of November 1, I was up to 5 FREE RIDES with this same ticket.


I was on my way to Broadway to see White Christmas on the day before Thanksgiving. I grabbed the FREE RIDE ticket--after all it had worked for the past 5 rides and certainly it will work on a holiday eve!! By this time, I am past feeling lucky and am feeling smugly confident. In New York City, one does not speak to anyone on the train--so I tucked my FREE TICKET into my book and onto the train I went.


I sit down next to a 20-something girl who is talking on the phone--she has the window, I am on the aisle. I get out my book--start reading. Here comes the conductor--I make no eye contact. He asks her for her ticket--he never even looks at me and moves on to the next seat-- The lucky ticket works again!!!

I love my FREE RIDE --NEW YORK, its my kind of place.

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Next blog: One of my favorite recipes

My Hometown A - Z: Letter F

If you are from St Louis, F is for Funnel Cake

For some reason, this southern delicacy--famous at carnivals, country fairs and country-style holidays are a must-have at big events in St Louis. From the balloon festival in Forest Park (a runner-up for F) to the fabulous VP Fair on the riverfront over the fourth of July to the Oktoberfest--the smell of funnel cakes lets you know you have arrived!! Although I have never seen a funnel cake at a major sports event in St Louis--they may be there now with the new baseball stadium (seeing a ball game in the new stadium is on my 2009 wish list).

If you are visiting St Louis during a big festival time--and I suggest you do make that trip---you will smell those funnel cakes and like other pungently notable substances you may have encountered in your life, you will never forget it.

Funnel cakes are flat fried doughnuts basically (at least that is my opinion) and so formed to fit a paper plate by pouring the dough through a funnel--hence the name. I have never tasted a funnel cake--and frankly I think my pancreas is a bit too old for one. But here is the recipe.





To make this easy Funnel Cake recipe, you will need a large frying pan, ( I recommend a cast iron skillet and a fire extinguisher).

A large mixing bowl and a funnel with a 3/8 inch opening.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of self rising flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups of whole milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
Vegetable oil (Crisco)

Combine flour, sugar, milk and eggs in bowl, beating until smooth.
Heat 1/4 inch of Crisco oil to 375 in skillet.
You will need to add more oil as you go, usually after frying 3 funnel cakes, try to maintain the oil in the skillet at around 1/4 inch.
Take the funnel and cover the opening with your finger, pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the funnel. Hold funnel over skillet, remove finger from the end of the funnel to release the batter into the hot oil.
Move the funnel in a circular motion as the batter is coming out.
Slightly over lap some of the edges, forming a spiral shape.
Only do one at a time, fry each funnel cake for 1 minute or until edges are golden brown.
Flip funnel cake over with a fork and fry the other side until golden brown, (about another minute)
Remove funnel cake from oil, drain on paper towel, repeat the process with remaining batter.

Serve as is, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and/or cinnamon., or top with strawberries and whip cream.
Funnel cakes make a good snack or a quick breakfast.
This easy Funnel Cake recipe will yield about 1 dozen, 5 inch funnel cakes.
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Next blog: New rotating entry--Time Out!!

From My Personal Library. . A Poem for Election Day

Born in England and spent most of his life in Michigan. He is one of my favorite poets--this poem could be written for this election day. . .



All For The Best by Edgar A. Guest (1881 - 1959)

Things mostly happen for the best
However hard it seems today
When some fond plan has gone astray
Or what you've wished for is lost
And you sit counting up the cost
With eyes half-blind by tears of grief
While doubt is choking out belief
You'll find when all is understood
That what seemed bad was really good

Life can't be counted in a day
The present rain that will not stop
Next Autumn means a bumper crop
We wonder why some things must be
Care's purpose we can seldom see
And yet long afterwards we turn
To view the past and then we learn
That what once filled our minds with doubt
Was good for us as it worked out

I've never known an hour of care
But that I've later come to see
That it has brought some joy to me
Even sorrows I have borne
Leaving me lonely and forlorn
And hurt and bruised and sick at heart
In life's great plan have had a part
And though I could not understand
Why I should bow to Death's command
As time went on I came to know
That it was really better so

Things mostly happen for the best
So narrow is our vision here
That we are blinded by a tear
And stunned by every hurt and blow
Which comes today to strike us low
And yet some day we turn and find
That what seemed cruel once was kind
Most things, I hold, are wisely planned
If we could only understand

Out of Touch

Check back here in a week--or so.

Hello Doily

My Hometown A - Z: Letter D

I had quite a bit of trouble deciding how to do justice to the letter D in my hometown, St Louis. After careful consideration, I decided to highlight the popularity of the DOILY in good old STL.

For those of you who may not have ever seen a doily--officially it is a small ornamental mat placed underneath a bowl or vase or lamp on a wooden table to prevent damage to the table top. The doily is made in a lace-type pattern on purpose. The wood of the table must show through.

Now, why in the world would I choose the letter D to be DOILY as a representative of my hometown? OK, fair enough. When I was growing up in St Louis, among those of us of direct European descent in the Catholic school system there were three main groups: the Germans, the Irish and the Italians.

The Germans had the best doughnuts.

The Irish had the best parades

The Italians had the best food

Each had their own home neighborhoods--but no matter how different we thought we were from each other--lets face it, we all had doilies!!

Better than that--the doily continuously tried to outdo itself--show status and otherwise compete with other doilies. It grew into tablecloths, table runners, dish cloths, bowl covers, gloves, chapel veils and in some neighborhoods--even doily CURTAINS. I had heard rumor of the doily CHAIR--but never saw one.

As a kid, I saw doily wall hangings, doily shower curtains, doily Halloween decorations (yep, spider webs--had to be black) and doily wrappings around African Violet flower pots (leftover influence of Eleanor R) in homes of my friends.

To say I was in awe of the doily-is true.

In my pre-pubescent opinion, a doily-deficient home was a home without love.





The pineapple pattern was the most prevalent--but there certainly were many other designs. My German grandmother had doilies that had rippled edges (the trickiest to make)--my Irish grandmother made the pinecone pattern doilies (which I think I snatched when she died).

Although I never made a doily--secretly, I always wanted to. . .I have recently removed it from the list of things I want to do before I die. . .

since my sons would probably throw it away, or sell it shamelessly in a garage sale (for less than a dime) along with all the holiday decorations they consider silly.



The intricate designs of the doily are a true work of art--and a piece of history lost in modern day St Louis.
Hello Doily--you are certainly worth the Letter D in this blog!
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Coming soon: From my personal library

In Memory of my Extraordinary Friend, Jim

May 28, 1955 - August 21, 2006
Cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and extraordinary friend to me.

Graduate: Washington University, St Louis, Economics, 1977 Studies completed for MBA, George Washington University, DC, 1982
JD, American University, DC 1985
Member of the New Jersey Bar Association 1985 - 2006
Lifelong resident of New Jersey

Jim had an enviable and impeccable sense of style and charm and an incredible command of the laws of New Jersey.
He is remembered as a brilliant criminal defense attorney.


He defended many unpopular people, but treated each one with dignity, respect and compassion. He always felt there must be SOMETHING he could do to help them.

Politically, he was an avowed liberal and would have loved this election year. He didnt have an opinion about Obama yet--but he was anxious to see if Al Franken would win in Minnesota.
We used to argue politics--and we were on the same side!! It was really fun.

Sometimes--with nothing better to do, we just sat around and watched movies (he always got to choose) or watch Court TV--he would have an opinion on both the prosecutors and the defense attorneys.

We both loved reading mysteries. When a new Carl Hiaisson came out in hardback, I used to have to pre-order two at Barnes and Noble's--since neither one of us was capable of sharing--and we each wanted to read it first. It was a little tough ordering only one Nature Girl after Jim died.

Jim was an accomplished musician--French Horn and piano. We would go out dancing on Saturday nights--to a live combo of some sort. He was usually critical of the musicians' arrangements of the songs--but he always ordered dessert before he just "had to leave". ;)

He adored his family and leaves his love of life for his 3 nieces and 2 nephews to perfect. I wish he could see them now--

He was just darn fun every day. Everyone should have at least one friend like him.


The song released last year: WHO KNEW by PINK--could have been written for him.
Here are some of the lyrics and some pictures of him.
**********************************************************************************
You took my hand
You showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh That's right
I took your words And I believed
In everything You said to me
Yeah huh That's right
If someone said three years from now You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
Cause they're all wrong
I know better Cause you said forever And ever
Who knew

Remember when we were such fools
And so convinced and just too cool
I wish I could touch you again
I wish I could still call you friend
I'd give anything

When someone said count your blessings now 'fore they're long gone I guess I just didn't know how
I was all wrong
They knew better
Still you said forever
And ever
Who knew

I'll keep you locked in my head
Until we meet again
And I won't forget you my friend
What happened?

Jim made my time here in New Jersey an adventure to remember.

We were exceptional friends to the end.
I went to the cemetery today and left a geranium from my balcony garden,
He used to comment that in August, the geraniums were so big--he couldn't see beyond them!


I miss him and always will.
It was magic.

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Coming soon: My Hometown A - Z: Letter D

What's in a Name? SUSAN

Have you ever gotten the real story about how your parents chose your name? I recently researched some cultural influences that may have gotten me my name, Susan.

My parents were married in 1948--so when it came to naming their second daughter--that would be me, a song hit from 1948 may have influenced their choice to name me Susan-but call me Susie. That song, IF YOU KNEW SUSIE, LIKE I KNOW SUSIE. . . is now 82 years old and has quite a history.

Buddy DeSylva and Joseph Meyer first offered IF YOU KNEW SUSIE LIKE I KNOW SUSIE to Al Jolson, but he did not like it as it was poorly received by Broadway audiences in the musical Big Boy, so Al passed it on to Eddie Cantor who made it a hit.

"Big Boy" was first staged in 1926. Eddie Cantor first recorded this song in 1925. My mother was born in 1924 so it is safe to say that she does not remember life without this song--and the popularity of the name Susie.

The song has been recorded by at least 18 other singers including Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dean Martin and a singer playing a ukelele named Ukelele Ike.

And then, in 1948--Eddie Cantor starred in a movie titled If You Knew Susie--and revived the popularity of this song once more.

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InTuAeGjr4M

Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly changed the lyrics and the personality of SUSIE a bit in the MGM musical Anchors Aweigh--:

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAB9HMlZikY


And the Buckinghams released a completely different song in the mid-60's when groups seemed to like recording songs titled with girl names.
The Buckinghams song is titled: SUSAN

Check this out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmBuvYNmuWk

So what's in a name???

My mother once told me that the other option was to name me Agatha. I was born on February 5 which is the Catholic feast day of St Agatha. It leads me to believe that my parents were so convinced that I would be a boy, they did not have a girl's name picked out.

At least now I know why I love Broadway musicals--and reading mysteries. A subliminally delightful combination result of 1. my name, and 2. my "near miss" name.







How about your name??? Do you know the fun facts or cultural influences that influenced your parents??
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Next blog: My exceptional friend, Jim

Old Mother West Wind

It has taken me a while to get back to blogging. But as promised, here is a review of a book from my private library collection.

At age 7, I received my first real book (no pictures) as a Christmas gift from my parents-- Old Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess. It was a blue book--it did not have cover art or a dust cover (1959) and it had small print.

I felt very grown up when I read and actually could finish a chapter. I guarded that book with my life. (I dont remember losing the book--but somehow we became separated and after years of searching, I was pleasantly surprised to find the entire series at Powell Books in Portland, Oregon.)




Thornton Burgess was born in 1875 in Massachusetts where he spent his childhood close to nature, exploring unspoiled Cape Cod. He published the first book in 1910, dedicating it to his son, the inspiration behind the creation of Old Mother West Wind, her children and her neighbors.

Basically, The Old Mother West Wind series of three books cheerfully explains the wonders of nature in a way that small children relish. And--after re-reading the series as an adult--I realized that these books highlight the differences among creatures in nature--concluding that despite differences--all live together quite well in the whole scheme of things.
Old Mother West Wind personifies the virtual wisdom of all the natural events in creation and her "merry little breezes" gently repeat her wisdom over and over.

So as a first grader--with my Christmas book, I learned why skunks are dressed in stripes, why old frogs don't have tails, why brooks "laugh", why a warm breeze is so comforting, why minks have screechy-sounding voices--never meant to sing, and why foxes don't eat fish (their coats are not waterproof and so they just do not go fishing!!).

If I had to choose my favorite chapter in the Old Mother West Wind series, it would be the chapter when all the animals were competing to define the best thing in the world. Each animal had a different idea--most of them annoyingly self-serving, and materialistic.
Old Mother West Wind rewarded the woodchuck for coming up with the most naturally joyful answer--his own little home, warm sunshine and a beautiful blue sky. It is being happy with the things you have. . .its called "contentment".



Now if you would like to know what the most naturally beautiful thing in the world is. . .you will have to read the series for yourself. Old Mother West Wind reveals it in the third book.





I am reading and recording the Old Mother West Wind series to preserve for my grandchildren--(who may be born someday).

Or on nights when my sons are unable to sleep due to burdens of adult life, they may just want to be reminded why brooks laugh, why mice tails are so short, why rabbits wear white patches, and buzzards have bald heads, why the turtle always wins the race and of course, the most beautiful thing in the world.


And they will have it, right where they first heard it--in their darling mother's voice!!

Old Mother West Wind by Thornton Burgess--check it out.
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What's in a name: How I ended up with the name SUSAN.