thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God. -- Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

fifty

When I turned 50 my cousin Renee sent me this poem.
Ever since I have shared it with my friends as they turned 50.
Now . . . it is her turn.
Happy Birthday Renee

What then? Shall we sit idly down and say
The night hath come; it is no longer day?
The night hath not yet come; we are not quite
Cut off from labor by the failing light;
Something remains for us to do or dare;
Even the oldest tree some fruit may bear;

But other something, would we but begin;
For age is opportunity no less
Than youth itself, though in another dress,
And as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) from: Morituii Salutamus

halloween

Now that my children are grown and gone

I have to resort to dressing up my dolls.Here is Alex fitting right in with the Patty Playpals.

comfort of autumn

It is always hard to bid summer farewell. The slower pace, the morning porch sits, the evening sunset watch on the deck, the afternoon float in the pool with a good book, Wine-on-Wednesday gatherings in friend’s yards, fresh tomatoes (the one and only food we grow), taking a day trip on a moment's notice, visits to touch base with the children (Oswego, Towson, Philadelphia, Cambodia?-a bit too far for a visit so phone calls connect us). It was a good run although a bit cooler this year and we are ready for the comfort of autumn’s familiar traditions.

Wouldn’t you just love to sit a bit in this chair, clear you head,

listen to the sounds of nature, and ready yourself for the next season?!

photo from countryliving.com

glen iris inn

Our daughter and son-in-law recently treated us to an overnight get-away at the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park. It was a welcome and relaxing fall excursion back to the place where we spent our wedding night thirty years ago. Thank you Amanda and Daniel!

twenty-six

1985

Happy birthday to my oldest son, the first to find his way in the grown-up world. He was putting together 100 piece puzzles at the age of 3 so it is no surprise to me that he has become an engineer. His smiles helped me stay afloat and his tears broke my heart. Today he's a quiet, loyal, very sweet, kind of shy adult. He's always thoughtful and polite. He loves music, football, his lifetime friends, camping, and his family. Some girl is going to be so lucky to have him! I just hope she loves football too. I am so proud of the man he has become, but I still miss the everyday joy I felt watching him grow. Now he is out there in the world - I pray for him to have a joyful life. I hope he knows how much he is loved.

anniversary

My retired husband and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary.

. . . overnight get away

. . . great wine

. . . delicious dinner

. . . spectacular view over-looking Keuka Lake

. . . a diamond ring (my first!)

. . . full moon

. . . marveling at how lucky I am to have married this good man

twenty-four

July 1999

Happy Birthday to my second son, the energetic one and the child that still "checks-in" most often. He has become a thoughtful adult but I do miss the days when he would come downstairs an hour after bedtime for a chat and reassurance. As he returns to graduate school to leave the world of business behind and start a path to environmental sciences, we know he will succeed. He's at that age where I now see a handsome man and not that little boy any more. Makes my heart ache and yet also makes me feel completely happy. He loves life and makes the most of every adventure. Now he is out there in the world - I pray for him to have a joyful life. I hope he knows how much he is loved.

god bless america

As we gather for one of my favorite holidays, I am awed by our right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Do we even begin to understand what that really means? With a daughter in South Africa and a son-in-law in Cambodia, Independence Day takes on renewed meaning to me.

On the 50th anniversary of our independence Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them." It was the last letter Jefferson ever wrote. He died 10 days later on July 4, 1826, on the same day within hours of his old friend, fellow Founder, and fellow former President, John Adams of Massachusetts.

As we celebrate with 41 family and friends I quietly thank our founding fathers for their foresight, intelligence, devotion and sacrifice. It was a high price they paid for this amazing country that we live in. God Bless America.

chicken leg

4th of July Oven Fried Chicken

Make ahead so you can enjoy the picnic!

1 beaten egg

3 Tbls milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

2 1/2 lbs meaty chicken pieces

2 Tbls butter melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine egg and milk in a bowl. Combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, oregano and paprika in a shallow dish Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture. Arrange chicken in a greased 15x10x1inch baking pan so pieces don't touch. Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Do not turn pieces while baking. Serve within 1 hour or cover and chill chicken. If serving later, reheat slightly just before serving.