Be classy....the quote on my Facebook page for this past Thursday was just that. You know the space on your page that says "what's happening" or "how are you feeling?". In response to Facebook's inquiry: what's happening is that perhaps there are some folks out there who aren't quite sure what being classy is or what classy feels like. Additionally, I wonder if they've even considered classiness, let alone strive to attain it. Definition of classy from Merriam Webster.com: elegant, stylish, reflecting high standards, being skillful or graceful. Examples of classy women: Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Catherine Deneuve, Natalie Portman and Kate Middleton, to name a few. When searching "classiness" one will unearth a vast cache of sites on the internet leading the user to various facets of the term. Libraries are full of books devoted to the topic. Researcher beware, the online access catalog suggests books on classy piano selections, classy jokes, classy Christmas decorations and alas...classy as in etiquette. The obvious being found in the 395's in the non-fiction section of the library. Dress, make-up, behavior, hairstyles, decorating ideas, book selections and entertaining are areas of life that a little class can be introduced into. Just as we are unique in every way, so is the class we seek to achieve Go ahead, add a little classiness to your life! Have fun, see what it brings to you.

Our traditional Christmas eve dinner was prepared by my talented husband. John loves nothing more than to cook and feed people resulting in the need for a serious after-dinner walk. What a treat to step out our front door and discover it had begun to snow! Seeing our little grandsons' excitement was priceless, a perfect weather report for Santa's arrival! My son, Michael and his wife Jenni, visiting from LA had their wish for snow, especially on Christmas Eve, come true. Our puppy, Bentley, couldn't get enough of romping in all the feathery white flakes falling around him. As I write, in the wee hours of Christmas Day, before more of our children come to visit, special holiday meals served, gifts exchanged, I enjoy the gift of solitude to reflect on and be thankful for the simple gifts I receive every day. My wish for all is to cherish these moments for years to come! Wishing you all the merriest, magical, Christmas!

Bentley has arrived!

Two weeks ago we were surprised with the gift of a labradoodle puppy from our children. Bentley has joined our family and life will never be the same. He's a bundle of energy, full of love and happiness. If his little wagging tail is an indication of his mood, he's quite a jolly fellow! While his schedule is demanding and takes precedence over anything I want to or have to do...I'm constantly reminded that his little life and well-being is dependent on me 100%. Bentley's love of the outdoors keeps me in touch with nature, allowing time to reflect on the quiet of an early December morning before the rest of our world awakes. Evening playtime provides opportunities to look up at the stars and appreciate the brilliance of the night sky. I hear the world through his puppy ears; a distant train whistle, the barking dog several houses down the road, a bird in the neighbor's tree, catch his attention as if he's hearing these sounds for the first time. This is my favorite time of year, not so much for the merriment and bright lights, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season but for the solitude that being in touch with nature affords. Seeing Bentley discover this world for the first time brings me much joy and contentment. I am so grateful for the gift of this little pup.

Recently recovering from a 24 hour virus, I decided it was a good idea to take an "Extra Day". Growing up in the early '60's, the "Extra Day" was a luxury afforded those of us with mom's who stayed home. I didn't enjoy being sick and away from my friends at school but staying home was a comforting, unhurried experience. The nature of the illness dictated what my mom would serve up for nourishment. The traditional jello, ginger ale and saltine crackers were a staple for intestinal bugs, followed by toast with jelly (never butter!). Mashed carrots and potatoes were great once an upset stomach calmed down. Sore throats and stuffy noses were treated with salt water gargling, chicken soup with dumplings and tea with lots of honey. If one had the misfortune of a "chest cold" (which I seemed to have an affinity for) there was the dreaded Vicks Vapo-Rub slathered on one's chest and covered with a warm towel. Believed to reduce congestion it was (and in some households still is) considered the treatment of choice for coughs and stuffy noses. Activities for recuperating included television for little patients willing to sit through endless episodes of "I Love Lucy", "The Little Rascals" and an array of cartoons. I for one, had no use for such entertainment, so listening to my transistor radio and coloring while sitting in bed was lovely. Surrounding myself with a collection of story books to peruse and dolls to play with was another favorite pastime. We ALWAYS wore our pajamas, no getting dressed when you are "sick in bed". The "Extra Day" occurred on the day you were probably fine to return to school. Our mother's bought that extra time so we could spend the day dressed in our regular clothes and moving about the house getting ready for our return to the real world. It served as good preparation both physically and mentally for heading back to school which was fine with me! I think back to those days and still relish the "Extra Day" when I take one and I feel my mom's knowing smile that I'm doing the right thing.

Last weekend, my daughter and I decided to try out the Chobani Bar in Soho, NYC. It was fantastic, with selections ranging from Cucumber and Olive Oil to Pistachio and Dark Chocolate and an amazing variety in between! A trip to Chobani will prove that choosing a yummy yogurt combination has never been more unique. There's definitely something for every yogurt lover here. Following a walk around the neighborhood we were ready for a late afternoon snack. We stopped at Kaffe 1668 on Greenwich St. We were both quite happy with the mozzarella/basil sandwich we split. My daughter's iced coffee was great and my hot green tea delightful. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy. A great way to spend some quiet time on an autumn afternoon.

Another weekend is upon us, pumpkin and apple picking, readying the house for cooler nights, decorating for Halloween...its arrived. A knitting class at The Lion Brand Shop is on my calendar for tomorrow afternoon, and with that more projects to plan for long winter nights. Enjoy!

Don't forget to vote!

Wittches's Submission in Converse 3 Artists 1 Song - "Warrior" Remix Contest

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

What a terrific summer with so many little trips and projects scattered throughout. We began our summer immediately traveling to South Carolina to celebrate my mother in law's 90th birthday! So much fun.

Another fun trip followed to Washington D.C., it was amazing seeing all the monuments and memorials. Each has a unique story to tell.

Back in NY, I took classes in amigurumi crochet making miniature animals...so cute! Golf lessons, walking, meeting up with friends rounded out the days until we left for LA.

Descanso gardens, The Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA),Los Angeles County Museum of Art(LACMA), baco mercat Restaurant, hiking, eating lots of healthy foods and a wonderful 10 days with my west coast children...what a treat! Back home to NY again for our granddaughter's christening...such a sweet baby, and a lovely day.

We met up with our daughter in law, Jenni, on tour with Christina Perri and Jason Mraz. She and some band mates joined us for a barbecue at the beach. What better way to end the day then with a beautiful night and wonderful show at the Jones Beach Theatre.

Now its back to school, work and enjoying the glorious autumn days. We're planning our biscotti for Christmas, thinking about gifts, dinner parties and baking days! What's your favorite part of this time of year?

Please vote!

Happy Fall! This is my favorite time of year. Perhaps its the sounds of the crickets slowly fading away, the evening's hint of crispness or the squirrels mad frenzy harvesting their "finds". I love watching the geese gather and fly south from my top deck that overlooks the Long Island Sound.

I find it enticing to create a fall "to do" list encompassing indoor baking, knitting and all things meant for cozy days to outdoor get-the-garden-ready-for-winter projects. I've tucked my herbs that thrived outdoors in my summer garden into pots that now keep me company at work.

Contributing to my blog more frequently is a must on my fall list and introducing new topics, photography, recipes and projects a must. With that in mind, please see the link below.

Wittches's Submission in Converse 3 Artists 1 Song - "Warrior" Remix Contest

My son Michael, has put in countless hours getting his career as a music engineer off the ground. He's worked on several projects for many artists. Please listen and vote for his work at the link above.

Enjoy the golden days that lie ahead, the autumn air and changing light....

Good Morning! This summer has been absolutely delightful, full of mini travel excursions, new recipes, new classes to take and lots of photos! I've felt terribly guilty not having contributed to this blog sooner. Here's a snapshot of what I've been up to this summer in pictures....enjoy!

I'm up early every day and for me its a most magical time. My home affords a view of the wide expanse of the Long Island Sound looking north. Across the water the lights of Connecticut twinkle until the sun starts its ascent on the eastern horizon. Its at this moment that ribbons of yellow, orange and pink swirl across the sky and a melodious chorus of bird calls treat early risers like myself.

We gathered family and friends to celebrate spring's delightful return. Here are some recipes we used for our Easter weekend. Murderous Carrot Burgers: 1.5 cups finely chopped fresh carrots (washed, skin on, ends cut off) 2 cups crushed cornflakes (crush first then measure) 3 eggs beaten 1/4 cup finely chopped celery 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. sugar ground black pepper to taste 2 tbsp. vegetable oil Directions: Using food processor, finely chop carrots then place in saucepan with just enough water to cover carrots. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, drain all the water from carrots. In a large bowl, combine drained carrots, chopped cornflakes, eggs, celery, onion, salt, sugar and pepper. Mix well, allow to set for 5 minutes. Shape in to at least 6 carrot burgers. Fry method: heat oil in skillet over medium heat, cook burgers for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Panini Grill: coat grill pan and cook burgers as above. Serve on whole grain buns or kaiser rolls. Topping suggestions: baby arugula, melted goat cheese, dijon mustard, hot sauce....whatever you like!

Asparagus Pizza: 1 frozen(thawed) or fresh pizza dough 1 bunch of asparagus trimmed to about 6-7 inches long, reserve tender part of ends and chop 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella sliced 2 tbs. olive oil ground black pepper Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees, place pizza pan or baking sheet in oven. On lightly floured surface, gently work the pizza dough out with your hands and knuckles until it is about 12" in diameter. Remove heated pan from oven, lightly dust pan with flour, carefully slide dough onto pan. Sprinkle olive oil over dough and spread with fingers. Place asparagus around the dough with tips pointing out and ends meeting in the center of pie. Sprinkle remaining chopped pieces of asparagus around pie and place mozzarella over asparagus. Top with pepper to taste. Bake in oven 12-15 minutes. Cool for about 5 minutes and cut with pizza cutter.

And finally, as promised...my famous dessert pizza! 1 frozen(thawed) or fresh pizza dough Jar of Nutella 1 tbsp. olive oil options: chopped hazelnuts, fresh strawberries, bananas, dark and/or milk chocolate chips Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees, place pizza pan or baking sheet in oven. On lightly floured surface, gently work the pizza dough out with your hands and knuckles until it is about 12" in diameter. Sprinkle olive oil over dough and spread with fingers. Remove heated pan from oven, lightly dust pan with flour, carefully slide dough onto pan. Bake dough for about 10 minutes watching carefully, and at first sign that dough is beginning to form a bubble, remove from oven and make a fine slice in dough releasing air. Return to oven but continue to watch dough while baking. Remove dough from oven when done and place on cool surface. Using offset metal spatula or spreader, spread generous amount of Nutella over dough. Place desired toppings over Nutella, cut, serve and enjoy!

And there you have it, a few simple, somewhat healthy, fresh recipes to enjoy this week. Coming next, herb gardens, fairy gardens and terrariums.

Farewell to March

Spring has arrived with lively bursts of pastel colors in the trees. A beautiful sight to see against the background of green buds. Take time to enjoy nature's art show before the leaves pop.

I recently read an article posted on GOOD.is on why creative people need multiple outlets...so true!
http://www.good.is/post/one-is-not-enough-why-creative-people-need-multiple-outlets
Juggling a full time HS Librarian position that I love, getting outdoors as often as possible, getting together with friends and family and finding time to "create" each day poses an interesting challenge.

My goal is to have this blog highlight some of my interests and if they spark some excitement for you, feel free to follow the links to what I post.

Follow me on Pinterest to see what else I'm doing! Have a great weekend and get out to appreciate those blooming trees before the blossoms are swept away.

Pinterest

I've discovered the fun of posting all interesting things on Pinterest. Using the button provided you will be able to link directly to my page to view boards.

Give it a try and I'll be adding more in the next few days.

Have a great weekend!

Mid-winter stroll

Yesterday was a beautiful day, perfect to be outdoors. We decided to explore Bailey's Arboretum and discovered a refuge for enchanting owls and red-tailed hawks. One can sniff the air and sense anticipation of warmer days to come. Walking through winter gardens, seeing trellises, benches and gazebos is an invitation to come back when it is warm enough to sit and listen.
Returning home warm up with a cup of hot strawberry and black currant tea and a light sandwich. Cucumbers sliced thin layered with cream cheese on multi-grain bread is a perfect mid-afternoon snack.

King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter

King Arthur Flour – Baking Banter

Moved to Bayville!

Hello! Its been quite some time...I know. Our adventure in Vermont was ... an adventure. We missed our family and friends and all things New York so very much. Its great to be back and see everyone. It feels right.
Vermont is a beautiful state, green, mountainous, a perfect place to relax and get away. We will return every summer to do just that and at the end of the week, happily return home to New York.
I'm certain there were reasons for our brief stay up north, its was quite an education. We met some lovely people, made a few good friends and shared some interesting experiences and a few laughs along the way.
Now on to the next chapter. I'm not sure where this blog is going, we'll have to see where my instincts take me.
To be continued!

Never Boring!

Life is never boring. At least not in my world. Over the past 4 months...yup, its been that long since I've been able to connect my thoughts together in an entertaining fashion, I've made several fascinating discoveries.

Discoveries about friends, family, food, fiction books and myself. Not necessarily in that order. I've made new friends, experimented with interesting foods, added new family members, read some great fiction and I'm still the same me.
I've experimented with various pretzel recipes, developed my own special recipe for yogurt and frozen ice pops, perfected a popover recipe, and an amazing red velvet cake.

It all started when Katina, the youngest of our 9 children, was home with mononucleosis.
It was to become a month off where she was my captive audience as I tried various ways to tempt her-mono ridden palate. John and I ate everything, all she wanted was his Nutella and Brie paninis with basil on sourdough bread.

The ingredients:
12 ounces Brie cheese
Nutella
1/3 cup basil,sliced thin
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 loaf sourdough bread, slice in to 12 thin slices

The recipe:
Preheat the Panini Press.
Brush each slice of bread with olive oil.
Place bread in the press, close and grill.
Remove bread when slices start to turn golden.
Place 2 slices cheese on one slice of bread, sprinkle with basil.
Top with another slice of bread that has been spread with Nutella.
Return to press for another 2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.

Enjoy! This is a delightfully easy recipe. And, its delicious.

Erica, John's oldest daughter, my step-daughter recently became engaged to Matt. They are a lovely couple and truly made for each other! We are all very happy for them. We are happy to be welcoming Matt in to our ever-growing family.

I've had a chance to break from my usual routine of reading non-fiction books. Reading fiction is like being on vacation, you can escape in to another world of your choosing. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett takes place in the 1960's and examines the complicated life of blacks and whites living in the segregated south. "Casting Off" by Nicole Dickson is the story of a young writer who learns to cast off her painful past to embrace the love and warmth of a new world that awaits. "Knit Two" by Kate Jacobs, is the sequel to "The Friday Night Knitting Club". Its members learn to use their craft to take them on the path of personal growth. "I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti" by Giulia Melucci is a memoir taking the reader through failed relationships from college to mid-life. "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford is a beautifully written love story taking place in Seattle during World War II and the sadness of what happened to Japanese Americans during that time.

Much more to follow...to be continued...you'll just have to wait for what's coming up next. In the meantime you can enjoy the recipe and the books!

Its That Time of Year

Yes it is that time of year. I've given much thought to what I'd like to share with you during this frenzied month. You can relax this is not about baking one of the best cookies ever, or creating unique, must-have decorations, finding the perfect gift or looking spectacular this holiday season. This is about you and what you can do for yourself. Now isn’t that wonderful? Go ahead, get yourself a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa and sit back, relax and enjoy what lies ahead.

I have put together a little gift for you-the practice of self-care. I can imagine at this point at least half of my dear readers are questioning my sanity. “Now, in December?? Have you gone mad? Can’t it wait till January? I’ll make some resolutions for the new year”. Not a chance. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? If you don’t make time to do what you love and what helps you be a better individual, who will make that time? Now that we agree lets move along to some ideas my research has turned up.

Sleep: Sleep is important for concentration, memory development and the repair to your body’s cells from the previous day.

Gratitude: Upon awakening each morning, take a few moments to express thanks for something that is important to you.

Stretch: A great way to get your body active, stretching awakens your mind, heart, circulation and metabolism.

Drink Water: A glass of water helps to re-hydrate you and awakens your joints and muscles, sending a message to your vital organs that its time to start the day.

Meditate: Take a few minutes to set some intentions for yourself each day and visualize how you would like to see your day unfold.

Are you still with me? From the time you open your eyes until this moment might total up to about 5 minutes. I think you can fit that in!

Eat: A good, healthy breakfast is the best way to fuel your body at the start of each day. Make time to eat within the first hour of waking up. My husband, John, creates some of the most delicious, healthy omelettes. He's always searching for the next perfect recipe.

Include Power Foods in your diet:

Cinnamon-lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Avocado-promotes healthy skin, rich in Vitamin E.
Garlic-boosts immunity with its antibacterial and antiviral
properties
Japanese food-wasabi and shitake mushrooms both help to fight
cavities and the formation of plaque.
Vitamin D rich foods-oily fish, eggs, cereal and vitamins all
add extra D especially in winter when we are not often in
sunlight.
Honey-contains anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals and if you
can find local honey you will taste an amazing difference.
My son, Nicholas, is a firm believer in the healing
properties of Manuka Honey.
Green Tea-you know about the anti-oxidant properties of this tea
But did you know it’s the beverage of choice 10 minutes
prior to working out?
Bananas-good for regulating blood pressure, known as the “happy
fruit”, helps improve your mood.

Socialize: Make small talk, call a friend. Casual conversations help keep you sharp, improving mental function and memory. My dear friend Sheryl and I chat just about every day.

Walk: The more you walk the healthier you’ll be, physically, emotionally and mentally! My son, Christopher, has been heard to say that I (his mom) would walk across the country if they let me! He’s right.

Massage your feet: At the end of the day, place a tennis ball under one foot and roll the ball under all four corners for about 1-2 minutes for each foot. You will feel the difference! I learned this in a yoga class, it’s amazing.

Give Something Away: See what happens when you give away the simplest, easiest gift…a smile to a stranger. For more encouragement visit
http://www.29gifts.org/
http://www.quiltmakersgift.com/index.asp
My son Michael's group "The Deadly Syndrome" have participated in a fundraising Christmas Concert for the past 3 years. All proceeds go to charity. My step daughter, Donna Marie, grew her hair and then donated it to "Locks for Love", she looks great with her shorter hair and now someone else can enjoy her donation. My step daughter Francesca along with her boyfriend Jay, are a source of inspiration and support to the many people they come in contact with every day. My son Alex has donated much of his time to fundraising for the school he attends and spent a summer teaching English to members of a small village in Panama.


Find your Passion: This is no small assignment. The most challenging piece to this suggestion is to just let it happen. As mentioned in my earlier blogs, finding one’s passion usually happens when you’re not looking. Take a step back and voila! you are doing something you enjoy, then another layer is added to it and you are exploring another facet of what interests you. Moving through these various stages is more a spiral rather than linear process. Enjoy it; see where this adventure takes you.

My step daughter, Erica, has perfected her creative skills and presented us with a beautifully knitted blanket. She and her boyfriend Matt, have discovered how much fun golf can be. Jillian, my daughter in law, is great at photographing her 2 little sons and creating beautiful pictures. She's made beautiful books using her photography skills. Jenni, Michael's girlfriend, recently completed a world tour and has seen her success as a musician soar. Nicholas has focused on his passion for making music , my daughter Katina has pursued her love of horses in college. John Paul, my step son,has followed his passion for motorcycles while his wife Melissa brought her passion for nursing to life. My son, Christopher loves what he does for a living and is working on perfecting his golf game.

Yes, I do try to put in to practice most of what I have shared with you. I hope you can take away something new after our little visit. I hope our family's accomplishments inspire you to pursue your dreams.

Slow down, stay in the moment. Try to focus on what’s REALLY important; don’t dwell on the little things. Enjoy the people in your life for they are your treasures. Listen to the silence of the early morning, the quiet of your home late at night, or the sound of snow gently falling. Breathe and be thankful for all you have.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

November

November is by all accounts my favorite month. It wouldn't surprise me if the rest of you raised your eyebrow and said "she's lost it, what's so special about November"? My love affair with November is well deserved.

November sneaks in on the tails of Halloween, all quiet and grey. Leaves that were vibrant hues of reds and golds are now a faded yellow. One look at a November sky and you know... heavy clouds, the sun teasingly peeking in and out, stark brown branches against a temperamental sky, that distinctively crisp bite in the air.

Its not just about the weather. This month graces us with 3 National holidays. Its about being able to have a choice, appreciating those who fought so we might exercise our freedom and being thankful for everything the year has brought to our lives.

On a personal note November is the month both my grandfathers were born. Antonino in Sicily in 1895 and John in New York City in 1899. I have fond memories of my grandfathers who both seemed to possess a certain twinkle in their eye. Antonino (Tony) taught me to speak Sicilian at the age of two. Nothing formal, he just didn't speak English so I really didn't have a choice. Sent to America as a young man following the death of his father in a case of "mistaken identity" my grandfather came to be known as the "Banana Man" of New York City's lower east side. He knew every fruit and vegetable dealer in the area and we seemed to walk for hours visiting them all. My grandfather was a tall man and I can only imagine taking his little granddaughter along must have slowed him down tremendously although I never once heard him complain. We were out for a good time! A field trip with him included a stop at one of his favorite haunts...the bocci ball court off 2nd Avenue and 5th Street. The excursion would end with one of his favorite snacks... a big, juicy red apple. My grandfather would place it on the table with a look of glee, admiring it and calling it an American lollipop. John, my other grandfather, was a practical joker who taught me how to juggle eggs, usually raw, much to my grandmother's dismay. We'd play dominoes, roll dice and travel the route from 9th Street to 14th Street to the old Con Ed building to pay the electric bill. We would stop at the park running along the East River and I thought it was the coolest thing to take the cross walk over while cars zipped by underneath us on the FDR Drive. Our favorite stop for lunch was the Jewish Deli on 9th Street and Avenue C. It was small and quiet, the floors were made of wood, and several tables for 2 were always available. I can still smell the steaming potato knish served with lots of mustard and of course a corned beef on rye to finish off the meal!

Those days are a wonderful memory for me and I'm sure as you turn your attention towards Thanksgiving you too can find a piece of your past to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is like a quilt to me. Its a time to become introspective, look at the fabric that is your life, the person you are today. Take time to notice your favorite colors, textures, and themes for they make up who you are. Appreciate the richness of what makes you happy, what makes you unique and respect that in others as well. Be thankful for the gifts and talents that make you who you are.

November will leave us with a fanfare showcasing a variety of fabrics, kicking off the festivities that will fill our lives for the remainder of the year. Enjoy what this month has to offer, quiet moments, walks in the chilly night air, settle in with a good book or a fun project you've been planning to start and a healthy cup of steaming hot chocolate.

4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder the darker the healthier (flavonol antioxidants to lower cholesterol)
1 cup skim milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon
sugar to taste

Mix sugar, cocoa and 2 tablespoons cold milk in a mug until smooth. Heat the remaining milk in a small saucepan on the stovetop or in a 2-cup glass measure in the microwave just until steaming hot but not boiling. Stir in the cocoa mixture and vanilla.

Sprinkle cinnamon on top. (an anti-oxident and germ killer)

Enjoy!

All Things Autumn

The weeks are flying by and the temperature has dropped in keeping with what we have expected. The leaves that shimmered brilliant red on our foliage field trip last week have become muted shades of yellows and browns. Leaves swirl and merrily skip along the streets of this city and the roads leading out to more rural areas as the days on the calendar dance happily into the heart of autumn.

Our Town House hosted a lovely annual meeting the other evening complete with unlimited wine, sushi and hors d’oeuvres. We met many interesting folks and are constantly surprised at how many of our neighbors are from New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts. It always pays to attend these meetings… you never know what you will learn! Those who know me well know my desire to be near a gym, especially one open 24/7! Well, wonder of wonders, we share a driveway with a world class hotel, and being the good neighbors they are their health club facilities…fitness center and heated pool…are available to residents on a complimentary basis. You can bet I was there the next morning….very nice, great machines and, I might add, boasting a lovely view of the lake and the snow-capped Adirondacks.

Yes, I said snow-capped. That day the highest peaks of both the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains looked as if a shaker of confectioner’s sugar was dusted atop them like a baker would dust powdered donuts. Rumor or legend (call it what you want) has it that once the mountains have snow the valleys can expect it in 4 to 6 weeks. That being said I appreciate the fact that I will be walking to work.

Work? Yes, work! finally….I decided to take a break from the world of education and pursue an interest I have had for many years. A management level position was offered to me at an institution that prides itself as being the premier specialty retailer in gourmet cookware, bake ware and food items. The invitation to work there was presented to me as “How would you like to have fun with us here?” Man oh man, it’s busy but it’s a great learning experience. I am in cooking heaven….but as my interests run, more like baker’s heaven.

Ah baking, yes I have made my fall specialty apple crisp this week and it was a big hit. I served if for dessert at a dinner party we hosted for some new Vermont friends. My husband is the food expert and he is happy to assign dessert to me as it keeps me from disrupting his kitchen operation. The kitchen remains his fiefdom if I am busy creating in my own little baking world. That man is happy and easy going but there is a reason he will relinquish the baking to me!

Here is my Apple Crisp Recipe. Feel free to add/subtract the optional ingredients to make it more to your personal taste. Most importantly, enjoy!

4 cups apples, cored, peeled and sliced

¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

¾ cup oatmeal

½ tsp. salt

¾ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. allspice

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup raisins

½ cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped walnuts

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Place prepared apples into a lightly greased 8 x 8 inch lightly greased baking dish.

Blend the dry ingredients; blend the butter in with a hand held pastry blender until it crumbles. Top the fruit with this mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm topped with your choice of ice cream or homemade whipped cream.

What would a blog about Vermont be without paying some attention to the “leaf peeping” season? Yes indeed, that’s what people who travel up north to view the changing colors are fondly referred to as…leaf peepers!

We decided to play tourist one day and travel the beautiful Route 100. Voted as one of the ten best roads to travel in the US, it’s worth the trip anytime of year but especially during foliage season. It’s a 200 mile road running south to north up the state taking the traveler on a delightful journey. Route 100 weaves in and out of small rustic towns, then winds through the Green Mountain National Forest, cutting through mountains and back over the edge to reveal breathtaking views of valleys and their villages.

Antique shops, country stores, ski slopes, mountain vistas and waterfalls are all part of the experience. Take time to stop along the way to visit the attractions and photograph the show nature is putting on for its visitors.

My blog is for you to enjoy as much as I do. I have had so many enthusiastic comments from last week’s cauliflower recipe with readers happily sharing their favorites. Please send along comments to share with the rest of us!

Cauliflower!

Yes, that's right... cauliflower. The recipe that follows is not only delicious but pretty healthy. My mother-in-law is a great cook and has passed down many excellent recipes to her son-my husband. The food co-op had a special feature of cauliflower artfully arranged in the produce section today. It was time to make Spaghetti with Cauliflower.

Here is the recipe:

2 heads of cauliflower

1/3 cup olive oil

1 lb. spaghetti

1/2 cup grating cheese (more if desired)

black pepper to taste

Core cauliflower by cutting in to florets . Fill a tall pot 2/3 full with water and bring to a boil. Place the florets in the water and return to a boil. Continue boiling 6-7 minutes until tender (easily pierced with a fork).

In the meantime heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Remove the florets from the water with a slotted spoon and place in the pan. DO NOT DRAIN THE WATER FROM THE POT.

Place the spaghetti in to the boiling cauliflower water and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain spaghetti in colander and reserve 2-3 cups of the boiling water.

Return the florets and the spaghetti to the large pot adding the reserved water. Stir in 1/2 cup of grating cheese and black pepper. Enjoy!

The afternoon promised to be a mix of sun and clouds so it was ideal for a brisk walk along the water. We came upon an intriguing group of stones in all shapes and sizes...mostly huge! We had found The Burlington Earth Clock. Circles for Peace, a non-profit organization, built this project on land provided by the Burlington Parks Department.

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/vermont/burlington/42968/burlington-earth-clock/attraction-detail.html

It is worth a trip to the site, it promises to be a great teaching tool for all who visit.

The weather continues to play with the inhabitants of the city. On a recent walk to the library the sun was shining. I, however, was not to be fooled. I ventured out with my rain jacket and sunglasses. This might seem like an odd outfit but alas...I used both. The last comment the library clerk said to me as I was leaving was "are you sure you don't want a plastic bag to keep those books dry?" She was correct, off came the sunglasses on went the rain jacket.

Knitting, quilting, baking, hiking, reading, meeting many interesting people...I am doing it all and more and its fascinating!

If you are trying to find what you want to do, what your passion is, don't worry, its there. Perhaps if you don't look too hard it will appear where you least expect it!