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.