Finding La Dolce Vita

Hooley On The Hudson 2008

2008-09-05T16:15:00.022-04:00

I promised you a little coverage of our yearly Irish festival here in Kingston, New York called "The Hooley". No one likes to miss the Hooley! It's music, dancing, food, and of course, lots of beer drinking. Guinness is our preferred celebratory beverage.

After a few drinks, we all become best buddies! This is my new found friend Keith, AKA "The Big Guy". He was really rockin' the fest!

The music is fantastic! It puts everyone in the proper mood for eating and imbibing Guinness.

If you've never heard rock played on a bagpipe, you're in for a real treat. These guys were great. Of course they did "Amazing Grace"! It was beautiful.

And dancing! How could you not move your feet! Even those who always decline when a chance to dance is presented begin to do jigs and river dances.

Dig this little lady all decked out in the wearing of the green. Isn't she adorable?

It's a good time to meet up with friends and down a pint or two. Or three. Or four. You get my drift.
Ya gotta love a man in a kilt. I have a certain affection for them. How handsome is he?
Then you've got the kilt and mohawk crowd. Hey, as long as you wear the kilt, I mean, who's looking at your head anyway? haha (wink, wink)

Don't forget the men who work so hard topping off the beers! If you're going to drink, they corral you into a roped in area, but no one complains.

Like I said...it's all about the Giunness! If it's good enough for the UKers, it's good enough for me. It's kinda like...well..medicine! haha

You can buy all sorts of souvenirs at the Hooley. Most bring home a hangover.

Pit Bulls like the Hooley too! This old guy posed really well, but when I went to click his photo he suddenly had an itch to scratch.

Empties are everywhere. On every curb. In every doorway. On every post. I mean EVERYWHERE! And then it's gone. The beer, the people, the laughter, the new friends, the music, the kilts, the green...until next year. I'll see you then, ok?

Guess how much I drank. Nope! I only had two sips of my blokes beer, but someone had to be the designated driver! (and you were thinking I was a lush, weren't you?)

'til next time...
The Next post is a Finding La Dolce Vita original...Italian Pop Tarts! So stay tuned.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

2008-08-31T10:14:00.014-04:00

Where the heck have I been? Well, I definitely didn't cook, that's for sure. I read books, walked a lot, met new friends, spent time with my family, volunteered at a food pantry- picked vegetables in the fields with Brother John and drove them to the church. I reevaluated, prayed, fixed a few things, started a new job, received a few gifts (thank you, Joanne and Marie)...then I went on a retreat.

"What do you mean there's no TV!?" That was my first response to the situation I placed myself in. No clocks, no cell phones, no computers, and yes, no big screen HDTVs. Just a simple room with a bed, a table, and a lamp. There were 3 square meals a day and cookies set out each night in the snack room (which I took well advantage of). There were beautiful grounds and paths to meander along and contemplate life. An arched breezeway where you could rest and search the starry skies at night. And peace. There was peace.

Joanne sent me these wonderful cooking magazines all the way from Italy!

I could easily live the life of a friar or monk. No, really, I could! By the second day I had forgotten about my electronic devices and the noisy life outside. A change came over me, and I liked it. The peace I had been seeking melted into my heart.

"Peace. Be still. And know that I am God"

The friars there reflect the life of the patron saint of animals, birds, the environment, and Italy..St Francis of Assisi. His feast day is October 4th. What a very beautiful and interesting life he lived.

The prayer of St Francis of Assisi

When my time had come to an end and I returned to the traffic and noise emitting from the world and the people in it, I wanted to run back. Things that seemed so important before held no more value for me. Conversations seemed so useless and what was held in high regard by those around me was trivial, a waste of time, or downright detrimental.

Can I hold on to this feeling of peace? Well, we'll see. I hope so. But the world has a way of rushing in. What hurts my soul today may become second nature once more. But God, I hope not.

"Francis, Francis, Go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins."

Yeah, yeah, I'll get back to cooking soon. Just give me a chance to settle myself in the saddle like my sista pal suggested ;)

In the meanwhile, tonight is the wonderful Irish celebration of the "Hooley on the Hudson". This is a yearly event that takes place on The Strand in Kingston, New York. Lots of food, music, dancing, and of course, Guinness drinking -all in the name of fun. I hope to bring this to you in my next post.

Until then...

ps. Did I tell you how much I missed you? (Well, I did!) A big thank you to all of you who kept in touch and never forgot me.

And The Winner Is...

2008-08-12T12:07:00.007-04:00

I've drawn the winner for Finding La Dolce Vita's blogoversary giveaway!

And the winner is...(drum roll, please)......

Laurie Constantino from a wonderful blog called "Mediterranean Cooking In Alaska".

Send me your mailing address, Laurie, and I'll get that package out to you ASAP!

I hope all of you are doing well. I miss you!

'Til next time,

Maryann xox

A Blogoversary and a REAL Italian Vacation

2008-07-15T18:27:00.010-04:00

Hi Everyone!

My first year of food blogging has gone so fast! Can you believe it's
"Finding La Dolce Vita's" birthday already? I've gotten more out of blogging
with you all than I ever expected. Each post brought new friendships and
wonderfully delicious happenings. We see each other through good times and bad.
We share our joys and sorrows and are forever lending our strength and
encouragement. It's a great community of beautiful people and I'm so
thankful for each and every one of you.

To celebrate, I will be sending a little gift to the person I choose from a
hat. All you have to do is leave a comment. In the meanwhile, I will be
taking a blog vacation in true Italian style. That means the whole month of
August (and the rest of JULY). Don't worry, I'll still be reading your blogs and leaving my footprints here and there.

So, enjoy the summer and your friends and families and I'll be back in just
a little bit.

MUAH! and a big big HUG!

Your friend,
Maryann xox

A Little Story

2008-07-05T15:32:00.015-04:00

Let me tell you a beautiful story...
Turn off the music for a moment. Sorry, Dean and Frankie. We love ya, but you'll have to hush for a few minutes.
Do you remember my little ramble about Karma a while back? How life has a gentle way of bringing good things around? When I wrote that post I didn't take into account that sometimes your everyday, hum-drum actions can inspire someone without you even knowing about it. This insight was not my own. Rather, it became all so clear through a fellow food blogger and friend from Cucina Panzano.

Jady sent me 2 packages in the mail. One was filled with beautifully hand crafted soaps. Now for those of you who aren't aware, I am a confessed "soapie". I just can't get enough of the stuff! I keep my stash in a large drawer where I can skulk in and take a whiff of all the different scents anytime I feel the urge coming on. Is there a 12 step program for people like me?
The next package contained 2 original watercolors which were painted by Jady's husband. At first, it didn't hit me that one of the paintings were of a photo I had published a few weeks before. I thought it was such a sweet gift.
But hold on now because my little story has only just begun. In the package was a letter and in the letter, words and images that will forever be in my heart. I will paraphrase...

"...Weeks back, you posted a recipe and picture of a 3 bean salad...As I sat reading the post, my hubby came into the room and was glowing at your photograph...I haven't seen (my husband) this excited over anything in nearly 2 years now...(my husband) is a watercolorist, but also a cancer patient...He was diagnosed 18 months ago...He was a very sick man...We both feel a large part of our lives were lost due to his illness, at least, life as we knew it."

"...Well, (my husband's) excitement over your 3 bean salad picture gave me an idea...I printed it out and gave it to him with the hopes that he would run with it and begin painting again...One day he asked me to take him up the coast to an area where he always enjoyed the landscape and plein aire painting...I said I'd return in a few hours to pick him up."

"...You can imagine my surprise when I returned to see an easel of 3 watercolors of, NOT our glorious ocean nor lighthouse, but instead, 3 paintings of various form and shape of veggies! Not just any veggies...Maryann's 3 bean salad veggies!! LOL!!"

"...(my husband) was so proud of his days accomplishment...You see my friend, your dish moved him in some way to begin painting again...It's the first thing he has painted in nearly 2 years and we wanted you to have it."

"...I should also add, Maryann, (my husband) was a noted landscape artist in New England for the past 25 years with awards and ribbons as long as your arm...so this little painting, as primitive as it is, shows us that somewhere in his mind, there still remains that spark of hope he will once again paint. Painting Maryann's veggies was a real milestone for him and we greatly thank you for inspiring him. Whoever said food blogs are just recipe sites?!!"

To say the least I was speechless.

Friends, don't ever take your little food blog for granted.

Jady, in you, I've found a lifelong friend and kindred spirit. And to "The Artist"..You are now, and will always be, my hero.

'Til next time...

*"The Artist" is in the process of planning an exhibition featuring his work :)

Risotto with Garlic Scapes, Orange, and Mascarpone

2008-06-26T22:48:00.012-04:00

What to do with all those lovely garlic scapes gracing our gardens these days? How about this tasty risotto? It's a cinch to make and the flavors are wonderful together.

Risotto with Garlic Scapes, Orange, and Mascarpone

4 C vegetable broth
2 T butter

8 garlic scapes

1 C arborio rice
1/2 C white wine
1/3 C grated parmesan cheese
3-4 T mascarpone cheese
2 tsp grated orange rind
2 T chopped basil
salt and pepper

Bring broth to a boil, lower flame, and keep hot.
In a separate saute pan, melt butter on medium heat.
Add chopped scapes and cook until soft (aboout 5 min.)
Stir in rice, add wine, and cook until liquid is absorbed.
Add broth one cup at a time, cooking down the liquid in between additions, stirring frequently.
Rice should be firm, but tender. This takes about 20 minutes.
Stir in parmesan and mascarpone cheese, orange rind, and chopped fresh basil.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

Here are a few close ups of a deconstructed scape. I use the scape bulb and any parts that are tender.

'Til next time...

New Places to Post Food Photos

2008-06-20T09:29:00.011-04:00

As you know, Tastespotting is down due to legal issues, but for those who like to post their beautiful food photos, or admire other's, here are a few links. I'm sure more will be popping up.

FoodGawker

RecipeMuncher

Liqurious

And Lucy just told us about Recipes to Share. Thanks Lucy!

*Update: Tastespotting may be back after all.
**Another update...Tastespotting is definitely back under new management. Now you can feed your addiction once more!

Sally Is One Of Those People

2008-06-17T22:35:00.008-04:00

Sally over at Casalba News is one of those people who just floor you with their big hearts. Last week she wrote me an email asking if I thought a donation of a 1 week stay in an apartment at her home in Italy would be an acceptable gift for Bri's cause. Do you see why I say I'm amazed and awed by the generosity of strangers? Sally is very special and we are all thankful for her contribution. Keep Sally in your thoughts and prayers (or just stop by her blog and let her know how wonderful she is) because it is through actions like this that we all learn how to be better people. What better way to thank her than by taking her example and passing it on.

Now, the person who donates $500 to Bri's cause gets this prize. It's a one week stay for two in an apartment in her farmhouse in Le Marche Italy in the village of San Vittore di Cingoli. There is a garden with a swimming pool and a summer kitchen with a barbecue. Sally wants to treat the winner of this prize with her generous style of hospitality. This offer is for lodging only and it is good for 2 years.

There is no bidding on this vacation. The first one who donates the $500 gets it. Just write to bloggersforbri@gmail.com if you want this vacation or if you have any questions at all.

Let's not forget all of those who made ANY contribution to help Bri. Take a peak to your left at the tally and see what they are accomplishing as a group! I love ya all and thank God for you.

'til next time...

*BTW...Someone has snatched up this offer!!

Mall Madness & Roasted Smashed Potatoes

2008-06-13T09:17:00.024-04:00

Roasted Smashed Potatoes

4 potatoes, quartered
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
black pepper
dried rosemary
fresh basil
chopped fresh garlic
fresh lemon juice

-Coat potatoes with oil and rosemary.
-Season with salt and pepper and roast at 475 degrees for approx. 25 minutes
or until nicely browned.
-In a bowl, combine more olive oil with the garlic, basil, and juice of 1/2 a lemon.
-Set aside.
-Coarsely smash browned potatoes.
-Add the oil mixture. Toss. Taste for seasoning and serve.

"In days of old, in another place and time, our fathers gathered at the piazza. See how smartly they are dressed for their passiagiatta? Hear them strolling now, with their shoes clickity-clacking on the cobbled stone as they mosey to the town square. Their eyes focus on flowers, ancient fountains, and pretty girls. They drink their espresso. They read the paper. They exchange a little gossip. Their hands gesture rhythmically to the music of the day. Life is sweet and good.

I'm sitting in a mall in Anywhere, USA. I've opened my book, Con Amore, by Janice Therese Mancuso. It's a nice light read for summertime. A culinary novel. I'm distracted by a group of elderly men, our displaced fathers, who are gathering here at the food court. They do this every day.

They drink their bad coffee and read their USA Todays. And gossip. Always the gossip. Some are mall walking like zombies in a scene from "Sean of the Dead", with their squeaking sneakers rubbing on the marbled tiled flooring with it's incessant pattern which lulls them into a subtle mind trance. Their eyes, glazed over, pass by every brain numbing advertising poster along their way, while the scarcely audible sound of something by Phil Collins enters from somewhere up above.

Now, two of them break from the pack and in a school-boyish fashion, approach a table of elderly women who are drinking their coffees and entering a fog of their own.
"Did you hear who died last night?"
"She was eighty six."

Their words awkwardly echo under the bright skylights as all human sound tends to do here. It's humming like a drone. It hypnotizes. In fact, everything seems to be purposely designed to do just that. I could fall asleep drooling into my opened book and I doubt anyone would give me a second look.

We are in limbo. A waiting place for the undead, where nothing and everything is neither here nor there. Where the "combo platter", and the "combo platter", and the "daily special" all look the same. Where the woman behind the counter at the Star Newstand preaches the coming of a savior who will free us from all of this. An Armageddon, if you will. But, for now, it spreads like a disease. Each city, the same streets. Each street, the same mall. Each mall, the same stores. Each store, the same useless shit. And it can't be stopped. Somehow they always find room for yet another Walmart, or Target, or Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

I can't wait for the savior. I want to run up and grab the old men and scream, "Let's leave this God-forsaken place, gentlemen! Let's tell Phil Collins to go to hell, hop a plane, and join our paisans in the piazza!"
Then I whisper..."Italy is waiting for her children."

Instead, I look to Starbucks for refuge, where deciding between their "grandes", "shorts", "talls", and "ventis" challenge my already over-cooked brain and I settle for an ice water."

Last week, I asked you, my readers, to tell us how you are "Finding La Dolce Vita" in your own lives. Here are some of your thoughts...

*Rowena, from Rubber Slippers in Italy said..."I'm already living it. When's the next gelato run?"

*White on Rice Couple said..."Enjoying sharing things that we love to do with others."

*Gabi from The Feast Within said..."Appreciate small things, limit worry, overflow your heart, slow down."

*Meg from Dolce & Nutella said..."Reading to my kids while they snuggle up and listen raptly."

*Marie from Proud Italian Cook said..."Seeing Good Health and Happiness for the Ones I love."

*Rosemary from Homemade Heaven said..."The smell of the ocean at 6am while I am taking my morning run alone."

*Nuria from Spanish Recipes said..."Making others happy is something that fills my heart♥."

*Jeni from The Passionate Palate said..."Holding a warm cup of coffee while sitting under redwoods in the morning."

*Barbara from Dish 'n That said..."The sound of laughter and contentment over a family feast."

*Nina from My Easy Cooking said..."My family - gives me wings to fly and a soft landing when I fall."

photo courtesy of Nina from My Easy Cooking

*Psychgrad from Equal Opportunity Kitchen said..." A weekend well-spent: feeling productive and rested by Sunday night."

*Susan from Food Blogga said..."Remembering times spent in the kitchen with my mom."

-thanks everyone!

One person's take on finding the sweet life. Photo taken outside the local mall.

Have you ever envisioned yourself living the life of an artist? No? Maybe you should. Listen to what Father Guido Sarducci has to say on the matter...

Convincing, yes? Then you must consider "Artist in Italy", a painting holiday in Tuscany and Umbria brought to you by the same wonderful people who write the intelligent and humorous blog called A Tuscan View from Umbria.
I'm sure you'll have a great time and I hear that Amanda will even cook for you!

*The stupidest thing I did this week- (In honor of Amanda & Julian)

Believing I was smarter than a tube of self tanning lotion.

..'til next time...

Italian Pineapple Salsa

2008-06-07T09:52:00.024-04:00

I've been thinking about a number of things this week. One of them is salsa. Can a salsa be Italian? If so, can it have pineapple in it instead of our beloved tomato? After a bit of experimenting (and consuming) I have to tell you...the answer is yes! Yes it can!

Try this salsa as a starter or snack on bruschetta or chips and you'll see what I mean. It's perfect on grilled meat or fish, but don't stop there! It also adds a little something to your vegetarian fare, like burritos, tacos and chilies. Trust me.

Italian Pineapple Salsa

1C fresh diced pineapple
1/2 C diced red pepper
1/2 C diced red onion
3 T chopped fresh basil
2 T fresh lemon juice
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. dried red pepper flake
1/4 tsp. salt

Toss ingredients together. Cover and chill.

I'm thinking of Bri and all the wonderful and generous members of our food blogging community that quickly answer the call for one of their own. I'm awed by the kindness of strangers. Why don't you join in? Photograph anything yellow relating to the food world and send it off to CLICK. Or donate a prize, a few dollars if you can, or just post about this event on your site. It's good karma.

Speaking of karma... This week, my wise and good friend, Carl, gently reminded me that "God doesn't pay on Fridays". What he means is that when you do something good for someone, don't get discouraged if your generosity isn't reciprocated in kind or immediately. Actions don't just disappear. They have a life of their own and continue to vibrate out there. If you can be patient, you will see it's reflection. Even if it's not within your expected time frame, or received through the same person or situation you planted your good deed in. Like my mom says..."What goes around, comes around". And it's true. Eventually.

I want to live with my eyes wide open. To be conscious of my words, thoughts, and deeds. To find patience within myself and for others. Everything I do has an effect. Why not make it good?
It helps if you have a friend or two to remind you of these things. No one is perfect, but some try harder.

Like my neighbor and friend, Jay, and his wife Lynn. They're constant companions for me on that path- and I'm lucky to have them around. They have a little blog about "finding la dolce vita" right here in our backyard. You can read about their adventures at Horseradish Hill Homestead.
It's all about how two "nappy slackers" from Brooklyn bumble their way back to the land.

Then there is the subject of heroes. Most heroes sit across from us at our breakfast table.

"Come. Sit here, my hero, and have a bowl of cornflakes."

My middle son, Josh, is such a one. One of my heroes. (all 3 sons are my heroes!) But one of his heroes is the infamous "Tank Man", who's courageous act now graces Joshua's back and chest in the form of a tattoo. No one knows for sure what became of this man or the consequences of his actions imposed by his government, but we do know how it effected us. Watch it again with me...

I'd like to invite all of my readers to share with us how they personally find "La Dolce Vita". Using 10 words or less, tell me what brings the sweet life to your door, or where or how you personally find it. It can be something simple like ..."the smell of my baby's hair", or "watching a sunset with my sweetheart", or a thought or place, or idea.
Email me at (findingladolcevita@gmail.com) with your name, blog's name and address, and quote, and I will post them all with a link back to your site. I'll give you until June 13th to get your quotes in to me. OK?

'Til next time...

Scenes from a Farmer's Market

2008-06-02T13:35:00.013-04:00

"That's the thing with magic. You've got to know it's still here, all around us, or it just stays invisible for you." -Charles de Lint

"Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart, and they both take practice."

Magic brought to you by Daniel Greenwolf

"Happiness is a warm puppy."
-Charles M Schulz

""Well," said Pooh, "what I like best"- and then he had to stop and think. Because although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called."
-Winnie the Pooh

Adam Flayman : "Wow! She looked hot!"
Barry B Benson: "She's my cousin!"
Adam Flayman: "She is?"
Barry B Benson: "Yes! We're ALL cousins!"
-The Bee Movie

"What's the three words you never want to hear while making love?" "Honey, I'm home!"
-Ken Hammond

"If you have two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a lily."
-Chinese Proverb

"I've met God across his long walnut desk with his diplomas hanging on the wall behind him, and God asks me, "Why?" Why did I cause so much pain? Didn't I realize that each of us is a sacred, unique snowflake of special unique specialness? Can't I see how we're all manifestations of love? I look at God behind his desk, taking notes on a pad, but God's got this all wrong. We are not special. We are not crap or trash, either. We just are. We just are, and what happens just happens. And God says, "No, that's not right." Yeah. Well. Whatever. You can't teach God anything."
-Chuck Palahniuk

"The greatest love is a mother's; then a dog's; then a sweetheart's."
-Polish Proverb

'Til next time...

Let's Spread the Word and Help Bri

2008-05-31T08:01:00.007-04:00

This is an appeal on behalf of a group of food bloggers who are friends of Briana Brownlow, Figs With Bri.

Bri was diagnosed with breast cancer two and half years ago. A mastectomy, chemotherapy and two years of relatively good health later, the cancer is back. It has metastasized to other parts of her body. At the age of 15, Bri lost her 41-year old mother to the disease. Now, she’s waging her own war against breast cancer. More about it here.

She is going through intensive chemo and other treatments and needs to focus single-mindedly on healing and finding what treatment works best for her. Her health insurance, unfortunately, does not cover holistic alternatives which she would like to try.

The team organizing the JUNE edition of CLICK at Jugalbandi has organized a fund raiser to help Bri and her family meet her out-of-pocket medical costs for ONE YEAR.

CLICK is a monthly theme-based photography contest hosted by Jugalbandi. This month’s theme is: YELLOW for Bri
Yellow is the color of hope. Through the work of the LiveStrong Foundation, it has also come to signify the fight against cancer.

The deadline for entries is June 30, 2008. The fund raiser will extend until July 15, 2008.

The target amount is 12,000 U.S. dollars. We appeal to our fellow bloggers and readers to help us achieve this. Bri deserves a chance to explore all options, even if her insurance company thinks otherwise.

There’s a raffle with exciting prizes on offer. After viewing the list, you may make your donation HERE or at the Chip-In button on any participating site.

Your donation can be made securely through credit card or Pay Pal and goes directly to Bri’s account.

This month’s photo contest also has some prizes. Details HERE.

You can support this campaign by donating to the fund raiser, by participating in CLICK: the photo event, and by publicizing this campaign.

*Remember, you can donate any amount you want, big or small.

"CRIBS" -FDR's Mansion and Library

2008-05-28T10:53:00.041-04:00

Hyde Park, New York...

"Hey kids! Let's tour the FDR mansion! Just park as far away as possible under the direct rays of the sun and see if we can turn this Jeep into an oven. Ready? OK! Let's go!"

"Now, everyone form a single line please."

As the tour guide is speaking, just wander around on your own accord.

The backyard where many BBQs and keg parties were thrown. OK. Stop mulling around.

S-O-O-N
"Soon I will inherit Big Mama's House."

The restrooms. I mean "stables". Anyone need to make a pit stop? Anyone? Anyone?...

A Temper Tantrum.
"Ma, stop dressing me in those girly clothes. Wait 'til I grow up! I'm going to be President of the United States! Then we'll see who's a ..."
When riding a jackass, both parties should be facing in opposite directions.

He ate with these.
I always wanted one of these when I was a kid...

"Daddy, don't forget to bring something home for me!!"

Self explanatory.
Moving on now...

"Don't poke me in the face, mister!"

"Fala". La la la..la la..la ....la!

Fala's effects. "Hey. Where's the pig's ears?"

You always have some wise ass ruining things for everyone else with their graffiti!
(A gift from Churchill's daughter. Made from the Berlin Wall.)

dum da dum dum...
An English tribute to the president. I can't help thinking of Monty Python during this. They walk so funny.

Inside the FDR Library. This guy loved his mamma.

On the grounds today we have a WWII exposition with lots of war stuff.
"Rat Patrol!" Very macho, eh?

Don't let the Jones' catch you driving this jalopy.

Always keep your goal in view.

Before the family van came the..SHERMAN TANK!!

Fight illiteracy.
British council housing.

The romance part of the tour...Ahhhh! How sweet!
"I'll have the red wine with a grenade on the side."
("Because not everyone likes it on top"-When Harry Met Sally)

A smoking break at the canteen.

I'll stick with my morning espresso, thanks.
Some WWII grub. Yummy, isn't it? Powdered water? OK, I'm in!

Subtle stationary...

And that ends the tour for today!

Here. Everyone take a candy on your way out.

...'til next time...

Cheese, Wine, and Wandering

2008-05-26T09:23:00.012-04:00

This being Memorial Day weekend, the bloke and I left town to see what we could see. It's always fun to jump in the Jeep and wander. Life has a way of rewarding those who keep an open mind and agenda.

Returning home, the day spent and the body tired, we like to put together a simple evening meal. No fuss, no bother. A few cheeses, fresh vegetables, a good crusty loaf, and a bottle of wine always hits the spot. Most often, we follow up with an espresso and a small Italian pastry.

I'm always appreciative of home grown or homemade food and drink gifts. This wine came courtesy of one of my bloke's customers, who earlier in the year sent over a sample of his "new wine". Now it's all grown up and more generosity was bestowed on us. It was wonderful!

The cheese wedge pictured is St Andre, and the spread is a Bleu cheese with pear and walnut.

I'm sending this post to our lovely and witty Susan for her blogging event called "Beautiful Bones". We all know how good wine, erm, I mean, cheese is for us, don't we?

'til next time...

I'm Not Your Bitch, Bitch

2008-05-21T14:06:00.009-04:00

Ever since I saw this cap on Susan's "Sticky Gooey Creamy Chewy" blog, I've wanted it. She was running a giveaway over there and all you had to do to enter to win this fab hat and other cool stuff was to leave a comment. Well, I won it! It's so, well...me, don't you think? :)

Wherever there is generosity mixed with humor, I am there. While "finding la dolce vita" we can choose not to focus on the negatives that are part of the human condition. We have a spirit that tempts us toward life. Humor is a great path.

So, next time something or someone wants to push your free and happy spirit around, take your lead from Chef Dave Martin and tell them (it)...

"I'm not your bitch, bitch!"

Thanks, Susan. I needed this. And thank you, dear friends, for all your support this week.

...'til next time,

Sunka

2008-05-16T20:41:00.007-04:00

SUNKA

September, 2002- May 15, 2008

You are our good girl and we will always love you.
You took good care of us.
We miss you so much.
Wait for us at Rainbow Bridge
where we will be together again...
forever

Three Bean Salad

2008-05-10T18:58:00.007-04:00

*Three Bean Salad

1 C black beans
1 C red kidney beans
1 C garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1/2 chopped red onion
1/2 chopped green pepper
1 chopped tomato
1 garlic clove, chopped fine
the juice of 1 fresh lemon
a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
fresh or dried herbs- basil, oregano, or parsley work well
salt & pepper

-Toss all ingredients together and serve on a bed of fresh salad greens.
(I serve the tomato "caviar" as well. I find it interesting.)

How are all my readers doing today? Is everything going ok out there?
Me? I'm fine. It's been a nice week. My eldest son got married a few days ago! I have gained a daughter! It was a simple wedding at the Justice of the Peace. He's leaving for his new job tomorrow and wanted to have everything in place. In a few weeks, when he returns, they will have the big wedding and reception out on the river and say their vows once more at the lighthouse.

Having fun with beans...

"Go into the light!"

A bean can dream a dream on a dandelion.

A bean can make a wish.

A wisher can rock a bean to sleep.

I have a shot of a bean learning to ride a bicycle, but my bloke said I was going too far.

...'til next time...

Don't forget to...

This month is "beans and lentils".
I am honored to be one of the judges.

P.S. I want to thank all those lovely bloggers who gave me an award this week. You are so kind and I appreciate it very much. I don't generally pass these on as I don't want to leave anyone out and hurt feelings.