This bowl contains a meal that is the anti-thesis of my usual cooking approach. Yes I am an ingredient snob, preferring homemade that begins with fresh, raw or unrefined foods. It is a principle that developed gradually and becomes more obvious when my family askes for an old familiar dish. As newlyweds some thirty years ago, husband and I had little disposable income, and at first he scoffed at my Marco Polo Mac (recipe came from an indeterminate origin, possibly my mother, is nutrition free and chock full of salts, preservatives, and additives). Today he requested it. So off to the market I went to buy macaroni and cheese, canned mushroom soup and, horror of horrors - Spam! With a little chopped onion and green pepper sauteed in butter, and a cup of milk - voila - comfort food.
In a world that talks too much, writing is a way to capture thoughts and shine a light on the enterprise of life - at home, in the kitchen, out in the garden and almost always through a camera lens.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
As the Snow Melts
The recent snow wasn't very deep but it was very welcome because it arrived on Christmas Eve and inspired a festive holiday spirit. Now, four days later, the thermometer has climbed above freezing and the snow is disappearing quickly; the streets and sidewalks are salt-stained and the expanding patches of grass are brown. It is all very dirty and ugly without a closer look. This little ceramic bird huddled on a ledge outside the back door, totally submerged in the snow until this morning. It almost appears as if he will soon lift his head and rejoice in the sunlight.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sandwich Platter
Christmas day for the entire extended family was held at our home this year. It was a bittersweet affair - bitter because for the last fifty-one years we've all spent the holiday in the five-bedroom house where we grew up and where Mom still lives, and sweet because we were less stressed about over-taxing her eighty-three year old sensiblities. But what to feed the hungry horde? I'd seen a brochure from a local market that featured party foods and happened upon a lovely sandwich platter, which also happened to be very expensive. So I bought all the ingredients a couple days ahead and early in the afternoon on Christmas, with the market's photo as a guide, I put together my own platter. It made a beautiful presentation and was tasty as well - at the end of the night there was only one pita left!
The pita pockets are stuffed with ham, colby cheese, lettuce and tomato; the foccacia featured turkey, provolone, lettuce and tomato with a cherry tomato garnish. Mayo and mustard were on the side for those who preferred condiments, as were multiple and varied side dishes provided by siblings and cousins
Monday, December 27, 2010
"Peace on Earth" (or "A Siberian Husky Won't Find It Hard to Sleep Tonight")
"And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
The old ballad, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is a lovely song with very strong words. I looked up the lyrics after thinking that peace in my little part of the earth arrived last night, the day after the holiday, when I sat down in the quiet and the dark, the rest of the house asleep - no television or music, no games or electronics, and only the lights of the Christmas tree to soften the edges of the darkness. It WAS a moment of sublime peace. Nikki agreed silently.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Corner
Given the soaring height of the vaulted ceiling in our living room, a ten or twelve foot Christmas tree would be fitting and even majestic. It would also overwhelm the floor space and be daunting to trim. My compromise is a five foot live balsam that is elevated to a stately height by placement on a chest. The shining tree-top star is lofty and the entire tree is visible from the outside through the picture window
Monday, December 20, 2010
Grandmother's Handmade




Sunday, December 19, 2010
Applesauce Doughnuts

Sunday, December 12, 2010
Happy Day for a Husky
The forecast was correct and the snowfall (or should I say snow whirl - the wind is wicked!) has begun. Nikita doesn't jump for joy, he simply wallows in the shallow drifts, happy as a pig in a mud pit. Enjoying his quiet revery, he begrudges a smile for the camera.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Hoping for Snow
Although my family moved to Missouri from Michigan when I was five years old, I clearly and affectionately remember the winter snows. Perhaps that is why, when the forecast includes the rare white stuff, I don't panic or fret; I anticipate it's arrival with something akin to glee even if it doesn't commence at a convenient time for playing. But as soon as my schedule allows, I pull on my boots and gloves, grab the dog, the shovel, the camera or even the neighbor's kids (any excuse will do), and hurry out into the winter wonderland.
circa 1958-59
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(Amusing to see the baby sitting comfortably in a beer box - how
politically incorrect that would be today!)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Custom Bling
A small box of old jewelry from a thrift shop yielded a couple of trash-worthy strings of plastic beads but also several pairs of clip-on type earrings. Having seen large cluster rings become popular recently, I decided to take apart the earrings and wire them to plain ring forms (which can be bought at craft or bead stores but I had a few in my jewelry box). The clips actually broke away easily after a few bends with a pair of pliers and then I looped a six-inch strand of beading wire through the earring backing and around the ring form a couple times, crimped it tightly and clipped the wire tails. Since it will only be worn a few hours at a time and then exclusively to holiday parties, the simple construction should hold up fine. And since this is the gifty season and the original earring was one of a pair, I can bestow the other ring accordingly.
Another plus to this project is that I bought a lovely, silky top that has a high neck, almost like a turtleneck, with soft pleats down the front; a necklace or a pin seemed out of the question, but a ring sporting a large cluster of gems would be just the right accessory.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Family Photo
For the last several years I've made it a point to get a family photo in early December so I can enclose one in my Christmas cards. This year I tried something new and we all, especially the kids, had fun posing on our backs on the floor! The photo is actually a composite - I stood on a chair and took several shots and then Vinny did the same while I reclined awhile. I am thoroughly pleased with the final result; the black and white has a sharp, stylish look yet the subject arrangement and facial expressions convey a playfulness appropriate for the holiday season. Another (unexpected) plus: gravity provides a natural facelift!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Molly the Movie Critic

Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Aluminum Christmas Tree - New and Old

When I found a photograph of our tree in the family albums, I was surprised to see how small and narrow it appears because in my memory it is like the advertisement above. Whatever the case, it will be remembered fondly.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Kitty meets the coons

Saturday, November 27, 2010
Mashed Potato Pancakes

Thursday, November 25, 2010
Giving Thanks

Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Leafy Days
Raking leaves is considered a chore, but I take into account the fact that it's a reason to be outside enjoying the fresh air and a it's good way to burn a few calories. If a child or a dog is present, it can even be fun because leaf piles are irresistible!
*****
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Pumpkin-Filled Sweet Rolls

Saturday, November 20, 2010
Color Variance in November
The absence of color early this morning was rather striking. A fog that through the window appeared dreary had much more character and became an interesting study in contrasts when viewed skyward from outside on the lawn.
Later, sometime after sunrise, the fog disappeared and the remaining colors of the season became apparent . The blazing burning bush in the neighbor's yard was a splendid backdrop for my miscanthus - a valiant final effort by autumn's palette.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Farm Fun
A gorgeous sunny day and a recent visit to my sister's farm provided an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, the colorful foliage, and to contemplate the beautiful scenery. The children took some quiet time to admire the trees lining the horse pasture, while hoping the herd would meander up the hill for a visit.
Meanwhile, having discovered a boxy, oversized wheelbarrow, the adults were not above a little horseplay of their own.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ice Skating Afternoon
Although yesterday was warm for mid-November, the nearby ice rink had recently opened for the season, so grand-daughter, niece and I spent a couple of afternoon hours practicing the art of balancing on two thin blades while also moving in a forward motion.While this is a talent not as easily recovered as riding a bicycle, I felt a little more comfortable as time progressed, (it is strange sensation to be an adult taking baby steps while children barely out of toddler stage are zipping by at amazing speed!) After only one spill and a slightly bruised tailbone, I cajoled the girls into heading home for hot chocolate and a toe-warming fire - altogether a fun day!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Pet Door
Nikki, the husky, has always enjoyed free access to the screened porch through his own small entrance. It was equipped with a piece of hanging screen that kept mosquitoes out but a dog could easily push through. However, little Miss Molly, the indoor cat, spent quite a bit of time on the porch this summer and we had to block the door with a piece of plywood because it was an escape hatch for her. It was a bother to keep moving that plywood every time Nik wanted in or Molly wanted out, and she actually got adept at pushing it aside so an alternative had to be found and that was obviously a door with a latch, and, obviously it had to be custom made. So I measured and cut a smooth piece of ash, painted it to match and attached it with two hinges. A small peg of ash, anchored with a screw and a plastic bolt, acts as a latch to hold the door closed and is easily turned to allow it to open. Now everyone is happy almost all the time.
Autumn - the Equalizer

Friday, November 12, 2010
English Muffins

Thursday, November 11, 2010
Pink Sunrise
The neighbors probably think of me as the crazy lady who gets up early and goes outside in her bathrobe to take pictures. But when the sky is as gloriously breathtaking as it was this morning, I simply cannot resist.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Bridal Shower Cakes
The cake batter was dark chocolate with a hint of creme de menth and the vanilla frosting tinted to match the bridal party colors. The shower was declared a big success and the cakes enjoyed by all.

Saturday, November 6, 2010
Autumn Flower Arrangements
The last hurrah of the growing season provides some splendid items and colors for decorating: multihued mums, brown stems and seeds, golden gourds and pumpkins, to name a few. I like to accent the tabletops, shelves and walls with varied combinations of these offerings from nature, but always in a simple arrangement; the colors and textures are showy enough.

Daisy mums are happy in a pumpkin vase that rests
on a small table next to my reading chair.
on a small table next to my reading chair.
A grapevine wreath is interlaced with berries, pine cones and
colorful leaves and tied with a casual gingham bow.

Desiring a slightly more formal look for the living room, the trunk
used as a coffee table is adorned with a glass vase
filled with mums in only two shades.
This fellow was a lucky flea market find. He graces a kitchen shelf
and is filled with an assortment of autumn's offerings.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Early November Sunset
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Apple Pie


And of course the end product is a showpiece, or at least it's pretty yummy! Pop agrees.

Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)