to be nana

we see eye to eye

smooches

and huggies

 

 

life is beautiful xo

 



yoga for the soul

 

 

Fear can only grow in darkness.  Once you face fear with light, you win.  Steve Maraboli

 

My soul has been yearning for an outlet to embrace gratitude and serenity, and once again, I found the place that provides me with same.  Last week Darcy and I attended my sister's yoga class and our souls sang with glee.  Kiki has been instructing yoga for a decade and one of her locations is at the St. Joseph home in LaGrange.  The beauty of this place is in the multitude of artwork by Sr. Mary and the peaceful ambiance of the chapel.  It's amazing what happens in a mere 90 minutes. This week Steve joined me and he fell in love with the whole experience.  His comment was "this is exactly what I need." 

Thanks to my sister, Kiki, for providing this opportunity to keep in touch with my essence.  My love for you holds no bounds.  Our mantra: we shall overcome!

I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then... Lewis Carroll

 

but today, I can find joy in the moments that take my breath away. xo

 

 





to be dapa

 

pure bliss

mixed with strong arms to hold him

and singing silly songs

and a plethora of smooches and huggies

 

who could ask for more?  xo

 



mad hatter salad

 

Mad Hatter Salad

 

16 oz. coleslaw mix

7 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup butter

1 head fresh broccoli florets

6 oz. ramen soup (chicken or oriental)

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup pinenuts or sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tblsp. soy sauce

dash of sesame seeds

 

In a small jar, combine vinegar, oil, sugar and soy sauce.  Seal and shake.  Set aside.

 

In a large bowl, toss coleslaw, scallions and broccoli.  Melt butter.  Crumble ramen noodles in bowl and mix with almonds and nuts.  Sprinkle seasoning packets over all.  Add to skillet or wok and stir until noodles and nuts toasted (about 8 minutes.)

 

Pour sauce over mixture in serving bowl, toss in sesame seeds and enjoy. 

 

Trust me, you cannot stop picking at this dish.  You'll keep coming back for more.   xo

the art of aging

 

This is our Big Daddy at 77. 

 

As the baby boomers age gracefully, we find ourselves with the important task of taking care of our folks as they endure their twilight years.  For those with larger families, the duties can be shared which can make for a much easier experience, but when only one person carries the load, it can be daunting.  There are numerous organizations that provide professional assistance and guidance if situations become unmanageable and we should accept that help when needed.  Sharing our concerns with others involved in their own family needs is very comforting for this is the world we live in and the right thing to do.  Avoiding nursing homes has always been my goal when caring for our loved ones and discussing progress with their doctors is a huge course of action to make sure they get the best care available.  It is known a child will always give the most loving and compassionate care because of the bond we have, however, most times we need an experienced medical advisor or caregiver to help us guide the way.  Give yourself permission to take breaks and share the load if it becomes too heavy.  Refresh and revitalize so patience is always in your heart.  I found this message to be extremely powerful and a gentle reminder of the circle of life.

 

"My dear child, the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don't interrupt to say: "You said the same thing a minute ago"...Just listen, please.  Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

 

When I don't want to take a bath, don't be mad and don't embarrass me.  Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a little one?

 

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don't look at me that way...remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life's issues every day...the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If I occasionally lose track of what we're talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can't don't be nervous, impatient or arrogant.  Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

 

And when my old, tired legs don't let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

 Moments where I become confused and don't recognize you, please be calm and gentle and know I will feel your unconditional love.

 

When those days come, don't feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

 

I'll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared.  With a big smile and the huge love I've always had for you.  I just want to say, I love you..my darling child."

 

 

xo

 

 

 

 

 



to new beginnings and happy endings

 

 

 

Here I am all ready to give farewell to another year and welcome a chance to refresh.  Upon reflection,  this has been a yin/yang year as we have know extreme bliss and stress within the same time frame.  Something beautiful may occur to be followed by a lot of ugly.  This, however, is better than previous years, so I'll take it.  In order to prepare to rid our humble sanctuary of unwanted negativities I will lovingly purify each room with new mountain sage, holy water, sage citrus candle and special incense.  I will ring the bells throughout to clear vibrations.  Next I will open windows to release.  As we embrace the new year, I will smudge again and sprinkle holy water throughout, light our new candle and burn new incense to protect and promote enlightenment.

 

This is my ritual, but you can purge and purify in many ways as long as you affirm goodness and blessings as your heart and soul will be open to our universe.  Hold all in light with love.

 

We pave the way for hope and prosperity by preparing a special meal of steaks and crab legs with the classic spinach dip with hawaiian bread, veggies and healthy salad; and homemade chicken soup will promote health. We are not so much for the libations but I do have some warm glug with cinnamon at the ready.  The most important part of the day is to be with those you love and offer hugs and smooches as needed.

learn from yesterday

live for today

hope for tomorrow

 

xo

 



holiday treats

 

The holidays are not complete without a plethora of pleasing sweets. Just ask little Yai Ya.  He sampled one of my creations and the verdict was a big MMMMMMM. 

Mom's Wreath Treats

 

My mom made these every year and while I could not find her recipe, I conjured up my own using her basics.  These do not stay around for long as I have made four batches already; yesterday I used yellow to make sunflowers for the new year.  This one is guaranteed to please your pallate and the beauty of it all is absolutely no baking required.

 

3 cups each rice krispies and corn flakes (6 cups total)

(at first I could not find corn flakes and used frosted flakes, so you can easily use 2 cups krispies, corn and frosted flakes if you desire)

1 stick butter

1/4 tsp. sea salt

10 oz. mini marshmellows

(the large don't adhere as well, but you can still use them)

green and red food coloring and sprinkles

1 cup each pecans and coconut

 

Melt butter and sea salt in a large pot.  Add marshmellows and stir.  Remove from heat and add cereals, mixing quickly.  Add coconut and nuts.  Add food color.  Form into balls, mold and press on cookie tray.  Add green sprinkles for red wreaths and vice versa.  The wreaths will adhere quickly once they set, so no worries about falling apart. 

Janet's Thin Mints and Do Si Dos

 

Another stovetop cookie that is quite easy to make.  I shared the thin mints a few years ago, so I'll just add the pb recipe.

 

ritz crackers

1 bag each dark and ghiradelli semi sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup oil

peanut butter

 

Spread pb on each cracker and set aside.  In a medium pot, melt all chocolates with oil and stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and dip pb crackers in chocolate and let sit on a cookie tray lined with wax paper.  This is important for if you do not use the paper, the cookies will stick to the tray and fall apart.  Cool in fridge or garage on days like today.  Bring back to room temperature for 20 minutes then separate.  Another winner.

 

Mom's Cherry Ring

 

I stumbled upon this recipe in a school fundraiser cookbook from years past and it was labeled Virg's Cherry Ring.  I had to make it at that point, as this season she has been channeling her baking skills into me all month.  I usually only make kolacky cookies but found myself following her footsteps in recipes for nut cups, almond and pecan crescents, sugar cookies as well as the tons of assorted kolackies and above recipes.  After yesterday I am done with sweets for a long time.  My goal is accomplished. 

 

1 cup water

 1/2 cup butter

 1 cup flour

 4 eggs

 1 cup milk

 3/4 cup sour cream

 3 (3/4 pkg.) vanilla instant pudding

 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

 2 cans cherry pie filling

 

Cook water, flour and butter to boil, stir vigorously until it forms a ball (about 1 minute)  Remove from heat.  Add eggs and beat until smooth.  Drop dough by tablespoons onto cookie sheet to form 8" ring and smooth with spatula.  (I actually used my round pizza stone) Bake until puffs are golden (50 minutes on 400 degrees)  Cool for 20 minutes, then cut off the top with a sharp knife.

 

  Beat milk, sour cream, pudding (dry), add almond extract (about 1 minute)

 

Fill cream puff ring with pudding mixture, then spoon 1 can of cherry pie filling on top of pudding.  Replace top of cream puff ring and spoon remaining can of cherry filling on top.  Refrigerate. 

 

You can just make individual puffs if you do not prefer a ring.

Ponti waiting for a morsel ~ he has a huge sweet tooth ~ sorry Poncho, no can do for you

Had to add this pic of Bambi drinking out of her water glass (she prefers this to her water bowl)

Thumper ~ Ozis ~ Bambi hovering the table

Dillan and Thumper

Last but not least, our Big Daddy looking sharp at 77.

 

Sweet dreams, ya'll. xo