Rise and Shine

As children, there were many ways our Mother greeted us each morning.  Depending on our willingness to cooperate, her mood could range from a cheery “Good Morning” to the jarring sound of the radio turned up as loud as the volume dial allowed–usually after we had ignored her one too many times.  One morning we were [...]

Happy Thanksgiving

At this moment, the pies have been baked, the turkey is in the oven and family members are drinking their last cup of coffee before orchestrating their simultaneous arrival.  The hub and the bub of this day has begun. 

 
Alas, this is not a “Magic of Thanksgiving” movie.   The waiters will not come alive en masse to [...]

Sleek Kitchen Cabinet Panels

The current trend for glass in kitchen cabinets is for simple, clean lines using clear textures or a  subdued color palette.  These panels were created for customers who brought a photo of what they wanted with the addition of four clear beveled squares on point in each corner. 
It occurs to me that the designs of the times are matching the [...]

Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

Roast* 15 large sweet red peppers, or open 1 (one) 48-oz can of already roasted sweet red peppers that have been drained, rinsed and drained again.  Using a food processor that has been fitted with a steel blade, whirl the peppers, in batches, to form a puree.  Reserve. 
In a large stockpot, melt 1/2-cup (1 stick) unsalted butter [...]

The Long Road Home

Yesterday, my travels took me on a 228-mile round trip journey for a special job related project.  The destination was in and through the mountains to the east–the majority of which skirted the topmost ridges.  What a view!  Riding the highest peak for at least a 25 mile stretch offered clear lines of sight that stretched north and south. 
My [...]

My, What Big Eyes You Have….

Walking into a local gaming store, one is greeted by this character from the video game noted at the base.  Over 8 feet tall, it can’t be missed.  Hopefuly, it’s not the kind of statue that comes to life at midnight….

Cloris Leachman Has Made it, Baby

The check out line brought the best laugh of the day today.  Forget the Oscars and the Emmy’s.  One of the tabloid magazines has Cloris Leachman on the cover.  Dancing with the Stars has brought her a boat load of attention.  A talented actress who, the best one can say, has not been a major player for [...]

Jumping from the Frying Pan into the Fire….

After having been inundated with phone calls from political candidates, their supporters and national polling organizations for the past two weeks, the end of this election could not come soon enough for me.  Last evening as I was once again muting the television during commercial breaks, (listening to one more diatribe about the supposed faults of a myriad of [...]

Happy Hour Parmesan Twists

Friends are stopping by for a drink after the movie.  A bag of nuts, cubes of assorted cheese and chex mix would be quick, but… well… let’s not go there.  Hours in the kitchen earlier in the day is not exactly appealing either.  Afterall, you want to enjoy the evening, too.
Enter these Parmesan Twists made from puff pastry.  [...]

Political Ad Break

Day blends into night as the final push begins… 

to ignore the incessant political rhetoric.  All usual sources of refuge are filled with political ads, debates, and not-so-polite name calling and mud slinging.

The usual options are temporarily closed.  In a gesture of defiance, the radio and TV are turned off.  The newspapers have been quickly scanned.  Anything political has been selectively deleted [...]