My holiday.

We went to my sisters in northwestern New York state where NJ, NY and PA meet. Her family live atop a mountain and have the most amazing view of the rolling hillside punctuated with stone walls that look as if they've been there since the Mohicans. In fact thats what the view from their breakfast room reminded me of. On a clearer day you can see High Point, NJ which is ten minutes away. Not being a great photographer I have no visual proof to offfer but I'll try to remedy that in a future blog.

Dinner was ready at the same time I wanted to nap, probably around three pm. After driving since 7am, I was beyond tired. We took Mum which I thought would make her very happy. The idea of seeing her 8 year old grandaughter open her American girl dolls and other gifts sounded very appealing. Wrong! Let me just say that next time I'm going alone! I'll spare you the details. Yet it was all so worth it to see my sister and her family so happy in their newly built home. They seem like the ideal happy family. As an engineer her hubby has moved them around the country several times and this is the closest they've been in fifteen years. I could not be happier!

Now its back to the real world and I am determined to make the new year one filled with happy memories. Thank you all for the gifts you've given me this year. Let's vow to make the new year the BEST filled with peace and love.

Have a Happy!

No matter what holiday you celebrate this season. My wish for you all is happiness, peace and joy!

What a day for holiday?

Well the shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped. The sun was shining and the cold didn't seem to be noticable this morning. A beautiful day to be on holiday mode and so apparently was everyone else. When I couldn't get a parking space at Trader Joe's I knew that the mad, mad rush was on. Not the kid, no I did not need organic extracts and dried fruits that badly. I got the idea to bake a version of the much maligned fruit cake for my Mom who thinks they are great. Instead I indulged on a delicious expresso with cherry syrup topped with whipped cream and a hint of chocolate syrup at Borders. They called Black Forest Mocha. I called it heavenly with every sip. Uhmm...The Brits are right about one thing, holiday sounds better that vacation. What a nice day to hang out and lunch with friends this holiday.

Humm! Can you say cookies?

One holiday tradition that did not escape this season was the baking day ritual. See Pax Romano's blog. After sorting throught through dozens of recipe cards, magazine pages and a cookbook or two, I got down to business. Even invited Mommy dearest, but alas she was out shopping. So I whipped up a batch of peanut butter, some gingerbread, chocolate candy and butterscotch almond bars. That was after baking an easy cheesecake. The chocolate chips that Bubba made on Friday are already gone...wonder where they went? I cannot find my recipe for pizzelle's. Does anyone have a recipe they could share? Today its oatmeal rasin, chocolate marble brownies (my sisters recipe) and yes the anise cookies...Hummm! Got milk?

Holiday hopes

Never thought I'd say it but I'd like to skip Christmas this year. Well at least in the traditional ways of over decorating the house and buying gifts for family that they don't need or don't have a place to store. I have gotten more joy from giving gifts to children and to charities than any thing else.
When friends ask what is on my wish list I am often at a loss. I am happy to have time and laughter with each and everyone of the friends in my life. Friends (and you know who you are) provide me with more gifts than I could ever put under a tree.
Let me say thank you for the gifts that I received every day:
Laughter: the kind that makes me cry and makes my face turn an unflattering shade of red. To those who find the humor in everyday events and to see the irony that is all around us if we just open ourselves to it.
Challenges: to those who are honest/brave enough to say what is in their hearts and minds and yet present it in a way that is sensitive. Even hardships can be tools for teaching.
Sharing and discussions about timely and thought provoking movies, books and entertainment over a cup of tea or coffee. OK, even blogging! I've left out politics purposely.
Music: Don't know what I'd do without it on a daily basis! Something about taming the savage... I am convinced that a christmas concert is one way to start the season with spirit!
Knowledge: that there are a few people that I can depend on whenever things are too much to bear and the world seems a little too chilly!
Family: A woman really needs her sisters/brothers. What would we do without one another? Even if we do not share the same DNA. There are those who promote spirituality, serenity, authenticity, honor and humor. Each is a precious gem not to be taken for granted.
Love and peace are not cliches, they are what we all really want and need. Happy holiday!
XOXO

Pride & Prejudice review

Last week faced with three eagerly awaited films I end up going to see another remake of P&P which had been in theaters the longest. A bit sceptical at first, I succumbed to the advertising campaign. I thought nothing could replace the last version with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. Either I have memory loss or the story was told with a new spin and yet kept to the original witty dialogue and humor. Kiera Knightly was pretty good as Lizzie and Donald Sutherland as her father, not bad! The actress who played the neurotic Mum was excellent. I cannot remember her name. She's been a few good (English) films. If you know her name please share it with me. Overall, I'd give it 3 out 0f 4, you may want to wait for DVD, but it is worth watching once again.
I cannot wait to see RENT and am intriques by Walk the Line. I'll keep you posted. HA HA