All this snow makes me ready for a warm walk outdoors.
Winter Weather Here We Come Again February 4, 2010
Overlooking the what is left from the 10 inches of snow over the weekend – the weatherman says we are going to get more. As a rule we do not get winter weather like this in our area of North Carolina. The temperature is a balmy 39 degrees and falling. The sky is grey and thick. The forcast is calling for ice – then possibble heavy snow – then more ice. They are not even guessing accomulations anymore. What a mess!!!!!
The Vacation Begins February 2, 2010
My aunt met me at luggage claim – smiles, hugs and kisses abound. I haven’t seen her since my uncle’s funeral and although we write and talk often, the touch and hold means so much more.
We have always been close. She is the widow of my father’s youngest brother Earl.
Obit blog entry can be found at:
http://doriswanderings.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/in-memory-of-my-uncle-earl/
We went to her condo located a hour or so frome airport and relaxed some – went to a early dinner with a couple who are dear to my aunt. Since I tend to travel with my stomach – I will start my journey with a wonderful meal at Romano’s Macaroni Grill in Carmel, IN
I sarted with their appetizer plate of Mediterranean Olives – Wonderful!! not too salty, firm, perfect mouth-feel. There a was a good variety of types, black, red, green; all twith a dipping bowl of hot bread and Exrtra Virgin Olive Oil – Just the memory Oh.
Followed by – Shrimp Portofino – here is the menu discription but it does not come close – ( I truely felt if the food was going to all be this good – I wouldn’t fit in the plane to go home – if I ever left) “Jumbo shrimp sauteed with fresh spinach, mushrooms and pine nuts in a lemon butter sauce. Served with imported capellini pasta”
We share a bottle of the Chianti – (the House Wine – Tuscan style) that was comforting and took the bumps off the trip.
I then waddled off to the car and slept soundly even in a new place and bed.
Learning to Travel in This New World February 1, 2010
I haven’t traveled by myself since before 9/11.
What a difference!! The entire experiece was near over whelming. I will state the reminder that: This was also my first trip alone since my stroke. But still the attitude was so tense you could cut it.
Ticket and baggage check-in went well, my husband’s assistance was a big help moving the suitcase with my cane. I ask and explained the steel in my for assistance at Security and was asssured it would be provided. Oh it was – Routine I knew: Shoes: off in pan, Purse in seperate pa. n all jewerly: off & in pan. Coat: off in pan. Cane turned over TSA to be scanned – loud area, many people talking to me all at once, crowded, very busy to get volume of people through. I stuggled to not fall or and follow directions. I went through the scan and set it all off – then was scaned with hand-held. Set it off – then patted down finally cleared – after detaining everyone behind me in the line – (the airport I was using is very busy, a large line quickly formed) Glad they are being careful But you couldn’t pay me a million dollars to do their job!!! We need to say Thank You to all our TSA people and keep them in our prayers They Need It.
Trip back home a breeze totally!! I was sick to stomach as we pulled into the airport, I was so nervous of going through that again. Not to worry, different airport, different set-up.
Dori
Good Monday Morning ! February 1, 2010
Ok – Vacation and Holiday time over. But many any wonderful memoriers and experiences to share. Like a worldwide traveler – it was fun – could get used to it. (ha ha).
Packing, then on the plane to – two wonderful weeks at my Aunt’s in Indiana enjoying shopping therapy to the max ! Ok I was good and snuck some work in there as well as some rest and lots of thinking and prayer.
Home a couple days, unpack – repack and off to a romantic get-a-way with best friend and spouse of 32 years.
Now that I am home – I feel like I need a vacation to recover from the vacation.
I’ll being sharing some I learned, restaurant reviews and the cool recipes I picked up along my travels. Watch for them.
Dori
Be Back Soon January 27, 2010
I have been away and will be back to the computer writing next week – the First Week of February. I have much to share.
Dori
Book Review January 27, 2010
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found it confusing at first but – then it fit together
Cold Weather Stews January 7, 2010
When the temperatures outside get cold – a meal of hot hearty stew can warm you from the inside out.
Ground Beef And Vegetable Stew
1 Lb. ground beef
2 Medium Clove garlic — crushed
1 Tsp. dried basil
8 Medium new potatoes with skins
2 Medium green peppers — sliced
1 Can tomatoes (1 lb.) — broken up
2 Medium onions — quartered
1/2 C. hot water
1 1/2 Tsp. salt
1/4 Tsp. pepper
Brown beef, onion, garlic and green peppers. Add other
ingredients; simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Chile Spiced Red Snapper and Couscous Stew
1 sprays cooking spray
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup sweet red bell pepper, chopped
1 average jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded and minced (do not touch seeds with bare hands)
1 lb. snapper fillets, or cod fillet, skinned, cut into bite-size pieces
2 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped
1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp. table salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1/2 cup cooked couscous, pearl-variety
1 TB fresh chives, minced
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Coat a medium nonstick pot with cooking spray. Add onion, red pepper and
chile; sauté, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Add fish and cook 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, thyme, salt, pepper and broth. Simmer until fish is cooked
through, about 5 minutes.
Stir in couscous, chives and lemon juice; heat through.
Serves 4 – Yields about 1-1/4 cup per serving.
Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup January 7, 2010
Here is my recipe for Tuscan Bean Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 chopped red bell pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup kidney beans
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1 cup seashell pasta
ground black pepper to taste
In a large pot over medium high heat, combine the oil, onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes.
Add the red bell pepper and saute for 3 more minutes.
Add the broth, tomatoes and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the thyme, spinach and pasta. Simmer for 5 more minutes and pepper to taste
Recipe provided by: Fritzinger, Dori. From My Family Recipe Box, 2009
Evening Has Come – Time to Rest January 7, 2010
The evening has closed in at 10:30PM here. The house is quiet and I am ready to call it a night.
Physical therapy comes tommarow and I have to start getting ready to fly to Indiana on Saturday at 7 AM – will have to be on the road by 3AM to travel to airport and get through all the security nonsense.
Good night all.
