A Beautiful Place to See during COVID and beyond

 

My daughter has been visiting from Southwest Virginia.  Actually this is her vacation.  Originally we had planned a mother daughter trip to France but life and COVID changed our plans. We are trying to remain optimistic in our hopes to go sometime in 2021 but you never know what is going to happen.

It was another beautiful day on Monday. Looking for a change of scenery and an escape from our house, we hoped in the car and drove to Brookside gardens.  

Much to my surprise, the gardens were even more beautiful than I had imagined. The balance between the vibrant fall foliage and the flowers still in bloom made our walk a delightful experience. 

This is a wonderful place to enjoy nature. If you are in the DC area add Brookside Gardens to your list of must see.  

Check out this video of Brookside Gardens.

Autumn Beauty especially in this time of COVID

Autumn is my favorite time of year.  The air is so crisp and clear, perfect sleeping weather.  I have this amazing, weighted comforter and when I slip under the covers the weight and the warmth just lull me into a deep sleep.  

Recently my daughter who works for a television station, came home for a visit. Tt is hard for her to get away especially in this time of COVID. Sunday was a gorgeous day, so we decided to escape the house and explore. Driving along a winding back road, we stumbled upon a sign for Butler's Orchard. Intrigued, we turned onto the path, and at the end, we discovered a breathtakingly beautiful place. We thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to take some Fall pictures so we turned onto the road and at the end was this beautiful place. 

In addition to some stills my daughter shot some video and this is the link montage from the Orchard. Please check it out.

 

Autumn is my favorite time of year. the air is crisp, clear, and it perfect sleeping Weather. I have this amazing, weighted comforter and when I slip under the covers the weight and the warmth just lull me into a deep sleep.

Recently, my daughter, who works in television, came home for a visit. It’s rare for her to get away, especially during these challenging COVID times. Sunday was a gorgeous day, so we decided to escape the house and explore. Driving along a winding back road, we stumbled upon a sign for Butler's Orchard. Intrigued, we turned onto the path, and at the end, we discovered a breathtakingly beautiful place. If you have never been to Butlers Orchard, consider taking the family and spending an hour or two.  There are activities for children and so great bakery and produce items. Though I’ve lived in the area for years, I was amazed I’d never visited this hidden gem before.

In addition to some stills my daughter shot some video and this is the link montage from the Orchard. Please check it out.

The Art of Her Deal

When this book was first announced I said I really wanted to read it.  Well I did.  It certainly gave me new insights into the First Lady of the United States.  FLOTUS definitely wants to emphasize that she has a mind of her own.

I am glad that was cleared up so I don't have to feel sorry for her. Not that I felt sorry for her before.  She certainly knew what she was signing up for when she married "The Donald". Apparently her marriage suits her and far be it for anyone to say what makes a good or bad marriage.  I certainly wouldn't pass judgement, marriage is way to hard.  If you find something that works go with it.

The only problem I have is she has not had a mission, no goal, no cause.  Up until now the first ladies had something they were passionate about and carried out that passion while their spouse was in the White House.  Not Sure Mrs Trump has done that.  

The position of first lady has always been for me inspirational.  Look who has  recently held the position:  Laura and Barbara Bush, Literacy, Hilary Clinton, women's advocacy and countless other issues, Michelle Obama Let's Move.  Melania had something going by her Be Best movement but she did nothing with it.

The book is very interesting and worthy of reading.  

Goodbye to the Summer during the Time of COVID

 

September has arrived bringing with it cooler days.  Labor Day is looming (September 7th).  Even with masks and social distancing I have managed to host a few small functions this summer where chairs were placed far apart.  We served some wine and beer, maybe a few cocktails and a lot of munchies. I have blogged about cocktails before.

I have dabbled in cocktail making but alas, I am not really that great at alcohol mixology.  For the Fourth of July, I attempted to make a festive drink with coconut vodka, coconut water, and blue curaçao. It sounded promising in the magazine, but on that very hot evening, the overly sweet concoction did not hit the spot. Lesson learned: not all recipes are created equal.  I found the recipe in a magazine.  Next time I see a recipe with similar ingredients I will pass.

My friend Martini Marge is a cocktail wizard and whenever she is in attendance, I hand over bartending duties. Always good to let a pro handle the alchol.

One To Watch

 This book turned out to be a much better read than I expected.

I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life.  For many years I won the battle but after having a baby, having back surgery, having a hysterectomy and now possible thyroid issues, it seems my battle has become increasingly difficult.

This book centers on Bea, a highly successful blogger and plus-size design specialist. She works hard to keep body image in perspective and has built a large, loyal following.

One night she is watching Main Squeeze (the equivalent of the reality show The Bachelorette) she makes some very honest comments on her blog.  So honest in fact, that the producer of the show asks her to be the star of the next Main Squeeze. She weighs the Pros and Cons and finally agrees.  From that day forward her life changes forever.

Speaking about The Bachelorette, a bachelorette who thought she had found true love broke up with the guy she chose. They were together two years.  I say who cares I am not a big Bachelor or Bachelorette fan but my 93-year-old Dad is, go figure.

I think the author has done a great job capturing Bea's journey on and off the show her heartache and her joy.  I laughed and cried a little and couldn't put the book down. 

For More Info on this book, click on the image of the book cover above.

Spidey in the Time of COVID

 

Seems like spiderman is looking for ways to keep himself amused. He can be found dancing but it seems he keeping social distancing in mind even 2 years ago.  Get down Spidey.

Cocktails in the Time of COVID

 

I enjoy my cocktails like many people during this time of COVID. Total Wine and Liquors is one of my favorite places to spend an hour or two so that I can stock up on my wine and spirits. So when I was down to my last bottle of my favorite Red blend and enough Jose Cuevos to make one more batch of Margaritas I got in my car, mask and all and drove to Total Wines.  In case you didn't know it is considered an essential business.  

  My friends are much better at mixology then I so I was very interested when this live stream event hit my inbox.  No coincidence, it was Total Wine.  I signed up and put it on my calendar.  I am sharing the link with you in case you are interested, it is called Up Your Cocktail Game. 

I know nothing about it and do not endorse it but I think it may be informative so see how it goes.  Since it is sponsored by Total Wine and liquor I thought it would at least be interesting.  I have been to wine and vodka tastings there and have picked up some nice bottles of each.  

Smiles in the time of Covid

Every time I see videos of babies dancing to music or as part of a commercial it just makes me smile.  Feeling happy and smiling are two things that are highly sought after during this time of COVID, so I wanted to share. 

Check out this video of babies Dancing to Sugar Sugar a oldie from the 70's Babies Dancing to an Oldie but Goodie. It is cute.

For those of you who have never seen the EVIAN Commercial please Check this video out as well.  It is one of my favorites.

The Girl From Widow Hills

It is the twentieth anniversary of an event that had happened in Olivia's past.  She thought she had put it behind her by changing her name and moving. But then strange things start happening like the man waiting outside the convenience store telling her he knows her. Then there was a call from an unknown number telling her that her Mother was dead.

But the thing that set everything into motion was the dead body found between her and her neighbor's property.  Turns out her neighbor has a past as well.

This is a fast moving who done it story with a few twists and turns that kept me up at night because I couldn't put the book down.

Read The Girl From Widow Hills. 

Music during the Time of COVID

 I am a big Lindsey Stirling fan so I wanted to share this you tube video with you.

Blueberry Season During the time of COVID

Blueberries are plentiful.  I was shopping this morning and when I walked through the produce department they called out to me to take them home. I love blueberries so I willingly obliged.  In fact I bought three pints.

I am going to make the zucchini and blueberry bread I blogged about earlier. I had to eat some plain.  I just popped them in my mouth and savored their sweetness. Then, since I have always wanted to make scones I decided to make blueberry scones.  They came out pretty good so I am sharing the recipe I found on allrecipes.com.  Hope you enjoy them.  

2 cups Flour                                                    1/4 c chilled butter

1/4 cup packed brown sugar                            1 cup blueberries               

1 tablespoon baking powder                             3/4 cup half and half

1/4 tsp salt                                                     1 egg

• Mix flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut butter int the dry mix.  I actually grated frozen butter.
• Add blueberries.
• In a separate bowl beat  egg and add half and half
• Slowly pour egg mix into dry ingredients
• Divide dough into half
• Shape each half int a 6 inch round.
• Cut each round into 6 pieces
• Place dough on sheet pan lined with parchment paper
• Bake in 375 degree oven until dne.

Peach Pie in the time of COVID

Peaches were on sale so a bought a lot and we ate a lot.  They were very delicious but there were 5 left and we didn't feel like eating peaches anymore so I made this free form pie also known as a galette.  

If you are a good baker which I am not, you can make the crust from scratch.  I did not.  I used a prepared crust from the grocery store which I happened to have in my fridge.

I cut the peaches in thin slices, dropped them in water mixed with lime juice and then mixed them with sugar and flour.

I think it was a success.

Here is a more formal recipe and tips.

Summer Hours at the Robbers Library

She was a young girl who walked into a book store to buy a dictionary because she loved words and wanted to be able to look up new ones.  She didn't have enough money, took the book and got caught.

She appeared before the judge in children's court and was sentenced to community service in the town library.  There she meets a variety of folks that become her world.  Specifically she meets Kit the librarian who has come to Riverton barely holding on to her sanity and as far away from her old life as possible and Rusty a once successful trader until he wasn't.

They form an interesting unit and go done a path that they probably didn't expect to find in this town.  It's a nice read.

Weddings in the Time of COVID - The Guest List

To me Weddings are extremely stressful.  I know mine was.  My husband and I were all about having the wedding in front of the Justice of the Peace but my Dad was not having it.

When I met my husband and we decided to get married he was in the military stationed at Walter Reed but in the middle of the planning he was sent to a base in Virginia about an hour from Richmond,  He then got his orders to go overseas so there were a lot of moving parts.  I had a job that I loved that required me to be on the road 4 days a week.

The wedding was in New York so I would end up flying to New York 2 times a month from where ever I was.  It was exhausting.  Plus we still wanted a simple wedding which was a little too simple for my family so it turned out somewhere in the middle.  I had also only met my husband's family once before all of this and planning a wedding is not a good time to be getting to know your in-laws.

This book is all about the wedding of a magazine publisher Jules and her handsome reality show fiancee.  Jules wants everything to be perfect and it does start out that way until the guests arrive.  The main characters all have a lot of baggage and I don't mean the kind you pack your clothes in, I mean emotional baggage.  Top that off with the remote location of the wedding venue and the fact that a dead body turns up and you have a real page turning novel.

I loved how the author wove all the character story lines together.  This is a great summer read.

Deep Dish Pizza in the time of COVID

This is deep dish pizza made with King Arthur Flour.

I got the recipe From the King Arthur Website.  The secret is the flour and using  a cast iron skillet to bake the pizza in.  The skillet gets really hot and makes the crust crispy.  There is nothing better than crispy crust.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup (170g) lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon (13g) olive oil + 1 1/2 tablespoons (18g) olive oil for the pan

Topping

• 6 ounces (170g) mozzarella, grated (about 1 1/4 cups, loosely packed)*
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup (74g to 113g) tomato sauce or pizza sauce, homemade or store-bought
• freshly grated hard cheese and fresh herbs for sprinkling on top after baking, optional*

Instructions

1. Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess.  
2. Place the flour, salt, yeast, water, and 1 tablespoon (13g) of the olive oil in the bowl of a stand mixer or other medium-large mixing bowl.
3. Stir everything together to make a shaggy, sticky mass of dough with no dry patches of flour. This should take 30 to 45 seconds in a mixer using the beater paddle; or about 1 minute by hand, using a spoon or spatula. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to gather the dough into a rough ball; cover the bowl.
4. After 5 minutes, uncover the bowl and reach a bowl scraper or your wet hand down between the side of the bowl and the dough, as though you were going to lift the dough out. Instead of lifting, stretch the bottom of the dough up and over its top. Repeat three more times, turning the bowl 90° each time. This process of four stretches, which takes the place of kneading, is called a fold. 
5. Re-cover the bowl, and after 5 minutes do another fold. Wait 5 minutes and repeat; then another 5 minutes, and do a fourth and final fold. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest, undisturbed, for 40 minutes. Then refrigerate it for a minimum of 12 hours, or up to 72 hours. It'll rise slowly as it chills, developing flavor; this long rise will also add flexibility to your schedule.
6. About 3 hours before you want to serve your pizza, prepare your pan. Pour 1 1/2 tablespoons (18g) olive oil into a well-seasoned cast iron skillet that’s 10” to 11” diameter across the top, and about 9” across the bottom. Heavy, dark cast iron will give you a superb crust; but if you don’t have it, use another oven-safe heavy-bottomed skillet of similar size, or a 10” round cake pan or 9” square pan. Tilt the pan to spread the oil across the bottom, and use your fingers or a paper towel to spread some oil up the edges, as well.  
7. Transfer the dough to the pan and turn it once to coat both sides with the oil. After coating the dough in oil, press the dough to the edges of the pan, dimpling it using the tips of your fingers in the process. The dough may start to resist and shrink back; that’s OK, just cover it and let it rest for about 15 minutes, then repeat the dimpling/pressing. At this point the dough should reach the edges of the pan; if it doesn’t, give it one more 15-minute rest before dimpling/pressing a third and final time. 
8. Cover the crust and let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature. The fully risen dough will look soft and pillowy and will jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
9. About 30 minutes before baking, place one rack at the bottom of the oven and one toward the top (about 4" to 5" from the top heating element). Preheat the oven to 450°F.
10. When you’re ready to bake the pizza, sprinkle about three-quarters of the mozzarella (a scant 1 cup) evenly over the crust. Cover the entire crust, no bare dough showing; this will yield caramelized edges. Dollop small spoonfuls of the sauce over the cheese; laying the cheese down first like this will prevent the sauce from seeping into the crust and making it soggy. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella.
11. Bake the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the bottom and edges of the crust are a rich golden brown (use a spatula to check the bottom). If the bottom is brown but the top still seems pale, transfer the pizza to the top rack and bake for 2 to 4 minutes longer. On the other hand, if the top seems fine but the bottom's not browned to your liking, leave the pizza on the bottom rack for another 2 to 4 minutes. Home ovens can vary a lot, so use the visual cues and your own preferences to gauge when you’ve achieved the perfect bake.
12. Remove the pizza from the oven and place the pan on a heatproof surface. Carefully run a table knife or spatula between the edge of the pizza and side of the pan to prevent the cheese from sticking as it cools. Let the pizza cool very briefly; as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, carefully transfer it from the pan to a cooling rack or cutting surface. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
    
13. Serve the pizza anywhere from medium-hot to warm. Kitchen shears or a large pair of household scissors are both good tools for cutting this thick pizza into wedges. 

French Fries not Fried in the Time of COVID

I really enjoy french fries, most people do.  I try to stay away from them because of all the fat and calories.  I found this video from the American Test Kitchen that uses your oven instead of a deep fat fryer.  The secret is covering the potatoes with a minimum amount of oil and cornstarch.  

I followed the video and my fries came out pretty crispy. I was pleasantly suprised.  I am going to use my air fryer next time.  Here is the video.  Enjoy!

Holiday tree made with Cookie dough

It is July.  For some reason many places are advertising Christmas in July events.  Take for example the Hallmark channel.  They are having a whole Christmas in July movie marathon.  If you didn't get your fix in October, November and December 2019 than this is the event for you.  

After all, in this time of the COVID virus everyone could use a little Christmas right this very minute and if you want to do a little Christmas shopping early, there is always QVC.  They are rolling out their Christmas in July Holiday shows this month.  I confess, I have already picked up a few choice items.

I am not a big cookie baker but I found this idea that I thought I would share with you.  I am thinking if I want to take a supermarket short cut I can just buy the Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and make these adorable trees.  But that is just me.  Here is the recipe I found.

Competitive Eating Update in the Time of COVID

It is the 4th of July which means the Competitive Eating contest at Nathans in Brooklyn.  I blogged about this earlier (June 24, 2020).  Joey Chestnut won last year eating 71 hot dogs.  This year he was set to break his record from last year and he did it.  In fact the person in second place only ate 42 to Joey's 75.  Amazing that someone can eat that many hot dogs and not vomit on TV.

He said the only thing missing was the crowd cheering him on. COVID strikes again.

A Week At the Shore

I know many of you are planning a beach vacation.  Lots of people have had a rental at the beach on their calendar forever.  Sadly, with the COVID virus once again causing a large uptick in cases being diagnosed, many of us will have to make the decision not to go.  Working in the health care industry I am a believer of wearing masks and social distancing and would not put my family in a situation that would increase their chances of falling ill.

Whether you go to a beach or sit out on you deck, balcony or a socially distant outdoor space, this book has all the requirements of a good beach read. It is an interesting story mixed with a little romance.

It starts with a call received by Mallory from the love of her life Jack who she last saw twenty years ago.  An event happened in their life that ripped them apart.  Of course it all had to do with family and a death.  I liked the book.  It had enough of a story to keep me reading.

Flash Mob Pre COVID

Instrumentally, Stairway to Heaven has got to be one of  my favorites.  There has been much controversy surrounding this song.  A lawsuit was filed against the band by a  Journalist on behalf of the Randi Wolfe Trust who claimed the opening chords were written by him and sung by the band Spirit.

Recently the lawsuit was finally settled with the verdict for the band.  Here is a lovely rendition that comes all the way from Mainz Germany.  It is a lovely rendition and I thought I would share it with you.  Stairway to Heaven

The Death of a Cake during the time of COVID

I am devastated to find out that Costco (sob) is no longer  carrying its amazing half sheet cake.  The cake I have bought for high school and college graduations.  The cake I have bought for a colleague who was leaving.  The cake I have bought for friends birthdays. The cake I have bought for baby showers and engagement parties.  That beautiful cake with the delicious frosting and devastating cream center that could be personalized for any occasion.

The reasoning behind not baking this cake anymore is,  according to Costco  " is to limit personal contact and create more space for personal distancing and reduce services in certain departments"  Another particularly lame reason, to discourage crowds.  I order it when I have 8 to 10 people over and send cake home with whoever wants it. Last I heard we are in phase 2 and 3 so a gathering that small with social distancing is still ok.

Not only did they stop carrying it, they might not bring it back. (sob). I don't think it has anything to do with social distancing.  I think it has more to do with mathematics.  Lets see, the sheet cake serves 50 people and costs 20 dollars. The 10 inch round serves 12 and costs almost the same.  How many rounds would it take to feed 50 people and how much more would the consumer have to pay?

It is so sad that in this time of COVID not only do we have to wear masks, not hug dear ones, have no sporting events and have to social distance, we now have to face life with out the Costco half sheet cake.  I am not sure how this is going to work for me. Imight have to sell our Costco stock.

Competitive Eating

I have always viewed competitive eating competitions with a mixture of awe and disgust.  It is amazing that one person can eat that much food in a small period of time and not vomit.  It's also disgusting to think that one person can eat that much, not enjoy any of it because they are eating so fast their taste buds don't even get a chance to experience the food and eat that many calories.  

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating competition is actually televised on ESPN.  I even watched it last year when Joey Chestnut won his 12th title for eating 71 dogs and buns. He won 12 times!!!!!!  It was the first and last time I will ever watch something like that.  

Since I was already on You Tube, I decided to see what else was out there relating to overeating, I mean competitive eating.  I found this guy eating a 16 piece Popeye's Family meal in 25 minutes. That is 16 pieces of fried chicken, 3 large sides and biscuits.  Here is what is really wrong with this whole competitive eating thing.

1. The fried chicken eating guy is so thin.  It just isn't fair to be able to eat that much and be that thin.  If I would walk into a Popeye's now and just breath in the air there I would gain 10 pounds that would go directly to my hips.
2. He ate over 8,000 calories in 25 minutes.  I will say that again.  He ate over 8,000 calories in 25 minutes. I generally try to keep my caloric intake to 1,200 calories a day.  That means he ate as many calories in 25 minutes as I eat in 6 and 1/2 days.
3. Lastly, can you really taste any part of chicken or the hot dogs? And how do you not vomit? I am pretty sure that to these folks taste is of little consequence. It's all about the amount and the speed. I rather eat less and enjoy more.

It makes me wonder if in this time of the COVID virus  ESPN is going to have more of this "sport"  since the Baseball season is shortened and who knows what the football and hockey season will look like. 

Travel In the Time of COVID

My husband and I recently went looking for property to build a house in Lancaster County.  I have always loved the area for its serene Amish charm.  There is something about being there that fills me with an inner peace.

On our way back, we stopped at Lancaster Central Market. It is the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the country, dating back to 1889. All I can say is foodie alert!"

The market was quite busy with activity. You could tell that lots of locals were there stocking up on fresh veggies, meats, and bread for the week. This was a great indicator to me that the products were fresh and delicious.

We had a decent drive ahead of us, so we didn't buy any meat or produce BUT we did go to several of the bakeries in the market and picked up some amazingly delicious carb laden goodies. The cinnamon muffin was ginormous, really. Sometimes bigger isn’t better, but in this case, it absolutely was. The secret was in the crumb topping—rich with butter and brown sugar that melted on the tongue in every bite. The cake itself had ribbons of cinnamon and sugar running through it, perfectly balanced so the sweetness didn’t overpower the crumb topping. By the first bite, I had tears of joy running down my face!

 

The sweet potato bread was good as well.  It's a very dense bread with a hint of cinnamon and unlike any yeast bread I have had before. Its popularity was so apparent that in the five minutes it took for me to grab a cup of coffee, the original five loaves that I saw had dwindled to one.  

We stayed overnight which came with a few hiccups. The hotel, a Hilton property, completely botched our reservation—perhaps a result of their struggle to adjust after months of low occupancy. There was a BBQ restaurant with good reviews near the hotel. Much to our dismay, dinner wasn’t much better; by the time we opened our takeout containers, the meal had turned into a mushy mix of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Not all the restaurant's fault, but still less than ideal.

If you’re ever in Lancaster area, don't miss a visit to the Central Market. From fresh produce to bakery delights, it’s a food lover’s paradise! My advice? Skip the overnight stay if possible and make it a day trip—you won’t regret it!

Satellite Imagery in the time of COVID

I have written before about my fascination with space and space ships.  Recently SpaceX launched a ship carrying two astronauts to the International Space Station and then after that several satellites to provide better internet service.  Their plan is to launch thousands.  Even though space appears to be vast, I often wonder if its getting crowded and cluttered with space junk.

None the less, now satellites are tracking countries to determine if they are recovering as fast as they say they are from the current COVID pandemic.  Hearing about that should not have been a surprise to me but it was.  Satellites have recorded images of iconic landmarks before the pandemic started and then recent images.  You can definitely see more people out and about before, less recently which shows people were most likely sheltering in place.

Homeland security and the CDC  and anyone else who has access, can use the images to track new structures that appear. In August a site in Wuhan China was an empty parking lot but by January it was a large facility. This was an indication that the virus was spreading and affecting a mass number of people.

When the pandemic spread to the Middle East, Iran played down the number of deaths in the country, however, satellite images showed mass graves being dug that indicated something completely different.

The saying use to be You Can't Fool Mother Nature, but in this day and age you Can't Fool a Satellite. Countries should not think just because they say that the virus is under control that this will be taken as the truth. Not with SpaceX and  Satellite images available that tell a different story.

Precariously placed buildings

I have a fear of heights. Many people do.  But building places on a precipice to me is fascinating and just a little bit crazy.  

Take for example The Hanging Temple in China.  It has been hanging around for more than 1,500 years.  The structure is kept in place with oak crossbeams fitted into holes chiseled int the cliffs.  The body of the building hangs from the middle of the cliff.  To think that people built this structure with basic tools and none of the technology we have today is sheer genius. The fact that it is just amazing. It is almost 100 feet in the air.

If I had the opportunity to visit would I?  I think I would.  But as with some of the other examples in this link I don't think I would stay very long.

Baking Ingredient Substitutions in the time of COVID

As a rule I do not stock buttermilk in my fridge.  I don't even like to buy it since I only use a cup or so in a recipe. Lately I steer clear of recipes with buttermilk because I don't want to waste it.

Same thing with cake flour.  I have so many types of flour in my pantry.  I have all purpose, self rising, wheat, so that the thought of one more flour does not make me happy nor does it make my pantry happy.

Cream of tartar is another ingredient that is annoying.  You usually use 1/4 tsp in a recipe and I usually don't make a lot of recipes calling for cream of tartar. I know it has a purpose in a recipe but I don't want to take up space on my spice rack with something I may use once a year, which by that time it probably has lost its pizzazz.

That is why I loved these kitchen hacks that suggest substitutions for items that you don't use as often when you bake.  Since we are doing so much more cooking and baking in this time of COVID, I thought you might like the substitutions as much as me.  Check out this link.

As my Nana would say waste not want not!

I Will Always Write Back

I am not sure what initially drew me to this book.  It was on a suggested young reader book list, but it was the title that grabbed my interest..  I guess it was the title and the fact that it made me think about how, as a kid, It also brought back memories on how I loved to write and receive letters when I was very young.  Writing was the major form of communication back then and over the years I had pen pals just like Martin and Caitlin.

The book is about contrast and how a single action can unknowingly change lives forever. Caitlin is a typical teen from Pennsylvania who lives in a comfortable neighborhood.    Martin on the other hand, comes from a struggling community in Zimbabwe.  Their lives couldn't be more different.  

One day their assignment is to write to a pen pal. For Caitlin, the assignment seems like a fun chance to connect with someone from another country. For Martin, it’s an honor.  They make a connection by talking about their lives.  Something clicks.  As Caitlin continues reading his letters, she begins to see beyond the surface and understand the reality of Martin’s life.

They start sending each other little gifts.  For Martin it is a sacrifice.  Even buying stamps to send the letters is a significant strain on the family budget.  But this connection is so important to him that he and his family are willing to do it. In one letter Caitlin encloses a twenty dollar bill.  Little did she know how important this gift would be to him and his family. Every time she sent even a small amount of cash it literally saved, he and his family from disaster.  At the time Zimbabwe was going through a crisis.

  

She had no idea that her small gifts, even just a twenty-dollar bill, would make an enormous difference sometimes saving Martin’s family from crisis and making a difference in two families.

This is a great read for teens and adults alike.

Writers and Lovers

When we first meet Casey she is reeling from the unexpected loss of her Mother and the break up of her recent relationship. I can certainly relate the loss of a Mom.  Mine was my best friend, cheer leader and amazing woman.  

Casey is a writer.  In fact, she has been writing a novel for the last six years.  She is one of the last of her wanna be writing friends that has not given up her dream to write.  She waits on tables which allows her time to write but in doing so she is forced to live in this moldy room she rents.  This by the way is the only thing she can afford since she has a mountain of college loan debt. She is literally at loose ends and ready to fall apart. 

I admire her.  So many people want to write a great novel, me included but sometimes even if you have the whole thing worked out, getting the characters through the story seems to be more difficult then you may have thought.

Two of my characters are still in hiding on opposite sides of the world.  I am still trying to have their paths cross in a very subtle way.   

Casey works really hard to get her life together.  You should read the book to see were her journey goes.

Melania The Art of Her Deal

I don't usually like to talk politics. I love my friends and family too much and one thing I have learned is if you want to get into a nasty situation with people, talk politics.  

I remember when I first met my Mother-In-Law she stared talking politics and I knew if I engaged in this debate with her it would be all over for me.  She asked me why I wouldn't comment and I told her the last thing I wanted was a fight.  Believe me the conversation would have gotten ugly. 

Now it is my husband and daughter.  They just go on and on and I try to stay out of it but sometimes I just can't.

Any way, There is a new book being released on June 16th written by a Washington Post reporter. Mary Jordan is not any reporter, she is a Pulitzer prize winning reporter, so for me that gives her some credibility.

One of the most fascinating parts of Trump's presidency, and there are so many, is the role of the First Lady.  Unlike the last couple of First ladies, you don't see her much at all not alone or with her husband. There are no pictures of them entertaining celebrities or foreign dignities at the White House.  You don't see them on a date at their favorite restaurant. 

Each of the First Ladies had a cause that they talked about.  Hilary Clinton was into many things but Health care and women's issues were two examples. Barbara Bush was heavily into literacy and started a Foundation.  Laura Bush also was into literacy. Michele Obama was into health and fitness.

The cause that Melania chose, an excellent cause near and dear to my heart was bullying.  But the press and many people including myself laughed about that because it seemed like she was married to the biggest bully on the planet. Yet,  had she wanted to, she could have made it work.  She didn't.  In fact, she is doing nothing to make this role her own.  

Unlike other posts on my blog, I don't usually talk about a book I have not read.  I am making an exception now.  I have pre-ordered the book so I really don't know anything more about the book except what was reported in the Washington Post.  Still I can't wait to read it.

So I am suggestion that you read the book with me.  You can follow this Link to pick up the book The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story Of Melania Trump.  After I read it I would love to hear comments because I will be posting again.

Amy Shummer and Chris Fisher cook in the Time of COVID

In case you missed it I think the Food Channel is running out of things to air because of COVID 19. The reason I make this statement is because recently I was watching this channel trying to get ideas on what to make that is new and refreshing and I noticed a new show Amy Shummer Learns to Cook .

It features her and her husband Chris who is a chef.  He had the arduous task of teaching her how to cook. He handled the lessons well since Amy bounces off walls and Chris reigns her in, but it is entertaining. 

My favorite recipe on their show was for the Paloma Don't even Know Ya.  Seems like Amy does a very good job at mixing the drinks. I have shared the recipe in this Post. The show is certainly not like anything the food network has done in the past.  In fact it makes me long for Rachel Ray or Giada De Laurentiis. Food Network appears to be pretty desperate but desperate times calls for desperate measures. If you keep telling yourself it's just entertainment then you can just sit back and enjoy it.

Please click on this link to see Amy and Chris talking with Seth Meyers about the show.

Tequila-Soaked Pineapple:

1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into cubes

Half of a 750-milliliter bottle tequila

Cocktail:

3 ounces sparkling water

A splash fresh grapefruit juice

Slice of grapefruit, blood orange or pineapple, for garnish, optional

1. For the tequila-soaked pineapple: Put the pineapple in a large resealable container and pour the tequila over it. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
2. For the cocktail: Put ice in a rocks glass and add 2 ounces of the tequila from the tequila-soaked pineapple. Top with the sparkling water and a splash of grapefruit juice. In a separate glass, coarsely muddle a piece of the pineapple, then add to the rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, blood orange or pineapple if desired.

Dad and Daughter Dance in the time of COVID

Colorado Dance Dad spends quality time dancing with his daughter and son on what he calls Quarantine Monday.  His videos are going viral and if you haven't seen them I plan to share a few of the with you. But it is not just his dance moves during COVID.  He is also known as the donating dancing dad because he has been donating 50 meals to various local hospitals and he has donated ipads to local icu's so corona virus patients can connect with their loved ones who are quarantined.

Part of my job is to configure ipads and tablets to be used in hospitals.  Sometimes a chat on the ipad is the last time family will get the chance to see their loved one alive.  On the brighter side it allows nurses and physicians to have a video chat with their patient so that their medical care is more robust.


He is certainly sending out positive mojo.

Here are links I want to share.

Chris and his daughter Brooklyn boogie down.

Chris, his story and dance off with his son

The Chippendales accept challenge from Chris

Costco free munchies Moving past the time of COVID

I think there is light at the end of this COVID tunnel. Costco’s food court revival is truly a sign of better days ahead! The return of free samples and the legendary hot dog-pizza combo is enough to make any Costco regular rejoice. While seating may still be limited, the takeout option keeps the tradition alive.   If you live or work anywhere near a Costco, chances are you've timed a lunch visit just for the samples. After all, how economical is it to enjoy a free lunch made up of the many samples passed out?

But if the sample selection doesn't quite satisfy your taste, don’t worry Costco’s food court is making its comeback, The Food Court at Costco will once again open its walk-up windows so that we may partake of the foot long hot dog and the over-sized slice of pizza at $1.50 and $2.00 respectively.  Oh, and a soda comes with the hot dog.  It is by far the best lunch deal on the planet.  

My IT colleagues and I could hardly wait for lunch when we sometimes drove to the Costco down the road for our lunch break. IT people look forward to lunch not so much because we are hungry which we are but because we can legitimately take a break from looking at our laptops. Sadly, our office has moved, and Costco runs are a thing of the past. 

So, check your nearest store for the day the food court will open.  Mind you, you will not be able to sit and eat like you did in the good old days pre COVID, but you can carry out. After all isn't eating in your car something you have gotten use to?  (NOT)

A Silicon Valley Start Up - Bad Blood

Perhaps many of you have heard the story of Elizabeth Holmes.  The show 20/20 recently did an entire show about Elizabeth and her company Theranos.

The story is fascinating.  As good as 20/20 was at covering this story the book Bad Blood by John Carreyrou was even better.  He tells the story of a 19 year old Stamford Drop out who wanted to be the next Steve Jobs.

By the time she was twenty one she had raised six million dollars for her start up.  The company, according to her, was about to make this monumental break through. Her machine could use a minimal amount of blood, a finger stick really and perform many tests on this small sample.  I don't know about you but I have horrible veins and blood draws are something I don't look forward to. I would be thrilled to have a machine and the scientific technology to minimize my anguish. 

Imagine walking into a CVS and getting a pin prick that would provide a sample that would be used to run tests with results coming back quickly, maybe on the spot.  Not only could one test be performed but the machine her company designed could perform many tests.

She was a great at selling this idea.  CVS and others were jumping on the Elizabeth band wagon.  But somewhere along the way things started to fall apart and the house of cards she built fell. 


If you are in the mood for a good non fiction book, read this one.