Its a Marvelous Night for a Moondance

 

Many years ago, I worked at a Home Health Agency as their tech support person, ensuring that their hardware and software needs were met. I took my job very seriously because the Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Nurses were out in the field treating patients. If they didn’t have the data they needed, their job would become significantly harder. I was proud to be their point person, knowing that I was supporting a team whose work profoundly impacted people's lives.

To succeed as a home health professional, you must be smart, independent, and compassionate. This agency was home to some of the best clinicians I have ever encountered. In fact, they were not just exceptional professionals but also some of the best people I’ve had the privilege to know. Their dedication and kindness inspired me deeply. They made me want to be a better person.

Before this chapter of my career, I worked for a satellite company. At first, I was thrilled. I’ve always loved space, and the thought of contributing to that field was exhilarating. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that the company was one of the more poorly run organizations I had ever come across. This contrast made me appreciate my role at the Home Health Agency even more, where collaboration and meaningful work created an environment where I could truly thrive.

After working in such a toxic atmosphere, transitioning to the home health agency felt like I could breathe again, and it was a welcome relief. The positivity and purpose in that environment were like finding a place where I truly belonged—a home where my contributions mattered, and I was part of something meaningful.

What made my time at the Home Health Agency even more special was the lifelong bonds formed with a group of extraordinary people. They became more than friends, they became my family. We shared laughter, challenges, and moments that strengthened our connection beyond work. Even though we faced the heartbreak of losing Christopher from cancer, his memory continues to inspire and unite us. Lossing him left a void that we still feel, but his memory continues to bring us together, reminding us of the love we share.

While several in our group have moved to different places, our sisterhood remains unshaken. Peg’s cabin in the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia serves as our sanctuary, a place where laughter echoes, tears are shared, and love heals. These gatherings are a testament to the strength of the bond we forged years ago, and they remind us of the importance of cherishing the people who enrich our lives. 

This past weekend, on March 28th, we reunited once again at the cabin aptly named 'Moondance.' As always, the hours seemed to disappear as we talked late into the night, catching up on each other’s lives while savoring martinis, cocktails, and wine. The meals were nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the culinary and bartending talents of the group.

All good things must come to an end, and Sunday arrived way too quickly. With tearful goodbyes came, a moment filled with equal parts sadness and gratitude for the memories we'd made and our lasting friendship. The only comfort was the certainty that we would meet again, and the promise of future laughter, love, and connection.

Since I moved and semi-retired, two Hugh changes in my life, the connection with my Wonderful Women of West Virginia has taken on a deeper significance. There is nothing better than knowing you have a group of people who truly understand you, who can share in life's joys and provide solace during its challenges. Our time together is a reminder that even as life moves on, the bonds we cherish remain constant and unwavering. 

To emphasize the importance of Food and Drink in our weekends, I have decided to highlight them in separate posts. My plan going forward is to post Monday and Wednesday.

Cookery -- Pizza A sacred food

Pizza holds a special place in my heart. My introduction to this blissful delicacy happened when I was just a teething toddler. On family nights, my parents would take me to a wonderful Italian restaurant near Gimbel's in New York, where my dad worked. To keep me entertained, so they could enjoy their dinner, they would hand me a pizza crust that I would gum to death —and from that moment on, I was hooked. For those of you who are not from New York, Gimbel's was a department store similar to Macy's.  The only reason Macy's is more well known is because they sponsor the Macy's Day Parade.  Oh, and the finance people at Macy's are much better because Gimbel's no longer exists, and Macy's is still around. 

Do I remember this early experience? Not a chance—I was barely a year or two old. But my parents fondly recounted the tale, which was corroborated years later by the waiter who had served us. My parents were regulars, and he often waited on their table.

Pizza is not only delicious but also practical. It's the perfect way to use up leftover vegetables and meats from your fridge. With a little imagination, you can create magical flavor combinations that leave your taste buds dancing.

Every year, my wine club gathers at a charming cabin nestled in the mountains of West Virginia for a three-day retreat. One of these nights is always reserved for pizza night. Did I mention that pizza pairs beautifully with wine? It's a match made in culinary heaven. Not only does pizza soak up some of the alcohol, softening the hangover the next day, but the creamy mozzarella used in many pizzas complements a variety of wines.

Some of our most memorable creations include the crab dip and grilled steak combo, chicken pesto pizza, Rueben-inspired pizza, and even a pear and Brie masterpiece. It is almost time for our weekend. I hope to have some new combinations for you to try.  The pizza in the picture is just a basic mushroom and cheese.  It is not the most creative nor the prettiest, but it was delicious.

Making pizza can be more than just dinner—it can be an activity that brings everyone together. This was especially true during the COVID era when spending quality time at home became a priority. And here’s a pro tip from our wine club’s resident pizza chef: use King Arthur flour for your crust. Trust me—her pizza is out of this world. 

Here is a tip for me who believes there is no shame in taking short cuts. I say if it saves you time and sparks your creativity, it's not cheating—it's clever! There's something satisfying about taking a shortcut and still crafting something uniquely yours. Plus, the toppings are where the magic happens, right? Since I don't like to cook as much as I did before, Pizza especially using premade dough is now my go to dish to cook.

If you make pizza at home, please share if you have a good specialty pizza combination. 

I Miss Bookstores

 

There’s was something magical about getting lost in a bookstore, the inviting nooks, and the thrill of discovering a new favorite story waiting on the shelves. Not so long ago, I could spend hours wandering through aisles, buying a new book and settling into a cozy chair, to let the world fade away as I read. While those days have changed with the rise of online shopping and the closure of beloved chains like Borders, the charm of bookstores isn’t entirely lost.

Some bookstores have managed to survive. 

 

Many of the stores had these cozy nooks with comfy chairs and I would buy a book and hideaway enjoying the ambiance.  I still remember the joy of flipping through pages. It's a sentiment that many book lovers share, especially with the shift toward online shopping and e-books.

Sadly, those days are all but gone.  When Borders closed its doors, I thought to myself, I guess Amazon has won the war.  Still there are some independent book shops that are surviving. I try and visit them when I see them. Barnes and Nobles still lives. I remember when I lived in New York, and went into Manhattan, one of my first stops was the Barnes and Nobles on Fifth Avenue.  I loved that store.

With more time on my hands and the inability to sleep I have been reading a lot more. I think I mentioned I would share books that I have read and enjoyed with you.

I also love to read books that have the word "bookstore" in the title.  I know it is a random way to choose books, but it seems to work well for me.

I recently read The Lost Bookstore. The book has a little bit of magic and a good story.

Crazy Aunt Lila

 

My journey with mahjong has been 20 years in the making, starting in a place I never expected flu shot clinics. I was tech support for a home health agency.  It was a wonderful job.  The clinical staff that I supported were the best people I have ever met.  They were great at their job but what made them so special was that they really cared for the patient and so do I.  

Usually, I sat in an office doing my thing with software, laptops and phones, but occasionally I volunteered at the front line. When the agency held flu shot clinics it was all hands-on deck.  We would go to these fifty-five + communities or assisted living facilities and the nurses would administer the vaccines and I would help keep the crowd moving.  Often we would be doing the clinic in their club house and inevitably there would be a group playing mahjong.  sometimes they would ask me to play and of course I said no because 1. I didn't know how and 2.  wasn't it a game for old people? I was in my early forties. Though I spent most of my time troubleshooting technology, my occasional forays into the frontline opened unexpected doors.

Let me just say you CAN NOT Learn mahjong just by watching.  I also had no desire to play.  Fast forward twenty years.  We sold our house, I retired from my tech job and I found a part time job.  I was facing a real dilemma.  What do I do with my free time.  I have been working since I was sixteen.  I am the kind of person that hates sitting around doing nothing.  When I was doing a lot of driving for work, I listened to audio books because I felt all that driving was wasted time.

Then, my Crazy Aunt Lila passed away. Aunt Lila was my Dad's younger sister and Muriel was the eldest.  I loved them both but they were a little different.  Who wouldn't be with a Mom like they had.  Let's just say she wasn't motherly or grandmotherly. She scared me and I stayed as far away from her as possible. 

Lila was passionate about mahjong.  She had a neighborhood game That game took precedent over everything else.  If we wanted to have a family event that wasn't a major holiday, we would have to consult Lila to make sure it didn't conflict with her mahjong game.

As I mentioned before two years ago, she passed away.  I coincided with my newfound free time.   I decided to learn how to play. With retirement, free time became my new puzzle to solve—a challenge my Aunt Lila, with her lifelong mahjong passion, would play a key role in. From heaven above she whispered in my ear "Susan learn how to play mahjong!"

I found this wonderful teacher and after a few lessons she set me loose.  At first, I was getting whooped.  I confess I was so depressed I thought about quitting.  But I am not a quitter, so I just kept playing.  I started getting better and actually started winning a few games.  I am now playing twice a week and really enjoying it. I found it stimulates my brain and let me just say I am always trying to add activities to my day that stimulate brain activity. I was lucky to find a great group of people who had a lot of patience and allowed me to play with them.  I recently played in a League and my partner, and I came in first.

By the way that online mahjong game (see below) that lots of people play is not mahjong, it is matching tiles that uses mahjong tiles to make you think it is something else.

If you are even thinking of learning to play do it.  Just know it is not something you learn over night. Be kind to yourself and be patient and don;t give up!

Cookery - Crepes

 

When I worked in Downtown D.C., there was a restaurant my coworkers and I would visit frequent. I can’t, for the life of me, remember its name—but it doesn’t really matter, as it’s no longer around. Like many trendy eateries, It was popular until it wasn't. Still, it was close to the office, and we liked it.

What really made this restaurant stand out was its focus on crepes. They had everything: savory crepes, entrée crepes with chicken or beef, vegetarian options, dessert crepes—you name it. (For a moment, I feel like Forrest Gump listing Bubba’s shrimp!) The crepes were delicious, and I thought, Why not make these at home? So, I bought a crepe maker and threw myself into it, making crepes to my heart's content. But, like many hobbies, the excitement faded, and eventually, I packed the crepe maker away.

Recently, while packing up our old house, I rediscovered it. My husband saw it and said, “I don’t even remember the last time you used this thing,” before tossing it without a second thought. So, that was the end of my crepe-making era—or so I thought.

Fast forward two years, and I’m living in a new state and a new house. I meet a wonderful new friend, a middle school Spanish and French teacher, who is determined to improve her French skills. Immersing herself in the language also meant diving into French cuisine, and one day, she suggested, “We should make crepes together!” Without hesitation, I said, “Done!” I bought a new crepe maker on amazon.

After some planning, we finally made it happen. We invited another mutual friend, opened a bottle of wine, and spent the evening chatting, laughing, and making crepes. It was a delightful experience, and I’d like to share the recipe with you. It’s a simple, classic crepe recipe—the real secret lies in getting the batter’s consistency just right and heating the pan to the perfect temperature.

As I enter this new reality, I realize I am no longer obligated to cook for the family. they are all old enough to fend for themselves. It is a liberating shift, stepping into a phase where cooking becomes a choice rather than a duty.  Cooking purely for fun opens up so many opportunities to try new recipes or host casual get-togethers.

If you try it, I hope you’ll share your crepes with friends, whether or not wine is involved. Because, at the end of the day, crepes are best enjoyed with great company.

Here is the basic crepe recipe we used.  You can recipe.  Our filling was mashed potatoes for the savory variety and apricot jam for the dessert crepes.

Servings: 12

Prep10minutes minutes

Cook15minutes minutes

Ready in: 25minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (350ml) milk (preferably 2%)
• 1 cup (142g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• Butter for pan
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Desired fillings (optional)

Instructions

• Add milk, flour, sugar, salt, butter, vanilla and eggs in a bowl then use a handheld immersion mixer on low speed until well combined, about 10 seconds.
• Scrape sides and bottom of blender if there's any flour sticking and blend a few seconds longer.
• Cover and chill 1 hour (or overnight if desired).
• Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. 
• Gently stir batter with a spoon just to blend separated layers. 
• Lightly butter skillet then lift pan and pour a scant 1/4 cup batter into pan, immediately tilt and swirl pan in circular motion to evenly coat entire bottom portion of pan with batter or dip crepe maker into the plate holding the batter.
• Cook until golden brown brown on bottom then use an offset spatula to lift an edge of the crepe, grab the edge of the crepe with your fingertips and flip crepe to opposite side. Cook until golden brown spots appear on bottom.
• Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat until all of the batter has been used up (if needed reduce burner temperature slightly).
• Fill with desired fillings then fold.

Musical Chairs

Before the rise of Chuck E. Cheese and other venues for children's birthday parties, celebrations were hosted at home. We’d feast on homemade food or pizza from a proper pizzeria—none of that cardboard-like stuff you find at Chuck E. Cheese. Growing up in New York, I was spoiled by fantastic pizza, and those home parties always featured games with prizes for the winners.

The most popular games were scavenger hunts, pin the tail on the donkey, and musical chairs. All of them were great fun, but musical chairs took the most skill and strategy.

In case you’re unfamiliar with musical chairs, here’s a quick rundown. It’s a game of elimination: a row of chairs is set up, but there are fewer chairs than players. As music plays, participants walk around the chairs, waiting for the moment it suddenly stops. Then it’s a mad dash to claim an empty chair. If you’re left standing, you’re out. To win, you need sharp listening skills and quick reflexes.

My fascination with book titles led me to this book. It’s about three musicians who met at Juilliard and formed a trio. Over the years, the pianist and cellist have been constants, while the violinist position has been repeatedly replaced. Having raised a violinist who was part of a quartet, I know firsthand the delicate chemistry that exists within a musical ensemble. Each replacement disrupts that balance.

The story begins with the trio once again searching for a new violinist. They’ve been together a long time, but their repeated shuffling of members has taken a toll. Feeling weary, they decide to take a summer break.

This pause is meant to rejuvenate them, but instead, it becomes a time of upheaval. Will, the pianist, learns that the rent for his New York apartment is going up, and during a visit to Bridget in Connecticut, he meets a woman he’s instantly drawn to. Meanwhile, Bridget, the cellist, is blindsided when her novelist boyfriend breaks up with her over the phone. To make matters worse, her father—a world-renowned conductor—announces he’s remarrying, throwing her off balance.

The story feels like a game of musical chairs: two of the trio’s original members are circling, searching for stability as the metaphorical music plays on. With one chair missing, they’re left wondering what their next move should be. Will they find a way to keep the trio together, or is it time to move on?

The book explores the shifting dynamics of relationships and the challenges of holding onto something that’s constantly evolving. I have personally witnessed shifting dynamics of a musical quartet.  My daughter played violin through college as part of an orchestra and a quartet.  If you’re intrigued, I highly recommend diving into this thoughtful read.

They are playing a game of musical chairs, with one chair missing and the both of them circling, waiting for the music to stop and then what.  What will be their next move? Musical Chairs by Amy Poppel

Navigating Retirement (Sort Of): A Journey from IT to Who Knows with a reading suggestion

 

One of the unexpected and perhaps only silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic was working from home during the final two years of my career. With my husband already retired, we found ourselves sharing the same space in ways we hadn’t before. It was an adjustment, and not without its quirks.

My days began predictably: coffee in hand, I’d head upstairs to my home office and dive into work. When lunch rolled around, I’d take a quick break downstairs. At first, my husband assumed this meant I’d whip up lunch for both of us—Chef Boyardee-style. However, I was only grabbing a quick bite before returning to my desk. While he was a bit disappointed at first, he quickly adapted, discovering his talent for grilled cheese sandwiches (which, I’ll admit, are far superior to mine).

Fast forward to semi-retirement, and life has brought new adjustments. We recently downsized, which meant saying goodbye to the spacious office I had envisioned transforming into a meditation space. In our new, “cozier” home. My retreat is now a small corner of the bedroom—a change I am still adjusting to. My mornings remain similar: assuming I am not working, coffee in hand, I settle into my small corner of my bedroom for art projects, reading, or honing my Mahjongg skills online.

Meanwhile, my husband and I have settled into a rhythm, carving out our own routines while sharing the same home. While he’s found ways to fill his days, I’ve kept busy with my own “stuff,” Yes, I’m still working, though not in my previous IT career. In February 2023, after twenty years with my company, I made the difficult decision to retire. It wasn’t easy, but looking back, I’m glad I did.

Surprisingly, I found a job almost immediately. It was full time, but I couldn’t resist staying in the work force.  By mid-March, I was out of the house for much of the week and enjoying a refreshing new dynamic in my life. Fridays, however, remain mine to cherish—an anchor in my new routine.

Navigating retirement (or semi-retirement) alongside your spouse is an ongoing journey of discovery. It’s about finding balance and creating individual spaces. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll master the art of the grilled cheese sandwich. For now, I’m happy to let my husband hold that title.

As I mentioned earlier, I still read—a lot. In fact, my passion for books is one of the reasons I started blogging in the first place. So many people began asking me for book recommendations that writing about what I’d read became a more efficient way to share my thoughts.

Recently, I finished a book called The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. (This link will take you to the Amazon page—full disclosure, I earn a small commission if you decide to purchase the book.) 

Imagine this: you send your husband up to the attic to retrieve something mundane—perhaps an old box of photographs or holiday decorations. When he reappears, he’s literally not the same guy but he is not a complete stranger either.  You have met him before. This novel left me reflecting on its themes and characters.  See what you think.

Fourth Down and Inches

 

Why Am I Using a Football Reference?

I asked myself that same question when I decided to change the focus of this blog—especially since I don't even like football. Well, it's not that I hate football; it's just not my sport of choice. I'll sit down and watch a game, though typically only the second half. To me, that's the most exciting part—where the stakes are higher, and every play counts. Whether my team is getting their butts kicked, winning by a mile, or locked in a nail-biter, those moments keep me hooked. (And hey, let's be honest, Taylor Swift dating Travis Kelce has made football a bit more intriguing lately!)

My husband, on the other hand, is a huge football fan. I knew that going into our marriage, and honestly, I'm totally fine with it. While some women jokingly call themselves "football widows," I prefer to think of myself as free—free to do whatever I want while he's immersed in the games.

When football season starts, he lights up like a kid at Christmas, running downstairs to a pile of presents. Between his three fantasy football leagues, NFL Sunday Ticket, and watching games on multiple screens (TVs, iPad, computer—you name it), it's clear he's got a full-blown obsession. And you know what? It makes him happy. So, I just leave a bowl of potato chips and a bottle of Deer Park water out for him and let him enjoy.

This enthusiasm has been a big influence on my life, not just because we've been married for ages but because it got me thinking about life in general. To me, life feels a bit like a game of quarters. The first quarter was my childhood, from birth through elementary school (Go Oaks School 3!). The second quarter was high school through college (Go Oceanside High and University of Maryland!). The third quarter started after college and leads up to now. And here I am, in the fourth quarter of my life. The game is winding down, but I'm determined to make the play that converts this fourth down into a first. After all, as I've seen, not all my friends have been lucky enough to continue their game.

So, this blog is going to be my way of exploring this "fourth down," which I'm calling Retirement. I'll look back on my life but focus on looking forward, sharing my plans, reflections, and, of course, my love of books.

Before I go, just a quick note: I originally started this blog because I love to read, and friends kept asking me for book recommendations. That hasn't changed—I read even more now (thanks, insomnia!). So, expect plenty of book shares along the way.

Join me on this journey as I navigate the fourth quarter of life, aiming for more first downs.