Garden 2013 - the project starts

So I need to fill the hanging basket...

And I just watched the movie "The Best Exciting Marigold Hotel" so I am going with marigolds.  I may not get to India anytime soon, but I will someday. And I love the idea of having flowers that attract butterflies on my porch!!

For the rest of the garden, I'm keeping it  simple this time around. No vegetables.  Just strawberries and herbs: mint, parsley, basil and oregano.

Very fragrant and perfect for cooking some great tasting food.

First berries of the summer

Oh yes!  My tiny strawberry plant survived the winter all on its own.  Definitely with no help from me...

But here it is already giving me the first berries of the season.  I will probably have to pick them early again this year.  They will be rather tart but otherwise the birds and squirrels enjoy them instead of me.  

Tart berries are still great on ice cream or with yogurt and honey!

Good for the soul

Sometimes what you really need at the end of the day is to relax with a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate.

Good for the body. Good for the soul.

A Fashion Don't

Ever see someone out in public and just wonder what trend they are following?

Because otherwise... That outfit makes no sense!

Che cosa si desidera fare ora?

That is an excellent question.   I am not sure myself, but I am certainly working on the question.   But then again aren't we all trying to figure out the answer to this one?

New Years Resolutions

Yes - it is that time of year for resolutions that may or may not come about during the new year.


For 2013, I resolve.... to do more!

More trying new things, more meeting new people, more writing, more exercise, more positive comments than complaints, more time catching up with old friends...

Hello Again... Happy Thanksgiving!

So I have been bad, and very busy, and have not written in a while. 
I am going to try to do better! 

Now on to the Thanksgiving dinner menu.....

We kept it simple this year.

Just the turkey breast, not a whole turkey, roasted with butter and sage; carrots and brussel sprouts with pecans; baked sweet potatoes; homemade gravy - made with turkey thigh and cornbread dressing.

And from the leftovers, turkey soup with extra potatoes, carrots and chickpeas.