Simple Pleasures: Homemade Tartar Sauce and Mexican Coca-Cola

While not really into capers, if ever I come across the little buds packed in sea salt, I must snatch them up for the cupboard (now there's a curious word,
c u p b o a r d). I found good use for the capers last night while making tartar sauce for Alaskan cod. Homemade tartar sauce is just one of those incomparable culinary sensations. It is unlike any store bought or restaurant quality condiment. It's really delicious, awakens fish with pizazz, and is simple to make. Pair a cod sandwich (on a soft toasted bun, lettuce, tomato) with Mexican pure cane sugar Coca-Cola, and you'll be thanking God you're alive!

Be Prepared

Sleepy Town had a complete blackout last night.  At approximately 10p the entire neighborhood shut down.  Eerie.  Darkness.  Everywhere.  It was a painless wake-up call to get an emergency backpack together, and always keep my cell phone fully charged.  I used to have an extensive survival "tub", which included Tamiflu, water, canned food, blankets, particulate respirators, flashlights, radio, batteries, matches, first aid kit, etc.  At some point, the water jug leaked and everything within the tub got a little moldy.  That was months ago.  I now have another mission for the week.  Perhaps preparation will relieve my recent sense of foreboding.  Hate that feeling of impending doom!

Sweet E's Cupcakes, Vineyard Haven

Simply the best cupcakes in the world.  They are back on Main Street, just across the street from our gym.  Ruh roh.

Yoko Ono or Lindsay Lohan?

 

Click here for the answer

Running West Chop

What's better than a four mile run, on a gorgeous, sunny, February day around West Chop?  A few mile run on a gorgeous, sunny, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October or November day around West Chop.  All kidding aside, today was one of my favorite runs of the year.  Deep blue sky and water, no wind and in the low-to-mid forties.  Now that I'm increasing my weekly mileage for Shamrock Shuffle training, the treadmill just gets too boring.  Wild Willy ran four miles through the forest earlier in the day, and was just as pleased with the conditions.  We had to take turns exercising today, as we were expecting an important call from Dr. Bob.  The teen blogson has been so sick this entire winter break.  We took him to the doctor today for a throat culture and blood work.  It looks as if he has some sort of viral infection, perhaps the start of mono.  He's had a lazy week, and good excuse to do nothing but be babied.  I can't remember the last time he had a fever.  

Compartmentalize: An Easy Way to Deal With All that Stuff in Your Brain

After reading a post from a fellow blogger, friend and vineyard enthusiast, Joan, over at MV Obsession, I have become intrigued with the concept of compartmentalizing.  I remember someone once said that President Bill Clinton had a unique and skilled gift of being able to compartmentalize his life.  Joan wrote a post about an author she met on the street in NYC recently.  The book, to be released March 2nd is called, The Nine Rooms of Happiness: Loving Yourself, Finding Your Purpose, and Getting Over Life's Little Imperfections.  Since reading the little bit about the book on Joan's blog, I've created and labeled my own nine rooms, and have been sorting my thoughts accordingly.  It's a curious and effective exercise in letting stuff go!  

:-#

*My mouth is closed*

I´m not going to talk about it :-#

Urban Dictionary is an amazing resource of all things pretty much useless, unless of course, you want to stay hip to the jive of all things young, cutting edge and pop culturally significant.

MV20 Miler Race Course

The Vineyard's annual 20 miler race will be starting at 11am today.  It's 26℉ and sunny, going up to 33℉.   Every year, 500 crazy enthusiasts run this chilly, but flat course on Martha's Vineyard.

The First Sport I Was Ever Good At

 

Photo by MelvinSchlubman.

Fred Morrison, the inventor of the Frisbee died at the age of 90.  Throwing and catching that plastic little disk was one of the first things that I was really good at as a teenager.  A real self-esteem booster.  People used to say, "she's really good, for a girl."  Playing Frisbee provided endless hours, during nice weather, bonding with friends and family.  In the winter months, I became proficient at playing pool.  People used to say, "she's really good, for a girl."  I know, I know.  A wasted youth.  Now, I run; and people say, "she's really good, for being so old."  RIP Fred, you changed the world with a playful little toy!

Over Heard in the Gym This Morning

"I have no will power."

True that, eh?  Especially in the snow, I say.

Snowfest in Sleepy Town

Snow Day!!! It wasn't a total play day for the teen blogson.

It sure is beautiful. The scene looks like it could be in Colorado rather than North Central New Jersey.

Once: A Hauntingly Beautiful Movie

We started our snowfest last night by watching the movie Once. I was amazed I could get Wild Willy and the teen blogson to watch something other than a shoot'em up. We all throughly enjoyed the movie, which was recommended for months by the blogsister, Nancy. The song, Falling Slowing, won an Academy Award. It's a beautiful film with beautiful music. Happy Birthday, Donna!

Donna and Bob Figora

The blogsister, Donna, and her husband Bob, had lots in common, including February birthdays. While Bob celebrates today, we should be celebrating Donna's big 50th tomorrow. Bob and I spoke today, and we can't believe that it has been almost nine years since Donna's death. We both still miss her terribly.  Let's hope Donna is having a big bash in the wild, blue yonder.

EZ Cracker

Seriously?

Social Media is Your Friend, Use it Wisely

If you're on the fence about Twitter, here's an article that may provide some insight for your decision to take the plunge and start tweeting. Before you establish a twitter account, read this article on managing your on-line reputation. Good stuff.

Watch and Learn: Potato Peeling 101

Claire Kathryn is Born Today in Chicago

My dear childhood friend, Maggie, is a third-time grandma today.  Her oldest daughter, Shannon, and Joe, delivered a sweet baby girl by C-section this morning.  I particularly love her name:)

Shannon, grandpa Kevin, sister Kaylie, brother Jack, dad Joe, grandma Maggie greet new baby Claire

A Telling Blow from Iran, Killer Sharks and Paralyzing Snow

Anyone else feel a sense of foreboding in the air?

Mom Rogers Turns 95!

Peg celebrated like a rock star this weekend with a lovely dinner party at her home on Friday with friends and family.

  

  

Peg reserved the private dining room at the Oaks.  We brought an assortment of hors d'oeuvres, wine and champaign, and chef Joe did his thing.  Wild Willy gave a beautiful toast to his mom and Earl delivered a heartfelt pre-dinner prayer.  Ginny brought flowers and candles, Josie brought cupcakes and everyone had a great time.  On Saturday, her actual birthday, Peg's grandson, Chris, and Kristy, Alexis and Devin, made the day extra special.  

Will and Callie joined in on the festivities, too.

 

The great-grandchildren made and hung a poster at the front door announcing the day. We had champaign and Pom punch, a full-blown Thanksgiving meal with turducken, two stuffings, and all the other fixins'.  A feast!  

 

Alexis and Devin performed a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday on the piano before presenting the special cake, they made from scratch, including the cinnamon ice cream frosting and cut-out fondants on top.  

  

 

Kristy, channeling her inner creativity, made a delightful floral arrangement and keepsake for mom. 

  

We're already talking about the celebration we're going to have next year, but the 100th is going to be very special.  Have a great year, Mom!  

 

Garlic Knots and Tablescapes

Garlic knots are such a nice and fun change from garlic bread.  With pizza dough readily available at most grocers for about $.99, making garlic knots is pretty simple.  My young friend, Bennett, in California, is a big fan of some of my culinary accomplishments, especially this recipe.

Yesterday, while on the elliptical machine watching the Food Channel, I was intrigued by a segment on tablescapes, and thought of Patty, Bennett's mom.  Patty is the tablescape diva, with a wide array of unique and inspiring tablescapes throughout her home.  It won't be long before both of my friends will be moving back east, and we can, once again, have garlic knots over a beautiful tablescape in Sleepy Town.

Delicious: Beer Can Chicken

One of the best ways to cook chicken is to impale it, with a can filled with beer and herbs, stand it up on the grill or in the oven, and go take a nap.  Years ago, we bought a device, which lends some support to the chicken, instead of depending solely on the flimsy can to remain upright.  It's like a round pan with a built-in can in the center, and a cone that fits over the can and into the chicken's butt.  It's the best chicken ever, and so easy and fool proof.  Here's another variety of the can, which may be worth adding to your collection.

H/T Manolo Food Blog

They're Back: The Puppy Cam

New readers of the blog may not remember the puppy cam in 2008. We had lots of fun tuning in to watch these cuties play, sleep, nurse etc. There is a new litter and here's the new time-killer stream! Enjoy!
Webcam chat at Ustream 

Soaking Up the Sun at 32℉

The shortage of vitamin D is really getting to me these days.  I braved the cold with my brand, new running shoes and did a 5.18 mile run, then a 1.5 mile walk OUTSIDE!  It was actually really beautiful after the seven minute warm-up.  I'm training for Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle in March.  Burrr!

Our Young Patriot Says the Pledge

From the start of his academic experience, a couple of years ago, young Landon proudly mastered the Pledge. Now he clearly enjoys this opportunity to lead the whole school with his recital. 



H/T Steph

Uggs Are Everywhere!

Here's the great Manolo's take on the fashion phenomena:

...if you are sixteen and super cute, then the Classic Uggs are “da bomb”. You may wear them everywhere (even with your sweat pants) and people will still think you are the cutesy cute cutey.

If , however, you are the forty-two year old woman of sophistication, then the Classic Ugg boots look silly with almost everything you try on.
Sweat pants? Sloppy!
Faded blue jeans? Trying too hard!
Shortish skirt? Trashy!

The truth is, the Ugg Classic boots, like the dirty ripped blue jeans and the whale-tail thong, are the young person’s fashion. They were designed by the youthful Australian surfers for wearing after the energetically youthful day at the beach, not for women of the certain age to slip on for the day on the town.

Happily, there are the Ugg models which can be worn by elegant ladies. For the example, here is the Gissella, the casual, wedge-heel ankle boot with the Aussie flair.

I'm not so sure I agree with Manolo on the Uggs, and I'm not so sure I agree with Lee, the blognephew's fashionista wife, on her facebook status:

"Once you're out of college, you're too old for a back pack."

Comedian Paul Epperlein Helps Raise Thousands for Haiti

New York comedian and showman, Paul Epperlein, hosted a very funny event at HA! Comedy Club to benefit Haiti.  With only two days to pull it together, Paul was able to secure a great line-up of NYC funny guys and donate over $3,000 for Haiti relief.  Big fans of Paul, and comedy in general, the teen blogson and I schlepped out in the rain to see the show in Midtown.  Knowing I would be helping Haiti by supporting Paul's effort made missing the Golden Globes an easier decision.  We sat right up front.  Big mistake.  Luckily, it was near the end of the evening when one comedian did his best to embarrass both mother and son.  He had the audience feeling a little uncomfortable, too, with an over-the-top sexy routine.  It's the back, dark corner table for us me next comedy club. 

Flo Fan

Flo, the girl on the Progressive Auto Insurance ads, is sure animated.  I have this love/hate thing going with her; but mostly love.

3,000 Crunches a Day

While I struggle at the gym with my routine, I'll be thinking of this athlete doing 3,000 sit-ups a day.

Haiti Quake: Reminding Us of All Things Important

The images of despair and destruction from the 7.0 earthquake to hit Haiti are a solemn reminder of how rapidly life, as we know it, can change in a split second.  My heart and prayers are with the thousands of people suffering pain and losses today.  Mother Nature rules, and she certainly knows how to demand attention and bring people together with the most basic of needs:  survival.  Just when I was beginning to feel sorry for myself, and the little annoyances that have been plaguing my new year, this not-so-gentle reminder of real problems awakens the gratitude for all that is my life.

Umami: Foodie Word of the Day

Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

One really can't rest in the family until after the January 11th birthday celebrations.  Wild Willy and young Alexis culminated days of partying with a dinner in Chatham.  We are all big fans of P.F. Changs' famous lettuce wraps, so I set out to make something along those lines.  Among the millions of recipes listed under a Google search, I went with a PERDUE® recipe for Vietnamese ground chicken lettuce wraps to try to create a special appetizer.  I used my Kitchen Aid attachment and ran boneless, skinned chicken breasts through the course grinder (why simplify the process by buying PERDUE® ground chicken?).  While it looks like a long list of chopped and minced ingredients, it's nothing with a food processor.  The wraps were delicious.  I also tried Sophie Brickman's recipe for braised short ribs, but was disappointed with the quality of ribs I purchased.  Her combination of flavors were excellent, but I needed a little more time on the reduction.  I will try the recipe again.  Mashed potatoes, broccoli and two birthday cakes rounded out the meal.  Now I can get on with the year month; the blogmother-in-law turns 95 years old on January 30th.

Don't Be A Passive Participant in Life This Year

Keep the optimism and hope of the new year by exercising and practicing the discipline of positive thinking each day.  Our relationships can have a major impact on our positive thinking.  For this reason, make it a goal this year to work on your most important relationships.  At the heart of successful and rewarding relationships is the ability to effectively communicate.  From my experience, effective communication entails a few basic goals for constructive confrontation and conflict resolution:

a) Convey the truth

b) Listen

c) Preserve the relationship

Passive participation in any relationship leads to dissatisfaction.  Passive participation is helplessness.  Helplessness is a lack of control.  Lack of control in any situation leads to dissatisfaction.  You can avoid dissatisfaction in your life this year.

Facebook: The Joy and Angst

There's something so gratifying about the camaraderie of Facebook.  The dichotomy of it's usefulness verses the sheer and compelling curiosity of it all is staggering.  While only party to twenty-something friends, I am afforded myriad glimpses of life by way of friends of friends, extended family of family, and family of friends of friends.  A social anthropology in pop culture, it is.  Simply keeping up with the jargon of each generation is worthwhile.  Gaining insights from the inane prattle of teenagers also helps keep a pulse on the present.  One can't help, however, feeling creatively malnourished when pressured to update statuses and be of general interest and entertainment to their sphere of influence. 

Mysterious Fan Mail

With the proliferation of angry blog-stalkers and spam commentary, I have recently started to moderate my comments to ensure suitability for publishing (love that censorship bonus as a blog author).  Well, I know it wasn't the bloghusband, as he was fast asleep next to me at 12:30 am, but someone made my day by leaving a very nice comment on my blog.  Later this morning, another reader, made my year by also having a pleasantry about my blog.  Who knew I had two other readers?

The Astrology of 2010

Journalist, photographer and astrologer, Eric Francis Coppolino, writes about the planetary influences over humanity in 2010.

Fish Pedicure

The always delightful blogfriend, Sarah, sent an email encouraging me to investigate the I Can Do It®: The Ultimate Online Series to Nourish Your Soul seminar, which is currently being offered for $20, down from $275 for eight sessions.   Sarah is always plugged into the latest in mind and body renewal.  She concluded her email with the following postscript:

PS-went to DC last week and had Dr. Fish treatment at spa with girls. You put tootsies in tank w/ fish and they eat the dead skin off your feet. Very bizarre.

 Totes!

Friends, Food, Humorous Writing: All Things to Love

Our New Year's Eve wedding was a blast.  An article about the then-soon-to-be newlyweds appeared in The Atlantic today, and was written by Sophie Brickman, a college roommate of the bride.  It is just too cute.  The folllowing paragraph should whet your appetite for the whole piece:

"...When I saw the loving way K looked at L as she began to eat, the whole marriage thing began to lose its scariness. Plus, it was at this moment that I really started getting excited for L: Here was a man who could eat! So sue me--I quickly judge people based on their eating preferences. Anyone who thinks Power Bars or smoothies are meals in themselves, who has done the master cleanse more than once (I allow for one experiment), or turns down bacon for any reason other than religious ends up on my "questionable" list." On the other hand, demanding seconds of short ribs automatically secures you a spot on my "people who get it" list."

Heh.

A recent Australian study of 6,000 women has shown that, after 10 years, the average gal gains 15 lbs if she lives with a partner and 20 lbs if she lives with someone and has a baby.  Ruh Roh.

Girls Rules, Boys Drool

The Economist has a positive story today:

AT A time when the world is short of causes for celebration, here is a candidate: within the next few months women will cross the 50% threshold and become the majority of the American workforce. Women already make up the majority of university graduates in the OECD countries and the majority of professional workers in several rich countries, including the United States. Women run many of the world’s great companies, from PepsiCo in America to Areva in France.

Women’s economic empowerment is arguably the biggest social change of our times. Just a generation ago, women were largely confined to repetitive, menial jobs. They were routinely subjected to casual sexism and were expected to abandon their careers when they married and had children. Today they are running some of the organisations that once treated them as second-class citizens. Millions of women have been given more control over their own lives. And millions of brains have been put to more productive use. Societies that try to resist this trend—most notably the Arab countries, but also Japan and some southern European countries—will pay a heavy price in the form of wasted talent and frustrated citizens.

Read the whole story.

Blue Agave

Two people recommended this natural sugar substitute to me over the last month.  Starting the year out on a healthy note, I picked some up at Whole Check Foods today.  Here's the spin:

"Wholesome Sweeteners' Premium Organic Agave Nectar is a natural sweetener extracted from the heart of the Blue Agave plant. Agave is a Low Glycemic Index (GI) sweetener, so it is slowly absorbed into the body preventing spikes in blood sugar. It is 1-1/4 times sweeter than sugar, so you need less, and it has been consumed by ancient civilizations for over 5,000 years. The sweet mild taste is perfect for sweetening beverages, baking and as a multi purpose sweetener. Use wherever you would use table sugar."

And BTW, tequilla is made from the same plant. I'll let you know how it works.

Is It Spring, Yet?

Here's a good use for all those dinosaur light bulbs in the basement.

H/T Manolo for the Home 

That Was Then, This Is Now

The new year always brings such optimism and hope to individuals resolved to improve their lives.  On any given day, one of my favorite sappy sayings to the teen blogson is, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."  He absolutely hates it when I say that, and we have a good laugh, and then I say it's true.  Just recently, I have taken on a new favorite expression: "That was then, this is now."  People really do get stuck in a pattern of thinking and behaviors.  If everyone just took a look around at their patterns, habits, motivations and interactions, and said, "That was then, this is now", the fallibility of pride takes on a new perspective and a definitive course.  Those six little words provide a liberating excuse to act differently, and totally reinvent the present with an open mind to the possibility that people or things have changed, and our thinking needs to change, too.  On the other hand, perhaps changes have not occurred.  Our views can still change, and by changing our views, we can change people and things.  The power of six little words can dramatically improve our new year!  Try it.

Let the Decade Begin!

Happy New Year!  May 2010 be a fabulous year for all, and the beginning of the best decade ever. 

A Snowy New Year's Eve in the East

A beautiful day for a wedding! It's all relative, but a December wedding begs for snow, and we're getting some today. With the help of my studio assistant, the bloghusband, we finished nearly 175 wedding programs this morning.

They turned out really nice, especially with the hand embellishments of metallic stars and glitter snowflakes, adding a touch of New Year's bling and pizazz. Now, I can focus on what I'm going to wear. As Wild Willy said, "the mall is open." He knows me well. Ah, the pressure. Be safe tonight. Happy New Year's celebrations.

New Year's Eve Wedding Program

While we will certainly miss the calm of our annual celebration on the vineyard, we are so looking forward to celebrating Lauren and Kevin's nuptials on New Year's Eve.  I'm making the final creative and editorial adjustments to their wedding program.

 

2010: Year of the Scalloped Potatoes

For all of my culinary accomplishments, until this week, I did not own a mandolin.  Having the time for pleasure cooking this week, I was hoping LeRoux, on Main St. in Vineyard Haven, would have one for me to purchase.  I was very surprised to see such a wide variety from which to choose at the store.  The prices ranged from $19.99 to $209.00.  I opted for the Kuhn Rikon model at $27.99.  In the last couple of days I've made scalloped potatoes and banana cream pie, both simplified by the use of the mandolin.  The potatoes were just OK, the pie was simply awesome.  It is my mission next year to make the best scalloped potatoes ever.  The mandolin is certainly one of those gadgets one can live without, but more than useful, it's fun, and gives your creations a professional looking edge!  

Boxing Day in Tisbury

The morning after Christmas is always so special.  Aside from being the blogsister's birthday, it's a day to just do nothing.  It was another magical Christmas celebration in our vineyard haven.  It's a simple life here on the island, and we had to make do with fishing lures and other island gear to to decorate our tree.  I particularly love the peace sign topper.  The gift-giving theme this year was "summer schlepping made easy."  The bloghusband and son received a beach dolly or cart with real fat wheels.  The design is supposed to ease the load on sand.  We have yet to find a solution for all the gear one must schlep to Long Point for a day of fun in the sun.  Hopefully, this Wheeleez product will do the trick.  While on that website, a similar cart, for use with a kayak, looked like an good gift idea, too.

Coco stopped by and was bearing gifts, also.  One of the many reasons to love this island is the creative and entrepreneurial people who live and work on the vineyard.  Coco's mom makes and markets yummy blends of sea salt, herbs and spices.   We were the lucky recipients of a couple varieties.

The blogson wants to grow up and be a DJ, now that he has nearly mastered his XBOX game from Santa,  DJ Hero.

The fire in the pot belly stove has been burning since our arrival.  I've been working on my needlepoint with the dogs at my feet.  We all enjoy the togetherness of one room living on the vineyard, even the teenager in our life.

A Perfect Snowman in Vineyard Haven

It was a so-glad-I-had-my-camera moment after a final round of Christmas shopping in town.

Everything Really Does Get Done

Time expands to what you need.  It was another day of scrambling to get things done, but everything really does get done.  It's been a killer pace.  In addition to all the holiday tasks and demands, I completed two major projects, the PTO January Newsletter and the graphic design and layout for Lauren's wedding programs.  It's been early mornings and very late nights.  Yesterday, while riding up to the island (still listening to Atlas Shrugged on tape) I dozed off several times.  Luckily, the bloghusband drove the whole way.  Today, we bought a tree at Morning Glory Farm, finished up the gift and grocery shopping, wrapped gifts, and cooked a fabulous dinner.  The island is very crowded, and Main Street was jumping today;  reminiscent of August, except for the tons on snow!  We're all looking forward to a relaxing week on the island.  Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Accomplished Merriment

Shop for 44 gifts; 27 hours

Wrap 44 gifts; 3.5 hours

Cater dinner for 12; 8 hours

Clean up dinner for 12; 2.5 hours

Merry Christmas:  Priceless!

The extended family holiday celebration is officially behind us.  We had a lovely, white Christmas gathering yesterday with twelve of the fourteen family members in attendance.  Jeff and Amelia were stranded in Florida; flight cancellation victims from the weekend's major snow storm.  The bloghusband's four children have not been together since his 6oth birthday, nearly two years ago.  As we head into Christmas week, and prepare for an intimate Vineyard celebration on the 25th, we are truly grateful for all of the blessings bestowed upon us and our family.  It is my sincere wish that you enjoy the spirit of Christmas, and be reminded that hard work and sacrifice has it's rewards (if only in the eyes of baby Jesus and your own sense of accomplishment).  Amen!   

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

It sure is beautiful out there.  We have about eight or nine inches of snow on our deck and it is still falling.  Good luck to all the travelers trying to get in and out of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.  Be safe.

Amelia in December

The babe is growing strong! 

From Steph:

For those of you who haven't seen her in a while just thought I'd send this out.  She weighed 17 pounds 4 ounces today and they are very pleased with her growth!!!  Almost too much, they want us back in a couple weeks to make sure she is not gaining too much!

'Tis the Season for Creativity

Creativity is not only about finding that perfect gift for a loved one, it's about simplifying meal time during the Christmas rush and still being mindful of consuming nutrients.   Dust off the 'ol crock pot and fill it with steel cut oats and water before you go to bed.  Add some raisins, cinnamon and vanilla bean to the low cook setting and delight the family with nourishing and quick comfort food in the morning.  Add something special to the dinner party menu, with little effort, by slicing up some sweet onions and putting them in the crock pot to caramelize overnight.  In fact, I cook them on low for sixteen to twenty hours.  They get mahogany brown and are delicious with just about anything.  Finally, with all the treats over the next couple of weeks, think about using apple butter in your baked goods instead of some of the real stuff.  It is said that you can reduce the fat in a recipe by one-third without really compromising the taste.

Flat Belly Diet Cookbook

Thanks to the blogfriend, Patty in CA, for introducing me to this great cookbook.  The diet looks interesting, too, but the recipes offer a healthy and delicious variety for those serious about weight loss.