Another New State: Wyoming

Sun 27 - Casper, Jackson

The guys confessed that they used lighter fluid to start the campfire. I said, "That's cheating." Bill then replied, "Unless you're rubbing two sticks together, everything is cheating." he has a point. We packed up camp and hit the road just before 8am. With Stephen King's Under the Dome back on the car radio, and miles of road without another car in sight, we crossed into Wyoming. Elevation 4300. After a couple hours, in the far off distance, we had our first glimpse of the majestic, snow capped mountains. It was a very scenic ride through the sagebrush basin adorned with beautiful wildflowers, high elevation canyons, pine forests and the alpine with lingering snow. We picked Colter Bay campground in Grand Teton National Park for the next two nights. It's about 6800 elevation. We made steaks on the grill, played cards and nestled into our sleeping bags just after 9pm. The temp during the night was in the low 40s.

Custer State Park

Sat 26 - Custer State Park

After a quiet morning at camp, we started out on the day's adventure with hiking boots on and a picnic lunch packed. Buffalo, wild donkey, mule, elk, and prairie dogs were supposedly plentiful on the wildlife loop through Custer State Park. We stopped along a sweet babbling brook for lunch, a Frisbee toss, and Solo had a swim. We were holding our breath as Billy navigated through the peaks and troughs of the Black Hills National Forest. The unsuspecting tourists traveled a winding road, and through a narrow tunnel, which opened up to a spectacular first sighting of the Mt. Rushmore Memorial. We walked around the memorial, took some pictures, bought some ice cream, watched the video and headed back to camp. Spaghetti with meat sauce never tasted so good. We threw garlic bread wrapped in foil off to the side of the fire, tossed a salad and ate like we were at the Ritz! A group of college kids from the Midwest set up camp behind us, and provided hours of entertainment. They were wasted!

Jewel Cave National Monument

Fri 25 - Custer

It was nice to leisurely wake up and enjoy coffee, pancakes and bacon around a morning fire while reading maps, and other information about the area. There's lots of tourist attractions in the area, with Mt. Rushmore being the biggest draw. The unanimous vote was to avoid getting in the car today. The first campground of the trip was very comfortable, so we were all happy just hanging around.

The fact that WiFi was available at the camp site influenced the decision slightly. After lunch we made a move. Solo and I drove the guys to Jewel Cave Nat'l Monument, about ten miles away. They toured the caves while I went shopping. Back to camp, we showered and started dinner prep. We made chicken, ribs, baked potatoes and corn on the camp fire. Everything was great. After a few toasted marshmallows, we took to our tents and called it a lazy day.

The Beautiful Midwest

Thur June 24 -Ottawa, IL to Rapid City to Custer

We all woke up refreshed, showered and hit the road at 5:45am cst. Billy took the helm of the minivan first. After a quick lesson in cruise control we started out on day two. What a gorgeous day. The major storms made way for clear skies and green crops. Crossing the iconic Mississippi River made us recall Horrace Greeley's advice, "Go west, young man." Jack had a similar lesson in cruising before embarking on 250 miles behind the wheel. McDonalds for lunch. We turned off Interstate 80 west just after we crossed the 1000 mile marker, and started our trek north. Scenery is starting to change from prairie to rolling hills. Pretty. 1302 miles behind us as we entered South Dakota. Yay! After another 500 miles we crossed over to mountain time, reached Rapid City, and stumbled upon a street fair. We had a quick bite to eat, listened to a 80's pop band, and enjoyed the people watching. The boys observed all the meth addicts, and commented on how young the parents seemed. We were all really tired of the car and had to go another 30 miles to our campsite. We set up camp at Beaver Lake in Custer, SD and pretty much went right to sleep. It was 10:30 est. Long day of driving, but now the fun begins!

Mile 0, 8000 to Go

Wed 23 - Ottawa, IL

We woke the teens up at 5:15am, and got the feeling that they had only been asleep for a short time. With the car packed to capacity, we pulled out of the driveway at 5:45am. Jack's mom, as always, bid us farewell with clever and thoughtful gifts. Among the goodies was a Dunkin' Donuts gift card. The teens woke up around 10am, and we put the card to it's first use. We had the World Cup match USA vs. Algeria on the radio, and we all downloaded vuvuzela apps for full effect in the car;) USA won the game! We drove through some serious storms last night, but safely arrived at the Hampton Inn in Ottawa, Il at 7:15 est. Bobby (our nephew) pulled into the hotel at the same time. Yay! We had a drink in the room, and off for a quick dinner to the elusive Hank's Restaurant. 840 miles down.

Shamrock Shuffle Event Alert Status Update

Breaking news: 
According to the advance local weather forecast, the weather on race day is projected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of mixed rain/snow showers, a morning low of 32 degrees (F) and an afternoon high of 40 degrees (F).

Based on this forecast, the Event Alert Level is Yellow/Moderate, which suggests less than ideal shitty running conditions. Please be aware that this is based off the advance local weather forecast and conditions may change prior to race day.

Big bummer.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

It's a great day for the Irish, and everyone has their Irish going today.  The blogfriends Sarah, Page and Logan leave today for an adventure of a lifetime.  The girls are off to Japan, Thailand and Hawaii for about five weeks.  They are conducting a survey with one question in mind, "What is the most important thing in your life?"  They will be blogging the adventure, so keep them company and follow along here.

Nine Blonds and a Brunette

A friend from my Wall Street days, Melissa, turned the big 5-0 yesterday. I assembled eight of her friends and hosted a terrific luncheon. It was a relatively easy menu, starting with two of my favorite dips, tzatziti and grilled eggplant spread paired with whole wheat pita triangles.  For the entrée, because it was a Friday in Lent, I roasted salmon and served it with red pepper and corn relish.  I lightly seasoned newly discovered Israeli couscous with pine nuts and parsley (Whole Foods carries the pearl-size morsels in bulk).  Mesculin lettuce with asparagus, chives, grated carrots and honey mustard dressing rounded out the meal.  For dessert, I made the most amazing cake!  What was most amazing is that I made it without the aid of my Kitchen Aid, which after 18 years of regular use had to be sent in for repair.  I pulled together a basic yellow cake with ten eggs and a pound of butter, folded chopped strawberries into a basic pastry cream for the center filling, whipped up some heavy cream with powdered sugar and Voilà!  The best strawberry shortcake ever.

Cool Picture of Brad Pitt

From Access Hollywood

Woohoo: Mad Men Barbie Dolls

Coming soon to a toy store near you!

Teen Son Starts Legally Driving Today

Aside from driving down lone country roads and pulling in and out of the driveway, the teen son officially begins driving today.  He has his first behind-the-wheel lesson scheduled for after school.  Ruh roh.  They say getting a driver's license is the most significant event in a teen's life.  It was for me. 

iPhone Fully Operational After Immersion

All functions on the iPhone are working as usual since being dropped into the toilet.  Incredible.  I'm not sure if it is a testament to quick response and the drying out methods employed, or simply the iPhone's ingenuity.  Either way, I'm happy to have my appendage toy back.

iPhone Down the Toilet

My most favorite gift of all time, the iPhone, fell in the toilet yesterday.  Luckily, the toilet was filling after a flush, and I swooped the phone up within the two second rule.  It was, however, fully immersed. Hopefully, it can be salvaged,  It dried out in a low oven before I propped it up on the heating vent over night.  I'll keep you posted.  Bummer.

Spring Can't Be Too Far Off

Oscar Picks

Just in case you're dying to know my thoughts on the Academy Awards, here's what I selected in an Oscar Pool today (I've seen three movies on this list, The Hurt Locker, Up and Julie and Julia):
Best Picture: Avatar
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer for The Last Station
Best Supporting Actress: Anna Kendrick for Up in the Air
Best Original Screenplay: Inglourious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino
Best Adapted Screenplay: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Geoffrey Fletcher
Cinematography: The Hurt Locker: Barry Ackroyd
Editing: Avatar: Stephen E. Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron
Art Direction: Avatar: Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg, Kim Sinclair
Costume Design: Nine: Colleen Atwood
Original Score: Up: Michael Giacchino
Original Song: Crazy Heart: T-Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham("The Weary Kind")
Best Makeup: Star Trek: Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow
Best Sound Mixing: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Geoffrey Patterson
Best Sound Editing: The Hurt Locker: Paul N.J. Ottosson
Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, Andy Jones
Best Animated Feature Film: Up: Pete Docter
Best Foreign Language Film: El secreto de sus ojos (Argentina)
Best Documentary Feature: Which Way Home: Rebecca Cammisa
Best Documentary Short: Music by Prudence (2010): Roger Ross Williams, Elinor Burkett
Best Live Action Short: Miracle Fish: Luke Doolan, Drew Bailey
Best Animated Short: La dama y la muerte: Javier Recio Gracia

Teen Rivalry

Me to Young Will:  "Well, does he know that you are going out with her?"
Young Will to Me:  "Yeah, Mom, he's not dead."

Quote of the Day

"In this age of information, information should not be aged."

-K.F. Rogers         

As I write a web maintenance proposal for Sleepy Town's public high school, I just coined my tag line.  Good, eh?

Compartmentalizing those Pesky Thoughts

In an attempt to keep my Mac organized, and mind clutter-free, I drag unwanted files into the trash bin regularly.  They are out of sight, out of mind.  I never, however, empty the trash.  There may be some remote need for the file in the future, I think.  Today, with some anxiety, I ceremoniously emptied the trash.  Even if I wanted to revisit something, I can't.  It's gone.  From now on, I'm moving all of those unnecessary, pesky and negative thoughts, which can sometimes consume my day, into the trash.  Then, immediately, I'm going to empty the trash.  Gone.  I just can't think that thought any more.  Gone.       

Paul Epperlein, MC, Makes People Laugh Again for Haiti Fundraiser

Comedian Paul Epperlein hosted another fundraiser last night to benefit Haiti Red Cross relief efforts.  Official reviews are not out yet, but Paul writes on facebook:

Great night, Great Fights, Great Cause.....Blood, Sweat, and Beers no tears...Thanks to La Boxing Hoboken for raising what is probably over 3K for Haiti.

Formspring and A Prayer from the Living World

Doctor Zero at Hot Air blog wrote a passionate post in response to the news of Andrew Koenig's suicide.  After reading his beautiful piece last night, I immediately wanted to share it with the teen blogson, but the whole suicide topic stifled my enthusiasm.  Young Will enjoys a good, thought provoking article as much as I do, so I filed the post, entitled 'A prayer from the living world', for a future occasion.  Little did I know that the occasion would present itself today.  Will was telling me at dinner about a new application that's all the rage among his friends on facebook.  The program is called formspring.  It is easily accessible through a facebook account and allows users to contact friends anonymously and ask them random questions.  The questions and answers are posted for all to see.  The teen blogson was giving me some examples of how people become so bold when they are anonymous.  He seemed concerned, and compelled to share some of the mean comments that had been written on the formspring page of one of his friends.  The conversation naturally evolved into how hurtful teens can be to each other.  Add the element of anonymity into the mix, and there can be real trouble and serious pain.  We talked about coping mechanisms.  I read Doctor Zero's beautiful piece to Will, and in usual form, I couldn't get through it without crying, which always adds an element of comic relief to our togetherness.  The moral of the story:  formspring offers a potentially fun, but dangerous social forum, which will challenge kids' ability to decipher reality.  There is just so much out there to challenge kids' confidence, that communication is critical; even the God-awful discussion of suicide.  Thanks Doctor Zero for the thoughtful assist.        

Lots of Snow

The snow is tapering off. Schools are closed for the second day.  The airport is closed. It's the last weekend in February!

 

 

 

 See more amazing pictures of snow here.

Tangerine Shoes

Love 'em or hate 'em?  I can't tell yet, but love that I paid $39 at TJ Maxx for these little jelly numbers.  They're well made comfort by Taryn Rose, an orthopedic doctor-turned-shoe designer, and retail on Zappos for $90.  About five years ago, I paid a ton of money for a pair of her ballet slipper-type shoes, and never regretted it.  Still wearing them, in fact.  Be good to your feet.

It is a Good Spot for a Tattoo

 

H/T The Frisky

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.