Here to Ann Arbor

AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.....

2012-02-11T20:19:00.003-05:00

So much talent, so much grace, and so much beauty in your song and face. I will always love you. May you be in a happier place. Rest in peace, sweet Whitney Houston

SAUTEED COCKLES AND ZUPPA INGLES

2012-02-04T17:32:00.011-05:00

These are cockles, little clams that are rich in flavor. We fried them in a little olive oil and garlic for 15 minutes and then a few minutes more with parsley. Delicious! Quite contented here Afterwords for dessert, Zuppa Inglese my Zuppa Inglese recipe :

3 1/4 C milk
7 egg yolks
1 C sugar
1 Tbs Vanilla extract
1 Tbs flour
1/2 bar unsweetened dark chocolate
12 lady fingers
2 tbs Alchermes
2 tbs rum

Line a tall pan or casserole dish with ladyfingers soaked in Alchermes and rum. (the Alchermes adds a bright cherry color and richness) In the mean while, simmer milk on high for several minutes, without boiling. Whip eggs, sugar and flour and add to milk, continue on low boil for about 15 minutes stirring constantly. Refrigerate this custard and then add a layer above the lady fingers. Melt chocolate and add to 1/2 the custard mixture. Repeat the layering process, plain custard, lady fingers, and chocolate custard. Refrigerate3 hours to overnight. (the longer it's refrigerated the less bitter the alcohol will be) Eat, then relax ! Happy Sunday :)

Dinner and A Floor Show

2012-01-28T17:55:00.013-05:00

We had peppers,steak and onions with rice. Above, our little guest, Bill's grandson and my nephew Christopher. A rainbow of foods is healthy. Almost done ! Ah! Here it is ready to eat. Although Quisp has excellent table manners, he's not allowed to dine at the table. And after dinner, a little floor show by a little guy who's interested in getting into the entertainment industry and practicing his exhausting dance routine.

Distant Lands but Close Friends

2012-01-18T15:39:00.017-05:00

Friends may be from distant lands and yet our friendship is true. Above and below, a beautiful card from Jenny Eshjey of Malaysia who is one of my earliest blog friends. I've come to know Jenny and her family through our emails and correspondence and she is a kind and wise soul, who's raised three children that she calls her precious gems. I feel fortunate in meeting and getting to know her. She has given me advice and wisdom, sympathetic and a very loving mother. Check out her site and discover a wonderful family who work together in helping each other. Above, from Sabrina and Luca, I received photos photo of their beautiful, bubbly and very bright little baby Alice Ginevra. Alice Ginevra has the best parents in the world. Check their site out. I also received a tortellini magnet, as delicious looking as the ones Luca and Sabrina cook in their own kitchen. They know I love cooking and food and this gift was perfect for me! Holding a photo of Alice Ginevra, I must get a frame for it. Below from Brigitta, a birthday card and a handmade Christmas card, and the first ever hand created card I've ever received. Detail of talented and creative Brigitta's card showing a real scarf around the snowman's neck and stars she affixed herself.Brigitta's website is here and please have a look. I was ill with the flu at the time of delivery and these greetings warmed my heart. The temperature at the time was 5F and with the flu and accompanying chills and sweats, these not just brought me happiness, but also comfort on the coldest week this winter. My warm and sincere thanks for these lovely greetings!

JOYS OF CHRISTMAS

2011-12-27T13:14:00.012-05:00

For Christmas appetizer, we had cod fish salad. Tortelloni Chestnuts, Bill recieved this cool apron from a friend, Eat, drink and be merry, Zuppa Inglese my friend in the hospital just began walking again, the blessing of independence ! You can't put a price on that.....

Merry Christmas to All and To All, A Good Night...

2011-12-24T12:27:00.005-05:00

Wishing my bloging friends a very Merry Christmas !

BERNARDO 1999 -- DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-19T21:08:00.006-05:00

Bernardo below playing at 3 years. We love you and miss you.

Blogger Hibernation

2011-12-09T10:56:00.004-05:00

Hi friends, I will be taking a blogger's hibernation and some "me" time. I'll be back sometime soon, although I may not be commenting, I'll still be thinking of you.

BEING A FRIEND

2011-12-05T17:38:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I visited a friend in the hospital. She broke her foot in three places and has been hospitalized since the surgery. Hospitals can be lonely and boring. Her birthday is Tuesday. She asked for a teddy bear. Her family doesn't visit much. She colored me some pictures and a Christmas card. Being in the hospital can be depressing and she really wanted & needed a friend to stop by and pass time with. I'll visit her again soon and cheer her up.

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL IS BACK!

2011-11-30T10:22:00.021-05:00

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL IS BACK!

UPDATE: Hoke Voted Big Ten Coach of the Year by Media and Coaches. The Big Ten Conference announced Wednesday (Nov. 30) that University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke was chosen as the Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year, as selected by conference coaches, and the Dave McClain Coach of the Year, as picked by the media.

Hoke becomes the 19th coach in the 131-year history of Michigan football.

Hoke was hired as Michigan's head football coach on January 11, 2011.

In February 1995, Hoke was hired as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan under head coach Gary Moeller. He was the defensive end coach in 1995 and 1996 and defensive line coach from 1997 to 2002. In May 2002, Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr named Hoke as associate head coach, the only member of the staff with that distinction.

On November 26 2011, Hoke's Wolverines defeated Ohio State in Hoke's first season as the Wolverines' head coach, clinching Michigan's first 10-win season since 2006. Hoke's 2011 team also held Michigan's first winning record in Big Ten conference play since 2007. Michigan's win over Ohio State in the long-standing rivalry was its first since 2003.

Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison a finalist for national assistant of the year award.

He led the Wolverines to a defensive renaissance this year, with his 4-3 scheme and emphasis on fundamentals setting the tone for a group that finished the regular season ninth in scoring defense. It allowed 17.2 points per game.

The Wolverines allowed 35.2 points per game last year, tied for 107th in the country. That's an improvement of 18 points per game and 98 spots in the rankings, with largely the same players as they had last year.

Coach Mattison has done an outstanding job coaching the defense this year. Greg left the NFL to coach at Michigan and I am very happy with his accomplishments thus far!

He has said the only reason he came back to college was because his best friend, Brady Hoke, was named head coach at Michigan. Mattison was an assistant for the Wolverines from 1992-96.

Michigan Stadium is the third largest stadium in the world.

On September 10, 2011, Michigan Stadium drew its largest attendance for a football game to date. A crowd of 114,804 saw Michigan defeat Notre Dame, 35–31, setting a NCAA collegiate football attendance record. This was the first night game at Michigan Stadium ever. For this event the players dressed in “old style” uniforms shown below.

The Notre Dame game was the craziest game of the year. The end of the game was spectacular as 3 touchdowns were scored in the final minute and 12 seconds! Michigan special teams scored another touchdown on the final play but, because time ran out they were not credited with the score.

Michigan center David Molk named Big Ten's offensive lineman of year; 3 other Wolverines earn awards.

Fifth-year Michigan senior center David Molk (50) was named the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year on Monday night. Tackle Taylor Lewan (77) was a second-team selection by the coaches and honorable mention by the media.

Toussaint and Robinson (below) both broke the 1,000-yard season rushing barrier against Ohio State, the first time that's happened since 1975 and only the second time in school history. The Wolverines averaged 235.7 yards rushing per game as a team, second in the Big Ten.

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson (16) and tailback Fitz Toussaint (28) both eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the season.

Robinson Accounted for five touchdowns and more than 330 yards of total offense in Saturday's win over Ohio State, becoming just the fourth player in NCAA history to gain 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a season twice in his career.

The Wolverines blocked well against the Buckeyes, leading to 40 points and a career day for Robinson. He completed 14-of-17 passes for 167 yards and rushed 26 times for 170 yards. He accounted for five touchdowns, a team quarterback record against Ohio State.

Robinson finished fifth in the Big Ten in rushing, fifth in passing and first in total offense.

Last spring I predicted this team would finish the regular season 9-3. They have exceeded my expectations and have finished 10-2 !!!! Michigan’s post season bowl game will be announced Sunday night. Michigan is currently ranked #17 in the AP poll.

This year the Big Ten conference changed again with the addition of the University of Nebraska. Now with a total of 12 teams split into 2 divisions; the first ever Big Ten Championship game will be played featuring #15 Wisconsin vs. #11 Michigan State University. Michigan beat #17 Nebraska Nov. 19 45 – 17.

Also this year was THE BIG CHILL

The Big Chill at the Big House set a record for attendance at a hockey game, and was capped by pomp and spectacle and a rout of Michigan State.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

2011-11-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

For Thanksgiving, we had tagliatele e ragù. The tagliatele were bought in Zabars, we only made the ragu. chef at work :) celery, carrots, onions and beef Happiness is a busy kitchen ! The next day we had semolina in brodo (broth) Pancake is 2 C semolina, 5 eggs,3 C Pamigiano-Reggiano, 1 1/2 grated nutmegs, and 3 Tbs butter,mixed well and fried 25 minutes on one side & 15 minutes on the other. cut into"quadretti", squares. broth is 1 chicken, 6 beef short ribs 1 carrot 1 onion 1 celery stalk, pepper and a couple rinds of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Saluta ! Cheers ! crème caramel My soup all ready to eat :) My cappucino martini completes my meal. Enjoy ! Brad

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, A HELL OF A TOWN

2011-11-20T07:53:00.053-05:00

This post is dedicated to both the tragic and the happy of NYC. Foremost, it is about the wonderful and unique that is New York City. Freedom Tower or as it will be known simply WTC 1. The building is still under construction. a bronze mural depicting the fire & collapse of the atrocious attack The Vessey Street Pedestrian Bridge of enormous windows offering a view of Ground Zero. The areas of The Twin Towers is a fountain now. Because it was "First Responder's Day", a memorial for the families of victims was held and no others were permitted to enter. Tribute to police and fire men who lost their lives during rescue on 9/11 God bless the victims and their families. The Museum of American Finance Sculptor Arturo Di Modica, an immensely talented American-Italian sculptor, originally from Sicily created this fantastic sculpture, The Bull on Wall Street, representing financial optimism and prosperity. He also offered to create the bear, the two animals represent the rises and falls of the stock market. DiModica spent 360,000 creating and casting his gift to New York, the city he loves. Protesters of "The Occupy Wall Street" have been the source of disturbance. Thursday evening 177 protesters were arrested. Police had all of The Financial District barricaded, some places were even closed at normal business hours, below the mounted police remain prepared for intervention. Naturally an encounter with the protesters occurred. However this was a "tiny" gang on stilts, walking to the tune of The O'Jays "For the Love of Money" and were quite entertaining & very peaceful. Really, I urge you to watch the videos below. These guys symbolize the "big men" on Wall Street. The protesters above stood before The Standard Oil Building. Below is 40 Wall Street, The Trump building The New York Stock Exchange in the 2 photos below Federal Hall with George Washington on the steps Zabars is all things food. The New York Historical Society with Abraham Lincoln on the steps The Dakota, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived and where she still maintains her NY residence. The gate where John Lennon was shot by a psycho. The gas lanterns outside The Dakota Strawberry Fields was dedicated on what would have been Lennon's 45th birthday, 9 October 1985. The signs are of paper, as adoring fans take them as souvenirs. The mosaic featuring "Imagine'', the title of Lennon's famous song. Like John Lennon himself, Strawberry Fields is peaceful. The mosaic is a gift from Naples, Italy. Yoko herself donated over one million dollars to the project and it's maintenance. a native kindly poses with his Maltese, Lily I had a beer at Cognac on Broadway New skating rink Time Warner Building This happy volunteer dances as he collects for the needy. Watch this video, you will get a lift. CNN Building In Times Square I thank my blogging friends for taking this mini tour with me.

GARDEN KITTY

2011-11-17T13:36:00.008-05:00

This is the neighborhood kitty. He is always friendly. He likes pets and treats. He will look out to find and greet you. He loves his freedom. I asked him in on a cold, rainy day, but he prefers it outside and would only stay in for a few minutes. He is very vocal and will call when he spots a friend. He is a wonderfully mannered dinner guest, but only outside at his own "table".

REMEMBERING OUR VETS

2011-11-11T19:31:00.006-05:00

Please take a few moments today to remember our soldiers, both fighting and departed. The war has been going on much, much too long. These young people NEED to come home. We urgently need an end to the bloodshed and billions of dollars spent on war. There are many problems in America, their children sent home in a box should not be one of them. God bless America and our troops and see them safely home. Please join in prayer to end the senselessness.

SNOWY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-29T17:57:00.014-04:00

I always love a white Christmas, but I can't recall a white Halloween. Check out the funky snow hair do on this guy. Only this year. It made Halloween decorations more interesting. The ghoul above in a snow trimmed cape, Originally Halloween was when poor people went to homes for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. And dressing scary for warding off evil souls. I celebrated early this year with my apple spice cake. I added pinches of cloves, nutmeg and ginger and two Tbs of cinnamon to my regular cake mix. The warmly scented aroma filled the air.. A Halloween toast to my blogging friends ! Happy Halloween !

YALE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND NEIGHBORHOOD

2011-10-24T13:34:00.048-04:00

This look at Yale University and neighboring areas is incomplete, but is as much as I felt like walking on a chilly, cloudy afternoon. Standing by several of Yale's 12 college's coat of arms, Yale University is the third oldest institution of higher education in The United States. Statue of Theodore Woolsey, rubbing his shoe is said to bring good luck and it's buffed to a good shine. United Church on The Green New Haven is an invigorating city filled with ambitious minds and dreams, Calhoun College, Yale School of Architecture, You can walk all day until your curiosity is quenched or your feet ache. Yale Repertory Theatre Berkeley College Window shopping down Chapel Street The Educated Burgher, serving popular American foods for decades. Camping out on The New Haven Green, in protest of the lack of jobs. Enjoy ! Brad

TRADITIONAL PUMPKIN PIE

2011-10-13T09:08:00.021-04:00

What do I share in common with Sophia Loren ? We both love pumpkin pie. Below, Sophia sets her dinner table. I am using a sugar pumpkin, these are smaller, sweeter pumpkins, primarily used for baking. Cut the pumpkins in two sections, keep the seeds (for baking) but discard the pulp. The shell should be cleaned. Sophia Loren's Pumpkin Pie Recipe which I used but with butter, rather than lard and two tablespoons of Cinnamon. Place the two pumpkin halves on a foil lined tray and bake 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour. Below Sophia in her kitchen. Pull the skin off the baked pumpkins once they're cooled. You can use the food processor to smooth the texture of the pumpkin. Sophia pauses by her tart. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ginger and I use 1 tbs cinnamon. Blending the pumpkin with the spices and sugar. (I use 1/4 C. brown sugar and 1/2 C regular sugar. I love the warm golden colors that go into pumpkin pie, it looks like Autumn colors. I'm roasting a red pepper on the stove top. then Ipeel most of the skin off, slice it and add a splash of vinegar, olive oil and some garlic, salt and pepper. Delicious! The pie is ready after 20 minutes on 450 degrees and then 50 minutes on 350 degrees. Then I sit down and taste the rewards of my cooking. This handsome & suave little guy has nothing to do with the recipe, Tony is a friend's pet and I think he's cute. Enjoy!

KITTY SALMON PARTY

2011-10-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

My kitties have a little party on my bed. Happy weekend :) Brad

CREAMY NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

2011-10-04T14:28:00.023-04:00

Friendships are among life's biggest rewards. I have this award for my blogging friends to express gratitude for their friendships, sharing with :

Jenny
Rita
Bob
Stephanie
Brigitta
Annie
Luca & Sabrina
Anto
Luiza
Bonnie
Cat from Sidney Thank you, and as Jenny says "May we be blogging friends till old age ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This is my recipe for a chunky, creamy and delicious classic, New England Clam Chowder.I start with 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 3 medium potatoes, Chopping and adding to boiling water. I add the hardest vegetables (carrots & celery) first. A minced slice of salt pork may add hearty flavor. These are cherrystone clams. There weren't any quahogs ,which are larger. I steam the refrigerated clams last, then mince and add to vegetable mixture with one cup of milk. (you can use cream or add a pat of butter for richness) This is a good, rich and chunky soup, perfect for these cold nights. Enjoy friends and stay warm :)

MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY

2011-10-01T21:28:00.000-04:00

A friend had broken her foot in three places. I visited today cause she is bored and lonesome and we had a nice visit at the nursing home.

AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL

2011-09-29T11:41:00.036-04:00

Autumn is my favorite season. The leaves changing into warm colors. Below is the "Best of Show"winning dahlia at The Autumn Harvest Festival. The dahlias below are "runner ups", I found every dahlia beautiful and would not have been able to select just one. All colorful and pretty different from each other. I love the bi-color dahlias as well as the one color. This was the winner of the floral arrangement contest. Very lively and colorful. And below second place a subdued, but very lovely rose and hydrangea arrangement. Also pretty with baby's breath, Lovely lavender colored arrangement other prize winning flowers Children on carousel pony rides (above) Pumpkins and scarecrows selling kitchen towels and dream catchers. Dreamcatchers were originally created by Chippewa,Native Americans to ward off bad dreams, usually made with wooden hoops, beads and feathers and hung by the bed. Funny vegetable characters This one has a cute hair do. Skeins of Alpaca yarn produced in Connecticut. These bears are very soft Alpaca is bred for their hair, similar to wool, but much softer. Some fancy pigeons, farm animals, Bird houses, Some of these bird houses were painted by children. fresh vegetables and spices, prize vegetables witches Two of the largest pumpkins in the area, This just about wraps up vegetable growing season. I have a few tiny tomatoes on the vine and my basil is still doing well, but I'm bringing in my Rosemary plant to winter indoors. Happy Autumn :) ♥

2ND CATARACT SURGERY WENT WELL

2011-09-26T14:05:00.008-04:00

I had cataract surgery last Thursday. This time I was pretty anxious to have it done and restore my vision. I was pretty groggy all day, but Friday I felt like having lobster. We all need something to look forward to, even something small ( these were chickens,weighing in at under 1.5 lbs) getting through rough spots, above my lobster the way I like it with plenty of butter. I had a nice quiet weekend. Happy week all :)

CAR SHOW

2011-09-20T12:14:00.012-04:00

It was a great day for a car show and not too hot. Above is a Cadillac. 1929 Packard. 1956 Mercury. Mack truck. 1964 Chevrolet Malibu convertible. 1965 Ford Galaxy convertible. You know that this Ford is very old when you see the wheels have wooden spokes!

BIRDS OF PREY

2011-09-18T08:06:00.006-04:00

At this discussion, four birds were displayed, below is a Barn Owl, born in captivity and unable to live in the wild. The Screech Owl, a very little owl. This eagle The Red Tail Hawk and again, the barn owl I had a wonderful time : ) Happy Sunday, Brad

BY THE SEA

2011-09-12T12:06:00.014-04:00

Enjoy inhaling a breath of fresh air. Distraction is good. Change an be good.I believe life is what an individual makes of it. Below two ladies ready for kayaking. There are good times and bad along the route of life. Times are tough, we must be tougher during trials. I appreciate the beauty of a casual slow Sunday stroll. window shopping. This is a cute bird house. It has character. Some color in an unexpected place, These little distractions bring me a sense of peace in a world without much of it. Steak sandwich, ala Lou's Steak house style, paper thin steak,tomatoes, onion and lettuce. A bite and a smile and hopes for a bright future for us all. God bless us all, every one of us.