I stumbled across a quote by Albert Camus just as the weather was starting to shy away from crisp fall headlong into brittle winter cold. “In the midst of winter, I found there was within me an invincible summer.” I’m not much of a philosopher, and I was never very good “literary devices” – the ... Read More about An Invincible Summer
An Irish Woman’s Red Sauce
As a "non-Italian", it took me a while to figure out that the caliber of an Italian woman is measured by the quality of her red sauce, known to us Anglos as “spaghetti sauce.” Growing up in northeast Wisconsin, I knew exactly one Italian person, a guy in my high school. This neck of the woods has ... Read More about An Irish Woman’s Red Sauce
An Italian Grandmom’s Meatballs
Not long after I met the people who would become my in-laws, I learned that my right of passage, as only the second non-Italian to join the family, was to master Grandmom’s meatballs. Grandmom and my mother-in-law had been making these meatballs for decades. Hands down, no matter who I talked to, ... Read More about An Italian Grandmom’s Meatballs
Getting on Track: Back to Basics
I have tried what feels like a million time management or organization systems and tools over the years. At every turn, it seems there’s someone inventing a “new” way to get and stay organized. Way back in high school, when we were still using a rock and chisel for assignments, I bought my first ... Read More about Getting on Track: Back to Basics
Hold the Spice, Please!
You’re not going to believe this, and don’t tell anyone, but Taco Bell© is spicy. That’s right, you heard me. Taco Bell© is spicy. Oh, I’m not talking about their flaming hot sauce. I’m talking their plain old, ground beef, taco meat. And, I no longer eat it in polite company. There was a time ... Read More about Hold the Spice, Please!
Belly-Warming Beef Stew
Growing up, there was nothing better than smelling my mom’s beef stew slowly simmering on the stove. She more usually made it in winter, when a hot is most welcomed. And, just before the stew was done, she’d quickly whip up a batch of baking powder biscuits – there was no such thing as tube biscuits ... Read More about Belly-Warming Beef Stew
The Best Book for your BFF
The Book Addict First, I must confess I’m a book addict. I can’t walk by a display of books without picking one up. My "to-be-read" list will outlive me. Not only did I start reading early, but I found my love of reading at a very young age (thank you Curious George!). We lived just 3 blocks from a ... Read More about The Best Book for your BFF
Getting Braces as an Adult
As much as I hate going to the dentist, I love my dentist…I really do. I’ve been with him and his family for over 30 years. Heck, I put both his boys through college and dental school! He’s taken great care of me over the years, literally held my hand through two crowns. I couldn’t convince him to ... Read More about Getting Braces as an Adult
Simple Homemade Egg Noodles
Growing up, I always enjoyed watching my dad make egg noodles. Everything was done by hand. My dad was never one to break a sweat, so to speak. He was never in a rush, and had the patience of a saint. His noodle making was no different. He’d carefully mix the dough to just the right feel, and slowly ... Read More about Simple Homemade Egg Noodles
Beautiful Raised Baby Shell Afghan
I was a Girl Scout ….for several years…and I’m proud to say that. “In my day,” you started at Brownie level, and I loved it! My uniform and brown beanie were fabulous! I progressed to Junior, Cadette, then Senior Scout before I left to become a Candystriper at a local hospital (we'll save that ... Read More about Beautiful Raised Baby Shell Afghan