Reflections – in words

I previously posted reflections in pictures, just to get back into the swing of things after having taken some time to attend to life happenings, and now I will try my best to convey some recent events without being boring : )

 

It all started with a fantastic heat wave in July. The dog days of summer were definitely dog days this summer of 2013. High humidity, high heat, sweat pouring off every part of one’s body with the mere act of stepping out of the front door, hazy, crazy days that should have been practiced as lazy as well; but try to tell that to an older gentleman who was accustomed to doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and with a will that enabled him to walk and drive right up to one week before he passed away to the next phase of life. We imagine he entered his new life with similar energy.

 

Memories are made in each little moment of each ordinary day. Small gestures of caring given, and acknowledgement of any gesture of caring received, are things that are remembered by those we love, and by those who love us. To pay attention to, and to appreciate, the simple gifts of everyday life, is to find happiness that is lasting and true.

We will always remember that our children came right home to be present during a difficult time, to offer their love and support, and to add to the family memories already banked. We received lots of support from siblings, cousins (honorable mention to MC and JC), and friends. Individual lives are reminders that we are all connected.

 

When I walk on the weekends, the walk is four miles, two miles longer than the two mile walks I take during the work week. On my weekend walks, the first two miles are a little bit more difficult psychologically. When I turn around to start the return trip, I feel good, I don’t care what happens, I’m through the hard part and now I can just enjoy the scenery, breathe deep, and be alert for any extraordinary things that may cross my path since I don’t feel like I have to pace myself the rest of the way. JS and I just celebrated thirty married years together. If our marriage were to be compared to my four mile walk, we have just completed the first two miles, pacing ourselves, paying attention to raising children, creating time for the extended family, and planning for our future. Now we start the return trip. The next thirty years I envision as a time for enjoying different aspects of the same road, breathing a bit more deeply, taking more time to enjoy our inner lives, and watching the turns the lives of our children take. I am looking forward to the return trip, and I know the metaphor is an oversimplification of life, just chalk it up to poetic license. 

Wishes to you for happiness and wellness coupled with an appreciation for each moment.

Reflections

Using photos for this blog, will jump back in to writing soon.

Be Back Soon

Life happenings need my attention at present, so will be back as soon as time permits. Wishing all readers happiness and health.

Gazpacho and Caprese Salad

One of my favorite summer things to eat is gazpacho; it's easy, healthy, and cool. I recently discovered a great salad idea at a local Italian restaurant too, so I'm including my version of that below, along with the recipe for gazpacho.

Gazpacho

3 lbs. tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 bell pepper
1 jalapeno pepper
bunch of basil or coriander
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
1/3 c. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. olive oil (or more if you desire)
juice of two fresh lemons
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 can V8 tomato juice (optional)
I also like to add curry powder (inspired by my hubby) and hot red pepper flakes, totally optional

Just food process everything except the celery together, the celery is better left in chunks then added to the food processed soup. Adjust ingredients to suit your taste. We also like to throw in avocado chunks to the finished soup. Great accompanied with sprouted bread toast.

Caprese Salad - 1 serving

1 head romaine salad
1 regular or 2 plum tomatoes, nice and ripe
roasted red peppers
fresh mozzarella cheese
fresh basil
olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or a nice Italian dressing

I use one head of salad per serving. Chop up the lettuce, slice the tomatoes then slice them in half, cut enough strips of roasted red pepper to cover the salad plate, cut half a round of fresh mozzarella in to chunks, and chop the basil into easily eaten strips.

Put the salad on a plate, then decorate it with all the other ingredients. Put dressing on to taste.

Some Foods of the Middle East

We like food. We like GOOD food. We feel very fortunate to have discovered in Allentown, PA, a Syrian presence along with ethnic Syrian restaurants rife with absolutely out of this world offerings for the most discerning palate. Take a look at the Damascus Restaurant web site for a sample of what is available, here. If you've never eaten Middle Eastern food, this restaurant is the place to start, it's ALL good! I've taken the liberty of snapping some shots of our latest dining experience at Damascus, and I hope if/when you are ever in the area, you are able to stop in to enjoy same.

Babaghannouj
Smoked eggplant dip blended with lemon juice, garlic & sesame paste. (rear plate)
Labnie
Yogurt spread. This is home made yogurt, best I've ever tasted.  (plate in foreground) I meant to get a shot of the appetizers before we started, forgot, and almost missed even getting these!!!! It is THAT good!!!

 Lovely olives

 Stuffed grape leaves

Tabouli
Chopped parsley, onions and tomatoes mixed with bulgar wheat, oil, lemon juice and spices

 Lovely fresh garden salad with each entre

 Know why this is their slogan? Because it's true!

Lamb Supreme
Cubes of lamb, mushrooms, green peppers, onions cooked with our special spices.

Moussaka
Spears of eggplant topped with chick peas and onions, baked in tomato sauce.

Kafta Kabob
2 skewers of ground beef mixed with parsley & onions and topped with fresh tomatoes and tahini sauce.

Falafel
Ground chick peas, combined with fresh damascus spices, deep fried & topped with tahini sauce, tomatoes, parsley and lettuce.

Flours for Mother's Day

Being with people who think outside the box is always an adventure. On Mother's Day this year, I came downstairs to a bunch of flours, with a note from son J telling me he wanted to get me a classic Mother's Day gift. Classic it was!! As I looked around, I realized he had cleaned everything up as well, which, for me, was the best gift ever, as we had spent the previous day in NYC, got home late, and the house was a mess.

More treats awaited me...
 

 Hand mades and licorice drops from T&C

Below are some other flowers I am appreciating, and at the same time wishing I could send their lovely odors through the blog post, there is nothing quite like walking outside and being enveloped in the scent of lilacs and peonies : )