tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49430346023992300002024-03-12T18:30:35.461-07:00Living Graciously in 3/4 TimeMsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-3817552504562658262011-08-07T11:01:00.000-07:002011-08-07T11:17:45.239-07:00Lazy day.....with plans.Today is laundry day, which means I watch trash TV while I'm folding clothes. I mean REAL trash....E Behind the Story (Snooki), ICE T Loves Coco, and then when I'm thoroughly disgusted with myself, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I'll need a shower after this. <br /><br />While waiting for the next load to finish, I've been looking at real estate and decorating ideas. Because besides loving to look at houses that are MUCH more organized than mine, I'm starting to gear myself up for a move. I've lived in my house for 15 years and, even though I made it mine, it was never the house "my house". My ex picked the house based purely on base price - it was a mess. We were in that unenviable position of having to make a fast decision, and talked me into promising me we'd fix it all up. Well, Murphy's Law, we split up less than two years later and I've had to do it on my own. I'm not bitching, I made it work and it more than fit my needs for the years I lived here - it provided a good home for my kids and I was able to take care of my mom here before her passing. But now, it's time to move on. I'll write more about where I'm going next post, right now it's fantasy looking.<br /><br />My youngest is moving into her senior year of high school, and once she finishes, I want to be ready to go. With this market, I'm not sure when to put it on, but first I have to get serious about paring down and organizing. <br /><br />I need a wife........MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-30657104370872112892011-07-24T09:29:00.000-07:002011-07-24T10:14:35.915-07:00The Help and some help for me.It's been a long time since I've posted. I'm sure that anyone who ever followed me is long gone now. But, I'm picking up this blog again. For no other reason than, I need the outlet to write as I like - and because I've noticed that many of the blogs I used to love to read have disappeared. I need the written word. To create - I write for a living, but it's forced into very strict guidelines and the real "me" often cannot be seen in it's pages. Besides, it's technical and as much as those who know me might disagree, I'm not really a geek. <br /><br /><br />Why did I go away? Living sped up even more. Unfortunately, loss was the overriding theme.<br /><br />In the last two years, I lost my mother after a long illness, was forced from a long time relationship (something I thought was a great loss at the time) and less than a month ago lost my oldest sister. To say I've been spinning like a pinball at the hands of a particularly good player would be putting it mildly. I often thought about writing while all of this was going on, but in reality I was hunkered down. I marked a successful day as one I got through. I wouldn't describe my coping skills as ones to be recommended. I insulated and medicated far more than necessary. I shut out most of my friends and acquaintances. My ability to laugh was sorely compromised. I comfort shopped. In short, I was a textbook case for what NOT to do. The only thing I can say is I survived - worse for wear, but I survived. My kids didn't suffer at the hands of my craziness - I managed to keep my job. <br /><br />Now, I think I may be starting to cross over to the other side "Attraversiamo" Liz's word from Eat, Pray, Love. Ok, it's hokey, but I really identify with her. If I've not crossed over, I'm at least preparing for the next steps.....weigh loss surgery, de-cluttering my life and getting rid of the house I've hated for 16 years to move south to place that I choose and a lifestyle that will finally be of my choosing. I will be 50 years old next year - it's about time.<br /><br />I will write about them here - when I can and I am setting myself the discipline of writing for ME at least once a week. For a long time I looked at writing in my blog as a busman's holiday. You know, when the bus driver goes on vacation, the last thing he wants to do is drive. But now I'm slowly starting to realize that I'm having thoughts that I want to share and for the first time I don't care if they're hokey, I don't care if I'm judged, I just want to get them out. I find that this starts when I read books that excite me. I may not have the fiction bug (yet), but I love the written word.<br /><br />When was the last time you liked a book so much that you reread it? Not a year later, not 5 years later, but within a month? The first time you cannot put the book down, speeding through to find out what happens (at least that is what I do), yet still feel satisfied by the story? I have a list of books that I reread from time to time for the pure satisfaction of them:<br />1. The YaYa books, <br />2. Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series, <br />3. Tales of the City, <br />4. To Kill a Mockingbird, <br />5. Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises). <br />6. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter<br />7. The Daniel Silva Gabriel Allon Series<br />8. The Basketball Diaries<br />9. We Were Just Kids ..Patty Smith<br />10.......and yeah, Eat Pray Love <br /><br />I think that "the Help" will be added to this list now, too. I initially resisted it because the book jacket mentioned the Oprah book club and I normally avoid those books like the plague. I'm no fan of Sophie Kinsella or other "chick lit" books. They're not poorly written, but just not my preference. The Help however, has a healthy dose of great characters, a storyline that captures you and writing that allows you visualize the story as though you were a fly on the wall. I love that kind book. I know when a book makes my "reread" list when it makes me want to tell a story, maybe my story, too.MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-57497341979533191192010-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:002010-12-10T15:16:44.925-08:00Hopefully heading homeI wrapped up several days worth of meetings in Barcelona - still sick, but got to see the Gaudi Cathedral, stroll a little along the Diagonal, but then headed back to the hotel to sleep it off. I'm headed home tomorrow, if weather in Frankfurt works with me. Will post pictures when I return.MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-82405694502303101372010-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:002010-12-08T13:39:57.655-08:00What will 2011 hold for you?I've been thinking quite a bit about the next chapter of my life. I have a job that I do enjoy and with luck I'll be doing this for a while (even though it burns you to the ground at times), but it doesn't stop me from thinking about the quality of my life going forward. If I did nothing, I'd blessed to say I have great quality of life, however, it's really the fact that I have the means to keep the wheels running without having to sell of children, possessions or pets. <br /><br />What I'm really thinking about is what will I DO in 2011 to enrich my life and those of others around me? Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna lose weight middle age and sedintary living has put me over the last five years (with help). I've been folding healthier eating in for the last six months so that helps....but all of that is prescriptive for physical health (no small task - still grimmacing in the mirror in the morning, mind you). <br /><br /><br />I'm talking more about spiritual, emotional and FUN for 2011. We've all been carrying the rock in one way or another. I'm thinking that there are graces in life that in all of our speed we have just dropped like hot potatoes. It's been nagging at the back of my mind for some time now, but I think it may just be time to start doing something about it. It may be faintly hipster for an old girl like me, but I want to get my hands into more of my life - you know?<br /><br />Some ideas that I'm tossing out - <br /><br />* letter writing on honest to God stationary (and not that cutey preppy shit) with a group of friends that I know would like to argue and discuss various subjects (Yes, Carl, I plan on tapping you)<br />* learning to do something that has no technology involved (think about it - everyting does today)<br />* guitar<br />* Language or Landscaping (I'm open)<br />* getting my friends off their asses to do museum runs or theater or something of that nature...it's time to embrace our early tour guides..............<br /><br />We've all been working so much without time for ourselves....and time is passing too quickly.MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-16060287097409690702010-11-17T07:04:00.000-08:002010-11-17T07:04:59.654-08:00From The Annals Of Chutzpah - The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan<a href="http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/11/from-the-annals-of-chutzpah.html">From The Annals Of Chutzpah - The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan</a><br /><br /><br />Ok, this made me shake my head - I think I need to go lay down...MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-5101842438358979482010-11-16T11:04:00.000-08:002010-11-16T11:07:51.576-08:00Anyone still there?Yes, I fell off the face of the earth - fell flat on my face a few times (literally)...fell into traveling way too much (mucho mileage), fell out of a relationship and trying to manage a few kick you in the gut health issues, so I just went MIA...testing to see if I want to come back. There is much changing in my life, and wondering if this outlet is still pertinent for me.MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-52845495100855447902010-01-12T17:15:00.001-08:002010-01-12T17:15:28.345-08:00Never First to the Table…..<p>What are your harmless obsessions?  I have so many, I wonder if it’s possible to count them.  If if it’s something I want on a regular basis, I count it as an obsession.  If I’m the only one that is affected by it, then to me, it’s harmless.  Today, I indulged in a few. I’ve been slaving over a white paper and while I know what I want to say, getting it out has been akin to having teeth pulled without Novocain.   When that is the case, I do indulge.  Now, in the past, the indulgence would have including a chicken wing or 10, but I’m trying not to go down that route.   Today, it’s much more mundane and just a wee bit healthier, but definitely not cooler.   </p> <p>I was at the epitome of cool when I shut down on television.  Seriously,  I had the toys, but the only TV I watched were old movies – I had TCM, Retroplex and Netflix on speed channel selection and web selection.  Other than perhaps MSNBC or looking for school closings, the only current TV I watched was the Daily Show with the kids.   </p> <p>Then…my downfall. I spent the the Thanksgiving holiday with my big sister and in the process got HOOKED on NCIS…..a show that I laughed at before. Now – I can’t stay away.   I love this show – watch the reruns and won’t move on a Tuesday night.   I wish I had done this when the thing first came on, so that I could be over it by now.     The only really unhealthy thing that still accompanies this is that I really like a Gimlet while I watch it…..</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-34815811958071559042010-01-08T08:21:00.001-08:002010-01-08T08:21:25.848-08:00And the beat goes on……<p>I received a Wii and a WiiFitPlus for Christmas.  I have been diligently doing my 30 minutes plus each day (except for the days that I haven’t been home).  It’s fun, but boy, there are few things that drive me crazy:</p> <p> </p> <p>1. The scale is way off – while I love what it says, it’s about five pounds lighter than my hi-tech bathroom scale (which is still in shock from being stepped on for the first time in oh, A YEAR). </p> <p>2. The awful “ooooh” or grunting noise that it makes when you step on it. Yeah, that’s really motivating.  </p> <p>3. You can build a program with yoga and strength but not with aerobics, what’s with that??</p> <p>4. I am so white that even the Wii disparages my lack of rhythm.</p> <p> </p> <p>Are you having a love/hate relationship with your Wii?</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-63314397660393711982010-01-05T06:52:00.001-08:002010-01-05T06:52:16.219-08:00Knock…..knock…..anyone still here?<p>As 2009 closed and 2010 slid into place, I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do in the new year.  Now that Mom has passed away, I can finally take more time for me.  So, instead of resolutions that are only going to be ignored or broken, I started to make a list of things that I wanted to do for myself this year.  Apart from the obvious – drop XX pounds (which I am FINALLY going to address this year), and be a better analyst, I have decided to focus more on what gives me a sense of self:</p> <p>1. Getting the house finished – new stove, new entry and floors, refinish the old floors and as much bathroom redo as I am willing to fund – and to do more of it myself, not just open my pocketbook.</p> <p>2. Getting back into what I love to do outdoors, mainly, golf and gardening. I’d also like to add photography to that list. </p> <p>3. Biking – not long haul stuff, but just not going for the car as the first mode of travel for a quick trip to the store. </p> <p>4. Relationship stuff – mainly get my head out of my ass and be more social. </p> <p>5. Blog.  I miss it and really want to get back to writing for the sake of writing again.  I’ve been reading Michael Palin’s first edition of his diaries and it sparked memories of what I loved about journaling. </p> <p>I don’t know if anyone still reads this blog, I suspect they don’t, but I have decided that it’s time to start writing again.  If you’re there, thank you for being patient. If I’m only writing for myself, well, that’s okay too.  This I’m doing for me.</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-55871891825606425852009-08-15T08:57:00.001-07:002009-08-15T08:57:50.909-07:00Insomnia....What a Bitch<p>What is it with insomnia?  All I know is that it tends to run in my family - on the female side of the family.   We could motor along all day, get bone tired, but as soon as we're prone in the bed, BAM, we're wide awake.  I just don't get it.   I had a quiet Friday night,  hadn't been feeling too well, so I was looking forward to watching some bad TV - yes, I wanted to watch "17 Again" without my 15 year old making fun of my cougarish crush on Zac Efron (it's a car crash, what can I say?).  I snuggled onto the couch with a comfy pillow and a cozy throw, cougared to my hearts content and felt good and sleepy by the end of the flick.   I made my way up to my bedroom:</p> <ul> <li>Extremely comfy bed with crisp pink sheets and soft white coverlet - CHECK</li> <li>Neck pillow that looks weird, but keeps me from waking up with a crick in my neck - CHECK</li> <li>Icky new age music that is guaranteed to knock me out - CHECK</li> <li>Small furry cat that does the happy dance whenever he thinks I'm going up to bed now - CHECK</li> <li>Ceiling fan on to make lovely cool breeze over me - CHECK</li> <li>Two "simply sleep" caps to act as a sledgehammer to one's head - CHECK</li> </ul> <p>Outcome?  Two hours of tossing and turning that was so bad that the cat was swatting me to keep still.  I gave up, went downstairs, tried to reenact the cozy couch snuggle - no good.  I felt "dry".  I got up, applied body oil to my entire body and tried again. No dice.  Walked around the house and cried a little - all that did was make me feel stupid, so I found "Immortal Beloved" on ON Demand and watched that...I think Beethoven did the trick because, then, as the light began to peek between the blinds on my sunroom, I drifted off...only to be woken up by some religious zealot knocking on the door wanting to save me at 9:30AM.  Swinging open the door, snarling and  looking like the ugly Medusa sister -  she reeled back, scattering fire and brimstone pamphlets all over my front porch and took off muttering what had to be some either sort of prayer or some sort of curse about why SHE was the one to get all the wackos..... I trudged off to inject caffeine (okay, make a pot of French Press) and try to get started on what is already a waste of a day. I know that come three o'clock in the afternoon I'll drop like a stone and repeat said incident minus Zac Efron and crazy religious zealot (or maybe she'll come back with reinforcements).... Insomnia....what a bitch.  </p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-6235507459083398072009-08-10T15:28:00.001-07:002009-08-10T15:28:02.408-07:00Weekend Wrap Up<p>I helped to stimulate the economy, support artists and local artisans and Meryl Streep, not that she needs it from me.    Saturday, R and I wandered through the <a href="http://www.collingswood.com/arts/crafts-and-fine-arts-festival">Collingswood Arts Festival</a>.  We bought some soaps and essential oils, some great photographs, including this one by Dan Westfall:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SoCe66qVTsI/AAAAAAAABTA/c3Bxh_28PNY/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SoCe7jwXNRI/AAAAAAAABTE/qF0yD-QNbCI/image_thumb.png" width="176" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Apennine mountain god, Florence Italy</p> <p>I also bought R some stuff by <a href="www.annmadeart.com">Ann-Made Art</a> who makes recycled jewelry - a portion of the sale goes to The Alliance For Climate Protection. She got:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SoCe8L076qI/AAAAAAAABTI/4xX5YWG4HvE/image%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SoCe8WlfKjI/AAAAAAAABTM/fj4ZVXCJCJw/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>and a really cute necklace that unfortunately is not on the website.  </p> <p>After a quick dinner at home, we went to the movies to see Julie/Julia.   Meryl was simply fantastic.  She chewed the scenery unmercifully, but it was perfect for the part.  R and I laughed out loud through most of it..if she doesn't get a nomination, there is no justice in Hollywood.  </p> <p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1270750f-b214-4f50-9060-4732d3e42f8a" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oeSgtWw7zEo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oeSgtWw7zEo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></div></div> </p> <p>On Sunday, the kids were sick of me (after breakfast at the diner), so I took off for the Garden State Wine Growers Association's Jersey Fresh wine festival - over 20 vineyards and good food.  I talked with my old boss at Amalthea Cellars (I had taken a sabbatical) about going back on a reduced schedule so that I can balance everything.   I forgot how much I missed pouring tastings for customers and doing food pairings.  It was 92 degrees and humid as hell....it made for everyone to be slightly loopy and happy...happy enough to buy a case of wine that I didn't need! *lol*</p> <p>I crashed like a  rock Sunday night..needless to say.</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-13097104758657025922009-08-09T07:03:00.001-07:002009-08-09T07:03:47.023-07:00Signs of Life.....<p>I haven't shut down the blog.  Life just got too overwhelming - rather one life going away got too overwhelming and posting became secondary.   My mom passed away.  She had been declining for some time and yes, there were times when we all wished it would just happen THEN and THERE, but when the time came - she made the decision and went out on her own terms.  My mom was a fighter - anyone who knew her could attest to that.  She took all the considerable crap life through at her and managed through.  She would drive her daughters crazy with her narcissistic side (because she could), but to everyone else, she was life itself, warm, caring, thoughtful and funny....the thoughtful and funny she showed to us many, many times.  Because of her, I became a much stronger woman than she thought she was.  Because of her, my daughter is a confident, lovely, well spoken and caring young woman, because to my mom, she was the sun and moon and stars.  </p> <p>When it was apparent that Mom was not going pull through this latest bout (broken pelvis and another stroke - girls, take your calcium, I have seen what osteoporosis can do to a woman), the thought of having no control over her body was enough.  My mother made the decision to stop her dialysis and let nature take its course.  That was the hardest thing  to watch and yet it was the most courageous thing I had ever seen.  She looked up and said, "I'm not a chicken, I'm not a chicken" to which the nurse sitting with her began to cry and told her that she was the bravest person on that floor (ICU), she was one of the bravest women she had every met.  My mom had that effect on people.   </p> <p>During Mom's stay at hospice, the staff was wonderful, they loved her, and most importantly, friends and family, some of whom she had not seen in 10 years came to see her - she was surrounded by love and she died peacefully, and in my arms.</p> <p>When it came time for the service - Mom requested no service and a simple cremation.  We could not obey the no service part. We knew that she requested that because she thought no one would care enough to come.  She was wrong.  People came and it was a celebration of her life and her love for everyone in that room.  We told stories and laughed and cried.  It was beautiful.  Back at the house, people stayed and stayed.  We all knew there was something special there...and no one was quite ready to let her go. </p> <p>In the month since that time, we've slowly been distributing her things to people who needed them, she would have wanted it that way.  Everyone was so wonderful and appreciative and I can never thank anyone enough - it brought a distant family back together. I can never thank her enough for what see gave me.  I love you, Mom. I never said it enough, but I will say it more now and continue to say it for the rest of my life. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sn7XQQNqAGI/AAAAAAAABS4/NT-PCX0Mkpc/Mom%20and%20Rachel%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="229" alt="Mom and Rachel" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sn7XQpxd0FI/AAAAAAAABS8/GenFIsh0Fp8/Mom%20and%20Rachel_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg" width="304" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Mom and Rachel at Mom's 80th Birthday Party</p> <p> </p> <p>More regular posts to follow...I promise - for anyone who is still reading this blog....</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-83865627085034775302009-06-01T13:19:00.001-07:002009-06-01T13:19:37.237-07:00odds n ends....Flying to Berlin Germany today - so hearing about the Air France crash was not cool. My flight is horribly overbooked, but Debbie at Newark's President's Club was an angel and nabbed me an aisle seat....if I have to take one gin to a desert island, it would still be Beefeater's...anyone know a decent restaurant in Berlin??? I love mobile blogging.MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-75889241325264633112009-05-13T16:46:00.001-07:002009-05-13T16:46:42.030-07:00Director Crush<p>Do you have a favorite director?  When you see that his/her films are coming out (or on TV), you make time to watch?  My director crush is Sidney Pollack.  Apart from the fact that there is a part of me that found him attractive (that cute intellectual Jewish guy look), I just LOVED his movies.  How could you not - especially if you're into man/woman relationship movies?  For example:</p> <ul> <li>The Way We Were</li> <li>Out of Africa</li> <li>Tootsie</li> <li>Bobby Deerfield</li> <li>Sabrina</li> <li>The Electric Horseman</li> <li>The Swimmer</li> <li>Absence of Malice</li> <li>Jeremiah Johnson</li> <li>They Shoot Horses Don't They?</li> <li>The Natural</li> </ul> <p>He was so great....</p> <p>There was an episode of the Directors about Sidney and then they showed the Natural - I just had to post.   </p> <p>Who is your favorite movie director?</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-88465561548098202172009-05-08T17:05:00.001-07:002009-05-08T17:05:30.994-07:00An Education<p>Tonight is one of those wonderful nights where I get to hang with my teenagers and they're not incredibly sullen.   We had a great dinner (lamb steaks in a sherry reduction, yellow rice and sautéed kale), a 2002 Rioja reserve - for me, okay???) and actual conversation.  I dropped my son off to his Spanner meeting and my daughter and I are listening to Lastfm.com - it plays songs based upon your selections - tonight we're going from Led Zeppelin to Ricki Lee Jones to Grand Funk to James Taylor to Walter Becker and Dionne Warwick- while chatting about her band.  The neighbor's kids are wandering in and out,their parents may wander over later to help me finish the Rioja.  This is the Friday night I love and crave - relaxed, chatty and fun.   I was a big 70's music fan (having grown up and come of age in the 70s) and sitting here and listening to it with my kids brings a whole new appreciation.  They ask what I was doing when these songs were popular (as overly honest as I am, I do censor a thing or two), and more importantly, where was my head when these songs were all so important.  It actually gives me a little more perspective on their likes, dislikes and challenges.  Sometimes it's a pain in the ass to parent teenagers, sometimes it reminds you why you went down this journey in the first place.  Today is most cool.</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-52947660214250903962009-05-08T09:33:00.001-07:002009-05-08T09:33:54.893-07:00Help me!!!<p>I'm carbbing and I can't give up.... about once a month I go on a bread kick (translates into three slices of bread in a day when I might eat one and a handful of tortilla chips.  How do I avoid this??</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-90057119861704588672009-04-25T20:09:00.001-07:002009-04-25T20:09:40.081-07:00An aching back, sore feet and purple hands....what a wonderful day!<p>Today we bottled a new Bordeaux blend at Amalthea; Europa VII, 33% Cab Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 33% Cab Franc.  This has been in the barrel since 2007 - Licorice,  plum and black cherry on the nose, it will be a powerhouse.  We bottled 130 cases - give or take.   Because we're such a small winery, everything is done by hand. Basically, we form a line, hook up the pump to a dispensing mechanism that fills 4 bottles at a time, and corking machine, (both of which have wonderful French names and writing on them, but don't ask me). The dispenser is calibrated by the bottle size.  One person hands over 4 empty bottles for hooking up on the dispenser, and as they are filled, they are handed to the person manning the corker, then over to the wipers who wipe off any excess wine and pack them in the cases.  I was a wiper today.  By the end of the tasks, my hands were purple!  </p> <p>It was hot as Hades today and I was glad to be in the cellar where its always cool.  What I really liked best was being part of something that will eventually become a work of art to be enjoyed with friends over a wonderful dinner.  We took turns figuring out what this wine will eventually pair well with.  </p> <p>BTW - we got a profile in the Newark Star Ledger!1  <a href="http://www.nj.com/insidejersey/index.ssf/2009/04/vintage_jersey.html">http://www.nj.com/insidejersey/index.ssf/2009/04/vintage_jersey.html</a></p> <p>Upstairs in the tasting room, it's been so much fun to see how the current vintages are evolving.  The Merlot is just perfect, forming nice, spicy notes and a little leather and clove in the bouquet.  The Cab Franc is at the mellow stage, nice balance of spice and strawberry. The Cab Franc Reserve continues to mature into one of the best Francs I've had....tons of strawberry and rhubarb with a slight spice just starting to develop (and this one is still a baby, only two months in the bottle - just wait until next year!).  The Cab Sauvignon is all red raspberry, bright and fruit forward, but subtle.   The Europa IV - 66% Cab Franc and 34% - has turned the corner and is ripening into what will be a wonderful vintage.   </p> <p>I was so beat when I got home, it was all I could do to throw together dinner, but I managed to grill steaks.  I took Cindy's suggestion at <a href="http://figslavendercheese.blogspot.com/">Figs, Lavender and Cheese</a> and put a smoked paprika rub on a couple of T-bones and grilled them, serving them with brown rice and steamed green beans.  I paired it with a 2002 Llewelling Cab...perfect age, and mellow, raspberry, black cherry and tobacco......yum.  </p> <p>I'm catching up on old movies on TMC - a good night :)</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-10046101211180394042009-04-10T17:12:00.001-07:002009-04-10T17:12:33.439-07:00Lazy Friday Night...and Shrimp Mediterranean<p>The kids are at their father's, my brain was full from a hectic week from work, so when Friday rolled around, I knew I needed a quiet night and a little cooking to chill me out.   I poured a sherry fino (Thanks to my friend Paul for turning me back on to this wonderful stuff!) and started to make dinner.  I had seen a recipe for <a href="http://elise.com/recipes/archives/007434baked_shrimp_in_tomato_feta_sauce.php">Baked Shrimp with Feta</a> on <a href="www.simplyrecipes.com">Simplyrecipes.com</a>, and knew that was what I had to have.   I opened a lovely Pinot Grigio (small Italian vineyard) and cut a slice of crusty Italian bread - it was heaven!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sd_gbYoUZSI/AAAAAAAABPo/fjx6ghVYfNE/IMG00026-20090410-1828%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="IMG00026-20090410-1828" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sd_gbszQFGI/AAAAAAAABPs/rryasOB5Q0w/IMG00026-20090410-1828_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sd_gb0pmkOI/AAAAAAAABPw/GBCZo83_WnY/IMG00027-20090410-1832%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="IMG00027-20090410-1832" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sd_gcJJG-EI/AAAAAAAABP0/MlwqoOSICRI/IMG00027-20090410-1832_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a></p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-29033275335555723192009-04-07T06:55:00.001-07:002009-04-07T06:55:39.441-07:00I Have NOT Fallen Off The Face Of The Earth.....(it just looks that way)<p>I work in a business that is a quarter by quarter race and our end of quarter was just insane.  This quarter is off with a bang, so the daily pace hasn't slowed a bit.  The winery has been super busy as well - I was in the fields stripping vines, which entails following the winemaker as he prunes the vines and pulling all of the cuttings off the wires so that they can be picked up by the tractor.  If not there, then pouring tastings, stacking glasses and preparing to bottle.  Forget about picking up a golf club, or even getting to the gym. I need a weekend to sleep and better calendar management ;-)</p> <p>More when I have time...I have LOTS of recipes to share...</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-6836445841366992342009-03-20T19:55:00.001-07:002009-03-20T19:55:03.185-07:00I Love Facebook....<p>Why? Because I can keep in touch in with old friends.  I used to work for the world's greatest research firm - unfortunately it was not a money making model and we got acquired by a much more successful organization.  It's a great gig - believe me. I had to leave and come back to realize it.  Still, the friends that I made at the old company have turned out to be some of the most cherished that I have.  We may only see each other occasionally, but when we do, the years fall away.   </p> <p>Anyway....back to Facebook - the best part of this is that we stay in touch via Facebook - we were and are, a force of geeks and Facebook works for us.  We can keep tabs on each other...and because of this, I was able to connect with my pal Paul, whom I adore, to let him know that I'll be in his neck of the woods for a business trip.  Paul, because of the ease that Facebook allows, (or they may actually TALK to each other, but I can keep with my train of thought) Paul to reach out to one of my all time favorite guys Slaby, to get together and have dinner at a wonderful Boston tapas place.   Isn't technology a wonderful thing?? This will make my whole trip  :)</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-31860192709917530902009-03-16T17:14:00.001-07:002009-03-16T17:18:37.628-07:00Weekend Recap<p>I'm suffering from anti-camera-itis.  Not sure why, I just forget to dig the camera out.  The weekend was pretty quiet. R was due to have a sleep-over Friday night and one of her guests was grounded Friday afternoon, so that shot that.   To make her feel better I made her a special wild mushroom and truffle pizza.  It was gorgeous and tasted great - do you think I remembered to take a picture of it?   NO!!!!!  Simple recipe - roll out some frozen pizza dough (after it's thawed - obviously), brush with a little truffle oil. I buy mine from this local purveyor, <a href="www.jdgourmet.com">JD Gourmet</a> and it's pungent as all get out.  Saute wild mushrooms, shallot  and baby bellas in a little olive oil and butter. Spread over the dough, add shredded mozzarella and drizzle white truffle oil over top. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes and you're in heaven.  </p> <p>Saturday I had to run errands, get the car fixed and see my mom for a bit.  The kids built my latest addition to the wine rack while I made dinner - can't even remember what it was now...  Watched the Graduate and fell asleep on the couch.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sb7rc2gxS2I/AAAAAAAABPY/enyee2BVdYw/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="108" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sb7rdO01TiI/AAAAAAAABPc/9KZSw-4CKCI/image_thumb.png" width="144" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Sunday, went into the winery and Louis told me I was ready to give tasting's. I did okay, still need to remember a lot more, but it was fun.  The 06 Cabernet Reserve is drinking so well right now - smooth, full with nice berry and some plum, not the least bit tannic...it's drinking more like a Bordeaux than a straight cab. The 06 Chardonnay has turned the curve, it's getting more golden and is becoming more buttery than ever.  All I can say is WOW.  While we have a loyal following, this place is the best kept secret in NJ!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sb7reGfbQkI/AAAAAAAABPg/BRU7GjoQiUQ/image%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sb7re0UHiTI/AAAAAAAABPk/i24TWDMiPH0/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>After we closed, Louis' mom made us some incredible pasta fagiole which we happily paired with the Cab Reserve.  She's a lovely lady and my co-worker and I had a wonderful time eating and laughing with her in the kitchen of the tavern.  A great ending to the day. </p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-63293049209959049942009-03-12T19:28:00.001-07:002009-03-12T19:28:52.952-07:00It never fails to amaze me....<p>....When I hear from someone that they read my blog.  I don't get a lot of comments, so in my mind, I have maybe a half a dozen pleasant, faithful souls who humor me and read my ramblings, but once in a while, there are a few things that make you realize you are out there far more than you realize.  For example, I logged into my gmail account the the other day and received a lovely email from my favorite wine merchant - Mr David Moore of <a href="http://moorebrothersblogs.com/">Moore Brothers</a> wine shop.  I had mentioned that I stopped into Moore Brothers to pick up some Chinon Cab Franc after visiting my mom in the hospital.  Mr. Moore wrote that he appreciated the reference and that their thoughts were with me.  I would recommend Moore Brothers (and have, many, many times) to anyone who loves and appreciates fine wines - but this small note, makes me appreciate them even more. If you are in the Philadelphia metro area, the Wilmington area or in NYC, go immediately to this wine shop - it is an education, an experience and an all around great place to experience wonderful wines that you may not see every day.  </p> <p>If that email were not enough, I was chatting with my old boss today who mentioned that my blog was enough to make him want to become a chef - and a Facebook comment also mentioned my blog.  It warms the heart - I appreciate all of this so much.  It's my passion and my joy and I'd write it even if no one read it, but  c'mon folks, comment!</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-49954239556966551562009-03-12T08:43:00.001-07:002009-03-12T08:43:31.496-07:00Look at what I woke up to this morning<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/Sbktn2BqCTI/AAAAAAAABPQ/-pU_JvCO3Gc/kitties%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="kitties" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbktodVrRqI/AAAAAAAABPU/RZ_AYcftLu8/kitties_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Plotting world dominance, no doubt.......if they ever decide to get up.....</p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-11475540020061895602009-03-09T10:47:00.001-07:002009-03-09T10:51:54.108-07:00A Discussion of Soups.....<p>A friend of mine was disheartened to learn that Campbell's Tomato Soup, a favorite since childhood was full of corn syrup. So upset that he Twittered it.  Of course a ton of us responded with well, of course it is - tomato soup isn't sweet...and several of us responded with recipes for a homemade version. I sent a Tuscan version that I loved - found it online somewhere and have been using it for a couple of years now:</p> <p>2lbs tomatoes – use plum in the winter when the seasonal ones aren’t available (I've even used canned San Marzano tomatoes in a pinch)</p> <p>¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (you will need more for serving)</p> <p>2 large cloves of garlic – minced</p> <p>6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock</p> <p>Sea salt and ground pepper to taste</p> <p>Fresh basil leaves shredded for garnish (to taste)</p> <p>3 cups of stale Italian bread cubed. (if you don’t’ have stale bread – which I always do, we don’t eat it fast enough – toast some in the oven until dry and hard)</p> <p> </p> <p>Blanch the tomatoes in a large pot of boiling water for 1 minute.  Transfer to a bowl of ice water.  When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and discard skins. Cut cross wise and seed with your thumb.  Place the tomatoes and seed in a sieve and drain.  Scrape the seeds against the sieve to extract as much of the juice as possible. </p> <p> </p> <p>Heat oil in a 3 quart saucepan over medium heat – add garlic and sauté until just fragrant – don’t let it brown! Add tomatoes and juices and the bread. Sauté until the bread has softened – should take a few minutes.  Add stock, heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer until the bread breaks down and the soup is thick.  You may have to use a hand blender to smooth it all the way out.  Taste and adjust seasonings.  Ladle into bowls and add basil and drizzle with olive oil.  </p> <p> </p> <p>This got me looking at soups - I want to avoid the processed stuff as much as possible and besides, for the most part, canned soup is awful. To me, any weather is soup weather, but when it gets warmer, I look to lighter soups - a good thing too, because the weather here is starting to lighten up. I'm letting the kitties back out on the porch, which makes them happy as clams.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWQHkjoaI/AAAAAAAABOI/dnKpvy6sABo/IMG_1341%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="IMG_1341" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWQvgiqdI/AAAAAAAABOM/B3ycC4RtjNY/IMG_1341_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWRMxAQpI/AAAAAAAABOQ/ab8UOe4fOGs/IMG_1394%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="IMG_1394" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWR9soZwI/AAAAAAAABOU/STcnk6vhfDA/IMG_1394_thumb.jpg" width="184" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> This past Saturday, I decided to make a lighter version of minestrone soup that I found in Alice Water's The Art of Simple Food (If you don't own it, go.buy.it.now. You won't be sorry).  It's not that heavy gloppy soup that minestrone's often become; she had recipes for every season and because it was a warm day I chose the lighter option.  It is such a simple and soothing soup.  Yes, it took some work, chopping the veggies to a similar size, but the outcome was well worth it.   </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWSvnHePI/AAAAAAAABOY/17igjzwyUoQ/IMG00018-20090309-1213%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="IMG00018-20090309-1213" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbVWTHhT1zI/AAAAAAAABOc/BULl5Y3UDuE/IMG00018-20090309-1213_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Alice Waters' Minestrone Soup</p> <p> </p> <p>I c. Cannellini beans (Alice, being Alice recommended fresh which had to be soaked overnight and cooked separately - I didn't have any, and so I used canned organic - worked just fine)</p> <p>1/4 c. olive oil (don't skimp here, it's critical to the richness and the lightness of the soup)</p> <p>1 large onion finely chopped </p> <p>2 carrots peeled and finely chopped (I also threw in a good sized parsnip too)</p> <p>2 celery stalks, diced. </p> <p>4 garlic cloves coarsely chopped</p> <p>5 thyme sprigs (leave whole)</p> <p>1 bay leaf</p> <p>2 tsp of salt (again, don't skimp here)</p> <p>3 cups of water (because I added extra veggies, I used 3 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of vegetable stock - you may need more - use your eyes to gauge it)</p> <p>1 small leek diced (I had a medium/large leek and love leek, so I used it)</p> <p>2 medium zucchini (I used a milder form of zucchini - I'm not a fan of the green zucchini)</p> <p>2 medium tomatoes peeled seeded and chopped (I used the equivalent of grape tomatoes which I sliced - no peeling or seeding)</p> <p>2 cups spinach coarsely chopped (left this out, too - the cupboard was bare!)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the onion, carrots, celery - cook for 15 minutes until tender - don't be tempted to do this over higher heat to speed up the process, you want to really sweat the vegetables. </p> <p> </p> <p>Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf and salt and cook for another five minutes.  Then add the stock/water and bring to a boil - I added the 3 cups and realized I needed more, so added about 1 1/2 cups of water.  When the liquid is boiling, add the leeks.  Cook for five minutes, then add the zucchini and the tomato. Taste for salt. </p> <p> </p> <p>Drain the beans  and rinse if you are using canned then add to the soup.   I also cooked about a cup of whole wheat pasta separately and added that too.  Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.  Add a ladle or two of the pasta water if you need more liquid.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over top.  </p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4943034602399230000.post-38099258190245607272009-03-06T17:55:00.001-08:002009-03-06T17:55:05.757-08:00Let the Pairings Begin...<p>I have been given a task to start building tasting menus for Louis to begin pitching our wine/dinner pairings.  This clues me in a a couple of things.  </p> <p>1. I have to build up my cellar a bit</p> <p>2. I have to invite people over for dinner as I begin to plan pairings.</p> <p>Before that can happen, I have to do some homework - which I started this week.  I'm working on the triangulations of flavors.  Those that know me well may scratch their heads and think, "Hmmm, now I've NEVER heard that word come out of Margo's mouth", and they'd be right. I don't mean to make this sound complicated - because I always believe that one should go with your gut, but I need to have the gut feel in the back pocket and the next level of more subtle matches.  For example - I love duck with plum sauce.  Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural blend with duck - both are hearty, but plums are a better match with merlot (and its plummy flavors)than a cab, which will overwhelm the plum.  Duck L'Orange will stand up to a Cab, but a berry or a plum sauce won't.  Hence triangulations.  </p> <p>I've been putting flavor mixes and trying to come up with matches, specifically, matches with Amalthea's wines.   As I build my stores, I will put together more recipes, but to hone my taste, I'm working with both Amalthea wines and what I have in house.  For example - tonight, after a long week(lots of work, ex giving my daughter a hard time about a band rehearsal, mom in the nursing home, etc),  I decide to treat myself to dinner. </p> <p>I didn't want to eat out, I'd been working in my sweats all day with a baseball hat on my head and wasn't motivated enough to change. So I decided to leverage the vegetables in the freezer.  I've been pouring over <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Simple-Food-Delicious-Revolution/dp/0307336794/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236390743&sr=8-1">Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food</a>, and decided to make her version of Mushroom Ragu.  Most ragu's that I've seen are very heavy on the tomato; Waters' recipe is more like a mushroom bolognese.  It's a simple (pardon the pun) recipe and incredibly rich and delicious.  Waters calls for heavy creme or creme fraiche, but I substituted half and half - it didn't hurt it at all.  it was fabulous.  I had also picked up some broccoli rabe and some beets at the market - I parboiled the rabe and the beet greens, then did a light saute with some garlic, olive oil and beef stock.  It was wonderful and hearty - I put a dollop of greens on top of the dish. It was comforting and not too heavy.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbHT8yv9TWI/AAAAAAAABNA/pEfRpK3mLz0/IMG_1449%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="IMG_1449" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbHT9c_PnxI/AAAAAAAABNE/jHy6Mmv_Fmc/IMG_1449_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I paired the dish with a cabernet sauvignon - </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbHT99Kc8KI/AAAAAAAABNI/_funaubpis0/IMG_1448%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="IMG_1448" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SutaK6ZQO1c/SbHT-FIwrbI/AAAAAAAABNM/6EPygK9nauM/IMG_1448_thumb.jpg" width="184" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>in this case, a Chilean cab that came in my wine club selection. The heartiness of the cab, marries well with the earthiness of the mushrooms and cuts through the creaminess that is the background of the sauce.  A great way to spend a  Friday evening.  </p> MsMVNJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11578798512193358179noreply@blogger.com2