Visit to Greta and Laura

There was going to be a Camp Somerset reunion in Boston on March 5 that Nadine and I were going to go to.  We would stay with Laura and she could come too.  First I went to see Greta and the boys on Thursday.  We had some hockey of course and on Friday afternoonTucker and I went to the movies and saw A Dog's Purpose.  Some more hockey for Tucker that night and we were going to go out to eat but it was so late that we just went home.  Myles had come with us but he ate at Chelsea Piers.  Tucker and I had leftovers at home and Greta and Charles went out to eat.

I took B2B pictures with each of the boys.  Tucker is the only one still shorter than me.

Greta and I went for coffee the next morning, we were both up early, and it was nice to have the time together.  I left around 9ish and got to Laura's before she got home and before Nadine got there.
There was snow at home that weekend but only cold in CT and MA.
We drove into Boston to the Prudential Center and wandered around Eately.

We were going to go to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner but it was packed with an hour wait.  We didn't want to have to go outside to find somewhere to eat because it was so cold but we found another place right near there and thanks to Laura's eagle eyes, we got ourselves a high table in the bar area and didn't have to wait at all.

On Sunday we all went to hot yoga and then to the reunion.  There weren't very many of us but it was fun remembering things and hearing about the new owners plans for the camp.

New Appliances

Last week we got all new appliances for the kitchen and although they do look really nice, now that I started using them I find that keeping them clean is not that easy.

The glass top stove already doesn't look like new but I found some good suggestions for cleaning.

I bought some recommended cleaning product but I think this will work better using vinegar and baking soda - the magic for almost everything.

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-a-glass-top-stove

And here's a suggestion for the refrigerator doors

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-black-highgloss-refrigerator-90189.html

Stinky cutting board - make a paste of 1 part water 3 parts baking soda
http://www.thekitchn.com/remove-unwanted-odors-from-cutting-boards-with-just-one-ingredient-cleaning-tips-from-the-kitchn-218853

Open iTunes Library

Selecting the New Library

When you've moved your iTunes folder over to your external storage device, you'll need to select it in iTunes in both Windows and OS X.

In OS X, ensure iTunes is first closed. Then, launch the iTunes app while holding down the Option key, often marked Alt, and select Choose library. Locate the iTunes Library.itl file in the iTunes folder on your external storage and hit Open. Next, reboot your Mac into Windows. Launch iTunes while holding down the Shift key and select the same file located on your external storage.

https://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-keep-itunes-in-sync-between-two-machines--mac-59165

Still got it

Today I went to the main library to take a "Writing with Photographs" workshop.  This is to give me some inspiration to write that memoir I keep saying I'm going to write.  I left early so that I could try to get a parking spot in front of the library which are usually sparse.  If I couldn't get one there I would park in the Court St garage.  As I was driving I dug into my purse for something and realized I didn't have my wallet.  Now it was critical I get a spot in front since I didn't have any money or charge cards.  I did have my phone but didn't know if they took apple pay.

The Womens March was organizing as I drove past on Clinton Ave and turned onto Broad Street.  I had to do a U-turn (not sure if it's legal there) to get in front of the library where there was a possible space for me to park.  Now that I didn't have any money I had to try and fit into it.  Some of the other cars pigged up spaces but maybe that was fortunate for me because this one space may not have been available otherwise.

I did it (still got it - the parallel parking) and took this picture after the course.  Neither of the cars that I was between had left although the rest of the block was pretty empty.

BTW - the course was good but I think I'll take a walk now and put off doing that memoir some more.

One thought, since I mentioned the womens march.  Ever since Trump got the nomination I thought that he reminds me of Nicolae Carpathia in the Left Behind series.  If anyone ever reads this and has read that series, do you agree??  Emily would be the only one I know and whether she would see this buried so deep is doubtful.

OMG- I just did a google search Nicolae Carpathia and Donald Trump and I wasn't the only one.

Conversations with Siri and Alexa

Last week I was taking a walk and using the Workout app on my Apple Watch.  I wanted to see if I could end my walk by asking Siri to "stop."  The first time I said Stop.  The next time I said stop Activity then I said Stop Workout.  After the first 2 times Siri said that she didn't know that command.  The next time she said something like "I'm not yet programmed to do that" but after another request she came back with the best response.  I only wish there was some way to see past responses because it was "I cannot Stop not even in the name of love."

Later on I was doing Alexa's 7 Minute Workout.  She really wasn't understanding what I was saying and I was getting frustrated.  When I was done, I gave her a piece of my mind and told her she was fired.  This was her response.

Microwave Cozies/Potholders

I should have posted this back in November.  It was another instance of me going overboard on a project.  I went to see Terry at the Casa Larga craft show on November 3rd.  She was set up with all her beautiful quilting projects.  As I wandered around I found someone selling microwave cozies and within a short period of time I looked up how to make them, bought material on my way home and made 4 by Sunday to take to Terry's next show.

I made a bunch more before going to Greta's the week before Thanksgiving so that when I saw everyone they could each get one.
To keep track, that week I gave a medium sized one to:  Greta, Beverly, Laura, Aunt Harrie, Nadine, Emily (2- one small) and Ashley. Brought one to Paula, the hostess of a Christmas brunch.

When I came home I started making more.  These I gave to: Kim, Andrea, Angela, Karen, Meg, Sarah.  Then I took them to Ann's on Christmas day for Ann, Amy, Patti, Carol and Mary Kay and I gave a large yoga one to Laura, but at home.  On New Year's Eve I gave a yoga one to Audrey.  So how many did I give away?  Just counted and it was 22.  I have 3 of my own - a small, medium and large.  Still have one for Patsy and another yoga one and some more cut fabric for a few more.

These were my prototypes

 Here's how it looks with a bowl

This is the fabric I bought after my initial purchase.

When Laura was in NH for New Years she stopped in Zeb's General Store in North Conway and they were selling the large ones for $10.99 and the small one $8.99

New Year's Resolutions

I heard last week that if you make one resolution you might be able to keep it.  If you make more than one the odds of keeping any are poor.  Last week I thought of 2 things I wanted as my resolutions - bad move right off the bat.  One was to drink more water and the other was to exercise at the gym more.  And just now I am adding a third - keep this blog a lot more active than I did last year.  The only way for me to remember anything is by looking here and when there's nothing here, well . . . you get the idea.

Today is January 2nd and I went to yoga at Breathe BUT I forgot my water bottle.

USPS - Again??

I can't believe this.  I wanted to check and see if the package I sent to Greta had arrived on time, which was supposed to be Dec 19th but first I had to find the slip from the post office with the tracking number.  After checking the pockets of a jacket and coat which I could have worn that day I looked in my car and found it on the seat.

Took it and input all those numbers and expected to see the words "DELIVERED" but instead what did I see?

While I was telling a friend about this I had a deja vu moment and then found that it happened in 2013, also sending a package to Greta.  USPS - What's Up??  I hope they're going to expedite it so that it gets there in time.

Update:

12/24

After coming back to Rochester the package took off again for New Jersey and miraculously arrived at Greta's on Christmas Eve

The Applesauce Story

It started with an email from Nadine.

Dear Siblings,

Don't know if you felt turned off to pears like I did, after seemingly endless jars of canned pears and pears sauce when we lived on Curtis Lane. Up until last year when I rediscovered how good pears could be, because Finn loved them as a finger food, one pear a year was good enough for me.

I did take, however, Mommy's ricer for making apple sauce.

This year our peach crop was decimated by an April snow, but we had a bumper pear crop. What to do with them all? Pear sauce. A little sugar and cinnamon  - delight!

Then I responded

I guess I don’t remember being as overwhelmed with pears as you.  I remember Mommy’s applesauce and until I had store bought applesauce never realized all applesauce wasn’t red.

Then there was the texts

So I did do the experiment.  I bought a bag of Empire apples since they were the apples with the reddest skins and cooked them with the skins and then put them through the food mill with the skins.  I didn't include the seeds because I used an apple corer and divider.  This is the result.

This is the applesauce that I make from the apples on our tree that are mostly greenish click here to see them.

Guess that was how Mommy always made reddish applesauce.

No apples this year and looking at the link above the last time we didn't have apples was 2011. Wonder if the tree takes a break every 5 years.

P.S.  I bought 3 lbs of apples for $2.99 and got 26 oz of applesauce.  I could buy a 46 oz jar of Wegmans Natural Applesauce, No Sugar for $2.49.  The moral of the story is - it doesn't pay to make applesauce unless you pick the apples off your tree or you're doing an experiment.

Tuscan Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Tuscan Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients
1/2 tsp  Wegmans Tuscan Seasoning Shak'r **
1 Tbsp  Wegmans Pure Olive Oil
2 pkgs (12 oz each)  Food You Feel Good About Cleaned & Cut Cauliflower Florets
Salt and pepper to taste
1 carton (32 oz)  Food You Feel Good About Vegetable Culinary Stock
Italian Classics Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (Cheese Shop), for garnish


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add Tuscan seasoning and olive oil to large bowl; mix to combine. Add cauliflower florets; toss to coat.

Arrange cauliflower in single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roast 35-45 min, turning halfway through, until browned and tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add roasted cauliflower and vegetable stock to stockpot. Bring to a boil on HIGH; reduce heat to LOW; simmer 5-8 min until cauliflower is soft.

Puree soup to desired texture; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with grated cheese.

from Wegmans

** I didn't have the seasoning but I found this recipe and made my own

Tuscan Seasoning
2/3 cup oregano
6 Tbsp kosher salt
5 Tbsp paprika
4 Tbsp ground fennel
4 Tbsp garlic powder
3 1/2 Tbsp dried minced onion
2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
3 Tbsp sugar

Note:  I made 1/4 of the seasoning recipe and it made a lot.  I didn't have fennel so I left it out and roughly did the 1/4 of each ingredient and it came out fine.  The cauliflower was so good we had to have lots of samples.  Good thing I had a huge cauliflower.

Marriott's Fairway Villas - Oct 5-10

On Wednesday we left home for Absecon, NJ and the first leg of our vacation at Marriott Fairway Villa.  It seems like we just got home from a vacation.  Oh yes, we did only 2 weeks ago and it took me that long to get everything unpacked, washed, organized and packed again.  Hurricane Matthew was on it's way but I believed that we wouldn't get involved with it based on the timing of out stays.

We were scheduled for an owner's update on Thursday, which in "timeshare" oops, I mean "vacation club ownership" language means a sales pitch.  Darn, there was a yoga class at 9:30 but our meeting was at 10:00.  Then about 9:45 we get a call about changing our appointment to Friday since the sales person was sick but to compensate we'll get an extra $25 on our $100 giftcard for attending the presentation.







We decided to take a ride to Atlantic City which was only 1/2 hour away but we didn't even get out of the car.  We did drive down to see the Absecon Lighthouse
which is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey.  We can cross that off our bucket list.  We decided we would have an evergreen bucket list which would be developed as we saw things we didn't know we wanted to see.

From there we went to Historic Smithville and boutght the most delicious cheeses at Magnificos. Cajun Crab and Horseradish Cheddar.  Back at the resort we went to wine and cheese where we didn't talk to anyone and no one talked to us either but there was good music.

On Friday we met with Michael, who stood us up the day before because he was sick and he really did have a bad cold.  We spent about 3 hours with him and almost bought some more points but that night I texted him and said we weren't interested.  He wanted to talk to us some more so we went back to see him the next day.

We went back to Smithville for a late lunch at Fred & Ethels.  We both got beers and chicken sandwiches and took half of it back in takeout containers.  We played on the putting green for awhile and Larry then hit a bucket of balls at the driving range.

On Saturday, we saw Michael and listened to an extended sales pitch on why we needed to buy $20,000 for an extra 2000 VCP.  He told us again to think it over.  When we left, thanks to Hurricane Matthew, it was raining and rained most of the day.

The next day was a little chilly and we went to the Edwin P Forsythe Wildflife Santuary for a walk and to get some fresh air after a day indoors.   I also texted Michael and told him we definitely were not interested.  AMEN!!

On Monday it was off to Williamsburg, VA.

Apple Cake

Dad's Apple Cake

Here is the story and recipe Sue Homsey included in the book At the Heart of It All: Sharing the Recipes, the Stories & the Love of Our Market(Cohber Press, $22.95):

" 'Dad' was my father-in-law, a proud member of an Irondequoit market gardening family. He was happy when I married in, and proudly showed me where his dad's stand was here at the Rochester Public Market. Dad would always double the topping for this cake, whereas I leave it off. If you can find Cameo apples, buy them! If not, any nice, firm, cooking apple will work."

Cake:

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

Salt to taste

1 cup sour cream

2 cups finely chopped apples

Topping:

½ cup chopped nuts

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating after each addition.

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.

Stir in apples. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch-by-13-inch pan.

For the topping, combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl.

Sprinkle the topping over the cake batter.

Bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes.

Makes 12 servings.

Microwaved Claypot Fish

Another recipe pointed out to me by Larry.  It was in our paper on Friday and he was quick to mention that it's made in the microwave and only takes 15 minutes.  My kind of meal.
I'm putting the recipe here with a link to one of the many publications it appeared in, only because a lot of time you can't get back into the newspaper link without a subscription.
I'll post the picture when I make it.

This is the full article by Melissa D'Arabian via AP
https://www.yahoo.com/news/microwaved-version-claypot-fish-legit-delicious-152629029.html

This June 29, 2016 photo shows quick claypot fish in Coronado, Calif.
This dish is from a recipe by Melissa d'Arabian. (Melissa d'Arabian via AP)
My picture will replace it and look equally as delicious??

Years ago I was traveling alone for work in New York City, and I popped into a random restaurant across the street from my hotel.
I asked for a menu recommendation from my waiter, and he insisted on a claypot fish, a simple dish of cod, tomatoes, onion, potatoes and lemon baked in a small cazuela, or clay pot.
I was skeptical, but completely hooked at first bite: fresh, simple, comforting all at once. The veggies created a light aromatic broth that steamed the fish gently to delicate perfection. The simple meal was so good, in in fact, that I went back the second night of my trip and ordered the exact same thing. In a city with more must-try restaurants than I could ever hope to visit, repeat visits mean something.
I've made various versions of claypot fish myself over the years, using cute tapas-style dishes I bought while visiting Barcelona, and I've loved every one of them.
I was exploring the (crazy?) idea of making uber-fast meals in the microwave, and immediately claypot fish came to mind: could a covered glass dish provide the right environment to quickly steam the fish correctly, and avoid the rubbery-results one might expect from a microwaved meal?
The short answer is yes! The trick is not to overcook the fish, even by a minute, so check the fish frequently. I use a glass dish, so admittedly it's missing the charm and earthy flavor of the cazuela, but this microwaved version of claypot fish is legit delicious.
It's versatile (feel free to swap in some of your favorite ingredients or herbs), healthy, and full of vitamins and lean protein. Plus, anytime you can get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes is one less night you'll be tempted to swing by the drive-thru. And that is a huge win for both your health and your wallet.

WEEKNIGH CLAYPOT FISH
Start to Finish: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
1 pound fingerling potatoes
4 fillets of Dover sole, or other white fish, such as cod or flounder, about 1 pound
3 roma tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons capers (or briny olives)
chopped parsley, for garnish
Pierce the fingerling potatoes two or three times each with a fork and place in a glass microwave-safe dish with cover. Fill with enough water to cover about one-fourth the way up the potatoes (about ½ cup water) and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Microwave for 10 minutes. Potatoes should be firm but with some give. Season the fish fillets with a little salt and pepper and lay on top of the par-cooked potatoes.
In a small bowl, mix together the tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, onion and capers. Spoon on top of the fish. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes.
Check for doneness — fish should be opaque. If not done, microwave for another minute or two, but check every thirty seconds. Let sit for a minute or two and then serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Nutrition information per serving: 273 calories; 88 calories from fat; 10g fat (2g saturated; 0g trans fats); 71mg cholesterol; 572mg sodium; 24g carbohydrate; 4g fiber; 3g sugar; 22g protein.
___
Food Network star Melissa d'Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook "Supermarket Healthy."
___
Online: http://www.melissadarabian.net

RIP Fred

What a shock when Paul called Larry on Friday to say that Fred died overnight.  They had just spoken and were going to have lunch on Tuesday.  Instead on Tuesday we went to his wake and shared dinner with his wonderful family.

He had a military funeral honors ceremony including the folding and presenting of the flag, the playing of Taps and a 3 gun salute.

Here are some pictures we had from when Fred visited us at The Villages in 2012.

This is the official obit

Frederick J. Wagner Jr.

Hilton: July 22, 2016. Predeceased by his 1st wife, Marilyn. Survived by his wife, Susan; children, Kathy (Mark) Sydor, Doug (Mary) Wagner, Mike (Mary) Wagner, Patti (Tom) Thompson, Paul (Lisa) Wagner and step-son, Alex Hackett; grandchildren, Aaron, Stephen, Catherine, Peter, Jared, Zach, Jane, Scott, Jackie & Adam; sister, Jean (Anthony) Luciano; sisters-in-law, Linda (Richard) Vandenberg and Mary Roessel.

Friends may call Tuesday, 3-7 PM at the Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Rd. (between English and Latta). Funeral Mass, 10:00 Wednesday at St. Pius the Tenth Church (Chili Ave.). Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends wishing may contribute to the Epilepsy-Pralid Foundation, Inc., 1650 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.

Published in Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on July 24, 2016- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=180762684#sthash.jXxH1Fm0.dpuf

First Dental Procedure

Well, I was going to have my half tooth pulled as my first procedure at the Eastman Dental clinic today.  Half tooth, what's that?  That's the half of the tooth that was left after my bridge was removed when I had to have 2 teeth extracted this winter in Florida.  However, since I had taken 6 alendronate (generic Fosamax) pills over the previouse 12 weeks (one every other week) I have to wait 2 months.  Back when I had a tooth pulled around 2007 there was a conern about Fosamax and tooth extractions, then 2 years later when I had another tooth pulled the concern was gone.  Well it seems that since 2014 the concern is back again.  I went there already knowing this.

Since I'm having issues with this tooth and we're going to be out of the country for almost a month before the two month critical period passes I had a procedure done to take out any living material in there.  It wasn't exactly a root canal.  The dentist had to go into my tooth with these tiny little files and dig out whatever was in there.  It was a very tedious procedure and his assistant was washing with some bleach stuff as he did it, therefore the precautions they took in the set-up so that none of the material would touch any other part of me.

Don't I look cute?

AAdvantage Miles

I can't say that I understand the way airlines work.  I was looking for a one way flight from Barcelona to Rochester for April 2017.  If I wanted to buy a ticket from American the price of the fare that was available was twice as much as a round trip.

I wanted to use points and when I first got on to look when the date was available that we wanted, it was 30K points for an EconomyMilesSAAver flight with a great flight direct from Barcelona to Philadelphia and then Philadelphia to Rochester.  I didn't book it right away since it seemed so early and we wanted to be sure that we were going to stay in Barcelona for a few days after a cruise, before we went home.

Two days later I went back on and that same flight was now

Purse Crazy

I am an addict.  I must admit it.  I get sucked into something and I can't stop,  The only thing that saves me is I am also ADD so I get bored after awhile and move on to some other addiction.  For the past two weeks it was purses.  I wanted to make two purses.  One for Margie and one for me and I wanted to make them using jeans pockets.  But then I wanted to find the perfect purse pattern and had to keep trying new ones.  I still have one more that I want to make but then I will move on to my next obsession - painting.  Or am I just trying to postpone that memoir that I want to write.

Anyway here are the purses I've done so far.

 The last one I did is reversible but too small for what I want.  The final purse I'm going to make is going to be reversible but the size of the other ones.  Not in denim - using some fabric I have left over from other things.

Foot and Mouth

Today I had my second appointment at the Eastman Dental clinic in an attempt to figure out options of what to do with my teeth, or lack of, that makes the most sense.  As alluded to in previous posts I had a winter devoted to my teeth and wound up with two bridges less by the end of March.  One lower right which fell off before we went away for the winter and couldn't be glued back because there was nothing left to glue onto.  The other upper left afater getting two teeth pulled that were under the bridge.

I was checked and prodded for bone condition, full mouth x-rays, photos taken with a torture contraption held in place by the assistant as the dentist took the photos, that hurt my stretched lips more than anything.  The lips need to be well moistened and stretching exercises should be done beforehand, if only I knew.  Then I had a 360 X-Ray.  This whole process took 2 hours.  My next appointment is July 14th when I will get the results.

Then when I got to read my emails I saw that Gerry sent out a note that he was having surgery on his foot similar to one he had in 1992 but on the opposite foot.  Of course, I had a picture of that and sent it.

Then also sent the update.

Concerning Vodka

Two of my favorite hot weather alcoholic beverages are Vodka Gimlets and Vodka and Tonic.

When we were in Florida this winter I noticed a shortage of Rose's Lime Juice which is used for the gimlets.
When we came home too, same problem.

I kept looking online to see if there was some manufacturing problem with the Rose's but could never find an answer.
The other day I noticed that Dr Pepper Snapple Group is now the owner of Rose's and I also saw that Schweppes is also one of their brands so I contacted them through their email page about why I can't find the Lime Juice or Schweppes Diet tonic in our area.

I got back the following reply.

June 15, 2016
Hello Barbara:

Thank you for reaching out to Rose's with your inquiry. Constraints in the global availability of clarified lime concentrate is impacting the supply of Rose’s Lime Juice. We are exploring alternative solutions to keep Rose’s Lime in stock, but based on concentrate availability and demand, you may experience intermittent shortages. Please rest assured that keeping Rose's in stock is our top priority.

For your inquiry about Schweppes Diet Tonic Water, product flavor offerings are introduced based on our knowledge of needs and wants in local markets. We are challenged to sell a large variety of SKU’s in a limited amount of space. We face this space challenge in retail accounts, as well as route trucks and warehouses. I did a search of 100 miles of Rochester and unfortunately, Schweppes Diet Tonic Water is not available in your area. However, we will forward your comments and interest to the appropriate teams and make sure your voice is heard.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and enjoy the rest of your day!

Sincerely,

Nick
Consumer Relations


When I looked at their website today I noticed that Rose's Lime Juice isn't on there anymore.

A Day with Aunt Harrie

Bev and Tucker dropped me off at the OG train station and I bought my ticket and enjoyed waiting for the train in my favorite 80 degrees and sunny weather.

The train had power that worked so I was able to charge my phone - in both directions.  

I didn't get a metro card when I bought my tickets because I could only find one for $25 and I would never use it before it expired so I figured I'd just wait till I got to the station.  Since there were lines at all the machines I asked an attendant if I could buy a 2 trip metro ticket and he looked at me and said "What you should get is a senior round trip."  I was about to kick him but since he was probably close to my age and followed up with "But that machine is broken so I'll let you in" and he proceeded to unlock a gate for me to go through.  It doesn't seem like that long abo when I was getting proofed to prove my age.  Even on the train ride in and back the conductor didn't look twice when I handed him my senior/medicare train ticket.

I got to Aunt Harrie's around 1:20 and we visited, looked at pictures and had a Mexican lunch.

Aunt Harrie was diagnosed with cellulitis on Friday and after a couple of days on antibiotics she's much better.  Her friend Lil stopped by to check on her and Joy came back from picking up next door neighbor Alan from the hospital.  He hobbled in on his walker a little while later.  He had knee replacement surgery.  

When everyone was gone we took some selfies.

Then Aunt Harrie said she was tired and that was my cue to leave.  Besides it was already 4 o'clock.  The time went by so fast.

Since my hip was feeling good and it was such a spectacular day I decided to walk.  I walked down 7th Ave the whole way for 2 reasons.  One, it has lots of good stores and teo - in case my hip started to give me a problem I could hop on the subway.  I decded to take a photo of my interesting sights along the way.

Greta Visit

I arrived on Thursday and it was hockey, hockey and more hockey.  I almost had lacrosse thrown in on Sunday but Tucker's hockey team made it to the finals and he wanted to play in it.  This is the video of the game (but only when he was in it).

Hunter also played on Sunday before going to his lacrosse games.  He was easy to identify with his unique sock style.

Everyone won on Sunday.  Myles and Hunter's respective lacrosse teams won their divisions championship and Charles, who was in Lake Placid for a mountain bike race got his spot in a Colorado race.

Myles is way taller than me now.

Tucker had his last day of school on Friday.

After we picked him up at school, Hunter, his friend Tripp, Bev, and I went to see The Jungle Book.

Sunday night after an awful storm that lasted about 5-10 minutes (I was home with Tucker and Greta rode trhough it with Hunter) we all went to the Beach House for dinner.

London Plans

To get to the Tower of London from Sheraton Park Lane

Balsamic Marinated Portobello Burgers Recipe

I made this marinade for portebello mushrooms yesterday and it was really good.  Have to remember to try it again.

I found the recipe here: - - - >  http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/09/balsamic-marinated-portobello-burgers.html

Marinade:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon finely minced thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1.  In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, thyme, and salt.

2.  Place portobellos in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in marinade, seal bag, and toss to coat mushrooms thoroughly. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad

Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad - U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council: Fresh, tangy, healthy and filling – what more could you want from a salad? This blueberry chicken chopped salad is perfect for a nutritious lunch or hearty dinner. Heading to a cookout or potluck? Take a bowl of this blueberry chicken chopped salad for a dish that’s sure to leave your friends and family’s taste …

I made this salad yesterday (without the chicken) and took it to Audrey's for Larry's birthday dinner and it was delicious.  I have to say it was a little time consuming chopping up the lettuce and onions but maybe it was because I was watching TV at the same time that seems to always slow me down.  Since she was making dinner I made the salad without the chicken.

Salad

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 head Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1 pint (2 cups) fresh blueberries
• 1 cup roughly-chopped toasted pecans
• 2/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup blue cheese (or any soft cheese)
• Dijon vinaigrette (see below)

Dijon Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

To make the salad:

Season chicken breasts on both sides generously with salt and pepper.

1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.  Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
2. Transfer chicken breasts to a separate plate and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes.  Then chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Add the chicken to a large bowl with the lettuce, blueberries, pecans, red onion, blue cheese, and vinaigrette. Toss to combine.  Serve immediately.

To make the vinaigrette:

Whisk all ingredients together until combined.

Egg Cream

We went out to lunch today with Jo Ann and Jerry to Gruby's NY Deli on Hilton Head Island.
I had an egg cream, the first I've had in years.  In doing some research about it I came upon this recipe  that I'll have to try when I go home.  I knew the ingredients but I wasn't aware of the actual order of creating it.

New York Egg Cream Recipe:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/NYEggCreamHistory.htm

This recipe was shared with me by Bonni Lee Brown, who lives in Bradenton, Florida. Bonni writes, "My Dad made egg creams all the time at his old-fashioned drug store and luncheonette, called Joe Fordham Pharmacy, that was at Kings Highway and East 5th Street in Brooklyn. Egg creams were traditionally made in a small Coca-Coca glass. Two cents plain was both the cost and the name of a plain glass of seltzer. When Dad heard that my mother had given birth to me, around 11:00 a.m., he proudly offered free egg creams to everyone to celebrate!" - Bonni Lee Brown (2008)

Recipe Type: Beverage, Chocolate
Cuisine: Mid-Atlantic
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 min

Ingredients:

Approximately 1/2 cup cold whole milk*
1 cup bottled seltzer
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

* Skim or 1% milk won't foam as well.

Preparation:

Pour 1/2 inch of cold milk into a tall soda glass.

Add seltzer or club soda to within 1 inch of the top of the glass; stir vigorously with a long spoon (this will cause it to become white and bubbly with a good head of foam).

Very gently pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup slowly down the inside of the glass; briskly stir with a long spoon only at the bottom of the glass where the chocolate sits. The resulting drink should have a dark brown bottom and a 1-inch high pure white foam top (if you mix it too much, the foam disappears).

NOTE: Drink Immediately! Do not let the prepared Egg Cream sit for a long period of time (5 minutes or more) as it will go flat.

Makes 1 serving.