Skip to content

Recent Articles

28
Aug

The Calm Before The Storm

On our way to a friend’s house for dinner, my husband, daughter, and my daughter’s friend jumped out of the car and started walking down a dirt road that led to a steep foot path when I noticed how handsome my husband looked. The conversation went like this: Read more »
26
Aug

A Day in Segovia

Segovia is a small city worth spending a day exploring. Located in central Spain, about 60 miles north of Madrid, Segovia is an easy day trip from Madrid. There are five  important activities/sites to do/see:
  1. Aqueduct de Segovia
  2. Alcazar de Segovia
  3. Catedral de Segovia
  4. Walls and Gates of Segovia
  5. Mason de Candido Read more »
24
Aug

Hand Me Ups and Fashion Advice

It’s that time of year again – mid-August – when we all start to think about upcoming school schedules, immunization records, dental appointments, forms to be completed and school clothes. All summer long my daughter has been wearing (much to her dismay) khaki shorts and white tops – the required uniform for her job – and telling me the only way she can express herself fashion-wise is through her choice of shoes which run the gamut from cowboy rain boots to sneakers to flip-flops.  Read more »
22
Aug

Peach Blueberry Crumble

Summertime and fruity desserts go together and one of my family’s favorite is a Peach Blueberry Crumble. Sweet, juicy fruit is very important – large white or yellow peaches and plump blueberries – but for me it’s all about the crumble – the more the better. Read more »

20
Aug

What To Do In Amsterdam

Amsterdam is part of the Netherlands although many people also say “Holland.” In planning to spend a few days in Amsterdam, there are 5 sites/activities that should not be missed:
  1. Bike Tour of the City
  2. The Anne Frank House
  3. Museum Amstelkring
  4. Van Gogh Museum
  5. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Read more »
18
Aug

Don’t Ask for Ketchup in Paris

My husband – carnivore man – and I were walking through the streets of Paris one afternoon and came upon the Paris Opera House which is more formally known as the Palais Garnier.  The Paris Opera House was built in the mid-1800’s and was the primary home of the Paris Opera for more than 100 years.  A large rectangular shaped building enveloped by a diamond-shaped parcel of land with the streets (rues)  forming the borders, the Paris Opera House is an impressive building. Read more »

16
Aug

Cakey Cornbread

My love affair with corn continues.  Every once in a while, I make a cornbread that tastes more like a cake than a bread.  Mile-high, airy, and moist, my cake-like cornbread is a simple but delicious side dish, especially with a bowl of soup.  The old recipe defies my tendency to use butter instead of oil and buttermilk instead of milk, as I’ve tried both variations and my family always asks me to make it “the old cakey way.” Read more »
14
Aug

Kids and Rome, Italy

Before I travel to any destination, I always research what to do and especially where to take kids as there are only so many museums (maybe, one) and ruins that my daughter can see in one day before she turns to her dad and says “why do I have to see all this?”  His response: “Because my father showed me, and I’m showing you….and you will show your own children..” to which she wholeheartedly advises him she isn’t going to carry on the tradition.
We’ve learned through the years to make sure we do museums and places where our daughter is restrained from running, touching, or speaking in a voice louder than a whisper, in the morning and to spend the afternoon seeing or doing something she is interested in. Read more »
12
Aug

The Individual Mandate to Buy Health Insurance

Few topics spark strong opinions like health insurance – and the individual mandate to require the uninsured to purchase health insurance is at the center of the controversy.  In 2010 before the Obama administration in conjunction with Congress and the Senate overhauled the US healthcare system, there were estimates of 40-50 million of uninsured Americans which equates to approximately 15% of the population. Read more »

10
Aug

Roasted Carrots and Potatoes

There are many delicious vegetables in the world but there is something special about carrots and a small potato called the “yukon gold”  which has only been around for about 30 years. The Crop Watch Potato Education Guide (yes, there really is such an entity) put out by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln reports the yukon gold is a result of cross breeding by scientists in Canada. Oval shaped and small, these potatoes with a yellow interior almost look like they have been buttered when in fact, the yellow tinge is the potato’s natural color.  Read more »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »