THE AFTERMATH

Seems we had a visit from Irene a week and a half ago.  Much hype pre-storm and as you are all aware I did buy candles, lovely autumn scented candles and I went to the library and stocked up on books.  You can NEVER have too many books to read during a storm.  She ( Irene) blew in Sunday morning and just when I was feeling really smug (about noon) and about to post a smug update on facebook, the power went out.  It didn't flicker and return as it had done several times that morning...no siree, it went out, dead, gone. It came back on Wednesday night at exactly 5:54 PM.  That was a long time to read with candles and flashlights:)  Fortunately the weather turned clear and crisp after the storm so I was able to cook my slowly defrosting supply of meats on the grill and cook veggies in foil on the grill.  Then, even after the power returned we had no internet, phone or cable  (all provided by Comcast) until late Thursday afternoon.

But, the good news is that we had no damage, just a lawn full of leaves, sticks, small branches etc. Oh, and a couple of small dings on the hatch of Bob's SUV.  He is a fanatic about his vehicles, so guess where we are going on a "date night" tonight.  That's right... to the Ding Dr. to get the dings sucked right out, then a free oil change at the Honda dealer to be followed by dinner at Boston Market.  I do so love their mashed potatoes and their chicken, yum!  Life doesn't get much more exciting than this folks;)

Later,
Janet

Lemons....Lemonade ?

You know that old saw about lemons and lemonade, right?  Here is my new take.  When life hands you potential hurricanes ( Irene) and tells you to be prepared, go to Yankee Candles.

I mean really, why would I go and buy some boring old utility candles when I had a coupon for substantial savings these autumnal beauties.   Our house may be dark ( although hopefully not) but it certainly will smell like an orchard on a fall day.  And nope, nobody paid me to show you this candle, it is all my own doing.


Later,
Janet

Yum

 It's been hot here recently and I have had a lot going on.  This quick and delicious meal has been on my "go to" list lately.  Really, I could eat a pound of shrimp and several mangoes worth of salsa prepared this way.

OK, I stole the picture because I can never remember to take a picture of my food before I devour it, plus it is really hard to photograph food. Here is what I do:

I lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 olive ( or other ) oil
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
juice of one lemon
1 large clove garlic, minced
sprinkle of red chile flakes

Combine all the above in a zip lock bag.  Marinate in the fridge for no longer than 45 minutes ( unless you want shrimp ceviche, but that's a whole other story !)

Thread onto metal skewers ( or soaked wooden ones)  and grill over a medium hot flame for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Another purloined photo, but honestly my salsa looked just like this.

2 mangoes, diced
1 small jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped. 
1/8- 1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
juice of one lime


Combine and refrigerate for flavors to meld and soften. This is so delicious I can just eat it out of the bowl and I DID ;)


Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

Later,
Janet

Stonington Connecticut

Stonington is a charming coastal village with a history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. I have dubbed it "Nantucket without the Ferry Ride".  Come along and enjoy a sunny spring day.

               Perhaps my favorite, but so many gorgeous ones to chose from!

There seems to be a lot of Greek Revival architecture in town, many homes with more subtle ode to Grecian style than this example.

I have a couple more pictures, but I will save them for another day.

Happy Mother's Day,

Janet

Grey Towers

Bob was contacted to use his photos of Grey Towers ( Milford PA) for this blog.  Check it out!



priceypads.com/30444/grey-towers-mansion-tours/

 Today we went to Stonington Borough Connecticut, a gorgeous historical town on the water.  Photos to come when Bob has processed them.

Later,
Janet

A BIG THANK YOU

 My parents are so pleased with so many cards.  I want to thank all of you who took time from your busy lives to make a couple of 93 year olds so happy.  You are just the best :)


Do you love this artsy fartsy shot Bob took at Grey Towers in PA?


Janet

Please

Well it has become clear that I either need to "pea or get off the pot", as the expression goes.  Posting every few weeks is really not acceptable ( to me or you, I would imagine).  Despite having a wonderful life, I seem to have little that I feel like posting about.  So, I will do some soul searching re: my blog.

In the meantime I have a favor to ask.  This Thursday, 4/14, is my parents' 71st Wedding Anniversary.  Can you even fathom being married for 71 years?  I am trying to put together a "card shower" of sorts to make the occasion as memorable as possible.  They are both 93, very hard of hearing and they really don't like to go out to eat or anything like that.  We will be going up that weekend with some nice homemade food to share.

Would any of you be willing to send a card to them?  You could sign it "a friend of Janet" or something.  If you would like to do this the address is as follows:

address removed, please comment if you would like the address and I will e-mail it to you! 


Thanks so much!

Janet