You are not forgotten

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today-'
cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, God Bless the USA.

-Lee Greenwood

In memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  We will never forget.   

It is Sunday night and after a day of barbecuing and enjoying family we sat down to read a book called  America's White Table. 

A tradition started after the Vietnam War, the white table is a symbol and remembrance to service members missing in action and those who lost their lives.  Specific items are placed on the table:

White tablecloth to honor a soldier's pure heart

A lemon slice and grains of salt on a plate to show a soldier's bitter fate and tears of families

An empty chair for the missing soldiers

A black napkin for sorrow, a white candle for peace and a red rose for hope

Tomorrow at dinner our family will set a place for those service members that will never return.  We will light a white candle in hope for peace.  We will take a moment  to thank those whose sacrifice allows our family to enjoy a life of freedom and happiness.  We will  pray for those left behind and ask that they may be comforted in knowing their loved ones died a hero.   We will promise to continue to love and honor our country, America, land of the free and home of the brave. 

Charities Supporting Soldiers and Their Families

What ways do you remember those who served our country? 

Barbecue here we come

With our first barbecue weekend ahead of us, I am always thinking of what sides to serve.   Here is an easy salad to whip up that involves no cooking other than boiling the orzo. 


Ingredients:

1 box of orzo

1 fresh mozzarella

1 bunch of basil

1 container of grape or cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup Canola oil

1/2 Pecorino Romano cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.  Boil the orzo as directed on the package, reserve some of the  orzo water to add to salad

2.  Cut the mozzarella into small cubes, 
     Chop the basil into small pieces
     Chop tomatoes

5. In a large bowl combine the cooked orzo, tomatoes and basil, olive oil, Romano cheese and cooking water if needed(if the salad seems dry add a little cooking water)
 
6. Let cool awhile before adding the mozzarella to avoid the cheese from melting
 
7. Salt and pepper to taste

8. Mix and enjoy

Try these variations:

Greek Orzo Salad- Exclude :
                             Mozzarella
                             Tomatoes
                             Basil 
                             Romano cheese
                                            Add :
                             Kalamata olives
                             Feta cheese
                             Red onions

Mexican Orzo Salad- Exclude :
                                 Mozzarella
                                 Tomatoes
                                 Basil
                                 Romano cheese
                                  Add:
                                 Corn
                                 Black beans
                                 Cilantro
                                 Lime juice


What other variations can you think of?
Let me know I would love to try them.

Basketball Dreams

So as a true New Yorker, I am a fan of the Yankees, Giants and the Knicks.   The Knicks made it to the second round of playoffs this year.    It had been too many years since they have made it that far and my hopes were high!!  Unfortunately their season ended there.  I will continue to cheer my team and hope for a great season next year.   Let's Go Knicks!
 
 So to keep the spirit of basketball alive here are some shots of our family enjoying the game. 

 

 

 

 

 

A few more inches to go!!

 

 

 

That's better! 

 

 

Even the older folks still have some moves!

(Sorry Uncle Bobby, I couldn't resist.)

 

 

 

 

 

Looks Good!!

 

Basketball is a beautiful game when the five players on the court play with one heartbeat. — Dean Smith

 

 

What team do you cheer for? 

 

 

 

 



 

  

After the Rain

"The Earth Laughs in Flowers."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
 



 

Our first flowers in bloom.

Reason to Believe

GODISNOWHERE

Read aloud the words above, what does it say?

Read on....

Last week was a long week. Both of my kids were feeling sick, allergy season at its height in our home. Many rainy days and just trying to get work done while lacking sleep. I guess there are just those times in life when it is not as easy to feel joy or to feel inspired to make the most of each day. This is the journey of seeking happiness and goodness in each day that sometimes challenges me.

Yesterday, Scarlett received confirmation in our church. Suddenly all that gloom of last week was melted away, and by the way it was raining again. Ten special young people in our church chose to be confirmed and proclaim their faith in God. Our pastor made the service very special by speaking about the wonderful traits of each child. He described my daughter as someone with pizazz who adds a special enthusiasm to our church community. Everyone had a laugh. Anyone who knows Scarlett knows she usually stands out in a crowd and brings a little extra"pizazz" to any group. He spoke of her inner and outer beauty and how she cares for others. It was a wonderful moment as a mother.

Written on the Confirmation program were the words: GODISNOWHERE

He asked someone to read the words out loud to which she replied:

 GOD IS NO WHERE

He spoke how sometimes it does feel that way, with all the tragedies we hear about each day, with all the people struggling in life, with all those hurting...

But then.... He spoke about my daughter and the nine other young people standing up on their own to say they believe in God and that they will choose to live their lives according to His way.

He said, no, it is not GOD IS NO WHERE

it is GOD IS NOW HERE

There is hope and love and joy in the world

 There is a reason to know GOD IS NOW HERE

One of my reasons to believe

 

Ode to Lemon

I love lemons. 

The color, the fragrance, the flavor.

 Lemons make me think of summer, shrimp on the grill with lemon, lemon italian ice, bright sunny days!


Watching my son lick a lemon, priceless.       

Here are a couple of my other favorite lemons...

Bath and Body Lemon Wallflowers

come in a variety of styles.  They plug into the wall and the lemon scent is fresh and clean.  I love that the scent lasts for several weeks and some of the plug ins are night lights.  There are several scents to choose from, but my favorite is lemon.  

Bath and Body Works

 Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino

is a  natural 100 % vegetable based soap from Italy. It comes in several scents but my favorite is lemon. I love how the scent lingers in the  bathroom after your shower. 

 

You can order this easily online.  However, I like to find it in stores like Marshall's or Home Goods at a better price.  I just recently gave this soap to some special moms in my life for Mother's Day.  I love to share things I enjoy with others.  I guess that is why I started blogging. 

 Quick and Easy Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups sugar plus 2 cups of water (to make a simple sugar)

Juice of about 8-10 lemons

Cold water to fill gallon pitcher

Ice

Instructions
1- In a saucepan heat 1 and 3/4 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water until sugar dissolves, let cool slightly and pour into pitcher

2-Juice the lemons and add to pitcher











3-Fill pitcher with cold water and stir

4-Add lemon slices and ice

Yummy!!

Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

1 package of boneless chicken cutlets

oil to coat pan

1/2 stick of butter

1/2 cup wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon of flour
 
juice of 2 or 3 lemons

salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika to taste


1-Cut cutlets into strips

2- Season strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika

3- Coat pan with oil and brown chicken on each side

4-Add chicken broth, wine(could use all broth instead of the wine) lemon and butter to the pan and  bring to simmer

5-Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes

6- Take chicken out of pan

7-In a small bowl mix flour and drops of water to make a roux

8-Add roux a little at a time to pan to thicken sauce(more roux the thicker the sauce)

9-Pour sauce over chicken and serve with lemon slices

Do you have a favorite lemon recipe??  Let me know I would love to try it.  

The Great DiCaprio

For mother's day my daughter and I went to see The Great Gatsby.   What a treat.  First, I must admit Leonardo DiCaprio is my Hollywood crush.  Watching him alone on the big screen is enjoyable enough for me.  To add to the enjoyment, this movie was filled with so many beautiful things, it was visually stunning.  The costumes, landscapes, mansions, and city sights were all spectacular.  My daughter and I both agreed we would love to wear every dress in the movie.  The party scenes made you yearn to be part of the experience with the music adding to the appeal.

A story of love, hope and the human spirit, The Great Gatsby was a Great Time.

 

 

The Movie Trailer 

 

My top five Leonardo DiCaprio movies:

1. Titanic 1997

2. Catch Me If You Can 2002

3. Romeo and Juliet 1996

4. The Departed 2006

5. Shutter Island 2010

...If you have never scene What's Eating Gilbert Grape, released in 1993, it is a must see!   DiCaprio's performance is powerful. 

So who is your Hollywood crush?