Happy Thanksgiving

Holiday Recipes

It is that time of the year where we are either cooking at home or bringing something to friends and family. I am not the worlds greatest cook but do have a few favorites that I will share with you over the next month or so. In the comments below leave your favorite recipe or what you have to be thankful for over this Thanksgiving week.

Hot Spinach and Tomato Dip

2 pkg of frozen chopped spinach
2 8oz cream cheese (soften)
2 pkg of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
2 medium tomato chopped
½ medium onion chopped
¼ cup half and half
Salt and pepper for taste

Thaw and drain spinach.
Mix all the ingredients together
Place in a casserole dish
Bake uncovered in a 350 deg oven for 30 min.

Serve with tortilla chips

From the Savoring the Seasons Cookbook.

Good Neighbors are Easy to Find

This entry is going to be about the value of neighbors. It is going to be a bit warm and fuzzy. If you know me personally you know that I am anything but warm and fuzzy. However sometimes things just need to be said. The present state of the economy keeps talking about the value of things going down; one in particular is that of homes. I am not sure about the exact value of my house but I can say there is one immeasurable asset to my house and that is my neighbors and my neighborhood as a whole. We recently had a new family move in next door. They are already close friends of ours and got me thinking about how wonderful all my neighbors are.

People talk about losing the value of their homes and if you are in the business of buying and selling homes this can be a major problem in this economy. When a house is appraised the quality of the neighbors is never measured. Several of my friends live in great locations but have a negative relationship or no relationship with their neighbors. In my opinion this devalues the property. Good neighbors can protect, support the maintenance, and add to the overall comfort of your home.

Being a good neighbor is a two way street you must be willing to give if you are willing to receive. When my husband and I first moved into our neighborhood we never owned our own home. We had no previous experience with neighbors as homeowners. I have learned a lot since that first day.

Introduce yourself to your neighbors: If you want to be a good neighbor take the first step. When we moved in within 1 week we had met every neighbor that bordered our house as well as many more.

Share what you have and return what you borrow: I initially felt guilty about borrowing tools from my neighbor one in particular said “THAT’S WHAT GOOD NEIGHBORS DO.” Now that I have been in my house for 10 years I borrow less and lend more because “that’s what good neighbors do."

Communicate well: Most people do not enjoy a conflict. If something bothers you let them know in a nice non confrontational way. My dad always says “the majority of conflicts are cause by lack of communication.” We have a great dog that tends to bark and when she was young she would run after people and bark at them. I received a note one day from someone who said that my dog made them nervous when they went for a walk. They did not sign the note however it was a kind non confrontational communication. Within one day we put up a temporary fence to keep the dog in the back yard. This allowed the people walking by to not have my dog disturb them. No confrontation and problem solved. I should never have allowed my dog out front to bark at people the note reminded me of my obligations as a dog owner.

Be there: Keep an eye on your neighbors while not being too nosey. Be sure to ask how they are doing when you see them. This is a lot easier in the warmer weather but should be a year round job. We have a mix of ages around our house. Recently one of my neighbors lost her husband so we try and make sure that she knows we are available if she needs us. Something simple like bringing over baked goods like cookies can give you an opportunity to chat and make sure things are ok. She may require more support from her neighbors now but I remember when we moved in her husband was the guy who helped remove bushes and cut down trees when we needed him 8 years ago. Everything evens out over time.

Respect peoples differences: within a neighborhood are a lot of different cultures and beliefs. One issue is parenting issues. The rules in my house are different than in other houses. Parenting is not a competition it is an obligation. Everyone has their own ways to raise their kids. Make sure your child is in a safe place where you are comfortable. Respect what other parents want. For example I let my kid’s ride bikes on their own around the neighborhood and other parents do not. This is not an issue of who is right or wrong. It is right for my children. If they have a friend over who is not allowed to ride on their own then I respect their parents and keep my kids home or walk with them.

My neighbors are great to my family. My kids are great friends with our next door neighbors and they treat them like extended grandchildren. What a great feeling to know that if my kids need to talk, share a success, or need help they have someone next door to listen. This is a great value in my opinion. Where I live is a great place it is filled with great people young, old and every age in between. When we moved in we did not know how to be a good or bad neighbor. My neighbors taught me what I needed to know. The attitude starts with the people who live there. Not everyone will be a great neighbor but make sure that you are. The value of your home will perhaps not increase on paper but it will to you.

Obama should have offered Donuts...

Ok here its, my first political blog post. Before we begin I will explain my political views. I am a Republican in the great Liberal state of Massachusetts. I work in the Liberal world of education and I am a huge minority among my peers. I do not always agree with the Conservative views but find that overall when it comes time to vote I like the Conservative candidates better. I hate political arguments so during election time I steer clear of any political topics around my husband who is always willing to share his points of view.

The recent incident between Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Cambridge Sgt. James Crowley have been a topic of conversation in my house. I don't get it. I have a 5 and a 7 yr old daughters and they have been taught and know that if you are approached by a policeman or any other person of authority (teacher, principal, fireman etc.) you show them respect at all times. Why this was difficult to such an educated many like Prof Gates is beyond my comprehension. Prof. Gates is considered a leader in the community and should have shown the police more respect.


Where this story really goes haywire is when POTUS decides to give his opinion on the matter and says the Cambridge police acted "stupidly". POTUS is in charge of the executive branch of our government he has no business interfereing in the actions of a local police department. When that comment backfired and he started feeling the heat he decided to try and arrange a meeting between Sgt. Crowley and Prof. Gates. Not a bad way to resolve a conflict. However his choice for the type of meeting was silly. POTUS invited them all to the White House to discuss the problem over a beer with peanuts and pretzels. Could his choice had been more stereotypical!!! I am surprised they didn't offer coffe and donuts.


Now even their beer choices show that the cop has the most sophisiticated tastes.

• POTUS: Bud Light


• VPOTUS: Bucklers


• Gates: Sam Adams Light


• Crowley: Blue Moon

I have found the location for POTUS's next meeting with the Police Union. (see below)

A Great Week On an Awesome Island

We did all of our “must do’ s” and had a great week. We are very lucky to be able to share my parents house with them for a week every July. The kids behaved great. For all you parents of young kids who think vacationing with kids is like a root canal. IT WILL GET BETTER.

Beaches: were limited this year to Children’s Beach. The kids made some great friends and love the playground and the Gelato so we stayed close to home. I missed Surfside very much but the last time I checked it is not going anywhere. So maybe we will catch it next year.

Restaurants:
Sea Grille: Mom and Dad went there for their night and had enjoyed it very much. Dad had the swordfish and Mom had the Filet with a mushroom cap. This is one of those restaurants that is a can’t miss.

Dune: Jeff and I tried out this new restaurant. I actually sent out a Tweet on Twitter and @zophiaphoto replied and suggested it. We arrived to see that it is owned by Michael Getter the former executive chef at 21 Federal. and American Season (another personal fav) I immediately felt at ease he was amazing in his years at those 2 great restaurants.

I of course started with a refreshing cocktail “Best of Summer” all I know is that it had Absolute Citron, and Lemoncello and sparkling water, very refreshing. Jeff had a corn chowder that was great and I had the Beef Carpaccio. I only trust eating raw meat to nicer restaurants and this was no exception.

Main Course:

• Jeff: Berkshire Pork Chop & Crispy Cheek, mascarpone grits, white peach, sweet onions & basil.
  
• Lisa: Painted Hills Farms Beef Sirloin, crispy fingerlings, great hill blue cheese, pickled shallots & baby green beans.

I am sharing the exact explanation of what we had because it was so yummy. Nantucket is one of those places that I do not mind paying a little (ok a lot) more money for a great meal. You get some really great combinations created by world class chefs.

Dessert: we both had the Marcapone Cheesecake: delicious but I would say the least exciting part of the meal. However having a glass of Belle de Brillet a peach cognac liquor. Yum.

We also tried a new old restaurant. Cys which was formerly the Atlantic Café just opened this spring. They have brought back the original name of the restaurant from the late 1930’s. Their menu was week although the waitress did say that they are working on the menu having just recently opened. The kids loved the fish shaped pasta that was brightly colored. They also love the very nice Barnaby Bear coloring book. I had clams casino (average) and steamers good but not as good as Woodmans in Essex. I would give these guys another try next year. The waitress was great and it was a no hassle dinner out with the kids. That has to be worth something.

The highlight of the trip for me was getting together with Pax and his wife Pam who were great friends of mine back in the early 90’s. They own a winery in California “Windgap Wines” which I am sure to write about later. Mark the manager at Company of the Cauldron joined us and we had an awesome time.

We did a little shopping but on Nantucket you can find so many one of a kind items that you must have only to choke when you see the price tag. I am not quite in the tax bracket of those that can afford a pair of casual sandals for $260. With the kids it is also hard to go into some of the stores. You can quite often hear me saying “you can go in kids but if you touch anything you die!!!”

Overall it was an awesome vacation I learned that I could live a week without the Wii and that my parents and kids love to play games together. Thanks to Claire and Roland (Mom and Dad for a great week.)

Eating your way around Nantucket

I am sitting here watching the traffic build up outside my Union St. house, on a rainy day in Nantucket thinking how lucky I am. This is one of my favorite places to go in the summer. I have spent more than nine summers living here in college and after and have many “must do’s” on my list when I return each summer for a vacation. Now my children are also starting their own “must do” list.

The island has many amazing restaurants so there are a lot of places I love. Jeff and I usually go out one night (sans kids). Here are a few that we love.

• American Seasons
  
• Le Languedoc
  
• Ships Inn

We also have a few family traditions that have been developed through the years.

• Lobster take-out from Sayles Seafood . They cook and do everything for you and you eat at home. (Always the night before the trash gets picked up so we do not have lobster smell all week.)
  
• Sushi by Yoshi – Try a Dynamite Roll. I usually sneak this in for a quick lunch. My oldest daughter is now starting to crave them.
  
• Sea Grill when we have time we like to take the whole family out. The girls think that they are going to a fancy restaurant, the food is great, and they deal with the kids better than me.

Finally here is my kids must do list: (growing each year)

• Juice Bar: every night possible for ice cream. Yumm!! Force Five Water Sports – your typical cool surf shop however in the back of the store is the mother lode. It has candy store to die for. It is also located next door to our house so it is a quick stop.
  
• Nucci’s Italian Ice and Gelato - http://www.nuccisnantucket.com/ this is located at Children’s Beach so if the kids eat lunch they can get some gelato. The only problem is by the end of the day the kids have a posse of friends and this can cost you if you are not careful.

The final “must do” when on Nantucket is to visit John and Kathy at Sweet Inspirations on Centre St. They have the most amazing chocolate treats. I recommend the truffles or chocolate covered cranberries. Their chocolate almond butter crunch was the favor for our guests at my wedding. Well I hope you enjoy my list please share any of your island favorites with me.

Stories from a Swim Team Mom…

I am a mother of 2 girls ages 5 and 7. My oldest started on the Holyoke Y Vikings Swim Team last summer and my youngest started this summer. So I have had the chance to experience a full year of HYV swimming. We have had a great year and love the sport.

When I was growing up I was a really into ski racing and always hoped my kids would follow that route. However with the closing of Mt. Tom my dreams of the next Picabo Street were dashed. The kids started taking lessons at the Y very early. This was done for safety but more importantly when they know how to swim I can sit on the beach and watch instead of living in the water. The swim lessons were awesome and soon my oldest started watching the team as they started practice. Soon she was told she could swim well enough to join the team.

I was nervous when she started. I really did not think she was ready but Carrie the Aquatics director assured me that she could do it. Her improvement was amazing and soon she was entering her first race. My youngest went through the same routine this summer and is also coming along well. Her favorite part is swimming with Randy on Wednesday’s. It is a smaller group and they really have a fun time while learning a lot.

There are a lot of things great with this program. At the 8 and under level they stress the basics. It is not very different from my ski racing training. Learn the basics and the speed will come. They are led by Coach Carrie (different from the Carrie mentioned above) She also also teaches commitment and responsibility to the team for both the parents and the swimmers. My 7 yr old lectured me on this topic recently when I suggested that we miss the Championships to head to Nantucket. Not that I think a 7 yr old cannot miss a meet but if it is that important to her I will make it important for me. The coaching staff is top notch led by Randy Smith who has been coaching the team so long he is now coaching the children of kids he taught to swim.

The most important thing that I like about the HYV program is the quality of kids on the team. Every kid on that team has a strong character and great personalities. At a recent race at Springfield College my oldest was swimming the breast stroke. This is a 50 m pool (Olympic size) and for my little kid it is a long way to the end. She is not the best swimmer in the pool as a matter of fact for the 50 m events she is usually DFL (dead F*#*# last) . We are still waiting for the speed to come. Everyone in her heat had finished and it was taking her a while yet every kid on her team was cheering her on from the side or at the end of the pool. When she saw all the older kids at the end of the pool she pushed herself to finish.

Holyoke Restaurant Reviews

Ok so its been a while. I had a little elbow surgery. The surgery was not the issue but being away from my laptop gave me the shakes. Thanks to Dr. Spath and the folks at Cooley Dick my arm is back and I can type and drink a beer so my life is now complete. Well what to talk about. Let me tell you about a couple of places that I have visited over the past month.

"Dino's Pizza Restaurant" 615 Homestead Ave Holyoke, MA 01040(413) 315-6590: This place is close to home so we used to use it for take out spareingly. However we met the owner at our kids softball game and decided to try it for dinner out. It was really fun. Its a typical pizzaria with pizza, grinders and pasta dishes as the main meals. Their wings are also very good. Not too many choices for dessert but the cheese cake worked for my kids. The food tastes great the staff is really friendly and the owner Dino is now one of my kids favorite people. Anyone reading this should try it out. I like to support Holyoke businesses as much as possible and this one is not hard to like.

"Dam Cafe" 2014 (I think) Northampton St. Holyoke, MA 01040 I just visited this place today and really enjoyed it. It is a welcome site for Holyoke. We really need a nice cafe type place that we can sit down with friends and have a quick bite and a coffee or in my case a nice big Chai Tea. It has a nice warm atmosphere regular table and chairs but my fav is the nice big leather couches. It also has WiFi so you can catch up on all my blog updates. I of course spent most of my lunch trying to get my husbands phone to work with Twitter. There was a good lunch crowd today and I think that they are still working out how to handle the lunch rush. We did not wait long but some folks made some comments. Overall I loved it. The staff was really nice. They guy making my Chai is a Red Sox fan and that makes me very happy. If you have a chance check it out and let me know what you think.

Wii love the Wii

Ok so it is Sunday morning and I sit here with a Wii controller resting on my lap while I type. So I thought I would share how the Wii is in constant use in our house. I am not sure it is a good or bad thing it is just a fact WE LOVE THE WII.

• 8 AM 4 yr old gets up. Turns on TV puts Hannah Montana into the Wii and starts her concert tour.


• 9 AM we wake up to the yelling of the 4 yr old "I just made it to a new city!!!"


• We watch her dance and sing for a while.


• 9:30 Pancakes for breakfast NO Wii. We do not want syrup on the controller.


• 11:00 6 yr old starts on the Wii. Wii Fit is her game. She loves competing against the trainer in the Fitness Challenges. Will I lose weight watching her??? The 4 yr old joins in occasionally.


• 11:00 6 yr old done with fitness now on to agility, Soccer heading, ski jumping etc. Soon it will be lunch time.


• 12:00 Feed the kids lunch. Do not ask what they ate I will never tell.


• Now it is Moms turn. Kids want to play outside with friends. So now to kill some people in "Call of Duty". I think I am a bit obsessed with this game.


• 3:00 Kids come in make some cookies with them.


• Upstairs they go to do what ever 4 and 6 year olds do.


• 6:00Dinner


• 7:00 A few games of family bowling on the WII


• Kids do homework or reading


• 8 pm Off to bed.


• Dad gets to play Call of Duty. Thank god for TIVO I won't miss "Desperate Housewives".

We love the Wii.

Foxwoods Mini Vacation

We started a tradition in our family a few years ago of going to one of the casinos over Christmas break as a quick get away. It started out just 4 of us my my husband, myself, my sister-in-law, and my niece. Over the years more and more from the family have heard about it and it has turned into a really nice quick get away. This year we will have around 15 people attending the event.
I think the economy had many of us on the ropes over Christmas break so we decided to postpone it until after the holidays. Well the economy must be hitting Foxwoods as well because we were able to get several rooms for free and none more than $40. We head out at the beginning of Feb.
We set our trip up so even the thinnest wallet can attend. We designate one room as the "LOSER LOUNGE" we set up video games. This year I believe we are bringing ROCK BAND and other cool WII games. We all bring different cocktails and appetizers.
For those that want to we all go out for dinner the night we arrive and generally meet for a late night snack around mid night. In the morning we catch a late breakfast together to see who the winners and losers are.
We are not frequent casino goers but it is a great way for a quick get away that does not require an expensive flight.

HOLYOKE YMCA

Ok so my kids are 4 and 6 and I am finding myself at the Y more and more. The new director Ed Toole has been impressing me. He has upgraded the play room and my 4 yr old loves it. There are a lot of new programs to get kids more active. Coming from a mom who's kids think that the WII and the Nintendo DS are what you do in between going to the bathroom and eating the activities are a good thing. We just started TBall it is in the gym and it is just fun for the kids. I like it because I find that my kids want to do everything and as a teacher I see kids are to often over scheduled. I always said that my kids would play one sport a season and these little programs are great fillers. We do swim team 2-3 days a week and they want to play another sport. Now they can play TBAll. There are no games, no team to let down if you miss a practice it is just fun and excercise. I really like what I am seeing from the new director. NOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT PARKING AT THE Y!!!

Random Beginning

Well here is my first post. I have a few blogs for my classes but thought I would just have a random blog that does not promote anything but randomness. You may hear about my family, may hear about Holyoke stuff, or just random thoughts I hope you enjoy. The title of my blog is from the Douglas Adams book "Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy". This book is totally random and strangley funny. I hope this blog will be the same.