Friday, January 13, 2012

The Dogs Last Will and Testament Poem


A Dog’s Last Will And Testament



I really would love to know the author of this poem. I have Googled and searched to no avail. The following was the best information found:“A Dog’s Last Will and Testament,” (Author anonymous) included in a recently published book in Germany “Der Verlust eines Hundes,” (The Loss of a Dog) by Elli Radinger, translated by Janet Beasley.


“Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind.


If, with my paws, I could do the same,

this is what I would ask …

“To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home, my bowl, cozy bed and all my toys, the lap which I loved so much and the tender loving touch.

Also the hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice, which called my name.

I’d will to the sad, scared shelter animal, the place I had in my human’s loving heart of which their seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say,

‘I will never have a pet again, for the loss and the pain are more than I can stand.’

Instead, go find an unloved animal, one who’s life holds no hope or joy and give my place to him.

This is the only thing that I can give ... the love I left behind. This is my inheritance — my last will and testament.”

Susan Boyd Dickinson

Monday, January 2, 2012

GIFTS OF CULINARY DELIGHTS

de Buyer Crêpe Pan Kit
$39.95
Whether you wrap them around sweet or savory fillings, crepes transform breakfast into a special occasion. The perfect recipe for successful, delicious crepes, this kit includes our exclusive mix, a turning spoon and the quintessential steel crepe pan, a French-made design that's remained virtually unchanged since the early 17th century.
Kit includes solid steel pan, a 10-oz. package of our Voilà La Crepe mix and a wooden turning spoon.
Sloped sides of steel pan facilitate flipping and removing crepes.
Uptilted handle is designed to help smoothly swirl batter and turn crepes.
Makes an 8" crepe.
Pan requires seasoning.
Ideal for use on any type of cooktop, including induction.
A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.
9 1/2" diam., 1" high.
2 lb.
Made in France.
Use
Ideal for use on any type of cooktop, including induction.
Care
Allow pan to cool before washing.
Hand-wash in hot water without detergent; dry immediately.
Avoid using steel wool, steel scouring pads or harsh detergents.
Season the pan before first use: rub interior with oil and place in hot oven. After each use, hand-wash in hot water without detergent and dry thoroughly. Oil regularly to maintain seasoning.


***



My husband surprises me. He got me this French Crepe set. I can't wait to try it out. When I opened the package I was pleasantly surprised. It immediately brought memories of our honeymoon in Montreal to mind. The wonderful creperies we would stop at nightly and the quaint cafes.







Antica Dispensa Olive Oil with White Truffle Essence
$24.95

Northern Italy’s Piedmont region is famous for its white truffles, their rich, earthy flavors lending a singular character to local dishes. This Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil is infused with aromatics that capture the fragrance of white truffles.
Drizzle over everything from risottos, pastas and mashed potatoes to roasted meats and vegetables.
For a luxurious breakfast, drizzle the golden oil over scrambled eggs.
3.38 oz.
Made in Italy.
Made in Italy.



Truffle & Salt
$29.95

Capturing the seductive earthy character of Italian black truffles, this specialty salt from Italy will soon become one of your most frequently used ingredients. Its richly nuanced flavor enhances everything from grilled meats and roasted potatoes to scrambled eggs and buttered popcorn.
Sea salt is blended with a generous amount of Italy's fresh black summer truffles from Abruzzi.
Sprinkle on foods as a finishing touch before serving.
3.5-oz. jar.
Made in Italy.
Sea salt, summer black truffle, truffle flavor.



Butter with Truffle



Manni White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
$89.50
Armando Manni creates this exceptional extra-virgin olive oil using rare olives from age-old trees found only on the Tuscan slopes of Monte Amiata. Earthy white truffle adds an unmistakable flavor and bouquet, making the oil a perfect choice for finishing soups, salads or pastas.
Intensely flavored white truffle extra-virgin olive oil adds an elegant finishing touch to prepared dishes.
Meets the certified organic farming standard in Italy.
Exclusive “live oil” extraction method produces an oil with extremely low acidity and preserves its valuable antioxidant properties.
2 oz.
A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.






***




When I visited Seattle my husbands hometown for the first time. We did a Culinary Tour and visited Pike's Market. It was there that I fell in love with the The Truffle. Its romantic that my husband remembered these little things and all his gifts reminded me of our Travels and adventures. I hope we have many more.



Our Le Creuset family is growing. I got my husband the round dutch oven for Christmas this year and he got me the whistling teapot. The pots are very heavy so they live displayed on the stove top. The cheery red color always makes me happy when I walk into the kitchen. Nothing cooks as well as these pots. There is something magic in them , food takes on a life of its own and reaches culinary perfection when cooked in them.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

RESOLUTIONS 2012



RESOLUTIONS 2012


I want to learn the Rosary in Italian


As always I vow to eat healthy, exercise and lose weight


I want to try and pay off debt and start a savings plan


I want to Read more and continue to Learn more


I would really like to take a couple of weekend trips to visit relatives, I haven't seen in a long time.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE






HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE








This is by far the worst New Year's eve ever.




I am in my fuzzy nightgown, had my shot of NyQuil,




I am still running a fever , my neck aches




and I feel miserable in pretty much every way.




Not to mention I have serious vehicle woes.








I welcomed the New Year with a box of Kleenex, tears and a heating pad.








Someone is setting off fireworks and it has my girls all upset. My dogs do not like loud noises.








On the other side of the coin. I completed all the rituals, to have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year








My Aunt Lee had a saying that what ever you are doing on New Year's Day is what you will be doing all year long. So if things are left undone you will be playing catch up all year long.








Every year I seem to add a little something. I don't know where my whimsy comes from , but it always comes.








Yesterday while straightening my pantry , I realized I really have to much stuff, food and things that could be used by those who truly have nothing.








A few weeks ago I threw away some really tattered and torn up linens at a clients. The next time I came to visit a neighbor came out and said he took those linens out of the dumpster and washed them, an he was using them now. I thought to myself those items were so filthy, had I had a match, I would have used it. It hit me that this poor man was so without, that even something so tattered was a God send to him.








So I went thru my pantry and got out about 8 grocery bags of non perishables.I also raided my towel closet and picked out all my older towels. New Years Day when I go to the island to have dinner with my parents I will stop by my clients apt, and bring him all that food , for him to keep what he can use and share the rest with the poor souls living in the same complex.


When someone steals a person’s clothes, we call him a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to those who need it; the shoes rotting in your closet to the one who has no shoes. The money which you hoard up belongs to the poor. ” - Basil of Caesarea (330-379)


***I don't agree completely with St. Basil, as he does kinda sound like a socialist. But I am all for giving things away I no longer need to help those in less fortunate circumstances then myself.










Back to my rituals





1. There must be food in the house.





Pantry and Fridge fully stocked





2. All laundry done





3. All plants and pets watered/ fed





4. Money in the bank and in your pocket book





5. Bills paid





6. The house has to be cleaned well,





and everything in its place





7. All family graves must have new flowers.





8. All trash removed from house





9. Make Peace with anyone who has angered you--this is a hard one.





10. Gas in the vehicles





11. I have to have a vase of red and white roses in memory of my Daddy that's another whimsy thing of mine.










The Rose Beyond The Wall



In Memory of my DADDY


The Rose Beyond The Wall

A rose once grew where all could see,

sheltered beside a garden wall,...

And as the days passed swiftly by,

it spread its branches, straight and tall......

One day, a beam of light shone through

a crevice that had opened wide

The rose bent gently toward its warmth

then passed beyond to the other side
Now, you who deeply feel its loss,be comforted

- the rose blooms there-its beauty even greater now, nurtured by

God's own loving care.

***********


I miss you Daddy every day of every year, but even more so this time of year. I visited you today and I cried, and I told you all the things I needed to tell you. I just hope that you know how much I will always love you and how much I miss you and you will never be forgotten.

Love Always,

Kathy

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE GOODWIN'S

OUR FIRST EVER FAMILY CHRISTMAS PHOTO.

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Goodwin's 2011 Christmas Party Menu


The Goodwin’s Annual Christmas Party 2011

Hearty


Tamales and Chili
Chorizo Queso Blanco
Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos
Smoked Turkey with Mustard Sauce

Savories
Vegetable platter w/ 3 Onion dip
Ragin Cajun dip
Sun dried Tomato and Horseradish dip
Seafood dip (Shrimp, Crab, Oyster)
Relish Tray Marinated Carrots and Olives
Cold Smoked Cheese Platter
(Gouda, Gruyere, Truffle, Irish Cheddar and Dubliner)
Assorted Bread, Crackers and Chips
 
 
Sweets
European Candies
Chocolate Truffles
Petite Fours
Pecan and Pineapple Cake
Christmas Cookies
Beverages
Cranberry Sherbert Punch with Dark Cherries
Tazo Mint Iced Tea
Orange Spice Iced Tea