This past weekend Nick and I traveled to Bethlehem, PA for Musikfest 2008. This is the 25th anniversary of the festival, and each year, the event attracts larger and larger crowds. It recently reached over 1.2 million attendees! Musicians from every genre perform on one of 14 different stages across town. Speaking of the town, it’s beautiful! Bethlehem was founded... Read more
(We watched Anne Burrell prepare a similar meal on her Food Network show, “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef.” Our version was pretty tasty, though probably best for a cold winter night!) Ingredients chicken breasts marinade of your choice EVOO sliced onions sliced mushrooms potatoes butter cream 2-3 peeled garlic bulbs rosemary leaves Directions Marinade chicken for at least four hours.... Read more
Ingredients pizza dough (we like the variety found in the frozen food section of your grocery store) EVOO flour 2 cans of stewed tomatoes pressed garlic mozzarella cheese basil leaves salt, pepper, oregano, crushed red peppers Directions Place frozen pizza dough in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let it sit on your kitchen counter for a few hours,... Read more
Last Wednesday, Nick and I traveled 30 miles east to Belleville where Central Pennsylvania’s mountains provide the backdrop for red barns and alternating stripes of green stalks and wheat grass. We passed horses and buggies and simple white churches with tall steeples. We caught glimpses of young boys wearing dark slacks and straw hats sitting in the shade of trees... Read more
I walked into the office the other day to the question: “How tall are you?” I replied: “Between 5-7 and 5-8.” Apparently that was “Perfect!” The reason my colleague asked is because she was trying to find a female to fill the costume of WordGirl. WordGirl is a PBS animated series that chronicles the superhero adventures of a 5th grade... Read more
Molly passed away 2 1/2 years ago. We still miss her dearly. She was the sweetest, most lovable, and protective dog. She was our first family dog and Dad’s best buddy. We brought Sadie into the family when Molly was about six-years-old. It took a few weeks for Molly to even acknowledge the rambunctious ball of fur, but they grew... Read more
Yesterday I turned 26 — a quarter-century plus one. Yesterday I registered for an upcoming 5K race and wondered if I would have to check the box labeled 26-35. Fortunately I was still grouped with the 25-year-olds (which Nick happens to be for 70-some more days). 26 started off with a beautiful acrylic painting from my sister, Mad Mex margaritas... Read more
There’s a lot to be learned about a partner during a moving weekend. The organizing, tossing, packing, and loading can wear out a couple. But not us. Last weekend we moved Nick to Happy Valley. We’ve been waiting for this occasion for the past year … to finally see each other on a regular basis! We tossed his broken picture... Read more
I love that my routine drastically changes while I’m on vacation. No alarm clock or clothing considerations or work email. No chores or errands. My only concern is how to sufficiently soak up the day’s rays. My wonderful parents made arrangements for the family to spend a full week in Duck, NC. Mom booked the house last fall, based on... Read more
(family favorite!) Ingredients 1 lb spinach 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 pint strawberries (local are best!) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 T sesame or sunflower seeds (we prefer sunflower seeds) 1/2 cup sugar 1 t worcestshire sauce 1 1/2 t minced onion Directions Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl and toss with spinach and strawberries. Serve with extra... Read more