I was saddened to hear about some of the inequities in the demographics of our ivy league students. It seems, not surprisingly, that they are predominantly from the wealthier in our society. So what? some say. Their families have earned it. But it is seldom the case.If we as a people are truly to move … Read more
LEVELS TO WHICH I NEVER THOUGHT I’D STOOP:Poring with fascination over junk mailWatching the garbage truck pick up the trashFighting over who gets to make the bedDreamily perusing restaurant takeout menusSearching the Derry News for the crosswordForgetting when I last changed sweatsBaking cookies AGAINHEIGHTS TO WHICH I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SOAR:Walking drenched through a rainstormReceiving … Read more
New challenges arise for those of us who are in the habit of eating out frequently. Of course there is still takeout, but perhaps this catastrophe will give us pause to consider the ancient art of cooking. It’s a worthwhile distraction as we wait this out, provided we can get the raw materials. (My store … Read more
Words, words and more words. Why are we humans driven to communicate? It’s more than just a survival tactic. Just think of the millions of words that people have written in books over the centuries. Nothing to do with survival, really; just a need to be heard, to share words. Most of us find ourselves … Read more
A haiki is, by definition, a Japanese poem of 17 lines (5 plus 7 plus 5), usually about nature. They are fun to compose. Here is a joint effort by us and our 17 year old grandson: Rich so dark so deepThat which steams the sleep away (best line, my grandson’s)Java wakes to lifeDo you … Read more
Here is a spectacular recipe from my friend Noella, who never makes anything that I don’t love. Even if you find yourself culinarily challenged, don’t be afraid of this one. It comes out like an exquisite pizza without crust.First of all, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. If it’s been awhile, you might want to … Read more
Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat. And so will I, if this trend continues. Our snow fell all day, and it inspired me to bake a favorite Christmas treat, white chocolate craisin cookies. I’ve now dragged out my recipes for authentic Scottish shortbread, toffee, Finnish star cookies. Then there’s the Kulich, holiday … Read more
If you decide to bake the perfect apple pie, and you make your favorite pie crust recipe (the one that uses butter and vodka) and it rolls out in soft perfection, and you use those orchard-fresh Cortlands and your mother’s secret recipe involving heavy cream for the last 5 minutes of baking, and the pie … Read more
What is it about our little town library that excites me? It perches on a side street, a throwback to simpler times. Once I enter its doors, piglike tendencies take over. It’s as though I’m in one of my favorite restaurants with a 3-dessert sampler in front of me, my spoon poised in anticipation. All … Read more
I was thinking about retirement and primary colors this morning as I put together a batch of beef veggie soup.I’ve been struck with the color combinations – red tomatoes, green beans, yellow corn. Very calico. The missing color is blue.But who wants blue food, unless it is blueberries, which I would never put into beef … Read more