tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56067839399599890102024-03-18T21:22:33.124-07:00Frage Sigrid' A MemoirA CAREER WAS BORN OUT OF PASSION FOR COOKING. FOR MY FAMILY WHO ARE MY SUPPORT SYSTEM!Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-38756000766122515422021-04-17T13:19:00.061-07:002021-04-17T20:47:05.887-07:00Frage Sigrid a Memoir<p><br /> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pandemic 2020/2021<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The News hit us like nothing ever has before! Two days
later we were ordered to stay at home. I for one did stay at home until the
last week in May when I was tested for the COVID-19 virus and it came back
negative. A week later I had to have oral surgery. Once the healing started I
did venture out early in the morning to get some food into my home. It is eerie to go
to the supermarket around 7 a.m. with mask on and gloves as well. No other
contact, no visitors and trying to stay hopeful that this virus will disappear,
but! As you all know, it is still around with a vengeance. People are not
helping themselves. Teens running around in packs and no masks and no distance.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sonoma county is
one of the places where everyone takes it for granted: “NOT US”. I have news for
you, the carelessness of the public is the reason why we are still in the
purple tier. I do understand about all the restrictions, no one wants to be
told you can’t go out shopping, to dinner or family gatherings. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDaHqQo6Dx-0jB9gBhf0dhIOLtZJLd9TOH4Ud6KiTks77C0ytuBK2vnqCzB3RjbEzZbo936MStqA7-ZEYJYZ9AXtliTwj3rGT7MBps28JZy58Pkgv4Gn9H8Yvv02xYc694bu7AKSAb1A/s960/For+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDaHqQo6Dx-0jB9gBhf0dhIOLtZJLd9TOH4Ud6KiTks77C0ytuBK2vnqCzB3RjbEzZbo936MStqA7-ZEYJYZ9AXtliTwj3rGT7MBps28JZy58Pkgv4Gn9H8Yvv02xYc694bu7AKSAb1A/s320/For+Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had my 85<sup>th</sup>
birthday July 15<sup>th.</sup> My daughter, Heidi, became creative and gave me a Zoom party, inviting family from across the country and abroad, it was so fun.
After, we had 5 family members and 5 friends for cake. No one wanted coffee or
other refreshments with the cake. Weird. Never the less, it was a good
gathering, seeing some family and friends. All had a good time, mask and
distance notwithstanding.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It is hard for me to hear with a lot of people talking
around me even though I wear a hearing aid. Now with the masks, the
hearing aid keeps falling out of my ear so I do not even bother. Depression was
or still is a constant reminder how this pandemic has affected me and I am sure
many others. In spite of all that, I am grateful for being virus free and I had
my second vaccine on March 18<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">My children are staying in touch with me almost daily
either by phone or text or e-mail or even a visit with masks and distance. My
son Neal, who lives in town, comes by every 3 days which is helpful. My neighbors
are also in touch. My Bestie Josie and her adorable son Finnie come by and
visit from my courtyard while I stay on my balcony. Now I am waiting for these restrictions
to ease up so we can visit with distance and masks. I have to say, I put
a lot of restrictions on myself at 85. With underlying health issues I do need
to take care of myself. March 27, 2021: the sun is out and the tem: is rising
to a pleasant 75 degrees. All this puts a smile on my face. </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am looking forward to
Easter. My sons Rod and Neal will be here for the weekend and I have been looking
through my recipe portfolio for a special Easter dinner/brunch. Heidi and Bill
are due for a visit but we do not know yet when that will happen. Walter and
family are staying home in Boise, Idaho. Paul is in Los Angeles while Steve and
Family remain in England. Hope you had great Easter and were careful where you
traveled. Wear your mask, especially if your family and friends are not
vaccinated. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><b>Cheesy
Mushroom Bread Pudding</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">10 ounces packaged cremini mushrooms
sliced</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">2 cloves of garlic, pressed</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon
dried (not powdered)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">Salt and pepper to taste</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">6 large eggs</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">2 cups milk</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">¼ cup grated parmesan cheese</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">½ baguette, cut into ½ inch cubes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">Preheat oven to 350*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">In a large skillet, heat the olive oil
over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to taste
and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are browned, 8 to 10 minutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">In a large bowl, whisk together the
eggs, milk 2 tablespoons parmesan, and salt to taste. Stir in the bread cubes
and let soak for 10 minutes. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">Stir in the mushroom mixture and the
mozzarella. Transfer to a greased 1/ ½ quart baking dish; sprinkle the
remaining parmesan on top.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;">Bake until golden, about 45 minutes.
Let stand 15 minutes before serving.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><b>Makes
4 servings<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0.5in;"><b> </b></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> A green salad for supper/dinner or fruit salad for
brunch will go </span>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>In the meantime restrictions have eased. However, do not start being careless again, be happy that you can go among friends and family but do not take it for granted. Wear your Mask.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></p>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-40318167744570689082020-08-10T10:38:00.075-07:002020-08-10T12:05:25.619-07:00Mother’s Day 2020 / 85th Birthday Zoom Party<p> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruZuS2ICwQxH1di57jT-wEKFH7_HHY8F6evYyendPnwbUErn5U_mmHpo8M1Z2wT2DzTpwvOvRYiR3JrRB8DJBOVtELyTxm1mKNRenBK28jWNzCMmsznAw0E73ijunkkx5F-MCgwtzv04/s2048/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiruZuS2ICwQxH1di57jT-wEKFH7_HHY8F6evYyendPnwbUErn5U_mmHpo8M1Z2wT2DzTpwvOvRYiR3JrRB8DJBOVtELyTxm1mKNRenBK28jWNzCMmsznAw0E73ijunkkx5F-MCgwtzv04/w262-h175/IMG_7013.JPG" width="262" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mother’s Day 2020
/ 85<sup>th</sup> Birthday Zoom Party<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This is a difficult time for all of us. I really have a
hard time gathering my thought to write a blog.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j3vWpBMsFtGEfByhOPuJwYMdjg9XqxYzzKXYRpu9OkGjyW1KqVafLydWj6k5qk2nEUx8fhRdu8DTf-azvR5vTukWNiR-MISSuEW_IKu1vkhfrmR2Fo8rPT0LCySLWDRA34gNq2T6ltU/s2560/20200510_145439.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j3vWpBMsFtGEfByhOPuJwYMdjg9XqxYzzKXYRpu9OkGjyW1KqVafLydWj6k5qk2nEUx8fhRdu8DTf-azvR5vTukWNiR-MISSuEW_IKu1vkhfrmR2Fo8rPT0LCySLWDRA34gNq2T6ltU/w112-h200/20200510_145439.jpg" width="112" /></a>Mother’s Day was a nice surprise. Heidi and Bill drove 3
hours one way to spend three hours with me and feed me. Masks where in place
and we kept the distance required apart. As always, cards and flowers arrived along
with phone calls from my sons:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walter and Family, Neal (who joined us since he
is the only son that lives in town), Paul, Rod, and Steven from England. I always
feel better when everyone stays in contact. This Virus is hard to take. Some
days I get really depressed and discouraged. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I am one of the lucky ones, I tested Negative; I had to
be tested before Oral Surgery. Post Op is still bothering me, it has been 6
weeks now. I am working on staying positive through this pandemic that is
happening in the world right now.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPNrexC6hN7KKJUGCaNKVOqElN034w7c4mKbr5v8PP_DEa6dt3yvXrrqrDWTNJYANBN1orHACd3POaSXI35e9S9AtxDsrbdHj2DBdbYyWGGIAeaQzFn8LR1jl_TgA9T4KIxKxDfMlmx0/s2048/IMG_7033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2026" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPNrexC6hN7KKJUGCaNKVOqElN034w7c4mKbr5v8PP_DEa6dt3yvXrrqrDWTNJYANBN1orHACd3POaSXI35e9S9AtxDsrbdHj2DBdbYyWGGIAeaQzFn8LR1jl_TgA9T4KIxKxDfMlmx0/w248-h250/IMG_7033.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Birthda</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">y/July 15</b>;
I turned 85. Plans, of course, had to be changed from a </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">splashy party to a small
gathering with masks and keeping our distance from each</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> other. We were 9
people, 5 family and 4 friends. Small but fun in spite of everything. Heidi had
put a Zoom party together and that was so great. I got to see family from
Europe and across the US. I had a hard time understanding everyone but they
understood me and a lot of laughter was happening at my expense; it was a
special event my thoughtful and beautiful daughter put together. I am so grateful
to everyone who joined in I feel loved.<o:p></o:p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> <br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Today 10 days later I am struggling with if my son
Rodmond is okay. He has not communicated in 4 days. Neal usually comes by every 3
to 4 days. Heidi calls or texts. Grandkids in England and Boise Idaho also text
or go on Facebook with a message. Why do I feel so sad and isolated?????<o:p></o:p>
</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Today <span style="font-size: medium;">is a better day <span style="font-family: times;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">(July
28). My mouth is healing and </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Rod called in the meantime, twice. Heidi has a birthday today and I am sad that I can’t be with her. </span>
</span></span><style><font size="3"><span style="font-family: times;">
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{page:WordSection1;}</span></font></style><span style="font-family: times;">I just made a bread pudding -- my standby to have protein
and dairy and starch all in one dish. Eating meat i</span>s still difficult but slowly
it will happen. I never thought I would be saying I am way too thin but here it is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am too thin.” I feel fine but this has my
Doctor concerned. Me too, ha, ha.<o:p></o:p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yesterday, August 1, was Neal’s Birthday: 61. Boy, the
years just passed us by. Neal likes Mexican food so I took him to his favorite
restaurant. We sat outside and wore masks when not eating; this has become a
tradition, not wearing a mask, but going to that restaurant every year for his
Birthday. He mentioned yesterday that we were sitting at the same table as last
year and we laughed about that. Until December I am done with my Children’s
Birthday’s. Ha, ha. When you have half a dozen living children and almost 10
grandchildren it seems Birthdays are never ending, not to mention those of other family
members and friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-55176308225533885382020-05-02T13:34:00.001-07:002020-05-03T09:41:59.678-07:00New Normal or is It!?<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
First let me say a big Thank You! to all of the Doctors, Nurses & Volunteers who work so hard to help contain the COVID-19 virus and save lives. It is up to us to do our part and maintain a 6-foot distance when out & about.<br />
<br />
<b>New Normal or Is It?</b><br />
The last few weeks have been tiresome, scary and
frustrating. As of today not much has changed, except the sun is shining and we
are ready to go to the parks, the beaches and just hang out with family and
friends. Having to distance oneself is not such a hardship if it keeps you
safe, wearing a mask is a necessary evil. I think the worst of all this is
that people can’t go to work and earn a living to be able to take care of their
families and themselves. World Governments and Science need to step up and
anticipate that viruses like the COVID-19 will pop up again. Have they not
learned from the SAR virus to be ahead of the spread?<br />
<br />
I am lucky at age 84. I am more vulnerable they say, but I
have avoided all the trappings and, so far, am staying without exposure to the
Virus. I tell you, it is hard to be on top of your new normal. I can always
claim my strong German genes, (ha, ha) are keeping me safe. My son Neal who is
still in the workforce and lives here in town comes and checks on me but will
only step inside by the door not to spread any germs he might harbor. It is sad
not to be able and sit down for a meal together. My other grown children are
all sheltered in their own homes in different parts of California, Idaho and in
the UK. My son Steven in the UK was sick and they believe he might have
had/does have the virus. He is doing much better now. Last I heard he will be
tested for antibodies.<br />
<br />
Perhaps every person needs to be tested to find the hot
spots and help the public get back into the workforce. What can we do help each
other from being so isolated?? I live in an apartment building which has 10
apartments. I take walks around the building or around a block or two. My
neighbors and I wave to each other, talk from a distance just to have contact
of some sort. I for one, get into my car some early mornings to drive to the
post office to drop mail, go to the Grocery Store at 7 am, with mask and gloves. Usually it is an in and out trip, but it keeps me from going crazy or getting depressed.
Cooking is still my peace, I’ve been doing more lately again. If you read my
profile you know I’ve been in the hospitality business all my life.<br />
<br />
Talking about
cooking, at times my neighbors and I exchange some meals we’ve cooked. I miss
seeing my Children who made the trip here every two to three months. It has only
been 4 months or so since I saw them but it seems so much longer. However, the
phone or text or e-mail are available; some of my children are not fond of
media visiting/talking. My Grandchildren are better at it. My daughter Heidi
does respond to my texting 99% of the time, I take it that she does not want to
listen to me complain on the phone or have to repeat herself. My son Rodmond and Paul; only when they feel their is no other choice. Forget about Walter or Neal, they
prefer the phone which I have a hard time with right now, even with a hearing
aid. My friend Josie brings her almost 2 year old son Finnie and stays with him
in the courtyard while we visit. I stay on my balcony.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYEnYaPdTYrd6CYRa29yjkjihL5G_mAJnBYbQEhEf1kMznmoBFCvmSri6zIAeg79v6nLCUb34Sp0fcIOOSgpipDHD2LK9CY2-P-Ps5w5E32bYwB0B3fIQDmNAJg4S3bu6MjUnm9IaJj8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-05-02+at+3.47.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="307" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYEnYaPdTYrd6CYRa29yjkjihL5G_mAJnBYbQEhEf1kMznmoBFCvmSri6zIAeg79v6nLCUb34Sp0fcIOOSgpipDHD2LK9CY2-P-Ps5w5E32bYwB0B3fIQDmNAJg4S3bu6MjUnm9IaJj8/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-05-02+at+3.47.03+PM.png" width="224" /></a>One of my favorite comfort foods is <b>Frikadellen.</b><br />
Here is how I make them (off the top of my head):<br />
<br />
Low-fat Ground Beef (can use turkey or meat-substitutes)<br />
1 Whole egg<br />
1 Thick slice of bread soaked in water<br />
1 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard<br />
1 Medium onion, chopped<br />
Red pepper flakes to taste<br />
Salt & pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Squeeze all the water out of the bread.<br />
In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Knead the mixture with clean hands until the ingredients are well blended.<br />
Form patties and let them sit for 10 minutes.<br />
Heat Olive Oil with butter at medium heat. Brown the Frikadellen on both sides, making sure they are done in the middle. Press your finger on the patty - if done, it should bounce back.<br />
Bon appetit!<br />
<br />
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<br />Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-73245693020870657602020-01-02T16:14:00.000-08:002020-01-02T16:14:59.202-08:00Wrapping up 2019: The Kincade Fire, Thanksgiving and Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Wrapping up 2019: The Kincade Fire, Thanksgiving and
Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5DLoz5kDh732e6RxY-oT8E8hkprwKrbqg-oII8Uppz07rhFgelRbtaQw89d-goOrqbSyL69bvcR1Ysnn_DfJ-hMduP-JUP8gn_YZa7i1F5jqw6lKPmQ3gn4T5HLo_jSc-rt1K9pHQ-g/s1600/DSCN0573+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5DLoz5kDh732e6RxY-oT8E8hkprwKrbqg-oII8Uppz07rhFgelRbtaQw89d-goOrqbSyL69bvcR1Ysnn_DfJ-hMduP-JUP8gn_YZa7i1F5jqw6lKPmQ3gn4T5HLo_jSc-rt1K9pHQ-g/s200/DSCN0573+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Sonoma County First Responders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Saturday, October 26 we were evacuated from our home and town, known as
Healdsburg. My son Neal and I packed up and drove to Sacramento to stay with my
son Rodmond. It was a long drive. What usually takes 2 hours took 6 hours;
highways were a parking lot from Healdsburg to Sacramento. We were tired and
relieved at the same time that we had a place to go to. After 6 days we were
able to drive home. We are so grateful to the First Responders and volunteers
who made this homecoming possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
devastation around Healdsburg is sad; wineries and homes were lost in the rural
areas. Families are struggling with their loss. The community is stepping in to
make it easier for the families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for me, it is not the first time I had to evacuate my home. I was nine years
old when we had to leave our home in Konigsberg, East Prussia during World War II.
We never could return home. Here, I am happy that I could return home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
mind does play tricks, thinking I have to leave again. Trying to settle down
has been and is hard. As they say, life goes on, yes, but the fear is still
here! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sonoma
County is resilient, the people are proud and rebuilding the homes and businesses
they lost. All of us need to support local business throughout the county in
order for the county to survive. Healdsburg is a great little town with
wonderful shops and restaurants and social activities for families throughout
the year. Everyone is picking up the pieces to move on. Come visit us and find
out how we are doing. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFkZ1zcvp6_ZLgQWOZc4zS1d-J3RaXjCv79tka692fwLORU3muiwcytEhYscQgW0plq094p9JSAutTD5cWZ7Esd1wybEkLjEJcrcy2nNPY6Pozn2lrcUmcjUGc674OlF_ogessmGUxBQ/s1600/DSCN0579+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1394" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFkZ1zcvp6_ZLgQWOZc4zS1d-J3RaXjCv79tka692fwLORU3muiwcytEhYscQgW0plq094p9JSAutTD5cWZ7Esd1wybEkLjEJcrcy2nNPY6Pozn2lrcUmcjUGc674OlF_ogessmGUxBQ/s200/DSCN0579+%25282%2529.JPG" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNdbWSe6OXYHTNutYIRUgLnrbqnVo5hJxVlulDO01R0LMLDz5Q_vflYOzoF0jo4fs0qaNwniHfV_jCGY_djOhwNkhp50wwOx4OQ27RW3pB92rI9TSki3e7ofzxZ9gWuDNFZHq30QBIJE/s1600/DSCN0575+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNdbWSe6OXYHTNutYIRUgLnrbqnVo5hJxVlulDO01R0LMLDz5Q_vflYOzoF0jo4fs0qaNwniHfV_jCGY_djOhwNkhp50wwOx4OQ27RW3pB92rI9TSki3e7ofzxZ9gWuDNFZHq30QBIJE/s200/DSCN0575+%25283%2529.JPG" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Getting
together with family and friends is important any time but especially now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Food
is the binding mentor. I for one will cook some hearty soups and meals in a pot
to share with family and friends. Thanksgiving is around the corner and family
will be arriving in droves. When I wrote this part, I was in the planning
stages. Doing something productive makes me happy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everyone
stay focused on the positive and smile.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanksgiving/Christmas 2019</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
year has passed. The last three years where more difficult due to the fires in
Sonoma and Napa County. Yet, we survived and are so fortunate that the First
Responders saved our town. Moving on was not easy. 2019 was an especially tough
year for all concerned. With a grateful heart we celebrated Thanksgiving with
our family. My oldest son, Walter, and his daughter Janine arrived from Boise
the day before Thanksgiving and it was really nice to have them with us. Walter’s
wife Veronika and daughter Jesse stayed home in Boise, presumably having a special
Mother-Daughter time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
with me in Healdsburg my sons Rodmond and Neal, my daughter Heidi and son in
law Bill all did their share of pulling Thanksgiving dinner together. It was a
special Thanksgiving, we were so grateful to be able to be together. Sons
Steven and family, who live in England, are always missed. I expect them to be
here next year for my 85<sup>th</sup> birthday in July. Paul also could not be
here. Over the last 20 years or so it has never been possible to have all my
kids together in one place. Hopefully next summer, ha, ha.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christmas,
my favored time of the year, was full of surprises as it usually is. I, with Neal’s
help, bought our Tree two weeks before Christmas. That is one tradition I
changed after all the kids flew the nest. I still celebrate Advent the four
Sundays before Christmas. I enjoy some quiet and listen to the Messiah or other
Christmas music with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, sometimes even a glass
of wine. Only three of my children were able to be here this Christmas and, of
course, my son-in-law as well. All of my grandkids are scattered around the
country and abroad; no show of grandkids.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Christmas
Eve for me still has more meaning than Christmas Day. This goes way back to when
I grew up in Germany; my family always made Christmas Eve festive. When our children
were born, Marc, my husband went along with me. I kept the same traditions
alive, at least a good version of home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ZXJUpbYQVHODO1n4KzQoaDw1HOHGA0fdWU5_dKdxfMaiVeiElVvBqjlAnydNasFvYINqN10jlfHjImFSedFLZTcmGdoVo5Mgaaa4MRIL86DE4Q9PybRVd7A7TwbxlpvtrcDRFzg_-w/s1600/Lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="800" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ZXJUpbYQVHODO1n4KzQoaDw1HOHGA0fdWU5_dKdxfMaiVeiElVvBqjlAnydNasFvYINqN10jlfHjImFSedFLZTcmGdoVo5Mgaaa4MRIL86DE4Q9PybRVd7A7TwbxlpvtrcDRFzg_-w/s200/Lobster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
open gifts after we have supper/dinner, our traditional Shrimp Leek Soup which I
have cooked for over 45 years every Christmas Eve. Dinner tradition has changed
over the last 15 years or though. I used to cook duck with red cabbage and all
the trimmings. Heidi no longer eats such animals, and Neal does not like duck.
Our dinner now is a seafood medley, whatever we can afford at a given time.
Heidi and Bill have brought Lobster tails the last 3 years and before that,
they bought whole lobsters which was decadent just to look at. We all had to
work for our dinner and it is always fun and we appreciated the luxury of
lobster and tails. I add Alaskan crab legs and large shrimp which we peel at
the table. I made Basmati Rice and a Snow Peas Red Beet salad with a warm
vinaigrette dressing. Bill made dessert: strawberries with brown sugar and sour
cream. Needless to say we were stuffed and happy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
all pray for a healthy prosperous year in 2020. Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Recipe from my Family's Traditional Christmas Menu</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Grandmother Schweders Red
Cabbage</span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4 quarts water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 large red cabbage (2 small
is also ok)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 apple</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 onion</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 strips of bacon (fat from
the goose, duck or even chicken is better, (olive oil as an alternative for
vegans, for more flavor add finely diced vegan bacon).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>red wine vinegar to taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sugar to taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Remove outer leaves from
cabbage and remove the core. Chop cabbage into medium to small pieces. Wash and rinse. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">In a
large pot</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Put the water, cabbage, apple
and onion with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for
about 40 minutes. Drain, set aside. In the same pot fry the bacon or melt down
the goose/chicken fat on medium heat. Remove the bacon strips. Set aside. Now
add the cabbage to the fat and stir for about 5 minutes of and on. Add diced bacon if desired.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Add some </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Vinegar and sugar (start with
1/4 cup of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of sugar). Stir and taste, increase
vinegar and sugar to your liking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NOTE: Has a 10 day shelf life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Makes 10 to 12 servings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></b>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-86897130390659075722019-08-04T12:12:00.000-07:002019-08-04T14:28:27.963-07:00<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mother’s Day 2019/ a trip to Vegas</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here we go
and hopefully, I can write what is in my heart. Mother’s Day was a fun day,
even though I was in pain. Three days before, I fractured my sternum and boy
the pain was almost unbearable. Heidi and Bill made the day special as always.
Neal also surprised me with the tote I wanted. Rodmond, Paul, and Steve called.
Walter was busy celebrating with his own family and said he was going to
call but, by evening he totally forgot. He, Rod and Paul came two weeks later to
celebrate. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Seven weeks
have gone by since then and I am still struggling with the pain. After nineteen
days on Narcs I took myself off, I was breaking out in a rash. The withdrawal
symptoms were so bad for almost four days, never again will I take Narcs. The
only good thing was I slept better but believe me, it is not good in the
overall theme of health. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My children
all stepped up to the plate, which made me feel good. Heidi came for a few days
and would not let me do anything especially laundry, ha, ha. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AMyePslCFLlDUxq0JSZc_AscT_kQvsYXRaxo4WB5Glg7zk8TFn8Lx_PaVA4n5c1DH2Z5KwgaOVF32dIazM-WXbIbE8GDf7JgV89pglUv83xIHzlwFN3Lqitj4HyfNj3aShp1bM-5XMw/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AMyePslCFLlDUxq0JSZc_AscT_kQvsYXRaxo4WB5Glg7zk8TFn8Lx_PaVA4n5c1DH2Z5KwgaOVF32dIazM-WXbIbE8GDf7JgV89pglUv83xIHzlwFN3Lqitj4HyfNj3aShp1bM-5XMw/s200/view.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Her last
evening here we went to Brava’s and had some great food and a good time
together. I love Brava’s, I also like most of our Restaurants here in
Healdsburg. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rodmond took
me to Las Vegas in April for 5 days and boy, was that fun and interesting. We
stayed at Caesars Palace with a beautiful view of all the grounds, the room was
a mini suite and wonderful. Rod was so attentive and he spoiled me. One day we
drove to the Hoover Dam which was educational. We also visited a ghost town
outside of Bakersfield on our way to Vegas. I loved it, all the preservation,
buildings and it was fun to look at the history of the first settlers in
California.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg8z2bzt7JFOn_FawzUkS1RAqt7AEHx1NMNJ7ltyVJWAqurqe3SpKaRcx3UbTmGwsyxxHCsmeQBMsWSyDnQC6vMDOV1URCrxB78BUhtQrq9UWvcZfqNwq0SMP0ByCaMknQjxQ4v_E7wc/s1600/IMG_20190417_120138_859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg8z2bzt7JFOn_FawzUkS1RAqt7AEHx1NMNJ7ltyVJWAqurqe3SpKaRcx3UbTmGwsyxxHCsmeQBMsWSyDnQC6vMDOV1URCrxB78BUhtQrq9UWvcZfqNwq0SMP0ByCaMknQjxQ4v_E7wc/s200/IMG_20190417_120138_859.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This weekend
Rod is coming for a visit and I ordered his Birthday present which I hope will
arrive before the weekend. I also ordered Bill’s present, a little late but I
hope Rod and also Bill will love it. I have a valid excuse: I was laid up for several
weeks, kind of wallowing in self-pity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Summer is
here and I am banking on it to get warm. It is no fun to be cold all the time
even when my home is 80 degree, yikes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am also
getting ready to get my driver’s license renewed. Always something going on. In
the meantime I could add a lot more to this blog. I decided to write another
one instead. Will add some pictures to this one.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-70089238208169311032019-03-21T11:30:00.000-07:002019-03-21T17:56:25.683-07:00<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Evolving as we age:</span></b><br />
<br />
Another Mother’s day is approaching I can’t believe that
I did not post a blog in all these months. Time seems to go faster as we age.
Priorities change but, in the back of my mind, I need to get more blogs written
and try to marry them into my book which has a deadline of July 2020 when I
will be 85. The year 2018 and the start of 2019 have been a challenge, not just
on a personal level, but nationwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Natural disasters, a President who only thinks of himself and not the
Nation, the People who carry it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hopeful that
America will learn a valuable lesson through all this.<br />
<br />
On a personal level I am grateful for my family and
friends, my living situation. Health issues are taking too much time and
thought as well as money. I am at the point where I am grateful for every day I
wake up. Today is a great day, woke up with no pain. I believe it has to do with
me cutting out gluten for the most part and I have a cup of Ginger Turmeric Tea
daily. I’ve been self-medicating for the last 10 days and can’t help but think
this is the answer to the osteoarthritis, not so much for the scoliosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of changes I have been forced to make
but if it makes me feel healthier and put a smile back on my face I have
nothing to lose, right?<br />
<br />
We have sunny cool weather and it lifts ones spirit.
Trees are blooming and walking is good medicine. Looking at my balcony, it is
time to do some spring planting. Sunday was St. Patrick’s Day and I cooked corned
beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes in one pot. Neal came here for Sunday lunch,
he thought it was delicious. Entertaining has been put on the back burner for some
time now. My bestie is so busy with her new son so we do not interact as we
always have over the last 15+ years. I do understand that since I am a Mother
of seven Children, all grown now thank God. Concentrating more on grandkids
these days. Unfortunately they all live far away. We are lucky to be able to
call, send e-mails or go on Facebook to find out what family and friends are up
to, ha, ha.<br />
<br />
On May 5, I will be living in beautiful Healdsburg 21 years.
Talking about evolving, boy the town has changed - most of it for the better, some
of it not so good. However, I love this town and I call it my hometown now. This
is the longest I lived in a Town since coming to the US with my husband Marcus
and son Walter 60 years ago, pregnant with Neal to be born about 7 weeks after
arriving in the US.<br />
<br />
I am posting a picture of my youngest granddaughter
Janine who turned 15 yesterday. Janine is my oldest son Walter’s youngest
daughter residing in Idaho. Janine is stepping into my shoes with her love for
cooking. Her Birthday gift was a set of beautiful Henkel cookware which made
her so happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr1u-djlLTzqZ0rzya2D_JievCYD1xj62c9oJZ_-7yzfJvw69j3EGcBnq_1WGDvQyYrDJLqzMVuCTawuLuM-cjdG13SlvD6BVybDOotKPQ1Vol3ZejOBg68thqsl-cv_DKsANWxzdOIo/s1600/IMG_5758+%25281%2529.jpg+Janine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr1u-djlLTzqZ0rzya2D_JievCYD1xj62c9oJZ_-7yzfJvw69j3EGcBnq_1WGDvQyYrDJLqzMVuCTawuLuM-cjdG13SlvD6BVybDOotKPQ1Vol3ZejOBg68thqsl-cv_DKsANWxzdOIo/s200/IMG_5758+%25281%2529.jpg+Janine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-25516406883871088492018-11-15T10:07:00.000-08:002018-11-23T12:20:04.986-08:00<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Mother’s Day 2018</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">I do not
know how to start this blog. Heidi, Bill, Neal and Paul made my Mother’s day
very special. My son Steven called from England. Rodmond came a week later to
celebrate his Birthday and Mother’s Day. Walter forgot about his Mother, not
intentionally I am sure. Now it is the end of June and it’s time I put up a new
blog, it has been over a year!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">It has been a chaotic time since Mother's Day. Heidi and Bill lost their home as the owner decided he had to sell. Heidi managed the house for 20 years. It has an apartment upstairs. Dealing with tenants and the upkeep of this beachfront home was a high maintenance job. We all loved that house. Over the 20 years and before that, one Holland or another lived in that house. I even rented the apartment upstairs at one point and lived there for almost 3 years. The water view was tremendous. At the time, I worked at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn as Director of Food & Beverage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Now I live
in Sonoma County, I have been here for 20 years. Hard to believe. My town is in
the middle of wineries hills with a lake 12 miles from here. The Pacific Ocean
is about 20 miles away. It all is easy to visit, especially when you get house
guests from Europe and across the nation. Over the years my apartment has
evolved with updates. Needless to say, I love where I live. My neighbors and
land lady are rare finds. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">One son,
Neal, lives in town. He bought himself a one- bedroom trailer home. Rents are so
high he decided why not own something you can afford? And voila, he did it. The
rest of the gang is scattered over California, the country and the UK.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Rod visits
every two to three months, so does Heidi and Bill. I never am alone to long to
get lonely. Friends and I entertain each other. As you all know, cooking is my thing
but I have to say that over the last two years it has become more of chore
instead of fun. Health issues get the best of me when I am to long standing in
the kitchen, chopping and cooking. Clean up is the worst. I guess at almost 83
one can expect that, ha, ha.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">August 20,
2018</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This
computer frustrates me. I want to put the date in bold and it won’t let me do
that or I can’t figure it out, it is so annoying. In the meantime I had a
Birthday - so did Heidi and Neal. July 29th Kurt passed on 19 years ago, and
August 23 is approaching: it will be 42 years since I became a widow. Raising
my seven children was no picnic but we all made it through those unsettling
first few years. My children became adults and took their lives into their own
hands. Marriages, grandkids, divorces and death are all part of the big
picture.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Living in California is scary right now,
wildfires all around us and no telling where it will hit next. I am grateful to
live here and being safe so far is good. Last year we were on evacuation alert,
this year the fires are further up north and down in Southern California. Climate
change has a lot to do with the weather pattern all over the world. We the
people need to be more aware and vigilant to turn this around. The fire
infernos remind me of World War II and it is not a good reminder. All this
creates anxiety and a lot of sadness. So many homeless people and now we need
to add all the families who lost their home in those fires. All we can do is
have faith that we all will survive. My family in Germany, including me, did. I
never thought I would see such devastation again.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Today is
August 23: it is full of good and sad memories. I have to think of a closing
for this blog and add a heartwarming recipe and pictures of the way we were.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Well as of
today November 15<sup>th</sup> I am still struggling with an ending. I do want
to thank all the First Responders who are now in Butte County and down
in Southern California. Keep praying for a lot of rain.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> <span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheesy
Mushroom Bread Pudding</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
</span>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">10 ounces packaged cremini mushrooms
sliced</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 cloves of garlic, pressed</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon
dried (not powdered)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">6 large eggs</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 cups milk</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">¼ cup grated parmesan cheese</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">½ baguette, cut into ½ inch cubes</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350*</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In a large skillet, heat the olive oil
over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to taste and
cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are browned, 8 to 10 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In a large bowl, whisk together the
eggs, milk 2 tablespoons parmesan, and salt to taste. Stir in the bread cubes
and let soak for 10 minutes. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Stir in the mushroom mixture and the
mozzarella. Transfer to a greased 1/ ½ quart baking dish; sprinkle the
remaining parmesan on top.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bake until golden, about 45 minutes.
Let stand 15 minutes before serving.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Makes
4 servings</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 48px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<b></b><br /></div>
</span><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
</span><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
</div>
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-63690013691928954892017-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:002017-08-13T14:23:51.611-07:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">July 2017 A Memoir</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Mother’s Day Surprises/ Birthday
Celebration</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">This is my third attempt since Christmas to write a blog. My writing was going pretty well but now I can’t get out of being stuck.
As Heidi says: just write, editing will pull it together. OK we’ll see.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq_krLML8r508FKbBSX9_azeBVUegjGOzYW7ZjRT0rh3j6u-hZ9sicPrc72NcWlkqAz0742dCPxZnKaUx8rYKhA34vlsMbY-4_ZZE4uUePJjfRCEQpmBRrcx6fzBMNOJRdGFhx0Zwo2k/s1600/18422458_10155294118889738_7714789948411565637_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq_krLML8r508FKbBSX9_azeBVUegjGOzYW7ZjRT0rh3j6u-hZ9sicPrc72NcWlkqAz0742dCPxZnKaUx8rYKhA34vlsMbY-4_ZZE4uUePJjfRCEQpmBRrcx6fzBMNOJRdGFhx0Zwo2k/s200/18422458_10155294118889738_7714789948411565637_o.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The last six months have been up and down, mostly up
though. Mother’s Day weekend was a big surprise. Heidi came of course and for
the life of me I can’t recall what we all did on that day besides a big balloon,
flowers, oh a new tablet and Heidi making Breakfast/Brunch?? We were sitting
around the table talking and all of a sudden Heidi says “Mom are you going to
open the door?” I said,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Why should I
open the door?” She told me someone knocked on the door or rang the doorbell
which I did not hear, yikes! I opened the door and had the surprise of the
year. My nephew Joachim was standing there from Germany. What a surprise. He
knew I love surprises and this is the second time he did that. The first time
was in Santa Cruz where I was working as Director of Food and Beverage at the
Santa Cruz Hotel. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Heidi had to go back home to Santa Cruz a little
later.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Joe and I spent a week sightseeing
and, at times, he went out on his own. We talked a lot, especially about my brother
Manfred, his Father, who passed on in 2013. Joe wanted to know about Koenigsberg,
our home before we had to flee from the Russians. Manfred would never talk
about the war years to his kids. I answered oodles of questions about that time
in our life. We were children: I was barely 10 and Manfred was 9. Funny, I
remember so much from those childhood years all the way back to about 4 years
old.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now it is the end of July.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Heidi, and I each had a Birthday and it was a
busy month. Neal has a Birthday tomorrow.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We all missed Kurt who passed on the 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of
July 18 years ago. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJJz4opXqmj6fdPu5MO2y5RRUuHBzdjmYj6xV09cnLXF_BA8zeCy6oXuNJeWl4rxhoOhMQOTez8YqXdbmHTKyFLGyPw938cJQKUZIQPu6UAe-FDocz_mQFhKck3NuJxO4bygb7HaPOoM/s1600/Flamingos3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1183" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJJz4opXqmj6fdPu5MO2y5RRUuHBzdjmYj6xV09cnLXF_BA8zeCy6oXuNJeWl4rxhoOhMQOTez8YqXdbmHTKyFLGyPw938cJQKUZIQPu6UAe-FDocz_mQFhKck3NuJxO4bygb7HaPOoM/s200/Flamingos3.gif" width="147" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH9RHBArS0s-xeWW51wsL3HA_eURSgvtSddKXQV2xCgOigRPZNgkVHNLoMnLHN8MTwP3Q1fgolDckI4-HGhDL-ol6dRIv7xcEjhJNxogz7bGpkseHCUA3CtdYwONro8NBklEJbjTG8hU/s1600/20228516_10213901851080554_6203027873759132176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH9RHBArS0s-xeWW51wsL3HA_eURSgvtSddKXQV2xCgOigRPZNgkVHNLoMnLHN8MTwP3Q1fgolDckI4-HGhDL-ol6dRIv7xcEjhJNxogz7bGpkseHCUA3CtdYwONro8NBklEJbjTG8hU/s200/20228516_10213901851080554_6203027873759132176_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCRG3zlNAbIWEiDS4n6EwpFLy_88Ldc81VpZ2UQF3DU1fQQpQuY_qYn1gnrT4bx7KzB14L5et7kvVxWg7-8P-b2_wriMfmeoxyQP4hJmbFpwOEeYf0YB1SYypmiTLjo5Uq__3HQftSlo/s1600/Heidi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="810" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCRG3zlNAbIWEiDS4n6EwpFLy_88Ldc81VpZ2UQF3DU1fQQpQuY_qYn1gnrT4bx7KzB14L5et7kvVxWg7-8P-b2_wriMfmeoxyQP4hJmbFpwOEeYf0YB1SYypmiTLjo5Uq__3HQftSlo/s200/Heidi.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJJz4opXqmj6fdPu5MO2y5RRUuHBzdjmYj6xV09cnLXF_BA8zeCy6oXuNJeWl4rxhoOhMQOTez8YqXdbmHTKyFLGyPw938cJQKUZIQPu6UAe-FDocz_mQFhKck3NuJxO4bygb7HaPOoM/s1600/Flamingos3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Heidi and I did a tour of the African Safari West in
Santa Rosa for our birthdays. It was an interesting Adventure. We drove in these double decker
jeeps and had a great time, learning about various animals out of Africa. The
Birds were the most amazing part. I missed seeing Elephants and a Lion or
Tiger. We saw Monkeys, a Cheetah, Zebras and a lot of different Mountain Goats.
Our tour guide was very informative - a little long winded but all in all it
was educational. I can never stop learning even at the age of 82, ha, ha. Once
we got back home, we took a shower and I set up a Birthday Kaffee Klatsch for
Heidi with two friends. It was a great ending to a busy day. In the evening
Heidi took me out to dinner.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNU9Oegl5s_D_kDdyd7KMIqAireKOOGwkSvcZKTtpsj8_oGneelcpyRrpFIFD1IAR7P_KMngZ18P0pPkJtlEJuLFvhY0VNWjlns4OyxDJV3tIo6sL-NrnYMWRTm2i1ixI7-yNORGSW00/s1600/Zebra3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNU9Oegl5s_D_kDdyd7KMIqAireKOOGwkSvcZKTtpsj8_oGneelcpyRrpFIFD1IAR7P_KMngZ18P0pPkJtlEJuLFvhY0VNWjlns4OyxDJV3tIo6sL-NrnYMWRTm2i1ixI7-yNORGSW00/s200/Zebra3.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Neal’s’ Birthday wish is a dinner at a Mexican Restaurant
and that is what we will do tomorrow evening.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
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</div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-30986172555524649612016-11-07T13:48:00.001-08:002016-11-12T16:44:38.227-08:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Traveling to Boise Idaho</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">My son Rodmond
took me on a road trip to Boise, Idaho to visit his brother my oldest son
Walter and his family. It was a relaxing and fun trip. We stopped in M……
overnight and did some gambling. Rod showed me how to play poker on those
gambling machines, so much fun. I lost $5.00 Rod only lost $2.00. The next
morning after breakfast we took off for Boise. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Walter and
Veronika were waiting for us, Jesse and Janine were in Church. Oh yes, we
arrived in Boise on a Sunday. The first impression of their property and home
was so unexpected. Beautifully landscaped and enclosed by high fences with a
gate which makes it look like a little estate. Actually, the home sits on about
2 acres. Walter and Veronika added a huge master suite, a to die for bathroom
which includes a tub with jets and a sauna. A Living room/music room also was
added to the original 3 bedroom house. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">After Rod
cooked this great breakfast the next morning, Rod and I went sightseeing. Boise
built a European style village with beautiful gardens and a big fountain which
was music driven, the sprays went up and down by the tunes. We thought the
music was a little loud. The stores and restaurants all had a European flair.
We loved walking through it and sitting on one of the benches to relax. Flowers
everywhere!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZs5z0Krw-CsCClC9gtm7z_YTPE9_U8j2Y_azWSwiOD0mO60SzrDA-qU_UN8RcuqYteDBev00j6AXB34I0W1oaybbIyxkznozj7rr9AQEPvhjwhLDyl3UbY4ysZ1ckNM_w_qGtfI-W_Q/s1600/Jesse+Janine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZs5z0Krw-CsCClC9gtm7z_YTPE9_U8j2Y_azWSwiOD0mO60SzrDA-qU_UN8RcuqYteDBev00j6AXB34I0W1oaybbIyxkznozj7rr9AQEPvhjwhLDyl3UbY4ysZ1ckNM_w_qGtfI-W_Q/s200/Jesse+Janine.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse and Janine off to school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Back at
Walter’s home, Walter and Rod worked on window frames to get ready for Walters
next project. The girls went to school and Veronika and I got better acquainted.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">The time
went by so fast and we were back on our way toward California. Rod decided we should
drive all the way to my home in Healdsburg, it took us 11 hours, not bad. Rod
stayed about two hours and left for his home in Sacramento. I am forever
grateful that I got to go and see how my oldest son and family are doing. It
was a wonderful relaxing and scenic trip.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Less than 18
hours later I got sick. I ate a yoghurt which was in the hot car for almost 8
hours and got a staff food poisoning infection, yikes, how to spoil the
homecoming.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">The Big Surprise</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvauxXAeqVa7k9PLrFxfmLAeugf4J-OYmCKPmw-e62dLtZwI7aWBBCK0H96CKcoj5QAJA7wXea45mD2tr8XA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Three weeks
ago I received another surprise. My children bought me a new car, a Fiat 500
Sport, black. I still am in awe. They been talking about how I need a new car
for almost a year and I kept saying no. At some point over the last month my
daughter Heidi says: “Mom it is not your decision anymore”, wow. My thoughts
were, ok this will pass and everyone is going to be happy with the way things
are. Boy was I wrong. The surprise was total and we will try and post the video
so you all can see my face when I was handed the keys to the car. Heidi and
Bill and Rod where the ones who got the ball rolling. When I saw Heidi and Bill
and our friend Josie besides me at that parked car which had a for sale sign saying:
“FOR SALE YOU SHOULD BUY THIS FOR YOUR MOTHER”; I laughed at that and then Bill
steps forward and says: “Maybe they did”.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I was so flustered. I got to drive the car to my home with Bill besides
me explaining all the buttons, ha, ha. We all went home and Rod cooked lunch.
Heidi and Bill had to leave for home after lunch which is in Santa Cruz and Rod
decided he was leaving also. Neal was the one who directed Rod to the parking
lot where the Fiat was parked. Neal of course also went home, he lives here in
Healdsburg.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">After
everyone left I had myself a good cry! The generosity of my children overwhelmed
me and still does. I am forever grateful for my thoughtful children.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-85875611560113065382016-08-08T11:26:00.000-07:002016-08-08T11:26:00.210-07:00Celebrating 81 Years
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">July, 2016/ Celebrating 81 Years!</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a good
day to write if I can just get my head around it. I been avoiding my
manuscript! Perhaps I am afraid that my book will bomb but I will never know
unless I finish it will I? It is time to change my attitude and my time
management. Making a new schedule for writing is the first thing I need to do.
Stick with it every day and voila, I will finish it. I am retired and have the
time. Unfortunately, I always find a different project to do, more physical than
sitting at the computer. The sun is peeking out and it will be a very warm day.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My 81st
Birthday was July 15, and my daughter Heidi was here one day before my
Birthday. Heidi took me for a facial which was fun, even though I am not fond
of facials.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bill,
Heidi’s husband came on my Birthday so did Rod and of course Neal. We had a
great time. Chinese was on the menu at the 8 Dragon Restaurant and it was good.
Saturday morning Heidi and Rod made breakfast. Then, Bill, Rod and Neal left.
Heidi and I went shopping and Heidi left for Santa Cruz on Sunday Morning.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I feel
blessed. My other children and grandchildren called. My home was filled with
flowers from my children and friends. Cards galore, I really do like my
birthday, ha, ha. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Weekends are
strange when I am alone, I really do not know why but they seem more lonely,
even though I am alone most of the time. I also have not been very social for
the last couple of years, not healthy they tell me!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Slowly but
steadily I am evolving again and will entertain more and also travel some. Las
Vegas and Boise are on my bucket list and I hope one of my children will travel
with me in the next year or two. I feel bad that I disappointed Walter for not being
in Boise for his Birthday which was in April.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Heidi had a
Birthday July 28 (she’s past 40 years old), oh boy no wonder I feel so old some
of the time.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Neal had a
Birthday on August 1 (he’s past 50 years old).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">July ended
with a sad note. Kurt passed on 17 years ago on July 29. August also has sadness
my husband Marc my children’s father passed on 40 years ago on August 23. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As for a
favorite recipe that all my children and Marc loved is in my blog: The
California Adventure 1982-1996 I believe it is blog number four.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The recipe
is: “SIGRID’S CHILI” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-51555010171666480842016-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:002016-02-18T06:24:56.452-08:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Christmas 2015, January 2016</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our Christmas had its ups
and downs. We really did have a nice Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The sad
part was Heidi got sick the day before Christmas Eve and was under the weather
until the 27<sup>th</sup> of December when she started to feel better and she
and I went shopping. Heidi stayed an extra day, her hubby Bill and my son
Rodmond left the morning of the 27<sup>th</sup>, Neal of course lives in
Gyserville so he was back and forth. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our new tradition of
having live Lobster, which we started about seven years ago was so decadent. I
tried to convince my children that it is too costly but of course I was out
voted. Heidi’s hubby Bill really insisted and bought dinner for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It certainly is so much easier on me since I
used to cook Duck with all the trimmings. I miss it at times and tell myself I
will cook one just for me, ha, ha.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As usual my kids surprised
me and I received a Robot Roomba vacuum - so much fun and it helps my back. I
still need to learn more about the Robot Roomba because even though I schedule
the time I want to vacuum he has a mind of his own and starts vacuum in the middle
the night sometime, yikes. Have not had a chance to study the whole manual
because I got sick and was sick for about four weeks. I’m still not at a
hundred percent but getting there. Neal was a big help these last few weeks and
I am so grateful to have one of my children live close by.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Once I felt better and
ventured out my car broke down and I had to take it into the shop, no fun! In
the meantime I also had to have two new front tires. Isn’t the saying
unexpected things come in threes? Hopefully this is the end of it and all will
go smoothly from here on out. When unplanned obstacles happen I wonder at times
why did I choose to live alone?! However I would not like it any other way, ha,
ha.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I love living alone and
love the town I choose to make home. I have a beautiful apartment and great
neighbors and made good friends here in Healdsburg. Visitors from near and far
makes life interesting and busy which is a good thing when you are a senior.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our traditional <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas Eve dinner is Curried Shrimp Leek
Soup has been for more than 40 years. I believe I posted the recipe in a
previous blog. Will have to check that out.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I hope who ever reads my blog will stay healthy
and happy and warm. Will attach a appetizer recipe which goes great with any special occasion especially at Christmas!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Portobello mushroom
carpaccio</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4 medium portabella mushrooms</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">salt and fresh ground pepper
to taste</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Topping</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">extra virgin olive oil </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">balsamic vinegar</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 clove garlic finely chopped</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 shallots finely chopped</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 ripe tomatoes seeded and diced</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 tablespoons capers</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">4 tablespoons grated fresh
Parmesan cheese</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">6 fresh basil leaves chopped</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 tablespoons chopped parsley</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">salt and fresh ground pepper
to taste</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mix olive oil and garlic in a
small bowl. Brush the mushrooms with the garlic and oil mixture, place on sheet
pan then season with salt and pepper. Bake in 350 degree oven until cooked
through about fifteen minutes. (This can be done up to two days in advance). </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Presentation:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Slice the portabellas 1/8
inch thick on the bias and arrange neatly on four oven proof plates. Mix the
ingredients for the topping and spoon on top of the mushrooms. Put into 300
degree oven and warm through for about 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil
and season with fresh ground pepper. Serve with crusty French bread.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Makes 4 servings</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><b></b></div>
<br />Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-79277212684056055732015-10-21T17:30:00.003-07:002015-10-21T17:30:39.217-07:00<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Visit from Germany</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a checked_link="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_DI8fPfkmu1cu6UNhqRMLph4vDxwGKEBwLZg1KPseqsktG6ZaZK-bPOjyxzitzWzcjS92-A6pR1eQ99v1f-JWvUQmNKoalKdaHpN-iaWocaF6CQLwXrNHzKxVLwWqUpbyzAAyn0aq4Q/s1600/Joachim+etc.jpg" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_DI8fPfkmu1cu6UNhqRMLph4vDxwGKEBwLZg1KPseqsktG6ZaZK-bPOjyxzitzWzcjS92-A6pR1eQ99v1f-JWvUQmNKoalKdaHpN-iaWocaF6CQLwXrNHzKxVLwWqUpbyzAAyn0aq4Q/s1600/Joachim+etc.jpg" imageanchor="1" in_tag="body" kaspersky_status="skipped" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_DI8fPfkmu1cu6UNhqRMLph4vDxwGKEBwLZg1KPseqsktG6ZaZK-bPOjyxzitzWzcjS92-A6pR1eQ99v1f-JWvUQmNKoalKdaHpN-iaWocaF6CQLwXrNHzKxVLwWqUpbyzAAyn0aq4Q/s320/Joachim+etc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The third week in August
my Nephew Joachim, his wife Britta, their daughter Alina and Alina’s boyfriend
Fynn arrived at my doorstep for a stay of three weeks off and on. It had been
17 years since I saw Joachim, my brother Manfred’s son. Manfred passed away
almost three years ago. This visit was a great surprise.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Britta and Alina are new
to the family so, needless to say I never met them before - everyone was nervous
about how this visit would play out. They were on the road for 34 hours or more
traveling from Germany via Copenhagen Chicago and finally San Francisco,
renting a car and arriving in Healdsburg tired and hungry. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I had set up a buffet with
Gazpacho and cheese boards with crudities and different breads as well
Champagne. It was just the right thing to do. A sit down dinner would have been
disastrous, especially since they arrived about 2 hours late.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The first day here they
explored Healdsburg and Joe and I talked a lot about our families. The second
day they went exploring in Napa and Sonoma wineries. Onto San Francisco the
next day which included a side trip to the Oakland A’s stadium to take in a
baseball game between the A’s and the Tampa Bay Rays (just for the record, they
did tell my daughter Heidi that they wanted to go to a Giants game but they
were playing out of town). Joachim and Fynn are big fans of baseball. There is
no baseball in Germany however, they follow baseball via the internet in Germany.
Britta and Alina had no choice in the matter, ha, ha. </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYCclmtDlS_icyK-L2P2QXm1VfgezcOYt0PIcr311hfPU1SI4YF0eDCFHpH8sGSAYBonamChPjqFgWCGzotVKz2ajohT1ge6rw_fbVLLT72GgiSPng-G7VuC07JtED9oX2CU4Z8UGtrQ/s1600/with+bill+heidi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYCclmtDlS_icyK-L2P2QXm1VfgezcOYt0PIcr311hfPU1SI4YF0eDCFHpH8sGSAYBonamChPjqFgWCGzotVKz2ajohT1ge6rw_fbVLLT72GgiSPng-G7VuC07JtED9oX2CU4Z8UGtrQ/s320/with+bill+heidi.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Dinner became a challenge, as did breakfast. I had not cooked or set up breakfast for more than myself for
years except when my kids and families have been here – even then one of my
kids usually makes breakfast.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">After four days they left
for Santa Cruz to spend some time with Heidi and Bill. From there they went to
LA and stayed for few days in Venice Beach, then onto Las Vegas and back up
North to Sacramento to spend time with Rodmond and finally back to Healdsburg.
We spent one day visiting various Tasting Rooms here in Healdsburg, and bought
some wine of course. We had dinner at Bravas - one of my favorite places to go.
The last evening my friend Josie came for our Soup Supper, “chili and an empty
the fridge Vegetable Soup”. Josie brought Tooey her dog instead of Kim her
husband (who was to be here but had some work to do - I am still bummed about
that, not about Tooey, I love that dog, but about Kim, ha, ha). </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chili recipe is in a previous Blog. The
Vegetable Soup is up to you how you proceed. The most important cooking advice
about cooking Vegetable Soup is to sauté all of your vegetables including at
least one medium size onion. Add the spices you like to use and sauté for about
15 minutes until all the veggies are limp, not browned, and still firm. Then fill
up with Chicken or Vegetable Broth, cubes can be used. The veggies need to be
crunchy if you do not want to puree the soup. I like to puree my soup and serve
with sour cream, grated cheese, chopped hard boiled eggs and parsley. Good luck!
If you have questions send a note via Facebook or put a notification on the
blog.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This has to be the most
boring blog ever written!! Ha, ha!</span></div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-28237312493602600562015-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:002015-07-27T22:40:08.392-07:0080th Birthday Surprises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_P27A25eFuqejM0EDLVi69ovXz4qKbdx03piv63GpZwrQDQHVoQemCjwazrzzIjDG39DmMXqlwUE4Y1NOL1fj_G3_jYczYfnk3-H7KC-KRK6kuKFlS7zfVkp952srfOfhhqZyXtuA3o/s1600/Mom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_P27A25eFuqejM0EDLVi69ovXz4qKbdx03piv63GpZwrQDQHVoQemCjwazrzzIjDG39DmMXqlwUE4Y1NOL1fj_G3_jYczYfnk3-H7KC-KRK6kuKFlS7zfVkp952srfOfhhqZyXtuA3o/s200/Mom+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;">My Birthday was full of
surprises, it was a wonderful two days full of fun. Heidi, Rod, Neal and my
friend Josie were not telling what was in store for me.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surprise, surprise, Bill
came after work all the way from San Jose so he could join in the festivities.
The festivities were at Josie and Kim’s home. The backyard was all decorated
and a beautifully set table awaited us. Rod and Josie joined efforts to produce
a wonderful meal with salmon, steak, roasted potatoes and a wonderful corn
salad. Josie and Kim’s children Everly and Ely helped serve and were part of
the fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An Almond Birthday Cake was the
highlight and of course Champagne for Mama. Gifts were part of the surprises - the biggest one a balloon ride over Sonoma and Napa County from my beautiful
and thoughtful children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10ShgLbFWt2eoutMbkFAUp6SHeyX7tTIZOgVsY9hPKENK_XSNENJl5_zC6shzxu7mOyHPtgA3tGwcBzzuKhHNyV6seq0jJd8I4X7gdbE62shh13lIR2omIVll5ytdAcKoD7weaoR1w3A/s1600/The+Carrolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10ShgLbFWt2eoutMbkFAUp6SHeyX7tTIZOgVsY9hPKENK_XSNENJl5_zC6shzxu7mOyHPtgA3tGwcBzzuKhHNyV6seq0jJd8I4X7gdbE62shh13lIR2omIVll5ytdAcKoD7weaoR1w3A/s200/The+Carrolls.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, before 6
am, Heidi and I took off to Santa Rosa Airport to meet with the pilot of our
balloon. Michael is his name - he had to drive us up to Lake County because
Santa Rosa was all fogged in. The one hour country road drive was beautiful.
Through all the years I lived in Healdsburg I have never driven in that
direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW4Bx0TPeOFpZV4J8MBfaIUfikQXW1xDgrzRhhz0ALXyyAfL30ZYkoKozKJbayrE-4qzLmESf6GU3P4sfQ7IUrHShES4kJVpVDpDy-su33MH4MENNRT_9ahGiChT4Gc8dH0o3UVDQaoA/s1600/Balloon+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdW4Bx0TPeOFpZV4J8MBfaIUfikQXW1xDgrzRhhz0ALXyyAfL30ZYkoKozKJbayrE-4qzLmESf6GU3P4sfQ7IUrHShES4kJVpVDpDy-su33MH4MENNRT_9ahGiChT4Gc8dH0o3UVDQaoA/s200/Balloon+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we arrived, the
balloon was unloaded and Michael and staff started to get the balloon ready for
takeoff. We all watched of course, took pictures and some of the men pitched
in - it was a labor of love and adventure. Once ready, we started to climb into
the basket. Well, I was the oldest and had a hard time getting up into the
basket. Helping hands were lifting and pushing me into the basket, kind of
embarrassing, but I was grateful for the help. There was no way I would have
given up this adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV6EgpWoqNOsRx_pYDtGK2UqzplbajiEGLTjG-c4gTA-0ZHfOe-3HebMZkmWcqxE3ny-M5UQkui75gIHRN7qe-0zf5uA4E1iZf8Nx7LQYINUW-NSSyGsx_yoj6phNUnQrpKWQz0XB4sY/s1600/View+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV6EgpWoqNOsRx_pYDtGK2UqzplbajiEGLTjG-c4gTA-0ZHfOe-3HebMZkmWcqxE3ny-M5UQkui75gIHRN7qe-0zf5uA4E1iZf8Nx7LQYINUW-NSSyGsx_yoj6phNUnQrpKWQz0XB4sY/s200/View+3.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The view over Sonoma and
Napa County is awesome. If you have not done it, do it for the fun and
adventure. I did it and it is off my bucket list, yahoo. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coming back home I got
another surprise: my son Rodmond painted my living room and put the room back
together. This put a big smile on my face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three things are off my
bucket list and my goal for next year is to get that book published which is
more than half ready. Writer’s block has been the culprit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, I know I can
overcome that with some effort. Here is to stopping procrastination and getting
on the ball, ha, ha. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of my children
and grandchildren could not be here but of course phone calls were on the
agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No recipe this time! Will
post pictures from my two day Birthday celebration. This is one Birthday I will
never forget. Thank you all!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-17748087789634551472015-04-12T12:58:00.000-07:002015-04-13T08:55:36.825-07:00 <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Staying Young in Mind and Spirit approaching 80!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a senior has its benefits and negatives you want to
interact with your younger friends and find that it is at times difficult. For
me to be surrounded by younger friends makes me happy. I find friends from my
generation to be more into themselves as I am at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However the younger generation has a tendency to overlook us
in a social setting. It makes one feel insignificant. There is a lot of value in
being older to share with younger people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Some day you
will approach my age and wonder the same thing. Yes we have hearing problems
but that</span> should not stop anyone from talking to us and not at us. I feel
very fortunate to have friends 30 to 40 plus years younger than I am. Age
related problems become less worrisome and you feel happy to be part of the
friends you choose. Yes you have the privilege to choose your friends, you also
must make an effort to keep friends, people in general do not come to you it is
up to you to be the moving force. In our younger years it did not take much
effort to make friends. As we get older we become choosier and rightfully so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like a marriage it takes work to keep friends. It is so easy
for us seniors to say, “I am tired” or, “I really do not want to do this or
that” or to use health issues for an excuse. We all do it, including me, but in
the end it is not healthy for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is to all my senior friends to get off your fanny and
go out and enjoy life for what it is, do not be afraid to annoy someone younger
or your own age with questions or remarks that can lead to disagreements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A true friend will forgive your indiscretion and move on.
Sulking or bitching is another thing we seniors like to do. Well, bitching is
ok but only with one close friend or family member with whom you feel safe and
that your bitching will not go any further, ha, ha. You know from experience
how rumors flow and grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am attaching a fun recipe for all - especially seniors -
to cook for your friends where you do not have to stay in the kitchen when your
guests arrive. Seniors, do entertain. It is good for your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Baked
Penne with Radicchio and Sausage<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> 8 ounces sweet Italian sausage (about
2) removed from casing, crumbled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">8 ounces hot Italian sausage (about 2)
removed from casings, crumbled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
1 </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">small head radicchio, thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
2</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> tablespoons kosher salt, plus more to
taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1 pound penne pasta<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1 ½ cups whole milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">2 large eggs, lightly beaten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">¾ cup freshly grated
Parmigiano-Reggiano<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Preheat oven to 375*. Lightly butter
and 8-by12-inch baking dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Heat a 10 inch skillet over medium high
heat. When it is hot, add the sausage. Cook, breaking up the sausage into small
pieces with a wooden spoon, until the fat is rendered and the sausage has lost
its pink color. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Add the radicchio,
stir well, and cook, stirring until it is soft and well blended with the
sausage, about 4 minutes. Season with salt to taste, and transfer to a large
mixing bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Mean while fill a large pot with water
and bring to boil over high heat. Add salt. Add the pasta, stir, and cook until
al dente. Drain the pasta and add to sausage. Add the milk and eggs and mix
well. Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with
Parmigiano-Reggiano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">(You can prep this the day before,
refrigerate, and take out 30 minutes before you want to bake it) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Bake in oven until the top looks a bit
crunchy and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Note:
</b>This is a wonderful simple dish for entertaining. Serve with an intense red
wine. Nice crusty Italian bread and a salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">From Luongo/Strausman classes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</span><br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-44657134696083251622015-01-12T12:08:00.002-08:002015-01-12T12:19:07.270-08:00Christmas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas in Koenigsberg East Prussia before 1945<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">While preparing for this past
Christmas here in Healdsburg, California I was thinking about the big
difference of celebrating this momentous occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When we were children our
tree was never seen by us Children until Christmas Eve when dressed and lit
in it full glory. Our tree was in our library behind locked doors. We five
children tried often to get a glimpse before we were be able to get to see the
tree and all the gifts. Another big difference was that our presents were put
in front of us while we were sitting around a huge library table, the presents
were never wrapped. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We children had to recite a
Christmas poem each and sing our hearts out. It was more formal but still we
kids were so excited. By the way Christmas Eve is the big day not Christmas Day
like all over Europe (except England). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">All the gifts were given to
us Christmas Eve. After that we had a scrumptious dinner which we kids picked
out for the cook to make. Sometimes it was a weird combination of various
dishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christmas Day involved going
to Church. After Church we had Christmas Dinner at midday - usually Goose or
Duck with all the trimmings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">After marrying Marc and
coming to the U.S. our Christmas’ became a combination of Marc’s and my
Childhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">While our children were
growing up we did not put up our tree until the evening before Christmas Eve. The
children would not see the tree lit until Christmas Eve with music playing and
special candles lit everywhere. Marc took the children on a drive and while
they were gone, Kris Kringle came and put the presents under the tree. Marc and
I decided that one major present will be brought from Santa during the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our Children loved the idea
of opening presents twice. The first Christmas after Marc died was a very tough
one. My two oldest sons Walter and Neal helped me with buying presents. Kurt
and Heidi wanted a bike so badly so I did get them each a bike with thoughts
that it might help with their grief. In retrospect my thinking was not very
smart, nothing material could ever help with grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">My friend Melinda joined us
this first Christmas Eve and Day without Marc - that made things lighter for
all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">After moving to Healdsburg I
changed some traditions yet again to some extent. Living on my own after
keeping up the old way I decided to go with the flow and put my tree up 10 to
12 days before Christmas and enjoy the beauty of it. However as in the old days
my tree stays up until the 12<sup>th</sup> day of Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We still celebrate Christmas
Eve the German way and have a wonderful Christmas dinner on Christmas day.
Christmas Eve we have Shrimp Leek Soup and that has been a tradition since
living in Ottumwa, Iowa in the 60<sup>’s</sup> and 70<sup>’s</sup>. Some
traditions need to be upheld for future generations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> The Shrimp
Leek Soup is posted on a previous blog:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">“2012 Has Arrived”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Christmas is past but I will post this blog anyway for
all to see the differences celebrating Christmas!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A Happy, Healthy New Year to all!</span>Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-58190890949475371092014-09-28T13:38:00.001-07:002014-09-28T13:45:14.874-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Back to the Kitchen:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">With me it always goes back to the Kitchen when I feel stressed, anxious or need to figure out what is best for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Health issues are never something most of us want to discuss especially with our children. It is a sensitive topic and either can harm or help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">To have that test ordered by the Doctor or not! The consequences lye with you the patient. My instinct tells me to hold off until it really becomes necessary. My Doctor is concerned!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Hence I am in the kitchen to relax, thinking how to solve my problem while dealing with a bag of yellow tomatoes I received from a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cleaned the tomatoes, pureed them coarsely in my food processor, packed the puree in individual containers and put them in the freezer to use during the cold weather season. I feel that this is a good move. I know of no one who ever tried that, if you have let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The following recipe is one of my favored for pasta, it is so easy and refreshing and no cooking. Of course you have to cook the pasta.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fresh Summer Tomato Sauce over Pasta<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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2 large ripe tomatoes</div>
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4 tbsp. olive oil</div>
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¼ cup chopped fresh basil</div>
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¼ cup chopped scallions or shallots</div>
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1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano</div>
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2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped</div>
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Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste</div>
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Pasta can be any you like, best is Angel hair or linguini</div>
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Parmesan Cheese or Blue Cheese for topping. </div>
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Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes, remove and drop in cold water for 1 minute, remove and peel. (If you do not want to blanch the tomatoes, puree them coarse and do not worry about the seeds proceed with the recipe)</div>
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In a bowl cut tomatoes in half and remove seeds, safe the juice. Dice the tomatoes.</div>
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Combine diced tomatoes with the juice and olive oil. Add remaining ingredients, mix well.</div>
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If not used the same day refrigerate for 24 hours.</div>
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Remove from refrigerator one hour before cooking the pasta. Cook pasta, drain add the tomato mixture and toss well. For extra moisture you can add a dash of chicken stock or white wine to the pasta, toss well.</div>
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Makes about 2 cups of sauce</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Note: </b>this is a great way to entertain unexpected guests. A salad and Italian bread go well with it.</div>
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A nice red Italian red wine and voila you are ready to party!</div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-43388255338548893752014-07-14T08:43:00.000-07:002014-07-14T08:43:19.329-07:00Writing a Book<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Let me tell you, it sounds so easy to sit down and write a book. However, over the last few months I learned that there is nothing easy about it. Since I am writing a memoir going all the way back to where I was born, it is painful and also exciting. This memoir is not just a memoir; it is also a cook book. I am incorporating all the blogs I have written over the last 2 years. Finding the right way how to bridge it, from blogs into a manuscript has been difficult. Sometimes it gets me so frustrated that I want to chuck the whole project, ha, ha. My kids keep saying. “Just write Mom.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well Mom is writing and is reluctant to show the manuscript to anyone except my editor and, as of now she wants the whole manuscript not just parts of it, yikes! Patience is the major ingredient right now.</div>
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Thinking of writing this blog will keep me moving forward with this book. It is not the first time I attempted to publish a book. My first attempt was in <st1:city w:st="on">New York City</st1:city> while living in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Connecticut</st1:state></st1:place>. The Galley was done and ready to go to the Publisher through my then agent. By the way, this was a teaching cookbook, titled: How to be a Gourmet without a Cadillac Kitchen.</div>
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It was not to be. Our home went up in flames and the manuscript pages which were in single plastic sheets, melted together. It was not readable and this was my only copy; we did not have computers at the time (late 70<sup>th</sup>) I abandoned the whole project. At the time I was working at a demanding job, raising 7 children as a widow and I just could not see myself starting that book again. I had/have a lot of the handwritten notes, which are black from the fire but still readable. </div>
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My second attempt was when I took on the Dream Inn Hotel in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> only to have my PC burn out. Yikes, you would think I have had enough bad Karma with writing that I would give up, ha, ha. They say three times is a charm so everyone who follows my blogs send good vibes that I will get this book down and published by the end of 2015.</div>
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While contemplating all this, I am usually in the kitchen while cooking or creating a new recipe. I did just that. My friend Josie gave me a lot of veggies so here is what I did with those:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Curried Carrot Vegetable Soup:</b></div>
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2 tablespoons Olive Oil</div>
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1 tablespoon of curry powder or to taste</div>
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2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 222 inch pieces</div>
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½ lb green beans, cut the ends and remove string if need to be</div>
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6 stalks of baby broccoli</div>
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1 cup celery cut into 2 inch pieces</div>
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1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into 2 inch pieces</div>
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1 onion, chopped</div>
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4 to 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock</div>
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Heat olive oil in a 4 quart pot add the curry powder and stir for about one minute, add the onion and sauté on medium until soft, do not brown, add all the vegetables and sauté until covered with the curry. Add the stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and coo for about 45 minutes to one hour. Remove from heat and let it cool.</div>
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In a food processor or blender puree the vegetables adding the stock until the consistency is to your liking.</div>
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Serve with chopped eggs or grated cheese and chopped parsley.</div>
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Makes about 8 to 10 servings.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOTE: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to use about a half cup of half and half when I puree the soup.</div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-65196350353648003292014-04-22T08:33:00.000-07:002014-04-22T09:19:40.266-07:00Having Fun with Friends at my Test Cooking/Tasting Party<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">On Thursday, 4/3/14, I invited friends to a tasting of two of my recipes: I had not cooked either of these recipes in more than 20 years. The recipes needed to be cooked and tested because they will be part of my book to be published in 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I had to make sure the Lamb Pot and the Yam Apple Soup are as good as I remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy, they are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">My friends from all walks of life got really into this. All loved the Lamb Pot and made suggestions as to what wines would be better to go with the lamb than the Riesling I chose. The recipe calls for curry and I like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with curry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree that a Pinot would bring out the flavors more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Yam Apple Soup, which I chose to use as dessert, (cold) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>received good reviews as well. The soup calls to be served topped with whipped cream. Some liked the soup better without the whipped cream. This soup can be served hot or cold and is a great summer soup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The discussions were lively and the suggestions plenty. I am so grateful to my friends for indulging me with this venture: it is a motivator to keep writing this book. I am, after all, almost 79 years old and finishing this book will be the highlight of my career and a gift to my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is a great way to entertain and have fun with friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">One recipe will be attached.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Here is the recipe first, ha, ha.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apple Yam Wine Soup:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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2 ½<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to 3 quarts of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>water</div>
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2 ½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lbs Yams cleaned, peeled cut into thick slices</div>
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2 ½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lbs Apples peeled, seeds removed sliced into thick slices</div>
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2 large Onions chopped</div>
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Fresh Thyme to taste</div>
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Lemon juice from 3 to 4 fresh lemons</div>
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1 cups sugar</div>
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3 cinnamon sticks</div>
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1 to 2 cups <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Marsala</st1:place></st1:city> wine</div>
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Whipping cream for topping, whipped</div>
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Sauté onions for 5 to 10 minutes, do not brown, add thyme, apples, yams sauté for 3 minutes add the water bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for at least 1 hour.</div>
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Cool the soup, puree, put back into pot add the wine, lemon juice cinnamon sticks, sugar bring to the boiling point turn down the heat and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.</div>
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Serve hot or cold topped with whipped heavy cream.</div>
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Makes 8 to 12 servings</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Note: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is a great summer soup or for dessert. It has a 5 to 6 day shelf life</span></div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-60081229800913655362013-11-11T19:51:00.000-08:002013-11-11T19:51:24.926-08:00How to pull of a $15,000 wedding for under $3,000 ($2,971)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqFYLquS-5X2bFVV3qFeqMYA_Q8xZbmtlsJsDlOiMGzUglHn8yPqI1__XCLNf8xpKbvmIX8lhENwXIu7RRMC5-tY31oG4Oe5K-qAg6D5lBcflpCCC2drFlhUutxfbVHzJmUVWCVuoChU/s1600/HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqFYLquS-5X2bFVV3qFeqMYA_Q8xZbmtlsJsDlOiMGzUglHn8yPqI1__XCLNf8xpKbvmIX8lhENwXIu7RRMC5-tY31oG4Oe5K-qAg6D5lBcflpCCC2drFlhUutxfbVHzJmUVWCVuoChU/s320/HB.jpg" width="240" /></a>My daughter Heidi, after many obstacles the prior year, got married to Bill Hopkins on October 13, 2013; Heidi was a beautiful, happy Bride.<br />
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I for one thought the wedding would never happen – too many delays, intentional and unintentional, kept popping up. By the time funding was available, it was crunch time.<br />
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Money was a big issue; hence puling off this wedding was a challenge. Heidi wanted a traditional, beautiful wedding. I asked my friend Josie if she would help with the wedding and she said she would be happy to. Little did she know how much work in the end was still involved. Believe me, we could not have pulled off this beautiful wedding without Josie.<br />
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Rather than rent a venue for the wedding, Heidi and Bill decided to have the wedding at their home (after Heidi convinced Bill that it would be possible.) I loved the idea because it is a wonderful setting for a wedding. At the same time it made me uncomfortable because there were a lot of cosmetic fixes that needed doing.<br />
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The big project of painting the house inside and out was done by Bill, Heidi and friends... The upgrade in the yard was done by a landscaper who charged too much for what he did. That is my opinion, ha, ha. Heidi and Bill ended up trading a few months free rent for the labor.<br />
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Heidi, besides working hard to get things done, had engaged several friends to help. She also engaged family. Three of Heidi’s brothers – Neal, Paul & Rodmond – and I made a trip to Santa Cruz on August 1st to help with some big projects. Throughout August, September and the beginning of October, different friends came offering their help.<br />
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Five days before the wedding Josie and I arrived to get started on fine tuning everything from the rehearsal picnic to the actual wedding.<br />
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In the end, I have to say that the whole project was a family and friends affair. It was so good to see everyone stepping up to the plate. The tables you see in the pictures were built by Bill and a friend out of door slabs and pressurized wood. Family and friends, along with Heidi and Bill, then painted them off-white, yellow and teal (teal was Heidi’s accent color).<br />
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Heidi wanted wooden tables but they were very costly to rent. Building them saved around $1000. The simple design turned out to be a great idea and Josie worked wonders setting them up in a special design for the wedding. Heidi and Bill rented bamboo chairs which complimented the whole setting. The decorations were also created by Josie. It all came together so beautifully with the ocean front view.<br />
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Family and friends loved this outdoor special setting and I for one really loved it. Tears were always in the back of my eyes and still are when I think about the whole wedding.<br />
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My oldest son Walter walked his sister down the aisle, his two daughters Jesse and Janine were also in the wedding. As the Mother of the Bride I was escorted first by my son Rodmond to the front to be seated by the altar. The ceremony was simple and poignant.<br />
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The reception followed with a soup and salad bar. I was the caterer – and never did I think I would do the cooking for my daughters wedding, ha, ha. Heidi’s boss has a huge kitchen and his wife Jennifer, offered it up for us to use as the prep kitchen. Jennifer even cooked one of my soups. My son Rodmond and his friend Julie did the basic prep that still needed to be done for the soup and for the snacks we served when guests arrived. Some prep I had done here at home and transported it to Santa Cruz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneIpyb29PNW0wcsbM59xOC7CST6HYWME57wCvjewu1OuHi3FsRyjVDKfCFxuqV36Fnnaprq2R0IiomRL8aU97Z2S3zpFQC4NaRobHbe_1A2qt8LfvVWY0s8b4Ui1RQqym77ZvjiliHU4/s1600/Heidi-and-Bills-Wedding-022-%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneIpyb29PNW0wcsbM59xOC7CST6HYWME57wCvjewu1OuHi3FsRyjVDKfCFxuqV36Fnnaprq2R0IiomRL8aU97Z2S3zpFQC4NaRobHbe_1A2qt8LfvVWY0s8b4Ui1RQqym77ZvjiliHU4/s320/Heidi-and-Bills-Wedding-022-%25281%2529.gif" width="320" /></a>The menu consisted of four different soups: “Chili, Shrimp Leek, Zucchini, Apple, Peas with Tarragon Soups and Gazpacho”. A salad antipasto bar and breads were also served. I did the prep for the salad bar the day before the wedding at the house next door which Heidi and Bill had rented for two days for out of town guests. The kitchen had great counter space. People would come in and out to ask if I need anything. My friend Nancy helped me prep the fruits for the cheese bar.<br />
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The cheese bar was a thorn in my eye; I neglected to set it up myself and all the fruit I requested of Heidi to buy did not make it onto the cheese tray.<br />
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The luncheon went over well. We made it, just barely, but we made it, even though we had some wedding crashers.<br />
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We were so happy to see our relatives come from Arizona, and Long Beach, California. My friend Nancy and Heidi’s friend Sunny made it from Southern California. My family from Germany could not make it, nor my son Steven and his family from England. My son Paul, who lives on the East Coast, was also not with us. Bill’s daughters Liz and Katherine from Colorado walked their father down the aisle to the altar.<br />
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Dancing was had by all and even I did some dancing. It was a fun and casual affair.<br />
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Cost: Food and Beverages: $ 1,200 including the cake Flowers: $260 Decorations: $250 Tables: $315 Rental: $430, Dishes: $144 Labor: $120 Miscellaneous: $250 Venue: $0<br />
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-69904534942650792322013-08-18T19:54:00.000-07:002013-08-18T19:54:25.442-07:00Moving to Santa Cruz California! Troubleshooting for the Dream Inn Hotel 1990 - 1993Moving to Santa Cruz California! Troubleshooting for the Dream Inn Hotel 1990 -1993.<br />
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Santa Cruz here I come. This seaside community is a unique place to live, work and play. It was an easy move since my Son Rodmond lived in Santa Cruz. After a few days I went on a job hunt and landed the job as Food & Beverage Director for the Dream Inn Hotel. As the new Food & Beverage Director for the Dream Inn my challenges were about multitasking.<br />
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Being the new kid on the block and having to deal with a Chef’s Ego was not pleasant. In the end we parted and I hired new staff, the overhaul was staggering. The good part was I could put my stamp on the Food & Beverage Operation. I was responsible for 5 outlets:
The Twelve Wind Restaurant, the Surf Diner, the Compass lounge, Banquets and room service. I had my work cut out for me transforming the Twelve Wind Restaurant into a California style Bistro.<br />
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The Twelve Winds Restaurant took on a new look; only cosmetic changes could be made as no money was available for a total remodel. To enhance the view, which was a look of the Bay, I first had the restaurant cleaned and some walls white washed. I added tablecloths, butcher paper and crayons to have the customer leave notes about the dining experience, good or bad (this was/is a good tool to correct any problem a Restaurant may have/had). Add fresh flowers, candles on the tables and voila we had a pleasant environment. The menu was also upgraded to more current tastes. My Chef de Cuisine was Jerrie. I have to say Jerrie was creative but easily rattled when the Restaurant was full.<br />
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We became very busy and I hired a new Chef, James, to head up the kitchen... He was creative and a good leader. He produced our first Winemaker Dinner at the Twelve Winds Restaurant with the Mirassou Winery Winemaker/ Owner. It was a roaring success and we had reservations for the next one. That did not happen because the owner of the Hotel wanted the marketing money spent at the room division. Needless to say I was peeved. The Owner did not see that the Winemaker Dinner brought in the locals and the VIP’s from surrounding companies.<br />
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A note of contention:<br />
Hotels are notorious when something goes wrong with the room division to have F&B step in and sooth the customer with a basket of goodies or dinner for two, Champagne, Wine. This always annoyed me. The GM/Hotel Owner never gave Food & Beverages' budget a thought until you do not come up with the projected cost/profit. I then set up a budget to show how much it actually cost F&B.
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The second Restaurant was the Surf Diner. Breakfast and lunch was served, it was a typical diner, even though we upgraded the menu too. Breakfast was bedlam on weekends because the Dream Inn was, at that time a family Resort Hotel, and on weekends always packed. We served up to 300 breakfasts a day on weekends. At times the GM was recruited to help buss tables along with, of course, me. Jerrie was my breakfast cook most weekends and she was great.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5syYxZuXxD_Nc0OfWiuFLB9ZBspnE0cO7uIr8G3xb3asBxf41kZtCztJlocG1DyncTWLnCH2cx1aCjv9jwW9KrKA7oU7iDLM3xQonbAvsvga3GYPf1I4b-rrZlhoILquW0VN7p3ayAI/s1600/Moving+to+Santa+Cruz+pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5syYxZuXxD_Nc0OfWiuFLB9ZBspnE0cO7uIr8G3xb3asBxf41kZtCztJlocG1DyncTWLnCH2cx1aCjv9jwW9KrKA7oU7iDLM3xQonbAvsvga3GYPf1I4b-rrZlhoILquW0VN7p3ayAI/s320/Moving+to+Santa+Cruz+pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Banquets were a big money maker. I had hired a new Manager, David, Englander. David was very good at his job.<br />
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In 1992 I made another change and hired a very talented Chef, William Prime, and his sous chef Richard Vasquez. That team was a dynamo. Both Bill and Richard were creative with the food. The plate was their canvas.<br />
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I have to admit I was not an easy boss, I was always fair though.
In the beginning of 1993 the Hotel downsized and eliminated the Director of Food & Beverage position. I did not see that coming. I received a generous exit package and within two weeks I took the job as Director of Food & Beverage at the Los Gatos Lodge in Los Gatos, California. The Sous Chef Richard followed me to Los Gatos which was good for my ego. He helped me do a turn around at the Los Gatos Lodge.<br />
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The drive from Santa Cruz to Los Gatos over Highway 17 was treacherous. Not a day went by that there was not an accident, yikes.<br />
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Working ten or more hours a day did not leave me much time for socializing - that is the down side working in hospitality. You really have to love it to be good at it and I was/am good. Now that I am retired I miss the hustle bustle and the attention I received from owners, the media and VIPs from companies I planned and did events for.
Here is one of the popular recipes created by Bill Prime and Richard Vasquez while working at the Twelve Wind Restaurant:<br />
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Caribbean Style Linguine:<br />
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8 oz skinned, boneless chicken breast (cut julienne)<br />
6 oz roasted andoullie sausage (sliced in half inch pieces)<br />
¼ cup julienne cut bell peppers red &amp; green<br />
¼ cup julienne cut Bermuda onion<br />
2 garlic cloves minced<br />
2 shallots chopped<br />
2 tsp. curry powder or to taste<br />
½ tsp. ginger powder<br />
2 oz dark rum<br />
1 cup heavy cream<br />
2 tbsp. olive oil<br />
salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste<br />
8 oz fresh linguini<br />
¼ stick butter<br />
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté chicken and sausage until half done. Add peppers and onions, stir add garlic and shallots. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add curry and ginger powder cook for about 3 minutes, deglaze all with rum, and cook for 1 minute. Now add the heavy cream (room temperature) and cook until reduced by almost half stir in the butter and incorporate cook all for about 3 minute.<br />
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Toss with the fresh pasta correct seasoning and top with red pepper flakes.<br />
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Makes 4 servings<br />
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-48814204406958886412013-04-24T14:50:00.000-07:002013-04-24T14:50:02.719-07:00Changing Gears: Courage, Cancer and Family!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The diagnosis of cancer is a very scary thing. It touched our family and many of yours. As I write this I am thinking not just of our family’s reaction but about my very special friend Josie’s Mother who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about one year ago. It was a shock to her family and friends. Anna Mariea went with the flow and did all that was requested of her with her very large family’s support. A few weeks ago she decided to have no more treatments. Anna Mariea told me that during the time she has left she wants to live it her way, “It does not matter how long or how short my time is, she says. This decision was not easy for her family; it takes courage to make that kind of decision against family. Anna Mariea. is holding her own, she has been traveling and intends to come back for a visit to Healdsburg. Her spirit and the love of her family are keeping her centered. I am sure there are other cancer patients who do the same to stay as self - reliant as long as possible. </div>
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I can identify with this need. My husband Marc made the same decision. I will try to solidify the reaction of our family. For 18 months Marc struggled with radiation, chemo and being a hero in spite of his health. He did go back to work for a time. He did have Histocistic Sarcoma Lymphoma.</div>
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Marc was diagnosed December 31, 1974. Talking to the children about his illness was hair rising. During this time, I took the job of opening the Restaurant “Annie’s Firehouse Soup Kitchen” in the spring of 1975. Every morning I got up at 4 am to go to work. Marc got up with me and made me coffee and some breakfast even though he did not feel well it was his gift to me for helping to keep things as normal as possible. Marc’s fight with his cancer ended August 1976. </div>
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One day after Marc died I received the job offer as General Manager for The Graduate Club in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">New Haven</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Connecticut</st1:state></st1:place> an exclusive private dining club; which I accepted.</div>
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<strong>Walter</strong> our oldest was on a walking venture through the Western US and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Alaska</st1:state></st1:place>. He only found out about Marc’s illness month’s later. Walter never thought he would not see his Father again. Communication with Walter was sporadic because he never had a phone in the wilderness. I recall that a few days before Marc gave up his fight Walter called and I told him that his Father was holding on to know that he was okay. Walter said, “Do not tell him I called I am on my way back home.” I told Walter that I could not do that - his Father needed to know that he was okay and coming home. He never made it in time. Walter arrived the day of the funeral; I took him to the cemetery where he stayed awhile. After he came home he locked himself in our garage/work space and every time I tried for him to come out and join the family and friends he threw any thing he could find at the door. We could not get in to talk to him. After a couple days of this Walter did join us and since he was the oldest he chipped in wherever he could. Eventually Walter decided to go walking again which I believe was good for him.</div>
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<strong>Neal </strong>son number two has always been the quiet and very smart one with his father’s sense of humor. He just shut down and I could not reach him emotionally. Every time I had to go to work or just left the house Neal got frantic wondering if I would come back. Neal the joker of the family became more and more withdrawn. However he helped me with chores, now he hates to do them for himself, ha, ha. His academics dived (actually the four oldest boys academics dived). Neal also would help me with catering, but never among the guests he always stayed in the kitchens and did prep work or dishes. I always felt sad because he did not work up to his potential. He is the kindest man you want to meet, shy but has a big open heart.</div>
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<strong>Paul </strong>who is the third born did not feel comfortable with his own family. He wanted to go and live with his Uncle Russ (Marc’s brother) and Aunt Carroll, who lived in the LA area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let him move for one year. If that was good for him I am not so sure. Paul covered his sadness with being obnoxious at times. I hate to say this but I feel I lost a son during that year away from us.</div>
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<strong>Rodmond</strong> the family savior. Rod and the older boys were at Grateful Dead concert the evening Marc died. When the boys came home and I had to tell them that their Father passed away; Rod climbed on the roof of our house and did not come down for hours. Rod was very angry. Once he came to terms with the death of his Father he became the caretaker of the family. He made sure the house was in order especially the kitchen when I came home from work. Many years later he and the other kids told me that a big percentage of “Amity High”, hung out in our home while I was at work. what went on I can only imagine. Rodmond was only 14 years old; he took on all that responsibility with out being asked. </div>
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<strong>Steven</strong> the loner; Steven also pitched in when needed. The first few months were such a blur. I remember Steven going to his room and hiding behind a book. He would help with meals and work outside in the yard after homework. Once he decided to move Walters Mustang in our drive way and ended up in the ditch. Needless to say Walter was livid. Steve did not get hurt but could have he was but 13 years old.</div>
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<strong>Kurt</strong> and <strong>Heidi;</strong> neither child was home when Marc died. Both had been in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Jersey</st1:place></st1:state> spending a couple of weeks with friends, Christina and Thomas who were the same age. Margot and Jim their Godparents brought them home the morning of the funeral.</div>
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It was so hard to tell them that we are going to the cemetery to bury their Father.</div>
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All the friends and relatives comforted them. I really did not see many tears; I am sure in the comfort of there room they were. Heidi found refuge in playing the piano. Kurt just hung in there and found a good friend Charlie who he spent time with along with his family. Heidi also had a good friend Lisa and she did spend time with her and her family. A few years later, Heidi also spent a lot of time with another friend, Andrea and her family. It was a relief for me because I had to work and at times I had to work in the evening when I had a big event going on at The Graduate Club.</div>
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Part two of this blog will follow, writing about this is not easy. I will elaborate next about some of the antics the kids managed to get into and survived all of them.Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-57588459400700708222013-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:002013-01-26T14:57:49.250-08:00California Adventure Continues Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">California</b></st1:place></st1:state><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Adventure Continues Part 2 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The last post ended with the Irvine Ranch Farmers Market. While still at the Irvine Ranch Farmers Market I was recruited to become part of the opening team of the Four Seasons Hotel in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Newport Beach</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place>. I took on the project with glee.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRroZtR4RkjWGVX7rwxLA85-6WoWl-a8m36Gkp6WK2Ujv3U5Us9EYDMcwfget9bUEozUIGJstjA4JT0JTeNtaqK2JGl55zAwTnOI-POanzZ60J4CYrOdzDRBFTF1DKQuaDT9-oMZOHZYs/s1600/Mom4Seasons.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRroZtR4RkjWGVX7rwxLA85-6WoWl-a8m36Gkp6WK2Ujv3U5Us9EYDMcwfget9bUEozUIGJstjA4JT0JTeNtaqK2JGl55zAwTnOI-POanzZ60J4CYrOdzDRBFTF1DKQuaDT9-oMZOHZYs/s320/Mom4Seasons.gif" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & a colleague at the employee opening party,<br />
Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach, CA</td></tr>
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My part in that venture was training the banquet personal in French service. This was not an easy task -most hotels or restaurants do not go with that venue. The Four Seasons Hotel did and, I presume still does. Of course a lot of grumbling went on and on. I had the service personnel train with raw eggs, (want to guess how many dozens of eggs ended up on the floor?) Yikes! In the end they managed the task.</div>
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I also took charge of the banquets themselves which was not one of my favorite parts of the Food & Beverage Catering Department. However, I knew I had to do it if I wanted to move up at the Four Season Hotel Company. It was hair-raising at times. I decided I needed to get out of banquets and move either into catering sales or take on one of the Restaurants. The F&B was a woman and she was on top of things; people always thought of me as a drill sergeant but Nicky beat me by a mile. We had to wear suits and heels which, of course, I always did anyway. But, one evening the sub-banquet kitchen floor on the eighth floor was wet and I slipped straight onto my back. Oh boy. That was when I decided I needed to move out of being in charge of banquets.</div>
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My friend, the General Manager for the Meridian Hotel, offered me a job in outside catering. Like a fool I went back to the Four Seasons right then and there and resigned, which was another bad choice on my part. The job offer from the <st1:city w:st="on">Meridian</st1:city> had to be approved by corporate in <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> since it was to be a new division at the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Meridian</st1:place></st1:city>. Well you guessed it. Corporate did decline the creation of the division. To make a long story short there I was with no job, a condo I had leased with the option to buy and could not, and I had to move with Heidi and Kurt. We relocated to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Costa Mesa</st1:city></st1:place>, Heidi and Kurt rented their own apartment and I rented a one bedroom for myself. To supplement income I did some private catering.</div>
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It was not a happy time and I ridiculed myself. How could I have been so stupid to quit the job at the Four Season Hotel before I had a contract in hand from the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Meridian</st1:place></st1:city>? My advice to anyone contemplating changing jobs: never quit your job until you actually have a new one. </div>
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After dwelling in my misery for a while I had to snap out of it. My son Rodmond in <st1:city w:st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:city> suggested that I move to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:city></st1:place> which I ultimately did. It was a good move for me.</div>
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Heidi and Kurt opted to stay in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Orange</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Heidi was in College and had a job. Kurt also was employed.</div>
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After a few days in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Cruz</st1:place></st1:city> I went job hunting and landed the job as Food & Beverage Director for the Dream Inn Hotel. I was so happy you can imagine. I will write more about <st1:place w:st="on">Northern California</st1:place> in my next blog.</div>
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In response to requests for my“Eintopf” (Meal in a Pot) recipes I will add my Lamb Pot. It is so good this time of the year.</div>
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<b>Lamb Pot<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1 pound lamb (stew meat is fine)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pepper and salt to taste</div>
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2 tablespoons dried basil (fresh basil is better)</div>
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1 tablespoon curry powder</div>
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3 tablespoons olive oil (vegetable oil can be used)</div>
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2 quarts of beef stock (bouillon cubes can be substituted)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>salt to taste (do use salt sparingly if you use beef bouillon cubes)</div>
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1 pound carrots (peeled and sliced)</div>
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1 pound celery root (peeled and sliced)</div>
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4 leeks (cleaned and sliced, do not use the end of the leeks)</div>
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Cut lamb into cubes, (if you do not use stew meat). Season with pepper, curry powder and basil. Make sure meat is covered well with the spices. In a heavy saucepan heat the oil, add the meat and brown on all sides. Add the beef stock and simmer for 30 minutes. Correct seasoning. Add the carrots, celery root and simmer 20 more minutes. Add the leeks and simmer 10 more minutes. Finish of with fresh ground pepper and fresh or dried basil.</div>
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NOTE: Fresh farm bread or any fresh sour dough bread is great with this dish. Can be frozen up to three month. This is a great party dish.</div>
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Makes 4 to 6 servings</div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-12552113656048808532012-12-01T17:12:00.001-08:002012-12-01T17:12:29.264-08:00Moving On ----Thanksgiving 2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Setting, Thanksgiving 2012</td></tr>
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Thanksgiving 2012 was a real family affair; four of my six children including Rodmond’s daughter Larissa came and participated in the creating of the day. Heidi prepped the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Turkey</st1:place></st1:country-region> with my direction. Paul and Rod took over the kitchen and produced a wonderful meal and did a lot of the clean up work as well. <br />
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Bill and Heidi had invited Bill’s sister Ginger and, as has happened the last 9 years, my neighbor Hazel joined us. Hazel will be 91 years old next week; she still maintains our courtyard and keeps moving around to stay limber. More power to her.</div>
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My son Steven called from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> and wished he could have been here. Walter and family also could not join us. All in all we had a great Thanksgiving and were so grateful for our time together.</div>
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This Thanksgiving was not without sadness however; my brother Manfred died on November 14, 2012 in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Unfortunately I could not fly to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> to attend his funeral. I am the only sibling left and I am so grateful for all my children and that I have nieces and a nephew as well as Manfred’s wife Mia to reminisce about Manfred when needed.</div>
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Now we are heading toward Christmas, the biggest <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> of the year. Our Christmas will be here in Healdsburg as well. I do not like traveling during the <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> season. I love staying home and having friends and family come to visit.</div>
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I made my Advent wreath yesterday since December 2 is the first of Advent. I will have a small Brunch on Sunday for some of my neighbors. In the next few weeks I will attend a couple of Christmas parties. I also will do some spotter work in the next four weeks. It is a fun job except when it comes to writing the reports, ha, ha.</div>
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Missing my son Kurt and husband Marcus becomes acute this time of the year. It is hard to believe Kurt died 13 years ago and Marc made me a widow 36 years ago. He was a great Father and Husband. All these years I could not bring myself to get married again even though I did have a couple very serious long term relationships, my answer was always no. These days I wish at times that I had married again. Having seven children was a big factor in my saying no!!</div>
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Our children made it through their grieving and time of being difficult. All grew up to be self-reliant. They have families and keep in touch with me, some more than others. </div>
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Needed to keep you posted on the now. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! </div>
Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-85945645395190994802012-08-23T14:08:00.000-07:002012-08-24T09:24:47.530-07:00The California Adventure Continues! 1982 to 1994<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Summer 2012 in Healdsburg is as beautiful as the summers were on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Balboa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The <st1:place w:st="on">Island</st1:place> is surrounded by water; Healdsburg is surrounded by fields of grapes, both are beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaDkHXa_rDvuGnWevymbnRrHN5FrcuFMizgfRIskinsLYOjUxKAd1SBGsNN2UD8u3_BH4V9_0UZ_zHtcaKoFnqTF655r5p-vSVKiiRmImbUbckVQjWi-ALPdmssqe6yO9vnJfkTyC2OY/s1600/Boat+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaDkHXa_rDvuGnWevymbnRrHN5FrcuFMizgfRIskinsLYOjUxKAd1SBGsNN2UD8u3_BH4V9_0UZ_zHtcaKoFnqTF655r5p-vSVKiiRmImbUbckVQjWi-ALPdmssqe6yO9vnJfkTyC2OY/s320/Boat+Parade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Moving to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Balboa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> where Heidi, Kurt and I found a new home. We really enjoyed living on the <st1:place w:st="on">Island</st1:place>. Our second home was a waterfront home and we liked watching the sailboats passing through the channel into the pacific. Boat parades were colorful during the holidays, and we were having chili party's while watching the parade with family and friends.<br />
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Heidi and Kurt adjusted to the Southern California life style and made friends. Since Heidi always liked to bake, she ended up working in a little bakery on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Balboa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island called Dad's</st1:placetype></st1:place>. She could walk to work. Two years later the owners offered her the little apartment upstairs from the bakery for the summer. Heidi was elated.<br />
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My son Neal decided to move to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place> and moved in with us for several months, but he was not a happy camper there. He did have a good job but he became a hermit for a time. (It saddened us all).</div>
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It was on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Balboa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> that I finally accepted that my daughter Heidi was not always the angel I believed her to be. That was a sad day for me because, until her teens, she had not gotten into any notable trouble (details may unfold in a later blog). Kurt was busy redeeming himself as a sort of undercover spy for Corona del Mar High School.</div>
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I was recruited to help set up a company called COOK LINE after leaving Le Premier Restaurant. This company was short lived but a great idea. It gave Chefs all over the country directions when they got stuck on how to prepare a dish. Most of the clients came from the <st1:place w:st="on">Midwest</st1:place>. I counseled Chefs from <st1:state w:st="on">Montana</st1:state>, <st1:state w:st="on">Ohio</st1:state>, and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iowa</st1:place></st1:state> and so on, all via phone and slow mail. Boy, now all you have to do is go online and get all the answers you need.</div>
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I remember when I was getting ready to fly to <st1:city w:st="on">New York City</st1:city> to meet with the Conde Nast Brass about plugging the company, but it never happened - <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sandy</st1:place></st1:city> pulled the plug on the company. She said that it was not cost affective. She was right.</div>
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My next venture became the opening of the Irvine Ranch Market in <st1:city w:st="on">Newport Beach</st1:city> at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Newport</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>. My title was Assistant Director of Food services. This was a great job. I trained cooks and sales service personnel. I was responsible for the creative development of recipes and displays in six stores. </div>
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One of the stores was not doing so well - as they say, “location, location.” I was put in charge to do a turn around, which was not easy to do. But, we did it with promo and a change of venue to meet what the customer in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Laguna Beach</st1:city></st1:place> area wanted.</div>
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I worked with Irvine Ranch Farmers Market for about 3 years. During that time my Boss John and I flew to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>. John wanted to see the products at the very famous delicatessen Zabers in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city> and others. We dined in various Restaurants I had picked out from my time living in the city. It was an interesting trip and no, no romance!</div>
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That trip helped to upgrade the older stores and made them all very profitable. The Newport Store is still going strong and the LA store as well. I kind of lost track with what happened to the smaller stores. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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John’s concept is used now by various companies but, he was the pioneer, and I am proud to have been part of the development of Irvine Ranch Farmers Market.</div>
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Of course, after I left I had to return my company car which I loved since it was a two-seater sports model. I used to drive an average of 150 miles a day from store to store. I still have my uniform which was/is a white butcher coat hanging in all six stores.</div>
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<b>Sigrid’s Chili<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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½ cup olive oil</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 onions (chopped)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 green peppers</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 jalapeno peppers</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 pound mushrooms (halved)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 teaspoons oregano</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 bay leaves</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8 tablespoons chili powder</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 tablespoons cumin powder</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>red pepper flakes to taste</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 pounds lean ground beef</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 large cans tomato puree</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 large cans chopped tomatoes</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 quarts beef stock (bouillon can be used)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 pounds kidney beans</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>water to cover beans</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>salt to taste</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 large bouillon cubes</div>
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In a large pot bring cleaned beans and water to a boil. Cook beans for 10 minutes and drain. Put beans back in pot and cover with fresh water. Add bouillon cubes salt to taste. Bring back to boil lower heat and simmer for 1 to 2 hours. While beans cook heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot. Add onions, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, garlic and mushrooms stirring frequently until onions are lightly colored. Add meat stir, add all seasoning and keep stirring until all is incorporated, about 15 minutes. Add stock, tomato puree and chopped tomatoes with the liquid. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add the drained cooked beans. Cook for at least another 30 minutes on low heat. Stirring occasionally. If your chili should start to burn, remove and pour into a clean pot. If needed, add more beef stock.</div>
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Makes 48 servings:</div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5606783939959989010.post-49517918000587041672012-07-22T10:07:00.000-07:002012-07-22T10:07:15.387-07:00Moving to California<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moving to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">California</place></state></b></div>
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It was the year 1981 when I was recruited to become Food & Beverage Director for the Newporter in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Newport Beach</city>, <state w:st="on">California</state></place>. Which is a Hyatt Hotel now? We decided it would be a good move. Living in <city w:st="on">New York City</city> and <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Connecticut</state></place> lost its appeal... My two youngest children, Kurt and Heidi, and I packed up the belongings we wanted to take. Most of my furniture I had sold and the items the other kids wanted they moved into their home. The rest went into storage.</div>
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I rented a limo to take us from my son’s Neal, Paul and Rodmond’s home in <city w:st="on">New Haven</city>, <state w:st="on">Connecticut</state> to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Kennedy</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Airport</placetype></place>. We landed in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Los Angeles</place></city> where my sister-in-law and brother-in-law picked us up from the Airport. We stayed with Carroll and Russ the first few weeks. The drive to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Newport Beach</place></city> was a long one. I commuted every day with the children. I enrolled them in the school in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Newport Beach</place></city> for the fall. Yes it was summer when we moved to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">California</place></state>.</div>
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I started to look for housing, which I found on <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Balboa</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Island</placetype></place>. A cottage style house with very shabby furniture. The house was a summer rental so we could not move in until September. </div>
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My new job was to start on September 5, right after Labor Day. We moved on Sept. 2<sup>nd</sup> to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Balboa</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Island</placetype></place>. All three of us loved that little <place w:st="on">Island</place>. Heidi and Kurt started school and I started my new job. Here comes the kicker! My second day on the job, the General Manager called a meeting with all of the top management to introduce me. As we were in the meeting I was called to the phone and had been informed that Heidi and Kurt did not show up in class even though I had dropped them off. I felt I had to excuse myself from the meeting to go looking for my children. The General Manager was annoyed and said quote, “Woman do not belong in top manager position.” I for one am a very reactionary person and turned around and said, “You can take your job and shove it.”</div>
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I knew he and I would never work well together, the Food & Beverage Director being the number two person in any Hotel. You see, I was recruited in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New York City</place></city> by the Seagram’s Company which owned the Newporter at the time. The General Manager never met me until I moved. He was not pleased that I was hired without his input. I actually can understand that now. At the time I thought, “What an arrogant SOB.” </div>
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I went hunting for Kurt and Heidi and found them at the famous <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Newport</place></city> mall. Now, here I was with no job, a rental to pay for and living expenses. It was a good thing that I had some limited income for the children from SS.</div>
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The next day I picked myself up and went job hunting. I knew I would not have a hard time finding a job, which I didn’t. I took on a spotter job for an upscale Mexican Restaurant.</div>
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Of course that was not a steady income but it helped us over the hump. One evening as I was sitting at the bar observing the servers and Bartender (who was working into his own pocket), across from me was a couple a beautiful young woman with a man not to my liking. I kept thinking, "What is she doing with that guy??" We started talking, introducing ourselves and so my friendship with <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Nancy</city></place> began. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> to this day tells people I picked her up in a Bar, and I respond with, “You picked me up.” <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> gave me her business card which I tossed in a drawer at home.</div>
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As I said before, the house had very shabby furniture so, after a couple of days, I went out and bought some dark green sheets with roses for color, some plants and candles and redecorated our home. I will never forget when my son Kurt came home from school with a friend. He said to his friend, “My Mom can make a dump look elegant.” What a compliment from a 15 year old. Both Heidi and Kurt started to settle in and make friends.</div>
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I for one went on a job hunt and after a few days was hired by the owners of Ambrosia and Le Premier Restaurants. I was hired as a troubleshooter and trainer and recipe taster for Le Premier Restaurant which was a very new venture. Le Premier had a Swiss Chef whose cooking was more tuned to catering big functions instead of cooking on the line. His sauces were the worst I ever tasted, all flour and paste, yikes! One day I went into the kitchen and put a spoon into his sauces and the Chef went berserk. He threw a Chef knife at me yelling about what gave me the right to taste his sauces. I have to say here that Gerald the owner and his Brother Gustav never told him that I was hired to do just that. Gerald was not happy with the food in general. I told Gerald that his Chef is a banquet Chef and he needs to let him go. I than went on the hunt to find him a banquet Chef Position, which I found in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Las Vegas</city></place>. He was happy to move on and, after a few weeks even called to thank me.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLQ7aFEJGppbKxvydArd4tC75bzFBnxbniiSupQN0QAsJs0yn346QmIkMQNjJb1DI4-esJn8pg4Gl4viFFpTVGKf0ri56KKTtb5ZPskamZHCHVx1arb2z8H4LMhVZtDhURea9btNTitk/s1600/Untitled-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLQ7aFEJGppbKxvydArd4tC75bzFBnxbniiSupQN0QAsJs0yn346QmIkMQNjJb1DI4-esJn8pg4Gl4viFFpTVGKf0ri56KKTtb5ZPskamZHCHVx1arb2z8H4LMhVZtDhURea9btNTitk/s400/Untitled-1.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Premier and Ambrosia Kitchen</td></tr>
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We hired a new Chef with expertise in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">California</place></state> and Danish Cuisine. Gerald and Gustav came from <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Denmark</place></country-region> to the States. Le Premier became a very successful Restaurant and I had fun working with everybody</div>
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Ambrosia was already very famous throughout the country. I stayed with the restaurant for 2 years. </div>
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I will add a photo. Next the California adventure continuous!</div>
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Sigridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15386691965548160863noreply@blogger.com0