New Beginning (or not?)

The sombre backdrop to my writing is public television's 2 hour history of Islamic history in Spain and the occasional peaceful coexistence between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Truly remarkable with today's frame of reference. Truly remarkable to see the sophistication of a luxurious Islamic lifestyle in Granada; a lifestyle that Christians and Jews in Christian Spain sought to replicate by importing the Islamic expertise from Granada.

Far be it from me to discuss or analyze this history, but how did the centuries since that golden period in Spain evolve - from the Inquisition to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and on through the many years to the end of the 2nd millenium and the violent conflicts we have today.

Perhaps we really know part of the answer, so the better question may be: Could events have been controlled so that the 21st century, that we are now living, could have been different

I really will have to stay away from Public Television, I dont like this kind of provocative programming. I much prefer the Tuscan cooking of David Rocco and his co-chefs on the Food Network. I have to strive for an appropriate balance. 'Nuff said

Now u see me

I have added my photo. Here I am with my crowning white glory. I am fond of saying that I honestly earned (as opposed to stealing) every single one of my gray hairs - which is why I would never hide it. It is hard to imagine living life for 65+ years, raising a family, running a home and household for many years, enjoying relative success in business and reaching retirement, without turning gray. And believe me if I tell you: it is not just an age thing

My house guests are still in house, but not in my house. I followed my kids to their next stop: Toronto. I have very limited responsibilities here. I do have to behave myself, and diapering is optional, but pleasurable. Since it isnt My Coffee or My Newspaper, nothing seems quite so pressing in the morning. I can almost be sociable.

We are into the second half of Aug so looking toward the fall, conversation turns to the chagim and the inevitable menu planning for many consecutive festive meals.

Do you know that much of the preparation I did in May and June for the summer invasion remains untouched in the freezer. I told you about the great leftovers, but menu planning with the girls, reached new heights. In the week before departure there were still 6 weeks worth of planned menus to execute (I just dont know if we were really expected to eat them as well). My freezer is ready for the Chagim, I can turn my attention to some of the many other pursuits that entice me.

I guess the serious blog will have to wait another little while.

peace and quiet-I survived the summer of '07

It doesnt get any better than this. I can bellyache "b'li sof", but you all know the truth. The summer, so far was amazing.

Isnt it great? the appreciation of what was until now - the full house; lots of work; lots of shopping; lots of noise and lots of tripping over the Fisher Price people that spill out of the school bus as it was noisily yanked and jerked around my home.

Yesterday there was silence, the toys were collected, I didnt have to do anything at all if that is what I wanted. And I didnt turn into a maudlin empty nester, bemoaning my lonely existence. This too is great. Everything fell into its familiar rhythm very quickly.

The truth is I cant believe I was actually anxious about the summer, as I anticipated the house guests.

And then the new baby arrived and more guests wanted in on the Simcha of naming a baby girl. My heart was filled with joy and pleasure and Nachat. We missed you and your family, Ellen. Yaffa would surely have said: dont worry, Mom, there's room, it'll be OK. But you had already gone home and it wasnt to be.

For the next posting, it will be time to get serious. I will dig deep and come up with something.

My turn to party

After 5 long weeks of non stop house guests, it is almost my turn to party, or veg, depending on how I feel when I get back from the airport Sunday morning.

Picture it: I am a little old lady living alone in a condo and in the last five weeks my space has been variously invaded by anwhere between 5 and 10 house guests. Need I say more? You completely lose control. No square inch of space is your own.

My daily newspapers are massacred before I see them, and the baby's 'pooie' diapers beg my attention..........and this is often even before I have my morning coffee. The Mother is off running and father, well he'd rather just not do it, or maybe he is running too. Then it is baby's breakfast, and on and on. It just never stopped.

The daily menus were planned way in advanced and required multiple google searches for best recipes, not to mention the renown "Fine Cooking" magazine' recipes that must be followed to the letter. There was home made fettucine and lasagna, gnocchi twice. Can you believe we actually found a YouTube video on how to make it. At least the freezer will be well stocked with yummy leftovers.

Next up I'll tell you about the denouement, and report on my survival.