A View From The 17th Fairway

It's Delicioso, Once Again!

Our friend from Port St. Lucie, Yolanda Hoffmann, introduced us to her daughter back in 2005. Ingrid Hoffmann spent the evening with us and our kids Thanksgiving  of that year.  Imagine our delight when we saw Ingrid and our friend Yolanda on a  Martha Stewart segment!

Since that time, Ingrid has published a cookbook that I recently saw on display at Dillards, a local department store.

Although not a big Oprah fan, you can imagine my surprise when I turned the TV on today, and there was Ingrid once again! She was in a 'sandwich contest' with two other chefs. Padma Lakshmi, from Top Chef was Oprah's guest judge for the segment. And alhough Ingrid didn't win Padma's vote, she certainly has ours. Congrats, Ingrid, and here's hoping to see you (entertaining or not) in 2009!

Holiday Lights Par Excellence!

In our town, the 'Cottom Farm' is well-known. That's 'Cottom'  with an 'm', not an 'n'. The family has been here for ages and owns several successful businesses (as evidenced by their large home and plentiful acreage). Each year more and more lights are added to the already stupendous light show! This year, the drummers and angels were new. The Cottoms have areas set aside where you can park your car for a longer view. My photographer friend Dave Elle snapped this shot, which includes the reflection from the lake in front of the home. We know the holiday season has truly begun once the Cottom lights have been lit!

 

 

Where The Buffalo Roam?

Okay, I agree. It sounds a bit bizarre to get attached to these big hairy creatures. But for me, it's a reminder of what the Americas once were. These creatures stir up images of cowboys, the wide open range, and maybe even The Ponderosa, for us who still remember TV in the sixties.

Strangely enough, for decades, small herds still grazed in several areas adjacent to my community. Hence, the high school football team (what else) 'the Buffalos', a nearby plaza called Buffalo Ridge and many other local 'buffalo' references. But after several injuries (people don't always believe the warnings to stay away from bison), the owner moved the animals out of sight. Now there is a movement to get the animals back into view.

Those reckless individuals who did not heed the cautionary signs, proceeded at their own risk. And no one else is responsible.

Bring back those furry giants! They added a unique flair to our community and are beloved by many. And I really miss seeing them in all their massive beauty.

 

The Holidays Mark Another Milestone...

  This time of year always makes me stop. Stop and think. Stop and compare. Then and now. And the promise of an even better future with the start of a brand-new year.

I'm always surprised at where Life takes me. Somehow, it's never where I thought I'd be! And always without exception, I'm surprised and grateful. Grateful for my loving family and all the beauty around me. Grateful for the health and strength that carries me throughout the day. Grateful for my friends, who are my best teachers, purely by their example.

The news events make me think the world has gone crazy. I struggle to make sense of the senseless. Senseless greed, senseless cruelty. And each day that I can reclaim my humanity, my spirit and my sense of appreciation, is a day well spent.

With a new grandchild soon to make her appearance on the world stage, and a loving, sweet grandson of twelve wise years, this grandmother looks to the future with anticipation and wonder. Still here, still enjoying Life's surprises. Laughing, loving and always grateful for the chance to appreciate the small miracles that bless and grace my life.  Happy Holidays!

I Fought the Drapes & the Drapes Won!!

Yes, it's sad but true. We've been in our new home for two and a half years now. Before we moved in, I ordered these gorgeous 'waterfall' Roman shades from a local drapery store. They were handmade with custom fabric that matched my bedspread and carpeting beautifully. Thinking that this particular style would compliment the three bay windows, we splurged to include the continuous loop chains et al.

It soon became apparent that the centre window shade was heavy and hard to pull up on a daily basis. But I tolerated it as other Life Priorities presented themselves. Fast forward two and a half years. Now it is a constant struggle with the center window that culminated in an out and out battle last night.  

Clearly, the drapes won. I was SO frustrated that I yanked the chain, continuous loop and all, until it finally broke. I then staged an out and out assault on the drapes in a complete show of two years of accumulated frustration. Oh, by the way, did I tell you the drapery shop went out of business??

So now the large middle window remains covered in a sad and asymmetrical tribute to last night's meltdown. I'm conflicted on what path to take next. My sense is to go for the wood shutters that I should have purchased initially, but didn't. It certainly would have been more cost effective. And for those of you considering a 'waterfall' Roman shade over a frequently used oversized window..Don't and Save Yourselves Now!!

Sports Gene Testing???

Yeah, what will they think of next....to part parents from their money??? With a new grandchild on the way, and one approaching his thirteenth (and very athletic) year, testing for the sports gene seems a bit 'over the top' even for sports-minded grandparents like us! Thoughts? Check out the original article from the NY Times.