WE'RE GONNA MISS THIS!

Believe it or not, this Italian New York girl loves country music. It happened about 9 years ago. I started watching CMT and fell in love with Toby Keith then got hooked on the music of other artists. My husband works for a radio station, and he couldn't understand what I liked about "that" kind of music. I got teased a lot about my musical choices. As part of my 50th birthday present, we went to see Toby Keith in concert. Much to my surprise, he said this guy is really good and he enjoyed the show. Of course, he only listens to country music when forced to. Along the way, I have added the Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood to my list of favorites. Country music tells stories about real life. It's music to cry to and laugh to (just listen to some of Toby's songs!). Lately a song by Trace Adkins has touched me. It's called "You're Gonna Miss This." Our children are in such a rush to grow up. I know I was. They (and I) are always looking to the future. Since Mother’s Day has just passed, I was reminiscing about previous Mother’s Days, when our children were toddlers, starting school, learning to read, starting high school, learning to drive, first boyfriends, first dances, etc. etc. Ask them and they say they can’t wait for college, to be on their own, etc. As their Mom, I look to the future too. The time does go by soooooo fast. Where did the last 20 years go? Three months ago my older daughter left for Spain to study for a semester; she will be home on Sunday. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for her to leave. Now I can't wait for her to come home. My younger daughter is going to her first prom. Where did the last 16 years go? She has two more years of high school, and she insists she can’t wait ‘til she is outta here!! This song has reminded me that every moment counts…our lives with our children go by so fast. Enjoy them, treasure them.
"These are some good times, just look around, we might not know it now, but we're gonna miss this"!

STILL NOT RIGHT

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I got the photos closer together. Now the title is floating in outer space. Be patient, it might take me longer than others to get it right!
Have a great Tuesday.

BLOGGING FOR DUMMIES!!

That would be me. I just previewed the blog and I don't know how to move the top photo closer to the other ones I downloaded. I tried reading some help sites, but I don't have a lot of patience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

TUSCAN MEMORIES

INSTEAD OF GETTING THE HOUSE READY TO HAVE OUR HARDWOOD FLOORS INSTALLED IN 3 WEEKS, I HAVE BEEN REMINISCING LATELY ABOUT THE TRIP TO ITALY WE TOOK LAST SUMMER FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY. VISITING TUSCANY WAS AT THE TOP OF MY LIST AND I BECAME OBSESSED WITH RESEARCHING UNTIL I FOUND THE PERFECT SPOT. I LOVE TO READ TRIP ADVISOR AND OTHER TRAVEL SITES TO GET PREVIOUS VISITORS OPINIONS ON VARIOUS HOTELS THEY HAVE STAYED AT. AFTER BOOKMARKING SO MANY PLACES, I FOUND “IL BORGO DE VESCINE”. ORIGINALLY A 13TH CENTURY HAMLET, NOW A COUNTRY RETREAT, A FEW MILES OUTSIDE THE TOWN OF RADDA. I THOUGHT THIS PLACE WILL BE ROMANTIC!

WE ARRIVED QUITE LATE, AFTER GETTING LOST. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ITALIAN ROUND ABOUTS WITH 15 SIGNS POINTING IN NINE DIFFERENT.DIRECTIONS? WE KEPT GOING ROUND AND ROUND! OUT OF FRUSTRATION AND PURE LUCK
WE FINALLY WE FOUND THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO OUR DESTINATION.

PERCHED HIGH ABOVE THE VALLEY AND VINEYARDS, THIS HOTEL WAS IN A SECLUDED SETTING (SO SECLUDED WE PASSED IT TWICE ON THE WINDING DARK ROAD) EACH ANCIENT STONE BUILDING FEATURED 3 OR 4 CHARMING GUEST ROOMS. A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST WAS SERVED IN THE MAIN BUILDING WITH RUSTIC WOOD BEAMED CEILINGS AND TERRA COTTA FLOORS. THE FIRST NIGHT WE ATE DINNER ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO –THE PANNE COTTA (COOKED CREAM WITH FRESH RASPBERRIES) WAS TO DIE FOR AND THE LOCAL CLASSICO CHIANTI WINES WERE’NT TOO BAD EITHER. ANY WINE WOULD HAVE WORKED AT THAT POINT. THE SECOND NIGHT THEY HAD A WINE TASTING FOR ALL THE GUESTS SERVED WITH SOME DELICIOUS ANTIPASTO AND OTHER APPETIZERS.

FROM THIS IDYLLIC LOCATION, WE TOOK DAY TRIPS TO SIENNA, SAN GIMIGNANO, AND OTHER SMALL TOWNS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SPECIAL PLACE TO CREATE YOUR OWN TUSCAN MEMORIES. VISIT. http://www.vescine.it/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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AFTERNOON DELIGHT

There is a magical feeling as you approach Encinitas from the south. A gold lotus dome towers over Coast Highway 101, home of the Self Realization Fellowship and famous “Swamis” Gardens. It is a spiritual retreat built in 1937 by Paramahansa Yogananda. It was here he was inspired to write his book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” I was in the mood today to gaze out at the sapphire sea amongst koi ponds, flowers and palm trees at Swami’s Gardens. It is a very peaceful beautiful place. There are many visitors, yet it remains a quiet place of reflection.
Thought I would share some photos of this serene spot. One of the unique things that make Encinitas the special place town it is.

THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA

Ina Garten............I love this woman, love, love, love her! Love her cookbooks. (I own five) with elegant, yet simple recipes. Love her television show on Food Network. I watch it every night at 5:00PM. What is it about her? It it her gorgeous home in East Hampton, New York that I love? I fantasize about living in that house., that incredible kitchen, the lush vegetable garden and newly built barn. Is it her dinner parties, where she entertains with such ease, and has such a good time? I want to be a guest at her dinner parties. I want to enjoy her incredible cocktails, delicious and decadent desserts. I want to have talented friends that can come over and create beautiful floral arrangements for me. Yes, I am obsessed with all things Ina.. but, she can have her Jeffrey (married 39 years), I will keep my adorable husband of 21 years, Steve. For more Ina, visit http://www.barefootcontessa.com/.

Here is a recipe I recently made for Easter Brunch. Delicious!

POTATO BASIL FRITTATA (FROM BAREFOOT CONTESSA FAMILY STYLE)

Serves 8

8 T. unsalted butter, divided 2 cups peeled and 1/2 inched boiling potatoes

8 extra large eggs,

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1/2 T. kosher salt, 1/2 T. freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, grated

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 t. baking powder

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Melt 3 T. butter in a 10 inch oven proof omelet pan over medium low heat. Add the potatoes and fry them until cooked through, turning often, 10 to 15 minutes. Melt the remaining 5 T. of butter in a small dish in the microwave. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then stir in the ricotta, Gruyere, melted butter, salt, pepper, and basil. Sprinkle on the flour and baking powder and stir into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake the frittata until it is browned and puffed. 50 minutes to an hour. It will be rounded and firm in the middle and a knife inserted in the frittata should come out clean. Serve hot.

A PEAK AT MY KITCHEN

I have never been a great photographer. I received my first digital camera last Christmas. My teenage daughters showed me how to download photos to the computer. My husband cropped the original of the kitchen photo. He didn't think the messy refrigerator look was very attractive. I agree, but I am kind of messy in general. Right now there piles of hardwood samples tucked in corners around the house. After months of research, we are getting hardwood. When the floors get installed, I will attempt to a share a semi-professional photo with you. Until then, please bear with this blogger in training.