Sister's Birthday Club 2011

We were abit late this year celebrating Connie's & Kathy's birthday and ended up getting together 3 days apart. But we got it done! On Sunday, the 25th, we all went to Tangers so that Connie & Kathy could get their $10 birthday gift card and spent a few hours shopping. This day was for Connie and she opted for sushi. A day of Tanger's shopping and sushi has become a favorite outing.

Winnie obtained tickets to Martha Stewart for Wednesday and we four already confirmed to attend the taping weeks ago. Kathy wanted to get her birthday lunch/dinner after the show and chose Vietnamese. The taping was at 2pm and Martha must have had a glass of wine or two or three because she was in rare form. Very funny, loose and saying some outrageous things.

We finished up later than usual and Kathy's treat became an early dinner. We shared a large order of their delicious fried calamari. All of us had the wonderful grilled pork in some manner. It satisfied and we rolled out of the restaurant. Another good outing for the sisters!!

I know most everyone didn't want their picture taken so I thank all my lovely "sisters" for indulging me! :-)




Waiting to get in the studio




The tall gentleman in the blue shirt is Robert Diamond who Nikki assisted
during her time there. He is in charge of the craft dept...I think.


Martha doing a Q&A




SBC!!

If We're Eating Turkish, Kris Must Be Graduating

When Kristina graduated from SVA in 2007, we celebrated by dining in a Turkish restaurant. Yesterday Kris graduated from LaGuardia Community College and she opted for another Turkish dining experience.

Mundo Cafe is a small establishment in the heart of Astoria. They have a signature dish...an appetizer named "Red Sonja": Four red lentil patties w/cracked wheat(bulgur), scallion, parsley & oriental spices on a bed of lettuce w/lemon wedges. When it came to the table, the waitress said to squeeze lemon on the patty and then wrap it in the lettuce leaf to eat. As each of us took a bite, it was a chorus of yummmm....hmmmm. Delicious.


(photo from Yelp)

Kathy had already decided we would have several appetizers to share. Tony wanted the Falafels and Kathy wanted to try the Peruvian Causa:Smooth layers of mushrooms,beets, avocado, yellow-ahi potato & dill topped w/red onion, fresh red & green peppers


(Photo from Yelp)

For entrees, Kathy & Tony chose the Burger a la Mundo: Home-made
Turkish-style (Inegol) beef patties on organic whole wheat focaccia bread w/caramelized onions & fresh mushrooms served w/side of oregano seasoned
crispy fries. Kathy & I decided to split our entrees.



Nikki & I had the Ottoman Dumplings “Manti”: Homemade Turkish dumplings stuffed w/ground beef in garlic, yogurt, butter, paprika & mint sauce



And Kristina: Mundo's Veggie Wrap al Pesto: Red & green lentils blended w/fresh veggies in whole-wheat wrap, homemade pesto, jack & cheddar served
w/side of hummus & oregano seasoned crispy fries



It was lovely getting together. We're all proud of Kris completing her Vet Tech studies and look forward to her new career and adventures!

Tamworth Endings

Sunday was supposed to be a day of relaxing just between Daniel, Willy & myself. I was to cook. Willy had plans to chop down a tree and mow his lawn, his favorite past time. And they wanted to acquaint me with the nearest large town, Conway which is about 10 miles away. This is where the action is. Outlets! And other things like Lowe's and Hannaford.

After a leisurely breakfast, we took off. But somehow, along the way, Willy drove by the house of the "'beans". He spontaneously decided to drive onto their driveway!It turned out - it was the home of Jane & Theresa, friends of Dawn's and a lesbian couple together for 30 some odd years. Long story short, Willy invited them to dinner. At first Jane declined because they had plans for a movie with another girlfriend, June. But after some discussion, the ladies were catching the 4pm showing - plenty of time to make dinner! And of course, Dawn was also included. Which meant I needed to get more shrimp for the dish I had planned to make!

We were to eat outdoors but a lightning storm started and we moved everything inside. As it happened, 7 people needed 7 dining chairs which was exactly the number of chairs the boys purchased! Fate!

Daniel made polenta "coins" - some with blue cheese, some with tomato. Served with salad, I presented the shrimp with wild brown rice. Dinner turned out to be lively and quite lovely. The ladies were delightful and everyone raved over my shrimp dish. We ended with a tasty cranberry walnut tart.

I end this posting with various shots I took around the house. Daniel, who I will always consider as my brother and Willy have always been consummate hosts and continue to keep their reputation without fail. Love them!


Left to right: Theresa,Dawn,June & Jane


Daniel's hummingbird feeder. As soon as he refilled it,
a hummingbird came to feed.

Willy's newest find...the fountain
surrounded by various pots of herbs



Where Daniel sits for his first cup of coffee
I sat in the Adirondack chair on the left

Tamworth, NH (pt.3)

On Saturday, Daniel took me to the local Farmer's Market. The main part of town of Tamworth consisted of one road: The General Store, Town Hall, Library, Church and local stage-theater. Oh and a new store opened: "Lyceum" which has many of the locals puzzled. It sells wood carved souvenirs, serves coffee and tea (which the General Store, right next door does also)and has this large empty room with some books in it. ???

The Farmer's Market is set up just before the road to "town" and it was quite busy. I enjoyed browsing through all the wares. There was a table of beautiful yarn which made me think of Evelyn. And across the way, a table that had handmade cards which looked like cards that I make! I completely forgot to look at the cost! The baked goods were so tempting...flakey turnovers, a gorgeous spinach pie and scrumptious looking muffins. The line of customers was long. I wished I had the time to stop and get something but we had things to do!

crate of yarn

Table with handmade cards

Daniel picked up a couple of red juicy tomatoes and then drove me to Dawn's house where I met her for a walk/hike through her woods. Dawn's house sits on 100 acres! The view went on forever: (Photo doesn't capture it)


She takes a walk everyday with her golden lab, Holly. We followed a river? brook? Whatever it was, it was clear, refreshing & serene. Holly has her favorite spots where she goes in for a quick swim. She knew the route very well.


Holly waiting for her walk

On their way

Majestic trees...what I deemed "The Cathedral"


Holly taking her swim


We walked for about 1.5 hours. It was a good work-out for me. And I got to know this friend of Willy's. Her sister is Maria Muldur who sang "Midnight at the Oasis" for those who were around in the 70's.

That same evening, Daniel BBQ'ed a storm! His famous grilled chicken, spicy sausages, seasoned hamburgers, veggie kabobs and corn on the cob. A friend, Judy baked a mocha-chocolate bundt pound cake. It was a feast! 11 people in attendance on a hot summer night, drinking, eating and laughing. All-so-good!

Appetizer Table & White Sangria



Daniel's pride & joy

Tamworth, NH (pt.2)

After the thrift store shopping trek, Daniel & I separated from Willy & Dawn. He took me to Hannaford for some food shopping and we also stopped for more wine. Willy & Dawn ended up picking up more stuff from the thrift store including a stone fountain and wine rack.

Late in the afternoon, we all went to the "beach". The lakes around the area are plentiful and I am guessing man-made beaches were built for recreation. Water is clear and shallow...perfect for a dip. It was a beautiful and peaceful setting.

That night, Daniel made chicken piccata served with rice and salad. Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake. Great end to a great day.

Tamworth, New Hampshire (pt.1)

Daniel picked me up at 4:30pm on Thursday to drive to his new house in New Hampshire. We picked up Willy in the city and a 6 hour drive turned into almost 9 hours due to traffic and construction.

I got a really good look at the house the next morning and it didn't disappoint. All of Daniel's homes have been exceptional. His chalet sits on 10 acres. His view is magnificent.

On Friday, my first full day, we took a trip to a thrift shop. Hugo, Daniel's brother in Miami is downsizing and gave him his dining table and outdoor patio set. Daniel didn't like the chairs that Hugo had and the hunt was on. Their friend, Dawn found a set of chairs that Daniel had been looking for. Ladder back chairs. The store was called The Yankee Trader and I loved it!! Within 5 minutes, I already picked a purse for $4! The chairs were perfect and it was a set of 5 but there were also a pair of "Philipino" chairs that he fell in love with. In the end, they took all 7 chairs plus a slew of other artifacts for $400. Which included the mirror seen in the bathroom pic which was pefect for that space and I was so happy to have a mirror there! Truly a bargain!



Front Entrance

Living Room



TV Room

Downstairs Bathroom (my bathroom for the visit)
That's the mirror on the left

THE VIEW (from their deck)