The Year In Review

Growing up, my parents subscribe to the Post Standard and Newsweek. I loved the year end editions when they wrapped up the year in review. While, trust me, my life is certainly not exciting fodder for a newspaper or periodical, I do like to think back and reflect on the past year....

This was a year that I got really connected: Twitter (and all the apps), FaceBook, my blog, etc. - sometimes to the annoyance of Jeff and rightly so. I get so into it that I tend to lose track of time and my surroundings. I need to work on finding a balance.

Friends: Well, let's just say it was an interesting year...I certainly found out that a few friends weren't really what they seemed to be. And yet, the love and support that I received from my true friends was just amazing. And I also discovered some new friends/co-workers who really are the "real thing". You all know who you are! And of course, my cyber friends from Twitter - always good for a smile and a laugh!

Family: We are so fortunate to have 3 terrific sons! They have been so helpful to us, especially when Jeff broke his ankle. We also have enjoyed having Jen and Maggie spending time with us. Maggie & Don went with us to Catawba Island in July while Aaron & Jen went with us to North Carolina in October. Such an enjoyable time for us! Dianne, Sue and I had our annual Sister's week at Myrtle Beach in April. I'm telling you, we have such a wonderful time - it is a very special treat! And of course, it's a riot when the whole family gets together! Crazy chaos but fun!!
And finally (saving the best for last), I am so thankful to have a wonderful, supportive husband in Jeff. Everyone has their bumps in the road, especially after 29 years. We made a special re-connection this year....like not taking each other for granted,etc. It's so good to re-evaluate your life and even better when you can make positive changes.

And above all thank you, God for making all things possible.........

Rosemary Breadsticks

Rosemary Breadsticks (Breadmachine)
(adapted from The Martha Stewart Living Christmas Cookbook 2003 Omnimedia)
1 1/4 cups warm water
3 1/2 tsp yeast
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp shortening
3 Tbsp fresh rosemary*
1/2 Tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Place all ingredients in bread machine as per manufacturer's directions. Set for dough cycle. When done, pat dough out into 2 5x12 rectangles on a greased cookie sheet, cover with greased plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, approx 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheets with oiled parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Slice 1/2" piece off short end of rectangle and carefully stretch the length of cookie sheet making sure that shape is uniform for even baking. Let rise for 10 miutes, uncovered in a warm place. Bake for approx 20 minutes, rotating pans in oven after 10 min. Remove to cooling rack. When completely cooled, can be stored in airtight container for up to 10 days.

*This can be changed to use any of your favorite fresh or dried herbs.

Italian Whiskey Balls

3/4 cup Crisco
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
4 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp whiskey
1 cup milk
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup raisins (soak in some add'l whiskey)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cream together crisco, cocoa and sugar. Add vanilla, whiskey, baking powder, milk, egg ans spices. Mix until well blended. Gradually add flour. Stir in chocolate chips, raisins and nuts. Chill dough for a couple of hours of overnight. Flour hands and roll dough into small balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool. Dip cookies into frosting and let set overnight.

Frosting
1/4 cup Crisco
1 Tbsp butter
3 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
strong black coffee

Beat Crisco, butter,sugar, cocoa til desired richness. Add coffee til right consistency (almost like a glaze) so that cookes can be dipped to coat.

Will post picture later :-)

Christmas Traditions

~ There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. ~ Bill McKibben



It is so easy to get sucked into the commercialism of Christmas. We are bombarded by ads everywhere ....on the radio, TV, Internet, etc. Christmas has changed so much since we were children. I hear myself saying that just as my parents said that to me. Of course, everyone wants to make the Christmas experience memorable for their family and friends, especially when there are young children involved. And while it certainly is every one's right to celebrate as they seem fit, I hope and pray that everyone remembers truly what Christmas is about. The birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ...while that may seem obvious to some, I think all too many believe that it is just about Santa, trees and presents. My family has always celebrated with all that. I fondly remember sharing popcorn and grape soda with my sons while watching Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. And I am a sucker for all the Christmas movies on TV especially on the Hallmark Channel. I love decorating the house (especially with family) making our Christmas cookies (next Sunday) but we also celebrate the fact that Christ was born. My parents made sure I understood that and I passed that on to my sons. They took part in many church activities growing up and still accompany me to Christmas Eve service. I truly believe that my boys still share those values. Due to circumstances, our Christmas tree may have fewer packages this year (as will many families') but the most precious gift is our faith, family, and friends....

~ The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~ Burton Hillis (Better Homes and Gardens)

Christmas in Mexico

This weekend Mexico will have the holiday spirit in full swing. Most of the events will take place on Saturday starting at 9 am with bazaars at four of the local churches. Many of the shops and the library will have refreshments available. Our newest store, Hart & Stone has a great retro feel and yummy food. "Friends of Bob Cratchit" will be strolling the streets as well as carolers. A horse-drawn carriage will be available for those who get tired of walking. At 10 am the library will have a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Lucienne Henneberry's Studio will be taking photos with the North Pole Elves. At 4 pm parade down Main Street will end at the Cooperative Extension office for the tree lighting. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Fire Hall next door for pictures with the young ones. For the older visitors, Mexico Liquors will have wine tastings from 5-7 pm. And so much more to do!!!
So bundle up and come on out and enjoy the day in Mexico. And if you do....stop by the Methodist Church and say Hi! I'll be there with my Mom selling some cute Christmas decorations!!!

Autumn in Mexico

I know that as many of us look out our windows there is snow on the ground and Christmas decorations up but I wanted to get this in before I move onto winter things...

Mexico is lucky enough to have a beautiful community park right on Lake Ontario that has historical significance as well as natural beauty. In the Spring, Summer and Fall there are some really nice community events as well as tours of Casey's Cottage. I love going down there to take pictures.....



I stopped by my parents' cottage on a quiet, sunny Sunday afternoon and took these...

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm relaxing....the family has left for their separate ways. It's so quiet now. Time to reflect....
There are so many things to be thankful for. This year seems like even more so. I have had a bit of an emotional and stressful year (mostly work related) but I am so thankful for the support that I have received...especially from Jeff, the boys, my sisters and my special friends. I have learned so much...some were hard lessons but in the end, I believe I am a better person for it. I have re-thought my priorities and now know that family and friends come first. I have made important re-conections...with my husband, my family, my faith and true friends. I have made some new connections....my sons' girlfriends (Jen & Maggie),a new co-worker, new friends, new spiritual growth, new learning experiences. So above all, I truly thank God for guiding me down the right path...

Spiritual and Renewing Weekend

This weekend was quite a busy but rewarding one. Our church, Mexico First United Methodist has been celebrating their Bicentennial this year. The celebrations have included a visit from retiring Bishop Violet Fisher, ice cream socials, parade floats and culminating a homecoming weekend. Friday was a Hymn Sing, Saturday a banquet and Sunday a special service. It was so nice to see everyone, including some of our former pastors. In the coming weeks, I will add more regarding the church's celebrations.

Also on Saturday, I attended a surprise 70th birthday party for my dear friend Dolph Beyer. A truly wonderful celebration for someone who has gone through so much the past year.

And finally, Sunday afternoon Jeff and I attended a Walk and Talk with Dr. Rob. It was so inspiring. I'd love to have friends join me for the next one - coming soon. Please check out his website, Mind, Body, Smile.

MIA

I have been so neglectful of my blog. As you can tell it has been almost 4 months since I last posted. Do I have an excuse? I could tell you that my life has just been so hectic (which it has) but then again, isn't all of yours? Seems like I have been on the go - to North Carolina the end of May for the funeral of my dear Aunt Elizabeth, a weeks vacation in Ohio at Jeff's cousin's (absolutely wonderful!), and then back to the grind at work trying to keep up with 2 jobs until my new co-worker joined us the beginning of August. It seems like a lifetime. I guess I was overwhelmed at returning to my blog thinking that I needed to make sure everything was in chronological order, that I had the all the right pics and links - that seemed like just too much work to contemplate...much less do. And through it all my faithful friends and family kept asking when was I going to update. Well, it finally dawned on me....this is not work or school. If it isn't in logical order that's ok. It's about me (Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!!!) and I can do what I want here. :-) So hopefully I will get back into the seing of things. Thanks for sticking with me.

Dianne's Trip to Tuscany - Day 4

Today, Dianne was to go see Michelangelo's David.
Here is a link to a great website for more information on Florence and Michelangelo's David.

Dianne's Trip to Tuscany - Day 3

Siena/Montalcino:
Concert of Gregorian chants. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure where the concert is - possibly the Abbey of S. Antimo. But I will update when I get more information from Dianne.



Montalcino-famous for its Brunello wine

Dianne's Trip to Tuscany - Day 2

Today Dianne was to take a tour of the Siena/San Gimignano area complete with a cooking demonstration and then dinner. Can't wait to find out what they made and ate!
Above are some pictures from the Avventure Bellissime Website

Sisters' Week 2008

Well, another sister's week has come and gone - and so quickly, too. Sue and I started out on Saturday, April 26th at 4 am! We got to Clinton, NC by 4 pm but waited for Dianne to meet up with us before we oontinued on to Uncle George and Aunt Elizabeth's to stay the night. Unfortunately, Aunt Elizabeth has been ill and was hospitalized. After taking Uncle George out to eat we stopped by to see her. We also stopped to see her on Sunday morning before continuing on to Myrtle Beach. We stayed at the Deercreek Resort Condos

We did some shopping at Barefoot Landing, spend the day touring Charleston, went to the beach at Huntington State Park several times, went golfing at Tupelo Bay (I was the caddy), played mini-golf (hmmm... and who got the two hole-in-ones, girls????) and went to dinner at Drunken Jacks. We had such a wonderful time and we are already planning new adventures for next year's trip to Myrtle Beach like kayaking and horse-back riding.
Charleston:





Huntington Beach:



Tupelo Bay Golf:

Dianne's Trip to Tuscany - Day 1

My jet-setting sister :-), Dianne left for a week of touring the Tuscany region of Italy. She flew from Charlotte, NC to Chicago to Frankfort to Florence. She is staying at Hotel Chiusarelli. I thought I would do a daily update of her itinerary. I can add her actual pics when she gets back.



Picture courtesy of Hotel Chiusarelli

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day.....
Different families have different traditions and those traditions evolve as the family dynamics change. Growing up, My 2 grandmothers, my mother, my two sisters and I would go to the mother-daughter banquet or breakfast at either the Palermo, New Haven or Mexico Methodist Church. And we all got carnation corsages. There used to be a significance as to what color your corsage was but I can't remember what it is now. At our church, they would recognize Mom's: youngest, oldest, etc. It was pretty common for Mom to get recognized as the Mom with the most children since there were seven of us.

My mother and mother in law have been very supportive of me, my husband, Jeff and my children. I thank them for all the help they gave us, especially they early years of raising our children.


My first Mother's Day was 22 years ago. The day before, I gave birth to my identical twin boys 6 weeks premature. My husband bought my card before he even knew they were going to let those boys finally see the light of day (I had been hospitalized for 5 days.) I think back fondly of the gifts my three sons made in school for me. You do your best raising your children and hope that they are happy and successful in what ever they do. I can proudly say that I believe that my sons have achieved that.

Happy Birthday, Aaron & Eric!

Aaron and Eric, my identical twin boys turn 22 today. Oh, how time flies! Aaron graduated from Cayuga Community College with a Business Admin degree. He is currently a service tech for Mac-Gray in the Syracuse area. Eric graduated from NASCAR Tech. He works at Reymore Chevrolet and Lowes. And he races!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GUYS!!!

Spring in Oswego County - FOR REAL!!

Back on the first day of spring, I posted this. It seemed more like January then March. Well, finally spring is here according to my beautiful cherry tree in the back yard.

Sisters' Week Coming Up

Our annual Sisters' Week is coming up fast. Sue and I will leave very early Saturday morning and we will meet up with Dianne at Uncle George and Aunt Elizabeth's in Fayetteville, NC to spend the night. We will then continue on to South Myrtle Beach on Sunday for a week of fun, sun, beach, reading, relaxing and just plain silliness. This is such a wonderful time for the the three of us and we really looking forward to it.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Our son, Eric has been interested in racing cars since he had a go-cart when he was much younger. He also spent lots of time at the Brewerton Speedway. In high school, he attended the Oswego County BOCES automotive program. He then graduated from the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. He now works at Reymore Chevrolet in Central Square and will be racing a mini-sprint race car on weekends at the Paradise Speedway in Geneva. His first race is this Saturday. GOOD LUCK, ERIC!!!!

Twitter

I was introduced to Twitter last fall by some friends at work. At first, like many newbies, I really wasn't getting it. But that didn't last long. It's a fun way to keep in touch, a great way to meet people online that have the same interests, a wonderful networking tool and you can get up to the minute news updates. It's a fast way to keep people updated.

Here are a few highlights...

Steven was at the Las Vegas marathon last winter tweeting updates and uploading pics from his Blackberry while Kevin and I were watching the live feed in our respective homes. We would tell him what we were seeing and then he would upload pics. It was a pretty cool experience!

I have met many people, mostly in technology and education fields. They are a tremendous resource for interesting concepts.

I re-connected with Laura, a co-worker who now works in another dept. While that may seem a bit silly since we work in the same place, we made a connection that we probably wouldn't have by just seeing each other in the hall once in awhile. We try to take the time to have lunch every so often. And when we can't, we keep in touch and support each other. Right now she is in Florida but keeping us updated.

I met a Twit from Skaneateles that I probably would never have. Her sense of humor is welcome especially when I'm having a stressful day.

I met an assistant editor from the Post Standard and now I get news updates throughout the day through Twitter.

My sisters, Dianne and Sue, and my brother, Bob have signed up. Looking forward to more friends and family to join.

It is hard to explain Twitter but a website Oh Twitter seems to explain it best. Also, it works best if you use a Twitter client like Twhirl or Snitter that way your updates with pop up in the corner of your screen and you won't have to keep refreshing the Twitter site. I can also update and receive updates via my phone since I have unlimited texting. This is how I will keep friends and family updated while my sisters and I are on vacation in two weeks since Internet connection will be pretty scarce.

I'm sure that I didn't explain this as well as my more technology-oriented friends but just consider this Twitter in laymen's terms.

Happy Tweeting, Twits!!

Linda's Lessons

Linda was a very special person in my life. Her life was tragically cut short when her estranged husband killed her in October of 2006. Her family is doing what they can so that another family will never have to go through what they did. They have developed a website, Linda's Lessons to help teachers educate students about domestic violence in hopes that they don't become a victim. Please take a moment to visit the site and see how you can help.

Floors - Part Deux

So the past week most of our energy has gone to tiling our floors. Again, we had lots of help. Friends Bill, Holly, Gavin, Jack, my brother Bill, my son Aaron and his girlfriend, Jen helped Jeff and I. Without them we could not have done it. It was alot of work but I think it came out well. Now if I could just get everything back in order and get rid of all the dust! Stay tuned for the next project....replacing the carpet for the dining room!