My Mother Taught Me To Dream

Today is my mother’s birthday. She was a remarkable woman. Not a typical housewife, she had always wanted to be a doctor but never made it to medical school. I have a thousand memories of her, but in honor of her birthday, I want to share a favorite. I must have been 6 or 7 and it was summertime in New Jersey. We were outside while I ran around the backyard trying to catch fireflies. My mother told me to look up at the first star of the evening. She then repeated the “first star” poem and we both made a wish. I have no idea what I wished for, but even today, after 70+ years I still make wishes on the first star I see. I hope her wish came true.

 

Report Card

The last day of the yearly quarter - March 31st - means that it’s time to evaluate my 2025 goals. Overall, I’ve had a good three months, and I am proud to report that I am giving myself an A minus for New Menu Meal! My Irish Cream Bundt Cake was absolutely divine. As a bonus meal, using lemons from our backyard tree, I made my first ever batch of Lemon Scones. They were delicious, but unlike the bundt cake, the scones weren’t picture perfect. Hence the A minus instead of an A plus.

 

Happy Anniversary

When I cleaned out my parent’s house, tucked inside their desk was a hidden treasure. A small stack of faded letters tied with a blue ribbon. I recognized my father’s handwriting immediately. My father, the least romantic person I knew, had been so in love with my mother that he wrote her love letters. Growing up I rarely saw them kiss or show any physical display of affection. And yet, my mother kept these letters as a testament to their love.  Sometimes love can be silent.

 

                            The scent of lilacs

                               Fills the air with memories

                              Close your eyes and breathe

 

Spring Has Sprung!

We love our backyard. When we moved into our house, it had an awkward layout and a large dog run. Over the years, little by little, we have transformed it into our oasis. One of my goals for 2025 was to document the backyard as the seasons change. Today, being the first day of Spring, welcome to our house.  

 

St. Patrick’s Day

When Cassandra and I went on our European vacation, we traveled to Dingle, Ireland.  Several memories stand out. Driving on the left side of the road for the first time was treacherous and unfortunately, I clipped the right side of a parked vehicle. I was so upset, but the woman whose car I hit apologized. That would NEVER happen in America. Kudos. Next, we found an entire field of bunnies hopping merrily along their way. Enchanting. But there was a downside to our Ireland visit.  The horrible eggs we had at the B&B we stayed at. Disgusting.

My so-called Irish Celebration Meal will be much tastier.

Pretzels and Beer Cheese Dip

Reuben Sandwiches with Vegan Corned beef

Potato Chips and Cabbage Coleslaw

Irish Whiskey Bundt Cake

Beer and Irish Coffee

YUMMY!

 

Happy Birthday Andy

My younger sister and I have little in common. The one thing that has always united us is our shared love of music. In our teens we journeyed to NY to attend the very first Beatles Concert at Shea Stadium. Lots of screaming and lots of fun. Our most notable music adventure has to be the Sonny & Cher concert in Philly. The post-concert plan was to meet up with our older sister and her husband at a random pizza joint. Change of plans. We heard that Sonny & Cher were going back to their hotel after the concert, so we decided to see if we could get their autographs. No luck, so we switched back to the original plan. Little did we know that a private party was being held at the pizzeria and the honored guests were…hold on, YES, Sonny & Cher! Score ONE for the Rachman Sisters. We managed to dine on delicious pizza and best of all, get their autograph’s.