New England Chic

georgianadesign: Coeur d’Alene limestone patio, Idaho. Maiden...

Sat, 11 May 2013 08:56:08 -0400

Coeur d’Alene limestone patio, Idaho. Maiden Stone.

Thoughts of Food

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:59:16 -0400

Happy Cinquo De Mayo! (??) One of my favorite holidays, since I do enjoy the passion and spirit of our Mexican friends that we have been blessed to know and care about over the years. Mostly, I admire their passion for life in its fullest! Family, friends, strangers alike—all welcome to the banquet of delicious food, friendship and the joyful music of the Mariachi! (and, if you are a stranger or newcomer to this wonderful extended family of about 50 or so, the “stranger” part is over in all of less than 5 minutes! Once introduced, you are in!)

The kids have always enjoyed our holidays in Mexico, love our extended family, the fun times, and the cuisine—they love the native fresh salsa and fruits, the soft, warm and delectable homemade tortillas, blue maize, and Mole—sweet with chocolate and cinnamon, yet earthy and complex. I have never attempted to tackle the recipe; instead I wait for one of my dream vacations to Mexico City or Querretero, where I will join my friend Guilla, in her native homeland and learn from the masters.

However, I do know how to make a mean guacamole (first hand from Guilla’s husband, Chema), and the marinade for the skirt steak and jumbo fresh shrimp fajitas is part of Guilla’s repertoire too, which I learned by her side.

Also on our menu is black bean and white roasted corn salad, a fresh salsa, chips, marinated peppers, jalapeños, Vidalia and tomatoes. For 3 of us! I will have plenty left over to send with Alex, who can’t join us since he’s studying for his last final—LAST final of the year! (in Spanish 3, no less!).

The school year has flown by—I am astonished how quickly the days, weeks and months have passed! Grateful, in some ways, however. Katie is enjoying her last 6 weeks in Cape Town, and Alex has a week off before Summer Session I begins. We believe that he has loved his year “up the 85” far more than he enjoyed his year in Dallas. In fact, we know he does since he tells us all the time. He is actually staying at school all summer—taking two classes each session, working on the maintenance crew afternoons, and weekends? He will be the familiar 6’7” sight outside High Cotton, Wednesday through Saturday nights, too. He is into enterprise, and finds work quite satisfying and is loving school. No doubt, he is enjoying his social life, and the basketball? Still has passion for the game and plays daily; however, he loves the idea of double majoring and earning great reports.

This week I’m shopping for a George Foreman electric grill for the guy’s apartment. And, hitting Costco and Publix to stock them up on the necessities that were not required living in a dorm on a full meal plan. No doubt, I’ll be doubling up on most recipes in the coming weeks just to help Alex and Chris stock their freezer, as well!

Violation of Trust

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:59:29 -0400

How? Why? When? To be examined.

“Boston Embraces Her Own”, by Jean Pacheko Ravinski...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:04:32 -0400

“Boston Embraces Her Own”, by Jean Pacheko Ravinski in honor of the victims of the Boston terrorist attacks. Proceeds benefit https://secure.onefundboston.org/page/-/donate8.html.

“We are drawn to one another like never before”, said my friend. She is so right. Our city’s natives, whether near or far, have joined together in solidarity to assist each other in rekindling the spirit of strength.

Boston Magazine Cover….#BostonStrong

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:00:21 -0400

Boston Magazine Cover….#BostonStrong

A Love Story

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:18:32 -0400

I’m from Boston. Born and raised. I spent many Saturday afternoons with my family at Fenway, watching the Red Sox and eating Fenway Franks. Still the best hotdogs ever!
Lots of Sunday afternoons at Sullivan stadium, cheering on the Patriots—my team. Sometimes basking in the warmth of the sun, other days, wearing parkas, hats, gloves and wrapped in blankets but still freezing. The Garden holds memories, as well. Mostly Celtics games, but a sprinkling of Bruins, and the annual Bean Pot college hockey games between city rivals, BC, BU, Harvard, Tufts and others.

Spring and summer days, riding the Swan boats and picnics on the Common. Walking the Freedom Trail, countless times, but always learning something new about our rich history. Old Ironsides, Paul Revere’s home, The North Church.

I am lucky enough to have seen the entire city, into NH and miles of the Atlantic, from the tops of John Hancock Building, 66 State Street, and The Pru. Extraordinary.

I’ve ridden my bike on the Esplanade, watched The Boston Pops at the Hatchell on 4th of July’s, seen our glorious city skies lit up in all it’s splendor while on a boat in the Harbor, and sailed, rowed and skulled along The Charles.

Tea at the Ritz, clams on the half shell at Legal, lobsters at Pier 4, Fried clams at No-Name, the best Italian food at The Push Cart in the North End—bellied up to a bar at many a local watering hole with friends and colleagues alike. The Parker House Rolls? Of course, at The Parker House.

Eaten at Durgin Park with total strangers—who end up casual acquaintances after a meal shared together, family style. Danced and partied weekend nights at Daisy’s and other college joints in Kenmore Square.

Saturday afternoons in fall, Blue Chips lot at BC—tailgating with the silver and crystal. Sporting gold and maroon, and waving the signature scarfs in support of our Eagles.

Ridden the Blue Line, Orange Line, Green and Red Lines, as well. Harvard Square, Sullivan Square, Louisburg Square, Beacon Hill, Comm Ave…know them intimately.

Celebrated Patriot’s Day watching the Marathon on Heartbreak Hill. Watching runners in some wild costumes complete a long and arduous run, and watching world class runners break records. Everyone offering encouragement and holding cups of water in hopes that a runner would swipe it from your hand as they passed by.

My city. I have a love affair with it like I have with no other place I ever have ever visited or resided in.

The bombings were insidious, disastrous, and plain evil. But they will never break the spirit of my city, and her people. Ever.

Team Work

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:49:10 -0400

A year in thought. Eight months of discussions among ourselves. Four months of serious planning—monthly meetings with Pat, Nancy, Tom and me—brainstorming, plotting and scheming. Boiling down to weekly sessions the few weeks leading up to last night. For Kim—and her birthday surprise party.

We were fortunate! She never caught wind of anything, and was totally surprised! Her family and friends were honored to celebrate with Kim, and the evening was perfect! A beautiful poem written in celebration of friendship, paper pillows sporting the re: dream of the possibilities logo and tag line, bountiful food, and a babushka cake.

Planning and attention to detail paid off on spades. We are a good team!

Now? Madison and Robert’s wedding and celebration to plan!

Deploying

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:14:00 -0400

My friends’ nephew is gearing up to deploy—tonight. Korea? Afghanistan? He knows, however betting only his folks know for sure, too. The emotions I’m experiencing bring me back to every single one of David’s six—yes, six deployments, when he served our country as an Army Ranger in defense of our nation.

Proud. Afraid. So very proud. So very afraid. And on and on, 3x over.

My David came home—mostly whole. However, he lost many comrades in arms—his brothers, all of whom served side by side, together…for each of us. I remain grateful and in awe of David’s commitment.

And I pray that God watches and protects Kyle, his mates and his parents. Especially, Kyle. So he returns home safely. Another hero, right?

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:59:00 -0400

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost:

It’s been 11 weeks since Katie departed for her grand trip to South Africa, and she has been having the most wonderful experiences! Meeting new friends, touring the Western Cape and regions beyond, swimming on UCT’s club swim team, sailing in the harbor, and spending a fair amount of time with our dear friends and former neighbors, the Bottie’s and their girls (also enrolled at UCT), Georgie and Steph.

Katie’s reflections on her experiences so far are sometimes illustrated in her blog posts. She is going to return to us in 9 weeks (no, I don’t miss her too terribly much!!), and I believe the little girl who left is coming home a young woman with a lot of confidence and belief in herself.

From my perspective, the abroad experience was always so much bigger than merely taking classes and studying at a different university; I think Katie proved that I was right on this one.

Gratitude

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:50:26 -0400

What a week! Reviewing, selecting, confirming interview prospects—framing the discussion points between them and Phil Noble, obviously keeping the Candidates areas of expertise in mind. All around the question “How do we move SC into a world class state and be globally connected!”

A colleague actually sent me an email last week before this all fell in my lap—no wait, it didn’t fall—I sought it out. I invited Phil to come to GEEK and share the initiative Phil and Dr. Benson ( College of Charleston President) have launched , with the folks in the upstate.

Anyway, back to the email—“When I can connect with folks in Romania, Denmark, Poland and Great Britain within a week, and share open innovation technologies with folks around the world, I remain grateful to you for the push to take InnoVision statewide. Thank you for your insight, perseverance and plan.”

Wow! Humbled, but grateful for the vote of confidence.

White Out

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:19:21 -0400

I traveled to Asheville yesterday to meet with a client. The journey up the mountain was fairly easy; there was little traffic to contend with once I hit 26, I had left in plenty of time so I wasn’t stressed or worried about being late, and I had on my favorite Sirius radio station to keep me company.

Memories came rushing in….all the trips to the area for fly fishing adventures with the kids and Craig, the mountain climbs when David was addicted to Daniel Day Lewis’ movie, The Last of The Mohicans (filmed around Chimney Rock), the soccer, basketball and baseball games played against Christ School (Alex), the family excursions to visit Biltmore, and so many more! The closer I got to my destination, the more snow flurries I encountered. The winds really picked up, as well and it was a pretty frigid morning.

After my appointment, I drive through a couple of white outs on the way to my next destination…In late March, in the southeast. They were so blinding, I actually needed to put on my sunglasses to “polarize” the white. Amazing.

Night Moves

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:49:40 -0400

Well, that was the loudest roar I think I have ever heard. It sure didn’t sound like thunder to me. It was literally a roar—lasted for about 20 seconds from the time I woke. Followed by a symphony of thunder with buckets and buckets of rain, pelting the roof and the street. The normally black night sky was bright with white and blue streaks of lightening. Nature’s Wake up call.
At 3:40 am.

Launching

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:49:30 -0400

Date? Set. Location? Confirmed. Guest List? Finalized. Theme? Music? Menu? Bar? All decided upon! Orders to place, items to shop for, lists to tackle. Of course! What else is new? Several projects to balance on top of each other? Naturally. Ready to roll? You bet! Hoping my long distance, but forever friends will be able to make it—-invites will be sent, with hopes for positive responses.

Anniveraries

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:01:43 -0400

One of my all time, all favorite friends celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary yesterday! Yes—on the 17th of March—and, the girls were dressed in mauve—complete with hats, died silk heels. The men? Garbed out in burgundy tuxes. ( not green-muave) Enough said?! Thinking so!! Fun wedding? One of the best!! I’ve been part of more than several weddings—Terri and Dick’s was a favorite! And they have been friends forever! College days! Great times, wonderful memories——

Importance

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 17:51:53 -0400

What a week! Meetings, discussions, and lots of work. And a considerable bit of time caring for my friend who is still shocked. He is working thru it, but it’s hard for him. Pain is still so fresh, and the kids are worried about him, and their mom, too.

Chris’ surgery was successful, and he is returning to school tomorrow. Minus his thyroid, and on meds, but without radiation and chemo therapies. Prayers answered.

Thankfully, the week did have a few fun hours too—a midweek dinner with a colleague, lunch with Joanne, Cheryl and Teena; Alex home for part of spring break:), and a bike ride on the trail with Wendy. Vanderbilt basketball played well till Saturday. A very young team, they will be ready next season. BC and Syracuse did fairly well, too. The Big East no longer is kind of sad, however.

Highlight? Having the most delicious dinner with Billy and Pat, Bob and Nancy, and Tom and Kim. Laughing, chatting, catching up, planning and sharing! Eating a scrumptious dinner and enjoying one another, and our time together!

Just what Craig and I needed to get the week in perspective. Family and friends. Matters to us the most.

Why So Easy?

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:45:43 -0400

Learned that a dear friend is in pain-his wife has decided to leave him, and their children. Young children. He had no notice that there was a divide. No prior discussions about unhappiness or being discontent with their relationship. In fact, he told me he was completely blind-sided. They had been getting along better than ever, so he believed.

How does that happen? One thinks all is great, the other is leaving. Communicating is a two-way street, right? How can it be she felt that she was “leading” a life of lies, and he believed all was good?

Now, he is examining every nuance and subtle, and not so subtle, cue he missed. All while trying to shield his children from the pain.

Divorce and breaking up a family should be difficult. Trying to love more should be easier.

Kids and Cancer

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:38:04 -0400

Alex’s roommate, one of his favorite friends too,- since 6th grade sjcs days-just learned that he has Thyroid cancer. Stage 1, thank God. Surgery Wednesday. Spring break for the boys. Not much of one now as all are extremely concerned and upset.

Why are kids afflicted with this awful penance? I have been, and am going to be for a while—praying….for a full and speedy recovery, and for strength for all his family.

A Fall From Grace

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:15:46 -0400

The airwaves are busy this weekend with the news that a devoted and dedicated man of the cloth , one who spent hours and hours nurturing SJCS students and faculty alike, has committed what is probably considered, the biggest sin in The Church. Child molestation.

Fifteen years after the fact, someone has turned him in. Holy smokes—no pun intended, but I am astounded.

This priest was so revered, that sjcs even has an award named after him, and only the most devout students are ever nominated by the faculty and board to be included in the pool of maybe, one to three candidates, for consideration. Wonder what the board is thinking now.

A stunning, tragic revelation. And a fall from grace that occurred a decade and a half ago hits the upstate Catholic community. The sins of one that oppresses others.

Needham named 'Best Place to Live' in Boston Magazine

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:54:31 -0500

Needham named 'Best Place to Live' in Boston Magazine:

So cool!

Day Break Memories

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:52:41 -0500

Daylight savings time starts Saturday at midnight. We lose an hour of sleep, but that’s not a big deal. We gain an hour of daylight, which is nice, but we have extra dark mornings for at least the next 4-6 weeks, and I am not a big fan of that.

While living on the coast of Maine, the sun was up early—like, really early. Even earlier than I was used to waking up—like 5:15 am early. (I had been a 6:30 am person till I moved 100 miles northeast from Dover to Maine.). The Northeast direction is important…Falmouth Foreside is even further east than Boston is. Translating to earlier sunrises and an earlier start to one’s day, at least for me.

On a business trip to The Bay of Fundy, we were on the water at 2 am. The sun rose above the bay around 4:50 am, and as the light trickled over the gently lapping waves, I was in awe by seeing the pure beauty and serenity that life so generously offered. It is mornings like that that I crave. Not the dark at 6:30 and even later. But, I am grateful that our evenings will be a tad longer, so I suppose living this much further west of the coast has some advantages. Silver lining searching.