ACROSS THE MILES ... (OOPS, THE YARD)

There's a fairly new fence around Paul and Larry's back yard ... the doggies love it because they can loll around without being tended. When I peek out, I just get a glimpse of what's beyond - pulled window shades, white with black curly-cues running down the center; porch fan with an elongated lantern-type nodule hanging in the middle; swaying fronds in decorative planters on lower and upper porches. Who lives in this blush-colored house - an identical twin (in reverse) to P & L's yellow homestead?? I anxiously awaited Saturday's invitation to dinner ...

At 6:30 pm, Paul, with his favorite red wine in hand, Larry & I went across the yard, through the gate in the center of the fence, to greet our hostesses: Vivian - short, dark-haired, roly-poly, effervescent bundle of constant chatter; Mary - petite, light brown hair, calming demeanor, welcoming warmth. They also have a Maltese dog (like Ralphie but light tan), and two cats. Vivian has a teenage daughter who is a senior in high school. She passed through with her boyfriend and another girl friend - very cute gal! (Not HIS second girl friend ... I can just see you guys smirking!!)

Appetizers awaited us - good, nothing extraordinary - except in the center of the table was a bowl of small, fresh-cut fruit and varieties of berries ... delicious ... I also think I depleted the little platter of olives all by myself - so-o-o good. The ladies had been to Spain not too long ago and hoped we liked Spanish food. We nodded in the affirmative; but Vivian said she didn't like spicy and proceeded to cut up a small chile pepper so Paul & I could flavor our dish - a big steaming bowl of paella with freshly-steamed mussels, crab legs, shrimp etc., plantains, and salad with a variety of greens and a choice of dressings. Dessert was a flavorful custard. Delicious and filling ...

The ladies like to travel. Everywhere they go, they seem to bring back large "souvenirs"; platters, serving dishes and utensils from Spain; three large fixtures of graduated sizes, sort of an amber crystal, hanging from their tw0-story-high ceiling in the foyer (Morocco); paintings from Peru; huge, huge carved window (almost floor to ceiling) made of rubbed walnut ... this is so heavy that it was sitting on the floor, yet to be hung. They had three tall, heavy, quart-size containers with spigots on their kitchen counter - authentic metal bottles (for want of a better description) that they packed in from Peru; Gothic cross, intricately carved, about 12 inches high, from ??? I've lost track of their travels! But Jason (and Emily), they also had a genuine hookah from Morocco. It was beautiful (if you're into that sorta thing!!) Mary had photos taken with llamas and Peruvians (bought a fedora-type straw hat from one of them because she loved it and wanted an authentic native hat,,,remind you of Telander wanting to buy Milly's red CSA cap to wear home from the Hobie Day parade???) Lots of good conversation with excellent wine and many laughs ...

We toddled back to our abode ... checked, momentarily, on the Olympics, and called it a night. As is often said, "Tomorrow is another day!"

Marma

Feast ... or Famine??

"Tis Monday, and I feel as though I've gained at least five pounds - just from the week's meal invitations!! Was very determined to wear sackcloth after receiving my ashes on Wednesday; but seems that after the sun shone full force in all its splendor, and the chilly weather began to subside, I kinda started thinking of ... hmm, pina coladas, frozen daquiris, and FOOD ...

First of all, on Tuesday night, we went to a really nice Macaroni Grill to get ready for the fasting regimen of Lent (at least, P & L were being nice in acknowledging the approaching event). Of course, pasta with shrimp or chicken parmigiana, we ate "ample sufficiency" ... went on home for our leisurely sip of wine before "dooms day" arrived.

Earlier in the week, Larry received an all-inclusive invitation from a lady he had worked with at Oak Brook Hills Marriott to come have lunch at her condo. She and her husband come down after Thanksgiving and return to the Chicago area around Easter. It's an area in Boyton Beach (near West Palm Beach) called Sterling Village - a retirement community for persons over 55. Paul had to work; but, far be it from Larry to turn down an invitation!! Took us about an hour to get there ... found the place with no problems ... parked in a guest- space ... went to find her condo and a gentleman asked if perchance we were looking for Maura Carr. It was her husband, who was crossing the lawn from a morning walk. Maura & her husband are from Ireland ... have the brogue, the lilting laughter, the constant humor - makes one feel as if we were all life-long friends.

Patrick led us to their place and when we entered, there was a roomful of ladies - all seated in a semi-circle; all smiling; all evidently anticipating our arrival. (Larry & I thought we were having sandwich & salad or going to a local restaurant.) Maura introduced Ann, Maureen and Bridie - all originally from Ireland; all from the Chicago area; all had prepared this HUGE (light?) luncheon for us. Larry & I were really dismayed. First of all, the condo is small - tiny kitchen barely allowing one person to cook - small dining space just off the kitchen - living room about the size of my TV room ... They had prepared beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, sides of caramelized onions and big, fresh sauteed mushrooms and arugula salad with fresh strawberries. There was a pitcher of ice water to refill our glasses; and, having been offered wine or beer when we came in, we took our beautiful goblets to this table. It was beautiful - white linen table cloth, delicate china with butterfly & floral motif, sterling silver placed very formally along side our plates ... Felt as if we were at a high-price hotel luncheon ... and yet, the ladies were so relaxed, so talkative and fun - it was a great time. (Poor Patrick - tall, slim, white hair & glasses - so very Irish, but so quiet...of course, with all those gals gabbing!!) The ladies, by the way, were all cousins of Maura. I thought, at first, they were her sisters; but, they were sisters to EACH OTHER. Maura said they ARE more like sisters to her than cousins - she sometimes forgets and introduces them as sisters.

After the dishes from the meal were cleared, out comes apple upside down cake with Irish custard topping, a "heavenly hash"-type dessert , and an assortment of cookies

accompanied by coffee, tea or more wine. Everything, by the way, was homemade ... the bread, currant muffins, desserts - absolutely fantastic!!

After the meal, Maura, Larry, Ann and I strolled around the area ... then we climbed into the car to get a more extensive view of the ocean, parkways, AND these gorgeous homes along the causeway. They have limited building rights on the ocean front; so the ones who are there have a beautiful view; green, green yards and exotic plants plus more space in general. Maura and Ann say they walk the Intercostal pathway everyday...it's a long distance, I asked if they sort of strolled along to get a closer glimpse of the houses, etc. They replied "no" - that if they did that, it would take more than half the day - and they go early!! (Guess I'd better get to power-walking on my trips to the Jewel!)

We dropped our passengers off, bid farewell and headed home, our tummies full. While recounting the day and our astonishment at the meal, the ladies who prepared it (plus the two who stayed back at the condo and had everything cleared and spotless) and sighing with"too-full" discomfort, we realized that "poor Paul" would be hungry when he came home. We couldn't even think of food ... "poor Paul" indeed!!!

I think that's enough to get your mouths watering! We had another invitation and Paul was to go this time; so-o-o, until I think you are ready to readjust your vision, I'll wish you happy Olympic viewing (what about that Naperville gold-medaler!) and gnashing of teeth over that last Survivor finish ... Oh, yes!! US hockey vs Canada - Canadians weren't too happy with that outcome either ...

Just got to thinking, perhaps some of you TV viewers watch other shows of various ilk - Project Runway for Emily; A Good Wife for Jane; Brothers & Sisters for Karen; QVC Home Shopping network for Bern; Family Guy for Jason & Wade; American Idol for Paul, Larry and Jen (JJ); Traveling Europe for Hillary; entire movie channel for Jonferes and Mary Beth; Brian B & Sheila are firmly entrenched in Survivor (as are Bern & Christopher) AND, Kristin, Jas, JJ, et al ALWAYS tune in the food channels - so, what the heck, I'm outa here before one of you comments ... (which would be nice!)

Marma

Valentines, Vagabonds & Viewing ...

Still chilly here...that's all I'm going to say about the weather!!!

Valentine's Day ... cool, sunny, very pleasant. After church, big breakfast (homemade waffles, bacon. etc.) and - resting in my room, SURPRISE!! Beautiful planter with live tulips (from Molson & Copper) and a heart-shaped box of - yes, Russell Stover chocolates. Great start to an adventurous day. Had planned to go to the annual Art Festival we discovered last year; but upon arriving there, we could barely navigate the streets - parking was $20 and $30 for the day (which was half over) - every turn was a traffic jam... We decided to go on to our concert location, tour the grounds, and get in line early for good lawn seating. The place is a tropical botanic garden; and, though not as large, arrangements are on the order of Ravinia.

We took our basket, laden with sandwiches, snacks and vino...got a place dead center of the stage...and enjoyed a guy named Jon Secada that more people seemed to know than we did!! Good show, lots of laughs...homeward...

We made special note of two television viewings - start of Survivor and the Olympics...the Survivor looks like it's going to be a pretty good series - one dislocated shoulder and a broken toe - we'll see what comes up next!! Olympics speak for themselves - have to keep track of Apollo Ohno - skates again tonight (Wednesday) - hope he gets his gold!

Ummmm...finally got my coconut shrimp; plus we discovered a mountain of sumptuous coconut-coated deep fried onion rings. We ARE going back - and, they have those large Bahamaritas with the sidecars - Yes, we went to Bahama Breeze and it was delicious!! (Can't believe this is the first day of Lent and I'm already thinking of exotic foods and fruit-tainted alcoholic drinks!!)

Guess Jason & Brian made it to Fitz's to judge the jambalaya cook-off...of course, the winning entry will no way compare to theirs, right boys?? ,,, that is, if Jason made it home from his snowmobiling outing in the North Woods ... must be nice to run off anytime you want ...

For you Saints fans ... they are selling pieces of turf from Sunshine Stadium, where the Saints won their first ever Super Bowl. for $99.98 ... (why that price, I have no idea; unless they've changed it) ... and, it's only a three-inch square and freeze-dried for shipment. Takes all kinds, right?? Also for you Saints fans who could not make it to the Telander Super Bowl party; I am , hopefully, submitting a picture of the topic of the day...

LADDIE and his handcrafted Fleur-de-Leis rice krispie treats ...

Easter's coming up! Perhaps Laddie has something as original concocted for that occasion... Time will tell ...

Hang in there everyone,

Marmaduke

Sizzlin' Saints ...

Well, I must say, I feel as if I had a two-day hangover!! (Never having experienced such a thing, I guess it's just Super Bowl fol-de-rol...) We watched the entire game - snacked - drank (goo-ood vino!) - Paul & Larry wanted to leave the room when the Colts made that first touchdown; but started their "Who dat" chant and feel that THEY are the ones who gave the Saints their added impetus. Frankly, I do like the Colts and love Payton; but am so glad the Saints won...I want to adopt Drew Brees' baby boy...he is such a cute little guy. (Of course, we will have to wait to see if Henry takes a liking to football, etc.) P & L surprised me with a Super Bowl shirt - said they were out of Saints' shirts and didn't want to get me a Colts' shirt - so much for Hoosier legacy. To end this diatribe, it was an historical day for New Orleans - just imagine, their very first Super Bowl win ... now if we could muster up enough sentiment for the Cubbies to rally ...

The weather here is beautiful, but not what I consider Florida weather. A cold front is coming through; it's very windy, lows in the 50s, high in 60s to low 70s. Definitely can't complain when I hear of your 6 to 8 inches of snow and temps in the 20s. The doggies love it - want to be outside just lolling around...I, of course, prefer hot sun and poolside reading!! (Almost finished "World According to Garp"; am going for "The Help" next)

Saw "Avatar" at the IMax Saturday - absolutely awesome - didn't know how I would react; it's been hyped so much. Next comes Johnny Depp and "Alice..." in 3D - can't wait for that one. Sunday is Valentine Day and I suppose all of you have"love-ly" plans! We are going to an outdoor concert in a park in Coral Gables (Larry says it's kind of like a Ravinia thing) - certainly hope the weather cooperates.

News of the great "almost- Mardi- Gras- party" at the Telanders has reached me ... sounds absolutely terrific (was going to purchase a square, but was too late when we opened the message - congrats Telanders!) Jane sent a pic of Laddie's masterpiece ... it HAS to go on Facebeeok AND Farrell Funhouse ... looked awesome!!!

Will try to muster something more interesting in the future. Brian B., Bern, Christopher, Sheila (you Survivor fans), "let the games begin" ...watch Thursday???

(That jambalaya sounded very tasty; but I'm craving coconut shrimp - next time at a seafood place?}

Thinking of you, but only in moderation. After all, it's snowing there!!

... and the Saints did indeed "go marching home" ,,, !!!

Marma

Football Fever

Nothing really new! Can't help thinking of you football fans back in the Chicago area...it's nonstop pep-rally atmosphere here. Celebrities are landing by the plane-loads...the Saints team arrived amidst torrential downpour Monday; so the planned welcoming committee couldn't "welcome". The news channels keep touting the "Lace & Leather" post-game get-together...don't attend if you don't have money...Emeril Lagasse & other noted chefs are preparing a huge buffet, at a significant price, to go to Haiti relief...other notables are appearing at many parties and clubs in the area...not much national news; all SuperBowl media reports. Let's hope the quarterbacks, at least, get enough rest - they are being interviewed (seems like) ALL the time. Saints flags everywhere in Miami...I think they covered any Colts pennants with them!! Local businesses are hoping crowds from New Orleans French Quarter will bring their beer-drinking, frolicking good-time, fun-spirited Saints fever to Miami en masse. Seems like ticket prices got so high, people had to hold back. No need to worry...there's always that big ol' HDTV!!!!

Get psyched Saints fans (and aren't you all??) ... three days 'til kick-off ... jambalaya ready?? ... Telanders having a viewing party?? Just wondering...

Marma

Weekend Wanderings ...

Still a little difficult to get this hour difference in time engrained into my psychi; but know I will have to get "unengrained" when I'm back in Chicago. Smell of coffee wafts across the room - doggies barking wildly so we know something is going on outside. Larry said his neighbors next to the house moved (non-payment of rent) a day or two ago and another leasee is moving in...a single mother, three children - she's in the military. The dogs "told" us they were moving in!! Jonferes wanders in - PJs & all - wanting to know what's for breakfast...we eat, discuss taking a trip to Miami to check out expo for the half-marathon to be run Sunday (even though Pro Bowl is going on, too).

We climb into the car & head out. Beautiful day sunny - humid. Paul & Jennifer go into the Expo Center to get a shirt & packet for Amy Gaw, who has signed up for the marathon but can't make it...we decide to drive around Miami proper (since I have only seen South Beach), but can't make much headway because of heavy traffic and a proliferation of cones marking the marathon paths. It's now mid-afternoon and, guess what?? Time to eat again!!

Paul's office employees at Doral had taken him to this restaurant for his birthday...he & Larry said it was very good; so we tried it. Outdoorsy-type place - raw wood decor - choice of outdoor seating amongst the trees & vines. Actually, right next to our table was a huge tree, very tall, that they had built the restaurant around...neat!! The place was called Perricone's Market Place & Cafe...fresh fish, tender meats, freshest little salads. We thoroughly enjoyed it all - and more pinot noir! The place also has a deli where you could buy meats, cheeses, sandwiches etc. Good thing we were full...we only glanced at the offerings, else we would have bought out the place!! Walked around a little - journeyed homeward...

Got comfortable on the outside patio...kind of like a cabana out there now. P & L put up long canvas-like drapes that can be closed all around the area, thus creating a little, private room...the park across the way is full to the brim...three or four birthday parties going on at the same time, pinatas, mirauchi(?) bands, loud laughter...the evening has just begun...

Larry prepared a polenta dish, spicey, very delicious; and the best salad (must get the recipe for the dressing). And before you all even think we are gluttons, it was rather late in the evening - suppertime!!! Vivian & Mary live in back. They share the fence with P & L. Mary's daughter was having a birthday party for her boyfriend - more music, dancing & and a very tall guy with the LARGEST head of hair - kind of cool, actually; but don't try it at home...could be mind-boggling!! Laughed into the night...then bedtime - and tomorrow, Sunday ...

Molson & Copper walked me to Prince of Peace church...guitar Mass...then home to hot coffee & cinnamon rolls. (Too soon for lunch!!) The day is a little cooler - may rain. We decide to go to the Sunset Mall (or whatever) in Coral Gables - not to shop, but to see a movie, Crazy Heart. Jeff Bridges was excellent You guys will like it - even more if you like country music. Stopped by Costco on the way home (thought of you, Sheila),They have a new white wine that is really light, tastey, and very good with last minute snacks. The name is RIONDO (Spago Nero) an Italian wine - try it...you will like it!!

Yes. guys, it's meal time again...tonight's fare is stuffed shells ala Larry - cheeses, spinach in the shells, light tomato sauce and melted mozzarella - very nice! More wine...we watched "Hurt Locker" on DVD sometime during these days...good movie. Jennifer's meeting is tomorrow; so we drove her into Miami to the Marriott Biscayne where she will be staying and having her meeting... She does her presentation tomorrow and leaves for Chgo Tuesday morn... We all wondered if Hillary got moved into her new place yet...let us know. These bloggings won't be so long & boring (really?) from now on...just tend to keep rambling...

Until then,

Marma

Reliving History ...

When I went to create a new blog for you tundra-dwellers, I came across an undelivered blog. It is (and was) so disarming to me that I thought, perhaps, you might want to share the story of a near-loss, a gaping fear of no retrieval. a fun afternoon marred by a sadness I just felt was not to be lifted. Anyhow, like it or not, I'm posting that tale so you know the story first-hand.

...and. when we went to see Hanna's Auschwitz play in November (2009), Jen & Jason surprised me with my "new" ring - all bright & glistening, refurbished and in the original setting, resized and ready to wear...which I did,,,and am...looks new and the jewelers did such a nice job, it even looks larger! (That helps - easier for all to see!!)

I jest, but I love my ring and am glad it is the original...

Special "thanks" to Jen for finding the lost gem and to Jason & Jen for "rehabbing" the ring.

Hope you weren't too bored with it all ...

My love to ALL

Marma

. . . TIME-TRAVELER'S TOPICS

Well, fellow Chicagoans ...

It's time to let you all in on my sudden decision to flee the frigid weather in favor of Florida sunshine. Needless to say, just stepping off the plane at 11:30 pm and having to carry our coats was a welcome relief in itself. (Jennifer accompanied me. She came early for a Monday business meeting and sat next to Linda Yu, Channel 7 news anchor, during the flight!!) Paul & Larry met us; whisked us to their abode; took our luggage to our respective rooms (that hotel training sure does pay off) and we (again, Jonferes and I) settled down for a late-night snack and free-flowing pinot noir, Tomorrow is, indeed, another day!!

Friday morn ... bright. sunny, warm - doggies very curious about household visitors - good ol' Larry preparing breakfast (Jennifer says "as expected!") - plans for day?? ... a surprise! So, dear friends, we shall see ...

It's still a time-warp for me...an hour added to my Chi-town schedule (as if I had one!) puts me further into the day...and any TV viewing of favorite programs goes well into the night - or morning...but onward...

Wandered into the backyard - P & L have installed a new fence and it does make things more private and the doggies can go out without the worry of having to chase them all over the neighborhood. Weather is sunny - mid 70's = we're having dogs (NOT those dogs) and burgers on the grill - of course, more vino - then Jennifer & I prepare for our surprise journey of the evening.

'Tis late, late Friday evening and we had such fun!! Went downtown Coral Gables to see "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" - hillarious - Pabst beer cans sitting on coolers - gals spraying themselves with veg oil to suntan - most all of the early-day cliches you associate with trailer park living...music was fun and the three girls who played the leads were really good...if you were artistically inclined, you could purchase "original" painted hub-caps for your home decor...just sayin' ,,,

afterwards, we went across the street to John Martin's Irish Bar. A combo was rocking away as we entered, but we went from the bar into a really cool, dark-wood dining room...ate "ample sufficiency"...had a little Guinness...wandered along the main drag - then home. Great evening...lots of laughs...balmy weather, but chance of rain on Saturday,,,speaking of which - it IS Saturday, so ... We will see what the next two days bring; before Jonferes has to go to her downtown hotel.

Thinking of you all,

Marmason