What Now?
Here we are…emerging from what has been an historic time. As I slowly peek out from under the covers, I want to take stock. I want to move forward, keeping what was good about “then.” And I want to look for the good and right […]
musings about food, travel, creativity and life
Food/ Beverage
“Say Cheese!”
“When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?”–George Carlin We are a cheese loving household. Growing up, I loved watching my Nonno grate massive amounts of Parmagiano cheese for my grandmother’s pasta […]
As Spring Approaches
Over the last few months, I have often visited a local coffee shop. I order a latte from the shielded doorway and then find an outdoor table and chair for my café-like experience. Simple and pleasureable. Sometimes John joins me, or we meet our doggie […]
Ah, Yes…the World
These last two weeks have had me on a vicarious travel roll. After leaving Paris in my last post, I shifted my attention to other parts of the world. First, I “travelled” to the Australian Open and was introduced to some Melbourne sights, then watched […]
Sweet Diversions
Gigetta appeared a few days ago holding a heart. What an astute girl. As I saw her, I smiled and let my mind and heart wander. Let’s see—Valentine’s Day, sweets, love, Paris. Ah, yes… In my dreams or on film or in books. What evolved […]
Something Savory, Something Sweet
This week I’m keeping it simple. I’m sharing two recipes that were easy and fun to make. The first was a new-to-me Broccoli Cheese Soup, the second, a Hot Fudge Sauce that John’s mom used to make. Both, with appropriate accompaniments, can make for a […]
Hope
These threshold days of ending one year and beginning another are often times of reflection. As we slowly enter 2021, most of us are still in hunkering down mode. And yet with more light each day, new possibilities, like hope, present themselves. On the last […]
Go-To Feel-Good Food
It’s that time of year…and it’s that kind of year…when we all can use comfort and a little bit of joy. I notice that I’m spending even more time than “normal” hugging my coffee mug in the morning and looking through my family cookbook for […]
Breathe
What a week. Watching, waiting, up, down. At times exhilarating, other times exhausting. I had to keep telling myself–“breathe.” I also kept searching for activities and resources that offered hope, learning, and pleasure. Here are a few of my finds: •Maria Shriver’s on-line “Sunday […]
Vote for Goodness Sake
Here’s Vote! She is the doll I created honoring the 100th Year Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. She is right in front of me as I fill out my ballot. “To vote is to rise to […]
Ten Small Pleasures
“As the world turns” in these chaotic times, most of us are seeking health and balance the best we can. Here are ten recent activities that have helped lift my spirits: Drawing and dressing my four Gigettas shown above with polka dots. Gigetta and polka […]
A Italia!
“You may have the universe, if I may have Italy.” Giuseppe Verdi Andiamo! Let’s go…and we can, if only in our imagination. SO…here’s what has unfolded these last few weeks for me along Italian lines… 🇮🇹 Yet another failed attempt at making my own edible, […]
“Are We There Yet?”
Here on our little hill, our garden continues to provide. As our vegetables and fruits come into fruition, I am enjoying using them in old and new ways—salads, steamed corn on the cob (!), plum ice cream, applesauce, lots of basil pesto, my first-ever gazpacho, […]
Home, Sweet Home
Last week, we and thousands of other Californians were asked to evacuate our home because of approaching fires. We found safe shelter and then experienced five days of disbelief, disorientation, wondering, hoping. And then we got the word that we could return home. How lucky […]
“Vegging Out”
Hi again and welcome back to “Bring Joy to the Table.” This summer John and I are enjoying and thankful for the comfort and pleasures of home. We are “vegging out” by harvesting our first tomatoes, eating Peter Pan squash, and looking forward to […]