Letter to SOL Friends

SOL Day 31


Dear SOL Friends,

Today ends our month long celebration, of writing and sharing bits of our lives, our hopes, our dreams and our families.  I am still amazed at the slices that made me laugh, pulled at my heartstrings and the slices that taught me more than a few things.  I only wish I could have read more, but with over 300 people, we all know it would just not be possible.  I loved the different formats that so many of you used, so creative, so fun to read!  It was wonderful being connected again with friends even though many miles separate us as well as making new connections.  I also wanted to thank all of you who took the time to read and comment on the various stories I wanted to share.  As someone said to me, it keeps me going, it keeps me writing.  Now that the month is over, we can all become a little less obsessed, (and I mean this in the most positive way) with writing and reading each day.  But let's not forget to stay tuned to the beauty that surrounds us and the little things in our daily lives that make us smile, or not.  We all still have many stories that need to be told.  Hope to see you soon on the SOL on Tuesdays!

Hugs From New Mexico,
Lynn

Memories Flood My Heart Today

SOL Day 30

Yesterday started out like any other day.  First, I went to my weight training class, (UGH) came home, and while eating breakfast thought about what my day would look like.  The fruit bowl on the counter gave me an idea!  There were quite a few bananas that were far too ripe for me to eat, so what do I do?  Of course, I'll make gluten free banana bread for my niece Lyndsey! Since I'll be going back to California in a few weeks to help her move it will work out perfectly!  So I scanned the internet looking for the perfect gluten free recipe. As I  was mixing and measuring the ingredients, all I kept thinking about was my niece. . .

I thought about . . . how I have always been a part of all the important and not so important events in her life

I thought about . . . how proud I was of her when she was accepted to NYU

I thought about . . . what a beautiful human being she is, so kind and caring, passionate about what she does and how she can light up a room.

I thought about . . . her beautiful smile and how at 29 years old she still loves when I hug and kiss her to death.

I thought about . . . how when I had lost all my hair because of chemo treatments, she looked at me, cupped my face ever so gently and said how beautiful I was

I thought about . . . whenever I tell her I have a new wrinkle she laughs and says "oh aunti, you are still beautiful

I thought about . . . how happy I am that she moved from New York and now lives in California, because it is so much closer to New Mexico

I thought about . . . how much she loves her sweets, and how much she will appreciate my efforts

I thought about . . . how I would send her a picture of the banana breads right after they came out of the oven

I thought about . . . what her response would be . . . and I was exactly right . . .

Oh Thank you! Looks so yummy! along with a dozen emoji hearts and kisses!

Funny, how a simple task today took over my heart with so many memories!

Some pans had chocolate chips.

Big Fat Greek Wedding

SOL Day 29


This past weekend I went to see "The Big Fat Greek Wedding #2" along with some members of my Greek family!  Although the movie portrays how us crazy Greeks can behave, I'm sure other groups can identify with the movie just as we did.  There were 5 of us and we all really enjoyed the movie.  Was it an academy award winning film, probably not, but we laughed, got a little teary eyed and walked out of the theatre with smiles on our faces.  We talked about how sometimes, movies can be exactly that, just plain fun without violence and suspense!  I can guarantee if you saw and enjoyed the first, "Big Fat Greek Wedding" you will  enjoy this one as well. After all, what's not to like about family support, family love and the few goofs that make up families!

4 More Days

SOL Day 28

4 More Days . . .

and the March Challenge of writing each day will end until next year

4 More Days . . .
and I won't be reading about others' lives each day

4 More Days . . .
and I wonder if I'll get complacent in what I see and hear 

4 More Days . . .

and I'll go back to only writing on Tuesdays 

4 More Days . . .

and we will start preparing for a friend's visit

4 More Days . . .

and the veggie garden will be open for planting 

4 More Days . . .

and I'll be making my first batch of humming bird food in anticipation of their return

4 More Days . . .

and I'll start planting some flower pots

4 More Days . . .

and I'm sure other things will pop up needing my attention

Chicago Pizza

SOL Day Day 27

If you've read my blog you know I lived in the Chicago area my whole life up until 2 years ago.  If you know anything about Chicago, one of the things it's famous for besides a beautiful lake front, wonderful museums, theatre as good as Broadway is of course PIZZA!  Living in New Mexico has proven there is no other place in the world for pizza once you've had Chicago pizza.  In the almost 2 years living here, and trying every pizza place there is, we have just given up on the idea of having pizza.  So imagine my delight when my cousin Joanne, (she lives next door) told us she found a Chicago pizza recipe and is going to give it a try Saturday night.  We walked in just as she was taking the pizzas out of the oven . . . they smelled and looked amazing!  After one taste we were all "oohing and ahhhing" barely coming up for air. The pizza was D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S!   Of course we all ate too much, and the healthy eating plan flew out the window, but it was well worth it.

The pizzas right out of the oven.  Crust and sauce made from scratch!

Well, like I said, pizza was amazing!

Using My Senses

SOL Day 26

I saw . . . a great big smile welcoming me in

I heard . . . the gurgling water gently calling me over

I felt . . .  the warm water caressing my tired feet

I smelled . . . the lavender oil inviting me to relax

I tasted . . . the rich chocolate melting slowly in my mouth

I surrender . . .  sit back and thoroughly enjoy my pedicure!

Picture Post

SOL Day 25

Today, I slice about New Mexico through pictures! Hard to believe I've been living here 2 years this June! I've fallen in love with the beauty of this state, the warmness of the people and the deep culture it holds.  Enjoy!

A couple of the many amazing sunsets I experience almost nightly!

Balloons, and more balloons, after all we are home to The Balloon Fiesta!

I called the shot of this ballon, a "ballon eclipse"

This is the view I had when I was so lucky to take a balloon ride! One word, AWESOME!

The roadrunner I see when I hike!

Another beautiful sight when I hike!

A Kind Man Made My Day

SOL Day 24

This was the slice I wanted to share yesterday until I heard what had happened in Brussels . . .

The other day while loading my car with some heavy items from Cosco, a man parked next to me came over and said, "no, no, please let me lift these items for you".  I mean I admit, I did make a bit of a grunting noise while lifting the first case of water into my car.  I told the nice man, it was really ok, but he insisted. So there I stood while he emptied my cart for me.  I wanted to "pay it forward" so I quickly looked around to see where the cart corral was so I could return his cart for him.  I didn't see one near so I assumed I would have to return them to the store . . . even better for my return favor!  After closing the gate on my car, I ran up to him, grabbed his cart and said, "please, let me return the cart for you!" He let out this huge laugh, just as I noticed, the cart corral was right next to his truck.  To say I was a little embarrassed is an understatement, but he was so kind I got over feeling silly rather quickly. I didn't get to pay it forward to this nice man, but we did share a good laugh together! After the tragedy in Brussels this kind man reinforced that there are so many kind people!

Brussels

SOL Day 23

today: i watch in horror as the news about the bombings in Brussels unfold

today: i had another slice to share about the kindness of a stranger
   want to be: living in a peaceful country . . . a peaceful world

blessings: that i did not know anyone that perished as a result of yet another terrorist attack
  thinking: about the families whose loved ones were taken from them
planning: to share tomorrow, the slice that was intended for today
writing:  this slice with such a heavy heart . . . knowing it can happen again
loving: our country and trying to focus on the good things that happen everyday
grateful: that i can share my thoughts here today


and today {again}: i watched in horror as the news about the bombings in Brussels  unfold

Another Great Book!

SOL Day 22

I just finished another amazing book, so amazing I have to share it today.  The book is, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom.  Mr. Albom does such an amazing job with the main character's story, I had to google him just to be sure he was in fact fictional! Taking the journey with Frankie, tore at my heartstrings but also reinforced my belief that we can survive the unthinkable.  A reoccurring message throughout the book was, "Everyone joins a band in this life," he observes, be it through music, family, friends, or lovers. And those connections change the world. I can't wait to share my feelings at our next book club and also to hear what the other members thought!

Meatless Monday

SOL Day 21

I guess when the brain is blanking for something to write, there's always meatless Monday recipe to share!  Here is one of my favorites!  It's a healthy and delicious alternative to a burger.  If you don't like the sweet potato part, go ahead and put it on a regular bun.

Black Bean Burger with Sweet Potato Bun

Ingredients
2 large, fat sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into eight 1/2-inch rounds
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for oiling the grill grates
Kosher salt
One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/3 cup finely diced pepper Jack cheese
5 tablespoons stone-ground cornmeal
1 large egg white
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 lettuce leaves


Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Brush the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil, and sprinkle with a large pinch of salt. Lightly oil the grill grates. Arrange the sweet potato rounds on the grill, cover with the lid and cook until there are nice grill marks and the potatoes are tender but not mushy, 8 to 12 minutes per side. Set aside to cool completely. (These "buns" can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)

Meanwhile, mash the beans and corn in a medium bowl until the beans form almost a paste. Add the cheese, 3 tablespoons of the cornmeal, the egg white, scallions and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Form the mixture into 4 patties about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes up to overnight.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons cornmeal onto a plate. Dredge both sides of the patties in the cornmeal. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven, and bake until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 5 minutes.

Brush 4 of the grilled sweet potato slices with some of the mayonnaise. Put the lettuce leaves and burgers on the remaining 4 slices, and sandwich together.

Did She Really Think That?!

SOL Day 20

As I sit here writing, the words, Did she really think that?!  keep circling over and over in my brain.  Before I go on and explain, let me give some background information.  My niece Lyndsey whom I adore has a cat named Kiki. Kiki, has shared her thoughts on my blog a few times.  Unfortunately, Lyndsey lives in California so when she travels I'm not able to take care of Kiki. She recently found a great gal to watch Kiki, but unfortunately she was having surgery and could not watch her on this most recent trip.  The service sent a young gal over as a replacement.  Each day of  I text Lyndsey to hear the "report"on how Kiki is doing.  Kiki is special needs, so she sometimes needs a lot of care.  Anyway, this morning I received the text below from Lyndsey:

This picture is of Kiki on Lyndsey's bed. Please understand Lyndsey closes the bedroom door when she is away because she is not allowed in there when Lyndsey is not home.

 Now mind you the space under her bedroom door is maybe a half inch.  I promise I will get to the explanation in a minute . . . I texted Lyndsey back and said, "does she really think she slithered under a closed door?!?"  Does she think Kiki has magical powers! Honestly, as much as I couldn't believe she thought this, I have to admit I did get a chuckle out of it!  Of course my first thoughts were of Kiki stuck in the bedroom without her food or litter box, but Lyndsey assured me it was probably only about 10 hours . . . Still a long time, but she was fine.
Now for the explanation:
Lyndsey had a friend go in to her apartment to look for something she thought she had misplaced.  Her friend did not notice that Kiki had gotten into the bedroom and closed the door behind, leaving Kiki stuck in there. NO magic, no big mystery . . . So unfortunately, Kiki will not be making the TV circuit with her magical powers!

Love My Saturdays

Sol Day 19

If you have read any of my slices, you know I am a retired teacher from the Chicago area now living in New Mexico.  Since retiring, I made a promise, to work out 6 of the 7 days.  To help make this happen, I joined a fitness club.  Each day I take a pretty intense one hour class with some of the most motivating instructors I've ever experienced.  Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays classes starts at 8.  Although I'm an early riser, these mornings are not quite as relaxing as the other days. Usually a quick cup of coffee, check email, and out the door. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the classes start at 9. I love the extra hour to leisurely sip my coffee, read a few chapters of a book and check email before running out the door. But on Saturdays, the day I take off to let my sore . . . old muscles rest up there is no need to rush out the door at all! Sipping my coffee in the sunroom, leisurely watching the day come alive!  Ahhh Saturdays . . . I just love them!

Sunsets

SOL Day 18

Beautiful sunsets are quite common in New Mexico. Last night's, well take a look for your self!

Nature's canvas, exploding with hues of red, orange and yellow

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

Colors so vivid, impossible to recreate

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

A day comes to an end, with renewed hope for tomorrow

Breathtaking, amazing, awe-inspiring

Unexpected Conversation

SOL Day 17


Yesterday I went to a consignment store in town to try and sell some clothes I don't wear anymore. I've been to this store maybe 4 times since moving here almost 2 years ago.  The owner is a woman my age, and as she checks out the clothes, we've shared small talk about fun things to do in New Mexico, working out, trips etc.  Today however, as she was going through my clothes, I simply asked if she had any trips planned.  Quite unexpectedly she began sharing some very personal things with me that ultimately have caused she and her second husband to separate. It seems the majority of their problems stem from the fact that he is an alcoholic, somewhat abusive and how there is a huge riff between him and her family.  We talked for almost an hour, I listened more than I spoke, because sometimes I think people don't want your opinion, they just want to think out loud.  I was glad I was there for her today, because obviously she just needed to talk. I walked out of the store, hoping that her deep faith will help her through this, and if they are meant to be together, they will be together in a healthy relationship.

Meatless, Tuesday

SOL Day 16

Like many others, I have started incorporating meatless dinners a few times a week.  I'm always looking for recipes to see the ingredients and then I put my own twist on it.  The down side to this however, it's hard to share recipes to people that like the exact ingredients along with the exact amount of each.  Last night's dinner, stir fry veggies and quinoa.  If you are not familiar with quinoa, here are 7 reasons to start incorporating it into your diet.  Just remember, quinoa alone doesn't have a lot of flavor but when mixed with other foods . . . very yummy!

Here are seven health benefits of quinoa:
• Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. ... 
• Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. ... 
• Quinoa contains Iron. ... 
• Quinoa contains lysine. ... 
• Quinoa is rich in magnesium. ... 
• Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). ... 
• Quinoa has a high content of manganese.

Now for the "recipe":
-cook a cup of quinoa according to directions (instead of water I use organic chicken stock)
-heat olive oil and salute a few cloves of garlic
-add a chopped onion and cook for a few minutes . . . until onions are translucent
-add veggies of your choice- I used fresh chopped broccolini, cauliflower, yellow and green zucchini, carrots, and asparagus.
While veggies are cooking, I added some of my favorite spices,such as ginger, turmeric, salt, pepper and a little crushed hot pepper.
When veggies are done to your liking, add the cooked quinoa.  Stir it up and enjoy!

Little Big Shots

SOL Day 15

I'm not a huge TV watcher but every once in a while there's a show that I have to talk about.  Just recently, I fell upon the show called, Little Big Shots.  The show is hosted by one of my favorite TV personalities, Steve Harvey.  If you are not familiar with him, he is hysterical and seems to be a down to earth sort of guy.  His humor reminds me of a male Ellen Degeneres, whom I also love!  Anyway, back to the show.  The premise of the show is, Steve showcases kids' from all over the world and their sometimes very unusual yet amazing talents none the less.  That in itself is makes a great show considering some of the talented kids I've seen, but now add the quick wit, hilarious facial expressions of Steve, mixed with "kids saying the darnedest things" and you have the perfect recipe for laughs!  So, if you are in need of a smile, a chuckle or even a belly aching laugh tune in to Little Big Shots on Sunday night! You won't be disappointed!

My Zen Place

SOL Day 14

Today we took a break from our normal workout routine and met a friend for a hike.  Marcy, was actually the realtor that sold us our land here in New Mexico almost 13 years ago.  The first time we came out and met, we really connected with her.  Throughout the years we would keep in touch and whenever we were out for a visit we made sure to get together with her.  We try and meet a few times a month to walk and of course other times to eat.  It's a great way fit in exercise and catch up.  Our usual spot to meet, is also one of my favorite trails on the Bosque.  Parts of the trail are overgrown with brush, parts run along the river and up at the top there are horse and tree farms in clear view.  It's such a peaceful almost zen feeling when I'm there!  Sometimes we are lucky to see an eagle or hawk, a few roadrunners and even coyotes!  Luckily, the coyotes kept their distance.

The Rent Collector

SOL Day 13

Yesterday was one of those days.  It didn't start out that way until I thought I would read for a just a little while.  I had just started The Rent Collector by Camron Wright the day before, and since  the weather wasn't all that nice, I thought why not spend a small amount of time reading.  Well, I could not put the book down!  I kept saying, one more page, one more paragraph, one more chapter. . . and before I knew it I was saying, only 100 pages left, only 50 pages left, heck I'm almost done!  If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it!  A beautiful story which parallels life with the meaning of Literature.  Such a powerful story, and the characters, left me in awe!  One word . . . AMAZING!

Book Club

SOL Day 12

When we moved out to New Mexico almost 2 years ago, we decided to have a "get to know your neighbors" get together.  The night of the event we asked if anyone was interested in joining a co-ed book club.  We had several people that were interested and in time a few more joined giving us a group of about 10-14 people. The great thing is we have become good friends with most of the people, getting together socially for other activities besides book club!  We meet about every 4-5 weeks to discuss the book, share a meal together and just enjoy each others company. We have had some very interesting conversations/debates and last night was no exception.  Our book was The Dinner by the Dutch author, Herman Koch.  We all agreed the book was quite dark, but the discussion became quite lively with the question, "how far would you go to protect your child even if he/she did something unspeakable?"  In the end, we all agreed thank goodness none of us had to carry out how we felt.  But it really had me thinking . . . what would you do?

Plant Clean-Up

SOL Day 11

The weather has been just glorious since returning from California!  I'm definitely getting the planting itch! So yesterday I spent a good part of the day "cleaning up" my house plants.  A local nursery emails a weekly newsletter and they suggested this is the time of year for this "chore".  I love plants and flowers so it's not a core for me, but rather a very relaxing way to spend a few hours.  I have a variety of houseplants from orchids, numerous types of succulents, a pencil cactus tree, African Violets, a bamboo plant and a fairly new addition- air plants.  If you are not familiar with air plants, they really are quite unique.  The only thing they need to grow and flourish is air, and a good soaking in water once a week for several hours. I highly suggest that if you love plants but don't have good luck with potted plants, air plants are for you!  If you aren't able to find a good variety in your local nursery here is the website that I have used and have been very satisfied with.  www.airplantshop.com  Here are a couple of mine!

Mahjong Anyone?

SOL Day 10

A few years ago my sister taught me how to play the Jewish tile game called Mahjong. Four players, play with a card which has various numbers and colors on it.  The card is what you use to make your "hand".  The tiles are "suited" in Craks, Bams and Dots and they are what you use to make your hand.  Mahjong is a great exercise game for the brain and is amazingly fun!  We started a Mahjong group with some of our neighbors since moving here.  We get together once a week and spend about 3-4 hours playing.  Now that everyone is getting more skilled we can actually have a conversation!  We taught my niece and her boyfriend and now they play with their friends! One can never say that they are too old to play,  just go to a Mahjong tournament and you will see women in their 80's that can play without the use of the card!  Many communities have park districts that teach you how to play.  So if you ever have a chance to learn, I highly recommend it!

My sister won this game at a tournament, that's why her name is the "joker"