christmastime with the ribods'

 For over thirty years, I have spent Christmas morning in the same living room with the same people. There have been scenes of amazement and awe, tears from Santa forgetting to deliver some the toys we wanted, and lots of early mornings in footie pajamas and bed-head looking for new gifts. Over the years, the toys have gotten a little more sophisticated; more things require batteries or a plug. Regardless, I cannot think of a better place to spend Christmas day with my family....even if we have to video chat some of us in!

Merry Christmas Everyone.

miracle on parent rd.

My mother told me to use the same video from last year.  I just could not live with myself by re-publishing last year's tree.

Here's to another Christmas tree going up the day after Thanksgiving.  

sunday in the park.

occupy.

fairview lake.

 Love at the lips was touch

As sweet as I could bear;

And once that seemed too much;

 I lived on air

That crossed me from sweet things,

The flow of- was it musk

From hidden grapevine springs

Down hill at dusk?

 I had the swirl and ache

From sprays of honeysuckle

That when they're gathered shake

Dew on the knuckle.

I craved strong sweets, but those

Seemed strong when I was young;

The petal of the rose

It was that stung.

Now no joy but lacks salt

That is not dashed with pain

And weariness and fault;

 I crave the stain

Of tears, the aftermark

Of almost too much love,

The sweet of bitter bark

And burning clove.

 When stiff and sore and scarred

I take away my hand

From leaning on it hard

In grass and sand,

The hurt is not enough:

 I long for weight and strength

To feel the earth as rough

To all my length.
-r.f.-

parent teacher conference karaoke.

we plan lessons.  we grade tests, quizzes and papers.  we call parents.  we give detention.  we go on field trips.  we do hall duty.  we talk all day.  we think about other jobs we could have.  we get dehydrated.  we babysit.  we take attendance.  we pray for snowdays. we wonder why kids can't multiply and laugh at the things they say.  we teach. 

some say we are role models.  

but on the friday after parent teacher conferences....we are stars.  

never before seen interview with sophia grace

for still photographs of sophia's birthday party and other summer fun with all the kiddies, click here.

there is something about...

going home to the garden...picking some veggies;

and some herbs;

and making some pesto;

and calling it dinner.

There's nothing better.

low flying objects

an NYDP chopper getting in the way of things.

eataly

Due to the heat wave, our plans to have another picnic at Madison Square Park were nixed and we lunched at Eataly's La Verdure.  In attendance was April, Lauren, Webmamma, and Ximena.  There was even a celebrity sighting...Sami from Days of Our Lives. Unfortunately, we were so enthralled by the scenery, the food and conversation that I never took any photos!  So unlike me.....I know.  

 La Birreria...eataly's rooftop.  

 signage.

 where beer is made at eataly.

 the only food photo of the day.

all stairs lead to a la birreria.

quite possibly the best little ice cream shop.

On one hot June day my co-worker brought me to her sister's new ice cream shop on Carmine Street.  The frozen yogurt is made from goat's milk and all of the ingredients are local.  I wasn't sure how the goat's milk aspect of this dessert would taste, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. 

I ordered rose petal frozen yogurt with pistachios.  The taste was subtle and refreshing.   

Little goat prints leading me to the counter.....genius! 

Love this little guy!

If you are in the area, visit Sophia and Victory Garden on Carmine Street.  

Victory Garden

dips and sauces

The second meeting of teachers on summer vacation involved a picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park with a theme...dips and sauces.  It was pretty hot outside, but we made it a point to sit on the green pasture that would provide a landscape for the outdoor opera later that evening.  Goldie serenaded April with a little happy birthday tune with a mic she borrowed for the opera men.  All in all it was a great afternoon that ended with taking the east river ferry home.  

 mango salsa, guacamole, dill dip and some sinful napkins.

the spread... equipped with graduation plates. 

 with Goldie comes the hula hoop.

 birthday cupcakes.

 birthday hugs.

everyone needs a little hoopin' once in a while.

For more culinary snapshots, please click here.