During a recent weekend trip to Chicago we visited the Chicago Botanic Garden. Although we have visited the Windy City countless times over the past 20 years, and I normally make it my business to make my way to these types of outdoor spaces , …
“There, all is order and beauty,Luxury, peace, and pleasure.” Baudelaire We entered the weekend leisurely. My parents were visiting to celebrate… major milestones, family, and life. Committed to resting and relaxing for a change, we were resolved to do only what we wanted to do: …
As I walked into the sunroom this morning, my thoughts went back to my childhood, to our neighbors who had the most beautiful home. Delicate glassware, figurines, and well-appointed furnishings graced their residence. What I remember most about their home was a light-filled room that had lots of windows. It was bright with the sun shining through.
Mr. and Mrs Ray were our next-door neighbors. They were already living there in the neighborhood when our family moved in. They were an older couple who, as I remember, spent their time working outside in their garden and inside their home. They were kind people who had no children of their own. It’s remarkable how nice they were to us given that we were a family with four active and rambunctious children.
Occasionally, I had the opportunity to go inside their home. Little did I realize then that many, many years later I would have my own sun-filled room and I would think of them and smile.
I come from a long line of people who love to whip up an abundance of food. Why cook or bake for two when you can share some of this and that with a neighbor, friend, or loved one? Just as I associate the word, …
One of my very favorite foods is chicken wings. I like all kinds: Buffalo, lemon pepper, Nashville Hot, BBQ, teriyaki, you name it. It’s all good to me! It’s a perfect meal when sitting around and relaxing with friends. These chicken wings are “Oven Baked …
