THANKSGIVING

BECAUSE IT IS THANKSGIVING
HERE AGAIN

IT'S TIME TO WISH YOU

CHEER AGAIN,

AND TIME FOR BEING

THANKFUL TOO,

THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE

NICE AS YOU!

20 November 2008

Alice and Dianna enjoying the moment as we celebrated the birthday girl.

Pour le menu de le soir: As we celebrated Alice's birthday here with friends Lena, my Mother, was also celebrating her 96 year young birthday in Louisiana with family and friends. She too was in good spirit when I wished her more good years to come. Who knows maybe some of those good genes have been passed on to me.

Today we can also celebrate Paula's retirement. After 25 years of dedicated service as an RN at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital she has decided to take some badly needed time for herself. To paint, to travel, to garden and maybe to spend more time with family and friends.

Have a great day!

16 November2008

As guest of Alice Goldhagen I enjoyed the culinary demonstration and champagne Gosset Luncheon with Chef Michelle Bernstein of Michy's Restaurant, Miami, a winner on the Food Network's Iron Chef America.

The Biltmore Hotel known as Al Capone's home is also known for the largest swimming pool in the United States.

The occupants at each table are responsible for acting as Chef or you don't get to enjoy these faboulas foods. Here we have Leslie, student from the Culinary School and Mr. Jack looking over the recipe and instructions. Entree of Foie Gras, and lobster cooked in Manzanilla Sherry and Lobster Stock served with Frisee lettuce, fennel bulbs, julienne, and radishes salad. Main course Steak with red wine "au poivre" and Mini Caesar salad. Executive Biltmore Pastry Chef Olivier Rodriguez top it off with "Marquise" Chocolate and Vanilla Bavaroise Mousse with Chocolate Sauce to die for.

Heather (wife of Mr. Jack) Alice and Josette.

The fabulous Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Florida.

6 November 2008

Celine and Lisa

Jean and Chef Mark

Jean and Mark

Jean, with the girls, Alice, Annette & Celine and Topaz

As you can see it was a small but enjoyable party. Jean and Annette here from Paris, Mark, Celine and Lisa from Saint Raphael and Alice from Coral Gables. Mark took charge of the menu and preparing the meals with help from Celine. Annette and Alice in charge of the cleanup and I supervised. We enjoyed some great moments, shared some great wines, and shared some great meals together. After 3 weeks in the US of A it was time to say goodbye. Their last words "We'll be back". It was terribably quite after they left on Thursday and it was early to bed. We will see Jean and Annette again as they will be staying until March. On Saturday Alice has invited me to a Champagne lunch at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

That is all for the moment as I am being summons.

Have a great day!

2 November 2008

Mark and Lisa

We are now back in Fort Lauderdale after being away for 6 months. I can honestly admit that it now feels like home. First and foremost was contacting Home Care Agencies for help with Jack's care. Paula arrived the next day to help until it could be arranged. With the advise of friend Pete Hinton we contacted Horizon Care Service. As luck would have it Care Giver Joseph was terminating his service with a client entering an assistance home and was available to start almost immediately. Jack is very comfortable with this gentle man and at the moment it is working well.

The 3 men cleaning crew came in with pressure cleaner to clean the terrace and driveway, then moved the terrace furniture from the living room back on the terrace. After which they cleaned and polished each and every room the following day. All good things must come to an end but before leaving Paula filled the freezer with gumbo, pecan pie, shrimp curry and Quiche, etc.

At the moment we are enjoying the visit of friends from Saint Raphael, Mark, Celine and Lisa a 4 going on 10 years. Yesterday while her parents were at the boat show we made chocolate cookies. With Lisa on a bar stool measuring the chocolate, flour an sugar it landed in the bowl on the counter, floor along with pieces of dinner plate all over the place. She loved her cookies which she carried back to the hotel. My my the joys of having a young one around with all that energy. It tires me just thinking about her next visit tomorrow.

All for now.

Have a great day!