The Holidays -- Welcome, or Not So Much?

This month starts the official beginning of "the holidays."  The crazy time of year when people shop endlessly for gifts, spend money they don't have, endure crowds and long lines, reflect on everything that's wrong with their family, and feel intense pressure to put on a fake smile and pretend they're happy. 

Or it's a time when people relish in holiday cheer, spread joy around to their loved ones, and savor personal connections.  The seasons can go either way.  Or both.

What's your attitude toward the holidays?  Do you welcome this time of year?  Or dread it?

They're Coming!

The 2013 Bloggy Awards are coming!

Three recipients were selected this year.  I'm sure you'll agree these women are exceptionally nice and have wonderful blogs.

I'm polishing the bigass trophies each will receive and writing the announcement post.  It will go up later this week.  Stay tuned!

The Trees In My Yard

Autumn is lovely in New York.  The colors of nature burst with vibrancy.  These pictures were taken in my front yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Birthday Suit

Just kidding!  You didn't think you'd see a picture of me nude, did you?

I found the cutest skirt in a thrift-store this week ($5).  I love its animal print.  I figured yellow would go well with it so I pulled out an old yellow top I'd thrifted but never worn.  They go nicely together, don't you think?

My birthday is Sunday and tomorrow night I'm taking a pack of friends out of dinner.  Celebrating my birthday always lifts my spirits.  I hope you have a good weekend, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Immigrants

New York has always been a place where immigrants enter the country.  They come in, grab a toehold and hope for a better life.

My father was an immigrant.  In 1950, he came in a boat to New York, knowing no one and having no money.  He built a life and created a family.  He changed his name from Rolf to Ralph and worked to lose his accent.  (I was named Ralph Jr. after him.)  Fortunately, my dad is still alive and well, living in Florida.

The presence of immigrants in New York is visible by the ethnic names floating around.  Today, I was on my way to court and saw this sign.  The name on it is striking, don't you think?

Do you have any immigrant stories?  When did your family come to this country?

My Halloween Costume

Meet Sydney Bristow, female secret agent from the TV show "Alias" (2001-2006).  Portrayed by Jennifer Garner, Sydney is a smart, talented and beautiful woman who infiltrates evil lairs, usually during elegant parties, secretly sneaks into a villain's private office, copies incriminating records and escapes while being pursued by henchmen.  With her talent at martial arts, Sydney kicks her way out of trouble and accomplishes her missions. 

Sydney has grace, strength, beauty and aplomb.  Who better to be on Halloween?!

If you're dressing up, don't forget to send me a pic so we can include you in our annual online Halloween Party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monster Zucchini

I love fresh food.  And I'm lucky enough to have a friend with a garden.  She grows tasty veggies and when she has too many, she passes along some to me.

This week, I got two amazing treats.  The first is a monster zucchini. And I mean monster!  This sucker is 45 inches long -- almost four feet!  I doubt you believe me so I took a picture (below).  The zucchini dwarfs my fruit-bowl, pumpkin and New York Times.

Along with the monster veg came habanero peppers, which are very very hot.  Some of the hottest in the world.  One of these babies will make a pot of food almost unbearable.  Accustomed to heat, I usually use 1-2 for my meals.  My friend gave me a year's supply since you can't use more than one or two at a time.  Plus, their color and shape is pleasantly attractive.

Do you eat fresh veggies?  Where do you get them?