The Killing of Kennedy

After finishing the book, The Killing of Kennedy by Bill O’ Reilly and Martin Dugard, I am struggling with mixed feelings. I had been looking forward to reading this book because I read The Killing of Lincoln by the same authors and found that book fascinating. I am a history buff and after reading the Killing of Lincoln, I felt that it could be used in the classroom to teach history. The book made the subject matter come alive and reading the book was almost like a mystery book as well.

 

While reading the first book The Killing of Lincoln were laid out quite well, easy to understand, and the way the book was written kept my interest from page one, until I finished the book. I outlined fact after fact and stayed up long into the nights reading the book.

 

I started to read The Killing of Kennedy by the same authors, as soon as I purchased it. It was an easy read but written somewhat differently from the Lincoln book. As I read about what made Kennedy tick, I learned a lot about his sexual performance and escapades that I really didn’t want to know. These facts were not known to the public because the press kept it private. Maybe because of my age, I realized a lot more goes on in the White House then I care to know. Politicians are human and so is everyone around them. Power makes for a strange bed fellow if this book were to be used in a classroom; I would eliminate Kennedy’s affairs.

 

Maybe politicians could learn that they have to reach across the aisles and work with one another, and that includes the President of the United States. Besides a history book it should be read by politicians as well. They will come to see that some politicians use others and also think that they are more important than others.

 

The book laid out the facts of Kennedy’s presidency and Lee Harvey’s life as well. I knew most of what was written and it did jog my memory of facts that I had learned once and had forgotten over time. Lee Harvey Oswald was unbalanced and looking for fame. There really was nothing personal in his killing of Kennedy. Oswald wanted to do something big that would make him famous for eternity and Kennedy just happened to be in Dallas, Texas when Oswald was ready to kill someone big. As far as the conspiracy theory, that is up to the reader to interpret.

 

When I finished the book, I realized it was historically interesting. I also realized that most of the people during that time period are now dead and in the past as well.

 

The book was ok. Would I recommend it – sort of? But I know I wouldn’t re-read it but I would definitely re-read The Killing of Lincoln.

Wexford Dry Goods Company

I didn’t find this store – my daughter told me about this yarn shop. Finally after two attempts and being directional defunct, my daughter actually drove me to the shop, which is located near the new Giant Eagle/Market District in Wexford.

 

When we walked into the shop, I was taken aback, not just by the newness, but by the fact that the store was bright and airy and not packed with merchandise that a customer would bump into.

 

At one end, there is an area where one can knit or crochet or sew in the comfortable and inviting chairs and couch. There is even a table where a patron can set up a sewing machine.

 

One wall has shelves filled artistically with the most beautiful and colorful fabrics that would please any quilter or sewer. There are displays of needles and handmade stuffed animals, cards, tags and more. On another wall, my favorite, the yarn is displayed in different colors and shades. It dares a customer to leave the shop without choosing a few skeins for a winter project.

 

There are also some lovely antique looking tables and a wooden glass case with more interesting items on display. But it wasn’t the yarn and the displays that caught my eye…it was all the eclectic magazines. On both of my trips to the shop, I walked away with at least a half dozen magazines. They were magazines that I would have never come across on the shelves of a bookstore. They are the magazines that you find in a specialty book. But to see them in person makes any collector, reader or creative person purchase them. There were magazines like The Simple Things, Kinfolk, Mollie, Homemaker, Atlas Quarterly and others. Of these magazines my two favorite ones were Kinfolk and Atlas Quarterly. The photographs were amazing and the writing was outstanding. They were both pricey but for me, as a writer, they were well worth it. I know for a fact that I will keep them, look them over and over and will even share them with friends, on condition that they are returned to me.

 

But it also is the owner who will make you want to return. Carolyn McKeating is a friendly warm person who makes any customer who walks through the doors of the Wexford Dry Goods Company feels as if they are long lost friends or family. From the minute you enter the shop and Carolyn greets you, you feel like family and believe me, you’ll come back again.

Mayan Calendar Prediction

The Mayan elders have made a prophecy predicting the end of the world to be December 21, 2012. Since I have nothing to do with this prediction, I have learned that if I can’t change it then at least maybe I can enjoy a few things.

 

So here is my list of Ten Things That I Would Do to prepare for the end of time:

1.      Read a good book on my Kindle.

2.      Write a good story for my Blog or write in my journal or finish the novel that I am working on.

3.      Eat a good meal, including dessert.

4.      Give each of my cats plenty of love, brush them, feed them food and fresh water, and clean out their litter box.

5.      Wear clean underwear.

6.      Make a good Act of Contrition. (For non-Catholics) this is a prayer asking God’s forgiveness for the sins or bad things which I have committed. I would like to go to heaven.

7.      Pack a few essential things. For example – my electric toothbrush, floss, gum stimulator and picks.

8.      Shower and wash my hair.

9.      Say a good prayer to St. Christopher, former patron saint of travelers.

10.  Get a good night’s sleep.

The Central Diner & Grille

The sign above the door reads - The Central Diner & Grille and underneath it says Breakfasts/Lunch/Dinner/Late Night. The rather modern diner is located at 6408 Steubenville Pike.

 

What caught my attention, besides the extensive menu and choice of food, was the management’s food philosophy. It’s not just about good fresh foods, or the healthy and hearty choices, but it’s their promise to deliver to their customers the best products. The Diner buys fresh and local foods, which is an asset to the community.

 

The interior of the building is new, clean, bright and decorated with modern pictures and lighting fixtures. The wait staff is courteous and attentive. The manager is readily available to talk to as he goes from table to table visiting to the patrons.

 

The Mediterranean style menu covers everything from simple cereals, eggs, omelets, griddle offerings, specialty salads, wraps, paninis, specialty burgers, sandwiches, sides, appetizers, entrée dishes that covers roast, chicken, seafood, steaks, chops, Italian specialties, Greek specialties, an array of desserts that include Sarris ice cream, beverages and more.

Since I had a hard time choosing, my friends and I started off with Onion Rings and Jalapeno Poppers. The coating was delicious! They weren’t drenched in grease.

 

I ordered a Swiss Beef Burger with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, served on the freshest and tastiest bun that I have had in a long time. The fries were coated with seasoning and delicious as well.

 

My two dining companions ordered the Vegetarian Panini filled with eggplant, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, tomato, fresh mozzarella and pesto sauce. They both assured me that their sandwiches were extremely tasty.

 

My only complaint is that The Central Diner should be out here in the North Hills area. They wouldn’t be disappointed, the tables and fountain would be packed. I know that I would be a frequent customer on a weekly basis.

 

If you are looking for a good meal in comfortable surroundings, try The Central Dinner & Grille on Steubenville Pike.

Real Holidays

When I was younger, I used to buy into the perfect holidays depicted on those Norman Rockwell prints. I have learned how to mask my disappointments when reality set in and taught me a hard lesson that nothing is perfect.

 

This perfect holiday and all that surrounds it is never just that perfect. No matter how many times I see those moving Christmas Ads on Television, I secretly get moved by the music and seeing those perfect gifts on TV from the jewelry stores and the Hallmark shops. I am embarrassed to say that I choke up and fight back the tears. That’s when it rushes in that there are no perfect moments because no matter how hard we try – no one and nothing is perfect.

 

After all these years, I now have figured out how to not worry about making everything perfect during the hectic holidays. When it comes to cutting down my Christmas tree, I just see whoever wants to come along. Sometimes, when it doesn’t work out, I just get a tree from one of the local nurseries. I stopped fretting because I know one of my kids will put the tree in the stand and someone else will help me decorate it as well.

 

Every year my daughters and daughters-in-law and I get together for our annual cookie exchange. Sometimes it is hard to find the right date for everyone to agree on. With nine individuals participating, it is a miracle to find that perfect date. In the end, it works out and the cookie exchange goes on.

 

Years ago, when my kids were little, I remember seeing a television ad of a mother and children in their kitchen baking holiday cookies together. The kids were laughing, the mother in her apron was smiling, the cookies looked delicious and beautiful and the kitchen was spotless. After seeing this ad, I decided to do this with all my little kids. I made the cookie dough and they rolled out the cookies and cut them with the cookie cutters. After they were baked, they decorated them with icing and sprinkles

 

I have a photo somewhere in one of my unorganized shoe boxes. It is a photo of my children, covered with flour from head to toe, the kitchen table and floor is covered with flour too. That moment was a mess. When I think back to how happy it made my children – even if it wasn’t a perfect Kodak moment – it was a moment frozen in time and it is still etched in my brain and heart. It is part of a memory that has lasted and I will always carry it with me. It will always put a smile on my face as I choke back a tear or two. And maybe just maybe this is my perfect moment in a not so perfect world.

The Lost Necklace

 

Last year, my one daughter-in-law made me a necklace, with some stones and three miniature frames with my family photos. It looked like an antique piece of jewelry, except for the black cord that tied the necklace.

The necklace was a beautiful piece of jewelry. What made it special was that my daughter-in-law took the time to shrink down the family photos of my parents, one of my brother and I, and one of the four of us.

 

Finally, I decided to wear it this past Sunday. I pulled the necklace out of my jewelry drawer and decided to wear it to church. Besides, afterwards, my daughter-in-law was having a home jewelry party and she would be pleased to see me wearing the necklace. Plus, maybe it would give some of her potential customers and idea to maybe order one.

 

A few hours later while sitting at Panera’s, I started to straighten my necklace and found that it was missing. It was no longer around my neck. I frantically looked around the floor of Panera’s, the parking lot and my inside my car. Sadly, it was all too clear that I had lost the necklace at church, or on one of the streets around the church. I wonder if I will ever find it. I doubt it, unless my prayers are answered by St. Anthony (patron saint of lost things). Or maybe a miracle will occur.

 

Maybe someone might find it, admire it, and wear it. Maybe they’ll decide it’s a rare antique piece with photos of a family from days gone by. Maybe they’ll adopt my family as their own, or be happy to just wear the necklace. Whatever, I hope that they enjoy and appreciate it, like I had.

Sitting Alone in the Kitchen

It’s early and no one else is in my daughter’s catering kitchen yet. All I hear is the hum of the refrigerator motor, and nothing else. I assume my daughter is either making a food delivery or is at Sam’s Club, picking up her food order. The other worker, Jeff, won’t be in for another hour or so. He comes in later, and stays after everyone leaves for the day.

 

Everything in the kitchen is spotless: the counters have been wiped down and disinfected. All the dish counters have also been scrubbed, and disinfected as well. Water has been drained from the dishwasher and the food in the trap has been cleaned out. Now we will have to just fill the dishwasher with hot water.

 

Since I’m the first one in, I will check a few things, place trash bags in the two empty large trash cans and make a full pot of coffee.

 

My daughter will arrive shortly and  we will tackle the last minute food that is needed for her Saturday wedding and for the two wedding showers on her calendar that she has for the weekend. Once we get busy, there will be more noise – the exhaust fans running, the radio playing, and the dishwasher will be in constant use. There will be the banging of the pots and pans, the chopping of the food, and chicken being pounded, so that it will be thin and tender.

 

But for now – I will just enjoy the humming of the refrigerator

Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame

I love music. I love the lyrical words that are set to the music. It is pure poetry in motion. If I could live out my dream –I would have either been a music writer or a roadie for a rock band.

When I first heard that Cleveland was selected to be the home for the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, I was ecstatic. It just seemed the right place to build it, since Alan Freed, a Cleveland Disc Jockey, was credited with coining the term – Rock and Roll. The shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland was a fitting home for the building, which opened in 1995.

 

Then the architect was selected – I.M. Pei, a Chinese American architect, who is often called the master of modern architecture. I first became familiar with him when I took an Architecture class in college. I love his design of the building, steel, glass, and concrete. The front is shaped like a large glass pyramid with the top of the building shaped like an old fashioned record player.

 

There are seven floors in the 150,000 square foot building. There are so many displays, videos, films, and listening posts to hear an assortment of music, by many music groups and musicians. On the top floor there is a movie dedicated to everyone who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Along the walls are the signatures of the Inductees. One floor hosts the special exhibits.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that any music lover will definitely want to visit the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Until then, click on to the Hall of Fame Website for more information.

Paid in Food

Working at my daughter’s catering kitchen is hard work. I always have said that after working there for a day, I drag myself home, pop two aspirins into my mouth, and sit down waiting for the throbbing pain in my back, legs and feet to go away.

 

But on the positive side, my work has kicked up a notch or two. I don’t seem to open the dishwasher just before it starts to spry the water. My knife skills are a bit better and I still can do an above average on my platter presentation. I also seem to keep my apron and work area cleaner than before.

 

My perk isn’t the pay but I do get to taste Chef Jeff’s foods. I waxed and waned about his Chicken Osso Bucco in a previous blog. But the past few weeks, I have been around to get some samples of his other foods…like his Stuffed Pepper Soup. And to be honest, another “Aah” escaped from my lips. The soup was to die for but I didn’t. I love stuffed peppers and loved his flavorful soup. It was perfect and I lucked out and took a small container of soup home for dinner.

 

The following week, I was able to sample his Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup, where an  “Oh,’ escaped from my mouth. The flavor was fantastic and there was the perfect amount of broccoli and cheese in the soup. That day, I ate a bowl of soup for lunch and had another take out container to put in my freezer for a future meal.

 

The following week, while the day drew to a close, Chef Jeff made us a Beef Au Jus sandwich. Oh yeah…this was heavenly. The rolls were toasted, and then he scooped on the thinly sliced beef, and the golden braised onions. But along with the melted provolone cheese, it was a hint of Blue Cheese that gave the sandwich an Emeril “Bam” to it. I sat  and enjoyed every mouthful that I ate.

 

Who needs to be paid for work? with Chef Jeff around and his food samplings, I am in heaven. And if any of this tickles your gastronomical fancy…you can always order a take- out of Chicken Osso Bucco, Stuffed Pepper Soup, and Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup. Check out (erinsfinefoods.com) or stop into Erin’s Fine Foods, on Highway 19 in the North Hills area and see one of her take out menus to place an order. And don’t forget to peek into the kitchen and say hi to the kitchen staff!

Sky Jet Restaurant

A few days ago, when a friend and I took a road trip toward Erie, we went off the interstate onto different roads. We found ourselves hungry and ready to stop some place for dinner. According to the sign, we found ourselves in Tionesta, Pa. On a side street, we saw a woman getting out of her car. I asked her if there was a good restaurant in the area. She directed us to turn around, take a left, go up the hill, past the Church on the right. We would see an ice cream cone, and there would be a restaurant. At first I thought – Dairy Queen. But we were hungry and followed her directions. We found the restaurant tucked around the side of the ice cream cone.

 

The restaurant was an inviting wooden building. Inside it was a cozy interior with homey Early American interior and decorations. We were able to sit wherever we wanted, so we chose a table by the window. Besides that was 6:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening, and we were the only customers in the restaurant, so we had the full attention of the friendly waitress and cook.

 

Since it was Sunday and chilly outside, I craved one of those old fashioned home cooked meals that my mother would have made. I ordered the special which was rolls, a stuffed chicken breast, with an absolutely delicious stuffing, a bit of gravy, baked potato, carrots and salad. Both my friend and I didn’t think we would be able to finish the meal but it was so good that we did. I’m embarrassed to say that I even found some room for a piece of homemade cherry pie. This was by far the best homemade pie that I have ever had. The crust was light and flaky, but the cherry filling was perfect with a balance of tartness and sweetness.

 

After we complimented the chef, we asked about the restaurant and both she and the waitress told us the story of the Sky Jet Restaurant and also gave us a write up of the place from an old menu.

 

The origin of the Sky Jet Restaurant began as an Airplane Hanger before 1965. The Sky Jet Restaurant has been a family owned business since 1979, with the first owners, Rita and Delbert Wagner. After their deaths in 2001-2001, the current owners are now Wagner’s daughters, Angela Sorvelli, and Jeannie McCleary, along with their spouses and children, who have successfully continued to provide homemade meals at reasonable prices. And I will add…delicious tasting meals!

 

If you ever find yourself in Tionesta, stop in at the Sky Jet Restaurant – you will not be disappointed. You can also visit the Sky Jet Restaurant on Facebook.

It's Complicated

Being an ex-wife isn’t always easy. One always has to tread lightly. Never react to your spouse’s name and his second wife. Never react to what is going on with them or the trips they are on or any new news.

 

Just recently we had a shower for my youngest daughter. It was a wonderful time and my daughter’s face radiated her total happiness. Sometimes, I wish that I could be that happy and young again and oblivious to what might be waiting for me around that curve in life’s road.

 

If there is anything that I can say to help others in my situation it would be to get a message to the second wife and that sould be not to be so intrusive in the face of the first wife. The fact of the matter is that you are not my children’s mother, or my grandchildren’s grandmother. You are the second wife.  I was the one who gave birth to my nine children, nurtured them and took care of them and was their designated driver. I spent a lot of time with them alone, despite being married.

 

It is difficult enough being around my ex and seeing he has another wife and has her own children as well, and listening to the wife wax and wane about her big family. I repeat, you are not their biological mother, despite you making yourself the center of attention at my youngest daughter’s shower. I have been civil to you and never mean. Please try to put yourself in my position. Please try to use your head and your sensitivity to my feelings. Please try to blend into the background when I am around. Please try to remember I am their mother and their grandmother. When you entertain them in your home with your husband, I don’t care how you act. But when we are all together, could you please be less intrusive and invasive and use your common sense.

 

The shower would have been more beautiful and a happier time for me but only ended up with me feeling like I crashed my own daughter’s wedding shower.

 

Maybe ex-spouses and new spouses should take a course in sensitivity. It still isn’t too late to figure this out.

Thanksgiving Meals by Erin

Thanksgiving Meals

 

If the thought of turkey and the trimmings ruffles your feathers – let me take care of the meal while you take care of the guest list and decorations. You take the praise, while I take over the hassle of holiday cooking.

 

This traditional Thanksgiving dinner and all the fixings include: Tender Roasted Turkey, Corn Bread, Stuffing, Fluffy Mashed Potatoes, Savory Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Orange Relish, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Pecan Bake, Corn Chowder Casserole, Assorted Dinner Rolls, Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie.

 

Menu Package Pricing:  8-10 People $170.00   12-14 People $225.00   18-20 People $280.00

 

You may place your orders for the full turkey dinner or for a la carte items by Wednesday, November 14. Orders maybe be picked up Monday, 19^th, Tuesday, 20^th, Wednesday 21, until 7:00 p.m. Only full dinners may be picked up on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 by 11:00 am.

 

This year make sure your Thanksgiving is stress free. Call and order your meal in plenty of time. To place an order call 412-366-5095 or visit (erinsfinefoods.com).

Road Trip

Something that I have always wanted to do was get into my car and go off on a road trip. Just drive somewhere randomly, get out of the car wherever I want to and take photos or just walk around and then get back into my car. I always wanted to be a little bit like Thelma and Louise without killing anyone or driving off a mountain!

 

Recently, I just fulfilled my dream of a road trip and took it with a friend. We got into her car and headed up I-79 to 80 and took a few turns onto a few different roads. We traveled through Emlenton and some other small towns, stopping to take a photo of an eclectic looking house. The place looked like a small Southern house with two stories and a flat roof, and vining flowers growing up one of the metal trellis. Two painted trees are strategically placed on each side of the front of the house on the second story. The iron gate caught my eye and camera with a “Please Go Away” spelled out in iron. I have never seen such massive and healthy ferns in pots in front of the house…whatever it was they were huge and thriving. The house was picturesque and lent itself to a camera buff.

 

After we drove along and stopped at a few old cemeteries, where I realized how the styles of grave markets and monuments have changed over the years. There are a lot of stories, silenced, in those cemeteries.

 

The leaves hadn’t changed colors, yet the trees and scenery was spectacular. Along the drive, we even braked for two baby Ruffled Feather Grouses (the national bird of Pennsylvania, which was something I learned from being a Cub Scout Den Mother).

 

Evening found us in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, on a Sunday night and we ate at a delightful restaurant, the Sky Jet.

 

Next time, it might be better to travel on a Saturday and be able to go into some of those eclectic shops.

Fallingwater

It was a perfect day to take a trip to Fallingwater. The weather was warm, but not overly warm. The sky was a beautiful blue and the sun made it easy to drape a light sweater across my arm. Even the leaves had started to change into their fall colors.

 

Fallingwater was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1935, for the Kaufmann Family; Edgar J. Kaufmann, Sr., and his wife Liliane. Kaufmann owned Pittsburgh’s Kaufmann Department Store. The home was built as their mountain retreat. It sits among 5,100 acres of lush land in Bear Run Nature Reserve in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. The house is considered the crown jewel in Wright’s many architecture masterpieces.

 

Wright’s innovated style of the home included open floor plans, low ceilings, narrow hallways, and floor to ceiling steel framed windows, gravity floor heat, carports, cantilevered roofs, and the use of flagstone rocks. It is built over the water and the falls and the home is one with  the scenery and the area. This was a contemporary home before its time and included tables that opened for eating extensions, wall seats and the Wright signature ceiling lighting design. It also contained buttons discreetly installed by the bedsides to summon the servants.

 

The Kaufmann’s art collection was something to behold with priceless art pieces of Picasso, Rivera, Hiroshige, and more, along with Tiffany lamps. Room after room brought an exclamation from the visitors. The out-door decks were privy to the beauty of the environment and the sound of the water and falls.

 

The house inspired me and I could see myself in the rooms or on the deck sitting in a chair writing or just enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. So, as a tourist, all I could do was take out my camera and snap a number of out-door shots. Indoors, cameras and cell phone cameras are prohibited. I even saw myself in the servant quarters or visitors quarters or even enjoying a dip in the swimming pool.

 

After the tour, my friend and I followed the sign to the view and what a view! To our amazement and delight, we found a perfect camera shot of Fallingwater rising majestically above the water and falls where the trees seemed to have parted. The house was in full view; a definite achievement to Frank Lloyd Wright and a perfect photo op for myself and my friend.

 

This was my third trip to Fallingwater and now I have visited the home in three different seasons, except winter. I can only imagine how cold it would be in winter but how beautiful Falling water would look with snow on the house, grounds and trees. A proverbial winter wonderland! I could also imagine how much I would enjoy the scenery from the house, with a fire going and looking out the windows at all the beauty outside.

 

If you have never been to Fallingwater, I think you would love to tour the place. For more information about the place try (www.fallingwater.org).

Chicken Osso Bucco - A Taste of Heaven

Last week, while working in my daughter’s catering kitchen, Erin’s Fine Foods, I couldn’t get over the fantastic aroma that was coming from the oven. Finally, Chef Jeff took out the large hotel pan and gently laid it down on the silver prep table. I put down my knife and had to walk over where the aroma was wafting from, and see what fabulous creation was in the hotel pan. There in the pan in a golden colored liquid were chicken legs, large cuts of celery, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and chunks of onions. The aroma wasn’t the only thing that was tickling my nose. The beauty of the dish itself, the rich looking golden gravy and the colors of the vegetables was something to behold.  I was able to take home a small take out container of the dish. I tried it at home and thought that if food is heaven, I was there. The flavors were to die for. I ate each mouthful as slow as I could and wished for a second and third helping. But I had to settle for the one helping. When I was finished, I remembered the richness of the dish. Although it was rich and hardy, I still remembered it on my taste buds. And 24 hours later, I am inspired to write a small piece about it.

 

The next day I asked Jeff what he put into the dish and he told me there was butter, some cream and stock, along with the spices. He cooked it in the oven for a long, long time.

 

My daughter will be putting this dish on her take out menus. It is a perfect meal for the coming cold months. Whenever Jeff makes this dish, my orders will be in for it as well. Next time, I want a lot more of the Chicken Bucco.

 

And to Chef Jeff…you are a true chef, and a true artist at what you do!

Dante Alighieri

About three years ago, I became interested in the Italian Cultural Gardens, in Cleveland, Ohio’s cultural district. I interviewed, Joyce Mariani, director of the garden’s foundation, who has been spearheading the rejuvenation of the gardens. My story was published in this spring’s issue of Primo Magazine, an Italian American publication.

 

The Italian Cultural Gardens is one of about 26 nationality gardens, located in the cultural area on the East Side of Cleveland, along Martin Luther King Drive. This area includes the museums, botanical garden, and much more.

 

One of the crowning achievements of the garden was the recent unveiling of the beautiful bronze statue of Dante Alighieri, the father of modern Italian language and writer of The Divine Comedy, one of the greatest literary works in Italian and a masterpiece in world literature. The statue was carved by sculptor Sondro Bonaiuto, a Clevelander.

 

During the process of writing my story, two years later, Sondro Bonauito finished the Dante statue, and it was dedicated in the garden, this July. Although I hadn’t attended the unveiling of the statue, this summer while visiting a friend, we drove to the cultural garden, where I viewed the statue. It is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. The greenish bronze of the statue makes it look as if Dante has been in the garden for years, quietly watching and approving the renovation of the garden. I took photos of the statue…close ups, ones at a distance, and I snapped all four sides of the monument. The statue spoke to me and I was taken with the peaceful and wise gaze of Dante. Because of these feelings I wanted to conduct an interview with this great master, but I settled for a number of photos.

 

I actually had a hard time leaving the garden, after taking the pictures. Then when I realized that I played a little part in getting the story out about Cleveland’s Italian Cultural Garden and the statue of Dante Alighieri, I turned my camera off, knowing that I would have photos and a magazine article reminding me of my accomplishment.

Rhythm of Friendship

My friend, Elaine, will probably be leaving Cleveland soon. She is going to move to Texas to be closer to her son and his family. For that obvious reason, I am happy for her.

 

Each time we get together, it is like a clock winding down. Like the last weekend we spent in Cleveland, we kept wondering out loud whey we hadn’t gone to more plays, or done more things together. But that is usually how it goes.

 

For me, Elaine, has always been around when I needed a shoulder to cry on, her home became a safe harbor for me when I was going through life changing experiences. We have laughed over movies and funny happenings. and cried over our losses.

 

We have been friends for over 40 years (wow – that is a very long time) a life time! When Elaine sold her house, she let me take whatever I wanted. One thing that I loved and truly lusted after was a beautiful portrait of a young, Native American woman, called “She Dreams in the Rhythm of the Waves”, by artist Patricia Wyatt. The picture is beautifully framed and matted and measures 28x46. Instead, I chose a different, smaller framed photo.

 

When we got together for one of our last weekends at the Radisson, we had rented the room for one night and decided to act like tourists. The next day, we drove to Elaine’s apartment, where I stopped in for 10 minutes before driving home.

 

Before I left, Elaine told me to close my eyes, because she had something to give me. When I opened them, she was holding the picture that I have always wanted…the beautiful portrait of that Native American woman; a woman who looks both wise and thoughtful. I became emotional, choked up, and kept saying, “I can’t take it. It means you’re moving. I love that picture but it should hang on your wall.”

 

A simply beautiful portrait of a woman and now she would hang in my house. Maybe her thoughtful expression always knew that simple goodbyes and acts of friendship would also bring painful moments.

Death of a Child

A few nights ago, I received a phone call from my friend. We used to work together. She called to tell me that the daughter of the secretary at my old job, had died. I could tell my friend was broken up with the news and I was in a state of shock myself. After the phone call, I sat down for a long time and thought what could be worse than losing a child?

 

I had already lived through the death of my parents and the death of my brother, leaving me the last one in my little family. I think the death of my brother was the hardest to accept. Basically, because I worshipped the ground that my big brother walked on. I loved him despite the bumps and bruises that he gave me. But, I wore them with pride, because I egged him on. I loved him despite that he was taller and smarter then I was and he was my mother’s favorite child. But I was my father’s favorite…so we came out even in the end. But he loved my stories of being a basketball player, and having nine children, and getting some of my stories published.

 

Then I thought back to when I was first married and all I ever wanted was to have a baby. Well, not just one but an even dozen. When I was first pregnant, I was ecstatic with the knowledge that in nine months I would have a little baby of my own. When I was almost three months pregnant, I had a miscarriage. I was devastated and wondered…was it a boy or girl? Would I ever be able to have another child? After that, it was hard to see the sun and enjoy it or see other pregnant women, or go to a baby shower, until I was lucky to be pregnant again. Eventually, I was lucky and had nine healthy children. But it took a long time to forget the pain of the baby that I lost. In time the pain goes away but not the memory.

 

I have had one child come close to near death and that was horrible in itself. But it was a scary time. Now I know that the most terrible thing for a mother is to have a child die. I know for a fact that to tell that person that “Your child is in a better place” isn’t the right thing to say, nor is “God wanted her more,” or “You’ll be fine.” Forget those words and just hug that person and let them grieve and talk.

 

I know every night I pray for my children to be happy and healthy and ask God to keep them safe. That is all I can do. When I see my friend at the funeral home, I will just hug her and that is all that I can do for her.

Weekend in Cleveland

A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend with my friend in Cleveland. Since she was living in a small apartment, we decided to stay in the downtown hotel, the Radisson, just like tourists.

 

Before we could check in to the hotel, we went over to the new Horseshoe Casino, located in the Highbee Company Department Store. The Casino had renovated the interior of the building and instead of what used to be a major department store was now home to numerous slot machines and table games. The place was packed with those machines and with people.

 

Oddly, my friend’s brother was a big time gambler and so was my father. My Dad actually lost the deed to our first house in a card game. But, I forced my friend to try the cheap penny and nickel slot machines. It was obvious that we weren’t your typical high rollers. We played a few dollars. I won $9.75, and promptly cashed out.

 

Leaving the Casino, we walked through the retail shops, next door in Tower City. This used to be the old train station. Now, the basement level still is still a train station to the major Rapid Transit System, as well as a few trains. The other two floors are filled with retail shops. Unfortunately, the Casino hasn’t brought many pedestrian shoppers to these shops. The merchants have found their sales down by 60%.

 

After, we walked through the downtown area, past buildings that brought back old memories to us like The Highbee’s Department store window that was used at Christmas time in the movie, A Christmas Story; past the Public Hall, where my Dad was the Convention Manager; the Library, and other places.

 

We were headed to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, where there was a special Grateful Dead Exhibit. The building was surrounded by a number of giant guitars decorated and on display, adding to the atmosphere of the building. The Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame is a unique glass and metal building shaped like an old fashioned record player. Nothing disappointed me in the building, except that we needed a lot more time to see everything. We left 15 minutes before closing, and walked back to our car. We had just enough time to check into our hotel room, and freshen up for the Comedy Mystery Play and Dinner that evening.

 

The day went by too quickly. After breakfast the next day, we drove to the Italian Cultural Gardens, and stopped to view it and a few of the other nationality gardens. We also stopped at the Western Reserve Historical Society, to take in their special exhibit of Wedding Gowns throughout the centuries.

 

On our way back to my friend’s apartment, we ate lunch in Cleveland’s Little Italy at La Dolce Vita.

 

In the end, the whole trip was a little bit like – La Dolce Vita.

Crunch Time

Crunch time or as I like to call it, the two minute drill before an event, when your adrenalin is rushing...

This time I not only got to help prep for a wedding but I actually got to go to the wedding and help out. First, I made seven aluminum half pans of Spinach Dip; four to freeze and three for two different weddings. I cut up and arranged vegetables in a large serving basket and skewered almost 300 pieces of chicken. But my pride and joy was cutting and artistically arranging the different types of cheeses for two different trays to be served as appetizers at the weddings.

 

When my daughter asked me to help out at the off-site wedding that she was catering, I jumped at the chance. Usually, I only help to prep the food, and watch the other chefs prepare it and cook it but I never get to see the final result of the food being displayed and served at the wedding.

 

I arrived at the catering kitchen, close to 1:30. I watched the two chefs finishing and hurrying through their last minute tasks: pulling out potatoes and vegetables and wrapping them and placing them in the hot boxes. I watched one chef pull out the chicken zinfandel and the beef, wrap the trays and place them in the hot boxes. One chef finished making the gravies, as the servers took out the hot boxes and loaded them into the catering van. They took out all the rest of the food, appetizers, salads and whatever else was needed.

 

My daughter ran over her check list, making sure everything was in the van. Everyone had their shirts, and aprons and their assignments for the wedding. When we were all ready, the lights turned off and door locked, we got into three different vehicles and followed each other like a mini caravan for the 40 minute drive to the offsite wedding.

 

I was impressed with how those few minutes ran before we got into our cars. The pleasant aroma of the food cooking was wonderful, everyone did their jobs and the adrenalin rush was there. The food at the wedding was delicious, as was the praise from the guests. That crunch time before everything begins is really intense. It gets the caterer and severs in the zone, and in the end it really all comes together!