Saying goodbye to a great man (m)

I am having a difficult time comprehending all the HATE out there for Senator Kennedy. Yes, he was human, and had faults, and committed crimes (cheating, killing, etc.). However, instead of self pity, he worked hard for American families. He helped people with every day things, and with big things, such as special education, health care, human rights.

On top of it, he is the last of the four Kennedy brothers to pass away. That is it. No more great legends from the family.

The Senior Kennedy clan loved their family (yes, there was divorce), but they worked hard, and loved life. They used their riches (and yes, the father did make alcohol when he wasn't supposed to) to help the greater good-special needs, etc.

There is NO family like the Kennedy family. Love em, or hate em, but the Kennedy clan fought for equal rights. The Kennedy Family and others FOUGHT so we could have an African American president. Yes, the one that is serving now, would not be here, without the Kennedy Clan, MLK, etc. What family takes time from their day to help the greater society.

There is no one.

Jolie-Pitt? Nope. Sure they have adopted, but have they given up their acting careers to write bills to make them into laws? Nope.

The Clintons, the Bushes? Sure the Bush family has served. But do they push up their sleeves and help special needs students? Are they funding a cure for cancer? Are they making sure the rest of us can reach the American Dream. The Bush family doesn't want me to have affordable health care.

Mr. Romney? Sure he helped MA. What about his kids? What about his personal wealth? Is he helping the greater good?

Nope. We have no one left to look out for us. It is a sad, sad time, to be without a Kennedy in the Federal Government. The Kennedy children for the most part have left politics.

The silence is deafening.

Sofra

So last weekend, we had a kid free experience. We decided to go to the Oleana bakery in Cambridge. I highly recommend this, however, I know I enjoyed much better because I did not have my kids with me. It is very small with limited seating, and on a Sunday morning in was busy. We did snag a table for two. Between the two of us we had a Greek Yogurt Parfait, a Persion Spice Donut, Brioche, a sesame seed scone and coffee. We took home two maureous, which were fabulous! I also got a chocolate hazelnut baklava - out of this world.

Again, go to Sofra.

What do you make for dinner when you invite over a chef?

Homemade Gazpacho

Homemade cornbread
Chili 9000
rice
honey glazed carrots

Homemade maple ice cream
Strawberries

Camp is over

I can't believe that summer is over. Geez Louise. It feels like it just started. Mark had a fabulous camp experience at Meadowbrook. One week of Innovations, a week of vacation and then school.

I already miss July.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Well, what to do with 2 quarts of strawberries????? Strawberry ice cream. Recipe involves strawberries, cream, sugar and vanilla. Easy! Delicious!

Sunday

We spent a few hours with friends at their house.

Mark & Adam are at the Lowell Spinners. Naomi & I went to Johnny's for dinner - just us girls. We had fun! Naomi ate her grilled cheese and part of my crunchy french toast.

Riding the Rails

Mark has not taken a train ride in a long time. Yesterday, even though it was beach weather, we decided to let Mark take a ride. He decided to take the green line to North Station and then ride to Rockport on the commuter rail. The trip from North Station to Rockport is 1 hr and 10 min. They got there, had a snack, and then got back on the train for the ride home.

Riding the train is so relaxing for Mark. He loves looking out the window. Adam brought his zune. I stayed home and made gazpacho, chocolate chip cookies and cowboy cookies (chocolate chip cookies with oats and toasted walnuts).