Drummer Naomi

Naomi and I went to the Boston Civic Symphony last weekend, and before the concert, there was an instrument petting zoo.

This was Naomi's favorite instrument by far.

Hadassah

I have been a member of Hadassah, since the day I was born. My grandmother made sure of that. Last night, was my first official Hadassah event (if you don't count a challah making lesson at an apartment in Cambridge years ago).

What is Hadassah? It is an amazing group of women, from around the world, to help Israel, and Hadassah Hospital. Before I went to the event I explained to my son, how important Hadassah Hospital is to Israel and the world. One of the amazing things about Hadassah Hospital is that Israelis, Jewish people, Muslims, Christians, Arabs, and everyone else work together and help everyone. It is not unusual for an Israeli doctor to treat an Arab patient. In the Hadassah Hospital everyone is a person. And you help people.

So, off I went to the Windsor Club, all dressed up, and no kids in tow. Met up with friends, new and old. Bid on some interesting items, drank some fabulous Israeli wine, and ate some chocolate. All during the event, I thought of my grandmother. My grandmother who was active in the same chapter 60 plus years ago. I wonder if this is what she had in mind when she made me a life member the day I was born. Not only is Hadassah about helping Israel and Hadassah Hospital, but also the wonderful women, here and everywhere that care about Israel and the future. Thanks Grandma for a great gift, and I miss you.

NOTE: My mom made Naomi a life member, which makes Naomi fourth generation Hadassah life member.

Testing 1, 2, 3

So, I am one of the co-chairs of the sisterhood cookbook. We have collected about 200 recipes, with a few more coming here and there. Now is the fun part. TESTING! I am coordinating the testing, and emailing recipes to my great group of testers. There are the funny emails "I was going to make this chicken recipe, but the list of ingredients doesn't list chicken." Great!

So, I have made the following:

1. Chocolate Spice Squares - they were okay according to my family. No the hit that I was looking for.

2. Persian Rice with Potatoes - thank goodness this recipe makes alot, since all four of us LOVED it.

3. Chicken with Peppers and Balsamic Vinegar - Mark and I really enjoyed this!

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash - another hit!

Farms

So, a few weeks ago, I made my first visit to Russo's in Watertown, which I loved, loved, loved. I just wish it wasn't so far out of my daily routine. . . . the fruit and veggies were amazing. I can't wait to try the homemade pasta, on my next visit.

Today we went to Wilson's Farm in Lexington, MA to pick out pumpkins. And we got some sort of awesome tomatoes . . . and purple cauliflower.

I love farm stores.

A creative dinner

I love baked potatoes. . . . love em. But I wanted to be more creative than just a plain ol' baked potato.

Sooo, last night I created a potato bar for dinner. Each child/adult was given one baked potato. Then the fun started. I had shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, facos (fake bacon bits), salsa, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, brocoli, cucumbers, salt, pepper,etc.

The one rule was that if you make a gigantic thing, you MUST eat it. . . .

The kids really enjoyed designing their own dinner. We must do it again!

School

Last night we attended Mark's Curriculum night. I was so impressed with his teacher, and what they are going to do this year. Adam and I left feeling so impressed and in awe. His teacher is strict and structured, but fair and flexible. I am soooooo looking forward to having a whole year of Ms. Powell.

She even has an easy button for the kids to push . . . . once they figure out a problem . . . . that was easy.

Vacation

So, we took our annual (but probably our last) vacation to Storyland. It was HOT HOT HOT. I mean it was HOT! I did not know that New Hampshire got this hot.

On Sunday we checked into the Seasons Condo resort, and then off to Storyland. The kids had a great time. It was hot, but fun. Then off to Red Fox for dinner.

On Monday, we went to Storyland, and at 3 PM we were all hot. Too hot to continue (even with multiple trips on the raft ride) and went to the condo's pool. I have known Adam since Oct 1994, and I have NEVER seen him in a pool. Well, after 6 hours of walking around a HOT Storyland, the man got into his bathing suit, and went into the pool. I nearly fainted!!!!!! Then off to dinner, which was not as good as Red Fox.

On Tuesday, we ventured up to Mount Washington. We took a coach, and were very thankful someone else was doing the driving. The road was narrow (yes, I know two cars can pass each other, but too close for me), steep and at the top FOG covered. Naomi hated it up at the top. I mean HATED it. It was nice - 50 degrees with a 45 mph wind. Not so bad for the ol' mountain.



After that we went to Christie's Sugar Shack and had maple ice cream. Tasty. Went for another swim, and then off to dinner.

On Wednesday, we went to Glen Junction for breakfast, a favorite for the kids. Then off to Lost River and Gorge. Perfect for an eight year old boy. Not so perfect for Naomi. But she made the most of it. It was HOT again, and a bit humid for cave exploring. A great day.



All in all the vacation was a hit.