“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.”
— James Oppenheim (1882 – 1932)
American poet & novelist
This is one of my favorite quotes, so it’s no surprise that it appears in my latest encouragement guide, “Happiness: and Other Life Seasonings.” May you grow plentiful happiness.
Photo by Lama Roscu
“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.”
— Don Kardong (1948 – )
American runner & author
“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
— Michael Jordan (1963 – )
American businessman & NBA superstar
Photo by Orkun Azap
“Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.”
— Frank William Leahy (1908 – 1973)
American college football player & coach
Photo by Travis Gergen
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
— Walt Disney (1901 – 1966)
American pioneer of the animation industry, filmmaker, voice actor
My next edition in the “Life Seasonings” book series was released today! “Happiness: and Other Life Seasonings” is my latest little go-to guide with encouraging tidbits, quotes, and color photos… in paperback and digital formats! Woo-hoo! We all can use daily touches of happiness in our lives.
Photo by Alexander Grey
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use it, the more you have.”
— Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014)
American poet, memoirist & activist
We’ve been blessed to snorkel and scuba dive in many beautiful places. If you’ve got the gear, it’s a great way to chill out on a hot summer day! Followed by a favorite boat drink, of course!
Photo by Luke Stackpoole
“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832)
German polymath & writer
“Americans are so enamored of equality, they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.”
— Alexis de Tocqueville (1805 – 1859)
French diplomat, philosopher & historian
We love New Hampshire’s Lakeport Opera House!
Caught another superb act last night. Hubby scored a table in the front row!
The “Changes in Latitudes” Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
Parrot heads and pirates were partying.
How they fit a dozen performers and all the equipment on that stage was wild.
And the entire band was fabulous.
Needless to say, a “fun”-tabulous time was had by all.
Photo by Luca Bravo
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
— John Muir (1838-1914)
Wilderness explorer, naturalist & conservationist;
First president of the Sierra Club
Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our first date. Of course, I had not yet “knighted” Sir Ronald at that time, but the time we have enjoyed together over this quarter century has zoooooomed and been filled with love! Happy Anniversary, Babe!
(The picture was taken on the first anniversary of our first date on July 25, 2001, but at the same patio table…. Now Cotton; was Café Pavone.)
“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.”
— Anne Lamott (1954 – )
American novelist
I quoted her in my new Life Seasonings go-to guide, entitled “Hope.” I have been asked why I started this new book series. Every day I seek words of wisdom. Every day I need words of wisdom. I thought there just might be other people like me who seek the same.
Photo by Gerd Altmann
“A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought – they must be earned.”
— Naval Raikant (1974 – )
Indian-born American entrepreneur & investor
We caught another great tribute show at the Lakeport Opera House. Jay White, who has Neil Diamond’s personal approval.
He presented the superstar flawlessly. Every gesture, expression, look, posture, and lyric.
He’s been playing Las Vegas for decades, and it’s easy to see why his tribute to Neil Diamond gets people standing, dancing, and cheering.
Bravo, Jay. Keep the Neil Diamond legacy sparkling.
My second book in the new Life Seasonings series was released today. “Hope” is a great little go-to guide for anyone in need of a lift, a boost, a reminder that we can and should “hang in there,” despite challenging circumstances. Like “Perspectives,” “Hope” also has fun color photos and Notable Quotables and comes in paperback ($9.99) and eBook ($2.99) formats.
Sir Ronald and I have had grand fun seeking out new venues and hidden treasures. Last night we caught a true gem… the Over the Moon Farmstead Restaurant and BarN (not a typo).
But do NOT go there unless you like great food, brew, music, company, crew, and atmosphere, because they have them all! Just 30 min from Concord or the Lakes Region, they sit high atop a fabulous hill at 1253 Upper City Road in Pittsfield, NH.
We caught Chris Bonoli and Roy D performing in the BarN. Always entertainingly mahhhhhvelous.
The barn menu features pizza, and we loved the Three Little Pigs!
Of course, the main dining room (with an awesome chef), has a superb menu also.
Plus, there’s a deck and a wide pastoral view.
Great spot to catch a sunset.
“We should not expect something for nothing, but we all do, and we call it hope.”
— E. W. Howe (1853 – 1937)
American novelist & editor
A couple of nights ago, Sir Ronald and I watched a T-storm scream across Lake Winnipesaukee.
Sitting in the boat’s cockpit, the calm before the storm gave nothing away, but this baby was coming!
A glass of wine. Some freshly made popcorn. Okay. I’m a sissy. Once it started pouring, I was down in the cabin. LOL.
Celebrate National Grand Marnier Day!
For Sir Ronald, Grand Marnier is his favorite after-dinner drink…
served in a large snifter, of course. I’ll take mine in Crepes Suzette, please. The classic French dessert is served with the famous orange liqueur flambéed, but there are other options.
Super Simple Crepes Suzette
6 pre-made crepes (homemade recipe follows, if you prefer)
Sauce:
½ c butter
¼ – 1/3 c granulated sugar
2 T fine, fresh orange zest
¼ – 1/3 c orange juice (fresh or purchased)
4 T Grand Marnier liqueur
2 T cognac or brandy, optional
1-2 T additional sugar
Garnish options:
Med or fine fresh orange zest
Warmed mandarin orange sections, whole or halved
French vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Melt butter in 12” skillet over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and orange zest. Constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in the orange juice. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes till syrupy. (If not flaming the sauce, add the liqueurs here.) Reduce heat to low. Use 2 forks to lower each crepe into the sauce, turning to moisten both sides. Then place crepe on baking sheet, folding in half and in half again, forming a triangle. Repeat with remaining 5 crepes. Transfer all 6 folded crepes back into the skillet, overlapping as needed. Scrape any sauce collected on the baking sheet into the pan. Sprinkle the additional sugar over the top.
To flambé, add the liqueurs and carefully light with long-handled lighter. Use long-handled spoon to quickly spoon flaming sauce over the crepes for about 30 seconds till flames subside. Transfer crepes to serving plates. Top with remaining sauce from the skillet and garnish, as desired. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8.
KISS Tip: Instead of orange sections, you can also use thin peach slices and/or fresh raspberries for garnishing.
Homemade Crepes
2 lg eggs
3 T sugar
1/8 tsp salt
¾ c flour
½ c milk
¼ c water (or Grand Marnier, for extra flavor)
½ – 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 T melted butter
Additional melted butter for skillet
In medium bowl, whisk eggs till frothy and smooth, before whisking in sugar and salt. Gradually whisk in flour till well combined. Then whisk in milk, water, and extract thoroughly. Finally, whisk in the 2 T melted butter. (Batter can be refrigerated at this point.) To prepare, heat a 6-8” nonstick skillet over med to med-high heat. Brush with melted butter. Add 3 T batter and quickly tilt and swirl pan to evenly distribute batter. Cook just 45-60 seconds (edges will start to curl up). Use long spatula to flip crepe over; cook another 10-15 seconds. Transfer crepe to a baking sheet. Wipe out skillet lightly with a paper towel and lightly brush with butter again. Repeat process with remaining batter. Set crepes aside and make the sauce. Makes 6-8 crepes.
KISS Tip: Substituting Grand Marnier for the water adds more flavor. Another option is adding 2 T finely grated fresh orange zest.
Photo by Josh Mills
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.”
— Ashley Montagu (1905 – 1999)
British American anthropologist
We caught Rod Stewart… again… in concert last night in Gilford, NH.
He had his typical entertaining costume changes every 3 songs.
As usual, his entire cast was fabulous.
Insane how solid a showman Stewart remains… even at 80!
The opening act was Cheap Trick.
But Rod Stewart and company just kept bringing it… each and every number was superb.
Thank you, Rod Stewart for giving a lifetime of culture and class to us all.
Thank you to my many friends who have been earnestly asking when my next book will be released. In progress, there are several works, some entertaining and some intriguing, but they need more time than I have had. Unfortunately, circumstances over the last couple of years have not been conducive to writing, recording, or any other sort of creativity.
Thank you for your patience. Since Ron’s stroke in 2023, his increasing needs for my time have, understandably, gotten all my focus. We are glad to report that he’s doing awesome! So, while we are enjoying Lake Winnipesaukee, I am taking advantage of the relaxation time to launch a new book series.
Sooooo…. Today’s the Day! “Perspectives” is the first in my Life Seasonings series of little Go-To guides to simply serve up information that may be encouraging, uplifting, supportive, and even motivational. All books in the Life Seasonings series will be liberally sprinkled with fun and thoughtful tidbits, colorful photographs, and favorite quotations. (You knowwww I love those!)
Whether your tastes lean toward sweet, spicy, or savory, the Life Seasonings series presents something for everyone. “Perspectives” is available today in full-color paperback and digital formats.
Photo by Joseph Pearson
“If you have one true friend, you have more than your share.”
— Thomas Fuller (1608 – 1661)
English writer & historian
“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”
— Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)
British philosopher, logician, author, & Nobel laureate
Photo by Lisa Baker
“One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.”
— Jack Penn (1909 – 1996)
African surgeon, sculptor & artist
Photo by Gary Bending
“What the world needs is more geniuses with humility; there are so few of us left.”
— Oscar Levant (1906 – 1972)
American pianist & composer
Photo by Alejandra Quiroz
Celebrate International Kissing Day! You know what to do… Travel to a foreign country and kiss somebody!
Wait! That’s not it??!!
Okay. Save the airfare. Smooch wherever you are.
“If you ever feel like you want to give up, think of all the little things that have made you smile… Hang on and live for those things.”
— Cathy Burnham Martin
Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton
We have our issues, as we always have… as all nations do. However, we Americans are especially blessed. We have innovation, a good economy, and ever-opening opportunities. Our individual perceptions, perspectives, and personal experiences can sway our opinions. Despite divisiveness, we remain highly productive, focused on innovation and technology, and a nation brimming with individual opportunities. Blessedly, we have human rights that are largely unheard of in far too many nations. We can and do express diverse opinions. We fall short now and then, but we get back up. I am grateful to everyone who has sacrificed to keep America and Americans free, and I joyously celebrate Independence Day.
(Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton)
This is one hot summer… everywhere! Today is Air Conditioning Appreciation Day. Enjoy it, if you’ve got it. If not, take great care to stay out of the sun, or in the water, or near a fan. And hydrate! (Nope… caffeine, alcohol, and soft drinks do not count as they are diuretics and dehydrate our bodies.) Stay cool!
“Patience is also a form of action.”
— Auguste Rodin (1840 – 1917)
French sculptor
Photo by Joshura Earle
“In all things, it is better to hope than to despair.”
— Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749 – 1832)
German writer & polymath
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten
“Listen now to the gentle whispers of hope.”
— Charles D. Brodhead (1827 – 1913)
American politician, PA rep
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
— Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922)
French novelist & literary critic
A true friend accepts who you are but also helps you become who you should be.
My most sincere gratitude to all who have been true to me and helped me grow along the way.
David Clode
“Just as war is freedom’s cost, disagreement is freedom’s privilege.”
— Bill Clinton (1946 – )
(born William Jefferson Blythe III)
American politician & lawyer
42nd U.S. President
“Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway.”
— Robert Anthony Rodriguez (1987 – )
American motivational speaker, Paralympian, and disabilities advocate
Thanks to all who serve in our military, as first responders, and as other positive role models.
Photo by Iva Rajovic
The ability to endure challenging times without getting upset requires developing a worthy skill set. However, maintaining a positive attitude while awaiting long-term results is far from easy. Hang in there. The wait is worthwhile.
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
— Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778)
Swiss philosopher & writer