The more I know

The more I learn about websites, the more I realize how much I need to learn.

I built one, two years ago, in fact, for real estate.  Simple enough.  I bought a template, added my words, a few photos, linked to our listing services and "Voila", I had a website.

My goals now are much more difficult. 

Just when I mastered my cell phone, it shattered and I had to replace it.  Tech comes slowly to me.

What A Way To Start the New Decade

Honestly, I really should not complain.

We started this year, as we do most every year, in a tropical location under starry skies, fireworks, and palm trees.  After visting with friends we met last year in Argentina and making new friends in San Juan, we danced with other tourists and local Puerto Ricans in San Juan as the television crews filmed the celebration.

Like many of my friends, I was happy to bid farewell to 2009 and the tumultous decade that preceded it. 

The dot-com bust of 2000, 911, a war on terror, the housing bubble and the financial crisis were enough to give even an optimist like myself a few sleepless nights.

The decade however, was not bad on a personal level. 

I met and married the love of my life, traveled, decorated and was blessed to watch my daughter grow and still have my World War II era parents and aunt here with us. New friendships were made and thanks to modern technology, old friends, have kept me sane thoughout every crisis for the past ten years.

Now looking outside at the melting snow, I am hopeful about the coming years.

Turning thirty was a sad time for me for so many reasons, thirty-five inspired my self-improvement kick and regular visits to a plastic surgeon, but forty, now just eight months and a few days away, feels like a true celebration...a victory...an event that demands dancing!

So no complaining from me; well, except that it's cold here and I'd rather be in Mexico.  But as far as 2010 goes, I couldn't be more hopeful!

Happy New Decade!

Cherry Bombs

These little poppers pack quite a punch

so take it easy or you'll be "bombed".

20-30 Fresh cherries with the stems

(I prefer Rainer white cherries because they make such a pretty presentation)

3/4 cup of Vodka

3/4 cup of Triple Sec

1 1/2 cups of water and granulated sugar

splash of lime juice

Wash and pat dry cherries.

Next, place the cherries in a glass or plastic microwave safe container.

Add Vodka and Triple Sec

Microwave uncovered for 1-2 minutes

Mix equal parts sugar and water and microwave until the mixture bubbles (do not allow the simple sugar to boil)

Add the simple sugar to the cherries and alcohol along with a splash of lime juice.

Stir well.

Microwave for another 1-2 minutes. Again...do not allow to boil.

Stir well.

Cover and put in the freezer until ready to serve....they will not freeze due to the alcohol.

*I have also added strawberries, grapes, or other small bite sized fruit to the mixture just before placing the dish in the freezer.

Once you and your guests finish the fruit, you can serve the reserved alcohol/sugar mixture for fruity martinis.

Banana Split Trifle

This makes a pretty and colorful dessert that can be made ahead for picnics and dinner parties in the summer.

Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix baked according to package directions (I used Betty Crocker's Triple Chunk in a 13" x 9" pan)
3 large bananas (ripe, but not yet brown at all)
15 - 20 strawberries
1 large container of Cool Whip
2 oz. Hershey's chocolate syrup
15 pecan halves
lemon or lime juice (just enough to coat the bananas)

Mix and bake the brownies according to the directions on the package.

While the brownies bake, peel and slice bananas and gently toss in lemon/lime juice to prevent browning.
Then drain bananas to remove excess juice.
Rinse the strawberries and then slice the tops off flat and set aside.
When the brownies are ready, cut into squares in the pan. ( if I am in a rush, I cool mine in the freezer as well as my glass serving dish)
Place brownies in the bottom of a clear decorative container (if you do not have a trifle dish, any large clear glass serving bowl or plastic bowl will do)
Press brownies down with a spatula to form the base and try to make the brownie level even
Add strawberries on top of brownies with the tops of the strawberries facing up
Add bananas over berries
Cover the entire surface with Cool Whip and seal the edges
Add Hershey's Syrup and top with pecans
Refrigerate for one hour, up to twelve hours before serving. See below for more fruit ideas.

I have also used a smooth layer of ice cream, fresh raspberries, fresh or canned (drained completely) pineapple, vanilla or banana pudding mix, or a caramel sauce for a little variety.