In Memory of Sandy

I never got to meet Sandy. Breast cancer ended her valiant fight much too soon, and now I will only know her through other's memories. When I first learned of Sandy in 1992, I knew only that she had 'some' musical talent, was a practicing Catholic, was in love with her husband, and was very much looking forward to having a child.

What an understatement 'some' musical talent turned out to be. She was one of the few women trained as a piano technician, and was nationally recognized for her skills. Her senior project was to completely disassemble a grand piano, spend the entire academic year rebuilding and restringing the piano, and then give her senior recital on the piano she built. What an amazing feat!

She and her husband raised a beautiful, talented daughter, and were able to renew their wedding vows at their 25th anniversary.

While Sandy fought her cancer for six long years, she finally could fight no more, and left this physical earth in May 2008. Monday, October 12, would be her birthday. I'm hoping her family celebrates her birthday together, laughing and crying as they share their many loving memories of her.

Survivor - Mary Ellen

There are survivors of breast cancer! My friend, Mary Ellen, is a survivor!! She is the mother of a good friend and business partner. During her breast cancer treatment, she suffered with other physical ailments. Other health problems can often negatively impact the person's ability to fully fight the cancer, and embrace their treatment. Mary Ellen didn't let any of her ailments get the best of her. Certainly, she had a tough time of it, but, thankfully, she made it through!

Mary Ellen is funny, loving, and very giving to everyone she meets. She has the opportunity now to get to know her son and daughter as adults, and watch her precious grandson grow up.

Food Blog-Monday Dinner

OK - so I love food blogs! There are so many out there; I just get lost in them sometimes. I do have a few absolute favorites, though! Tonight I'm trying a recipe from www.amberskitchen.blogspot.com -- Sweet and Sour Chicken. I decided we need to eat more chicken - and something that isn't soaked in grease. Yes, when you read this recipe, you'll see it is fried, but not totally. You fry it a little first, just to brown it, and then you bake it. I think the hour baking time redeems the few minutes of frying. :) Looks good, sounds easy; we'll see how it turns out.

During the summer, we try to alternate cooking inside and grilling outside, but, as the summer winds down, we don't grill quite as much. We still grill - just not 3 nights a week. I need to start getting some new recipes for the upcoming winter months of cooking inside.

Hope you've found something great to have for Monday night's dinner! Enjoy!

Cancer Awareness

Just by itself, the word "cancer" evokes a mix of emotions in all of us. Unfortunately, there are probably very few people that have not been touched by this hideous disease. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Everyone is encouraged to have regular breast exams. While it is typically a female disease, men are not immune from breast cancer. It is just as important for men to have check-ups as women.

Just today, my little friend, Chris, lost another friend to Breast cancer - the second in as many months.

This month I am going to highlight the lives of those that are no longer in my life because of cancer - not just breast cancer. These will not be sad memories - they will be snippets of my best memories of that individual.

As part of being 'aware' this month, I hope you, too, can celebrate the memory of those no longer physically with you.

Take care!

Welcome to my Life!

I love reading blogs - cooking, scrapbooking, home dec, general crafting, etc. My husband says it's because I'm 'snoopy' and like to see what other people are doing. I say it's because I'm curious, and like to see what other people are doing. Amazing what a difference one word can make, huh? :)

At any rate, I have friends and family scattered all over the country, so I thought a blog would be nice to share information, pictures, etc. with everyone.

I also love a good (or even bad, sometimes) reality show! American Idol, Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars, Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen, Next Food Network Star - I think that covers my reality viewing schedule.

Like any reality show, each of our lives has ups and downs, drama, joy, sadness, madness - every emotion there is. Unlike a reality show, there's no 'million dollar prize' waiting for us at the end - hopefully, we get to ride out both the storms and the calm seas with our friends and family until our time on earth is done. I think LIFE is truly the best reality show there is, and I'm so happy to be a participant!

Take care!