Happy 5th Anniversary, Darling Jim

Nothing brings me more pleasure than to think back almost six years ago now, to our long distance courtship and love affair. And nothing has changed in these past five years of wedded bliss, except the distance.I believe in fate. And it was fate that brought me to Jim. And I am so happy it did.
He is a kind and loving man, father, and husband.
Everyone who knows him loves him. Especially me.
Wishing all of my lovely readers, the sort of love and happiness Jim and I have together.
And wishing my Jim many more years of happiness and togetherness with me.I adore you, James Wareham.

xxx

Maggie

We were married right here in the living room of our home in Williamsville, New York

Our friends and family decorated the house and made home-made deserts and refreshments.

Our home-made wedding cake, my bouquet, and some other wedding finery

The Gift of Love

Deborah, my sister, made this little Stanley dog for me.

I know, I know, I missed Valentine's Day so why the look backwards?
I wanted to write on Valentine's Day, but it was on a Saturday and my husband is home only on weekends right now, so anything other than spending time with him and our daughter, Katie, is really out of the question. So since that day I have been thinking about how to fit everything in that I want to write about without boring you all to distraction. It won't be easy, the list is long.

So why should the list be long and what the heck is on the list anyway?
I had been thinking about Valentine's Day and how it is celebrated in the United States versus how it is celebrated here in the United Kingdom.
Here is is strictly a day for lovers. I discovered that my first year here when I went looking for cards to send to America to my children. No cards were found and I was told why by shop clerks.

In contrast, in the US, the day is considered a day for everyone to share love with one another.
And it begins in the home as children and carried through to school, too. Some of my oldest memories of childhood include the yearly Valentine exchange in the elementary classroom.
It begins weeks before the actual day, when the teacher distributes brown paper bags for the children to decorate. (Posh teachers get white bags now!) The use of paper doilies, crayons, and all manner of trims and embellishments were used. Naturally, your name would be quite prominent!
These were completed and tucked away until February 14th when they would be taped to the edge of your desk and everyone would have a turn at walking around the classroom to deposit little paper Valentines in the bags. Someone would bring in treats (probably the teacher) of candy and cupcakes and drinks and a party would ensue.
There was always a bit of candy in the Valentine bags, too, especially, Conversation Hearts.

It is much the same in classrooms today. The main difference is that in my youth you gave Valentines to those you wished and now you are required to give each child a card whether or not you like them. It is insurance to make certain no child is left out of the caring and love intended for the day. A nice improvement.

In high schools today, young girls get gifts of flowers, candy, soft toys, and more from their sweethearts. It is a controversial subject within the schools as many girls are left out and stigmatized for not getting things, and/or having a boyfriend. Some boys and girls give gifts to each other secretly, while some girls give gifts openly to each other. No matter what your take on this, it is still a sign of love being shared.

When my own children were little, I followed a tradition my mom had with us when we were growing up. I would have a small treat for the kids waiting for them on the dining room table, or it might have been tucked away in a lunch bag. It was always a foil-wrapped chocolate heart or the same item on a sick in the form of a lollipop. Conversation hearts and gummy hearts and wee foil choco hearts also found their way into lunch sacks along with a little Valentine, too.

Valentine's Day is a day some people refer to as a 'Hallmark made-up day' in order to get people to buy greeting cards and flowers and candy. Who knows? Maybe it is. It does rank right up there with Sweetest Day and Grandparent's Day. But the latter two are recent inventions and St. Valentine's Day has been around a long, long, time. Evidence of this is found in the intricate and beautiful Victorian Valentine's Day cards found in Ephemera shops or sales.

It would make me sad to think that we needed a reminder to show our love for each other by creating a day for it - any day, St. Valentine's Day included. I like to think that these days are just special days for love, not the only days for love. And love comes in so many packages!

My sister, Deborah made this little sewing kit for me. I adore it!

I love when I witness something loving. It is like a precious little sign that love is out there.
Last week I noticed a family having lunch next to our table in a carvery pub. It was unusual because the family had four children - something not seen too often in these days of families with only two children. The mother remained behind at the table tending to the baby in the pram and one of the youngest children. Her husband took two children with him to go and get their food.
When he returned to the table the mom and young toddler went for their dinners while the dad remained behind with the older kids. Nothing unusual here, right?
When the mom returned to the table, the rest of the family was nearly finished eating.

The mom began cutting food for the toddler as her own plate was getting colder.
By the time she had finished preparing the toddler's plate, the baby in the pram was restless and wanting his dinner.
The mom struggled with a bottle in one hand and her fork in another but only momentarily. Wordlessly, her husband appeared from the other side of the table, removed the bottle from her hand, and nodded in the direction of the place he had been seated. She swapped seats with him and proceeded to eat her lunch in peace while he proceeded to feed the baby in the pram, bottle, dinner in a dish he removed from the baby bag, et all.
It was a tender scene filled with love for one another and caring and sharing the load, so-to-speak. He wasn't asked to come and help, he just saw a need and filled it. Amazing.

It isn't perfect, but I love it just the same. A linen heart 'wallet' with lucky shamrocks.

Everyday things that are gifts of love include, an unexpected call from a friend or family member; seeing the little daffodil sprouts peeking up through the snow and dirt; a gift from a loved one made with her own hands; Jenny wren building her nest in a shelterd spot under an canopy in your garden; a cozy fire; a favourite piece of china; a hand embroidered vintage piece of linen; a warm lazy day; and so many more!

You don't need a special day to show you care - any day will do.
Go on then - share the love!

xxx
Maggie

Tell Someone You Love

My eldest sister is seriously ill from a stroke and is in hospital as I type this.

I am thousands of miles from her and all I can do for her right now is pray for a miracle.
Although I would love to be with her right now, even if I was there, there is little I could do for her or even for her family.

But oh, how I wish I had been able to be with her and other sisters and family members when they visited in Florida this past Easter. That would have meant so much to her then, and to me, now. Why did I not find the resources to be with her then?

So my message is clear: Don't wait; go see that person you love.
Visit an elderly relative who longs for company, yet, no one seems to have time to visit.
Call a dear friend you haven't spoken with in ages.
And most importantly, tell someone you love how much he or she means to you.
Tell her why she means so much and how much she has influenced you all of your life.
Tell him the difference he has made in your life.

And don't forget to tell anyone you love that you love them.

Jim, This One's For You

Jim and Maggie June 1, 2005

Jim came upstairs this morning carefully carrying cups of tea and plates of toasted bagels.
He had already been out, driving Katie to university at 8 am, fighting morning rush hour traffic, something he really hates. All the while I was luxuriating in bed, being allowed to sleep in late while he did was up and out of the house.
We sat in bed eating our breakfast and chatting about our history.

Jim and I were married four years ago today, after a whirlwind courtship, having 'met' on the Internet. Some of you know the story, but that is for a different post. This one is about Jim.

Jim and Maggie, December 2004

I like to think about the things we have done, places we have visited, new experiences we have shared. It has all been an amazing experience for both of us.
Scotland, Ireland, Canada, United States; planes, cars, and ferries; road trips on winding country lanes; one lane roads in Ireland and Scotland; beach views and cottage stays, it has all been a new world and like living in a fairy tale for me. And I know this is all the beginning. We have many more experiences to share together.

Jim is a fabulous man.

An exemplary father to his two sons and their families, as well as to my children, Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Katie.

Jim and Katie on her birthday last November

He is loving, caring, sincere, funny, and kind.
And he does the most loving things.

I was babysitting our little granddaughter, Hannah, recently, and the time was getting late.
Hannah was asleep, and I was working on some little books while she slept.
I had forgotten about the time, well past lunch time, but Jim hadn't.
Suddenly, I saw his car pull into the drive, and my sweet husband emerged with a familiar bag in his hand. He had arrived with luch from McDonalds for me.
He realized I hadn't brought a lunch with me and so he went out to buy me a surprise I hadn't had in ages!

Seeing his beautiful smile, and realizing he was so thoughtful and caring made me realize just how much I love him. Marriage isn't about the big things, it is the small, every day, thoughtful, caring things that matter most.
And every day we are together, I realize more and more, just how much this man means to me, and how much more I love him.

We have agreed to not exchange gifts this year. No cards, flowers, or dinner out, either.
We both agreed instead, to exchanging little notes.
Mine was waiting for me early this morning.
But I explained to Jim, that since we were married at 7pm EST, he would have to wait until midnight our time, before I would give him his note.
So this post will be waiting for him when he comes online in a bit. A wee surprise to let him know how much he means to me. And just how pleased I am being married to such a wonderful man. And how I want to share that with the world.

This one's for you my sweetheart.
I love you.

xxx
Maggie

For the Love of . . . Peanut Butter!

Being an American, living in England, it is sometimes necessary to explain our love of the peanut and all of the derivatives thereof.
Trying to explain the joy of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on fresh, preferable squishy, white bread, gets to be quite the challenge! (Most Brits crinkle up their noses at the description.)
Not to mention the deliciousness of peanut butter cookies, and oh yes the all-time-favourite: the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup.

Now here is the rub: you can buy Reeses PBC here on this fabulous island - you see them right there at the end of the counter as you wait in the queque in Morrisons, but sadly, they are not the same as those in the US. In fact, they are made in Canada, do not taste the same, and often are stale, probably sent via surface mail in a boat right up the Welland Canal, to the St. Lawrence Seaway, to the Atlantic Ocean!
Mind you - when you are deprived of them for ages, they will do in a pinch as a substitute, but nothing beats the joy of a tasty, fresh Reeses Peanut Butter Cup right from the good old USA.
And it gets even better at holiday time.

Each holiday brings with it the tasty cups in new and lovely shapes: the egg at Easter; the pumpkin at Halloween; the tree at Christmas. These are particularly good because the have more of the filling and less of the chocolate.
They come six to a pack and are gone in a flash!
Because once a bite is taken from them, you only want to have another and another!

Now here is the point of all of this: You know someone really loves you when they send you these special treats in the post all the way from America. Postage costs are astronomical and probably are more than three times the cost of the product, so it is true love when you find the postman at your door, first thing in the morning, holding a package that bears one thing and one thing only- the coveted Reeses Peanut Butter cup, in egg form, in a MULTIPACK of INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED eggs!
I have been away so long I didn't even know they were sold like this!!!
Complete with an Easter 'Cat' card, and creatively shipped in a cereal box, what more could someone want?
A huge 'THANK YOU' goes out to our son, Jonathan, and his girlfriend Stephanie, in North Carolina for thinking of us and treating us to such a wonderful tasty delight!
We love you and miss you!!!

Today is the day for lovers - and in our house, we take that seriously!
And it includes making a 'new' traditional favourite - decadent chocolate brownie hearts!

When my children were young, I left chocolate Valentine heart lollipops and Valentine cards for them on the dining room table before I went to bed.
In the morning, they would hurry downstairs, getting ready for school, and find their surprise waiting for them.
It was a nice way to welcome their day and let them know how much they were loved.

Since I married my husband, Jim, and now live here in England, we have begun a new tradition: we celebrate the day with home-made, from scratch, brownies. I make them, bake them, and cut them into hearts using a cookie cutter.
Then we adorn them with fresh raspberries and a bit of vanilla ice cream.

I use a brownie recipe from Martha Stewart's Living Magazine, originally published in 2004.
I looked for it on-line, and it has been removed, so I cannot provide a link for you.
But I will place the recipe at the end of this post.
So here are some pictures showing the steps, and the finished product.
Enjoy and wishing you all new traditions to share and love in your hearts for Valentine's Day!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Makes about 8

Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 ounces semisweet chocolate (about 170 grams)

* I used Green & Blacks

¼ cup best quality unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder

*I used Green & Blacks Organic Cocoa

¾ cup all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (about 180 C)
2. Line an 8” square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2” overhang on 2 sides. Coat with cooking spray. Set aside.

· Press the paper in the pan, trim to fit.

· Spray the pan first, and then replace the trimmed paper.

· Spray again. I used butter.

3. Melt together: butter, chocolate & cocoa in heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. Whisk together: flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
5. Put eggs, sugar and vanilla into a bowl of an electric mixer fitted wit a whisk attachment. Beat until pale, about 4 minutes.
6. Beat in the chocolate mixture. Add the flour mixture. Beat until just combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
7. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Smooth top with an offset spatula. Bake until a cake tester inserted between the edge and the center of the pan comes out with a few crumbs on it, about 30-35 minutes. Do not over bake. Let cool about 15 minutes and remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack.

Martha Stewart Living magazine: 15 Years of Delicious Desserts

February 2006; Originally from magazine published in February 2004

Photograph & Description: Page 61; Recipe: Page 16

The Times They are A-Changin'

Wow! We have been glued to CNN since about 4:00pm this afternoon, watching as events unfold with the Inauguration of the new President of the United States of America.

It was a bit much for we, who are still a little homesick every now and then, to digest as we saw flags and ceremonies, and speeches and oh-so-much America!
It made one want to be there and relish in the excitement of it all!

Now anyone who knows me knows I am so very non-political and tend to shy away from any conversations in which one might become embroiled in some sort of political debate.
But this today was different.

It didn't matter if you were Republican or Democrat, young or old, black or white or somewhere in-between.
It only mattered that you loved your country and wanted the best for it.

It was so wonderful to see people united and peaceful and everyone looking forward to a new era in America, no matter what the age, race or political affiliation; the news was good: here we have a young, energetic, diplomatic, President, and he wants what we all want: peace, prosperity, and sharing of pride in America.

Dylan has the last words: The times, they are a-changin'.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now a bit of trivia for you that came up as part of a discussion we were having about the US Capitol. After literally years in school studying US History, it is amazing that we knew Washington, D.C. was not the original capital of the US, however, none of us could recall which city was the first.
My vote was for New York City because I seemed to recall that everyone thought it was Philadelphia, but they were incorrect.
Katie's guess was Philadelphia because she remembered studying about the Continental Congress meeting there, and of course, who could forget the Liberty Bell?
So what do you think?
Have a guess and then go here to find the answers.

New Beginnings

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
Semisonic, Closing Time

So here we stand at the precipice of a New Year; our feet, firmly on the line of no return, looking at our past right into the eyes of an unknown future. And it is good.

We stood here last year, too. (And with a bit of luck, this same spot will be waiting for us in another 365 days.)
But where have our steps taken us?
Where have we walked and what have we seen?
Have we learned anything worth knowing in 2008?

Thinking back on our mistakes of 2007 and looking forward to rectifying them in 2008, did we really become better or different people this past year?
I wonder. . . aren't we, for the most part, creatures of habit making the same mistakes over and over again?
Or perhaps, 'mistake' is a bit harsh for what it really is: indecision or postponing or procrastinating?
Most every year, for some of my New Year resolutions, I pledge to:

• find a 'real' job
• begin a diet and really, really, lose weight this year
• get organized
• tidy up the ever-growing pile of paperwork
• start projects EARLY so they really do get done in time to give as gifts for Christmas next year
• sew more
• volunteer
• complete home decor projects
• write real letters to friends I love and miss

And, for the most part, I do give it a go. I try.
Little bits here and there do get done, but, there is no permanence about it.
I am still human and flawed.
I still have the same personality and character 'flaws' that make me, me.
And even though I am, by nature, an organized person, why oh why can I not find things I know I have and have put 'somewhere safe' ???

Looking back on 2008, I made some strides in my ever-revolving list of New Year's resolutions, but I am still a work in progress.
And I like thinking about Anne of Green Gables when she said,
"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

So this evening, instead of thinking about all you have missed out on accomplishing in 2008, why not focus on how much you will enjoy 2009; how much you will accomplish and achieve, living and loving, in a fresh new year, with no mistakes in it yet.

Happy New Year!
xxx
Maggie

The Comforts of Childhood

My mother moved quietly around the bed, carefully selecting bits of the blanket to gently push beneath me, tucking me in for the night.

A chill was in the air, and even though I could have bundled myself off to bed for the night, there was something so special in knowing that someone else was there caring for me, and making sure I was warm, and loved, as I drifted off to sleep for the night.
We took those days for granted, and our childhood is now but a blink in time and a soft, loving, memory we look back on.

When my own children were small, I used to fight the battle all parents fight; with children who want to grow up, all too fast.
They were teased when collecting trading cards that their peers thought they were too old to collect; and young girls exchanged doll dresses and imagination, for make-up and trendy fashions.

I would remind them that they would have only one shot at being a child and they would have their whole to be lived as adults and to do adult things. I begged them to do as they pleased, to play with their toys and dolls as long as they could, and to ignore taunts from others less informed on the ways of youth.

I suppose those sentiments offered little comfort in those pressure-filled days, of wanting to be included in the 'popular' crowd, with kids who were constantly trying to be someone they weren't.

I wanted my kids to be true to who they were and not try to be like everyone else.
And I wanted them to always remember they were loved and wanted for themselves, and not for what they might do or not do, when they grew up and went out into the world.

I wanted them to have the little comforts life offers - like being tucked in at night by a mother who wanted them to feel snug and secure and loved.

This morning, as I was making our bed, I thought about my husband who was off at work and how hard life can be when we get older. He ushers in his day at 4:30 am and sets off in the wee, dark hours of the morning while most of our neighbours are still asleep.
He works so hard every day.

Just last night, there was a chill in the air. And as he finished dressing himself for the day, he walked around the bed, carefully tucking me in, repeating, "Go back to sleep, love," several times.

A little bit of my childhood came drifting back to me . . . and I was wrapped in warm memories of days long ago and comforted in knowing that love still can happen at any age.