Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell

I am a morning person, there is no doubt. Last night morning seemed to try to come about three times, thanks in part to a late afternoon cup of Chai tea. I guess I didn't realize just how much caffeine is in tea! Note to self: no tea after 3:00 P.M. But morning for me is my favorite part of the day. I love waking up to decide how to spend my time, in the early morning quiet of our house. Today I woke up at 5:30 and after grabbing a cup of coffee I turned on the telly and surfed for something other than "PAID PROGRAMMING" to occupy my mind. I stumbled on the most delightful surprise on HBOCM (classic movies). It was a 1969 gem called "Bueona Sera, Mrs. Campell", a movie set in Italy starring Gina Lollobrigida and Shelley Winters, and a host of others. It was about a reunion of servicemen returning to northern Italy. Gina Lollobrigida has told her college age daughter for years that her American serviceman father was killed shortly after they were married, however this turns out to be a farce. This movie brought me back to our recent trip to Tuscany and reminded me (again) why I love being Italian. I love the Mediterranean blood that courses through my veins and makes me who I am. My Bolognese mother always taught us to be proud of being Italian and gave us countless reasons why we should be. Those reasons came flooding back to me while watching this gem of a movie. Every time I pick up a paint brush or sit down to write I am reminded of my Italian heritage - my grandfather's artistic abilities and his passion for creating things with wood (he was a carpenter), or my childhood home in which my mom created stencils before they were popular, and sponged the designs on the walls of our living room. I love the outward passion and zest for life that Italians display so easily. I even love the heated arguments they have, arms flailing, voices raised, but also filled with passion. Indulge me this shameless post about being Italian, but the next time you pick up your fork to eat some yummy Italian dish, or shop for some amazing Italian shoes or purses, or admire the works of Michelangelo or Da Vinci, you will have some idea of Italian pride.

Rainy Days and Mondays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays...) Get Me DOWN!

This year has truly been one to forget in terms of weather. Starting last year about this time we began the pattern of sunless days that extended through Spring, Summer, Fall and kept on going and going and going. I just heard that we had 19 days of rain this month and this is the ninth rainiest October on record. Now, I realize we can't change the weather and should basically just keep still about it, but I am such a "sunshine" person and this is really killing me. I am a grumpy old woman, ready to snap the heads off anyone over 5 - grandkids are always excluded from my sour moods. In fact, they can usually get me OUT of those funks because they make me laugh so much. Annie's giggle and upbeat personality, Landon's wonderful comments, and Brennan's sparkling eyes and smile could make the crabbiest human happy. I am truly blessed and I know this every day of my life. I've attached a few photos - two of the new chair (for Matt and Jan) with a spoiled Yorkshire Terrier sprawled out on it, one of Annie's craziest bed-head hair this morning, "Helmet Boy" Brennan taking one of his catnaps, and Landon as Bumblebee the Transformer dude. Who could not be happy around that?

Snow White, Drama, "Wal Mart", and "People in My Bones"

Curious about the title of this post? I'll explain. Today was spent with the grandkids - Annie had her preschool Halloween party and was a stunning Snow White. The excitement of the looming party sent her into high drama, complete with flailing arms and tears. Kind of adorable in its own crazy way. So, the party was a success and we decided to go to Sunny Acres Pumpkin Farm (along with several busloads of school kids on field trips). After trudging through mud and playing on rides and in a crazy play park area, we decided to kick back for a snack. Landon and Annie found some walnuts on the ground and of course picked them up and tossed them around. Landon found an interesting round thing and asked, "Grandma, is this a Wal Mart too?" Wal Mart instead of WALNUT. Too cute for me. Then, while we were discussing allergies to bee stings (Lindsay), Landon looked up very seriously from his peanut butter and jelly sandwich and proceeded to tell us he was allergic to CHIPMUNKS! Where on earth did that come from? This is what makes 5 year olds so darned adorable. Later in the day Landon must have been experiencing his leg falling asleep because he told us there were "people in his bones". Brennan continues to wear his helmet with few complaints - his smile lights up the world. This is what it is all about. Grandchildren who make me laugh every time I am with them.

I've attached a few photos from today. I took 195, but can't attach that many. Go ahead, sigh in relief.

Ahhhh, New Chair Arrived

Well, after a long, frustrating search for the perfect chair for our family room, we found one a couple weeks ago. It arrived a little while ago and right now I am testing it out and I think it's gonna be great! It is a leather rocker/recliner. Guinness has already made a home on the foot part of the recliner. It didn't take him long to figure out that this was going to be a comfy place for a snooze. Remember my post yesterday about babies and dogs having perfect lives? We just upped the anty for our little Yorkie.

The Mystery of Hulk Hogan's Tee Shirt SOLVED!

Well, earlier today I posted how much I loved Hulk Hogan's cool shirt that he wore on the Today Show this morning. Well, as luck would have it, he is on Larry King tonight, wearing the same shirt (eeeuuuuwwwww) but this time he was shown from the front so I got a great look at it. It said "Anthony Vega" on it (hence the A's I talked about). Well, I Googled Anthony Vega and found his online store. I couldn't find the exact shirt, but found one I loved just as much. So, I added it to my cart - the price was not listed and this worried me (if you have to ask you can't afford it rule) so when I went to MY CART, the price popped up - a mere $99 for the TEE SHIRT! Whoa. That shirt will not see the likes of my closet any time soon. I'm on a fixed income! It was fun while it lasted.

Recipe Time - Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with Lemon Sage Brown Butter Sauce

I subscribe to a great email blog called "Proud Italian Cook". This woman is amazing! I literally have been interested in every recipe she posts. I decided to include one for my blog tonight. If any of you make it, let me know how it turns out.

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with a Lemon Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Posted: 27 Oct 2009 02:38 PM PDT
I'm sorry, but I just can't get enough of butternut squash this season! I know I just previously posted a lasagna using it, but recently after flipping through a beautiful Donna Hay magazine I also got inspired to stuff it into shells. Donna used sweet potatoes in her recipe, which would be good as well, but I knew immediately I'd be using butternut squash. I also added spinach to mine and an egg for binding. This dish is great as a main course, or on a buffet, or even a side dish to your holiday meal.


Stuffed shells are a great addition to a dinner party, they're individual, easy to serve, and easy to eat.

***Peel, chop and toss in olive oil your butternut squash, then in a hot oven roast at 425F for 15-20 minutes.

***Cook your jumbo pasta shells according to directions.

***In a bowl add ricotta, parmesan cheese, fresh smashed garlic, frozen chopped spinach ( squeezed and drained) 1 egg, salt, pepper and grated lemon peel. The lemon peel was key to this dish and added a nice bright flavor.

***Stuff the shells with the mixture and place in a buttered baking dish.

Make a sage brown butter sauce by melting butter in a saute pan until golden brown and bubbly.
Add at least 10 sage leaves until slightly crisp. Turn off heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice.

Place your shells in a 400F oven until heated through around 20-25 minutes. When finished spoon your warm sage sauce all over and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Inspired by Donna Hay

Depending on how much you make and how much filling you use for each shell this will determine your ricotta amount. Start with 1 1/2 lbs, along with your squash and spinach that should be enough for 1 box of jumbo shells

Day Two and I Have Followers

Well, this is my second day of being an official blogger and I already have four followers! How cool is that? I have had a few comments about my profile pic being stupid. I will reconsider posting a different shot once I find one on which I can remove wrinkles and fat lines. Love the photo-editing capabilities we have access to these days. Actually, I thought I looked rather charming in the pink helmet!?

Speaking of pink, Hulk Hogan was on the Today Show this morning wearing the coolest tee shirt. It was pink with a bunch of large letter A's on it. I couldn't see the writing under the center A but I am guessing it might have been Armani. I loved it! It was V-neck and had lots of embroidered thingies on it. Very cool shirt. Did anyone else see the show and recognize that shirt? I was really digging it! He had a matching pink bandana on his head, his trademark. Not sure I would want that part of his ensemble. He was also on with Kathy Lee and Hoda too. He's pitching his book about his crazy wife and her problems that brought down his marriage. Hmmmm...I wonder if steroids played a role in his anger?

If there is a recession, and we are all trying to go green, why do I get about 10 catalog/sale flyers every single day? Doesn't it cost a lot of $$$ to send out these things? Doesn't it require the mowing down and murder of trees at an alarming rate to do this? I am confused.

Dogs and babies have the greatest lives. Babies cry and we run to them. Dogs get fed, watered, and sleep all day. We let them out when they need to be let out. No cares, no worries, no bills to pay. In my next life...

Waterfall Glen Photo Shoot Oct. '09

While submitting one of my many photos to the Capture My Chicago contest through CBS2, I came upon a photo of a beautiful place called Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien. Since I usually take Lindsay, John, and the kids' photo for their annual Christmas card, I thought this would provide a lovely backdrop for the photo...and it exceeded our expectations. It was a rare picture perfect, cool and sunny autumn afternoon. I have included my personal favorite shots from that day.

"Crash" Brennan's Helmet

Due to some weakened muscles on one side of his neck, our little Brennan must wear this special helmet to correct the shape of his head, but more importantly, to strengthen his neck muscles. We think he looks adorable in this getup. How about you?

My Blog is UP

I have emailed many friends to let them know about this blog. So far a few comments. I love it! For this entry I have included some photos of my grandkids GETTING ALONG for a few minutes on Friday, as well as pics from Grandparents Day in Landon's kindergarten class on the same day.

First Entry of Retired Renee's Ridiculous Blog

Welcome to my first-ever entry on my first-ever blog.  Now that I am no longer on Facebook, a friend recommended I do a blog (thanks, Liz).  Many of you know how much I love to write and keep in touch with friends (especially sharing some of my gazillion photos!) so this is a perfect outlet for me.  Not sure how often I will do an entry, but you can be sure it will be on the days I download photos.  Thanks to the many of you who said you'd miss those photos.  Not sure if you were trying to humor me, but thanks anyway.  A retired person who loves to write LOVES an outlet like this.