Mouthwatering!!!

(Click on Picture to make it larger)
What an incredible mouth watering selection!

My personal favorites????

The Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp to start off with.

I'd follow that with the Pesto Crusted Sea bass as my main entree, and pair that with a fine Chardonnay, perhaps Kendall Jackson, which has a very buttery and creamy finish.

And I'd end with none other than their homemade Tiramisu! Ahhhhh...Delish!!

Unfortunately, this copy of Tonight's Dinner Special did not come out as clear or as easily readable as I had hoped. I did want to mention, (as it is hard to see) that to the right of my 'eyezz', my blog has been mentioned.

Watta Sweet Heart! :)

(The Restaurateur chooses to remain anonymous.)

Read more...

Happy Memorial Day!

A wet one to start but o.k. Someone had posted a poem from Langston Hughes on Yada. I liked it, so I'm putting it here.

Let the Rain Kiss You

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head
with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.

I woke up to soft thunder rumbling in a distance and the sound of the rain patter as it hit my window screen. I love listening to the rain. It's very soothing to me.

Have a picnic to go to today. Gotta stop down and see Danny (Wegman) to pick up some things. I've got a yen for a pasta salad with lots of good stuff in it!
Ahhhhh, the sun is coming out as I type this! Good! Gonna be a great day today!
I do need to re-pot all those basil plants I bought at the Farmer's Market a couple weeks back. Maybe I'll do that as well, before I take off for the day.

Happy Memorial's Day Everyone...Stay safe and happy.

~ZZ

Read more...

The 'Dacks...Revisited

I'm re-posting about the Adirondacks due to a gentleman by the name of Henry, posting about it in my archive from April, Peak Bagging, and I'm still looking for additional information on people's experiences hiking in the 'Dacks.
Henry, (pleased to make your acquaintance btw), the pic to the right is from the summit of Ampersand. The view that you are seeing, is overlooking Saranac Lake. I got this pic from the SummitPost.org website. You say that Ampersand is more challenging than Cascade, tho it's not a High Peak (3241'). I'm not an avid mountain-climber, tho have been more intrigued with it since first planning my jaunt up Cascade. What was more challenging about it??? I would certainly consider it if there is only light scrambling needed. There is also the issue of my sister's foot. Time will tell.
What other peaks in the 'Dacks does anyone recommend?

Read more...

Thank God It's..............

Friday!!!


I took today off from work and also have Monday off as well. I needed this. It's kinda funny in a way, the women in the business department just Know when I need a day or two off! When it starts taking me longer for me to complete my "dailies". (that's business office speak for the necessary paperwork that corresponds with the number of sessions I've had that day) They can't bill the insurance companies until that's done. So I have been quite happy that I had today off.

I met a friend for lunch at The Palace Theatre Cafe. We used to work together where I am now, and she just recently left to start at a place that is about as close as you can get to Private Practice without it fully being a private practice....if that makes sense. This is one of the things I need to think long and hard on as I wait.....endlessly.....for my LCSW-R to be approved. (Please see post, dated May 15, 2006 to understand my pending frustration!)
What was interesting was that my director was aware of my meeting this friend for lunch yesterday, and had commented with an ever so slight concern in her voice that I was going to leave where I am now to go where this friend is. I had assured her that I wasn't planning on going anywhere in the near future. I am most certainly touched by this. Had this occured last year, around this time, I most certainly would have left already. My prior director was still employed there....and we did not get along, at all. I can feel my self digressing, as she definitely tops my list of "Bosses From Hell", so I think I'll save that one for a future post, as I'm sure others will have a story or two to share! :)

Anyway, it was really nice to have lunch with this former colleague. We've made plans to make this a monthly venture, as her and I were fairly close while working together.
It is Friday, I don't have to go back to work until Tuesday, the conversation was good, Lunch was great, and the sun came out!!! What a nice start to my mini-vacation!

Read more...

STEP INTO THE RAIN

Drup
Originally uploaded by lepike.

Step Into The Rain

Let it drench your soul

Let it replenish your mind

Let it all sink in

Step Into The Rain

Let it soothe your inside

Let it calm your outside

Let it all soak in

When I'm lonely or upset

I'll just think about the rain

I'll think about the way I felt

When the rain touched my skin


Jade chiKahn

Read more...

FINALLY HERE!!

It's finally here, and while I can hardly wait to watch it on the big screen, I'm pretty sure I don't want to see it this opening weekend! It's going to be mobbed, I also don't want to be caught in any 'picket' lines of Christians praying for my soul and begging for me to....repent.
Repent! Repent? For What!??? For watching a movie with a wonderful premise???
I think there is soo much controversy, created besides the obvious "blasphemy" Shameful feeling that is so typical of serious Bible Thumpers.
In my opinion, I think Dan Brown is a Genius. He has created an awe-inspiring novel and has intricately woven enough truths, half-truths, and facts into the fabric of a fictional piece, to make one wonder about a Grassy Knoll.
It was educational, thrilling, and mind-expanding, all rolled into one. I had never even heard of Opus Dei prior to reading about it in this book, and though I linked that to a Wikipedia definition, their "Official Website" can be found HERE! Though I won't get into it here, I wonder if their concept of "Corporal Mortification"was really a twisted version of a Renaissance-like S&M??

Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching it. I plan on re-reading it again before I brave the movie theatres. (That shouldn't take long....I read it the first time in...I think, 2 days, I was so enthralled with it!) I learned a lot about Leonardo Da Vinci from Dan Brown as well.

For anyone going to the Silver Screen to see it and want to add their own thoughts, please feel free to do so here. This could end up creating a good discussion here as well, as I'd be very interested in what the different perceptions are!

Read more...

HOT....or......NOT!!!!

You be the Judge!

Bachelorette #1

Bachelorette #2

Read more...

State Follies!!

Red Tape: According to Wikipedia, '...generally includes the filling out of unnecessary paperwork, obtaining of unnecessary licenses, having multiple people or committees approve a decision, and various low-level rules that make conducting affairs slower and/or more difficult."

And when you are speaking about ANYTHING related to The State, Please go to the Back of the Line.....Do Not Pass Go, and Do Not Collect $200!!

Today is May 15, 2006. According to The New York State Education Department, I can now apply for my R# Privilege. I should have been able to apply last May 15, 2005, but one of my prior directors, would not sign off, siting differences in job description. O.k., I'm not going to split hairs here, so I waited an additional year. My current Director has signed off on the appropriate paperwork, signed, sealed and in the mail. Along with that, is my application and an $85.00 check; All of which I have sent by Certified Mail.
What's the problem...you ask??

There was a change in licensure regarding Social Workers. That officially took effect on September 1, 2004. (I was included in a grandfather clause.) I won't bore you with the details, but one of the main gists was to establish a level of professionalism. I had ranted about that in a prior post, titled: My Rant For the Day. Because of the change from CSW to LMSW to LCSW, and finally LCSW -R and the pending deadline, every single Master's level Social Worker in New York State, had bombarded the State Education Department with the required paperwork and fee.
O.k., so that's going to mean that Albany would be backlogged, in addition to it being the State's way of collecting more money.
Backlogged!!
Backlogged...was an understatement! Once the paperwork reaches Albany, it has to go before a Board and individually assessed before it is even approved. That process took 6-9 months to do! I thought the paperwork was similar to the "Twenty seven eight-by-ten colour glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one." that was so common in Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant! The kicker of this was that Medicare had sent out notices to ALL Social Workers, stating that March 1st should be sufficient time for all new licensures to be transferred over; and any licenses not completed by that date, Medicare would refuse to reimburse for services! The "powers that be" didn't take into account just how long of a process this really was!! So, while I sent in all my "8x10 glossy photos" months and months ago.....I didn't get reimbursed for services from any of my medicare clients until 3/1/06!!! And it's unethical to refuse to see a client, based on those parameters.
The Part that ticks me off to no end????????

They cashed my $270 check one day after receiving all my paperwork! UGH!!!

So. I have sent in all my paperwork for my R# Status. This was also done by certified mail too. Let's see how long it takes them to give me my advanced license and how long it takes them to cash my check! Check?? you say?? I have to pay more??? Oh hell yeah! By the time the state has finished with me for all this updated licensure and credentials....I will have shelled out almost $500!

So I am feelin' a bit like that woman in the pic....all tied up with red tape! Why The State didn't set this up a bit differently....like maybe hire additional help, at least on a temporary basis to assist with the bombardment of applications received. They most definitely could have been in contact with Medicare to request a longer time frame to help ensure that we would meet the compliance deadline. Particularly knowing the responsibility for the hold up was on the State's shoulders, not the applicants'.
*Sighs heavily and prepares for additional problems and Red Tape*

Read more...

Saturday Morning Farmer's Market

I didn't realize that Syracuse has the claim to fame for the oldest and largest Farmer's Market in New York State. According to the site I've linked, on a summer day, there can be over 10,000 people browsing through the local fruits and vegetables. And on some days, it seems that all 10,000 have baby carriages inside the buildings! (please see 'pet peeves' to understand reference.) :)
If one is going to go to the Farmer's Market, you really do need to be there early. The later the day, the more picked over the food is, the longer it's been sitting in the sun and the more people there are! I'm not a morning person at all, so a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts is an absolute must.
Aside from some veggies, I purchased four beautiful hanging plants to go on my porch. Two of them were in in those long and narrow heavy duty plastic bags. I love them like that as when they grow, they look like a wall of flowers.
In addition to the drive-by at Dunkin Donuts being an absolute must, buying basil plants also ranks right up there! I bought a flat of them and will need to transplant them soon. There is just something about fresh basil (to me, it could double as an aphrodisiac!) I love it in a salad made with fresh Bocconcini, Roma Tomatoes, and a little red onion. And did I mention Pesto? Delish!
I hope both herb and flowers will be o.k. left outside. It had actually snowed on Mother's Day, about 10 years ago, and I'm not looking for a repeat performance.

I had made dinner for a couple of friends tonight. I had made a baked chicken dish that had a topping of fresh lemon zest that was mixed with brown sugar. It was cooked with fresh lemon juice mixed with butter. I served that with a long grain and wild rice pilaf, steamed fresh asparagus, and made a salad with a fresh spring mix with Balsamic and Gorgonzola. Oh yes, and a couple bottles of wine. One of my guests brought over a bottle of White Merlot. It was a bit sweeter than what I would normally drink, but I enjoyed it. You could actually taste berries in it. which went quite nicely with the Strawberry Shortcake that I made for dessert!

I think using lemon, asparagus, and strawberries really gave it a summer feel.

I enjoy making dinner for friends and being able to gab over a bottle or two. It's part of the good stuff in life.

Read more...

Web Design for Dummies

There's a reason why a training on web design is free...it is extremely basic. It was free and I guess I got what I paid for. Hmmm, sounds similar to a slogan on another website. :)
I was able to take from it, a little, so all is not lost. What I did find amusing tho, was the demographics of the audience. There wasn't a single person in the room, Under the age of 35. Oh wait, I stand corrected, I do recall A sole individual who looked no more than 25ish...he was the instructor! Yep, I'm gettin' older!
I was able to take a few things away from this tho, so it was worth the money spent.
What I really need to do is take an actual course on web design, but I don't want to pay for it. I'll have to think about this for a bit, I just may be able to find a way to swing that, at no cost. Hmm. I am a field placement supervisor for interns who come from Lemoyne College. This Fall , I'll also have an intern from SU. Part of the 'comp' for spending my time 'training' is for the school to offer in trade, credit hours, given to the agency, but I would be given first choice, as it was my time invested. Hmmmmm, I wonder if they would allow me to take a class that doesn't necessarily have to do with my job description. And no, Web-based Therapy, is out of the question. I'll have to check into that.
BTW - I love this pic of Dew Drops on a Spider's Web. I think it is much more aesthetically pleasing than a pic of "computers on the web". The drops actually reflect an 'inverted image' of the background.

Read more...

Forum Know How

This is kind of an addendum to my post below about that simplified forum I put on my sidebar.
Though the posts do go in Chronological order and don't allow for people to post threads off of it, it doesn't mean that you can't post a comment in response to a post further up the board, and have it be followed. (I'm just finding this out myself) *blushes*

Anyway, when at a particular topic, if you would like to respond to, say...message #4, and three other messages have been posted after #4, when writing your message, start the message out with:
/m4
That will create a link in your message pointing to the post you are specifically responding too. That original message will pop up for anyone hitting that link.

You also are allowed to use some HTML language to format your message. a helpful link to this can be accessed here.

I hope this was helpful. It was to ME!!! lolol

Read more...

"The Day After!"

"The Day After???"

Wasn't that the name of a CBS Sunday Night Movie about how people survived a nuclear explosion???
Well, my interpretation is a bit different...so to speak! :)
"The Day After........Cinco De Mayo" would be more like it!!

I had made plans to have Margaritas after work with a friend. Ended up going to The Mission Restaurant. I had been there for this Mexican Independence before, and tends to be quite crowded. The food is good there, though I didn't have dinner; just tortilla chips and their wonderful homemade salsa. Oh yeah....and Margaritas....can't forget about the Margaritas!! The link I gave is from The Webtender, which is also located on my sidebar, however, I am going to include a great site for all sort of wonderful tequilla recipes, from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville! Check it out DisneyKid...I know how much you like Jimmy Buffett! :)
Anyway, the 'Ritas were flowin' quite easily yesterday....too easily. It probably didn't help that I was enjoying the company, didn't "eat" my dinner and usually will drink red wine, which I tend to sip. *blushes*

Anyway, I still had a nice time...Mexico would be proud of me that I celebrated THEIR independence....with such passion! :)

I also have been busy experimenting (still!) with HTML and coding for this blog. For those who aren't aware of it yet, if you'll look on my right side-bar, under "view my complete profile", you'll see a simplified version of a forum. I've started with four topics and depending on the popularity of a particular subject, I'll probably remove topics and add new ones as deemed needed. Please feel free to add your thoughts and views on them. I really like the idea of people being able to post on an on-going basis, in a permanent area.
The first one..."Baa Baa, Woof Woof" has always been (for those who know me) my version of Seinfeld's Yada Yada Yada, so this will work here too.
As I've continued to be drawn to developing my blog and intrigued with web design, I've been coming to the conclusion that if I continue to work at this, I may end up 'out-growing' what "Blogger" can offer me. (I think I need a stronger fix!!!) hehehehe
I have decided to take a beginner "web designer" course this coming Tuesday. It's a three hour course, and I'm sure just the basics. But, seeing that Blogger is soooo very simple to use, I want to learn how to do some of this stuff my self.
Who knows....Maybe I'll learn how to develop my own website...to the way I want it! Blogger won't allow any gif. files. I have an incredible animated leopard that walks across the screen for about 5 inches that Blogger won't allow because it is a gif. file.
Oh well, I guess I can't have everything! :)

Read more...

Addendum to Peak Bagging!

I wanted to share a quick funny story related to my post about mountain climbing below.
My older sister, whom I share not only a very close relationship with, we also share a gentle bantering /teasing relationship with each other as well!
As only us sisters can get away with! :)
I often speak about her to others as "She diapered my butt when I was a babe!" She is 11 years older than me, and looks damn good for her age! So, while I often tell people she diapered my butt; she on the other hand, has no problem telling others how I threw up all over her lap when I was about 4 years old!
Ahhhh the life and times of...Sisterhood!!!!

Anyway, she was one of the people who had climbed those two high peaks with me, much to the chagrin of her husband and two children. She also has had problems recently with one of her feet, which has caused her a considerable amount of pain. She plans on going on this trip with me to the 'Dacks this Autumn. Hence, my (as well as hers) concern if her foot is going to be OK, as this will undoubtedly be a lot of hiking.

Because I had this trip in the forefront of my mind by posting my topic on Peaks, I had also let her know that she had 5 months to get that taken care of. I love my sister dearly, but it's still going to be a tough call if half-way up, she has problems with it. :)

Anyway, I decided to have a little... Fun with this. hehehehe
While perusing my favorite mountain climbing link, I happened to come across a mountain in North Carolina called Charlies Bunion. I had sent the link to my older sister along with a note that said, "I wonder if there's a mountain called "*****'s Bunion"?
I thought I was pretty witty!

Imagine my surprise when I get an email from her that states:

WATCH IT!!.....

BIG SISTER ......is Watching....


LITTLE SISTER!!!!


FYI - As you'll notice from the two links I've provided, both of these Peaks, along with a third "sister" are located near Fernie, British Columbia; and make up what's called The Three Sisters!

Thanks for the laugh SIS!

Read more...