Famous Quotes ~

"Life is but a walking Shadow ....and is heard no more; It is a tall Tale, Told by an Idiot, full of Sound and Fury"

Shakespeare ~Macbeth

Sometimes your eyes are just bigger than your stomach ......

As Thanksgiving approaches I just can't help but wonder why for years now I keep making the same mistake over and over and over again. Although the holiday has not arrived I had a preview of what was to come at the dessert table at work today. Obviously since it was a dessert table I'm sure you have no trouble guessing what sparkled and called succulent to me; there was the sensuous German chocolate cake, the fresh berries lathered in whip cream, some cranberry souffle tempting morsel with a brown sugar topping and a banana bread pudding. I gazed with longing and lovingly at them, until I broke down and tasted each and every one and kept telling myself, just one more spoonful, just one more bite, just a little bit more until I grumbled and growled and whined to myself about my inability to just say no! and my upset stomach. After more than twenty years in the food business you would think by now I would learn control ~ just a little, restraint ~ just a bit, temptation ~ turn a blind eye, but alas instead I tasted and tasted and tasted again.

Since it is the season to give thanks, I must give thanks for an energetic metabolism that just seems to keep on giving, but I am sure I hear the voice of some wise muse echoing famous words that go something like how long do you think this is going to go on honey; suggesting I close my lips, skip the chips, sit on my hips and make one trip for the berries!

Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts

So I really do think my trusty four legged, tailed, companion with the long ears and sad eyes could live happily and peacefully in the small town of Edgartown Massachusetts. I love that the majority of the traffic is by foot, bike or boat and that one has the option to eat lobster in some form whether it be lobster claw salad, lobster tail, lobster roll or lobster benedict for one or all three of ones daily meals! The population during the off season which of course is Fall and Winter is only roughly about 10,000 folks, the problem occurs however, when the season approaches and the population increases to about 100,000 that is a huge increase and for me would probably require several glasses of wine to accompany my lobster just to cope! For some also there may be a feeling of isolation during the off season, as many of the stores close, although several remain open as well as several delicious restaurants and art galleries are open for browsing and eating. For me however, it may have to top my list as favorite places to live!


Just had to post this photo of a few of my closest and dearest friends met while visiting the town of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. Since it is still Fall I felt it was still their season and season enough to post!

Dining With The Dead, Halloween 2010, Laurel Hill Cemetary

Somehow forgot to post these two portraits, could not resist this post. Next time you think about having chicken for dinner just remember you never know who is cooking your bird ........!

Martha's Vineyard

The Pond at Bryant Park, New York City

While on a recent visit to New York City I stumbled upon a park in the middle of Midtown Manhattan called Bryant Park. Never having been to Bryant Park, I came home and did a little research and found that the park once known as a sight for muggings and drug deals, is now a much sought location for concerts, performances, eating, drinking and shopping. It is a park that has apparently been transformed from run down and somewhat dangerous, to a place lined with food delights, hand crafted jewelry and clothing kiosks.

The park sits on several acres and from what I read is known for its French classical style showcasing beautifully manicured lawns and magnificently sculptured gardens in the warmer months. On my most recent visit, in December I noticed the park surrounds a large ice skating rink open 8 AM til 10 PM for public skating pleasure. If you are not a skater, but enjoy watching the skaters and the sheer ambiance of the winter holiday, you can sit overlooking the skaters at the restaurant connected to the rink, and enjoy a delicious bowl of cream of Pumpkin soup and a glass of fine red wine

The park was donated a finely crafted French carousel crafted to compliment its French classical style. Children clutch the wooden horses and rabbits with tiny fingers while their parents snap photos and look on with delight. The carousel sits in the center of the park. All through the park there are chess tables for playing and books for reading.

If you have a chance, while visiting New York City, I highly recommend a visit to Bryant Park.

It's hard to find good neighbors these days!

It's hard to find good neighbors these days!, originally uploaded by prudencebrown121.

just a little Halloween humor. Not feeling too prolific this weedend, so thought I'd post a photo or two. :O)

Forgotten Marquis/Historic Lansdowne Movie Theatre ~ next to TheRegency Cafe

Forgotten Marquis, originally uploaded by prudencebrown121.

Forgotten Marquis/Historic Lansdowne Movie Theatre ~ next to TheRegency Cafe

Forgotten Marquis, originally uploaded by prudencebrown121.

Forgotten Marquis/Historic Lansdowne Movie Theatre ~ next to TheRegency Cafe

Forgotten Marquis, originally uploaded by prudencebrown121.

The Regency Cafe

I am so grateful for the small, well actually mid-size cafe which sits on Lansdowne Avenue next to the now closed but petitioned to re-open Lansdowne movie theatre. This cafe has become my home away from home as a solace from an extremely slow internet and a jumping cursor that would rival any young grasshopper.

I was born in Lansdowne and having returned due to rather unusual circumstances was delighted to stumble upon the Regency Cafe at its former location across from the Lansdowne train station. I use to grab my cup of - may I just say - more than delicious coffee and head for the Media local. Always I was amazed that such a cute and innovative cafe was located in Lansdowne and not the city. The owner is among the finest bakers I have ever encountered. His cherry almond scones, blueberry muffins and lemon sugar cookies, oh and the vanilla cupcakes are an orgasmic experience for any pallet. His quiches of all varieties and there are several are light and fluffy, both egg and cheese as well as crust, a true party in your mouth.

There is entertainment once a week, I believe on Thursdays; although I have not had the fortunate experience to attend yet, and there is thankfully and blessedly for me the internet access. I come to this cafe once or twice a week to write, edit my photos and eat; and although I sometimes resemble a potted plant, sitting at a table in the corner, computer plug with its teeth grinding in to the socket they provide for me, everyone is always nice, feeds me well and hasn't chased me yet. As a distressed girl on unemployment who could ask for more than this; oh except maybe a job!

I end todays post with my recommendation as a former owner of a food business to definately visit this creative and unique cafe. If you visit now you can not only access the internet, not only eat until your tummy sings to you, but you can visit the WorldWide Photo Print Exhibit organized by one of the exhibitors John Kelly Green, with outstanding photos by other exhibitors, among my favorites Becky Baxendell and Maura Ciccarelli.

Happy Fourth of July

 

Happy Fourth of July

What is it about the Forth of July and Summer that bring everyone to the beach? People travel great distances, sit in traffic jams, pay high gasoline and travel costs, arrange and rearrange airline schedules and why? Is it simply to sit on a beach and feel the warmth of the sand, is it to run through the water to cool yourself from the scorching heat, is it for the companionship of family and friends or the possibility of meeting an interesting stranger or to celebrate the birthday of a nation with fireworks and festivities?

As I am forever pondering the thoughts and meaning of everything, the element I believe that ties all of the "whys" together is love; love for the feel of the soft and warm sand against your tired and sore muscles, love for the feel of the cool water against scorched and sweating skin after the sun has been blazing upon you, love for the feeling you feel when surrounded by loved ones who you see every day or maybe have not seen for some time, the joy you feel with your family and friends while grilling a hot dog or pouring a beer or pulling up your lounge chair, with
your mosquito repellent at the fireworks.

Whatever it is that pulls you to the sand and surf continuously enjoy it and savor it, because as we all know the harsh winds of the seasons change and in a few months many of you will be trudging through the snow and slush with overcoats and boots. So as you gather your belongings for your suitcase, prepare your grocery lists for the barbecue, and make those dates for fireworks gatherings, remember ....... savor the moment and don't forget the mosquito repellent! Have a wonderful Fourth of July and be safe!!