My fantasy job would be to travel with "Saveur" magazine. When I stopped at a yard sale today, I found a pile of free "Saveur" magazines. I had my 4:00 cup of coffee with cream beside me as I started to peruse the pages.

Ah yes, off to Providence, Rhode Island to experience the Italian-American neighborhood. I'd dine at the Old Canteen and start with the Shrimp Fra Diavolo (shrimp in spicy tomato sauce served over pasta) and end with Fancy Spumoni with Balsamic Syrup at Camille's. I'd learn to make potato gnocchies and bring home some sfogliatelle (crunchy shell-shaped pastries filled with sweetened ricotta) for Big Fred.

While heading East, I'd make a trip to France, to visit Chablis wine country. I'd sample wine from barrels in their wine cellars and taste their celebrated Raveneau Clos (Grand Cru) 1999 at $125 a bottle.

I'd jet back to the states and visit the Gioia Cheese Company in California and buy Vito Girardi's burrata. This is handmade mozzarella which is molded around curds and cream. It comes in 1 pound balls and is highly perishable, so we would have to make tomato sandwiches with it before e it went bad. If it is April, I could take in the Asparagus Festival in Stockton where folks eat more than 20,000 pounds of tender asparagus spears over three days. Wheeeew!

While in the festival mood, I could attend the National Corn Bread Festival in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. I'd bring home a cast-iron skillet for NB, because this is the home of the leading American manufacturer of cast-iron skillets.

I'd be the Alton Brown (Food Network) of GT County. I'd have to learn all of those types of pastas-angel hair, bowtie, macaroni, twisties. I'd learn to sniff and swish wine. I'd eat pine nuts and pan fried sweet breads with chablis sauce. I'd...........I'd be fat!!!

And I've only read one magazine.

Rules for Survival, free advice that I have passed on to anyone who will listen. It has been helpful as I have moved from place to place. Use the 5 rule survival system when you move to a new town or city. It's a way to be proactive for yourself and your family.

Rule #1-find a Free Clinic (the missing rule).When Big Fred and I lived on the farm, we didn't have health insurance. In fact, we had to sell livestock to spring me from the hospital when NB was born. So, with a little child, and all of the baby shots, I went to the health clinic where the fee was minimal. Yes, I had to wait, but so did many other people. I have no qualms about getting health care in this fashion. Then when we moved from the country to the city, I looked for the free clinic- you know, women's issues, colds, fevers, and any other emergency. I even checked out the dental schools for lower rates. When you don't have insurance, the tendency is to home medicate, and sometimes, that can be disastrous. Rule #1 helps cut down on anxiety.

Rule # 2-find Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, or other quality thrift shops. If money is an issue, and for most of us it is, thrift shopping is the way to go. Check out these stores for cleaning and household items-a mop, a broom, dish drainer, silverware, dishes, bathroom items. For a small amount of money, the house can be fashionably furnished. And families can have clothing galore. I usually stop at shoes unless they are brand new. With the savings, kids should get new shoes that fit their feet. School supplies,office supplies, toys, games, books, magazines, and music are all available. Here's a place that children can get that toy that costs a fortune. I have bought many beautiful gifts at these places. The good thing is that many of these stores now have a return policy so I don't have to spend the whole day trying on clothes. If you have the ready cash flow, kids clothes can be purchased and tried on at home at their leisure. Downside, most clothes have to be tried on and it takes time to look through everything. There is no reason for kids wearing raggy, too small clothes. And yes, a great place to find clothes for special occasions for kids who just grow out of fancy dresses and blazers. The fun is in the find and the bargain.

Rule # 3- find the public library. Wow, a whole world open and usually free. Books, games, magazines, puppets, puzzles, music, a copy machine and Internet access. Most libraries offer storytime, summer reading clubs, homework help, classes, art lectures, and adult reading groups. Of course, you need the non-possession philosophy. The idea of borrowing not owning is hard for some people. It eliminates stacks of once read magazines and overflowing bookshelves. It's a great place to socialize. When I lived on Mackinac Island, it was a lifesaver. When I lived in Howell, I volunteered to help with storytime. It was my first stop to find new friends for myself and NB. I'm a big library fan.

Rule#4- seek out the local event calendar. Many events are again, free. Music on the lawn, art openings, guided walks, travel lectures. Most every weekend has something going on that doesn't cost money. Maybe a little gas, but that's a given. Ride your bike, walk.

Rule#5. Find a place that is natural. Look for a park, a beach, a riverside, a garden. Try for someplace quiet. Hopefully, it's a place where the sun can shine through, maybe have some birds. We all need a place that brings us close to nature. We need to nurture our spiritual side.

So, 5 Rules for Survival. Advice given freely to anyone who will listen or read. Pass it on to your kids.

44 Scotland Street, by Alexander McCall Smith, is a fun read. The story is based on the colorful characters who live in a townhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is about , Bertie, a 5 year old, who is his mother's "project", Pat, a twenty year old, who is trying to find her place and works at an art gallery, Domenica, their 6oish eccentric widow neighbor, and Bruce (Pat's flatmate) who mostly thinks about himself.

The story deals with friendship, intrigue, vanity, loneliness, and ordinary events in lives that intertwine. Smith gives a good picture of Edinburgh society and human nature.

This story was first published, chapter by chapter, in "The Scotsman" newspaper. The serial writing helps the book move along quickly. In fact, I found it helpful because I had chores to do, so I could easily keep up with the characters even with that " stop and start" type of reading.

I'm now reading Expresso Tales which is the next book in this series. Not too heavy, funny, the same characters, and a clever twist here and there. I got a really big kick out of Smith's No1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I'm enjoying this series, but I don't think it matches up to Ladies Detective Agency especially when it comes to humor. Still, it is a fun read.

Rise up, Moms. Rebel! I just finished reading the New York Times article titled "Back to School Fashion"http://shopping.aol.com/pages/Kids-Fashions/20209?ncid=AOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001. It was informative and extremely sad. I usually don't rant ( I leave that to mamak), but the whole idea of fashion world marketing focus on under 9 year olds, is truly appalling.

We, women and men, have worked so hard to raise the status of women and children around the world. We had the Women's Rights Movement to bring equality in pay and opportunity in the workplace. It brought attention to issues such as sexual harrassment and sexual violence. We have Title 9, in schools, to give equal opportunity to girls in sports. We have women astronauts, women ambassadors, women in high government positions, women fighting in wars (God help them), and rising hopes for a female U.S. President. We got rid of smoking ads and billboards. All of this to help raise the self-esteem of girls to fight drug and alcohol addiction, to fight anorexia and bulimia, to fight wife and child abuse, to raise the health and worth of our children. And now, according to this article, girls need fashion and glam to "be". It says,"Kids from the very beginning are learning that your self worth depends on what you have and how the market evaluates you."

The article also mentions that fashion for the under 9 year old is not sexy but is provocative. So what is that suppose to mean.?!! Do you want your third grader looking provocative? Now, I'm not against cute clothes on children, fun nail polish and such, but I thought children (and adults) were to dress appropriately for the situation. Belly shirts use to mean that the little kid was growing out of their clothes and I loved My Little Kitty because it was so sweet. I thought when you let your child dress themselves and they came out in plaids and strips, you had them chose again. That was helping them become independent. Boy, am I naive!

The idea of little girls being a fashion replica of mommy is a step backward. We have battled the idea that children are just a small sized grown-up with grown-up expectations. Children have worked in the factories and fields for centuries- conceived for this purpose. Our society continues to devalue children and exploit them.

Even a Project Runway Barbie! I'm not saying that the adults have to stop watching this show. I'm not saying we have to stop liking attractive clothes. I'm saying, balance. Moms, do you want your little child to appear "provocative"? Am I just being an "old frump"? I'll see the "haves" and "have nots" when I go to school next week. :C

Rule #2 in survival advice is to find the Goodwill or thrift shops. Today I went to our local Goodwill and got great buys on ladies clothes. I found a pair of sage green slacks and a very nice black jacket for colder weather. I'm trying to upgrade my wardrobe, so I was very selective. I also bought some clothes that I think will be great for one of my friends. And they were really cheap. I glanced at the kid's clothes and there were racks and racks. I mean from baby to teens. I quickly went through the household items and finally bought a notebook for $.50. I don't need any kitchen stuff, so I put the treasures back that were in my cart- a blue glazed planter and a large oval wicker picnic basket. I cruised through the kid's toys- there was a ton. I passed up supplies that I could have used for school, but I really have enough and nothing caught my eye. I browsed through the books, but since Rule #3 in survival advice is to use the library, I didn't look too closely. Well, I got bargain entertainment, stuck to my budget, and perhaps helped a friend by being her personal shopper. Rule #2 in survival advice means that if you shop at thrift stores, you and your family can have very nice clothes, get toys, books, household items including furniture, at a reasonable price, and can be entertained to boot. It may not be the way to go for everyone, but it works for me.

I know you shouldn't get attached to things, but I love my house. So, here are 10+ things you need to know about my abode so maybe you'll understand my attachment.
1. The kitchen part of my house is hand-hewn cedar logs that are over 150 years old. (Photo is similar to the original 18x20 cabin).
2. My house has gone through numerous changes. Three generations of my family have lived in the log structure. My grandparents lived in it when they were first married. My dad tore the cabin down, moved it to the present site, and reassembled it. Many families lived in it after my parents moved to the big house next door. It stood empty for a number of years before we moved in.
2.5 The log part was completely gutted - renovation included a cement floor in the basement, stairs leading to the basement, a completely new wall and floor structure, a loft over the kitchen, and a new roof system. It's the kitchen and dining area.
3. The living room floor is southern yellow pine and the boards sat in the living room drying for about 2 years. The kitchen has cherry floors, but we couldn't afford that wood when we did the living room.
3.5. BF was not a carpenter when he added our living room and bedroom above.
4. At one time, we had two stairs going to the second floor: one in the kitchen and one in the living room. Before that we had a ladder that went straight up the wall into the bedroom upstairs.
5. My bathroom is glorious. The new room (the old one is another complete story) went through stages called the blue tarp wall, foil walls, and the pink stage (insulation). The two man sit tub went in first. Even though I thought it was extravagant, soaking in it is divine.
6. We recently put tile in the entry and only weeks ago put knobs and handles on the kitchen cupboards.
7. We burned wood for a long time and had two woodstoves. Big Fred wanted to put a cookstove in the kitchen which I agreed to if he could find a turquoise stove. Thankfully, he never found one. My first kitchen stove was my grandma's old electric stove. We still have a woodstove in the living room incase of bad winter weather.
8. I used an ironing board for a kitchen counter for 11 years. When I designed the kitchen, the counter is where I use to stand when I had the ironing board.
9. Big Fred built a large bay window onto our living room which we called the Christmas tree room. Since we didn't have flooring we nailed the tree stand to the floor. It is now where our desk and computer sits with a great view of the garden, the birdfeeder, and the fields beyond.
10. My house will never be finished. The upstairs is painted, but needs carpet. BF has put floor to ceiling bookshelves in the guest room (NB's old room) and has built doors for the closet. So, the upstairs needs much, much work.
11. That's only the beginning.

Big Fred is a carpenter. He works on fancy/sometimes million dollar houses for a living and just doesn't want to do the same things all weekend. Besides, our house is old, out of square, and needs lots of everything, and most projects can't be finished over a weekend. On the positive side, it is very unique and comfortable. Anyone who comes here will say that our house is a "home sweet home". I lovingly agree.

Raining outside, room decorated inside, welcome-welcome. Husband, son, mother, sister, sister's husband, niece, niece and husband, two favorite aunts, two favorite uncles, childhood friends, teacher friends, longtime friends, new teachers, old teachers, retired teachers, colleagues, principal, superintendent. Laughter, jokes, stories shared, stories corrected, celebrations remembered, kisses, hugs, everyone talking at once. Speeches, more jokes, smiles, bows, a toast, over 35 years teaching, a standing ovation. Tears, hugs, smiles, laughter. Food and drinks. Opening gifts and gifts, a beautiful mantle clock in appreciation, a penny collection for future drinks, a penny collection for the retirement fund, good wishes, good company, good bye, thank you, I'm so glad you could come. I' m so blessed. Thank you Creator. Thank you everyone. Thank you sister-cousin. Thank you family and friends. Thank you for sharing this celebration with me. Thank you for sharing my recent retirement. It was a grand party. I can't stop smiling.

Walking, walking, walking. CT and I have walked every day of this week for 3-5 miles. We even walked with the threat of rain this morning. The more we talk/walk (we talk a lot) the quicker the miles go by. We have done a lot of catching up and reminiscing since our friendship goes back to when our kids were little. Of course, our motive is to lose weight and shape up at bit. We both have time to walk, but it takes so much effort to get going. And by 4:00, I'm ready for a nap. Maybe it's all the fresh air. I guess that's why it is good to have a walkin-buddy. Thanks CT for your encouragement. I especially liked the comment that I might look like Miranda Priestly some day. Yup. Yup!

A Woman In Berlin: Six Week in the Conquered City is a diary of Russian brutality to women in the last days of World War II. This is written by an anonymous journalist who, like many women, suffers repeated rape and does whatever she needs to do to survive during this time.

This is not an easy book to read because it is a detailed account of the repeated rapes and humiliation of women, young and old. The German men are of no help since they are the defeated. The worse part is when her boyfriend, Gerd, returns from the war, reads her diary, and totally rejects her. The "Ivans" (Russians)treat their horses better than the women. Women and children are simple considered the spoils of war.

This book was first published in 1954 in Germany and was rejected because of the disgust of writing about mass rape and the choices made to survive. Some questioned the authenticity.

This is a reminder of the wars that are happening at this moment, how the women are treated, and I would guess that the stories will be held as secrets by many because of the shame and low regard for women in many societies. As the author says, the men come back with all of the glory and women remain mum.

Ah humanity, what we do to our own! And we are above animals because of or our higher intelligence?

Aunt B Eats at Hanna Bistro in TC. Today I met two long time friends at Hanna Bistro downtown. It has a really nice decor even though they covered up the original yellow brick in the building. Lots of interesting art work and cozy tables or booths.

I ordered the apple salad with raisins, honey glazed pecans, and cumin dressing, served on three large pieces of lettuce. It was tasty, and definitely within my diet, but a lot of apple to eat. I wouldn't order it again. C had a black bean corn salsa on a toasted flatbread topped with a sauce served on a bed of fresh greens. She liked it, but without the sauce, the beans and corn were very bland. This was listed as topped with duck. However, both ladies are vegetarian, so no duck. R ordered a Tuscan vegetable plate- white beans, artichoke, tomato all with a red sweet pepper sauce. She said that it was very good. Each lunch was a colorful dish. The waitress was polite and very helpful since many of the lunch items had sauces and cheeses that we have never hear of before.

We didn't have any problem understanding the desserts. They offer three: flourless chocolate cake with their own homemade coffee ice cream( I love coffee ice cream), fruit tart with their own homemade clove ice cream, and a white cake with a lemon chiffon top covered with raspberry sauce. I was good- I only tasted the clove ice cream and it was very yummy. I think this would be a great place to go for coffee and dessert. Next time I'll forgo the apple and get the dessert.

As I look at my posts, all I've done lately is eat!

Aunt B Eats at the Hard Luck Cafe in TC. I took mom out to the Hard Luck Cafe for brunch. This use to be the Chicken Coop.

It's a small diner, but not fast food. The menu featured breakfast along with pork and beef sandwiches and chicken. I ordered eggs, bacon, hashbrown potatoes, and toast. Mom ordered one pancake for $1.49. It was as big as a dinner plate. By sharing the bacon ( 5 pieces), we had plenty for two people. I know that many people (especially Big Fred) can eat these giant breakfasts, but I wish they would serve less food because I hate to waste it.

The waitress was nice, the food was standard for breakfast, and the decor was pleasing. Toast was made from local bakery bread so it was yummy. Hopefully, we will go again because I could get Mom's wheelchair in through the double doors. Everyone was very helpful. We spent a quiet morning together.

Aunt B Eats at the Telegraph House in Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada. We ate lunch at an umbrella-topped table with yellow and blue French linen, on the patio, under tall white spruce trees near the yellow brick Telegraph House.

It was by far the best food and service of all the restaurants we ate at in Port. I had a vegetarian quiche that was dynamite. It came with a fresh greens salad. Big Fred had a hamburger and RS and MS had a chicken wrap. We agreed that the lunch was tasty, nicely presented, and reasonably priced. Our waiter was friendly and efficient- not pushy. Even though it was noon and we didn't have a reservation, we were promptly seated. Unfortunately, we didn't have room for their famous rhubarb cremes. It was a delightful lunch. It got an "A".

Telegraph House is a B&B with two very nice rooms upstairs. I think it would be a great place to stay if I vacation in Port Stanley another time.

Try Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada for a quiet vacation. This little fishing town is located just south of London, Ontario on Lake Erie. Our four day visit was very relaxing.

If you want tons of shopping, this is not the place for you. I enjoyed the fact that I could peruse all of the stores the first day and then take my time to check out each store. This was the offering: two kitchen/home accessories shops, three fancy designer ladies clothing shops, an antique store (open Wednesday- Sunday), a fun consignment shop, and three art galleries. Lots of places to eat and a theater. Only thing lacking was a bookstore for Big Fred.

Once we arrived at Kettle Creek Inn, we really didn't have to go anywhere since everything was within walking distance. The men sat on the patio and read and we ladies checked out the shops and planned our day's agenda. We walked along the beach, watched the fishing boats, went bird watching at Hawk Cliff, visited nearby Quai Du Vin Winery, went to a play, shopped, and ate. Very low-keyed. Just what we had been waiting a whole year for.

I keep a travel journal so I know the good, bad, and ugly about each place in and near Port Stanley. The next few posts will be about the trip. I'll help you plan your vacation if you are anywhere near.

Vacation, vacation. Getting ready. I'm so excited. Food, quiet, a different scene. Aunt B. Eats. Of course, I have to be a tad careful since I've just lost 10 lbs. My goal is to not talk about it- just do it. I'll let you know.

A woolly bear in the driveway. So early in the year. What does it mean?

From Dr. Jeff Masters' Wunder Blog, "According to legend, the severity of the upcoming winter can be judged by examining the pattern of brown and black stripes on woolly bear caterpillars--the larvae of Isabella tiger moths. If the brown stripe between the two black stripes is thick, the winter will be a mild one. A narrow brown stripe means a long, cold winter."

Dr. Jeff Masters continues, "The Hagerstown, Maryland Town and Country Almanack has been publishing weather forecasts and weather lore for 209 years. The Almanack sponsors an annual woolly bear caterpillar event, where local school children in Hagerstown collect woolly bears. A panel of judges examines the collected specimens and issues a woolly bear forecast for the upcoming winter. The Hagerstown critters have had mixed success the past three years with their forecasts--they've been correct about half the time. This is only slightly worse than the official NOAA long range forecasts."

So, here's the deal, neighbors and friends, (Nick and Joey), let's gather our own woolly bears and see what we can predict about our upcoming winter. Being as scientific as possible, of course. :)

I read the book The Devil Wears Prada. I saw the movie. I just couldn't get into it. So many of the fashion references meant nothing to me. I thought the book was relentless in creating what I thought was going to be something satanic at the end. I'm glad it had a goody ending.

The movie was another story- I missed that Andy's boyfriend was not a teacher and there was very little development of Lily, Andy's friend. The main characters became Emily, Nigel, and Christian. Mostly, the movie was Andy running through traffic talking on her cellphone.

O.K., so I'm out of it. Hard to believe, after that statement, but I love beautiful clothes, jewelry, and shoes. I just wasn't impressed with the book or the movie.

I'll finally be a Gardening Pro not a wanna-be. I signed up to take the Master Gardener class offered by MSU. It is every Wednesday night for the next thirteen weeks.

The requirements are: people who are interested in plants and stewardship of the land-that's me, people dedicated to volunteerism- that's definitely me, and people willing to share their knowledge- well, that wouldn't be hard since I talk about plants and gardening all of the time. With the Master Gardener's certification, I'll be able to say I know what I'm talking about. Besides, it's on my to-do-someday list. I'm smiling.

Oh yes, it requires 40 hours of volunteer service. That will get my brain spinning-wondering what that will be all about.

A good sandwich is easy to find. Tonight we had BLT's for supper. Fresh homemade wheat bread from Bay Bread, vine ripened tomatoes from an Amish roadside vegetable stand, cheap, thinly sliced, salty bacon, and a handful of bib lettuce stolen from CT's refrigerator- definitely gourmet. We didn't toast the bread. We used lots of mayo. One and a half sandwiches was perfect for me. I adore a good "samitch".

I found a praying mantis in my garden. In Greek, "mantis" means soothsayer or prophet. I watched it move its head back and forth quizzically and put its front legs in the prayer stance. They are just the neatest carnivorous insect. A mantis eats flies and aphids so it is definitely welcome. I know the kids at school loved to bring them in (I was a science teacher). I'll start watching for the egg sack. I usually find it on my siding. Yes, baby praying mantis!

Lavender is one of my favorite garden flowers. The fragrance is intense yet down-to-earth, a little exotic and dreamy. Most people associate it with English soap or tea. Ahh- it's restful.

But, even more fun comes with cooking with lavender. I have made lavender iced tea, lavender sugar cookies, lavender pound cake, apricot halves stuffed with lavender infused cream cheese, used lavender as a garnish, and lavender butter for scones. By far, the most elegant and beautiful has been lavender jelly that I made for my guests at my first Friendship tea. The jelly was fabulously delicious!!

Here is the recipe:

Lavender Jelly (Victoria Magazine, August, 1995)

Lavender Infusion:
Three teaspoons dried Lavender flowers or one-half cup fresh lavender flowers
Three cups distilled water

Lavender Jelly:
one quarter cup cider vinegar
four cups sugar
one three oz. envelope liquid pectin
fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)

Note: Use distilled water for the infusion to avoid chemicals in tap water that alter the color. The vinegar and pectin turn the infusion magenta (light) when making jelly.

To make infusion:
1. Place lavender flowers in medium bowl. Bring water to boil in non-reactive (enamel or stainless steel) saucepan. Pour over flowers.
2. Cover, let stand fifteen minutes. Strain. Reserve.

To make lavender jelly:
1. Measure 2 c. infusion into six-quart non-reactive pot. Stir in sugar and vinegar. Mix well.
2. Bring to full boil, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in pectin. Stir constantly and bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
4. Boil for exactly one min., stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat. Skim off foam. Ladle jelly into sterilized half pint canning jars, leaving one-quarter in. head space. Seal with canning lids according to manufacturer's directions.
6. Cool upright on rack. Store in refrigerator up to one month. For longer storage, process hot jelly in boiling water bath five min. after sealing with lids. Yield: four half pints

Note: To garnish jelly with lavender sprigs, do not seal jars at first. Tent them loosely with plastic wrap. Cool on rack jive hrs. Using a narrow spatula, gently press lavender sprigs into jelly. Seal. Let stand 254 hrs. Refrigerate up to one month.

More ideas, try :http://www.whatscookingamerica.net/Lavender.htm