Babka squared

They tasted as good as they looked. My dear wife Karen thought this was a good time of year to bake us fresh babka. She decided we’d like two varieties. Cheese and chocolate, and the wonderful aromas filled our house. Wow, they tasted way, way better than store bought.

That’s a birthday dinner, by George

Pasta and more. Where do you want to go to celebrate this year’s birthday, I texted to George Three. He deliberated. Pondered. Thought it over. Figured he wanted to try someplace he’d never been. Francesco’s Cucina, he decided. My dear wife Karen, terrific daughter Elisabeth and I had appreciated the Italian place on Syracuse’s north…

Now that’s a charcuterie

Yum. Elisabeth and George said they’d host the big day this year. Of course my dear wife Karen asked the kids what we could bring. I use the word we loosely. She was the one who constructed this absolutely gorgeous charcuterie plate as our contribution for the family holiday meal. Oh, yes, we toted a…

I said I’d pick a favorite …

And the winner is … Yes, I was drinking Cabernet Franc until my pinkies stood out straight. Ha. As I reported previously, me dear wife Karen surprise-gifted me with five bottles of great wine for my birthday. I proceeded to drink the Cab Franc a glass or two a night quite happily. Three came from…

Thank you, happy family

Our posse. Oh, breaking bread with my dear wife Karen’s family is so much fun. On our final night in Hot Springs, Ark., Cracker Barrel was the lucky pick. We knew they’d be able to push enough tables together to fit us all and place full plates in front of us that held food that…

The happy kid

Quite a 5-year-old. Sister-in-law Jana brought niece Stormy’s son Lukas into store Raven, and the energy level soared. The 5-year-old of the family sprinted to my dear wife Karen and I and greeted us to Hot Springs with gigantic hugs. <em>Let’s have fun!</em> he exclaimed. <em>Let’s put my car seat in your car and go,…

Happy days for us

Day drinking allowed. My dear wife Karen waved goodbye to the full-time working world. She deserved that step back so darn much. What a hard worker she is! From the days we met while both making our career paths at the big daily to her following that up with a direct 180 into the medical…

Good luck with the new Rogue, dear daughter

Wonderful choice. The Kia Soul had to go, terrific daughter Elisabeth reported in her text. It was inspection time, and her trusted mechanic could work a miracle no more. So meetings were set and negotiations settled. Spiffy, says Dad. A gorgeous new Nissan Rogue sits in the driveway in front of Elisabeth and George Three’s…

Hello, Clark and family

Special scenes. In the run-up to Christmas, terrific daughter Elisabeth said: <em> “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation</em> isn’t only my favorite Christmas movie, it’s my favorite movie ever!” Up perked the gift-giving ears of dear wife Karen. Three boxes to unwrap for Elisabeth, containing a trio of notable moments from her all-time favorite movie. Soon after…

Doggone happy

It’s in there. Of course we included our cherished rescue mutt Ellie in our Christmas morning gift-getting. She really enjoyed stuffed toys in gift bags. Or maybe she really enjoyed the gift bags …