This Is It

Today I get to go see the movie.

My friends and I are excited we'll be able to witness this legend (Michael Jackson) on screen during his last production. How wonderful it would have been to be able to see this performer live. His music will live forever and I'm glad he was alive during my lifetime.

Get ready - we'll be singing along and possibly dancing in the aisles.

This is it - we get to see it today!

Yippe!

V

P.S. TGIF

Honor

Today, his birthday, I honor my dad who turns 86.

I only wish to live a full, colorful life as he has.

I pray that I remain as healthy as he has.

I hope to have the charm and charisma as he has.

I hope my lifespan reaches his.

I hope my outlook on life continues as his has.

I only wish to be as creative as he is.

I admire his zest for life.

I respect his values in life.

I am thankful daily that he's had such an impact on my daugther's lives.

I cherish all the wonderful memories we've made as a family.

I look up to him and can only wish to be a small fraction of his being.

I pray I get another 86 years of his wisdom.

I love and respect him 110%.

Happy Birthday Dad - you are so loved!

Cheers,

Your daughter,
Veronique

More Delights

Taffy Crabapples:

Makes about 16 coated mini apples.

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream

pinch of salt

16 crab apples

wooden skewers or thin lollipop sticks to hold (optional)

Line a baking sheet with either some slightly greased parchment paper. Set aside. Place the sugar in a heavy bottom saucepan set over medium high heat. Slowly let the sugar melt and turn into caramel. This method is called a dry caramel and can be a bit tricky. If you are not comfortable with it, add up to 1/4 cup water to your saucepan and slowly bring the sugar to caramel color.

Standing back a bit, carefully add the butter, heavy cream and salt. Do not worry, it will bubble like mad. When the bubbling slows down, stir the mixture until smooth.

Carefully dip the crabapples into the hot taffy and twirl them above the pan to let the excess drip off. Place the dipped apples onto the prepared baking sheet and let set.

Delightful

Post weekend wrap-up:

Friday: Had dinner with my buddy Renee at the Texas Roadhouse. Always a great place to dine and they even have specials for $7.99.

After dinner we went to see "Where the Wild Things Are". Not that great of a movie; neither one of us were impressed.

Saturday: Started my day with a 20-mile spin class followed by daily chores (mowing, edging, laundry, vacuuming, dusting).

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Renee in Livermore. There is major construction going on on Vasco Road so be ware if you are traveling down that road; long delays.

Finished off my day with mending some of my daughters clothes and doing a little photo project. Went with some friends to a Halloween event in downtown Brentwood. There were tons of kids and adults partaking in the events - free candy, haunted houses, new shops, and tons of adorable costumes. It was a great evening to be out - the weather was so warm and peaceful. We had a little night cap at the golden arches - their cones are the best!

Sunday: Spent the day with Breanna in Sacramento. We did some apt. decorating, had lunch, and did some fashion update on my do.

Finished off the evening with a BBQ at Monica/Peanut's. So nice to all be together again. We had a great meal followed by a Halloween costume brainstorming session. Lots of laughs and vino. Great times!

Not too happy that the weekend flew by introducing Monday once again.
Enjoy this week.
V

Pumpkin Curry Soup

1 small onion, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1 large can (28 ounces) pumpkin puree

4 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 14 ounce can coconut milk

1 cup apple cider

cilantro

1. In a large stockpot set over medium heat, saute onions in oil until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in garlic and spices and cook for a minute more.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt.

Think outside the Box

Hi all,
Halloween is quickly approaching.

I've been seeing a lot of cute ideas for decorating, pumpkin carving, recipes, costumes and plain old spooky fun.

Check out the black/white pumpkins in the photo - isn't this a cool idea? Think outside the box and do something different this year.
V

Agave = Tequilla

Hi all,

We were busy on Saturday planting a new agave cactus. We are hoping it will be strong and big enough to produce some tequilla. (Get ready Mona - we'll have our own special brew just for you!) It had some offspring so we carefully planted those separately in hopes we'll have a total 4 agave plants.

Had a good time doing tons of yardwork on Saturday. Mowing, edging, planting, sweeping, racking, pruning, putting away patio furniture. Getting the yard ready for winter.

The rack will stay nearby for all the falling leaves -- always a fun part of fall.

V

Life is a Highway

I wanna ride it all night long!

This was the closing act song from Rascal Flatts at their concert on Oct 16 in San Jose, CA. It was awesome!
Darius Ruker was the opening act - he is quite good and definitely will reach the top quickly. His past experience with Hootie and the Blowfish only helped his claim to fame as he crossed over to country.

Rascal Flatts put on an electrifying show - their stage set-up was was cool with digital monitors behind the main stage, an extended stage platform into the audience, and tons of cool digital clips lighting up the sage.

With it nearly being sold out, the crowd went wild as they sang along, danced, and cheered!

Wanna go to a fun country concert? Look up Rascal Flatts.

It was a great way to spend Friday night.
V

Apple Hill 2009

On Sunday we ventured off to Apple Hill; this has almost become a tradition.

This scenic drive is the host to many apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and wineries. We had a great time tasting the warm apple cider donuts, fresh apples, apple cider, pumpkin pie and good ole apple pie. They have petting zoos, mazes, and arts/crafts.

We had fun picking out our pumpkins at the patch - I walked away with 2 orange and one green. I love all the fall colors and always have a great time in Apple Hill. The drive is beautiful encompassing ponds, color trees, livestock, and this year, way too many visitors.

If you have a chance, grab a picnic and venture off to this seasonal location. It's tons of fun for the whole family.

V

Fleet Week 2009

Hi all,

Just wanted to get updated on my post from the weekend.

We had a great time at Fleet Week this year. My father-in-law and our dear friend Steve joined us from Michigan. It was quite a show! The event started with the parade of ships. There were many aerial aerobatic teams demonstrating various stunts; all quite amazing. Unfortunately the Blue Angels only did one fly over due to clouds and wind. I did manage to capture them on film. After the aerial festivites, we attended a Tower of Power Concert at the Fillmore. This group has been together for 41 years. Great show at such a historical venue.

Happy flying,

V

Time Marches On

Time, the cradle of hope.....Wisdom walks before it, opportunity with it, and repentance behind it: he that has made it his friend will have little to fear from his enemies, but he that has made it his enemy will have little to hope from his friends.

-- Charles Caleb Colton

Movin' On Up

Hi all,

Just another weekend update:

Friday: Drove up to Sacramento after work to help Breanna pack and move into her new apartment. Yes - moving sucks! We all know it; however, it's easier when shared with a friend (daughter). We did quite a few trips up and down the stairs (and yes, my back is killing me). After a couple trips, we did a little recovery with dinner at Chili's (always a reliable place to eat). After our dinner, we did yet another trip. We managed to unpack everything we had moved. The new apartment was taking shape. We crashed on the floor for the night (and yes, this made my back hurt even more).

Saturday: Monica/Peanut/Greg came to the rescue to help us move all the heavy items. It was another full day of packing, moving, lifting and arranging. We treated ourselves to lunch at BJ's Brewery when we were done. Much thanks to Monica/Peanut for bringing their car with a hitch so the move wasn't as painful.

Sunday: Did all the house chores including the yard work. I even managed to dig out all my fall decorations and spruce up the house. I love walking up to the door and seeing my fall wreath. I love the orange hues -- it brightens my day! We had the family over for our traditional Sunday dinner - so good to catch up, share a few laughs, and indulge in the yummy desserts that Dad always brings. We are blessed!

Beginning this week with vigor and energy. Had a great workout this morning and looking forward to a full day of work. Tally ho!!!

Enjoy this week,

V

Crisp

Hi all,

Just am starting to be happy that it's fall. I need to dig out my fall decorations and spruce up the house with some festive colors. I have plenty of ceramic pumpkins, wreaths, gourds, and fall decor. Note to self: get on it!

Today I'm going to Sacramento to help Breanna move; she is officially moving into her "own" apartment. So fun! The moving part is not but the reward will be. I'm so happy for her. She's embarking into the throws of adulthood. So happy to see her life heading in a fulfilling direction, a bright career, and a space to call her own. Note to self: You'll have a sore back on Monday.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend - make it a good one!

V

October 2009

Hi all,
Welcome October! So hard to believe it's already here!

This month will be welcoming:

- Pumpkins

- Yummy smelling candles

- My dad's 86th birthday

- Alex's birthday

- The color orange

- A Rascal Flatts Concert

- Breanna's new apartment

- The Blue Angels in San Francisco

- A visit by my father-in-law and Greg's best friend, Steve

- Halloween

- Homemade pies

- The Michael Jackson movie "This is It" (looking forward to going with my friends)

- A fall wreath

I hope you all welcome this day and count the days left before Christmas!

Enjoy,

V

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