A Baby Is Born

Today, at 8:32 a.m. a grand daughter was welcomed into the world. Everyone is healthy and thanking God for this little miracle who weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces. More to follow. Thank you God.

Christmas Aftermath

'Twas the day after Christmas and all through this house, not a creature was moving 'cept FJ at his mouse. The stockings lay empty beneath the tall tree, save only for gift cards and mugs and some tea.

The beds have been stripped and the wash is a going, the self-cleaning ovens are smoking and groaning. While I in my jeans and a new black zip sweater, decide on a menu for more Christmas splendor.

The baby-to-be has not yet shown her face, so a trip to Milwaukee with gifts, food and grace will toast the great season and wish Taryn and Jack a big Merry Christmas from the rest of the pack.

So load up the Volvo, BMW too, and head north to snow land (where there's also a zoo.) A dinner, some gifts and a jolly good day will add to the season, we can not delay. The season's been jolly, though the snow has been high, another great Christmas will soon say good by.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Cheers, Jack!

The food, the frenzy, the fun, the friendship and the presents are all a blink, over in a few hours, with memories that last a life time. This one's for you, Jack. Next year. Cheers!

Merry Christmas to All

Christmas is in one's heart, whether with family and friends, or away, unable to attend familiar festivities. May all the warm wishes of the season find you, and remind you 'tis the season to be jolly and thankful for all you have. For those unable to make it back to Chicagoland for Christmas Eve, we will all be together soon. You are in our thoughts and you were even able to watch a streaming video!

With northern Illinois covered in snow, may the day find you blessed and loved, and hopefully on a beach.

Merry Christmas to all . . .

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Spinach Irmane -- Best Appetizer Award

Back by popular demand, this elegant appetizer will make your Christmas celebration a delectable event. Christmas Eve is always a happy time in this home, with appetizers on silver trays, crystal stem ware, silver pate spreaders, and china plates filled with exactly the same thing, year after year. While several items are prepared for guests, the winning appetizer is something that is served only on Christmas Eve, a meal in itself, and as good the next day as the night before. Spinach Irmane, a puff pastry crust filled with Italian sausage, cheese and spinach, has been the Christmas Eve star for many years and could shine brightly in your home as well.

Traditions start now, so gather a box of frozen Puff Pastry, a quarter pound of butter (one stick), 2 pounds of ground Italian sausage, grated mozzarella cheese, 2 boxes of frozen chopped spinach, and a large jar of apricot jam.

Puff Pastry, available in the frozen bread section of the supermarket, is thawed, unwrapped and rolled out flat into a large rectangle, triple the original size. Melt 1/2 a stick of butter, and brush onto the pastry. Heat 1 cup of apricot jam and brush on top of the melted butter. Brown the Italian sausage in a fry pan until cooked and in small pieces. Layer cupfuls of cooked sausage onto the pastry, then continue to layer thawed and thoroughly drained chopped spinach. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and roll into a jelly roll shape. Seal the edge with cold water. Gently place the tube onto a greased cookie sheet. Melted butter may be brushed onto the top of the puff pastry if desired. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before cutting into half inch thick slices.

Though Spinach Irmane can be eaten with a fork, once it has cooled it can be easily picked up with one's carefully sanitized fingers. A delicious and elegant appetizer or main course, it will surprise and delight all who have the good fortune of tasting it. The apricot jam adds an unexpected flavor that will keep guests returning to the buffet.

The Italian sausage can be browned a day ahead of time, and the Spinach Irmane can be assembled early in the day, then baked as needed. This is such a hit, and so good the second day heated in the microwave, you will want to make two loaves. An elegant appetizer tradition can begin this year; let me know how you like it. Guests have loved it and so will you.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

On the Ground

With winds blowing and snow falling at record speeds, FJ landed safely at ORD today. So far northern Illinois has received 6 inches of snow in the latest storm, with more on the way. Enough already. A new pair of Uggs now sit in my closet. What else can one do?

Here Comes FJ

The holidays are complete when kids far and wide show up to eat cookies and share the spirits of the season. FJ arrives from DC today for a quick stop in Chicagoland. Picking him up at O'Hare and then lunching, shopping, and appreciating the lights of Michigan Avenue are all part of the deal. The rest of the family will gather on Christmas Eve, without a new baby (due any day), weather permitting. Flexibility is key when involving a baby.

Welcome back to Chicago, albeit a short visit. Hopefully United Airlines will be true to the flight plan and have no delays.

Chicken Soup - for Jessica

Jessica has been cooking quite a bit lately, and asked how to make chicken soup. Here is the quickest way to make chicken soup that tastes good, originally posted on this site November 8, 2008. On a cold blustery Chicagoland day, nothing gives added humidity and warmth to the kitchen better then a large pot of soup simmering on the stove. A pot of potato leek is simmering on mine as I write this.

Easy Chicken Soup:
4 cans (14 oz.) of Swanson's Chicken Broth (without MSG)
1-2 carrots diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
1-2 cups of shredded or cut up cooked chicken breast.

Simmer for 10 minutes. Then add Yolkless Egg Noodles, cook 5 minutes and enjoy. Serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes from kitchen to bowl.

Homemade Dumplings for Soup:
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups flour
Salt and pepper
Mix together to form a thick dough. Drop by spoonful into boiling water or broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, not peeking. Uncover and enjoy. Dried parsley or dill can be added to dough prior to boiling for additional flavor. Dumplings can be made large, or small, your choice. I make them small for a chicken soup broth.

Easy but longer to make Chicken Soup:
Place a washed whole chicken in 5-6 quarts of water in a large pot.
Add 2 cloves of garlic, 1 large onion cut into quarters (this can be removed later)
4 scallions (if you have them) cut into 2 inch pieces
4 carrots peels and cut into 2 inch pieces
4-6 stalks of celery cut into 2 inch pieces
1/4 cup dried parsley or 2 cups fresh cut parsley
2 bay leaves
Slowly bring this mixture to a boil, then simmer for four hours. To strain, place a large bowl in the sink, and inside the bowl place a colander. Pour the soup mixture into the colander, catching the broth in the bowl. Lift out the colander containing the chicken mixture. Pour the liquid broth back into the large pot. Allow chicken mixture to coo, then slowly remove chicken from the bones, placing chicken back into the strained broth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and noodles of your choice.

Enjoy the soup. In this economy, every meal should start with a bowl of homemade soup that adds needed nutrients and fills the tummy.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Christmas Cut Out Cookie Recipe - For Jessica

Making Christmas cut out cookies is easy if the recipe followed makes soft, melt-in-your-mouth morsels. This recipe is for Jessica, who is making rolled out Christmas cookies on Sunday. These are easy to mix, easy to roll out, and easy to eat.

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter (softened in microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 1/2 cups Gold Medal flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter on low speed (or with a spoon) till light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, almond extract and egg. Stir in flour and baking soda. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Try not to eat too much dough.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half to 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured surface (I use my granite counter top). Cut into desired shapes. If cookies will not be frosted, sprinkle with colored sugar. Place cut out shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are light brown. Immediately remove cookies from cookie sheet to waxed paper or cooling rack. Makes about 4 dozen cookies, if you don't eat any of the cookie dough or warm cookies. Good luck with that as the dough is delectable.

To make frosting, soften 1 stick of butter, mix in enough powdered sugar to make a really thick paste, then add a tiny bit of milk and mix well. Add a drop of vanilla or almond extract. Make enough frosting to divide into 4 small bowls, and then add food coloring to each mixture. Apply to cookies and allow to dry.

I double the recipe each time I make these cookies, and after eating dough and warm cookies, end up with about six dozen cookies of various shapes. Your feeling of accomplishment will last several hours, and will return each time you serve your tasty cut out Christmas cookies. Happy holidays!

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Christmas Cookies Done

Every year there is a special request for Mom's cut out Christmas cookies. And every year they are patiently mixed, cooled, cut out, frosted and decorated. Whew! The fun is over for another 365 days, the kitchen is now a flour-free zone, and the cookies are hidden -- until Tuesday.

Cut out Christmas cookies evoke youth and the excitement of the season. They remind grown up kids of bygone days, drinking hot chocolate after sledding, making a snowman on a day too cold to attend school and moving one's arms and legs to create a snow Angel. All were normal childhood activities and all were a part of this somewhat fortyplus household. Making cut-out Christmas cookies was part of the deal.

Setting out a tray of cut out cookies always brings smiles. If you can't make yours, visit the local bakery and pick up a few to place on a silver tray. Suddenly a childhood Christmas will come to mind. Smile and enjoy the sweet memory.

Photo attribution: Somewhatfrank

Snow Blankets Chicagoland (Again)

We heard the warning, the schools closed last night in anticipation -- and it came. Nine inches of snow fell in northern Illinois in the past few hours, with 2-4 more inches on the way. As a lover of sun and summer, and not necessarily snow and slush, precipitation measured in inches is never good news.

Take a look at the snow, and the beauty of the summer.

Christmasing in Chicagoland

The big tree is up, the garland is displayed through out the house, and the three Santa's stand in wait. Even the Christmas presents have been wrapped and carefully displayed, waiting to delight the lucky recipients. But this year will be different. We wait not only for Christmas, but for baby Beverly Margaret, due soon at a hospital near you, actually near me.

Mom-to-be and soon-to-be dad wait patiently, knowing their sleep patterns will change once the baby enters the world. Their laundry will increase. Their eating habits will be altered. Their lives will forever be changed. Many of us already wear the "parent" tee-shirt, and these soon-to-be parents will wear it with love and respect.

We can select our automobile and cell phone plan; we can decide whether it's Italian or sushi for dinner; coffee or tea, light meat or dark, and a slew of other choices can be made. Lineage is not one of them. We all arrive where the stork drops us, and with luck and love, we make it to adult hood. This soon-to-enter-the-world little one is fortunate to be able to land in a home filled with loving parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents.

Each phone call could be "the one." Each text message could share a new baby photo. None yet -- but we wait. The trip to the hospital has been charted and practiced. The pink clothes are all washed in Dreft and hang patiently in the closet. The Stokke oval crib is empty, but not for long.

Christmas has always been memorable for this Chicagoland family, but this year could push it over the top if a certain young lady decides it's time to join us and see what the Christmas tree her mom and dad discuss actually looks like. Won't she be excited!

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Potato Leek Soup

A cold Chicago day cries out for a thick supple soup to warm one's inners with style. Potato leek soup to the rescue. Also called "Vichyssoise," white potato soup with leeks and shallots becomes so thick a spoon could stand up in the bowl. Or glass, as seen in the photo.

Pronounced Vee-she-su-waa-ze, one thinks it's from France, but one is wrong. Invented by a French Chef, Louis Diat, Vichyssoise had its origins in New York's Ritz-Carlton Hotel in 1917. Prepared with added cream to make it even thicker, Chef Diat made the soup his mama used to make and serve warm. On this warm day Chef Diat served Le Vichyssoise cold, and it was a big hit. Now, you can make it at home in less than an hour, with the help of finedining.com. It's quick, it's filling, it's inexpensive and it's delicious.

Ingredients - Serves 6
2/3 cups leeks, slided thinly, white part only
1 small onion, sliced
2 Tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
Salt and pepper to taste
Snipped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

In a saucepan over medium heat, saute leeks and onion in butter until tender but not brown. Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce the heat, simmering for 35-45 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. The soup mixture needs to be blended (in a blender or food processor) to become smooth. Scoop soup out of the saucepan and place into a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Return the mixture to the pan. Add milk and cream, mixing well. Add salt and pepper to taste. The soup can be served immediately or refrigerated.

If the soup will be warmed for serving at a later time, use caution when reheating. It is much easier to slowly heat the soup in the microwave instead of the stove top to keep it from burning. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, sit down and start eating. The soup is extremely filling so there is no need to serve large bowls -- small glasses with spoons can be used to give the soup an even more interesting touch.

Photo attribution: petesmith

Simple Low Floral Arrangement

We've all been there, sitting at the beautiful dining table looking around, through or over the flowers that bedeck it. A low arrangement, one guests can look over to see each other's faces, would be best. How tall is too tall? Hostesses use this rule to determine if a floral arrangement is short enough for a dinner table. Sit at the table, place your right elbow on the table top and hold the right arm up, with the full hand extended, reaching toward the ceiling. The floral arrangement should be no higher then the top of the extended hand. Here is a quick way to create a beautiful low table display without breaking the bank.

Purchase two or three clear inexpensive rectangular shaped glass vases, about six or seven inches tall. Also purchase three or four clear square glass vases, approximately four or five inches tall. Be sure to end up with an odd number of vases. Now hit the local supermarket for flowers that have a full bloom to fill the top of the vases. The mums in the photos were used for the Thanksgiving table, but could be used at any time of the year by varying flower colors.

Fill the vases with cold water. Cut the flower stems so when placed in the vase only the bloom emerges. Fill the tall vases first so any short-comings can be adjusted and placed in the shorter vases. Alternate the blossom colors. If you read me regularly you already know I love strong colors that make a statement, so three bright green mums along with two purple mums look fabulous together. Remember to always end with an odd number of flowers in any vase. Wipe away any water from the outside of the vases, then set on the dinner table, at angles to create interest, alternating between a short vase and a taller vase. A few votive candles mixed in and lit for dinner will add the extra "va-voom" that will have your guests commenting on just how clever you are. Accept graciously and then pass the butter.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus and somewhatfrank

First Chicagoland Snow

While some may say it is beautiful and others may say it is messy, the first major snowfall of the 2008 season has hit Chicagoland and it is certainly white and peaceful outside. Cars move slowly, buses crawl, and horses stand in awe. Judging from my footprints in the snow this morning retrieving the Chicago Tribune, approximately 5-6 inches of snow fell in this northern Chicagoland area. Soon the snow plow will appear to clear the driveway and start the new snow pile of the season.

O'Hare has cancelled most flights headed east, so Adult Child 1 will work out of her Chicago office today, instead of a client's location. Adult Child 2 is waiting at Dulles to head to San Fran for the week, but the flight is delayed two hours due to weather. Our weather. And Adult Child 3 is in class, in snowy Milwaukee. I'm headed to class as well -- wonder how many students will show up today?

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Baby On Board

In a few weeks a baby will join the family and I will take on a new role and new name, Yaya. What is a Yaya, you wonder? While there are many names for Grandmother, my son's Greek heritage suggests the name Yaya for my new role. Nana would also work, as it is easier to form the letter "N" than it is to form the "G" for Grandma. Yaya is very simple as it requires a full open mouth, with the tongue in a downward position, near the lower front teeth, assuming the baby will have lower front teeth. At some point. The baby will be able to say the word with ease. (Note: Grandma is "γιαγια", pronounced yiayia.)

Yaya should not be confused with yoyo, a wheel shaped toy used to entertain children and adults alike. A yoyo is a useful interesting toy and a Yaya is a useful loving Grandparent. Other names for Grandma include the Irish Granma, Oma (German & Dutch for Grandma), Nonna (Italian for grandmother), Nai Nai (Chinese for grandmother), Mica (Serbian for Grandmother), Lola (Filipino for grandmother), and Kupuna wahine (Hawaiian for grandmother). So many choices.

As for this somewhatfortyplus soon-to-be Greek Grandfather, Pappous is the Greek word of choice. Grandpa is "παπου", pronounced papoo. Soon a little grand daughter will join the family and two her wonderful parents, who couldn't be happier. As for us, Yaya and Pappous are waiting and passing the time at BabiesRUs and Beautiful Beginnings and Freckle face picking up a few things.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Surviving Thanksgiving

It's happened to all of us at some point in our lives -- we survive Thanksgiving, and that is what we really need to be thankful for. It all starts as a grand idea, have Thanksgiving, getting family together to visit, eat, play and talk. Then the work begins: plan the food, plan the table, iron the napkins, oops -- order larger tablecloth because the table is 126 inches long, just like the tablecloth. New 144 inch cloth is ordered and on the way.

Shop for food, cook food, make appetizers, get wine --- no wine needed, already have 33 bottles and these homeowners don't even drink wine. Arrange flowers, make one 15 pound turkey on the day before, along with 10 pounds of mashed potatoes, 2 large bags of stuffing (each is for an 18-20 pound turkey), 8 large sweet potatoes, 2 large boxes of raspberry jello, 2 pounds of French green beans and dinner for that evening.

On the day of, stuff the second 15 pound turkey, roast the bird, make gravy, cut pomegranate, set the table, make name cards, arrange name cards, change candles to drip less, slice lemons, pour water, change name cards again, and celebrate. Talk to guests, take two aspirin, drink San Pellegrino with pomegranate juice, nibble on brie, snaps photos, smile, chitchat, smile, enjoy the moment because soon it will be over for another year.

What am I thankful for? My husband, my three children and their spouses and girlfriend, family who could come, no fires in the kitchen, no burned turkey, no fights at the dinner table, plenty of bubbly, and watching everyone enjoy the day. Happy belated Thanksgiving to all -- I would have been here sooner but I was busy in the kitchen.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Happy Birthday Mark

Word just in -- Mark, of the infamous Mark and Mary duo of Racine -- celebrated a birthday! Here's to a happy one, may you have many more! Cheers!

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Kids rule in this household whether they're 7 or 25, and when it comes to stuffing the turkey for Thanksgiving, only one recipe will do. Mine. It's really quite simple and the flavors are great. Adult children rave about this stuffing year after year, so either it's really good or it brings back childhood memories.

For a 20 pound turkey, saute 3 pounds of ground pork with one clove of garlic. Add 2 large yellow onions which have been diced. Add 10-12 stalks of diced celery. Add chopped fresh parsley -- don't worry, you won't add too much. Brown the mixture. Add sea salt or Kosher salt and pepper to taste, along with 3 tablespoons of poultry seasoning. which is parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Mix together and taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

In a large bowl pour two bags of plain stuffing mix. Melt 1/4 pound of butter, not margarine, and pour over the mixture. Add the warm ground pork mixture, then 1 or 2 cans (13 ounces each) of MSG free chicken broth. Mix together. The stuffing needs to be moist as it will dry out while cooking so add another can of chicken broth if needed. Stuffing must be cold before it is placed in a cold uncooked turkey so place the stuffing in zip-lock bags and refrigerate 3-4 hours or overnight. Never put warm stuffing in a bird as food poisoning will result.

When ready to stuff the bird, scoop as much stuffing into the cavity of the bird as possible, and push down a bit. Place remaining stuffing in a buttered or oiled pan that you will bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. While this recipe is simple, it is delicious and each year the raves are louder and louder.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Furnace Update

The new furnace is functioning and the house is warmer then ever at a lower temperature. The Aprilair humidifier installed on the furnace is worth every penny as there is no more static in the carpets and the air is easier to breathe. The English basement apartment is warmer as well, and as bad as the price was for the furnace, perhaps it was worth it.

Furnace Woes

In an economy going through a downturn, the last thing one wants to hear is "your furnace may stop at any moment because there are cracks through out." And if that isn't enough to hasten the entry into new furnace-land, try this: "it may last through the winter but the real concern is carbon monoxide, even though you have alarms." Oh-oh. In less than a week the house will be filled with all the children and their significant other, plus additional relatives. As things happen, one could predict the furnace would stop on Thanksgiving morning, or worse.

Every fall the two furnaces in this Chicagoland home have been "cleaned" by a somewhat reputable furnace company who swooped in, "cleaned" each furnace and charged $89.99 each. This year they were called -- twice -- and were too busy for such trivial matters. A new furnace company, with 24 hour service was called, and several thousand dollars later, a new larger and more efficient furnace AND humidifier have been installed. Was it a scam? No, unfortunately it was not. This somewhatfortyplus husband saw the inner workings and cracks in the furnace, thanks to the furnace scope. The previous furnace company said a humidifier could never be installed on the old furnace because there was no place for the water (from the humidifier) to drain. In comes the new, young guy with 22 years of experience owning his own company, and he was able to come up with a solution. Better yet, the bigger and more efficient furnace has several rebates which we received, so the humidifier was really free, if you believe that.

The end result is warmth with the needed humidity that comes best from the furnace. The three unsightly standing humidifiers have been put away. While the warmth is reminiscent of a summer day on the beach, we are in Chicagoland, where it will get cold and snowy soon. And, as they say in children's books, they lived happily (and warmly) ever after.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Hearty Boys Visit Woodstock

Chicago’s very own Food Network stars, caterers, restaurateurs, authors and genuinely nice guys, Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh highlighted the Woodstock Fine Arts Association's Creative Living Series Thursday at the Woodstock Opera House. And what a hit they were!

Calling themselves The Hearty Boys, Dan and Steve got their food start in an eight by eight foot Chicago kitchen that was so small they could stand in the middle and touch the stove, fridge, and the collapsible counter top they had rigged to the wall behind the back door. Four hundred twenty-three guests listened to The Hearty Boys talk of their journey, stopping to highlight events and share laughs with the group.

Neither Steve nor Dan went to culinary school or studied the hospitality industry in college. Starting out as actors in New York, Dan and Steve ventured into the food industry to help pay the bills, moved to Chicago, and the rest is, as they say, history.

Once in Chicago their lives became busier and busier. In one eight week period during the summer of 2005, Steve and Dan beat out 10,000 entrants to become The Next Food Network Stars where they launched their own show, Party Line with The Hearty Boys, opened their first restaurant called HB, and then adopted their newborn son, Nate.

The Hearty Boys Cookbook, Talk with Your Mouth Full, was released in September of 2008, and the restaurant and catering businesses have continued to flourish. A perfect gift for the holidays, the book is available through their HB Restaurant or here. Steve and Dan even treated the crowd to home-made brownies that melted in one's mouth, and provided the recipe, which will be on their web site tomorrow. Thank you Hearty Boys for making this visit memorable. You were fabulous!

Photo attribution: Somewhatforty Plus

Replacements Arrive

When looking for "vintage" Lenox crystal water goblets and wine glasses, several online sites popped up, but prices were steep and we all know about the sliding economy. Replacements, an online site that offers replacements of china, crystal and sterling, came to the rescue. Today a big brown box appeared at the door. In it were the four replacements I ordered, all in perfect condition, ready to be washed and become part of family gatherings. Thank you Replacements for such quick service. Replacements were ordered on Sunday and received on Wednesday. If everything could be this easy.

Photo attribution: Replacements

Slow Sluggish Computer? I've Got the Cure

Sooner or later we all suffer a spell of sluggishness, but when it hits the PC, two aspirin and extra sleep aren't the needed fix. If you don't have it now, you will: the computer freezes and needs to be re-booted a zillion times. Fear builds as one recalls "it isn't a matter of if your PC will crash, but when." Oh-oh.

The cure to a slow and freezing PC is a stroke away at RegCure. But do YOU need it? To quote a familiar 'also ran,' "You betcha." RegCure answers the question, Why is my PC so slow? After continued use, all PC’s suffer the effects of a corrupt and ineffective Windows Registry, causing error messages to appear, slow loading, and system crashes. Eventually, that machine that was supposed to make your life easier is now the source of your greatest frustration. Sound familiar?

Used to scan, repair and optimize your PC, RegCure is a cheap cure at $29.95, and extremely effective. Offering a free scan initially, purchasing the program will allow continued use and a faster PC. The first scan on this PC resulted in 756 problems that were corrected. Wondering how the PC had managed to function previously with so many problems, an immediate second scan found an additional 56 problems that were corrected. On day two another scan found 23 problems....and finally nothing was found and I "had the cure." You can too if you buy the program and run it several times in the next two or three days. Give it a try and then thank me for making your life, err PC, so much better. You're welcome.

Photo attribution: RegCure

Replacing Vintage Crystal

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and 13 on the guest list, it was time to count the china and crystal to be sure all would get a plate. Alas, over the years the Lenox China Eternal pattern, ivory china with a gold band, had lost a few mates and needed replacements. Not a problem since several websites offer various brands of china. The Lenox China site was the most expensive, but the site aptly called Replacements sold the 2 dinner plates at half the cost of the Lenox site. Great news. Two ordered.

Replacing two missing crystal pieces wasn't so easy. Two water goblets and two wine glasses in the Lenox Eternal crystal pattern was almost impossible. Time has not been my friend, and what was new back then is now considered, are you sitting down, "vintage." I feel much older after learning this piece of news. Over the past ten or twenty years the Lenox Eternal crystal pattern I had was replaced with a new style that did not resemble the pieces in my collection at all. Oh-oh.

Replacements again to the rescue. The vintage crystal was purchased from them at a much lower price then any other "vintage" site. Four crystal glasses are on the way to this somewhat forty plus household so the Thanksgiving table is complete and matches. Next topic -- seating 13 people at the dining room table.
Photo attribution: Replacements

Pink Girl = Pink Eye

Always a lover of anything pink, these green eyes went pink over the weekend, and that could never be good. A quick visit to the MD and the diagnosis: pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Teaching at a college, many of my students have young children, and apparently young children get pink eye. Does this mean I am much younger then I thought or just young at heart?

A clean fanatic, these hands get washed way too often, and after teaching from a classroom computer, Purell is used to remove any germs left on these hands; even at the grocery store a Clorox wipe is used to clean the cart prior to pushing it. As a way to kill germs from pink eye, Lysol Spray and Clorox Wipes covered many a surface at home, auto and office.

But what about the eyes themselves? Nothing to fear, Zylet is here. Zylet is Loteprednol, in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Loteprednol inhibits processes in the body that cause inflammation (swelling) and contains Tobramycin, an antibiotic used to treat eye inflammation caused by surgery, infection, allergies or small children. In a few short days, actually 24 hours, these pink eyes will turn green again. Eye makeup can be worn again. I will feel like myself again.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Chicken Soup

It's been said time and again, chicken soup could be one of the best cures for the common cold. My cold seems to be common enough, so a large pot of soup needs to do its magic. But does it really work?

According to the Mayo Clinic, scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. Does it have to be homemade chicken soup? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch. Nevertheless, making a pot of chicken soup was on the "to do" list.

Saute a cut up clove of garlic, 1 large chopped onion and 5-6 stalks of celery and 3-4 cut up carrots in 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil in a large pot. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add cut up chicken breast and cook until all is sauteed. Add additional olive oil, as needed. Now toss in chopped parsley, a sprinkling of thyme and a dash of rosemary. Add four 14 ounce cans of Swanson's Chicken Broth without MSG, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and slowly simmer for 30-45 minutes. Bring the soup to a boil and throw in 1/2 package of wide egg noodles.

In sixty minutes or less a homemade pot of soup can be simmering in your kitchen. Not only does it smell good, it is a healthy alternative to store bought canned soup, and it has to be better for you. I just finished a big bowl of chicken soup and it really does make one feel better.
Photo attribution: Swansons

TECH cocktail Chicago 9 Tonight

If you haven't already heard, tonight is the ninth TECH cocktail held in Chicago since the inception, in July of 2006. Five-hundred are expected at John Barleycorn-Wrigleyville from 6:30 till 9 p.m. to mix, investigate new start ups who are demoing, and network. Is it a good time? You betcha. Gotta go -- need to get down there to help set up.

TECH cocktail is brought to you by Frank Gruber and Eric Olson. Give it a look-see.

Fall Clean Up In Aisle Seven

Cleaning up one's flower beds each fall is a labor of love and nothing else. Never a big fan of fall, cutting down flowers and plants that have already seen better days is a sad reality that along with fall comes winter, and I am not a fan of winter.

Spring and summer are the best seasons in northern Illinois; flowers pushing through the earth is the beginning of a rebirth of sorts each April, proclaiming "the best is yet to come." After a beautiful and eventful summer, the first freeze, and even the first snow of the season last week, cold temperatures have hit this Chicagoland area killing off the beautiful mums that remained. Fall clean up includes removing most of the plants, leaving the hydrangeas and grasses and a few other interesting plants to create a winter scape. Each fall several small cabbages are planted to add color that will remain until heavy snowfall.

October 22 is the official beginning of the Holiday Season in this homestead as Jack's birthday is celebrated, followed by a few Northwestern and Purdue football games, Thanksgiving and then the big one, the Christmas Holiday extravaganza. And so today the formally beautiful flowers gracing the front of the house were cut down and hauled away. White and red cabbages were planted and the area was raked. As the weather continues to change, the cleared garden will be a refreshing reminder of the wonder of the One who created all of this. And that a baby girl will be born into this growing family in a few months.

Car Buying 101

Purchasing a vehicle can be a delight to some, but to this consumer, purchasing a vehicle is second only to having needles poked in one's eyeballs. A Volvo XC90 lover because of the high safety ratings and top and bottom air bags all around the vehicle, few cars come close. After a full day of Internet shopping, phone calls, and emails, three Volvo XC90's are in the running, all with fewer then 21,000 miles on them. Buying a slightly used vehicle saves money, and yes, while I did get the emails and memos about conserving gasoline, I also got those about conserving money. The whole economy is not good, and this is the time to pull back, tighten the reins, pull in the oars, and enough with the metaphors.

The Illinois Lottery has not called to say I was a winner, and Publisher's Clearing House has yet to pull into my long driveway, so purchasing a vehicle will have to be done alone. Oprah has not offered to buy me a car either. In comes the local Credit Union, with rates so low it will make one giggle, all set to go, but have to decide on a vehicle.

The weekend will be spent reading reviews and deciding which color will provide transportation for the next few years. I am partial to burgundy, dark blue, black and the signature silver, but only a fan of dark leather interiors for unknown reasons. A new vehicle will be in this driveway in the next few weeks -- or sooner.

Photo attribution: volvo

No One Came

Each year candy is purchased, pumpkins are carved and lit, lights are turned on, and a happy somewhatfortyplus lady in waiting sits, waiting and waiting and waiting. No one comes. The door bell does not ring. Head lights don't venture up the long dark driveway. Voices are not heard in unison shouting "Trick or Treat!" No one comes. A friend calls to say 42 kids have already been to her house. She lives in the well lit town; I live in the dark and spooky country.

Trick and treating hours have been set in this Chicagoland area, and range from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. CDT. It is now 8:40 p.m. A $12 five pound bag of assorted candy bars, purchased at Costco, sits undisturbed, missing only those eaten by the somewhatfortyplus husband. One more year of no monster mash. No goblins or vampires. Good thing I can remember Jack dancing and singing to "The Monster Mash" on stage a few years ago. Thanks Jack. Tell them Boris sent you......

Photo Attribution: somewhatfrank

Happy Halloween

Halloween seems to be the second largest holiday in the US -- is it because of pumpkin carving, candy fetching, or costume dressing? Does sticking a knife into a pumpkin relieve stress or allow creativity to take over? Several family members took the plunge and carved pumpkins to light on Halloween. A tradition since the very beginning, son Jack celebrated his October 22 birthday each year with a pumpkin carving contest for all the birthday well wishers. This year was no different. Jack carved two of the featured pumpkins.

After all the Halloween hoopla, don't forget to brush your teeth before retiring. Doesn't that just sound like a mother?
If dressing up in a costume is what you look forward to each year, let yourself go and enjoy the day. Be safe. Have fun. Brush your teeth. Happy Halloween Jessica, Mike, Frank, Jack and Taryn.

Mudroom Completed - Part 8

If you've been following along over the past three weeks, you know the previously ugly mud room was getting a much needed face lift. The before and after photos are dramatic and show the value of updating a high traffic mud room into a much happier space. Previously drab, with curling white vinyl wallpaper on the walls, and brown commercial tiles on the floor, the mud room was functional but dismal. The old work sink was replaced with a new one built into a cabinet. The shelf above the washer and dryer has a new matching curtain to hide all the paraphernalia or to allow a puppet show, which ever happens first. Adding a few pictures helped update the space as well. The bright green walls create a happier area that lifts one's spirits and allows the door to the mud room to remain open.

Anytime redecorating occurs the domino effect kicks in and several new accessories are added. The wood bench from Pier One Imports adds character and interest to the mud room, and allows one to sit while putting on shoes or boots. A few photos above the bench add interest and the mirror pulls one into the space, also allowing one last glimpse before leaving home. While I love the new mud room, what really matters is how you feel about it. Visitors to the home have delighted in the flow from the kitchen into the space and remodeled bathroom, discussed here. The real question now is how to keep mud out of the mud room.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Fall

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Vote Early

In an attempt to avoid long lines at the voting booth, I took the opportunity to vote early in the 2008 presidental election. Arriving at the county courthouse after lunch, traffic was heavy, and I hoped they weren't all voters. Alas, I was wrong, and discovered others had the same idea. The line was do-able. After completing the necessary paperwork, my time at the voting booth allowed me to participate in the long journey towards selecting the next president. In thirty minutes I cast my vote and was on my way.

Early voting takes place in many places across the United States; in Illinois early voting ends on Thursday. Get to it now -- avoid long lines and big crowds. Vote early.

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 7: Done!

After several weeks of stripping wall paper, priming and painting walls, installing Travertine tile, and searching for the right accessories, the bathroom and mud room remodeling project is complete and we couldn't be happier with the results.

The bathroom is small -- 4 feet by 4 feet -- and one recalls an airplane restroom when first opening the door to this somewhat intimate space, but the end result is dramatic. Benjamin Moore's Crushed Velvet Aura paint covers the walls and creates the "wow" factor. A tall etagere stands in the corner, displaying interesting trinkets and usable items. The 20" by 40" Pottery Barn mirror has a brushed nickel finish, as do other accessories in the room. Pulling it all together is the large picture over the toilet, taken from another room in the house. The picture, though hard to see in the photo, is the standard vase of drooping tulips in all the right colors of pink, cranberry, blue and green.

Recent visitors have loved the completed bathroom and this somewhat forty plus homeowner couldn't be happier. Tomorrow the mud room will be unveiled. Stay tuned.

Somewhat Forty Plus -- Happy Birthday to Me

A year ago Somewhat Forty Plus was launched after much contemplation and conversation. Wanting to blog for several months, actually doing so was the problem. A devoted reader of Somewhat Frank, deciding on a name for this blog was difficult. Who am I and what could I call myself? In the middle of one night the name was born and it was time to create a blog. A few hours later Somewhat Forty Plus was up and running. Creating it was simple, posting to it could be a challenge. Rarely at a shortage for words, this blogger has readers in New Zealand and New York, Wichita and Africa, all the Woodstocks -- Illinois, Vermont and Connecticut -- Israel, Istanbul and places in between.

The most popular topic? Not my daughter's jeans. My favorite topic? Anything Jessica, Frank or Jack. TECH cocktail stole my heart and Somewhat Frank created the urge to blog. Most commented on post? Decorating and remodeling the mudroom and bathroom. Most viewers? Anything about quarter horses, especially new born Annie.

Some days there is plenty to say and not enough time, while on others there are too many things to do and sleep takes priority over posting. Blogging is enjoyable and relaxing, allowing others to see aspects of an individual they know in a different way. After 365 days of blogging, year two begins. Will I run out of topics? I hope not. Life is filled with exciting new challenges, new jobs and new babies. Happy Birthday to me.

Happy Jack Birthday

You know you're getting old when your "baby" hits 25. Today the youngest of three, the second to marry, and the first to parent a child, celebrates his birthday with his bride. To mark this important day, two of my college classes were treated to pizza --- cheese, pepperoni and sausage -- and every piece disappeared. Jack could probably even hear us sing "Happy Birthday dear Ja---ck....."

Happy birthday on this the 25th of many more to come. Next year at this time you will be the father of a daughter, and you will experience life from the other side. Your hair will begin to discolor. Joints may ache. Eyes may need lenses. Welcome to my world. You are a wonderful son to two, a good brother or brother-in-law to four, a great friend to many and a good husband. Celebrate the day. "Happy birthday to you."

Northwestern/Purdue Football

Three children, all college graduates, all football fans, and all on board Saturday when Alma mater Northwestern University takes on Alma mater Purdue University at Northwestern's Homecoming in Evanston. Where does one sit when two children graduated from Purdue, and two children graduated from Northwestern? Seats have not been reserved and will be purchased on site after a tailgater in the parking lot designated for Purdue. The sun will shine all day, with temps in the low 60's, not the best but as good as it gets this time of year in the Midwest.

In case you wondered who went where, here is the line-up: Jessica graduated from Purdue in 1998 and De Paul in 2004; Frank graduated from Purdue in 2000 and Northwestern in 2005, and baby Jack graduated from Northwestern in 2006, and will graduate from Marquette Law in 2009.

The flight from DC arrives at 9:15, the game starts at 11:00 and reservations for a late lunch are for 2:30. Should be fun and no matter who wins, someone will be happy. Go NU! Go Purdue!

Bathroom Remodel -- Part 6: Almost Done!

After two weeks of ripping, roaring, stripping, filling, sanding and painting, the remodeled mud room and bath room are almost finished. There are travertine tile floors, apple green walls, freshly painted woodwork, and a new bench in the mud room. A mirror and a few pictures are needed to make it look complete. Even at this stage, it certainly looks better now, don't you agree?

The small bathroom has been a challenge: it is only 48" long and 41" wide, with 10 foot ceilings and a large window. Some idiot built a cabinet off center behind the toilet, so it was painted to match the walls but the cabinet still shows. After hemming and hawing about why the shelf unit behind the toilet was off center, and how it would bother this symmetrical person every time I entered the small space, it was removed yesterday, meaning drywalling and taping took place. Meaning it isn't done yet. Meaning it will need a few more days. The bathroom mirror was unwrapped and a dent in the frame was found so it will need to be returned. Soon you will be able to view the completed bathroom, but not today. Here's just a small peek to keep you interested. Love the color ..... it is deep and dramatic.