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Elena Doria spent almost fifty years working at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She spent half that time as a Chorister, and 23 years as the chorus director of the famed Met Children’s Chorus. Her tenure finished as the end of one era ushered in a new one. Pavarotti was gone, Peter Gelb had stepped in, and the Met Opera had a newly expanded audience as it moved on to the big screen. Elena’s unique style of choral direction influenced a few generations. Through her students and her stories, Elena’s legacy will live on.

ELENA DORIA: Where was I on the day of April 16th, 1961?!

ELENA DORIA: Cuba! During the invasion of the Bay of Pigs, floating right there on a cruise ship as an entertainer. For three days we watched and waited while someone named Fidel Castro led a military coup!! Hah..imagine.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Where were you born?

ELENA DORIA: Providence, RI. I’m a New Englander. The truth: 1926.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Your parents?

ELENA DORIA: My father was born in Poland of Russian Jewish parents. My mother was born in Providence of German parents.

CHRISTINA LESSA: How did you get the name Elena Doria? What’s your real name?

ELENA DORIA: Elsie Goldberg. When I debuted in opera in La Traviata in Rome. I couldn’t use Elsie Goldberg. Here was La Traviata with Guido Malfatti… I can’t have the name Elsie. But my singing teacher thought about it and we decided Doria. Oro means gold. I could have done Doromonte, which means Goldberg or Montedoro. But it’s too long. So we changed that to Doria and my first name to Elena.

CHRISTINA LESSA: When did you decide to become a singer?

ELENA DORIA: Early on. I started private lessons at fourteen but we sang, my sister and me, all our tiny years. Because not only did we sing at places like the American Legion and schools but my mother taught the junior choir at the neighborhood church that we attended. I was brought up Christian. I sang from tot-hood up. My first job was for five dollars on Sunday singing solo in a neighborhood Baptist church in Cranston, RI. Five dollars, I thought I’d hit the jackpot.

ELENA DORIA: Guess where I was in 2000, also floating in the ocean, but with a famous rat pack crooner?

CHRISTINA LESSA: Frank Sinatra’s dinghy?

ELENA DORIA: No! My former agent sent me on the Q.E. II to prepare the children passengers for a show the last night out. Eddie Fisher was on there. It was 2000. I wasn’t singing anymore, I was teaching the kids. Eddie Fisher was on the boat selling his book, “Been there Done That.” He was there with his fifth wife. Our cabins were adjacent and we became good friends. At dinner we sat at the same table. The morning we left the ship all dressed and ready to go, we laid on the bed just like we belonged to each other. I have a very famous picture on the bed snuggling up to him. Fun times!

CHRISTINA LESSA: You once told me a story about a contest in Coney Island…

ELENA DORIA: Oh, The greatest story of my life! I tell children this story to show that they should never give up. I was in the chorus of Radio City Music Hall and it was 1961. This audition was for Jones Beach Marine Theater, which would keep us in New York. It used to be that they’d do the show at Radio City and we would work that and then the movie would play, which was at least two and a half hours long and we were free to come and go. So during a movie, twelve of us girls got together and went to an audition. The show was called Paradise Island, which was supposedly to be set toward Japan somewhere so it was oriental. All of us girls put mascara on our eyelids to look oriental. I sang the last sixteen bars of “This is My Beloved” from the show Kismet. We all auditioned, 11 girls were asked back one week later to the finals. Elena Doria was eliminated. I didn’t cry because I don’t cry easily. But of course I was upset. Halfway through that week on Monday morning, the show business newspaper came out announcing that Jones Beach wanted to hear more sopranos. The girls said Elena you are going to do it again, and I said, “You’re darn right I’m going to do it.” One week after the original auditions, I left off the ridiculous eyeliner, changed my dress and changed the tune to “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess and I signed in as Elsie Goldberg. One verse through, they stopped me and said “Miss Goldberg would you come back on Thursday?” Somehow or another I knew I got the part. Eleven were eliminated and Elena Doria got it! Elsie Goldberg got it. Then I went to sign my contract, now I’m nervous. When I signed I said I have a professional name. They said what name is your social security under, so there I was, Elena Doria again.

CHRISTINA LESSA: How did you come to New York?

ELENA DORIA: My father came to New York. He’d heard about a woman soprano who was a voice teacher. Her name was Ms. Mario. She was first female singer on the Met Opera Saturday afternoon broadcast. It was 1948-9 and my dad took me down and I always remember I sang her something and my father said very excitedly, Ms. Mario will you take her? She said, “I’d be very happy to.” The price for an hour long singing lesson was $30 at the time. I started taking two half hours for $15 What killed me was, sure she’d take me, but for $30 an hour I could have sung like a dog and she would have taken me! Anyway, I began to take two, half hour lessons a week. I noticed that maybe 5 or 7 minutes of each session she would talk and so forth. So I changed it to 3 ten-minute sessions so she would get straight to the lesson. Can you imagine? You don’t vocalize in ten minutes.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Your father really believed in you?

ELENA DORIA: Oh yeah, he did well to believe in me. After I have taught these hundreds of children, I know their parents believe in their kids. Only 5 percent of the children succeed. I’m throwing out that 5 percent. Name the most fantastic sopranos in the whole world, maybe 10. The other 98 percent, their parents believed in them also. My father heard me do Traviata, in 1955 in Rome, and somebody seated next to him whom we knew called me and said, “Your dad cried at the end of Act One.” My father wasn’t prone to crying.

CHRISTINA LESSA: He had lived a long life, I understand.

ELENA DORIA: Three months short of 107. Born in 1900 and he died in December 2006. He had a full brain, frail, but walked by himself. Full intelligence. He’s been to the Met when I had charge of the children, when David Stivender was chorus master. He was a very close friend of mine. He put the cherry on my musical cake. David told my mother and father something, I forget the words, but essentially he said, “It’s a blessing that Elena has a position like this after 20 years in the chorus.” “It wouldn’t have been the same without her”.

CHRISTINA LESSA: What year did you start at the Met and what year did you start with the children?

ELENA DORIA: I opened the building in 1966 with Anthony and Cleopatra. I spent 20 years in the chorus. Then switched over (I wanted it) to the children’s chorus. I was there for 23 years. 43 years total.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Any stories from your days at the Met you can share?

ELENA DORIA: I was very good friend of Montserrat Caballé in Italy. I sang an aria we auditioned for San Carlo in Naples. That was 1955. The opera was Novita. Novita in Italian means, something brand new. It was an opera Le Caprice de Mariana. I got it, and did 5 performances during Christmas in 1955. She didn’t get it! Of course, she became world famous…

CHRISTINA LESSA: You were in Italy for a long time.

ELENA DORIA: I won a Fulbright scholarship to Italy in 1952 and in ’53 I met the man who would become my fiancé. He owned a hairdressing salon and one of his clients, a woman, asked her husband who was in the Ministry of Spectacles, if there was anything available for me. He fixed up an audition at the theater. With a piano, I sang the whole role of Violetta in La Traviata. Sure enough they pulled the womanoutwhowastodoitandIdidthe last two performances and then I went to Sardinia. That was 1955. I did five Traviata’s in ten nights in the open air.

CHRISTINA LESSA: You did a lot of voiceover work.

ELENA DORIA: I dubbed movies from about ‘55-’57. From Italian to English for early American television. My voice was always very low. I dubbed Tina Pica. Ingrid Bergman stood right beside me when we did a party scene from Viago en Italia (A Trip Within Italy) with Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders. She was lovely. We were at a party, dubbing the scene. She took a sip of a drink on the screen. Of course she didn’t have a drink in her hand, but she did her part in English and took the sip and went on talking. She was perfection.

CHRISTINA LESSA: What was it like with the children?

ELENA DORIA: Hard work for all of us, and the most rewarding. There’s absolutely no yawning, no looking at the clock or scratching of noses, that’s for sure..I just wanted them to be the finest singers they could be for the Metropolitan Opera, If they couldn’t hack it I’d say, ‘Go play tennis. I don’t care.’ They hack it, though, and they know its worth it. Imagine, being on stage singing at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the greatest opera house in the world, at the age of maybe 7? Now with children the key was not to exhaust them, but to teach them to do it correctly the first time and to respect everything about the process involved. I worked outside the Met with the children sometimes too. I brought 25 boys to Carnegie Hall for Luciano Pavarotti’s only Otello under Sir George Solti from Chicago. It was to be a very grand event ending his 22-year career as music director of the Chicago Symphony, Solti wanted to give the world a spectacular concert performance of “Otello,I don’t remember the year but it must have been 1991. I was called from Chicago to prepare, so I did. We had a rehearsal. At the Met I held up a photograph of George Solti and I said we are going into Carnegie Hall, everyone on their best!! I was familiar with it.Isaidheisgoingtocomeupandgo through the music with you. When Maestro Solti comes in, you stand up, all twenty four of you stand right up. I said try it, now here he comes in the room. They stand up, but clomping on the floor, I said wait a minute. When I say stand up, stand quietly, elegantly and all together. I had them practice. Sure enough in Carnegie Hall., Maestro Solti walked in, I said here he is boys, stand up. They did it quietly! I ran a tight ship, but we always had fun for our hard work. I kept an autographed copy of Judge Judy over

my piano in the studio to remind them that they were being watched ( laughs). We often sang silly songs together the children and I, and I always remembered to thank them at the end of class from the heart of my bottom!”( laughs) If they were off key I had an authentic NYC license plate that I would hold up that read, “FUGEDABOUTIT”, that just killed them.

CHRISTINA LESSA: You’ve never been married… was that a conscious choice?

ELENA DORIA: I was engaged for many years in Italy. Didn’t work out, too different. With Italian men, you know there are always more than two of you in every marriage! I had a boyfriend here and there. My life has been about my work, the Opera, the children.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Did you ever sing in Las Vegas?

ELENA DORIA: That’s one thing I’ve never done. This I also tell parents. in 1960, I was in Jones Beach Marine Theater. Toward the end of August a musician in the orchestra said Elena, Fred Waring wants a soprano. Now Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, way back in the 30s was on the radio with four men. And it grew and grew and was a travelling group all over the United States. He said, Fred Waring wants to hear a soprano. Are you kidding? Me go all over the USinabus?Aonenightstandinabus.But give me the number, because I’ll audition, because every time you audition, you learn from it and you audition better for a job you really want. I auditioned 6 songs with and without piano, standing and seated, with and without shoes, opera, everything. They said thank you and we’ll let you know. Two days later I’m called by his henchmen, Mr. Waring would like you to join the Pennsylvanians.

I said thank you so much. I went four years with them, on a bus, one night stands, from 1961 to almost 1965. It was broadcast on the radio several times and televised once. Of all the states in the contiguous US, the only state I’ve never been in, the bus didn’t even cross the line, was Nevada

CHRISTINA LESSA: You performed and toured during the 60’s and 70’s. Were you ever an activist?

ELENA DORIA: I was at the Ambassador Hotel where RFK was killed. We did Porgy and Bess, that was emotional and ground breaking. Equality, look, I believe in equality for all. I believe in a woman’s right to choose. And I believe in gay marriage, absolutely. Fifty percent of people divorce anyway, and I’m talking heterosexual marriages. Everyone should be equal..our society has a long way to go. I’ve seen big changes, but not enough!

CHRISTINA LESSA: How old would your oldest student from the Met be today?

ELENA DORIA: Many of them are now married with children. Maybe 50.

CHRISTINA LESSA: Have any of them gone on to become singers?

ELENA DORIA: Monica Yunus. She comes from Bangladesh. Her father won the Nobel Prize several years ago, Muhammad Yunus. I anticipated the success of one girl who is now twenty, she has a scholarship in Austria right now, a beautiful singer. Jessie Euker. Her younger brother, Jarret, has a stunning voice also. Also I taught Emmy Rossum from Phantom, the movie version. She studied with me for years and then I coached her specifically for that role.

CHRISTINA LESSA: How has the world changed for you artistically?

ELENA DORIA: I think opera is growing. Technology has changed everything..it’s all about access! I have very close friends that I visit abroad each year. My friends in London, of whom I have many, they’ve seen a live broadcast from the Met. That’s a gift to the world, isn’t it?

CHRISTINA LESSA: Opera singers are like athletes because of the kind of training and virtuosity required.

ELENA DORIA: The opera is the highest form of expression. It’s the most difficult to do, to portray, to sing, it’s the most beautiful that you can go to see. The whole combination, the singing, acting, the orchestra is astounding. It involves years of training and the fact that there are so few in the world shows how difficult it all is. How many Rene Flemings and Debbi Voights are there? How many Lucianos and Placidos are there the world over. It’s because it’s so difficult. There are very few people who are the whole package, the acting and singing. It’s very difficult. You have to be born with the ear, with the instrument. I have coined a phrase. Music is the staff of life, not bread. You can live without bread, who needs bread? A celiac diseased person doesn’t eat bread. Not everybody loves opera the way we opera lovers enjoy it. They enjoy what? Even though I can’t name these jazzy and rock singers, that’s music too. The whole world loves music to one degree or another. But Opera..that’s food for the soul!

CHRISTINA LESSA: Who do you think outside of opera are the most talented musicians right now?

ELENA DORIA: I don’t listen , I have no idea. Susan Boyle is a top drawer. That’s the most astounding audition/trial I’ve ever seen in my life. Somehow or another I mistakenly deleted it. I fell in love with the three judges. I love Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. I love him! I love his delivery. I watch his face, his mouth, everything. He’s got a lot to say. I love him.

CHRISTINA LESSA: You’ve lived a long life, you’ve made a lot of decisions, you have particular political viewpoints. If you could give three pieces of advice about life what would they be?

ELENA DORIA: DON’T EVER GIVE UP! That’s number one. Eat healthy. Don’t overdo it with a bunch of garbage. Drink healthy! Who would have ever thought you would get so old! Prepare! Those two things bring personal happiness. Seriously. Yeah and, if you are able to give back after having sacrificed, that’s a good thing. If you don’t have money you always have time. Go to a hospital and help out. Another thing, I’m a very big patron of St. Jude’s research hospital, because Memphis was one of our stops when the Met was on tour for 20 years. When St Jude’s was in the back of a hotel. We used to see the little kids without any hair having to go to chemotherapy. It always left a spot in my heart.

Much later on I started to become a patron and several summers ago, I brought my surrogate grandson to Memphis. He is very close to me and was one of my kids. I’ve made friends with one of the women that works at St Jude’s. We went a couple of miles away to the home where parents are put up to stay while their child is in the hospital. It’s an absolutely astounding place. Everyone in this country and the world should help and donate to St. Jude’s.

CHRISTINA LESSA: What was your greatest performance personally?

ELENA DORIA: Traviata hands down. When I could be on stage, I loved what I was doing, and if it went over the footlights, good for them. I did it because I loved it. If you love it and you are slightly talented that’s the most important thing. I wish I had the voice of a Renee Fleming. I was good, but I wasn’t the most glorious. I was a wonderful actress on stage. To this day, I teach a bit of acting to kids and I love it. I was a great actress. The voice teacher Ms. Mario, the voice teacher my father brought me to, she wasn’t the greatest voice teacher in the world by any stretch of the imagination, but she was the greatest opera acting coach I’ve ever had in my whole life. When I finished Traviata, no matter where, usually in Italy, and my body collapsed down on the right knee and “don’t come near me to hold me” was sung. I would linger in the misery…The audience loved me.


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Friday, June 11, 2010

Another Five Question Friday from Mama M! I hope everyone has a great weekend! I am just going to work on kicking this flu to the curb...

1. What do you think makes a good friend, or friendship?

Ones that you can be yourself completely with. Whether that is your happy/spunky side or on a bitchy/mood day. A true friendship can last through anything, even distance. When I moved 650 miles away from the town I grew up in I learned who my real friends were. Even with miles upon miles separating us we were still close, and when I come home for a visit it feels as though no times has passed.

2. What is the last thing you bought & later regretted?

Hmm...I have started to be a really calculated shopper. I am going to have to go with my soup from yesterday. Although absolutely delicious, it gave me the worse heartburn EVER!

3. Have you ever had a prank played on you?

A old high school teacher of mine decided to toilet paper my car during my graduation party and put lots of gross, gooey things on it. It was funny!

4. What is your favorite theme park?

I like good old Valley Fair. It sure isn't the best I have been to, but you never have to wait in line and my patience run thin in large groups of people!

5. Have you ever seen someone else give birth?
Not completely, no. I was in my sister-in-laws room with her first son up until right before he popped out but I wasn't there for the actual popping out. I have seen plenty at the baby classes that we took and on TLC's Baby Story. I get to experience one firsthand in August. I am scared...

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

"Grandma Kac"

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Rocky Road Bars

These are so easy, so delicious, and so fast!

Rocky Road Bars

12 oz bag of chocolate chips
12 oz bag of butterscotch chips
10 oz bag of marshmallows
1 cup slightly salted peanuts
1 cup peanut butter

Put chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a bowl. Place in microwave for two minutes, and mix together. You can do it on the stove but it is really easy to melt in the microwave. Add everything else and spread it all out on a cookie sheet that is lined with foil. Place in the fridge. After they are cold and hard lift the foil out of the cookie sheet and cut into bar size pieces. Place back in the fridge because they are best when they are cold. Yum!

Enjoy now and thank me later!

Friday, June 4, 2010

It is that time again for Mama M's Five Question Friday! Enjoy!

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

Yes, definitely. I majored in Anthropology in college and it was amazing, well, amazing until I tried to find a "real"job. There aren't a lot of those out there for Anthro majors. I would either major in Special Education or Forensic Science if I went back. Actually, that's what I am planning to do next year. Hopefully it works out better than my previous major!

2. What do you love most about your home?

My little man that is in my belly room. It is coming along so well and I can't wait until he is here to try everything out!

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?

I LOVE to read and I need to start doing that again. Probably not the best timing with little dude on the way, but hey it relaxes me. I love reading murder mysteries. The more blood and guts the better. Hence the interest in Forensic Science!

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?

Cow nuts. Mmm, tasty!

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?
Definitely Abby from NCIS. Her job looks amazing! She gets to be in on all the crime scene aspects without having as much danger as the other cast members!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Guard Dog

My dog has a new favorite activity. She guards the house against bad guys...

...those damn cats outside! If she wasn't protecting us, who would?

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend!

We had a busy weekend and it was a lot of fun! It did start off somewhat slow as we just stayed home and watched Lockup on Friday (we LOVE that show). Saturday we headed to Cincinnati to go watch a Reds baseball game. It was a beautiful night for a game, and the Reds kicked ass! I am more of a Twins fan, but the Reds come in close so I really enjoyed myself, well for the most part. I wasn't aware that we were going to park so far away and I wasn't the brightest wearing flip-flops while being 29 weeks pregnant. I was exhausted from the walk! Can't complain too much though as the tickets were 10 bucks a piece and that came with a free hat (Matt has it on in the above picture).

Sunday we went to a BBQ at a friends house. It was really a great time! Yummy food, lots of land to roam around on (although I spent most of the time getting sun on their deck) and adorable puppies to pet. They have a Golden Retriever and a new German Shepard/Mix puppy. Both so cute! Speaking of cute check out this little girl...

That is my current baby Tallulah enjoying (well not really but I was!) our new stroller that my parents bought us for Fletcher! Hey, don't judge me I had to try it out!

I am really excited about all the fun baby stuff I have been getting. Matt and I are heading back to Minnesota in 17 days so I can have a baby shower. I can't wait!

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

I just wonder what we were thinking!! Bronzing our children's first pair of shoes. It was when we where young and broke...yet we paid to get them bronzed???

They were packed away for years. About 6 years ago.. I unpacked them...I was in a either use it or get rid of it. My kids don't want them..but I could not get rid of them. About a year ago I sat them by my front door in the entry... well they were close to the door! They actually look okay there...I even get positive comments. The other day as I moved them when I was cleaning... they brought back memories of my kids, I had to get the photo albums out and reminisce...I just may have to keep these! (Maybe their kids will want them someday?)

"Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children,
and the one most important of all the things we can give to them is unconditional love.
Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children." Rosaleen Dickson
"Children begin by loving their parents;
as they grow older they judge them;
sometimes, they forgive them"
Oscar Wilde

  1. Ja też chowałam na pamiątkę niektóre ubranka dzieci, butki, zabawki
    (pluszowy miś i słoń) i wiesz co, one już to zabrały do swoich domów. Czyli przedstawiało to dla nich jakąś wartość. Pozdrawiam

  2. those are precious momentos! you've got to keep them. it is interesting how customs change though. :)

  3. I remember my parents had at least one pair bronzed -- either mine or my older sister's. I wonder if she still has them? Thanks for evoking a memory for me! :)

  4. Isn't it interesting how children's shoes have changed to low tops with no ankle support.

    Your children may not want the shoes now, but trust me, they will want them later. Keep them on display!

  5. Terrific thoughts and photos - brought back memories for me too!

  6. my Mom did ours too...great memories...

  7. I think it is a lovely tradition.
    Wish we had done it.
    And great as a porch feature.

  8. Oh I understand this I have both my girls first walking boots and never had them bronzed they sit in a drawer I never could part with them either. Maybe their children will want them. LOL Never know. Good post. B

  9. I think that's a great idea to put them by the door! Very precious.

  10. What wonderful memories they must bring to mind!

  11. I don't think we bronze shoes in Sweden, but I think it is a very sweet custom. What a good idea to bring them out and keep them where they can be seen.--Inger

  12. What fantastic memories and to think that your memory was awakened by these adorable shoes which you were trying to give away. I say keep them and leave them right where you have them... they look so sweet and I'm sure they've put many smiles on your face and of those who visit. I wish I would have bronzed my childrens baby shoes especially after seeing this photo!

    Enjoy your Sunday!

  13. My parents had some shoes bronzed; I have no idea what happened to them. But I'm with those who think you should keep them! If your children don't want them, then they can deal with them after you are gone!

  14. So cute and so true. Amazing how humbling the parenting process is and we can only be compassionate for our parents when we go through the ringer ourselves. Suddenly then we realize what an amazing job our parents did! Loving your blog posts!!

Thanks for dropping by...


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Thursday, April 27, 2006

Branching out

So I've been a Softset girl my whole "pumping" life. Sure I've tried the odd silhouette style sets here and there. Love their low-profile, hate that they leak like a sieve on me after a day.

So being the "new and improved", "daring, willing to try new things" diabetic Sarah (who used her hip for the first time 2 days ago!!), I decided to order me some Quicksets. Came in today.

I tore into that package like a kid at Christmas (am I the only one who gets all excited about new D toys). SO anyway, there I am with this surprisingly small box for the infusion sets and even smaller box for the inserter. Take a set out. I'm all excited...Then....Wait..Does this go here? What the heck is this blue crap, do I pull this off? Oh, crap I guess not, there goes the needle. 1 set trashed, maybe, just maybe I should read the instructions.

I never felt so dumb in my life. These sets had me completely stumped. Took me a good 15mintues to get it all worked out. Its in now, I'm happy, absolutely no pain on insertion (someone please extend my delusion that they all go in that painlessly!!). Took another minute or 2 (and more reading of the directions...ugh, I'm such a women!) to figure out the disconnect, but so far "Mikey Likes!"

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

It was Inevitable

Lastest google search leading here:

pillsbury biscuit dough tube explosion

And yes, I'm afraid of biscuit dough tubes!

Jump for joy or cry?

Don't know which I should do. I finally installed my One Touch Software here at work and am enthralled with it. I'm sure the more I play, the more I will find the preset reports to be too limiting, but for now, I'm in love. This is why I'm jumping for joy.

Crying - well, I've got all my readings, or lack there off, staring me right in the face. Then there's the statistics...Out of 51 readings, only 24% were within range.

24 - freakin %!!! No wonder my A1C was in the crapper last time it was done. Its amazing how having all the information right there staring you in the face makes you snap to attention.

Then, to add insult to injury,I printed out my CalorieKing diaries to get the food data into the software. Holy CRAP, I need to stop eating out. First off, some "meals" had more calories then I should consume in a day, and I've yet to even come close to guessing the carb count correctly.

Diabetes - 1 Sarah - 0 (bring it on!)

Let the games begin!!!

Friday, April 21, 2006

Couldn't resist, just like DH couldn't resist putting it on her and snapping the pic!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

I had one of those nights last night. Those nights where you wish you could just pull the covers over your head and forget about this whole D thing. Honestly, I did pull the covers over my head, but I couldn't forget, damn it!

I'd been running high ALL DAY. Not once did I get below 250. Not.Freakin.Once.

Normal person - this is a no brainer, change site, change insulin, bolus and watch the bs drop down to normal.

Psycho Sarah - get pissed, get rebellious, refuse to change site, continue bolusing into what is already a painful site, get sick, go to bed saying "Screw all of this, I'll deal with it in the morning".

Lie in bed for 2 hours feeling horrible and wishing my heart would stop racing (from the high, anger, both?). Come very, very close to ripping the pump off and throwing it down the stairs. Resign myself that I cannot ignore it any longer (this was "normal Sarah" trying desperately to take over) and go downstairs, spend 5 minutes changing my site and am in bed and a sleep within a 1/2 hr.

WHY IN THE HELL DO I DO THIS?????????!!!!!!!!!!

Some days, I don't know what in the hell is wrong with me. Most days I can handle a high, treat however necessary and get on with it. Others...I dunno. Unexplained highs will just royally piss me off. I somehow see them as a reflection of a failure - and I.Hate.Failing.

Luckily, today, I'm back. I'm me. I'm sane and I'm generally below 150 (although the unexplained 156 at lunch sent a little Dr Jekyll back into me).
I am: bored
I want: to go home
I wish: I was 100 pounds lighter
I hate: unexplained highs
I miss: sleeping (DD's been on a sleep strike)
I fear: failure
I hear: coworkers on the phone and a truck outside
I wonder: when/if there will ever be a D cure
I regret: nothing, really
I am not: always as happy as I pretend to be
I dance: like no one is watching
I sing: as soon as I'm in the car
I cry: constantly
I am not always: neat.
I make with my hands: awesome baked goods that I shouldn't eat.
I write: to let out feelings I could never say outloud
I confuse: who I am with who I think people want me to be
I need: to be able to spend more time with SWCAL
I should: stop procrastinating
I start: supper every night
I finish: most things on time

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Weird Googles that lead to my Blog

Firecracker soup can in bucket of water

licking cat

cute crying

Baby to English Translation

There's some days where I would give anything to understand exactly what SWCAL is saying to me. She definitely has her own langauge. Certain words she says constantly, like -

"galub-ba-lub!" - this is ALWAYS a statement and I'm guessing generally means - "Give me what you have!" (usually spoken when we are eating or drinking something)

Then there's...

"Gually-ga?" - This one is always spoken as a question.

Then there's the totally random "talking" that occurs in the car after she's said "ma!" 100 times and I've said "what?" 101 times. I generally wait for "galub-ba-lub" or "gually-ga" and respond accordingly.

This post doesn't have a point....I just don't ever want to forget about "galub-ba-lub!" and "gually-ga"

Monday, April 17, 2006

Friday, April 14, 2006

Penance for Yesterday

So DH said yesterday's post was pretty lame..LOL Seriously though, have you ever gotten to that point of utter, complete lack of will from the never-ending tedium of having NOTHING to do, while you're stuck for 9 hours at a desk. I'm talking flipping through windows, trying to look busy, can't even think of anything to surf for on the web, boredom??! Whole WORLD-WIDE WEB and I couldn't think of a single topic to research...Heck, I've got a million things I could look for now and of course, I'm busy now, which would mean I shouldn't be writing this, but oh well. I could start planning the "its never gonna happen" trip to Bora Bora, look for new caches in and around my area, learn about Indian (as in India) culture, relive my trip to Alaska...You get the point.

I don't have anything insightful today, except to tell you all that the little person inside my head, that regularly cracks me up, is currently chanting "Neener, Neener, neener....I don't have to work on Monday!! I don't have to work on Monday!!! Neener, Neener Neener" She's got a pretty cool dance to it too.

Love IT!

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Random Thoughts

Is it technically possible to die of boredom? I'm pretty sure I'm teetering on the edge.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Give me a break!!!

Officer cites 82-year-old woman for being too slow to negotiate busy street

"Mayvis Coyle, 82, was shuffling with her cane across busy Foothill Boulevard while a traffic police officer watched and waited.

And watched and waited.

Even before Coyle finished crossing the intersection at Woodward Avenue, he had scribbled a $114 ticket for crossing against a don't-walk signal. "I entered the crosswalk, it was green," said Coyle, of Sunland, who is fighting the infraction issued Feb. 15. "It turned red before I could get over. There he was, waiting, the motorcycle cop.

"He said, `You're obstructing the flow of traffic."' "

......And in a surprise twist, the awards for "Dumbest Cop of the Year" & "Least Likely to Have Ever Been a Boy Scout" goes too....Officer Kelly

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

YES!! A boredom killer

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Julia for ending the non-stop tedium of this day!!! LOL

"Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday. Don't include the year. Record three events, three births and three deaths that happened on the day you were born."
1791 - The United States Bill of Rights becomes law when ratified by the Virginia legislature.

1891 - James Naismith introduces the first version of basketball, with thirteen rules, a peach basket nailed to either end of his school's gymnasium, and two teams of nine players. (and I've never been to the BBall Hall of Fame, even though its 5 minutes from my house!)

1994 - The web browser Netscape Navigator 1.0 is released.

1890 - Sitting Bull, Sioux nation leader (b. circa 1831)
1944? - Glenn Miller, American musician (b. 1904)
1966 - Walt Disney, American animator (b. 1901) - My hero :(

1933 - Tim Conway, American actor and comedian
1949 - Don Johnson, American actor
1967 - Mo Vaughn, American baseball player - GO SOX!!!!!!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Why do those 2 words under my Links section send a shiver up my spine? "Edit-me"...Its calling to me, sinisterly, so full of potential, yet completely lacking in any direction or suggestion.

Is it because I feel pressured, unsure of myself or my choices? What should I link too? What I put there reflects on me. Do I relink my old digiscrapping kit? That just seems old and tired, definitely not how I want to feel. Do I add more links to D related topics? Well then, that might allow people to think that I'm more activist then I've ever really been. So what, do I link? Or, are the word's speaking to me, directly to me....Edit Sarah, but how or better yet, why? Do I edit the link, or take those 2 words to heart - edit "me".

If I could edit me, what would I edit? My weight? Well, shit, that's a given. D? Um, hell ya, screw the whole "D made me who I am" - I know who I am, and I don't need D teaching me any more lessons, thank you very much. But other then that, is there anything about ME, Sarah, the person, that I would edit? I really don't think so. I'm happy with who I am, where I am. Are there things I wish for? Yes. Like winning the lottery (even though I don't play) and being a SAHM (even thought I'd go nuts after a week). But those aren't me. I don't ever dream about being a different person, never. Is that normal? Do I need editing?

I wish I took a picture

So we got a backpack carrier for "She Who Cries A Lot" (SWCAL) this weekend. Its pretty nice, actually fits my "round" body, and seems quite comfy. Oh, did I mention, it was FREE!! ( ROCKS!!).

Ok, here comes the part where I should've taken a pic. We put A in it, she's screaming the entire time. DH figures out how to get it up onto his back, and starts walking around the kitchen. The entire time, A has the most pathetic looking face on and is whimpering "Up, up, up, up, up, up, up", ("up" is used for both up and down), while she clutches her "bankies". (yes, I'm telling I took delight in my child's misery, honestly what else is a parent to do?). I asked her if she was having fun, and got a quiet, quivering "yez". We took her out after that...

Hmmm, what do you think? 10 minutes, 3 times a day, should get her used to it?

We got it so that we could start Geo-caching again. If you don't know what geo-caching is, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!! Its great!!! Basically people place small "caches" in the woods, post the coordinates to it and you use your GPS to find it. The cache itself is nothing much (think McDonald's toys), but its usually placed along a nice hike, or at an amazing view. We'd like to take SWCAL with us, hence the carrier. Wish us luck next Saturday!

Thursday, April 06, 2006

My biggest Secret

For years I've lived with this secret. To be exact - 12.5 yrs, I've lived with this secret. I am convinced I caused my diabetes. To understand, we have to travel back an additional 6 or 7 yrs.

I've always been tall. Always. I'm the same height now (5'10") as I was in 4th grade. As such, I've always towered over my friends and sometimes even my teachers. Being tall is great now, but back then I didn't feel tall, I felt F-A-T. Here I was probably 130-140lbs, which on 5'10" is actually skinny, but when you put me up against my friends who were lucky to break 5' and probably weighed 80lbs soaking wet, I just looked fat.

When I was around 9 or 10, one of my best friends (aren't all friends at that age, your "best") was diagnosed with T1 diabetes. I saw how her food had to be carefully weighed and measured and how limited she was in what she could eat (pre-"carb counting" days). I went home one night after spending the day with her and feeling incredibly fat and I actually - god I am literally shaking as I write this - wished and prayed that I would get diabetes, so that I would HAVE to follow a diet and would be skinny and petite like my friends.

I cry now for that little kid. How F'd up is society if a 9 yr old girl prays for a disease because she thinks she's fat?? I honestly saw D as my only way to lose weight. Nevermind that I swam competitively for over 6 months of the yr and was actually a normal weight for my height. That didn't matter, to me, I was fat, and D was my cure.

Skim forward a few yrs and I'm in the hospital. My sugar is 1500. I'm getting shots of insulin while I'm sitting at the registration desk at the hospital. Another shot as I ride the elevator up to my room. Oh, lucky me, I get a private room. The girl admitted right before me, should've gotten it, but since she was in a dka coma, well they put her with the 2 yr old (by comparasion her sugar was 900). Dr's are freaking out and I've suddenly become the side-show freak girl who's still walking and talking. I just wanted to eat lunch and would someone please bring me something to drink, dammit!!

I couldn't believe what was happening. I had lost a ton of weight and while I thought I looked great, apparently everyone else thought I had an eating disorder. I had all but forgotten about that night years ago. I had taken the diagnosis in stride. Didn't cry once that first day in the hospital, or the second, or third or even fourth. Not while I was practicing injections on oranges, not while I gave myself that first shot. I didn't cry until my final night in the hospital when I remembered that little girl and her wish. Then I cried and cried and cried. I did this to myself. This was ALL MY FAULT.

Ever since, I've felt like I can't complain about my D. I have to be the "well adjusted", accepting Sarah. The "ya, I've got D, but its really not that bad", "I'm fine" Sarah. This wasn't something that just happened. This was something I willed on myself so I best shut up, put a smile on my face and get on with it.

Fast forward to today, and D is my curse. Since my diagnosis I've gained well over 100 pounds from a combination of lack of exercise, poor food choices, and oh ya a little thing called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome which causes severe insulin resistance which in turn causes weight gain, which requires more insulin, which leads to more weight gain and up and up goes the scale. And all this time, I've NEVER told anyone about that night so many years ago. And now here I am telling the world my deepest, darkest secret.

Now if I can only hit the publish button.

So what does this mean?

Seeing as how I get an inside scoop on the Healthcare biz, I've had my DH ask around about this new MA Universal Healthcare Plan. Where I was freaking out yesterday, I'm getting mildly less concerned today.

Apparently, according to this Boston Globe article these "universal" plans still cannot bypass the madatory coverages for infertility (and assuming if they have to cover infert, that they'd have to cover diabetes).

What I would give to spend some time with that bill (but I don't think my employer would be too happy with me doing that here ;) ). Not that it would help entirely, since the government still hasn't even seen an actual plan offering from the major insurers.

If they can't charge deductibles, then what in the heck are these plans going to look like? $100 copays for office visits? If that's the case, what's the point of having any insurance if you still can't afford to use it.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Stolen from Six Until Me

Top Five Non-Diabetes Related Websites
any site not connected to work - ie any site not related to a utility or utility regulation.

Top Five Reasons You’re Grinning Today
Its almost time to go home
This IM comment from my Assit - "since when are grown adults incapable of sticking a piece of paper in an envelope, putting postage on it and putting it in a basket?"
Other then that, nothing...Blew my blog to bits today and have to start from scratch.

Top Five Uses for Bacon Bits
Potato Salad
Cheese Soup!

Top Five Places You Want to Travel To
Bora Bora

Top Five Guilty Pleasures
Scottsdale, AZ Princess Resort
Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
Well really ANYTHING chocolate
um, chocolate
and, oh ya, chocolate

New Look

Ok, I've been spending WAY too much time trying to fix the old layout. I've just grabbed any ole template for the time being (since I screwed the old one so badly that it just showed the code instead of my posts and I don't have a backup here at work).

Hoping to redesign my header and color scheme tonight. IE still having issues with the sidebar fonts...sigh.

MA version of S1955

Be afraid, be VERY afraid.

My initial thought, hell my ONLY thought is - What is going to stop EVERY employer from offering these low cost, basically no coverage policies? Or better yet, from just paying the $295/employee penalty for not offering ANY insurance?

Sure there's the "crappy benefits = no qualified person wanting to work for you", but you know what, we all have to work, so the odds are still stacked in the employers favor.

I'm seriously at a loss for words. I don't think I can express my fear of losing pump coverage, insulin coverage, TEST STRIPS!!

In a way, I'm lucky right now. DH works for the health insurance company. They have a vested interest keeping their costs down, which includes keeping me healthy now.

New England - Land of the Schizophrenic Weather

This weekend - 80°' s
Today - 2-5" of F*&^ing snow

and the Sox lost. We must be masochists

'nuff said.

Monday, April 03, 2006

WHy I hate Internet Explorer

Ok, so maybe hate is a strong word, but if any CSS savy person out there can tell my why my sidebar is suddlenly freaking out and getting REAL tiny, I'd be eternally grateful.

I really don't have the patience to learn CSS, although I am getting more adept at it!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

17 Months!

Today you turn 17 months!! It's amazing what you learned this month. You're trying to jump. You bounce and bounce and bounce, but those darned feet just refuse to leave the ground. You can now say in addition to momma, dada, doggie, kitty, cheese and juice - bubbles ("baaaabaas"), baby ("bebe"), pepere ("pepay"), please ("pfeas"), cheerios ("cheooos"), "uh-oh", and your favorite mine ("minfs"). EVERYTHING is minfs. Minfs kefs, minfs juz, minfs momma...

You drove me a tad nuts this month too, honey. You again fell in weight percentiles. You're now only in the 3rd. That freaked me out enough to bring you to the Pediatric GI and nutritionist. I couldn't believe my luck, but I was able to get in with both only 2 days after calling instead of months and months later. So far they think you're just a tiny, but healthy thing. We're going to have bloodwork done soon (you're not going to like that!).

You stayed with your Grampy and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Amanda overnight this month. Mommy and daddy had to go to a wedding in CT. They say you were a little angel. I'm still waiting for the true story.

You're a little ham now. You love to get people's attention by running around and then pretending to fall. You generally stop, fall to 1 knee, say "uh-oh", then tumble to your tummy. Sometimes you don't even get to a standing before you're "falling" again.

You're currently on another food strike. The Nutritionist claims that we should offer you supper and leave it at that. She claims one day you will actually eat it, but for now we're happy if you just don't fling it from the highchair. (please honey, you do need to eat SOMETHING! Really honey, most toddlers LOVE cookies and ice cream...give it a try)

We don't take you out to eat anymore. You're just too spirited to be contained by a highchair. You want to get out and explore, Explore, EXPLORE!! I love your spunk and fearlessness. Unlike most toddlers, you're not afraid of new surroundings or people. You may stick close to me at first, but before I can blink you're off exploring! Please don't lose that quest for adventure.

Happy 17 months!
Love, Mommy - whose off to put you and your screaming, crying butt to bed right now.


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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Ottawa Race Weekend 2008

This weekend is the 34th edition of the Ottawa Race Weekend. It is Canada's premier running festival which combines competition, participation, and fundraising to help better the health of the community. Over 31500 people are expected to participate in the festival, with several different events taking place all weekend. There are the full and half marathons, the kids marathon, and family 2k fun run, among others.

I was able to get a good spot by the finish line for the family 2k fun run, and got a few nice shots. The winner of the family 2k fun run came in a good 30 seconds before anyone else.

Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Garden, and More

Our garden is now blooming and full of life with the recent wonderful weather we have been having. A few days ago I got a chance to get out there and take some shots of the flowers and plants around the house. I think some of them turned out rather nice. Have a look.

Foxie also wanted to smell the roses, and was out enjoying the sunshine.

I also got a chance to pass by the Parliament while there were still a few tulips around, and managed to get this shot.

Enjoy Springtime Everyone!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Today I wanted to briefly try to explain a few uses of lines in photography and composition, along with a few examples. First of all, lines are everywhere! You just need to keep an eye out for them around you and you will start to see them. Lines can be straight (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) or curved and can enhance the depth in a shot. Take this shot for example.

The curved line draws your eye from the bottom of the shot into the middle, and gives you the perception of distance as you follow the railing. Curved lines are generally pleasing to the eye, and create a feeling of flow.

Lines can also give you a sense of grandeur and strength, as in the next two examples.

In both examples the vertical lines give the architecture a feeling of power and height. Also, vertical lines are enhanced simply by shooting vertically rather than horizontally. This emphasizes the lines, and the emotion.

Diagonal lines can work well to direct your eye through the photograph and create points of interest where they intersect.

In this shot the diagonal lines draw your eyes to the subject of the picture. Diagonal lines can also add a dynamic look and sense of action to an image.

Horizontal lines help evoke a sense of stability, width, and calm. Horizons are the most common horizontal lines in photographs.

Unbroken horizons can create dull or uninteresting photos. Try to break things up by putting other shapes in the way. This will create a point of interest.

So keep an eye out for all the different types of lines, and don't forget to combine them and mix them up!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Canadian Tulip Festival

Canada's capital, Ottawa, plays host to the Canadian Tulip Festival every year in May. This year is no exception with the festival currently taking place, and running until next Monday the 19th. Over one million tulips grace the city in every colour imaginable. It is a photographer's dream come true. There are three major locations: Major's Hill Park, Commissioners Park, and Parliament Hill. Tulips from all over the world have been sent to participate in the event, and with the wonderful weather we have had they are all in full bloom.

Although the flowers are my favourite attraction of the festival, there are also many other things to see and do. Live musical shows take place every night, buskers can be found entertaining audiences, and even a few Canadian comedians take the stage. See the daily schedule for a list of all the events taking place.

I ventured out into the crowds of people that packed Commissioners Park on Sunday (Mother's Day) to get a few "hundred" shots of the vast beds of tulips found on the site. Clearly, posting that many pictures here is beyond over the top, however, I would like to share with you some of my favourites.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Blog Begginings

Hi there! I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Fernando Matias, and I live in Ottawa Ontario. Over the past number of years I have jumped head first into the world of photography, and I have loved every minute of it! I think photography has always been inside me, it just needed the time, and experience to really come out. Even though I am sure I have improved over the earlier years I always feel that I have more to learn and attempt in this wonderful world. This blog is one way I can think of to showcase some of my work, as well as display some of the ways I have improved my photography. I will also try to explain some relevant photography techniques now and then, so that we can all learn together.

For now I would just like to share a few of my favourites that have been taken recently.

I hope you enjoy them!


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Back to list

Taiwan to increase nurse-to-patient ratio: health minister

2012/05/06 19:41:26

Taipei, May 6 (CNA) Health Minister Chiu Wen-ta said Sunday that the Department of Health (DOH) will gradually increase the number of nurses in the country from the current 4.6 nurses per 1,000 members of the population to five, in a bid to improve working conditions in the nursing sector.

Chiu also promised to reduce the number of patients in hospital wards that each nurse is responsible for from four to three.

The DOH has also agreed to hike salaries and staff numbers, and to exempt nurses from unnecessary paperwork to reduce their workload, he said at a national consultation meeting on medical care reform.

However, these changes will inevitably increase costs in the medical system. Teng Su-wen, director of the Bureau of Nursing and Health Services Development under the DOH, said the answer to the budgetary problems is higher charges for hospital beds.

Teng said the bureau has received suggestions such as allotting certain budget quotas under the national health insurance program for nursing staff, but she added that cross-ministerial discussions are needed to evaluate this idea.

She said a government subsidy of NT$2 billion (US$67.8 million), announced in late April as an overtime fund and to pay for more new hires, is an incentive program for this year but will not cure the problem of long working hours for nurses.

Attendees at the meeting raised many other suggestions, including flexible working hours for nurses, as well as different pay scales for night shifts and national holidays.

The DOH said it listened to all the opinions presented at the meeting and will submit a proposal for medical care reform May 9.

(By Chen Ching-fang and Jamie Wang)


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Sunday, January 9, 2011

[life] My disgust of war & army

From the day they were born these brothers
had sworn to be unified
Through the thick and thin no matter
lose or win together till they die
Out to conquer the world, destiny unfurled
before their very eyes
Forever living the dream or so it seemed
beneath the hidden lies

Monday, January 3, 2011

[gym] Shut up and squat

> fastens metabolism = extreme fat burning

> fastens building whole body, even arms (thanks to stimulated production of anabolic hormones)

> trains not only legs, also: ab & back-legs coordination (thanks to stabilization)

> gives a base to other leg-involving exercises + also: death lift, rowing


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Showing posts with the label Fish Sauce

Spicy Thai Squid (Calamari) Salad

When it comes to being sick, I'm the worst person that I know, and even; the worst "patient" that I know! My family can't stand to be around me, I'm so grouchy, irritable, and miserable! Yes, it's all true!...sad to say, but it is!
Last Sunday, the day of my previous post with my simple but yummy almond cookies, I had the craving for something spicy, light, and healthy. I could have easily ordered a take-out fresh squid salad and perhaps some Pad Thai pasta from our local Thai restaurant that has been around for years, but oh no! I had a better idea...I will make my own Squid Salad!
When you are sick with a horrible flu that came back smack you over the head with even a harder blow, and give you a humongous headache, and have every bone in your body aching, even the hair strands on the top of your head aching, the last thing you want to do is to defrost a 2 pound bag of frozen baby squid, clean them and cut them...cook them, and make yourself the mo…


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Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey and Jennifer Perillo

This peanut butter pie is creamy, chocolatey and everything you’d expect from a peanut butter pie. Made specifically for Mikey Perillo, as requested by his wife, Jennie, it will forever serve as a reminder to hold those closest to you daily and tell them how much you love them.

I’ve been staring at the screen since Monday, unable to find the words. Writer’s block isn’t necessarily a new thing, but that’s not what I’m suffering from. Instead, there is only a heart, breaking for a friend, and the inability to properly tell you about the pain or ignore it away so that I can move on to share happier things.

Then again, this is the sort of pain that is best dealt with head on, facing and confronting it, acknowledging the sadness so as not to forget, to never forget.

Don’t forget the dancing, the kind words or the tender heart. While scents may fade, keep a tight hold on the love that was there and is there still.

On Sunday, Mikey Perillo died of a sudden heart attack, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters. Jennie’s words since then have been so perfectly poignant, resting on the hearts of those who never knew them and of those who knew them well and touching them. Changing them.

Today, the community of food writers and food bloggers and friends reached out in love to fulfill a request. A request by one of the kindest, caring, selfless people I have yet to meet. I’m honored to have shared a table with her, to have heard her speak so lovingly of her Mikey, to have seen her face light up with love as she said his name.

Jennie, please know that you are loved, and thank you for being strong enough to remind us all to cherish what we have and possess. May you never forget the one who loved you most.

adapted from Jennifer Perillo
8 ounces chocolate cookies
4 tablespoons butter, melted
6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped finely
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a food processor, pulse cookies until crumbled with no large chunks. Pulse in melted butter. Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9″ springform pan. Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Spread 2/3 of the chocolate on the bottom of the cookie crust using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the peanuts over the melted chocolate. Keep the other in the double boiler over the hot water to remain melted.

Beat cream until stiff and fluffy. Set aside. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the peanut butter, and then slowly add in powdered sugar until incorporated. Mix in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and lemon juice. Fold in 1/3 of the whipped cream and then mix in the remaining. Pour the peanut butter filling into the prepared crust. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate onto the top of the peanut butter filling. Swirl with a knife

Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours. Serve with extra whipped cream and roasted peanuts, if desired.

Makes 10-12 servings.
Copyright © Food for My Family.

Read Jennie’s post for her Mikey and follow along on Twitter using #apieforMikey today and on Facebook.

  1. What a beautiful pie…and even more beautiful words.

  2. your pie looks great. Love the way you’ve decorated it. Beautiful photos

  3. A lovely pie for an even more lovely person. Continually sending love and hugs to Jennie and her girls.

  4. With each Pie for Mikey post I read my heart hurts and swells a little more. Your pie is spectacular! A wonderful tribute to love and loss…and hugging your loved ones repeatedly each day.

  5. The pie is really beautiful. Seriously incredible. And your words are moving and convey everything we’re all thinking. Thank you!

  6. Beautiful post and pie Shaina…..this has been overwhelming, I can only imagine what Jennifer is feeling.

  7. So beautiful Shaina… you have a way with words and with baking!

  8. It looks so beautiful! And super yummy!

  9. Beautiful words. Beautiful pie.

  10. What a nicely decorated PB pie for such a thoughtful tribute. We’re so sad for both daughters left behind…

  11. I really love peanut butter; it can be used in so many ways! Thanks for? your lovely recipe!!

  12. gorgeous, gorgeous pie Shaina and a beautifully written post . . . xo

  13. What a beautifully written piece. Thank you for writing and reminding us the importance of telling people we love them and appreciating our time with those who mean the most.

  14. SO beautiful. in more ways than one.

  15. Gorgeous pie and heart for a friend. :)

  16. WOW I have no idea how anyone could make a pie that. Your friend is really lucky.

  17. Absolutely lovely and heartfelt. xoxo

  18. Beautiful pie… and, an even more beautiful post. Thanks for sharing, Shaina!

  19. Such a wonderful post, Shaina. If there is any silver lining in this tragic event, it’s the way the food community has come out in such a show of strength and support and love for Jennie. We take care of our own. We really do.

  20. Shaina, you have outdone yourself with this pie for Mikey. Stunning. Your tribute is thoughtful and full of love :)

  21. heartbreaking. i just made my first home made peanut butter pie for Mikey….a man I never knew but, a heartbreak I feel/felt like it’s my own. Thanks for sharing your pie. I just posted mine….while not as stunning, still fraught with meaning and love.

  22. Your version of the pie is so beautiful and I’m sure so appreciated.

  23. It looks so yummy! i love chocolate flavored food.. I’m so exciting to try your recipes..

  24. gorgeous!! can’t wait to make this one!! [although the design won’t be a pretty as yours!]

  25. This is so beautiful! I was a little late in hearing about all of what happened, but it’s so amazing to see so many people rally around Jennie’s family after such a tragedy.

  26. This sounds incredible, and I love the marbling on top, it makes for such a pretty pie!

  27. Ohh looking so delicious.. what a design you made for this recipe. I going to make it this recipe for my upcoming birthday.

  28. THAT looks A-MAZ-ING! (The fact I’m a self proclaimed peanut butter-aholic wouldn’t have ANYTHING to do with it, either ;)

    The look reminds me of Tiger butter — a more of a candy treat my mom used to make, though this is definitely not that. Going to have to give this one a try (even if it means busting my diet to do so)!

  1. […] credit: Food For My Family (because my pie looked *absolutely nothing* like […]

  2. […] Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey and Jennifer Perillo by Shaina at the Food for my Family looks beautiful, but what’s more beautiful is the thought behind it. A food blogger Jennifer Perillo’s husband passed away and she asked others to bake a peanut butter pie for the loved ones in our lives. Don’t postpone making every day special. Bake the pie right now. […]

  3. […] Mommy? I’m Hungry No Bake Upside Down Mango Quark Cheese Pie – Passionate About Baking Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey and Jennie Perillo – Food for My Family Creamy Peanut Butter Pie – Ryan’s Baking Blog How to Make a […]

  4. […] 300 bloggers did just that, and the Internet is now full of peanut butter pie recipes, including here, here and here. The official “pie day” may have passed, but it’s never too late […]

  5. […] Apple Pie | Caramel Apple Pie | Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie | German Chocolate Pecan Pie | Peanut Butter Pie Like this:Like Loading… (0) comments categories: food&drink, Holidays, Recipes share this […]

  6. […] up the filling to a peanut butter pie and throw that overtop of the cake. {I took the filling from this almost perfect pb pie recipe.} And, just because I can, I topped the whole thing with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and […]

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Ever wondered how to eat Yams?

Our tenth food fight, Wow! We started with eggplants in February licked our lips over peach sweets in March, made good use of a bucket load of basil, decided chokos were actually quite special and mastered some homemade pasta in June and we are still enjoying the healthy competition every fortnight.

We have even upgraded our setup, with some fancy pancy lights (a new studio light kit, with standy uppy lights and a free sand bag! very important when your clumsy) and a really expensive lens to add to our shared photography kit, a Canon 100m 2.8m. Thank you to a very helpful Graeme Buckingham from

We aren't really sure yet quite what it does,or whether it will make us look better than we actually are! but all the food bloggers who are anyone have one, so that seemed like a good enough reason. So we are amped to experiment and see what we discover. So look out for some experimental food photos coming your way soon.

I've never ever cooked with Yams, but I fell in love with their colour on a recent trip to the Avondale Markets (Auckland). So that's a good enough reason to make them the subject of our next food fight.

Quick snack: poke a few holes in skin and microwave for five mins (turning halfway)

Yam facts
  • Despite a physical similarity and a frequent confusion with their names, yams and sweet potatoes are not even distantly related. They are in two different botanical families. Yams are actually related to grasses and lillies.
  • Estrogens (sex hormones) were first made from a similar compound in yams. Yams were used commercially to produce hormones for contraceptive pills, and steroids. (Don't let this put you off!)
  • New Zealand yams are better known as ocas.

Ingrid's dish: Chilli and lime yam wedges
I love potato and kumara wedges, you can take your french fries or chips back, give them to someone else, I don't want your skinny strips. Yams are the right size and super easy to make into a wedge, and they lend themselves well to a bit of spice. I thought these would look great as an appetiser for a party, you could add a creamy aioli or a dip.

Chilli and lime yam wedges
What you need
Makes enough for 2
500g of yams (sliced lengthways)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 Lime (for serving)

1 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 lime zest grated
1/4 tsp garlic powder or throw a couple of peeled garlic cloves on baking tray
1/2 tsp cumin
pinch of brown sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)

How to make
Line a baking tray with baking paper, brush with olive oil, lay yams skins down. Brush with olive oil. Combine all seasoning ingredients or grind in a mortar and pestle until you have a fine powder. Scatter over yams. Bake at 180C for 35 mins (turn half way) or until golden. Serve with lime.

Raw Yams - Try roasting them with a honey spice...
Vanessa Dish: Honey baked yams
Most of us stick to the usual veges in our winter roasts. We often comment "I wonder how you would cook those? or they look interesting". Yams look pretty weird, they are small and knobbly but like Ingrid said have an appealing yellow/pink colour.

They are super simple to cook and cook quite fast because they are so small. I decided to throw them in with a roast dinner, but jazz them up a bit with a honey and spice coating.

Don't be scared and give them ago. If your kids like potato, they are sure to like the sweet sticky cute yams!

Yams - A cross between a potato and a kumara taste wise (Sweet potato)
Honey baked yams

What you need
500grams Yams
2 tbsp Honey
2 tbsp Olive oil (or vegetable)
2 tsp spice mix - try chili, ginger, lemon pepper, harrissa mix, chili and lime seasoning. (I used ginger)

How to cook
Melt the honey and add about 2 tsp of spice mix to the honey. Drizzle over the yams and season with salt/pepper to taste.

Bake in the oven along side your roast meat for about 20 - 30 minutes. They are ready when soft. (just like potatoes, stick your fork in to test)

Enjoy, Vanessa

PS - I love Ingrid's idea of serving them with aioli - go the whole hog and serve this with your roast too. Make sure it's extra garlicky!

Honey spiced yams - surprise the family!

  1. What wonderful and unusual looking yams you have there! I haven't seen anything like that before...the colours are so vibrant!!

  2. Aren't they just! Its so cool discovering weird and wonderful produce, and these yams are so readily available in NZ supermarkets and super cheap. By the way, your post about the Churchill Arms, that used to be my local when I lived in the UK. Brings back great memories. The food was fab and the publican was an Irish bloke who was in love with my best friend!!!

  3. I've never cooked yams before, I hate to admit but I thought they were the kind of vegetable my great grandmother would cook (stodgy and bland). So I always avoided them. But that chilli and lime recipe has definitely tickled my fancy. I wont overlook those funny looking veges anymore!


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Posts Tagged ‘water’

Examine This Water Vending Machine

water venting machine

I am not against this water vending machine. What I never like is the manner of implementation. No protection against dust, dirt and other contaminants. At least, it should be enclosed with clear glass or acrylic. Window operable only when appropriate amount is dropped in coin slot. Then closed the rest of time. The vending […]

Read on... »

Disposable Paper Cups Can Hold Water for How Long?

I don’t see plastic and styrofor packaging applications being completely replaced by papers anytime soon, but the current developments I observed are nice. Sando bags are being replaced by brown paper bags, reusable cloth bags and the non-completely environment friendly oxo-biodegradable plastics. Styrofor lunch boxes, cups and plastic cups are being replaced by paper versions. […]

Read on... »


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Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

If I had to choose, I’d say springing forward isn’t exactly my thing. I’m more of a falling back kind of girl. Sunshine at 6 AM? No thanks. I enjoy winter, which is actually a little funny since I spent half of my life on an island where winter simply means rain, not cold. I don’t mind cold. My moods definitely work with the weather, though. Winter’s not always kind, but there are comforts in those times. Like soup.

The last few winters, I’ve said I’d make more soup. I have failed miserably at following through. I’m not disappointed, really. I don’t know what I have against the stuff; I enjoy eating soup, just not thinking about eating it. It’s crazy. I don’t know if my apprehension is because the only times I really remember eating soup over the course of my life has been times I’ve been sick. That and a Chinese turkey rice soup (jook) my parents would make a few days after Thanksgiving.

I love cheddar broccoli soup. The following recipe is a version of that. I happened to have some sweet peppers that needed to be used up. If you can’t find them, simply replace them with a little bell pepper if you’d like. This soup freezes well, too!

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

1 large onion, diced
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
½ cup sweet peppers, diced
3 cloves garlic
½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
7 cups vegetable broth
2 cups low-fat milk (or whatever you have on hand)
½ cup heavy cream
5 cups fresh broccoli (florets and non-tough stems)
2 cups diced russet potatoes
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 oz. light beer (Drink the rest, of course… or use the whole thing.)

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook until the onions are soft and opaque, stirring occasionally (10-15 minutes). Add the sweet peppers and garlic. Stir and allow the mixture to cook for 3 or 4 minutes.

Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat everything in the pot evenly. Cook for a couple minutes then add in your broth, milk, and cream. Stir well. Add the potatoes and broccoli, stirring again. Cover the pot and reduce your heat to low. Cook until the broccoli and potatoes are tender (40-50 minutes).

At this point I like to strain the liquid from the solid ingredients, blending the solids in my food processor then adding them back to the liquids. You can do that or work in batches, blending everything in a high-power blender or food processor.

Add the pureed soup back to your hot pot, over low heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and beer, mixing well. Taste then add more salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot.

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Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS North Platte, NE

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FXUS63 KLBF 061203

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service North Platte NE
603 AM CST Wed Dec 6 2017

.SHORT TERM...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 332 AM CST Wed Dec 6 2017

Latest water vapor imagery shows an upper level ridge just
offshore the West Coast extending across British Columbia.
Elsewhere, a deep upper level trough is downstream affecting the
central and eastern CONUS with a closed low by southern James Bay.
Latest regional radar display shows isolated to scattered flurries
or light snow showers upstream in southwestern SD and across parts
of the Sandhills. Of which, scant to no accumulation is occurring
with very minimal restrictions to visibility if any given surface
obs and web cams.

Northwest flow will prevail aloft today then become more northerly
tonight as the large scale pattern evolves over the next 24 hours.
The ridge upstream is expected to build slightly with the pattern
remaining highly amplified. Another breezy day is expected with
winds out of the northwest to north with sufficient mixing
anticipated. Strongest gusts forecast over the southeast
Panhandle and southwest NEB with gusts up to 40 MPH.

Increased chances for precip spread across the local forecast area
south towards I-80 today, albeit low-end PoPs, late morning on.
P-type will be mainly snow with areas near the I-80 corridor
seeing a mix to possibly sprinkles at times this afternoon. Best
chances for light snowfall, up to 1 inch, is across the northern
half of the local forecast area/roughly north of NEB highway 2.
Wherein an modest zone of lower tropospheric deformation and
frontogenesis sags and moves southward this afternoon. There
appears to be fair agreement, though some uncertainty spatially,
with deterministic hi-res guidance and SPC HREF. Otherwise, trace
precip more likely near and south of the Interstate 80 corridor
today. Current thinking is near/by midnight the threat for
precipitation will have ended. Otherwise, below seasonable
normal highs are expected today with a cooler air mass in place
and due to the lack of insolation. Highs forecast about 30 in far
northern NEB to upper 30s in far southwest NEB. Lows are expected
to read near 10 degrees to the teens across the forecast area

.LONG TERM...(Thursday through Tuesday)
Issued at 332 AM CST Wed Dec 6 2017

Thursday through Friday Night: A limited threat for precipitation
Thursday in the northwest is the main forecast challenge in the
mid range. The latest superblend guidance for Thursday had
initialized with a small threat for light pcpn in the northwest on
Thursday. Looking at the latest GFS and NAM12 solutions, mid
level warm air advection approaches the northern Panhandle and
northwestern Sandhills on Thursday increasing mid level lift.
Aloft, a h300 Jet streak is forecast to be oriented from southern
Canada south into the Four Corners Thursday. Western and north
central Nebraska lie in the left front quadrant of the jet streak
Thursday, adding additional lift. The limiting factor for
precipitation Thursday will be moisture as dry mid layer conds
precede the arrival of the mid and upper level dynamics. Even with
the lack of moisture, it is hard to ignore the mid and upper
level dynamics, and will leave a mention of low precipitation
chances in the northwestern CWA Thursday. The jet will continue to
lift east into Thursday night, ending the threat for
precipitation and allowing warmer air to push into the forecast
area from the west. After highs in the 30s for Thursday, highs
Friday will reach the 40s with a 50 reading possible in the far

Saturday through Tuesday: Low pressure aloft, over Ontario, will
track northeast into Quebec this weekend. This will allow the
associated arctic airmass to retreat east of the forecast area,
with the leading edge of the coldest arctic air generally east of
the Missouri river on Saturday and east of the Mississippi river
on Sunday. Highs Saturday will reach the middle 40s in the
northeast to the middle 50s in the southwest. By Sunday, highs
will reach the 50s across the entire forecast area. A shortwave
trough of low pressure, rotating around the western periphery of
the Quebec low, will force a back door cold front into the
forecast area Sunday night into Monday. Highs will reach the 40s
on Monday with 40s to the lower 50s for Tuesday. There is some
decent model differences between tonight`s GFS and ECMWF
solutions. The GFS solution is more aggressive with its west ward
surge of arctic air early next week as it develops low pressure
over south central Ontario Tuesday morning. The ECMWF is around
500 miles further east with this feature. The differences with
these two features, and the resultant west ward surge of arctic
air, will be problematic for the temperature and precipitation
forecast early next week. The GFS ensemble, MEX and ECE
statistical guidance spells this out tonight, as all three have a
wide range in temperatures, especially in the northeastern
forecast area. That being said, chose to stick closely to the
superblend temperature forecast early next week. In addition to
temperatures, there will be a small threat for precipitation,
especially in the vicinity of the back door cold front. The
forecast initialized with some small pops in the northeastern
forecast area for Monday and Tuesday and this is plausible, if the
GFS solution verifies. If the EC were to verify next week, we
would see dry conditions carry over from the weekend.

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Thursday morning)
Issued at 515 AM CST Wed Dec 6 2017

Regional radar display shows isolated flurries-very light snow
showers occurring across parts of southwest SD to northwest NEB
and parts of the Sandhills. Largely no accumulations are expected
early this morning.

Conditions will be breezy today with gusts 25-35 kts in the
afternoon across the forecast area, strongest in the eastern
Panhandle and far southwest NEB. Otherwise, light snow will be
possible at times across northern Nebraska with the best chances
for light snowfall accumulations occurring in the afternoon, up
to one inch. Further, MVFR ceilings will be possible at times
across northern NEB late morning-afternoon. Elsewhere, less
confident in precip occurring along and south of the Interstate
80 corridor. Of which, trace precip, flurries/sprinkles, will be
possible in the afternoon-evening. Thus not expecting much in
terms of impacts at the KLBF terminal. Thereafter threat for
precip tapers off during the evening hours across western NEB.
Light breezes will persist tonight.

LONG TERM...Buttler
AVIATION...ET is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services.


text:
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Issued by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI

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FLUS43 KMKX 082142

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
342 PM CST Fri Dec 8 2017

Marquette-Green Lake-Fond Du Lac-Sheboygan-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge-
342 PM CST Fri Dec 8 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of east central
Wisconsin, south central Wisconsin, and southeast Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

The accumulating snowfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected this
evening, which will causing snow covered and slippery roads.
Evening motorists should be prepared to slow down and allow extra
time to reach their destination.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Friday

There is a chance for snow and possibly freezing drizzle for
Monday morning. This could cause travel issues for the Monday
morning commute.

Snowfall reports will be appreciated tonight. Use mPING at
precipitation onset and measure the snow as it ends.

Sheboygan to Port Washington WI-
Port Washington to North Point Light WI-
North Point Light to Wind Point WI-
Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL-
342 PM CST Fri Dec 8 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Michigan.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

A Small Craft Advisory goes into effect late tonight due to
increasing northerly winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Friday

A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect on Saturday through
the evening hours due to strong northerly winds gusting up to 30

There will be more periods of strong winds through next week, but
confidence is low at this point for when they will occur.

USA.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state and local government web resources and services.