Thank You, Willow!

This is me at the end of the night...Do I look plastered? I think not, despite what Count Ruprecht's been blabbing about! Crikies! Can't a girl have some fun? Party girl that I am, I'm still raring to go!
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A MILLION THANKS AND AIR KISSES TO WILLOW FOR THE PARTY OF THE YEAR..So much PIZZAZZ , so much glamour, music, yummo food,
champagne..endless imagination..WOW...wouldn't have missed it for anything...and here are a few photos of the exceptional event.

A sip of the hair of the dog? Don't believe the fuddy duddy rumors you've heard ..remember, Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder! Just doing my bit to keep the planet green!

There was a line for the powder room, but everyone was so gracious and polite, waiting their turn. An opportunity to make new friends!

The Count snapped this picture of me as I rouged my lips. We were off to announce our engagement! I know that many hearts will be broken now that the Count is out of circulation!! And a couple of fellas may still have eyes for me! But carousing days are over...

Count Ruprecht finishing the sumptuous 10 course meal that was served on gold embossed china in the Versailles Suite. Here he is inviting Willow to join us on a cruise to the Bahamas aboard the royal yacht, the Triton. Say yes, Willow, oh please say yes!! After all, it's not every day that one gets the opportunity to travel with such an entourage! And don't be upset by the eyepatch Rupy is wearing..somehow he walked into his Mother.

Autumn...

THIS MORNING THE LEAVES IN CENTRAL PARK DECIDED TO LET LOOSE. THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THEM TO SUMMERTIME has finally dissolved. A signal, shouted by a barely visible wood nymph, rang through the park. Let 'er rip!! And before my eyes, trees gave up the ghost, boughs began to shake. A tremble gained in power, as colorful leaves took part in an airlift, refusing to hit the ground. Further down the path that stretched before me, a bushel of leaves finally landed, not content to just rest in peace. A whirlwind swept through them. Dust devils swirled in a manic dance. And before my eyes, every trace of green was swept away, to live in dreams of tomorrow.

Veggies...

x xphoto/ Andrew Scrivani for the New York Times

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I SURE LIKE MY VEGGIES. I USUALLY MAKE A MEAL out of what you might call a side dish. I don't starve, I add a bit of something here and there to give the meal shape and heft. Take this wonderful dish, Middle Eastern Spinach with Spices and Yogurt. The color alone is a feast. And the taste will make you forget about the omission of meat. Maybe.
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So , here's the recipe, adapted from The New York Times. Their recipe calls for leaf spinach. I like frozen because you need a ton of leaf spinach to make it count. To make a meal, I like to add some sort of potato dish, maybe steamed, olive oil drizzled on top, with a sprinkling of salt, pepper and chives or dill. Couscous is good too. Also, always a chunka munka of crusty French bread. And of course an all inclusive salad, you know, the kind you like. Fill a glass with wine half way to start with. You will be happy.
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MIDDLE EASTERN SPINACH WITH SPICES and YOGURT
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1 tsp. curry powder or to taste
1/8 tsp. gr. cinnamon
1 clove garlic
salt to taste/ black pepper
1 cup drained yogurt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pine nuts
1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach
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Defrost and drain frozen spinach in a colander, squeeze out moisture. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add curry and cinnamon. Add pine nuts, stir for 2 or 3 minutes. When oil is sizzling, add spinach, salt and pepper to taste. Saute and stir for 2-3 minutes, until spinach is heated through and coated with oil and spices. Mash garlic and add to yogurt. Transfer to serving dish, and spoon yogurt over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, or dill. Serves 2.
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This can be served as a side dish for meat, fish, or poultry. But not by me!!

Springtime!

WELCOME TO SPRING!
WELCOME TO ARIES!
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Here's one Aries baby, March 22,
jumping to the conclusion that
Jack Frost is history once more!!
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XXXXXXXXXXX ARIES
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Falling in winter's demise,
three inches of snow can't halt
the impertinence of daffodils
pushing to stand on earth
made virgin again.
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Renaissance in the garden
is a holiday for Aries.
A promise carried on the air,
a trace of green to sniff as hope,
to live anew no matter what the year collected.
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Aries discards history with a snap so sharp
that the past is not only over and done,
but resting in winter's crypt.
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At the vernal turn,
trust without end,
a blade of grass,
a childlike laugh,
once more to cross
the threshold into spring.
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from TWO GHOSTS/ poems