Sylvia's Scenario

We had our first "fall" meal this week and it was a good one. I saw this recipe from  Ina Garten  who always has good recipes so I knew I had to try it and it was a winner. I'm sad that summer is over but I'm happy to be eating fall foods again - my favorite eating time of the year.  I think everyone is ready for fall after a very busy summer of weekend activities, going to new places, seeing new things, all the fresh air and non-stop activities. Do I wear out my family or what? They don't mind getting wore out as long as I keep cooking them yummy meals which they always know will be coming.  On this particular day, the grandkids requested one of their favorites... hot chocolate  in the evening around the fire.  They just LOVE doing this.  Of course, it has to be my homemade hot chocolate; instant will never do and there is no comparison, in my opinion.    This kielbasa recipe has many versions but they all use onions and bell peppers....

Bruce’s birthday is always near Labor Day so this year we planned a family vacation at Seaside, Oregon  as a nice end-of-the-summer celebration.  The picture below was taken in the town next to Seaside, Cannon Beach, with the famous Haystack Rock that we always try to visit at low tide at least once while we’re there.  We rented a vacation rental home that was a couple blocks from the beach so it was perfect.  It even had a nice hot tub.  Yippee!  We all love a hot tub.  The grandkids love the beach and it was fun being with them and discovering all the wonders of this endless playground.  We did lots of kite flying, sand castle building, running with waves, sand dollar hunting and pretty much anything else you do at the beach.                                                                ...