Long Weekend

Memorial Day weekend: the end of spring and the official beginning of summer. Time to fire up the grill and enjoy my meals outside. From Memorial Day weekend until well into the fall a majority of our family meals are cooked on the grill. Everything from apples to zucchini, breakfast meals, lunches and dinners all get prepared on the grill. Grilled bagels, pancakes done on the griddle, baked stuffed fish and of course the standards: burgers, dogs, brats, and steaks. But nothing is better than my corn on the cob. Soaked all day long in salted water then tossed on the grill, husk and all, to slow cook and self-steam. I love to entertain and hold outdoor parties where I get to fire up the grill and show off a little.

There are graduation parties being held all over the country this weekend. I don’t have to host one this year but do get to attend a few. These eager and excited young adults begin the next chapters of their lives. Some are heading onto higher education, some joining the work force, and others making the decision to serve their country. All of which are noble and exciting endeavors and I wish all of them well.

I have a niece and a nephew who are graduating this year and I am very proud of them both. Both are heading on to college and continuing their education and I know they will do very well. To all the young adults entering college I wish you luck. Be firm in your convictions, study hard, and don’t forget how and what it took to get you where you are. To those that are joining the work force, Welcome! Here are a few words of advice that will hopefully help you along your way. Be respectful, both of your co-workers and of yourself. Demonstrate that you are a reliable and trustworthy employee. Always be a few minutes early and offer to stay late if needed. Don't wait to be asked to do something, be proactive and helpful. Always dress appropriately, not for the position you hold, but for the one above yours.

For those that are joining one of the branches of the service:

THANK YOU

This 3 day weekend is a celebration weekend for many families. But let’s not forget why we have it. It's not to celebrate the beginning of summer but it is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice. The sacrifice that so many of our fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and sisters have made willingly so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. While you are celebrating this weekend take a moment, in fact take "The National Moment of Remembrance" and honor our fallen heroes. This occurs every Memorial Day at 3 P.M. for more information visit http://www.usmemorialday.org

The weather is supposed to cooperate this weekend. The grill is calling and the first summer roses are making their blushing appearance while in Flanders Fields the poppies are in full bloom.

"We cherish too the Poppy red, That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies, That blood of heroes never dies."
~Moina Michael

Thanksgiving, the fancy dishes taken out, families gathered together and sharing a meal. A roasted turkey with a variety of fresh prepped veggies, savory stuffing, hot tasty gravy, decadent pies, and all manner of waist expanding goodies. The smells emitting from the kitchen are enough to drive one crazy while watching the parades and football games.

Every family has a twist to the “traditional” TV and magazine versions of a Thanksgiving dinner. For some it’s the stuffing prepared a certain way or a particular side dish. For me it’s Dad’s apple pie, it’s just not Thanksgiving without his apple pie. The apples piled seemingly too high, the pie pan over stuffed so that the top crust barely fit.

Dad never shared his recipe with us, telling us as we helped that it was a “secret” recipe. Always using store bought crusts, Dad would have the kids peel and core the apples then kick everyone out of the kitchen while he whipped the pie into shape. You could hear him in the kitchen banging around and making a big production out of it. Some of it I am now sure was just for show. Some of it was Dad protecting his “secret” recipe.

If you were lucky enough to be home while the pie was baking you would be treated to a scent that bordered on heavenly; the sweet mouthwatering smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and apples slowly baking and melding into a gooey decadent crust encased plate of homemade goodness. Each bite a mouth watering reminder of all the love and closeness we shared as a family.

Dad passed away last year after bravely fighting cancer. He passed quietly on his terms with strength and courage. I learned so many things from my father while he was alive. Watching him fight and eventually succumb to cancer I learned that within each of is a reserve of strength that is super human. I am in awe of the strength and courage that it took to face his final battle knowing it was the end, my father was Superman.

I’m thankful for every minute I had with my father. In 1985 I joined the Navy and Dad and I spent a lot of time fishing and talking before I left for basic training. He provided me a lot of advice some good and some well not as good. One of the things he said I should do was to set aside a few minutes every Thanksgiving to reflect on the things you have to be thankful for. So for 24 years now every Thanksgiving I spend a few minutes reflecting on the things I have to be thankful for. Not the materialistic things but the things that matter the most to me; Family, Friends, Love, Health, Hope, and Faith.

Set aside a few minutes Thursday and reflect on everything you have to be thankful for. Try to focus on the things that truly matter to you. Enjoy your family and cherish the moments you are spending together. In today's fast paced hectic world we tend to forget to slow down and enjoy each others company. So slow down, enjoy an extra piece of pie and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Now if you’ll excuse me I need to head to the market. See while helping Mom pack up her kitchen and sorting through things she let a few of us in on Dad’s “secret” recipe. I’ll keep his secret and make his pie just like he did. Now I need to beat the crowds at the store and pick up the ingredients to make Superman’s Apple Pie.