For those of you that don’t know…..I wanted to officially make the statement that I’m pregnant!  I am finishing up 17 weeks tomorrow and I/we/all of us couldn’t be more happy.  I really can’t believe that I’m in my 5th month already.  HA – I say that now before the heat of the summer kicks in.  Yikes.  I’m feeling great, still dancing and running around and all.  I AM dreaming of the pool being opened though because I can’t think of anything more relaxing.  Here is a shot I took today of my reflection in a wine glass.  No, I’m not drinking wine, it is pomegranate juice.  Have a great one!

If you want to see my reflection close-up, check out my flickr page.

Ever have one of those days?

Yesterday was my Mom’s birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN MOM!  We joined her at Mirelles in Westbury where she had her 5th Anniversary Milonga.  For those of you that don’t know, my Mom (Sherry Palencia) is the president of Argentine Tango Lovers of Long Island.  She has built a family of Tango Dancers over the last five years and that group has grown and grown.  A whopping 120 dancers joined her last night to celebrate five years.  I really was touched by all the love and support they have for my Mom.  They gave here flowers and gifts and I can’t tell you how many people came up to my sister and me to tell us what a special Mom we have.  It was a fabulous night and I’m so proud of her for being the head of such a wonderful organization.  Way to go Mom!

Started on my garden today.  I only got a quarter the way through though.  Better than nothin I suppose.  A lot of grass is actually growing in there and that was time consuming to remove.  I planted a couple of dahlias (too early) but I needed to because they were dying in the pots I had them in.  I hope they make it. 

AND…..

I also dusted off my pottery wheel today!  I sat down and threw myself a small pot.  I was surprised that it all came back to me so quickly.  I haven’t touched clay for over a year.  The only thing I found difficult was the kick-wheel.  It’s hard to keep that cement stone turning.  I didn’t quite have the speed but whatever I did was enough.  There is a cute, little pot sitting in the garage now.  I’m psyched about it.

I’m totally wanting to start preparing my garden but it is way too rainy out. 

Thoughts:

What to plant..hmmmmmm

tomatoes

carrots

cukes

peas

maybe onions and garlic this year

I’ll try corn again

no squash

eggplant

strawberries

I think I’m going to need a bigger garden!

My weeping cherry is bursting with buds.  That totally makes me happy.  After scanning the yard for growth and stuff, I am realizing that we have a real problem in our yard.  The bed along the house in the backyard is slowly or rather rapidly dying.  Last summer something wiped out most of the plants and I don’t want to spend $$ on stuff till I find out what is causing this.  There are tons of holes that lead me to believe that there are either moles or voles.  Can they eat roots under the ground?  Has anybody a clue?  What the Heck!

Actually, this is a great smile.  Lately I get real corny, fake smiles.  This was taken back in January.  I was looking through the archives and couldn’t pass this one up.

P.S.  Congratulations to our dear friend Lisa for giving birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl last night.  All our best to you and Frank!

that I have 24 people coming on Friday for Passover – GULP!

AND my baby looks like such a big boy nowadays – GAH!

Yesterday was the perfect day to make banana bread with my boy.  We had a bunch of over-ripe bananas that all three of us were not into eating and it has been on my mind for days.  Ben makes the best helper ever.  He loves to pour and stir and enjoys watching the process.  I will add here that I think it is WAY important to have the little ones help with this kind of stuff.  They feel necessary and love seeing that what they have done turns into something grand (and tasty).  Not to mention that that time spent with your child is priceless. 

Ok, so anyways, I thought I would share the recipe with you.  If the bananas sitting on your counter are getting brown spots, then I suggest you take out a stick of butter right now and let it get to room temperature.

Banana Bread

1 stick butter (room temp)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. mashed ripe bananas (approx 2 1/2)
1/2 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chopped pecans/walnuts

Before you start – Preheat oven to 350 and grease loaf pan.

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs – beating well.

Sift the dry ingredients together and combine with butter mixture.  Blend well.

Add mashed bananas,

sour cream and vanilla and stir well.

Stir in nuts

and pour into loaf pan

Bake for 1 hour – Turn out onto rack and cool. (we ate it right out of oven – yummmm)

Do you have a favorite recipe that you love making with your kids?  Please share.

My cousin’s wife started making these adorable pouches. They are practical, hip and you should definitely have one.  Check out her Etsy shop.  I’m definitely liking this one for spring.